Walk Behind or Zero Turn to start out with?

[TopQualityLawnCare]

Okay so here's the deal. I've got $3,000 and need to make a decision on which one to choose. Around here the yards are pretty big usually around an acre or two and you cant find a good sized zero turn for around 3000 you cant find a good 60" for that but can find a 52" which i really woudnt like for 2500-3000 if i did buy one for that i would have no more money to spend on other equipment like weedeater,hedge trimmer etc but on the other hand i can find a really night exmark turf tracer for around 1500-2000 if i bought me a walk behind a would have a 1000 or so to spend on the equipment i would like which would really be nice but then again i think a walk behind would just wear me out working on it mowing yards every day instead of riding a mower. so in the end i dont know if i should get a zero turn or walk behind? opinions??

[ddixon7]

Walkbehind hands down. They are a much more versatile mower. You can mow plenty fast and get plenty done with a walkbehind. I ran walkbehinds exclusively for MANY years. The only reason I have a ZTR is for my own personal yard which is a behemoth and a few commercial properties and a couple football fields. Other than that, a walkbehind is the way to start out my friend. Just put a sulky on her.

On the getting worn out part, I could argue that a rider would put more abuse on you than a walkbehind. Mowing, whether it be ZTR or walkbehind is the most abusive part of lawn maintenance in my opinion. I'd rather walk 25 miles with a backpack blower and a trimmer than mow for 9 solid hours riding a mower. But, a walkbehind with a sulky should be very efficient for you.

[aaronmg]

Top Quality Lawncare...I live about 8 hrs away from your area but seeing Bowling Green KY brought up a fond memory of your town....3 and 1/2 years ago I worked for a granite company and we installed the cheddars restaurant countertops there.. as we were leaving we were circled by about 3 city vehicles and detained for 4 hours... Bowling Green has some strict working codes, don't subcontract there without the proper license... ok.. sorry for hijacking the thread.... carry on...

[TopQualityLawnCare]

Thank you ddixon7 I believe I'm going to go with a walk behind I don't plan on keeping it for the rest of my life just somthing that will start me out and get the ball rolling thanks for the response
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[TopQualityLawnCare]

i dont know tho because im 6'5 and im sure walk behinds wont fit me comfortably and i will be bending over just to drive the thing

[ddixon7]

If you are 6'5" you should have some long arms to reach the handles. I've had several tall people work for me. They seemed to have a lot of leverage over the mower. I'm only 5'11" so I can't say from personal experience. Being tall seems to be a disadvantage in lawn care. Mowers and trimmers are all too short... Or at least like they seem like they would be.

[TopQualityLawnCare]

yea they are haha might still go with a walk behind just for this season

[AGLA]

I'd recommend having a complete set up right away than having a bigger mower with nothing else. You will have a much better idea of what you really need after you have been doing it for a while. You might find that the mower that you really thought you needed is not the best one for you.

[Landrus2]

Hello there if you cutting on that size property I would highly recommend the ZTR. I know you need other equipment . And all means you should get a set up.
If you want I can lend you some old working trimmer.

[Darryl G]

An Exmark walk behind with the ECS controls eliminates the problem of having to reach down for the grips. I usually recommend starting out with a walk behind because of their versatility and maneuverability. 2 acres is getting a bit for a walk behind in my opinion though.