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I have been following the tractor post with a huge amount of interest do to the fact that my farm tractor is older than I am.I would love to upgrade to a newer more dependable tractor but I am afraid my 18yr old zero turn mower is due to be replaced first.
My zero turn mower is an Encore Z48 mower that has about 800hrs on it.I have replaced the each spindle atleast once due to broken mounting flanges,and spindle bearings probably 3 times.I replaced the electric clutch and all the safety switches last year.Have had the starter rebuilt twice and replaced once.It seems like I might have a drive motor that is starting to get weak so I feel like it might be time to upgrade mowers.
My yard area and barn lot are about 2 acres and I mow them weekly.I also mow my pond area and trails about twice a month which is probably an additional 1.5 acres.It usually takes me 2.5-3 hours to mow everything.My yard is hard clay,uneven and full of moles and tree roots.Needless to say my mower has had a rough life.I have several areas that stay wet for about a third of the summer so it is not uncommon for me to get the mower stuck!
First I would like to go to a wider mower deck probably either a 54" or 60" cut.I would like a suspension seat or suspension on the mower.I would like a mower that is durable and dependable with greasable spindles and is fairly easy to work on and service.. AND here comes the hard part!! I would like to stay under 7K if possible.
When I purchased the mower I have now there were not alot of options for zero turns now it seems like there are so many choices it can be overwhelming to compare them all.
How many hours can I expect to get out of the newer mowers?I see alot of used ones with over 1000 hrs.I would be elated if my next mower would last that long.I know some of the newer commercial mowers are heavy and I wonder if the will get hung up more often then the mower I have now?I appreciate any suggestions or guidance!

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Please look at the Bad Boy ZTR mowers. I have heard good things about them.

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Thanks John! I will take a look at them.

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I second taking a look look at Bad Boy. Made in Arkansas, started out making a mower for themselves. Story of their company on their web site.

I'm a farmer and mowing lawn grass is a totally time wasting and unproductive job there ever was. I hated it and our lawn showed it. If it grows and needs mowed but doesn't feed cows, it has to be a waste of time, right?

But I will say after getting my Bad Boy Outlaw XP 72" mower, it is almost a pleasant job. And that is saying something from me.

Well made machine, built like a machine instead of a toy.

I also have a 3pt 84" finish mower for my tractor. Figured wife and I could run both and get the disgusting job done twice as fast. With the Bad Boy the second mower hardly ever gets hooked up. Then I only use it for rougher work at that. The XP mows grass so fast and efficiently, wish I had never bought the tractor mower. Didn't really need it.

Last edited by snrub; 03/03/17 07:37 PM.

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I'll weigh in on this.

Tubguy, what you're asking for is kinda' like those folks who want multiple 10 lb bass, 2 lb bluegills, 16" crappie, and world class YP, all in a one acre pond. Without the bother of feeding or aeration. Oh, and they want to be able to catch one after another, 7 days a week. I won't say it's impossible, but it hints strongly at being difficult to the twelfth power.

Ok, now that your hopes are crushed, lets see what our options are. Don't worry, with a little flexibility on your part I think you can get pretty close to having your fish sandwich and eating it too.

When I was in the business, I got asked nearly everyday what the "best" mower out there was. I had a standard response, and it still holds true today. For absolute mower meanness, bad-to-the-bone grass cutting, get it done day in and day out, my choice is a Diesel Kubota ZTR. Awesome machines, with an awesome price tag to match. My next pick would be Scag. These guys started life as a metal fabrication company, and it shows in their mowers. Can you say heavy? Heavy as in duty, and heavy as in "I just buried it in the front yard." This is my personal brand, and like they say, if you want to know which mower is best, look at what color the mower guy is using on his own yard.

