Im looking to upgrade from my 1980's Simplicity tractor and Ive decided to go with a zero turn. Looking at the John deere 355 (22hp, 48"), Cub Cadet RZT (24hp 54") or the Husqvarna Z254 (26hp 54"). The John Deere is the only one with a Briggs motor. All of them are the same price, but John Deere has cheapest (stamped) deck. I like more HP from the Cub and Husky, but Im looking for reviews and personal experiences. Any help is appreciated. I should also add that Im keeping this under $3,000. But I sure wish I could have a $6,000 mower like some of you!

I stopped mowing about 30 min ago to come "window shop" on the internet after ANOTHER belt broke on my mower, its now sitting under the shade tree in the yard

I have a Toro MX 5000 except for the cheap 2 ply tires it's a great mower plenty of power and that Toro motor starts with ease,

Rhino, I mow about 2.5 acres every 5 days all summer long. I bought a Bad Boy Buggy, 60 inch with Kawasaki motor, and flat love the thing. I can go around trees and other obstacles pretty easily and it is a grass eating machine. I got it for 5 grand. I've seen the same one with the Kohler for about 4600, but wouldn't go that route is you cut much. The Kawasaki motor is projected as a 900 hour motor while the Kohler is only 500 hours.

Cubs are probably easier to change a mower belt on. I curse everytime I have to change a belt on my JD Z655. Takes 3 different sockets and a cheater bar to change the belts. I'd check on the z355 to see if it's made by MTD, whcihs owns Cub cadet now I believe.

i found a dixie chopper 50" used for 500$. silver eagle. FAST! built heavy. mows great.

ps. craigslist is your friend.

I don't know about all Kohler small engines, but I have a 15 he and a 23 hp the 23 has right at 1000 hrs and runs great. They were bought used on John deere lawn tractors.

I bought this one a month or so ago, and I really like it. They were having a sale at the time and I got it for around 2,700 after taxes.

https://www.proturflawnandgarden.com/new-models/2018-toro-42-timecutter-mx4200-74766-26313882b

We have the 42" Cub and mow about 3 acres every week for most of the summer. It's 7 years old and showing some wear and tear but still working fine. Got it for $2250 on sale at Tractor Supply in 2011. Kohler engine.

SCAB

Now if you get the Husky don't get the quick release blades they are junk.

I have the cub rzt L 54 with a 23 hp Kawasaki going on its fourth summer now. I like the mower the Kawasaki engine pops off and starts immediately. Haven't done anything to it other than change oil ( which is a bit of a pia)

The deck wash I don't use because it seemed pretty worthless. Haven't had to change a belt yet so can't comment on that.

I mow about a acre and a half and it makes a pretty nice cut I do have some uneven spots in the yard that it scalps a little but not bad.
Good luck with whatever you get

You probably mean SKAGG .....good machines but high dollar unless you're mowing LOTS !

P

I would love to have a zero turn. I just can't force myself to spend that kind of money. LOL They are so nice to use.

Scags, buy one now and you won't be buying another one 3 years from now and another 3 years after that.
You will pay for it but they are built tough. It will be around when your old and your grandson can mow with it. Look what the lawn guys use in your area. They make thier money mowing not watching it at a repair shop.
Any questions text me.

With this warm weather here, I hope to be acclimated to your weather when I get out there to see your dog work in August.

Russ

Thanks, yes, Scags. Mine has last for ten years, cuts twice as fast as my other mowers, zero issues.

When I had my landscaping business. I ran an Exmark 54 inch and a Hustler 52 inch. Both with 27hp Kohler. Both are top notch mowers.The engines never gave one ounce of trouble. Keep the mowers lube,engine oil and filter changed, air filter and blades sharp. I changed blades every morning when I had my business. Mower will work less with sharp blades. Customers lawn will look professional.
Best time to buy is during the winter,cash talks. New price range for either or is around 9-$10,000. Used you can find for around 4-6. Sarge

I bought a ariens zero turn , has a welded deck and a Kawasaki engine all for less than $3000 in a 52". Love it rides nice and lots of power. Also had a lot of 4&5 star reviews !

Own Bob-Cat 52'' industrial , bought new in 2009 Generac engine, mowing machine only problem I've encountered ( turf tires) replaced

What local dealers do you have to choose from. That is my factor. Gravely is closest dealer so that's what I have. Kawasaki engine is the only way to go regardless of mower breed

Marty where you at?