Zero Turn vs. Lawn Tractor vs. TimeMaster - choosing a mower for a big yard
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- Опубліковано 19 вер 2024
- In this video, I give the pros and cons to help you decide which mower provides the best price for performance in a big yard (14,000 square feet of lawn).
I don't need all three; which should I keep? Leave a comment with your opinion.
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I landscape so I use zero turns and professional machinery. But for a yard that size the zero turn is over kill. Personally I think the TimeMaster would be good because of the mulching, price to maintain & the fact that it gives you a workout. You wouldn’t believe the calories I’ve burned from using a walk behind versus a zero turn all day, something most people don’t take into consideration but I think is very relevant.
Just wanted to drop a note to say how much I appreciated the way you did the cost breakdown. Really made it an easy decision for me.
Glad it was helpful
I’d say it would obviously be smart to keep the 2 most efficient, use the zero turn for open areas and the timecutter for small spaces
Great job! We had a craftsman lawn tractor, then got a timemaster. We moved to a home on a 1.5 acre lot and gave the craftsman to a family member with a yard identical to our old one and bought a ZT2 50”. We also have the timemaster for hard to reach areas such as the ditches by our culverts. I think getting rid of the lawn tractor is the best bet.
For sustainability of quality/life of the lawn alone, the Torro hands down. If just cutting the lawn is what you have in mind, the tractor. If you want to watch the "pre-game" during football season, let her rip and keep the zero-turn. The best combo is what works for your lawn and family. Only you can decide that. Excellent video and great comparison(s).
I use a 22” walk behind for around trees and tight spots then run a JD 48” deck and it’s pretty quick. On 10k sq ft I went from 1-1:15 hrs push mowing to 30 mins on the rider. That being said, the turns are cumbersome and if could do over, I’d do a 30” push. Can’t beat a rider + bagger for leaf cleanup though. Thanks for another great video!!
Great comparison! Love the math at the end. I'd keep the Cub Cadet as main mower. Less time to mow and easier on the joints. Would also keep the Time Master because... 2 mowers are better than 1. Or sell it to me! I'd love to have one! You should sell the tractor.
Great Video......very informative. I have had two Zero Turns.....a Hustler and a Toro. Both cut great. BUT.....both had / have more maintenance costs and down time than a walk behind. I have had many walk behinds.....but my hips are getting bad and I can't do that walking every week any more. I have looked at the time cutter many times but I had to rule it out because of my physical limitations. I am actually looking at the John Deere E170. Based on information from friends, the lawn tractors seem to have a lot less problems and lower cost to maintain than the zero turns. And as you pointed out, I can use it to plow snow (which means one other machine I could get rid of....snow blower) and to pull mulch and other things around the property in a pull behind cart. So, yes, the Lawn Tractor is the hardest to maneuver around, but there are trade offs when you consider it can do more things other than just cutting grass. Again, I have not owned a lawn tractor yet, but it is still under consideration for me. Again, great video. Thank you.
I myself would keep the ZTR and the push mower and get rid of the lawn tractor. Reason being is; On big areas you can use the ZTR more efficiently (in both time and fuel) and for edging and trim work you can't beat a walk behind. They're extremely maneuverable and very precise. That's the way I would go. Then again everyone has their own opinion as do you and sense your going to be the one to do whatever, it's completely up to you. Hope this helped some. Enjoy all your videos! Keep'em coming!
I would keep the lawn tractor. The tow attachments such as the trailer, aerator & leaf bagger, etc, which make the tractor more versatile. If I had a lawn business then I would choose the zero turn. I have a 3/4 acre lot with several trees, hills and other obstructions in the yard.
Most current zero turns have all the same attachments. Toro zero turns in particular have a built in tow hitch so you can add a bagger, an aerator, snow removal, trailer, grass sweeper, striping kit, spreader, or a cart. So really the need for a tractor is obsolete. Unless you're planning on doing farming type tasks where you're tilling many acres and running a commercial farm, there is no need for tractors anymore. Anything and everything residential can be accomplished with a good zero turn and proper attachments.
Ross Fine you seamed to have miss my point. The zero turn would be to expensive for my 3/4 acre lots,
I have a similar sized yard in Australia and I'm convinced to purchase a zero turn to spend less time in the 45°C sunlight in summer. It takes 2 hours with a manual push lawn mower, on a good day.