From there on it all kind of runs together in my eyes, but I'll toss out a few more names I hold in pretty high regard. Ferris, Hustler, Gravely, and yes, Encore, all build some pretty good machines. Notice I didn't mention Dixie Chopper. The folks at chopper build fast, shiny mowers. And they are marketing geniuses, intent upon making their brand a household name. Do you know why their claim to fame is a fast machine? Because if a Scag could catch a Chopper, it would be all over. The Scag would run over top of it, shred it to pieces, and blow those pieces out the discharge chute. Seriously, get on a Chopper, then climb on a Scag...it will be readily apparent. The Scag feels battleship solid, while the Chopper feels like a kid's swingset.

If it were me, I would check out a Scag Tiger Cat, with a 52" deck. Look em' up online, or stop by a dealer and be impressed in person. Probably have a few engine choices, with a fuel injected Kohler being one. They've pretty well got the bugs worked out, and it is pretty sexy, but that carbureted Kawasaki would be hard for me to resist.

Now comes the flexibility on your part, part. My Tiger Cat was 7 grand, almost 7 years ago. I highly doubt that they have come down in price. There's room for negotiation, but maybe not THAT much room. Still, if you can swing it, they get the nod from me.

Whatever brand you decide, a few pointers if I may. Buy from a dealer, not a box store. Try to stick with a brand that has local representation...any and every machine will need parts and/or service sometime. It's nice to have that support close at hand. When it comes to mowers, bigger is better in some areas, not so much in others. Bigger tires equals better ride. Bigger engine equals better performance in high grass. Bigger mower deck width may equal unsatisfactory quality of cut...the wider the deck, the less it's able to follow uneven terrain. If your yard is relatively smooth and flat, no problem. But if it's typical southern Indiana clay, with dips, holes, banks, ridges, roots,...then maybe a little narrower is your best bet.

Good luck, if you have any questions I will do my best to help so ask away. And go fishing. It's good for you.


"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"

If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1)
And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1)
Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT?
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I have owned a SCAG Turf Tiger (61" width) for about four years. It listed for $10K, I bought it in off-season for $8k. My only complaint is the blowing dust and grass on windy days. A dust mask helps, but not much.
http://www.scag.com/turftiger.html

I also looked at Kubota zero-turn mowers. I really liked that their mowing deck pivots up so you can remove blades for sharpening from the front. They were slightly more expensive and the dealer was less willing to discount factory pricing.

Last edited by dg84s; 03/03/17 10:20 PM.
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Another vote for a Scag Tiger Cat. I would tell you all the reasons why, but Tony pretty well nailed it. I got the Tiger Cat 2 with the carbed Kawasaki and a 52" deck. I hate time on a stick, and the narrower 52" deck let me get into tighter areas, and stay away from the trimmers. I think it's rated for 20 acres a day?

There are several reasons why I personally went with a Scag, but a local outdoor power shop who have always taken great care of my old equipment was as big a reason as any. When in Dallas, I also paid attention to what the commercial lawn services are buying. Most use Scags now.

We had an eXmark for years, maybe 12, and I babied it for the last 3 or 4 years, and only replaced it when it finally dropped a cylinder.

dg84s, our Scag came with the velocity deck, so I just had to remove the side discharge, and install the mulching plate. It seems to be less dusty now.

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We have a few Dixon units up north here but I understand they are more common in the south? Where do they fit in?

It is funny that here in MI almost all the crews with very very few exceptions run Exmark (toro). You rarely will find a trailer that doesn't have exmark on it. The used ones that are beat on and worn out still command very high prices. There are very few Scag and I think there is one Bad Boy dealer within 100 miles of my house. We have showrooms close by with toro, husqvarna, kubota and Ariens/gravely but just don't see many on the trailers, or many sold used.

I think most people around here still buy big box store cub cadet or home owner grade JD and toro. That is probably why the fixit shops run a good business and there are tons of used/broken ones for sale.

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Thanks Snrub for the reply.I have found that I don't enjoy mowing as much as I used too.I have recently rediscovered an old passion that I used to have "fishing"! I used to feel guilty taking time away from yard work,repairing buildings and equipment to wet a line.Since we had our pond built it is much easier to get distracted.I find myself leisurely walking along the water feeding fish,checking the standpipe,watching ducks and of course,trying to catch and cull those darned old green sunfish
Every time I mow around the pond I find myself watching for fish feeding on top of the water.I wonder if any of the new ZTR mowers come with a fishing pole holder?
I will work on my short list of mower choices.I had looked at the Bad Boys before.It looks like the nearest dealer is about an hour away.I have a job scheduled near the dealer later in the month so I might drop by and take a look at their inventory.

