Best $3,000 riding mower for homeowner???

[ctlc]

A good friend looking to spend app. $3,000 on a rider I have pursuaded him to look towards a Z-turn not sure how quality is on the cheaper mowers.... We have Cub Cadet, Husquvarna, Toro and John Deere dealers close by... Any help appreciated...

[doubleedge]

I wouldnt touch a 3k dollar ZTR. I have a JD x304 (although now replaced by my ZTR), and I love it. I think it was around 3-4k with the bagger on it. It is four wheel steer, so it manuvers much better than a regular tractor, I even like it a little better than my ZTR for going in a circle around trees and stuff.

[Allamericanlandscaping]

those cheap ZTRs wont hold up for long i agree you should look into a tractor you should be able to get a pretty good one for 3k.

[dura to the max]

get a good used walk behind. shouldnt be hard to find a nice one in that price range...

[dura to the max]

if you want a good z or wb in that range let me know. i may be selling some soon.

[Ramairfreak98ss]

I wouldnt touch a 3k dollar ZTR. I have a JD x304 (although now replaced by my ZTR), and I love it. I think it was around 3-4k with the bagger on it. It is four wheel steer, so it manuvers much better than a regular tractor, I even like it a little better than my ZTR for going in a circle around trees and stuff.

Yeah my father looked into ztrs, liking my ferris machines but then saw how much difference there is even in a 3-4k model.

$4500ish and up youd be ok, below that and its pretty low end.

The Simplicity Regent would touch the 3k mark at most dealers, but start at $2200 ish i think. The Broadmoar would be more, but yet for this price range we cant be too picky. It would be a descent machine with these specs south of the 3k mark. http://www.simplicitymfg.com/products/lawn_tractors/regent/

Regent Features

* 18- or 20-hp single-cylinder or 20-, 22- or 24-hp V-twin engine
* Foot-controlled acceleration with cruise control
* Hydrostatic automatic transmission
* 38" 44", or 50" Free Floating™ mower with full-width rollers
* Infinite height-of-cut adjustment
* 14" turning radius
* Quick Hitch™ attachment removal system
* Easy-to-reach electric PTO engagement
* Large, color-coded controls
* Comfortable, easy-adjust seat
* 3.5-gallon fuel tank with large filler neck

List price range

$2,250 - $3,250 * usually dealers will get ya about 5-10% off.

[stevenf]

I see alot of guys around here cutting with Toro homeowner ZTRs. A few are even commerical accounts. Must be worth something....