Zero turns...specifically Kubota and Toro...UPDATE Post 21

[seabreeze]

I just finally made a decision, knowing that this summer I didn’t want to limp along with my other mower. I ended up going with John Deere, getting one of their new ZTrak 700 series zero turns. I think this series is an answer to the Kubota z400 or “pro-sumer” lineup. It’s an entry level commercial/heavy-duty “estate” mower.

I decided on the JD, ultimately, because I’ve had good luck with them so far. I have beat the tar out of my little lawn tractor and it has done way more than it ever was made to do. I’m on a first-name business with their service department, and they’re only a half-hour away from me. Additionally, it had a better warranty than the Kubota.

I drove both this one and a couple of the true commercial mowers. The ride on the 700-series was hands-down smoother and easier. I suspect that has a lot to do with pneumatic front wheels instead of the no-flats on the 900-series mowers. I drove them over some pretty rough areas, and the one I ended up buying was quite comfortable.

So, that’s my update! Decision made. Hope it was a good one!

[Charliehorse01]

I’m pretty sure our zero turn is a Kubota. I love it for the lawn. If we mow the pasture, we use a rough cut mower.
However our pastures aren’t “well maintained” and hubby won’t let me take it out there due to rocks and whatnot. All because I used it in the dry paddock a couple times to hack down some weeds, on both occasions I either broke something or really really dulled the blades (I’m still not convinced that my one little paddock was enough to dull them that badly, I think they were just due) but it just doesn’t really stand up to that type of abuse.
Our pastures need a complete overhaul though. If they were flat and had thick lush grass with a good water system (we’ve had a couple droughts that killed our pastures) then I think it could handle the job. My only gripe would be I would prefer the grass a bit taller than what the zero turn offers.

[seabreeze]

No rocks here, thankfully. Mostly sandy soil that gets a little torn up in winter from horses zipping around, but not badly. Good grass…too good at times (if there is such a thing). It’s a little bumpy in spots, but I did a test run out there last weekend, and it wasn’t bad at all. I keep my pasture mowed to around 5" anyway, and that’s the highest cutting height on the new mower.

[TheJenners]

I also got a JD zero turn (after posting last year I wouldn’t), the Z540R. I’ve only used it twice but loving it. Really don’t see a need for the bush hog now :lol:.

[longlanefarm]

We have a Ferris zero turn but in my case it’s not good for pastures. Does great on our hilly lawn but I’d only use the brush hog on our Kubota tractor for our pastures. It’s my understanding that you don’t use a finishing mower on pastures (of course you can if you want!)

[seabreeze]

@longlanefarm

We have a Ferris zero turn but in my case it’s not good for pastures. Does great on our hilly lawn but I’d only use the brush hog on our Kubota tractor for our pastures. It’s my understanding that you don’t use a finishing mower on pastures (of course you can if you want!)

Generally, “by the book,” I think that is what county extension agents recommend, not to. Anecdotally, I’ve read varying opinions. For my herds over the 23 years I’ve been on this farm, in my region, with my pasture grasses, it’s been fine.

[Bluey]

We had those JD zero mowers forever and they do just fine.
We mow way more pastures, livestock pens and fence row/barditches than the little postage stamp lawn we have, so they get heavy use.
They last and keep on going, even if in places you have to make a half cut, the weeds and tough grasses too much for a full cut.

Those are places we can’t get in with the bush hog type we also have.

Same reason for JD, we have good, close by service, more than any other brand.
The trade-in or resale on JD is hard to beat.

All better brands are ok if you get the right mower for the job and have good service for it close by.