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We have had an exmark diesel for about years and it has been good. For most part. At one time, the larger commercial lawn care services in this area used them. Think most now use kabota.


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[quote

Tubguy, what you're asking for is kinda' like those folks who want multiple 10 lb bass, 2 lb bluegills, 16" crappie, and world class YP, all in a one acre pond. Without the bother of feeding or aeration. Oh, and they want to be able to catch one after another, 7 days a week. I won't say it's impossible, but it hints strongly at being difficult to the twelfth power.
[/quote]


Sparky, I really don't expect to catch 10lb bass and I didn't even stock crappie or YP ( Bill Cody talked me out of it!), but a 2lb bluegill would probably get me excited.
I appreciate your weighing in. I strongly agree with your opinion of the Dixie Choppers.I have used a couple of Dixie Choppers at work and they just seem cheap and will not hold steady even on the slightest sidehill.I looked at Scags before when I purchased my last mower and I was also afraid of them being to heavy for my yard.It does seem they are the standard which most other mowers are measured by.I would love to splurge and buy a Scag but I might have to settle for something a little cheaper or find a slightly used low hour Scag(I am still not expecting to catch 10lb bass).
We do have a Scag dealer here in town that also carries Hustler (not the magazine).I also have an Exmark dealer,a couple of Toro dealers, Husqvarna,John Deere and Kubota that are within 30 minutes drive.
I will try to do some research soon and try to find my next self propelled bush hog grin
It is still tempting to see if the Kubota dealer might give me a awesome package deal on a tractor and a ZTR mower.Thanks again for your time!

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Cull those GFS??? You can't be serious! laugh laugh Pound for pound (ok, oz for oz), they are the touhest, fightenest fish in your pond. Ok, well not everybody appreciates the much maligned GSF.

I can't give you any long term or wide lattitude of experience that sprkplug has. I have owned the XP for three seasons only, and it is my first and only ZT mower. I have had lots of experience with machinery though and can tell the machine I have is well built, from the frame to the seperate pump/hydrostat for each side. Mine is Kawasaki efi carbureted engine.

What sold me on it though was the suspension. The XP model rides on rubber front and rear. I have had 3 back surgeries and ride is important to me. I also equipped it with the optional suspended seat. The XP with these features rides 5 times better than my compact Diesel tractor. With rigid frame and solid seat, I suspect mowing would not go as well for me.

The other models of the Bad Boy I have had no experience. My daughter and grandson liked mine so well they bought one too, but they did not spring for the cost of the extra seat.

Last edited by snrub; 03/04/17 01:24 PM.

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Our 1990 Scag walk behind just went to the shop for the first time. My wife must be hard on it... I told her to stop mowing fence rows with it:)

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I have heard the Scag is an excellent mower. The dealer I bought the Bad Boy from is also Scag and Exmark dealer as well as a New Holand dealer. They spoke highly of the Scag.

My buddy has a Kubota Diesel and he loves it. But I figured for what the Kubota cost I could wear out two of the Bad Boys almost so I figured I might rather have another new one some time instead of keeping one so long. My buddy had hydrostat go out on his Kubota prematurely and I had read on some lawn care discussion boards there have been some short life problems with the mower deck gear drive train. So for me I decided not to go the extra cost. Kubota stuff are fine machines though.

Last edited by snrub; 03/04/17 12:42 PM.

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Tub, I would definitely approach the Kubota dealer on a package deal. Couldn't hurt, and it will give them more maneuvering room.

I have experienced a couple gearbox failures on the Kubota decks, but they have since corrected the issue. In both instances Kubota stepped up and made it right, so I give them props for that.

Scag now features an optional capsule to isolate the operator platform from the rest of the machine. I have no experience with them, so cannot comment as to their effectiveness. Looks good on paper.

