The new 2018 Boulevard would be $400 more than a 2019 Ariens IKON XL 52 (I cannot find one locally to test, but I havent given up yet). They make small batches and keep the price very affordable. I would guess the average engine life to be 500-750 hours maybe 1000 if you change the air filter and oil when required. Having a really hard time deciding between the two if I make the jump from a 42 to the 50/52. I need something that will handle the cutting duties without leaving rows of grass clipping or mohawks. This deck is the best cutting 42-inch deck in the industry and its very rugged a lot more rugged than a stamped deck. By the way, the MX5050 compares to the Gravely ZT X. In the bulleted info points about the Toro above it reads: They both have heavy-duty trannys, thick, fabricated decks, and very strong frames. Its worth the extra $400 over the Toro has better transmissions than the Toro and cuts as well as the Ariens. The Vanguard is B&S true commercial engine. (I dont fertilize it, or treat it with lawn chemicals). Thanks. I have been going through drive belts at a rate of 1 per season. 5. The APEX is a heavy-duty mower and I strongly feel it can handle most any lawn. Thanks!! Two small tires are also utilized at the front of this mower for balance. Cant go 50 because of my gate. The Best Electric Riding Mowers, Lawn Tractors and ZTRs - TodaysMower.com Hi Craig, Thanks for the complete explanation it helps a lot! 3. But, the price of Toros zero turn mower is much higher than Cub Cadets. Paul My machine will be for personal suburban residential use. Not sure I can wait that long, though. 54 (137 cm) TimeCutter MyRIDE Zero Turn Mower (75754), Toros 42 (107 cm) TimeCutter Zero Turn Mower, Toro 21 (53cm) 60V MAX Electric Battery SMARTSTOW Self-Propel High Wheel Mower, Cub Cadet 60 Volt Max 21 Signature Cut Push Walk-Behind Mower. When it died, I decided I didnt want to put more money into having an old mower refurbished. Paul, this almost seems like destiny. They have not been around long enough to know for sure. So thanks for providing that information. Hi Kathy, You will be very happy with the Patriot. Hi Travis, The armrests are worth every penny! Solid, Paul. Two big Maples and six oaks keep me busy in the fall and a dozen pin oaks that dont drop their leaves till spring. Its been more helpful than you know! I normally keep a zero-turn about 3 years. Here is the Country Clipper website to locate a dealer in New Zealand: Country Clipper. and 2. The Tractor itself is good but they put a cheap Briggs Intek motor in it. I have a 1.5 acre country lot with some 10 degree slopes and trees to maneuver around. I am enjoying your site. The dealers near me have cub cadet and toro. I am considering an upgrade to a zero turn and would appreciate your input. 9. Agri-Fab Sweeper. The 42 inch Model 75746 is also a good choice since you have less than 1.5 acres. Its a very tough mower and with the suspension seat you can mow up to 10 acres a lot faster than the three you mentioned. The Toro Timecutter HD will handle the hills. Both mowers make use of lap bar controls. Hi Larry, There is nothing wrong with the Toro or ExMark except the sales didnt meet Toros expectations. So yes they are going to have a demo day in April and will take a look. 22.5 HP Time Cutter V-Twin Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower with Smart Speed Model# 75742 Available at The Home Depot Also available at Tractor Supply, ACME Tools and your local Toro Dealer. Best in class seating( bad back) and have 4 to 5 acres to mower. You will like it. In the end, I do not think you will be disappointed with either. Consumer Reports agrees with me on this. The track widths (side to side wheel spacing) seems similar. Evaluating the following ZTRs: Fab 24.5 HP V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower, One final item. The ZT1 42 zero-turn mower features a 22 HP/725 cc Kohler 7000 twin-cylinder engine that delivers high-performance power for a consistent cut. Basically, its the ELS residential with a high flow commercial air filter. factory warranty !!!! With 10 acres and horse pasture, go with the Apex. Toro Titan (overkill) Another possibility is to go back to a lawn/garden tractor. Usually, for some brands, this feature is only added to the commercial zero-turn machines since they cover more acreages, but Toro has better plans for their residential ZTR mowers and now you get to change speed as you desire on the lawn. . Both have an excellent reputation. The cut of my cub cadet is pretty good so I assume the ultima would be as well. The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42 has a similar build. Several years ago you helped me purchase my Craftsman Pro Series 42 riding mower. The slow speed is especially great while learning how to use the machine and I have a cart that I can tow in the second speed. They are designed for nice lawns so the deck height is a little harder to adjust. Hi,Paul. I firmly believe you get what you pay for. cub cadet vs toro zero turn 2020. The long wheelbase also makes it a pain to move around on trailers because you can fit three-four ZTRs in the same space as two Grasshoppers. Instead, move up to the $4000-4500 heavy-duty ZTRs with ZT2800 or ZT32OO transmissions. The Toro also cuts exceptionally well but it wont stripe without a stripe kit. A zero-turn mower is no light purchase, which explains why so many potential buyers ask questions about both of the mowers weve discussed. The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42 is more powerful and durable than the Toro TimeCutter ZS 4200S, but this additional strength makes the Cub more expensive than the Toro. So at least Ive narrowed it down to 4 potential brands. Or Bagger for 42 inch Stamped Deck. If I buy the Boulevard, Ill try to make that up to you somehow. I have been using a Husqvarna 48 lawn tractor and have been very satisfied with it. You dont seem to mention Bobcat what are