For me the cub cadet gets the nod with kawasaki engine. I like the strong tube frame I can mount a sturdy overhead canopy and even an oil cooler for the sturdy kawasaki engine. The fab deck is not as thick as bad boy but I just cannot ignore that 2x2 tube frame I want!!
I bought the Husqvarna Z254F special edition 3 weeks ago , has the 23 HP Kawasaki, very happy with the mower. I live on 5.5 acre horse property with no horses. Pastures had not been cut all summer, were 2 feet tall grass and weeds. Had to make two passes but it did it. Very powerful mow
Recently purchased a 54" Bad Boy MZ Magnum with 40 hours on it for $3100. It was a stroke of luck, because I was just a day or two away from buying a new one for $4699. We know the former owners, which gives great peace of mind about how the machine has been treated. I'd slightly prefer the Kawasaki engine, but I'm comfortable with the Kohler 7000. Our last mower was a Husqvarna with the much-maligned Kohler Courage engine, and we got 12-13 years of good service from it. I've cut our 4 acre lawn 4 times with the BB, and I really like this mower. It's a bit faster than the Husqvarna and seems to get much better gas mileage. I really like the deck height adjustment. My only complaint so far is I wish it had either better suspension or a better seat. It's a bit of a rough ride in the less-smooth parts of our yard. Overall I'm pleased, and I really hope it serves us as well as our old Husqvarna.
Just purchased a ZT1 50". I like the exposed motor for ease of maintenance.. Although i've had Kawasaki motors before and they are excellent and not likely to need repairs.
I went with the Toro timecutter 42 fabricated deck and with the kohler engine retail for 3,500 paid 3750, so far loving it with my small landscaping business 🙏
I just purchased the Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 kohler engine for $3,695 at RK and love it. Have a 4 year old John Deere 48 tractor moving 2.5 acres, still use it for the ditch line.
My son was able to buy a bad boy, MZ Mustang, 54 inch deck with 54 hours on it for three grand in April. So far, he is pretty happy with it for his first zero turn.
Yes I did see,the cub was the best deal cause the deck you can have is 42 up to 54 the other’s were not. Great job showing and telling about the lawnmowers , have a great day see ya bye.
I bought a redmax rtz54 with a 26 horse kawasaki and have had good luck so far, i fabricated a hitch to roll a 1 acre lawn 3or 4 times early spring, the mower does 9mph so if its not rolled its pretty rough ride, with it rolled i cut my lawn in about 40 mins 55 if i cross cut which i do quite a bit because i have alot of shade.
I would step up to the $5000 to $6000 range as a starting point. Much better serviceable transaxles, better build quality, and no single cylinder engines. The Bad Boy would have been the #1 pick but the single cylinder Briggs puts it at the bottom with the Toro. If you’re on a budget and have to buy one of these, the Husqvarna is probably the best choice.
Great list. The theme of value continues on as well with commercial mowers. Choosing between a Bad Boy and Toro. The Toro 2000 series with something like 27hp carburated engine is the same price as a Rebel with the 31hp Kawasaki EFI. The Rebel also has better transaxles. The only thing the toro has going for it is the supposedly better myride system, but that makes it very difficult to get to things for maintenance and repair.
Thanks for the comment! Might I suggest trying out the Rebel with a suspension seat? I think you'll find a suspension seat on the rebel is going to be pretty close to that myride feeel. Also, If you're comfortable with a 60" cut the maverick HD is also a great choice, Happy Mowing!
@TractorBobs just wondering, when does Bad Boy come out with new model year mowers? My local shop says ordering the one I want might be tricky as Bad Boy starts ramping down production this time of year. While we still have 4 months of cutting in Ohio, most people don't keep getting in a lot of inventory.
I got my time cutter for $2,399. Someone traded it in literally brand new not even fully put together to my local tractor supply in exchange for a brush hog.
These mowers all use hydro gear transaxle (That’s good) do not get a Briggs engine! The Areins mower and a gravely are about the same machine. The bad boy is a good choice. Might want to check out a hustler. I recommend Kawasaki engines always. I have been a mower mechanic for nearly 40 years. Buy the best you can afford. Just my 2 cents
not really, because an ezt-2200 transaxle is non serviceable, I think. The ezt 2800 can do a fluid and filter change. It's also a weak transmission. but 3100 steps into commercial, so you'll pay extra.
The deck is fabricated but the material thickness of the deck is thinner than others. I went to my local dealer and stepped on the Ariens deck and felt very flimsy compared to the bad boy. As far as comfort though they have one of the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in.
It’s interesting you cared more about floor mats and cup holders than the actual machine. Never mentioned a gas gauge or transparent tank or foot pedal deck lift? And the motor is too open? Seriously?! No one that works on their own stuff is ever going to complain about that!
All mowers at this price range feature identical engines and transaxles. The only thing left to go talk about is the tire size, deck quality, build quality, and features.
I think it's light duty compared to other mowers you can get at that price. I think you might be talking about the 235 because I don't think a 231 model exists. I say, as long as you take good care of the mower it should be just fine for you!
@@dougdozier8782 I think this is as good as the Toro & Ariens on my list, but just slightly worse than all the other mowers in the video. Only because it's lighter duty and doesn't have quite as many features. That said if you have about half an acre or less, with no problem areas, this mower will do ya just fine my friend!