Bought a new ZTR 2 weeks ago, I traded 2 lawn tractors and one old ZTR plus cash.I will never own another tractor after using a ZTR. I now don't Dred cutting the lawn like before. A good one is not cheap but makes lawn cutting much more enjoyable.They are becoming super popular these days, Home Depot and Lowes have a nice selection to see.
For storage and Quality of Cut, I would keep both the TORO TIME MASTER, and the Craftsman Rider due to its ability to pull a Trailer and other attachments (Plug Aerator & Dethatcher).
But hey, thats what I would do...
Take care,
🤓 -Thomas
Western Washington State
I pull all sorts of attachments with my zero turn
@@glenjamindle Which ZT do you have and can you put a aerator / dethatcher?
I would keep the timemaster for sure just because sometimes you just want to take that wonderful walk around your lawn. For your yard the zero turn is good you can do everything you need with that and still have time to enjoy the lawn afterwards.
John here Tryed all but that timesheet the little one like you said it does the best cut but tractor cuts good handles good and doesn.t dig in on the lawn so the TRACKOR because your getting older hot weather don.t be out in it plus you can tow wagon
Great video! I know it's been 4 years but great comparison. I'm concerned with the zero turn tearing up my grass, especially with a hilly front yard and a fair amount of rain. The TimeMaster is pretty cool and love that it mulches. The Lawn Tractor I'd probably keep for two reasons: 1) because I need to occasionally tow a wheel cart behind; 2) I actually use it to suck up and bag leaves (I have a bagger) in the fall. I just which I could do diagonals in the grass...agonizingly slow on a lawn tractor. Another plus is you can find a lawn tractor, if you're patient, used for like $500.
Makes sense for you. Thanks.
30 years cutting with rider had difference s on the two but this video sold me on zero turn thank you.
I’m reviewing a new tractor after using a ZTR for two years. There is no comparison. Once you go ZTR, there’s no going back.
Nice. Literally, I've never seen any one wash a lawn mower before. That's love right there!
I got the best of both worlds, cub cadet SX RZT. Zero turn with a steering wheel. Works great and it automatically slows down when turning around so no turf damage. I live in Texas (830), have about 9,000 sqft, I’m not walking that in 103 temperatures. Enjoy the mow buddy!
I know this is an old video at this point, but you added a very great breakdown of cost at the end that is very valuable to me at this point when I'm trying to decide on a new zero turn over my tractor to mow my 2 acres! Thank you!
You won’t regret buying a ZT.
Good looking little flat yard for y'all city dwellers so I would have gone with a regular push mower but when you got a hillside 4acre yard you put tractor tires on your craftsman riding mower and that's how I had to do it
Got just over 3/4 acre, bought a Timemaster. No regrets as yet. I also hate the peanut-sized tank (I cannot finish my yard on one tank) but I like everything else about the mower.
I'd like to add to this that there are better, more efficient ways to mow with a tractor instead of just circles. You basically most stripes but limit the turning. There's a video on it somewhere, I can't remember who made it or the name of it, though...
This is the MOST “dad video” I’ve ever seen and I love it
Thanks. I think. 🤔
I would keep the TimeMaster because it's easiest on the lawn and it gives you the most exercise (we could all use a little more exercise). Maybe keep the lawn tractor for snow removal and a leaf-vac attachment.
Tractor is my preference. My John Deere x380 has incredible mulching capabilities with the mulch kit installed and I use it with a detatcher, core plugger, lawn leveler (home made), 15g spray tank, 10p cart, and a lawn sweeper. Very versatile and worth every cent in my opinion. I also have a lawn striper attachment...but it produces incredible stripes without it. At 15k of turf, a tractor is a necessity...and I do mow 2 times a week minimum. I also have a hrx217a that I use for exercise and bagging, along with cheap reel mower that I am experimenting with.
Great video! Zero Turn and Timemaster are definitely keepers. I think I'm going to add a Zero Turn to my arsenal for the larger areas of my lawn, then finish the tighter areas with the push/self propelled mower. I get really exhausted using only the push/self propelled mower as I have very thick grass and some uphill climbs; need something to get the larger areas done faster. Not too worried about the Zero Turn damaging my grass, St Augustine is pretty resilient.