Scag includes independent pumps and motors on their commercial machines, which includes the Tiger Cat. Many homeowner machines, and some crossover units, utilize integrated transaxles. In the early days they were considered a light duty feature, but they have come a long way since then. Still, I do prefer independent units.

I'm with you on the excitement of a 2lb bluegill. I THINK, think, I may be there. Should know in a few weeks.

Go fishing today. It's beautiful out there, AND it's good for you.


"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"

If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1)
And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1)
Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT?
PB answer: It depends.
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Just another reason this forum is so amazing-I appreciate everyone's feedback on the tractor and mower threads. What a great resource - thanks guys!


Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau

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Originally Posted By: snrub
Cull those GFS??? You can't be serious! laugh laugh Pound for pound (ok, oz for oz), they are the touhest, fightenest fish in your pond. Ok, well not everybody appreciates the much maligned GSF.


I just wish they would eat the cheap fish food and leave the Optimal alone!

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Originally Posted By: RAH
Our 1990 Scag walk behind just went to the shop for the first time. My wife must be hard on it... I told her to stop mowing fence rows with it:)


That reminds me,I would also like a mower that is very comfortable for my wife!! Because I always have better things to do grin

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My wife says she will not use a rider of any kind. She prefers walking.

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I can put in 2 cents for the Gravely HD 60 that I bought last spring. With add-on included, I spent about $5,700. Keep in mind that I upgraded from a 14 year old Huskee lawn tractor, but the Gravely HD is one heck of a mower for the price. It is one step away from the commercial mower which costs about $2,000 more with the same upgrades. I got the suspension ride seat upgrade and ended up putting on the mild ag style rear tires. The oem tires did not have enough control or traction for all the steep hills and wet areas that I mow. It has the fabricated 60" deck which is the biggest deck you can get on this model. This big deck does take away some of it's engine power compared to smaller decks, but it does add to its resistance to pulling wheelies while going up hill and I do not need the extra power for speed because my mowing area is more like a obstacle course compared to a Nascar track. I don't think I could pull a wheelie if I tried. I also added tow lugs to the back of it in case I end up face first in the many ditches and soon to be pond. The ag tires also help considerable with the zero turn's lack of control which they all are know for. They will tear up a finely manicured lawn if you get in a hurry, but are very easy on the turf if you can be patient enough through the tight corners. I'm not that patient, but my yard is not manicured either and I feel like my life is not at risk in some of the more risky areas of my property. I do know that there are no grease-able bearings on this HD, but the spindles housings are cast iron for more durability.

I would have looked at the Scag, but I don't have a local dealer and I did look at the Bad Boy mowers, but ended up hanging my hat on the Gravely for no real good reason other than the minor relationship I already had with the Gravely dealer who handles my Stihl work.


Fish on!,
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I originally shyed away from ZT mowers because I imagined they would be hard to keep on grade on side hills like my new pond dam. JD dealer somewhat confirmed that they were not the best for sidehill work (his opinion, being an owner and user of one) but encouraged me to take one of their used machines and try it out for a few hours. I liked it better than I thought I would and had the wife drive it (under duress) because if we both ended up mowing I wanted her to be happy with it. She liked it and took right to it.

So then, with ZT mowers under considerarion, started looking around. The JD looked like a good machine and I had friends that were very happy with them.

But then I saw the Bad Boy Outlaw XP and immediately noticed features that would be better for my particular use. First it looked like I would get a lot more mower for the money.......always good. But the real selling points for me beyond good mechanical construction and price compared to value was 1. The suspension system (for my bad back) and 2. the fact that tbe rear drive had a wider stance than the Deere. It was several inches wider at the rear wheels (maybe a negative if you want a narrow deck) and I knew fron running various track farm tractors that tread width was directly proportional to not only steering (turning) power, but also stability on side hills. Those features were important to me.

