Tractor Supply is having a decent sale on their zero turn mowers. I can get away with a normal riding mower for my two acres, but I am tired of using my little old push mower so want something bigger, and faster, and zero turns are faster than the regular riding mowers.

That being said, Toro, Cub Cadet, Bad Boy, and there is an electric version by Greenworks. Reviews online are as expected across the board on all of them, though the bad boy and cub cadet seem to have a better good to bad ratio than the Toro, and the Greenworks electric doesn't have much for reviews that I can find. For those of you out there with zero turn mowers what are your recommendations? Looking at 50 or higher inch cutting width, and I am a big 300lb guy so it needs to hold some weight.

Seems like everyone looking into zero turns runs into this. The consensus I found was not to buy from a big box store if you can afford not to. Once you get up there in price, it's just a matter of preference. They all have pros and cons, but at some point it's just nitpicking.

As for me, I went with a bad boy zt elite 54. Only had it for a couple months, but no regrets (not that it means anything yet). I liked the thicker steel frame and deck, front end suspension, and serviceable transmission if those things matter to you, it's the only residential model I found that checks those boxes within my price range.

OP might search the outdoor forum for previous threads. Good discussions ad nauseam.

Based on OB comments, I have the only Cub Cadet ZTR (54") that has never broken, never failed to start, and is driven by my wife like a bat outta hell, mowing 2 to 2-1/2 acres.
Seven year old machine.

I have lots of ground to mow. I have had a Bad Boy, Hustler, Toro and Scags. Scags was the best hands down but rough riding. Two years ago I bought a Ferris .... has independent suspension. For rougher terrain and my back I absolutely love it. I don't feel like I have rode a bucking bull all day at the end of a day of mowing. When your young ride does not matter. After a few birthdays it will...believe me.
Lots of other brands try to come up with gimmicks and say they ride as smooth as a Ferris. Simply take a ride on one before you buy one. I will never own anything other than Ferris going forward.

I have a ferris. Love it but had a fuel pump issue. Not really ferris issue but pissed at dealer for the $180 oil change they did while doing warranty work. Should have asked cost i guess.

Don't get an electric. That's my only contribution

Here we go... I kid!

My 4 year old 52" Arians Ikon-X is going strong with no complaints or problems so far.

Woods Ag said:

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Don't get an electric. That's my only contribution

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Why?

If buying today, I would probably get an EGO electric ZTR.

GSS said:

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Based on OB comments, I have the only Cub Cadet ZTR (54") that has never broken, never failed to start, and is driven by my wife like a bat outta hell, mowing 2 to 2-1/2 acres.
Seven year old machine.

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I have the same model. No complaints

This...Cub Cadet use to be good stuff. They were bought out a couple of years back and quality has really gone down over the last couple of years imho.

Gunny456 said:

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This...Cub Cadet use to be good stuff. They were bought out a couple of years back and quality has really gone down over the last couple of years imho.

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Well let me clarify. I have a 2019 model ZT1 with the fabricated 42'' deck that cranks up every time I turn the key and cuts better than anything I have ever been on. All I do it change the oil and blades every year.

It might not ride as good as some of the other models but for the price I don't think you can beat it.

I bought a spartan 54" RZ-pro last summer and have loved it so far. I have back issues and the upgraded seat let's me survive on two acres

I have 2 cub cadets in my garage right now. Both ZT1 54" zero turns. I walked out the door of TSC for $3615 with the protection package. My grandpa had me sell his hustler and go buy a second one (for me to use at his place)

I went to a local tractor dealer before buying. Their zero turns started at $6k. No thanks.

Gunny456 said:

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This...Cub Cadet use to be good stuff. They were bought out a couple of years back and quality has really gone down over the last couple of years imho.

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MTD has built the Cub Cadet models (and others) for years, still do.
Who bought them out? What changed?

If you want a golf cart go for it. If you plan to cut any real grass, save yourself a headache and having to double cut everything and get a gas or diesel

MTD sold 20% to the company that has Black and Decker and Stanley. Then they acquired the remaining 80%. Same as what happened to B/D and Stanley quality is happening to Cub Cadet and Troy built. Cheaper components and parts from China.

Gunny456 said:

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MTD sold 20% to the company that has Black and Decker and Stanley. Then they acquired the remaining 80%. Same as what happened to B/D and Stanley quality is happening to Cub Cadet and Troy built. Cheaper components and parts from China.

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Sounds anecdotal, considering the 80% buyout occurred in Dec 2021...

Scag.

Scag

Why?

Love my Gravely.

I've been using a Hustler 54" since 2016 and been happy.

Ferris. Easily the most comfortable ride of any brand mentioned. Recently upgraded my 48 inch IS600z to a 61 inch ISX2200. The increased power and upgraded suspension are well worth it. Especially when considering time to mow and terrain.

I love my Kubota Z411 with and upgraded air ride seat.

BMo said:

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I've been using a Hustler 54" since 2016 and been happy.

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which model did you get ? X or XD?

I'm at 8 yrs and 500 hours mowing 3 acres with my bad boy zt elite. I purchased it at a mower shop as opposed to TS. Installed a suspension seat after a couple of years and that was $ well spent. Been through a couple of batteries and a few other wear and tear items but has been a great machine.

AgDad121619 said:

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BMo said:

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I've been using a Hustler 54" since 2016 and been happy.

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which model did you get ? X or XD?

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It's an SD.

I have gone through multiple ZTR's in the last 15 to 20 years. And when I say go through I do not mean wearing them out, I have bought and sold many looking for the perfect one. I have owned Gravely, Toro, Hustler, Kubota, Scag, Ferris and Exmark. have used JD, Bad Boy, Spartan, Cub Cadet. To me there are 3 that stand out for what I was looking for which was a good ride and a professional quality cut. I have 4 acres that I groom meticulously. I am one of those guys who want my lawn looking like Augusta National. The 3 are
1. Scag (great mower, but did not produce the quality refined cut I wanted
2. JD. Green deck. Not yellow. The 7 iron deck is pressed but is strong as hell and produces a wonderful cut.
3. Exmark Lazer Z. It cuts the best. Produces beautiful cut, great deck suction to disperse fine cuttings as a mulch, and rides great. You're looking at 8k+ though, but it is my favorite for my wants.
All of the mowers I have used are commercial grade. Welded decks (except JD).

If I were not wanting to spend that much and just wanted a top quality mower I would choose Hustler or Scag. Still run 6k or more though. Either of those should last 15+ years with proper preventative maintenance.

Lastly, I love the JD. And may have even went that route, but it rode too rough and the service provider was a little farther down the road

So which model do you run now?

I have the Ferris ISX 3300. 61", 36 HP

Exmark Lazer Z E series. 52". Use to run a 60" but found the 52 does better on hills and uneven ground, plus gets around trees better. 60s are great if you're mowing a football field, but my experience is that 50s and below perform better on actual home lawns

El_duderino said:

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Why?

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Because the reviews are great on them. Unless the ones I watched were paid ads with false info?

GSS said:

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Gunny456 said:

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MTD sold 20% to the company that has Black and Decker and Stanley. Then they acquired the remaining 80%. Same as what happened to B/D and Stanley quality is happening to Cub Cadet and Troy built. Cheaper components and parts from China.

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Sounds anecdotal, considering the 80% buyout occurred in Dec 2021...

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They also just bought out Hustler. The Cub Cadets are a great value for the money, and can be bought and serviced at actual dealers vs a big box store. Will last fine for non commercial use. I spent a bit more and got a closeout Hustler SDX, because Texags.

Ferris. Bought mine in 2008. Still going strong. Annual service at the dealer before Spring.