It’s a luxury, but you’re worth it.
Your equipment look spotless, not rust no junk. Great video you helped me decide what to buy. Thank you.
What did you decide???
@@handydadtv Zero turn. I have 10 acres, l mow with a 6ft deck but around the trees and the house I think the zero turn will win. Specially due to the speed and agility. Plus looks cool riding one of these.
@BUTTEWORKS Hands down the best choice for your yard!
@@handydadtv Throw’er Down!! 👍
Great video......like the price breakdown, time trials and unbiased facts of each one's strong points and weaknesses. Currently i have someone cut my grass with a Zero turn and I've never been all that impressed with the cut, ruts and under mulched grass that i need to kick around later to spread out a day or two after cuts. I'm considering the walk behind per this video and a small rider now for personal and professional uses. You said yourself the Zero actually gives the worst cut and tears up the grass, the lawn tractor is slow as hell, but it's good to hook up an aerator, cart, etc., walk behind gives the lowest cost per cut and the best looking as per your mulch comments. Walk behind and a small rider with a bagger (excessive leaves) is what i'm thinking for myself.
You didn’t mention the size of your yard, but it sounds like you’re making good choices.
@@handydadtv we've got a 1/4 acre, that's out target size for our business too. Maximum 1/2 acre. Anything bigger then we'd need a zero.
I bought a hydro Troy Bilt 42" tractor new this spring for $999 and added 3 low-cost but tough pull behind items - aerator, dethatcher, and sweeper. This combo provides huge pluses for keeping overall lawn care costs low. I think you can also drive smart patterns with a tractor, never having to stop or go backwards. It''s easy to work on yourself, plus parts are plentiful. One thing I don't like about push mowers are the footprints in a well cut lawn. Good video. Hard to hit all the factors, but the time-aspect, saving 10 minutes per mow, should not be a tie-breaker unless you truly don't have 10 minutes to spare per week.
Great price!
You've made the decision by now over 3 years on but I would bet you kept the Toro and Cub. Here on 1 acre I have a 23" Honda self-propelled and had it for many years with no problems. Gosh Honda make quality engines. I bought a Husqvarna Rider 18 over 9 years ago and in that time had a couple of belt replacements and blades is all. It has a 44" deck, has an 8" turn and mulches beautifully (as does the Honda). So for me the answer is easy-peasy: Zero turn and hand mower, similar to me. As said here, it never hurts to get out there and actually walk 'n mow. Good for the circulation. Keep safe!
Thanks. That’s exactly what I did.
I have 12,000 sq ft so it takes me a very long time to mow with a 21" push mower. I want a time master so it doesnt take up so much space in my garage. ZT's are what all the pros use, they are fast and efficient. Also would be nice if I ever needed to use the mower for more stuff like towing a small yard trailer for lawn cleanup or something.
I've seen other youtube reviewers remove that blue sponge and the timemaster works just fine for them. I'd keep the timemaster and zero turn.
I bought my first lawn mower 16 years ago, which happens to be a Toro personal Pace mower with a Tecumseh engine. Other than a couple repairs I've had to do with it, it's been pretty reliable. I also got one for my father, and it's very easy for him to turn the lawn mower, just pressing his arm on the handle as you showed. I would say at a minimum you need to keep the Toro. Whether or not you choose to keep one of the other mowers is another question.
I do love the Toro
I purchased a lawn tractor simply for the versatility it provides; cut grass, tow things, push things. If you’re having problems mulching with your tractor, I’d guess it’s either a poorly designed deck/mulch kit or you’re letting your grass get too long before you mow. Mine only clumps if the grass gets too long because of rain. So, I’d do what I’ve done; lawn tractor with a push mower backup.
This was indeed very helpful. I will be going with a zero tune mower to replace the tractor. I have a little over two and a half acres, and time is everything ! Cheers...
Thanks
I would keep the Zero turn and the Push behind. I have a Husqvarna Zero turn and a Toro push behind myself, but I’m also on 4.5 acres. I love my zero turn, but my push also serves it’s purpose. Love them both
Great analysis and comparison Handydad! I would use the timemaster for cuts and tractor for other yard duties such as you mentioned. Zero turn is great but my yard is ~7k it would be a bit much. Thanks!!!