I was pleasantly surprised the first time I mowed the pond dam. The XP is significantly more stable than my JD3038E with rear mower (fluid and cast wheel weights) and just as stable as my JD5083 cab tractor (also fluid and cast wheel weights) with wheels set to max width. I feel as safe on the XP as anything. With the wider stance it turns well and handles the sidehill mowing well. Althouh a person has to stay more concentrated when handling the two levers compared to the steering wheel of a tractor, I now feel more confident on the ZTurn than my 3038 by far on sidehills. If it gets too steep to go sideways, I can always mow up and down the slope and with zero turn capability, turn around quickly at the top or bottom of the run on flat ground, where a tractor takes much more care and effort to do such manuvreing.

That is just my experience about mowing slopes I wanted to share. I think a narrower tred ZT I would not feel as comfortable on slopes as the wider tread on the machine I have.

Edit: the ZT has a nice low center of gravity with the engine mounted low compared to my small tractor.

Last edited by snrub; 03/06/17 01:26 PM.

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When my ZT had oem tires, I had two complaints...

1.) When I had to mow straight down a grade, stop, and back up (like mowing up to a ditch or pond shore) too many times I did not have enough traction to back up and then I had to get the real tractor out to pull it back to flat ground.

2.) It will travel sideways along a slope very well until it was time to maneuver around a tree and on the downhill turn it would slide down the hill a foot or two past the tree leaving a minor skid in the grass and I would have to make a second pass to trim the missed area on the downhill side. Forget about mowing with dew on the grass no matter how much ease was used into the zero turn. It became a sled.

Now that I have ag style rear tires I have one complaint...

When you loose control, even though it's a lot less frequent, the skid in the grass becomes a rut. BUT it's a lot safer and gets out of wet and downward facing predicaments more on its own.

My bias for ag tires really only applies to the rough terrain that I own. I would say that 80% of what I mow (2-4 hours a week) has slope to it (lots of trees) and a creek that runs through the middle.


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Down hill turns are definitely the tricker, more dangerous turns when on a steep slope with a ZT.

I try not to need to turn down hill on a steep slope by the pattern I pick. But if I do I first stop forward motion on the slope, then reverse the down hill tire rather than stopping the down hill tire and speeding up the up hill tire. I seem to keep better control that way.

Fortunately, I don't have trees on the few steep slopes I have. I can see where that would be an additional challenge.

Last edited by snrub; 03/06/17 05:20 PM.

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I have a consumer grade Husqvarna that works OK but I would really like something with better suspension. I suspect though that these have a higher center of gravity than my HV which could be a problem. When I mow along the slope next to the driveway I am right on the edge of safety effectively drifting(dirt track style).

Any thoughts on higher center of gravity with improved suspension models?

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Originally Posted By: Tbar
...
Any thoughts on higher center of gravity with improved suspension models?



I can offer this as a fact...The higher the center of gravity, the less stable (more apt to tip) it will be on both slopes and when turning.


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If ride quality is a major consideration, take a look at Ferris. They build consumer grade as well as full-on commercial ZTR's with independent suspension, coil overs on all four corners. I had a customer that had a big Ferris with a caterpillar diesel. The downside to full suspension, is usually cut quality. As the mower floats up and down, the deck does also.

A quick word on swapping to aggressive tires. I was working as service manager for Deere when the L series mowers came out. With turf tires. We had some customers fit bar tread tires for hillsides, and that's when the trouble started. A piece of equipment will usually have a weak link, that part or feature that will fail before anything else. Oftentimes it's engineered that way, in order to protect more expensive components. Shear pins are a good example, designed to fail, and inexpensive, so the high dollar stuff hopefully survives.

Well it seems that lack of traction, WAS the weak link. Deere knew the transaxles were marginal, but turf tires would slip before internal damage occurred. When lug tires were fitted, they didn't slip as easily, and the NEXT weakest link began to fail. Unfortunately that turned out to be the transaxle itself, and Deere claimed a voided warranty when bar tread tires were installed. Made for some awkward customer relation moments.

I doubt that it would be as much of an issue on a full commercial machine, just something to keep in mind.


