ZTR for flat but bumpy area

[Jim Z]

I'm sure most commercial guys would not want to cut it but I have one area that I like to cut every second cut that used to be part of a hay field which is about 1/4 acre in addition to my +-1acre lawn. Currently I cut it with an old Cub lawn tractor that I use for the rest of the lawn as well and I nearly bounce out of my seat at times but it is flat and seems to be getting a little less bumpy as time goes on. My question is will a ZTR which I've never used before work out? I am not looking at big box types and am concentrating on the higher end consumer models like the Exmark Quest, Scag Freedom or Hustler. I'm starting to think I'd be better off looking for a used full commercial model if I can find a good one but not sure if ZTR's in general would work out for this type of cutting. Any and all comments greatly appreciated. This site is a goldmine of information.

[catflyer]

Jim, Get a dealer to drop off a machine for a test mow. That is the bet way to find out if you can use it comfortably. Let us know how your research goes. Brian

[tinman]

Dixie choppers are tough and can take the beating. Whatever you get make sure you get a nice seat . It will make a difference on rough terrain.

[SEMI-RETIRED]

Don't think it would be worth buying a ztr, for 1/4 acre..
I would use my 33" commercial cut troy-bilt walk behind for that..

Just some thoughts..

Bob..

[93Chevy]

Ferris and Hustlers have some pretty nice suspensions to absorb the bumps.

Just another thought.

[Jim Z]

"Don't think it would be worth buying a ztr, for 1/4 acre..
I would use my 33" commercial cut troy-bilt walk behind for that..

Just some thoughts..

Bob.."

Hey Bob, Just to be clearer, the 1/4 acre is just an additional area to my 1 acre that I cut. Still not a lot but an acre to me is worth the ztr.

Thanks for the comments guys. I ruled out the Hustlers because of smaller wheels and lack of local dealers I liked and Ferris because while I really liked the machines, the 44 and 48's had very little overhang for trimming and I'd have to do more of that later. Ended up getting a good deal on an Exmark Quest that one dealer had in a box and wanted to get rid of before the end of the season here. Should work out well I hope.

[93Chevy]

Get a suspension seat on it if you can.

We mow a 3-4 acre lot every week with 2 52" lazers. The lot is flat, but VERY bumpy. I think I may bruise my kidneys every time I cut that account.

[Jim Z]

Yeah, I might just do that. Only one area is bumpy so I'll see how it goes first but at least know I can get one if needed. Thanks for the suggestion.

[SEMI-RETIRED]

Originally Posted by Jim Z

"Don't think it would be worth buying a ztr, for 1/4 acre..
I would use my 33" commercial cut troy-bilt walk behind for that..

Just some thoughts..

Bob.."

Hey Bob, Just to be clearer, the 1/4 acre is just an additional area to my 1 acre that I cut. Still not a lot but an acre to me is worth the ztr.

Thanks for the comments guys. I ruled out the Hustlers because of smaller wheels and lack of local dealers I liked and Ferris because while I really liked the machines, the 44 and 48's had very little overhang for trimming and I'd have to do more of that later. Ended up getting a good deal on an Exmark Quest that one dealer had in a box and wanted to get rid of before the end of the season here. Should work out well I hope.

Hey no problem, i forgot about your other acre

I do a lot of large jobs that are rough with my exmark, but it is rough,
thinking of trading in the spring will get better seat next time, lower
tire pressure helps a little, i think you will like the exmark..

Bob..