Thanks for your video, I have a old tractor and a lawn similar
to yours but a little bigger. I'm debating to going over to a zero turn but just not a 100% sure yet. Your info has been a real help, Thx.
Great video! I own two 22 inch toro recyclers which were great for my old 6000 sqft yard but now moving to a property with 35000 sqft! Much of the backyard is wooded so I only estimate that 1/2 of the lawn is turf....really like the timemaster. The zero turn may be my best option but also considering the timemaster. Thanks for the review, and keep all three. You can never have too many lawn mowers!
Thanks for the advice 🤣
TY for this! Great info. Time is money. Ditch the lawn tractor and keep the time master as a backup.
That’s exactly what I did.
I love your mowers
Thanks 😊
What a great video HandyDad!!! Very impressive! Nice nice lawn by the way!! 😎👍🏼
😊🙌🏻💯
you forgot about the walk behinds. I have a 32'' cub cadet walk behind and it does great. I run a small lawn cutting buisness and it fits through most gates and cuts pretty good
Great video and very informative. I enjoyed watching it. I have owned a Craftsman 42" lawn tractor for 12 years and I really wasn't satisfied with the cut quality for the first several years and I have always mulched my lawn. Then I started researching premium mulch blades and found three that I decided to try. The first ones I tried were the Sears premium mulch gator blades which worked much better than the original equipment mulching blades. I used those for about two year and then I heard about Oregon Gator Blades. I ordered the G5 Oregon Gator Blade and tried them. They were much thicker and wider than the Sears blades but had too much airflow lift for my deck designed and the grass blew from under the deck in a swirl pattern. They made a mess but I have heard positive reviews from others with deeper fabricated deck designs. I think they just weren't compatible with my mower deck. I finally tried the Rotary Copperhead Gator Blades and they were extremely good. These blades provide the cleanest most even cut I have seen on any mower. My neighbor across the street owns a 30" Toro Time Master and my Craftsman tractor mulches better than the Time Master. I also own a Honda 217 HRX which is the best mulching mower in the business and the Craftsman mulches cleaner that it does leaving less clippings. My Honda also mulches and cuts better than the Time Master. I did a lot of research on leveling my desk on the tractor and the blades are almost perfectly aligned on both sides. I also lowered my deck wheels so they role all the time while I cut to prevent the desk from scalping in low spots. This really makes a difference with cut quality. I prefer the lawn tractor because I maintain a 1-acre lot and sometimes I use my spreader and dethatcher with the tractor and I can also pull things such as sand and or blocks to areas where it is needed in my attachable wagon. Once my neighbor’s lawn tractor broke down and I pulled his tractor (518 lbs.) with him on it (260+ lbs.) and I weigh 215 lbs. and I was driving my tractor. I can't say the zero turn can't do that but I'm sure it's not designed to. For me, I would keep the lawn tractor and the Time Master. But that's just me and your Cub Cadet Zero Turn is really nice. I'm sure you won't be getting rid of that. But I agree, they can damage your turf. And one last thing, I have seen reviews where owners of mowers with deep fabricated decks prefer the Oregon Gator Mulching blades over the Rotary. They say the Rotary blades don't have enough lift. The main thing is to make sure you find what works best with your particular mower.
I have a 2021 Craftsman T240 tight turn its has a 5 inch turning and mows 3 acres it's a workhorse and very well built..46 inch deck Kohler 7000 series 22 horsepower 725cc V Twin engine it's designed after the Kohler command commercial pro engine it has a 3 year unlimited hours warranty weighs 620 pounds very powerful has a 3.1 gallon fuel tank love everything about it paid a total of $2,785 and worth every penny
Nice 👍🏻
Great video very helpful! Why did the push mower come in second in your tests but take longer than the lawn tractor to mow the entire yard? Do you take breaks?
Great video. In my 19,000 sq foot bermuda lawn, I have both the identical Timemaster Walk behind that you have, and a Toro MX 5075 zero turn. I love the mulch cut of the Timemaster, but the ZTR Toro cuts my mowing time from 80 minutes (and 2 tanks of gas) to about 45 minutes. I use the Timemaster for the front yard and the side trimming of the back yard. The Timecutter (MX 5075) does not have the outstanding cut quality of the Timemaster, but when it is 96 degrees with a heat index of 106 here in Texas, anything I can do to speed up my work is a big help. I don't think the smaller gas tank of the Timemaster is bad, becauses it forces me to take a break and drink water when I refuel. Probably for a 3 to 5 K sq foot lawn, a regular HRX Honda or a Toro Super recycler would do. Anything bigger than maybe 6K, then get the Timemaster. Probably 18K is the cut off for a riding mower.
