Fresh take on Walk behind Vs. Zero Turn

[Groomer]

I had a ZTR on the trailer for a few seasons, realized for my situation that walkbehinds were just a better fit-I cut a lot of tricky, up and down, landscaped, you name it resi's and the ZTR was just awkward and not a great fit. I can put 3 48" WB on my custom trailer, so its what works for me. Not to mention that during the spring and a wet fall the ZTR left some ugly "footprints", no matter how careful we were. Remember, thats my personal experience.

[Realslowww]

Originally Posted by SDLandscapes VT

So what does a 72" Z go for these days and what are some real operating numbers?

A WB is cheaper to operate and easier to fix and parts cost less but a 72 is so productive and cost the same to operate overall as a 48 - 60 ZTR but they will cut way more grass and they do eat a little more fuel and parts are just a touch higher.

I was quoted 10,800 for a new Super Z 72 and on mid to large properties it will leave a smaller mower sitting there. Where I am in alot of cases it will out mow a 48-52 WB with a velkie 2.5 or 3 to 1 there is no comparison but on smaller props it is only a little faster like in 5 to 10 minute mows.

I have 4 WB and 3 Z's and I can tell you the 72 ZTR if used correctly can just make more money with less headaches by far over all my other mowers. A stander is great but again on large areas a 15 MPH Z 72 cut will just slaughter it unless it is 72 and goes that fast. For alot of people once they buy a 72 they will never buy a 60 again unless it is a great deal or for property requirement reasons.

[Realslowww]

No matter what anybody say's WB do cut nicer when all things are equal and in that regard thay are a winner big time,a lighter style stand on cut good to but the really heavy Z's where I am $%uck the properties up good and alot of residentials will not hire if you use a big Z.

I do not like residential compared to good commercial,you just have to be selective about what you take.

[newguy123]

Originally Posted by Groomer

I had a ZTR on the trailer for a few seasons, realized for my situation that walkbehinds were just a better fit-I cut a lot of tricky, up and down, landscaped, you name it resi's and the ZTR was just awkward and not a great fit. I can put 3 48" WB on my custom trailer, so its what works for me. Not to mention that during the spring and a wet fall the ZTR left some ugly "footprints", no matter how careful we were. Remember, thats my personal experience.

This is kind of my situation. Sometimes after it rains no matter how careful I am it can leave marks, usually small but still bothers me. I think next season I'm going to try my hydro wb for a few weeks and see how I feel.

[herler]

When it has been raining OR the customer has over-watered so there is literally standing water in parts of the lawn I can tell you anything hydraulic is worthless in that situation.

[newguy123]

Originally Posted by herler

When it has been raining OR the customer has over-watered so there is literally standing water in parts of the lawn I can tell you it takes every last bit of skill to get a GEAR-drive fixed deck belt mower through there without leaving mud tracks and tearing everything up and getting endlessly stuck, such as when even finger tipped controls in first gear cause tire spin.

And once I got into the nicer lawns I found mud and watery yards are a definite occurrence, these people don't always understand proper irrigation techniques but the weather also plays a big role.

Anything hydraulic is worthless in that situation.
You have got to have something light enough in those instances.

Good point. I have quite a few customers who have irrigation systems and they water like a water park. Great customers they just water too much.

[Realslowww]

Another thing about these WB mowers is alot of times the manufactuer will use smaller wheels than can be put on the machine, I run Lesco hydro's with 20X10 tires, huge improvment for multiple reasons and you can get bigger wheel setup's for Belt D as well.