I just wanted to remind you that there are many other great mowers available besides the big five. Zero-turns I’ll show you here are all high capacity, dependable mowers from companies that have been in the zero-turn business for years.
Walker B-Series Tractors
The B-series is one of the most agile and versatile tractors in power equipment. The B-series tractors are compact, easily fitting into tight spaces while also boasting the most impressive hillside performance of any mower on the market. A variety of year-round attachments make the MB a no-nonsense workhorse for homeowners and commercial operators. The B-Series ranges from 18 HP to 25 HP commercial grade engine and decks ranging from 36 to 74 inches. Did you know Walker Mowers are my favorite?
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Land Pride ZT3 Zero Turn Mower
You may not know Land Pride’s but rural life stylers really like this heavy duty commercial grade ZTR. You can get the ZT3 in 60- and 72-inch widths and a 27 hp twin-cylinder, air-cooled Kawasaki engine. The drives are bulletproof Hydro-Gear® ZT-5400’s. The twin transaxles and three high-lift blades are driven with only two belts made with Kevlar to provide long life. One hydrostatic pump drive belt and one deck drive belt belts. Large 24-by-12 rear tires, suspension seat, and Telecaster® front-fork suspension smooth out the 12 mph mowing speed. The floating front axle locks for added stability on slopes.
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Country Clipper Boss XL
Oversized tires, wide wheel base, and a low center of gravity provide superior holding capabilities. The BossXL is built tough with a virtually indestructible deck, a reinforced bullnose front, and high-impact anti-scalp rollers. The BossXL features Country Clipper’s Stand-Up Deck for easy access to the underside of the deck for cleaning and maintenance. The Boss XL is available with the unique joystick steering. Besides being able to scratch your nose and mow is a great feature. Engines: 27 hp Kohler CV752 or 35 hp Kawasaki FX1000. Decks: 60- or 72-inch cutting widths. Drives: HydroGear’s ZT-5400 Powertrain Drive System, the Boss XL can travel as speeds up to 12.5 mph. The Boss XL features a pivoting front axle and deck, allowing these components to float freely from the frame and reduce gouging on uneven terrain. This model comes standard with Country Clipper’s wide front step and the optional hand rail makes getting on and off the mower easy for even people with physical disabilities.
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Dixie Chopper’s Silver Eagle
Dixie Chopper’s Silver Eagle zero-turn started out as a high quality residential mower but quickly found it’s way onto the the trailer of lawn service companies. Superior seats and front axle suspension make this one of the best mowers to drive. Equipped with Kawasaki FX and Kohler EFI engine options, the Silver Eagle is a great machine to cut through the tough jobs with ease. Offered in 50- and 60-inch deck width options, the Silver Eagle’s Elite X Deck is the core piece to Dixie Chopper’s reputation of cleanly cutting all types of grass.
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Big Dog Diablo MP
Built and assembled in the USA. Top-quality craftsmanship comes standard plus, it’s backed by the industry-leading 7-year limited warranty. The Big Dog Diablo MP is the twin of the Excel Hustler X-One. The Diablo will mow at 10mph and give you a perfect cut every time. Mulch Kits, baggers, front flex forks to smooth out bumps, and an available striping kit make this a very versatile mower for the discerning homeowner with a large area to mow. The welded steel frame and optimized center of gravity produce will let you mow at speed without tearing up your yard to bouncing you out of the seat!
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Exmark Lazer Z
For years, the Exmark Lazer Z has been considered the industry standard for zero-turn mowers. Its legendary durability and up-time performance has made it the go-to for landscape professionals, with our zero-turn mowers purchased 2 to 1 over the next best-selling brand by landscape professionals.
The Exmark Lazer Z is unmatched in productivity and durability and continues to lead the industry in innovation. You can choose from five commercial-grade engines, including high efficiency Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) options. ExMark’s exclusive EGov and RED technology which can boosts fuel efficiency up to 41%. The X-Series use the UltraCut™ Series 6 deck in 52-, 60- and 72-inch cutting widths. You will ride in unrivaled comfort thanks to the ExMark unique seating system. There’s even a standard 12-volt adapter to keep devices charged.
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Altoz XP Mowers
The Altoz XP uses a smaller chassis to make it more agile yet doesn’t compromise any one bit on quality. Altoz’s attention to detail is quickly becoming legendary amoung the elite brands of mower. Three unique models — XP 480s, Xp 540s and XP 610s — are specifically designed for discerning, multi-acre homeowners and commercial operations. Each XP model features a Briggs & Stratton Commercial Turf or Kawasaki FX engines with electronic fuel management, durable Hydro-Gear 3400 transmissions, large 23-inch rear tires and a high back seat that combines for a comfortable ride.