We're closing on our first house tomorrow with a half acre lot size & plenty of obstructions (trees, swingset, deck, etc). I actually always said I'd have the same measure of success for my home so I appreciated that 😁
Really had my heart set on a D100 until my husband discovered the timemaster existed. We're both young still (29 & 35, respectively) so after taking that and your awesome review video into consideration, I think we're going to go with the timemaster. We're also going to be installing a fence in a year or 2 so the timemaster will be easier for me to make sure I don't run into it 😂
Thanks for the honesty! Definitely subscribed 👍
Congrats on the new house!!! 🥳🎉🍾
You need to check out my series called “The Living Flip”. It’s the experiences of my daughter and son-in-law buying and renovating their first house. handydad.tv/tlfpl
@@handydadtv thanks! Will do!
Seems to me like you have already made up your mind seeing that the tractor is kept outside but selfishly I am in the market for a timemaster so you should sell the toro! 😉
Chris, I have the Timemaster now which is an awesome mower. I too hate that stupid little gas tank and sponge. I used to have a Toro Timekeeper ZTR 42” but it tore up my grass and was not good on hills. I sold it after 2 years because of those negatives. Great review comparison.
I used to have a tractor and now have the Timemaster. I never used the tractor for anything else so I vote to keep the Toro Timemaster. Having the zero turn is great but most homeowners can’t afford that mower. Maybe not even the Toro. Great video! :)
Thanks! 👍🏻💯
Wow........this really eye opening. I can't justify a zero turn cost so was thinking of a ride on over my Honda mower to mow a half acre. Now you really got me reconsidering a time master
If you’re in good health and can use the exercise, you won’t regret the TM.
@@handydadtv actually I just realised this is a totally flawed test. With the TM you effectively mowed a 120inch width, if the ride on was a 40 inch deck then that would of been 160 inches (up and back twice).
First test was more or less 83secs for the TM and 97secs for the craftsman. Let's just say the TM is 15% faster...but you have move 25% less lawn
I guess your cost per mow is fairly good indicator, are you doing circles or straight up and down with those craftsman numbers?
They really are apples to oranges. Not much of a scientific analysis, I know, but the intent was to help people judge what’s good for them.
I still use all 3 in my business 💯💪🏽
Surprised you use a tractor.
I do not disagree with your analysis, but I have a lawn tractor that I bought used for $500. It is a 42". I am able to do the maintenance on it myself. So, using your cost analysis I believe it is a good choice. Even used, the zero turn mowers are dramatically more expensive, and as you pointed out the walk behind cannot be used for nowplowing, cart pulling, etc.
You got a great deal on that lawn tractor!
I love the zero turn Cub cadet I have one
It’s a great machine
What an awesome breakdown in price and performance. Great video!!!!
Thanks so much 😊
Great vid!! I have a John Deere zero turn with a 54in deck. I think that you should keep the zero turn and the push mower. There is no reason to have two driving mowers, one of which is practically useless in terms of mowing.
Good point
I currently have an ego select cut mower and it’s great if you mow once a week or more often and it’s not for yards bigger than a 1/4-1/3 of an acre. I’m looking into the time master for its mulching capabilities.
If you cut triple thick rings around the property , the tractor can cut lines faster but you’ll have to cut the rings again to keep the overall look. Zero turn is my pick though
I have a 55-inch grasshopper two and a half acres and a Cub cadet with a plow in northwest Ohio works for me.
Great video. I loved it. One of the best ever. Why isn't it advantageous to mow in a circle in or square in shall I say. Thanks again. Great start to the video. Bravo.
When you mow in circles, the clippings and leaves go in the same direction. It’s also best to change the direction of your stripes to minimize compaction.
Great test video! Definitely get rid of tractor. I'm buying the time master or a toro time cutter after watching this. Great video!!
Thanks 😊
Based on your analysis, the time master and the zero turn. Good work! I currently have the equivalent of the time master and lawn tractor.