your thoughts on both of these machines? First of all, great article. A little more practice needed but all of the point you made Paul are what made me decide. On the other side, the Cub Cadet has a fairly tougher deck which would serve you better if you have obstacle-filled lawns. (same mower ones red the other is orange) These mowers have commercial duty ZT3100 transmissions and Kawasaki engines like the Bad Boy Elite and the Scag Liberty Z. Im looking at the Ariens IKON XD 52 vs John Deer z375r. The Toro is an efficient, easy-to-operate mower that's fitted with most of the components the Cub utilizes. (Because of the way the Walker steers it does not need the heavy-duty transmissions) New grass in the spring has a lot more moisture than grass later in the year. I did make all my turns on a flat section at the bottom of the hill, and never got a chance to try making a turn on one of the sloped sections that ends at the tree line. The flip=up mid-mount deck is unique and works well. The Bad boy MZ MAGNUM is much lighter-duty mower than the Ariens/Gravely. Seems as though your recommended ZTRs come from Big Box stores, which I prefer to purchase from a dealer. The Gravely ZT XL model seems to be a good sweet spot with the 2800 transaxles and well-built machine. So, every young kid who was getting into the lawn mowing business bought the Kaw because they were cheaper. Looking at either the Toro 42 in Time cutter with the Toro branded engine (75744) or the 50 in with the Kawasaki engine (75750) Then on the flip side on the Cub Cadet Im looking at the 46 in (ZT1 46) with the Cub Cadet branded engine or the 50 in (ZT1 50) with the Kawasaki engine. Equipment. 2. A 22 HP/725cc Kohler 7000 series V-twin OHV engine delivers high-performance power and exceptionally smooth, quiet operation. While the battery of both machines is nearly similar, what makes the Cub Cadet mower stand out is the extra-high rear wheels. ZTRs 42 Im moving into a just less than 3 acre lot/home. Thanks for taking the time to answer. Hi Mike, Your biggest problem is traction. Hello Paul, I bought a Husky 48 with a Kawasaki engine and it runs fine but the transmission started to not like going up the hilly backyard I have. The Cub Cadet is more expensive than the Toro, so this additional power comes at a cost. You may not like the Walker for your tasks. You may not be able to see it with the seat attached to the mounting plate. No, it doesnt ride quite as smooth as the Toro MX5075 but rides well and is built stronger than that Toro. The decks are robust and can handle the work. Exmark radius E series 48 Yes, my 1.5 acres does have slopes. The Exmarks are geared towards commercial use. I recommend buying through an Ariens dealer instead of the big box stores. Join the discussionPaul, what is the blade speed on the Cub Cadet Ultima? Cub Cadet Hauler | There are cheap yard carts, good carts and just plain junk. Looking for advice on a ZTR for 1.5 acres, mainly flat with about 20 deg inclines around a drainage ditch. Hi Walter, The Ariens. The mower has a stamped deck (like your Husqvarna) and the Toro engine. 42 inches. Hi Ryan, I have no preference between the Kawasaki FR or the Kohler 7000. Yes, they look cool but if you put one next to a comparable commercial mower (Toro, Exmark, Scag, etc) you will find cheaper parts in the Spartan. Thanks for your help! You dont tell us which units you are looking at or the type of conditions it will be operating in, but my belief is that the Toro will easily outlast the Cub. The toro has the smart speed technology which allows me to tow but with a bigger engine would the Ariens struggle to keep up? If you still want to pick up the mulched leaves then get this sweeper> Agri-Fab 44 in. Seems like a few people I have talked to during my research have all said to not get Cub and go with the Toro. If you have a problem holding a gas can the SureCan is a great can. Since then I have went to a local dealer that sells Toro and Cub Cadet. I suggest using the Cub Cadet blades until Oregon comes out with a set for the Ultima decks. I will check out the Z355R. Its a smaller engine than the FR691 the other brands are using. If you have ditches or slopes to mow never mow one that has a drop-off or pond at the bottom. They will have the latest sales info and you can ask them. The most important thing to me besides the bagger is reliability. Fab Deck Zero-Turn Mower with MyRide. Good to know. I like both of them a lot. My main priorities are ride comfort, ease of service, and durability. A garden tractor has a heavier duty transmission so it wont burn out after a few years. If you cant get the Kaw I highly recommend the Toro. if I go with the ikon xl, which engine should I choose, Kawasaki or the Kohler? Hi Tommy, The 2200 is not as weak as everyone wants you to believe. ), The first contractor I hired used some kind of walk behind mower with a 36 cutting deck, and he mostly rode on a sulky while mowing the hill side to side. They are priced well especially compared to the Kubota and Hustler SD. If you decide on the Gravely, wait until March 20-28. Have you done any testing with the Husqvarna or any other mower manufacturers? Hi Rob, each one has its advantages but they are so close in cut quality and durability the only real difference is the dealer support. Its a few dollars more than the Ariens, but I like having a local dealer in case anything goes wrong. I simply have lost all confidence in residential quality mowers after my previous experience. Yes, the commercial operators insist on having them but they quickly realize their only advantage is getting into small residential properties. It will easily last through your sons learning stage and go on to last you years. You are correct about the Scag, Ferris, Walker they are either too high priced for the amount of mowing you do or in the case of the Ferris they have too many moving parts that will give you problems 10 years down the road.