I run a cub cadet z-force 22hp kohler with a 42" deck, I've had it for about 4 years and have over 200 hours on it, the only parts I've replaced was a deck belt but that was my own dumb fault.
I personally own a 50" Toro with a Kohler engine (22 hp I think). It is a great mower, but I wish it were faster. My father owns a 60" Dixie Chopper and that thing is freaking bad ass! He basically can cut twice as fast as me if not more. However, a DC is about $6000 and my Toro was $2800. It does a nice job and for the money is a good mower. If I had to chose again today, I would still buy it. Just a cost/benefit thing with the $ difference. I cut over 5 acres, and my dad is right at 5 for reference. My dad can cut his 5 acres in a little over an hour. It takes me a little over 2 hours to cut all of my grass. My uncle has a Dixie Chopper with twin engines. It is pretty sweet and you can literally go so fast you need a seat belt or you might bounce off of it.
Why not put the 5 grand in the bank or a cd and just pay some one to mow for you, if you paid your self minimum wage and considered gas and maintenance, blades & belts and only six month of use. Spend the time fishing and forget about a mower.
I didn't read all the replies, but at our farm [where my parents live] we have a freakin' HUGE lawn. I still have to mow the lawn, and it's my one absolute HATE in the world. I hate mowing the lawn. Despise it. That being said, my dad bought a Kubota Zero turn. It's a diesel engine, I forget the model number. Now I only HATE mowing, rather than despise it
While it's a financially sound idea, I don't hire out for any work being done at or in my house. It's a matter of principle. Believe me, I don't get my kicks out of having to spend money on a maintenance item, but I also don't like owning junk items, no matter what it's for Ben, sounds good. It will give me a chance to break away from the horrendous amount of work I have ahead of me at home this summer
I run a John Deere as I'd be disowned from the family for owning anything else, lol. Good Unit but don't overlook the fact that JD parts are ridiculously high priced and often exclusive for JD mowers. The green paint costs you a little extra green down the road for parts.
I own 150 acres, and as I mow my own lawn now I will never piss away the money for a new mower when I can better spend my time and money improving my deer hunting, I'd much rather run a chain saw or plow a field than ride a mower. I got clover to plant and fish to catch, I'd round up my yard before I'd waste time mowing " grass" a moron can mow it takes a habitat specialist to pick just the right place to plant a food plot.
Those things are completely awesome. Never driven one, though. We use a Cub Cadet riding mower for about 6 acres.
I actually got a quote once to have my lawn mowed once a week, came to about $2000 a year for about 2 hours of mowing per time. Sorry no thanks, that would pay for a really good mower in 2 years.
Holy Crap... what kind of yard do you have? That's roughly $250 per week mowed given 8 months of mowing season.
Oh I agree. I do take pride in my property, though. I will probably never be fortunate enough to own 150acres in PA, but do get to plant 2 plus acres of plots, cut 6 cords of wood, and mow 30 acres of fields on my parents land and neighbors property. Much more work than mowing my yard, but I still take pride in it all.
As long as ya got time for the fun stuff, go for it. The only thing that kept me from buying the zero turn is they are only good for one thing, mowing , and I have neither the cash nor garage space fora single use tool. If you do great, but think about some of the small tractors that kabota and JD make, snow removal gardening and general yard work is a snap with one of there hydrostatic wonders. You have a wonderful lawn and orchard, you should be proud, pick a tool that lets you get the most bang for your buck. and lets you enjoy the time you have.
It's funny you mention the only good for one thing idea. I (and my dad) both said the same thing when I was weighing my options with what to possibly get. If I had a choice (and costs were similar) I would get a compact tractor with either a finish mower or belly mower. I would like the ability to move snow with whatever I purchase. Thanks for the compliment on the yard.
Yeah Matt, for that kind of money you could certainly get something that could move some snow. What are you using now for snow?