Thanks!
You don't need that cub cadet. Go ahead and send it to wasilla ak and we can get rid of it for you hehe. Thank you for the comparison! We are currently looking for a zero turn and this helped us ensure that's what we're needing.
I kept it in the family 👍🏻
Excellent video, which helped me with my decision on which type of mower to buy. Thanks!!!
My pleasure
I have a 46" lawn tractor which is doing a good ob for me, but the ZT machines are impressive I'll agree. My mowing area is pretty complex and I also use implements such as a powered sweeper/collector and a trailer which means that a ZT would probably not be the weapon of choice for me.
You’re probably better off with the tractor. Good choice.
I would keep the Timemaster. I like a push mower for residential lawns and they take up such little space.
Yep lawn tractor needs to go! Those are a thing of the past, 80s and 90s lol 😂. I like the Timemaster, it can make some amazing stripes along with great cut quality and most importantly you get exercise when mowing. Zero turn is cool, but I enjoy mowing way to much to only spend 15 minutes per mow. Good video👍
Lawn tractors can be decent when you have a large lawn or property, I have over an acre, so I can use the lawn tractor for seeding, towing a small trailer, cutting grass or plowing my driveway in the winter
There where zero turns in the 90s and the walk behind makes the quickest turns without stopping
Given the size of my current yard, roughly 8000 sq ft, and available shed storage space, I would be inclined to keep the Timemaster. My dream mower would be a zero turn.
In your next house. #mowergoals
My yard is larger (0.95 acre) and has a berm on the front edge which excludes a ZTR style. Recently I upgraded from a JD LA105 42" riding mower to a JD X570 54" tractor with 7.2 mph forward speed. I can now mow everything in 50 minutes. The LA105 is similar to the Craftsman unit but I have no fence and no gates to consider.
Great video. Ive maintained an acre+ of lawn with several machines over twenty years. Craftsman LT 1000, Cub LO boy 154 flail, ih 244 with rear mounted finish mower, Toro 48 in deck with stand on dolly and a Troy Built Zero Turn. Personally, I really disliked the Zero turn. Cutting this much lawn requires a free hand for a cigar, or a beverage, occasional texting and changing music on phone. I couldn't even scratch my face without letting go of those damn handles. Steering wheels only!
Good points if you have a big lawn. I could get mine done in 20 minutes with the ZTR so I saved all the other stuff for afterwards.
Great video! I like the criteria choices for the comparisons. Personally, i would ditch the lawn tractor. You're kids are grown up now, right? so who needs it unless like you said, you plow with it.
True
A good informative comparison of 3 types of mowers. I am not so sure about the "cost per mow" analysis though, for 2 reasons, (forgive me, I am a bit of a freak with this kind of stuff). 1) You used your "used price" for the tractor, (that is in line with "your" cost to mow, just not ours). 2) Unless you mow for money, (where time is money), I am not sure how "The time it takes each mower to mow your yard" factors into "cost" of mowing per mow. Gas consumption, and cost of maintenance, (of which time would factor in there) would more directly effect cost per mow. I think if I said, "The tractor takes the longest, but saves you money at the tanning booth if you do that thing", that might be more of a factor than the time spent in your yard. :) What I said goes out the window for a mowing business though. But I may be missing something. One thing I do not know, is how you factored in time. Care to share?
I used “new” prices for all, not used. You can disagree with my use of time as a factor, but that was the most objective metric I could use.
I would keep one of the riders. Since the zero turn is cool, but expensive I am leaning to purchasing another lawn tractor. I am seeing prices of $2500 for a lawn tractor and $4000 for a zero turn. Granted they are not apples to apples comparison. I am in the market for a new lawn mower though.
I’d get rid of the Zero Turn and give it to a guy in Pittsburgh! Did I mention I live in Pittsburgh!
Seriously, I’d keep your tractor for cutting, plowing and towing carts and the walk behind because of the cut and durability!
Great Video, I’d like to hear your input on the zero turn with hills. Thanks!
I have no trouble keeping it straight on my slopes. They make a ZT with a steering wheel for serious inclines.
We have 15000 sf .I use a JD riding mower and a Toro Recycler 22in . Man am I sick of turning the rider around! I broke the steering mechanism once , it’s only 2 years old. We’re going to get a Z-turn like yours one day ! I’ve seen your videos on the Z-turn . Thanks. If I was pick in’ , keep the Toro and Z-turn for sure .