"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"

If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1)
And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1)
Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT?
PB answer: It depends.
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Originally Posted By: sprkplug
Deere knew the transaxles were marginal, but turf tires would slip before internal damage occurred.


Over-all is the Deere ok?

I inherited one recently but have only used it a couple of times.

It will get light use.



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I had owned two Scag Turf Tigers 61" and found the 27 hp engine didn't provide enough power for the work I was doing. So I bought a 61" cut with a 35 hp engine but it had t0 be repaired so frequently that I had to buy another - kind of a "use one while the other is being repaired" scenario. Yes, I know, but at least I managed to get the grass cut. We'll see what problems this year brings.

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That's a homeowner grade machine, and if used accordingly, should be just fine. I don't recall any transaxle issues with that family of ZTR's, just use it on the lawn and enjoy.

Last edited by sprkplug; 03/06/17 09:11 PM.

"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"

If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1)
And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1)
Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT?
PB answer: It depends.
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Dud, what were you doing with it that 27 hp fell short? Was it fuel injected?


"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"

If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1)
And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1)
Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT?
PB answer: It depends.
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Originally Posted By: sprkplug
just use it on the lawn and enjoy.


Thanks....i use bigger toys on non-lawn.


Fishing has never been about the fish....

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I have the Scag Tiger Cub 52" and it is about 12 years old. That thing is solid, the only problems I have had with considerable use is one flat tire, some cheap fuel that had water in it and a rough idle. It has had the rough idle for years but still cuts my 2 acres like a champ. I also cut my food plots prior to planting on my hunting club.


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Almost missed your questions with the page change, Sprk. Cutting about 20 acres, some is lawn-like, other parts are more rough. Takes about 16 hours if dry, longer if conditions are less ideal. I have to cut short or I would have to start over as soon as I finish. The mower has to wade through crayfish hole chimneys, fire ant mounds and patches of clover and the 35 hp does. The Scag dealer maintains; all I do is change blades, fuel up and go. Don't know if fuel injected.

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Wow DL that is a lot of mowing time. Have you ever considered a tractor with a finish mower.


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I've considered that, Tbar, and see them used on golf courses. Soft ground, lugged tires on my tractor, obstacles and the need to continually manicure the area when using a finish mower prompted me to scrap the idea and stay with the Scag.

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Wow! I'm not sure I could face the day knowing I had 20 acres of grass to mow, even on a Scag!

Certainly not if I wasn't getting paid for it. Thats some serious yard maintenance right there!


"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"

If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1)
And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1)
Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT?
PB answer: It depends.
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Never measured it. Might be only 15. Seems like 50.

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Ever thought about a herd of goats?

Down here in Bonaire goat stew is a staple of the local eateries. Pretty tasty.

Solve your grass problem and make food for the table in one step. grin

Last edited by snrub; 03/07/17 08:49 PM.

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Originally Posted By: sprkplug
If ride quality is a major consideration, take a look at Ferris. They build consumer grade as well as full-on commercial ZTR's with independent suspension, coil overs on all four corners. I had a customer that had a big Ferris with a caterpillar diesel. The downside to full suspension, is usually cut quality. As the mower floats up and down, the deck does also.


I went mower shopping a couple of weeks ago and looked at 52" Scag Tiger Cat holdover from last year at my local dealer which was marked down enough to get me close to my budget range.Well I thought I would take a couple days and look at some other dealers.Later that day I started to show signs of Influenza and felt pretty rough for the next week. I stopped by the dealer on Monday hoping that the Scag would still be there and was informed that It sold on Saturday.
I mentioned to the owner that my ground is extremely rough and said my next choice for a zero turn would probably be a Ferris with the independent suspension.The owner said that he still had a Simplicity Citation XT holdover which is pretty much the same mower as a Ferris.
I bought the Simplicity and mowed with it yesterday. The Citation has a 52" fabricated deck and a Kawasaki 23hp engine.I am impressed with the ride and quality of cut over my 18 yr old 48" Encore ztr.I cut my mowing time of my main yard from 90 minutes to 40 minutes.The Simplicity is quite a bit faster and a lot smoother.You do still feel some bumps but they are not bone-jarring,shoulder dislocating jolts.
The only disadvantage so far of the new mower is it has a longer platform for your feet which makes it harder to nose in to corner areas around the house and landscaping.I only scalped one spot which is far less than my old mower!So I this point I would say that I am happy with my purchase and time will prove whether the new mower will be durable enough.Thanks again to the forum members for their input and guidance!

