Replacing a hand me down Gravely zero turn with kawasaki engine and need recommendations. Lot has several trees and we are still improving. Looking to keep it under $4k and would prefer reliability over deck size.... That's what she said.

Ferris. Smoothest ride. Great Machines.
That's all I got.

On year 18 for my Scag Tiger Cub. They do not make the exact one anymore but the equivalent will be well beyond 4K.

I concur.

I picked up a Kubota ZD21 that's 15-20yrs old at a farm auction for $3,500. It's a monster. I am a big fan, and it's easy to work on and source parts. New models go for $15k-$20k.

If you're looking for bang for your buck and maybe are pretty handy, Kubota used equipment are a great option.

My Hustler Raptor has been bullet proof. I've got the XD 60", but they have some other models and smaller decks that are a little less.

I don't have a lot of personal experience with other brands, as this is the first I've personally owned. It was given to me by someone who cuts grass for a living, and really knows their stuff. I have used a Toro and Cub Cadet before, and I vastly prefer the Hustler.

Dad has a Scag and Kubota. I use both of them and they work well. The Kubota has a better cut, but the Scag is more robust. I own a Bobcat zeroturn. It is even more rugged than the Scag. They all have the same Kawasaki motor. But The Bobcat is the most rugged.

Also Bobcat offers 0% financing if you want it. Free money. Mower is only $100/month

Google

zero turn site:texags.com

First off, where are you located?

I ask because having any mower worked on will be difficult if you don't buy a brand the repair shop carries. Ike's in Bryan only works on mowers they carry and get parts for, same as ASAP in College Station.

I'd never heard of Ferris till this morning. I'm at my sister's place in Southern Virginia and she just bought a Ferris with a 60" deck. I've been using it for the past couple of hours and I'm very impressed. I prefer it to my Kubota Z series, which is also a great zero turn.

But back to OP's question...the Ferris is far north of 4K.

Ferris, Scag, Toro, in no particular order, but price is higher than 4k. I have a Ferris 60"

I do not have any input but I drove around several before I bought the Ferris. It does not have a seat with suspension but the mowers suspension was the best at the time for absorbing bumps. I wanted to see how they felt on rough terrain as i am mowing several acres of pasture as well as house lawn.

I can pop a wheelie on my SCAG. That should count for something!

drred4 said:

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Ferris, Scag, Toro, in no particular order, but price is higher than 4k. I have a Ferris 60"

I do not have any input but I drove around several before I bought the Ferris. It does not have a seat with suspension but the mowers suspension was the best at the time for absorbing bumps. I wanted to see how they felt on rough terrain as i am mowing several acres of pasture as well as house lawn.

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I too am a big fan of suspension… the suspension on my Kubota Z series is so good that if your phone slips out of your pocket and under the seat it can turn 1 iPhone into numerous little iPhones!

Shop the dealer and service harder than the brand. Do not buy it from a box store whatever you do.

John Deere but atleast a Z540 or above. The 540 used to be the smallest one you could get with the kawasaki engine probably won't find these models at the box stores will have to go to dealer.

Even if you go with different brand I would recommend whatever model has the kawasaki engine.

ldg397 said:

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Even if you go with different brand I would recommend whatever model has the kawasaki engine.

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I agree with this 100%. My Hustler has a Kawasaki, and it has been great. Very reliable.

I've been happy with my Kubota.

No matter what, look at dealers and service over brand, and think long and hard about what size you get.

None of the mowers suggested on this thread are under $4K . You probably will only get one from a big box store for that price. They are not the same as their counterparts from a small engine shop even if they say they are.

The Bobcat and Hustler were the closest i could find to $5k that were high quality. I went to the shop to buy a Hustler. They also carried Bobcat. After looking over both machines build quality, it was a no brainer. I went with the Bobcat, because it felt like a more rugged machine. Also even though Bobcat is not as popular with zeroturns, it is a reputable company that has a ton of experience in the industrial space with their tractors.