I'm not going to tell you which two to keep, but I will tell you that you have helped me significantly in understanding the true differences and which direction I should go. I am getting ready to move into my new home that sits on 5 acres. Probably 3 of those is grass that I will need to mow. It is a fairly forested property and and I have many trees I'll need to mow around. There is some slope and un-level areas, but nothing extreme. I have been thinking all along that I will get a lawn tractor, but after watching your video I think the zero-turn is the way to go. I have a quad that will do the other chores of towing, pulling, etc, so I will use this machine strictly for mowing. Would you agree that I should go "zero-turn?" Also, if I have to regularly go over small fallen branches, areas where blackberry vines try to come up through the grass, or other woody debris is in my path, is there a certain level of mower you'd say I should get? I definitely will not go the high professional route and pay $10K or more, and would really only consider $7K at my high end. Just curious where you'd direct me? Thanks, and great video.
Zero turn for sure. One with a big deck. I’ve only used the Cub Cadet, which works great for me, but I can’t tell you which brand is best. I know guys that swear by John Deer and Toro. People recommend buying from a real dealer who can get you parts and service. Avoid a big machine investment from a home center.
I think you should keep the timemaster. 27 minutes is not bad at all. Plus, your getting exercise. Win Win! Personally for me, I mow 2 acres a week on a lawn tractor. Mostly all pasture areas, that I keep maintained, and about 12k of actual lawn. My goal is to smooth out areas where there are lost of dips and ruts in pasture areas, overseed like crazy, and a few yrs from know purchase a zero turn!
Yeah I didn’t mention the benefit of exercise, which I could certainly use!
Zero turn is fast, but the risk of really damaging the grass should be consider.
My yard has two 18 degree slopes that run the width of the yard. I also, pull a plug aerator and wagon. I have a 25 year old Craftsman tractor with 15 Kohler and it does ok and in good condition, however, it has traction issues dealing with the slopes, but manages, Was looking at a zero but concerned about hills and towing. Looking at a Husq tractor 48" with locking diff for about $3200.
I don't have a big slope so I didn't mention that at all, but it's a definite limitation of a zero turn. Although Cub Cadet has a zero turn with a steering wheel, which is supposed to be much better on slopes.
Finally moved away from Jersey. Howell area. N need a ride on. Who do i find. Handy Dad. My man always helping me out. Thanks again
Ironically, I moved to Howell in 2020!
Where are you now?
Before you buy a ride-on, check this out: ua-cam.com/video/0Q9j5rhtkvY/v-deo.html
@@handydadtv I'm in Ocala Florida. Bought alil over an acre of land for 2k and plopped a manufactured home on the land. Total cost was around 100k for everything, land clear, septic and well. Taxes each year is around 1k. Crazy huh. I did buy the land before COVID which helped. U can't touch anything over here now for less than 11k and that's on the cheap side. Mostly going for 22k on new dirt road neighborhood almost next to that new biggest in the world horse center. Really nice place to live. Just sucks cause I have to drive kinda far for everything. Other than that. No complaints. Oh the animals r different. Seen and had to put down n armidillo for the first time. Didn't like it but I had to. It kept digging up my whole yard. A whole family
Very nice and well thought out video cost assessment really good. I think you may actually like a zero turn thats designed for hills models with steering wheels. They track straight and are better for striping. I am looking for a really good mulching mower. I have had zero turns and have found the old green craftsman in your video paired with the right mulching blades and deck leveled slightly forward to have an exceptional mulching cut. I would get-rid of the craftsman and time master.
Awesome video, excellent information great entertainment. I wouldn't get rid of any...
The ZRT was meant for yards bigger than yours or for lawn services who cut several lawns a day. The quality of cut is secondary to how fast it cuts. The push mower is too small for your yard. i used a walk behind on my 1/2 acre for years and it is more than a workout in 80 degrees and 75% humidity.Push mowers do give the best cut because they have a small deck and a single blade. I have used all 3 and found the tractor to be the best. I don't care how long it takes to mow as I crawl along and think to myself. It's an escape and a refuge. As you pointed out, it is easy to drive and not really tricky. I refuse to pay $3K for a ZRT and there is no way in hell I would pay $1K for a walk behind. I buy my Craftsman mowers used for 1/3 of the price of a new one. I had a nice JD 175 but the transmission died after 31 years. The new JDs are $$$$ and break down after 5 years. Speed should be secondary to the cut you want. Most will agree.