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Simplicity and Ferris are both owned by Briggs and Stratton, so they are very similar. I'm confident you will love the new mower!


"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"

If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1)
And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1)
Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT?
PB answer: It depends.
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Anybody know much about Spartan ZT Mowers? Looks like the founder of Spartan was one of the partners of BadBoy Mowers. Spartan claims they are on par with high quality ZT mowers at a better price point.




Spartan Mowers Website


Fishing has never been about the fish....

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20 acres? Get some goats.

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Never heard of Spartan, but that doesn't mean they don't build a good mower. Make sure there is a local, established dealer in your area.


"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"

If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1)
And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1)
Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT?
PB answer: It depends.
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Sparky that is my main hesitation. They have dealers around but nothing very close to my property, and a couple of dealers about 30 miles from my house near Dallas. From reading the link below it appears that Bad Boy or another maker have sued them, but not sure what is the status of the legal proceeding.
https://www.lawnsite.com/threads/spartan-mowers-makes-a-splash.447461/

Spark do you have any opinion about the eXmark rear discharge feature?
https://www.exmark.com/products/mowers/rear-discharge


Fishing has never been about the fish....

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Zep, I'm sorry but I haven't any experience with those types of decks on ZTR's. I am intrigued though, and have often wondered how they compared to the rear discharge tractor type decks we used to see. After getting my right ear canal plastered full of clippings yesterday due to windy conditions, I can sure see a place for such a deck!


"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"

If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1)
And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1)
Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT?
PB answer: It depends.
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What the Heck, I will weigh in..... I love my Hustler 60"deck 27HP Kawasaki.... did a lot of research before I purchased this mower in 2008. talked to hydraulic experts and have never regretted my decision... have not had a speck of trouble. If I were to be in the market today I would take a good look at the Scag line (especially since they are a corporate sponsor of Pheasants Forever) because they look very similar to the Hustler. I looked and looked at the Hustler and could not find a "weak link" anywhere on it. Lots of commercial guys around here run them. Those guys are a lot harder on a mower than I ever will be....and you see machines with 6,000 to 8,000 hours on them. They look like the have been through a couple of wars... but are still going. Pay special attention to the construction and brand of wheel motors... the good mowers have metal impellers in the wheel motors and the cheapies have plastic impellers... makes a big difference if you want to go in a straight line around a side hill. Final thought... Grandpa always said... " when you buy quality, you only cry once".

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Originally Posted By: Zep
Sparky that is my main hesitation. They have dealers around but nothing very close to my property, and a couple of dealers about 30 miles from my house near Dallas. From reading the link below it appears that Bad Boy or another maker have sued them, but not sure what is the status of the legal proceeding.
https://www.lawnsite.com/threads/spartan-mowers-makes-a-splash.447461/

Spark do you have any opinion about the eXmark rear discharge feature?
https://www.exmark.com/products/mowers/rear-discharge


I checked into rear discharge after busting out a window on my cab tractor, due to thrown rock from my SCAG. They work the same as any other, it is a difference in the finished product. If you cut tall grass it will leave the cuttings more on top of the cut grass. This would probably be helped with mulching blades.

Last edited by BrianL; 05/31/17 09:55 AM.

1.8 acre pond with CNBG, RES, HSB, and LMB
Trophy Hunter feeder.
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Originally Posted By: Dudley Landry
Never measured it. Might be only 15. Seems like 50.


You need to get serious with that much land.

https://www.hustlerturf.com/products/super-104


Last edited by BrianL; 05/31/17 12:15 PM.

1.8 acre pond with CNBG, RES, HSB, and LMB
Trophy Hunter feeder.
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