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Denny Lingbeck
Trying to decide on a replacement for my Cub Cadet GT 2000 with a 50″ stamped deck. I mow frequently (every 2-3 days) because I like it neat, so I’ve put quite a few hours on it. Here’s my dilemma: Since I not only mow but also use it to haul a small trailer (yard waste, wood, mulch, gardening supplies, etc.) with the occasional 250 lb. load, plus pull-behind tine de-thatcher, fertilizer spreader, and lawn sweeper, I’ve been reluctant to go with zero-turn. Also, the back yard is sloped (about 12.5 degree incline) and I like to mow both vertical and horizontal. I’m aware that zero-turns are not recommended for slopes in excess of 15 degrees and, while I’m not quite that steep, I also don’t want to be fighting the crab-walk half the time. Lot is 1.5 acres with a fair number of obstacles (numerous trees and some fancy landscaping in the back. My Cub Cadet dealer will take the GT 2000 in trade (we haven’t discussed the terms yet) and I could either go with the XT3 (almost a copy of the tractor I’d be trading in) or give the Z-Force SZ a try since the 4 wheel steering seems to have solved the crab-walk problem. My dealer said the SZ will pull anything the XT3 can with no problem but I’m a bit skeptical. Is he telling me what I want to hear so he can sell a machine? What are your thoughts/recommendations? Given my requirements, could you give me some guidance? I’d love to go with zero-turn if I could be assured that the incline and towing issues were addressed properly but if they cannot be, what would be your top choices for a garden tractor? Oh, and one more thing: due to spacing issues on the trees and other objects, I really can’t go much over 50″ width (my Cub has a 50″ stamped deck at present). I’d appreciate any wisdom you can impart.
Paul
Hi denny, If you want to go with a tractor the Craftsman Pro Series 50″ 26 HP V-Twin Kohler Garden Tractor with Turn Tight® Extreme has a garden tractor rear end and with the 5 inch turning radius will turn almost as well as a zero-turn.
Sell your tractor on Craigslist, etc. you will get more for it.
The Z-FORCE® S 48 is up to the task. Zero-turns will mow 20 to 40% faster than your old tractor so you don’t need as big of deck.
The Z-FORCE® SX 48 KW is stronger than your old tractor.
With the XT3 you can get either a 50 inch stamped or a 48 inch fabricated. The XT3 GSX has differential lock.
John Richmeier
I am interested in the Toro Titan MX 4800. However, I am concerned about a particular feature of the Kohler Confidant engine. That is the solid nylon cam gear that is designed to reduce noise. Could you please comment on the likely reliability of a nylon cam gear? Thanks!
Paul Sikkema
Hi John, It’s just the gear that is nylon, not the entire cam. It’s been very reliable and many engines use that tech in both the cam and oil pumps.
Your car probably has a phenolic or nylon cam gear.
John Richmeier
Dalton, GA
Thank you Paul, I have been following this site for some time now and have learned to respect your expertise. Thank you for this information, it will be very helpful in making a purchase decision.
Seth
Barneveld, NY
I am looking to buy an Exmark LazerZ 2008, 60″ Zero turn Mower. The person selling this machine says that the machine has 1700hr but he installed a new 28hp Kawasaki that now has a little over 200hrs. He is asking $3000. Is this a good deal? This is right in my price range. My dilemma is , do I go for the used but commercial grade mower or the new non commercial mower with a smaller deck. I have a little over 5 acres to mow. This is a person i trust and he also stated that he will give me a year warranty on the entire mower. Sounds like a no brain er but i keep on going back and forth. What are your thoughts?
Paul Sikkema
Hi Seth, If he is willing to give you a one year warranty (in writing) on the engine, transmissions and cracks in the frame I would say it’s a really good deal. I would not expect him to warranty the belts, spindles, battery, tires and other items that normally wear out.
Have him teach you how to grease the mower, check the fluids and clean it.
It will take you a little over an hour to mow 5 acres. What are you going to do with all your free time?
Seth
There are always projects to do at my house. So you would go with the used commercial mower instead of the new Mowers out there for my cap of $3000? Good to know. Thank you for the response.
Paul Sikkema
Hi Seth, did you miss the ExMark? In reality, there will be very few used commercial mowers around for $3000 that aren’t junk. The biggest problem with buying used, especially used commercial is the extreme cost of repair. A typical transmission in one of those mowers can be more than your budget. Engines are $100 a horse for a commercial engine.
Chris
PLEASE CORRECT THE BIG DOG DIABLO MP DESCRIPTION. THANKS!
Paul Sikkema
@Chris, That’s what I get for trying to write while I’m having work done on the house….