The zero turn wouldn't tear up the grass if you learned how to turn it. Those pits occure from one wheel sitting still and the other wheel doing the turning. If you reverse the one wheel and forward the other wheel. Keeping both wheels moving it does now tear up the yard
Agreed, I’m getting better. I practice twice a week.
Keep all 3. Right tool for the job.. I think all 3 have a use and you never know what you might need in the future.
No space.
Your style of making videos is so cool. Keep it up!
Thanks so much 😊
That was pretty cool. I would keep the zero turn and the hand mower.
👍🏻
Great video. Let’s face it… As Americans we all need a little bit more exercise so the push mower is always the right choice unless you’re doing over an acre.
No argument here
I used to mow 3/4 of an acre with a push mower it kept me in good shape and just made me feel better the only reason I quit was the shame factor The way my neighbors in people passing by would look at you when pushing that mower up and down The Yard.
So I broke down and bought a lawn tractor now I have a potbelly and feel like crap most of the time.
And now the neighbors still shame you! Go back to the push mower and tell them to STFU.
Lawn Aeration cost $250- $350 for my 16000 square foot lawn. You would save this by using a Tractor Mower. I am trying to decide on which way to go zero turn or tractor. If there was only a way to attach the Seeder / Aerator to th Zero Turn?
I use all my tractor attachments on the zero turn, including an aerator last Fall. ua-cam.com/video/yeh7rB7mJEU/v-deo.html
9/28/21, @HandyDadTV, I used to hoof (
Agree!
Not to be rude, but keep only the push mower. At your age and waistline, the push will serve you best. It will unclutter your shed, and thrill your wife when she gets a surprise gift with the money gained in the sale of the other two. Pull out the foam and put in a see-thru screen cap IF you need anything there at all. (No, fishing is not exercise).
No offense taken. But I kept the zero turn and then handed it down to my son-in-law when I moved to a community with an HOA lawn service. But it also has a gym. 😉
Very helpful on deciding! Particularly the diagram after the examples!
Glad it was helpful 👍🏻
Keep the zero turn and the Time Master. The zero turn is the fastest........but if we are in a rainy spell and you need to cut, the zero turn will destroy your lawn.....as I am sure you know. The Time Master can be used then, or when the zero turn is in for maintenance / repair (which from my experience is often least once a year and always during spring...when the grass grows like crazy), or when maybe you want to do a quick mid-week cut (just cut, no trimming or edging) and you feel like walking. I just moved, sold my Toro SS4200 zero turn and I am probably going to buy the Time Master in the spring of 2021. For right now I have a cheap entry level craftsman push mower because our landscaping was horrendous at our new property. I have worked on it all summer and we put down Tall Fescue sod in mid September (looking great) so I want a better mower for next season. And I am having some hip issues so a 30 inch cut will help me save some steps going forward.
Good feedback. Thanks.
So only thing I think that is missed from this analysis is your walk consistency with the timemaster. If it’s 100 degrees and trying to mow that large of a lawn, then It’s going to be pretty brutal. Great review and personally I would stick with the zero turn and keep the timemaster for small areas.
I definitely perspire when using the TM, even though it’s self-propelled.
I would keep the zeroturn and the time master great video
I would keep the tractor and send me the Time Master and Cub Cadet! 😁 honestly though I’d ditch the tractor.
Looks like you live in an area with low insect population and you do enjoy your lawn work, so maybe time is not an issue with you, also you like to mulch your grass so I would say the time master would be your best bet, you can enjoy some exercise and have a mower that gets into tighter areas to cut down on trimming. Tractors are fun however especially if you want to make a "hay trailer" and haul the kids down the street on a "haunted hayride" that is if the cops there are cool about that. lol My experience in New Jersey was pretty good with that (30 years ago) and you can always get a dedicated snow blower for your drive way. Thanks for the review. It was helpful. I am looking for a mower to do 2.5 acres in Tennessee. It looks like a zero turn for me for time factor
Once you go zero turn, you'll never go back.