Thanks for the review. I got the 2023 Gravely ZT 42 with bagger (not power bagger). It's AWEFUL!! Do NOT get this one! Also, the mower blows grass, leaves, debris all out of ALL sides of the mower including in front which goes RIGHT into your face and eyes! It's absolutely awful. I was advised to slow the mower engine/speed and that will fix it and it did NOTHING! The bagger is the 1st time Gravely did their own and it's AWFUL. The bags are WAY too behind the mower so if you're driving along side of a structure or fence, you can't just turn away from the structure normally b/c the bags are so far behind the mower, turning normally, the bags crash up against the structure. Literally the only good thing about the Gravely ZT 42 is the Kawasaki engine. I'm selling this mower despite having it for ONE season!!! I might look at a couple of these but only ones that offer the Kawasaki engine.
Uh, I think you missed one. The 2023 John Deere Z-Traks are so much improved over the previous years that most others have them as #1 or #2 on their lists. Why did you omit them completely on your list?
Based on my research John Deer still has a stamped deck at this price point. Stamped decks are terrible. They are weaker and more likely to bend. Until they improve their decks with fabricated decks they will never be as good as these mowers listed. You can then talk about JD spindles which are aluminum and they warp. Most of the repair shops hate John Deere because their reliability is not what it used to be. I owned an JD 300 series mower and it lasted 17 years not much of shop time in it aside from standard maintenance. However the deck didn't cut straight for the last 12 years and I had to make multiple passes took hours to cut 1.5 acres. I thought it was blades. Could never figure it out. Took it to a shop and found out the deck was bent. 1k to replace a new frame time for a new tractor. I will never buy a stamped deck again.
Arien lower end reviews aren't impressive despite many recommendations by experts. Read reviews for trends in people having the same issues like oil leaks or broken spindles. It's not easy getting a good economical z turn.
No sir I wanted to include Ferris, they make one of the better mowers in my opinion. Would have included the 300s but the price tag on that is $4000 in 2023, making it just a bit too expensive for this video.
This list doesn't go over all the complaints people have. My Cub Cadet vibrates and rattles so hard it sounds like it's going to fall apart. The deck height adjusts itself to lower or higher positions while you're mowing. Others are saying the plastic chutes and belt guards on the Toro keeps breaking and getting chewed up by the belt. The Briggs engine on your Bad boy is under powered and the deck is too small, the Ariens is basically a Gravely which offers a lot less for your buck imo. Husqvarna gives people the run around and it's impossible to get someone on the phone. All in all I'd say get an MZ Magnum at $4,200. All these mowers are garbage.
I had to change my blades after 2 months but when I did all the rattling and clattering stopped. It's mowing quiet and smooth like the day I got it. I can't believe I was ready to get rid of this mower so quickly.
If you looks at the specs, the cub cadet is a top performer in this price range. Trust me I didn’t want to put the cub cadet on the list. But the truth is, it’s got a lot going for it at this price!
I have had three cubs 54 inch cut over the years. wore one deck out . Running two now to cut 5 acres, 3 empty lots and two with homes on them . we dont cut them all at the same time and we dont dog the mowers. WE clean and maintain them well beyond what is recommended. they have a good warranty compared to others. Took our ultima zt1 in for repair, wife got to zealous with the plastic throttle control. I told them we broke it but they fixed it for free anyway, mower was a year old. I like the cubs overall. Dont like the plastic throttle control or the S shaped holes on the blades on the ultima! Had a transmission leak on one under warranty, replaced it no questions. I think they belong on this list they perform well for a mower in this price range. Maintenace is the key, $3000 or $13,000 Dollars.
I’m gonna have to call you on that one partner!! I see no reason why the Cub Cadet wasn’t number 1 !! It was way better than the bad boy !!! The only thing it had better was the larger tank!! That’s it !! So talk need to fix that !! But I appreciate your work and investigative skills but my points are legit
I agree that the motor on the cub is best at this price point. If Rambler had the Kawasaki or a Kohler it would be a 3800 tractor. The 2024 version of the Cub comes with the Kohler motor. The Kawasaki version is over $4,000. Build quality on the Rambler is excellent best overall with 7 gauge steel. Serviceability on the Rambler is fantastic because the deck is completely flat. He apparently didn't like the open frame style around the motor of the cub. Although he didn't mention it, the cub does use aluminum spindles and the deck although it is fabricated it is not totally flat and is 10 gauge. He also loves Bad Boy so there may be some bias there. All in all the Cub has a great set of options for home use however right now its build quality is not on par with the Rambler. I also have heard horror stories about the Cub and deck vibration issues and uneven cuts. I personally like the MZ Magnum it is a bit more money but it is everything that the Rambler is plus a bigger deck and better motor. Cash price is 4,175 and puts it at the same price point as the Cub with the same Kawasaki motor in 2024.
Super good information! Just 'ease up' on the Floor Mat Fetish... Traps MOISTURE and accelerates corrosion.
For me the cub cadet gets the nod with kawasaki engine. I like the strong tube frame I can mount a sturdy overhead canopy and even an oil cooler for the sturdy kawasaki engine. The fab deck is not as thick as bad boy but I just cannot ignore that 2x2 tube frame I want!!
I bought the Husqvarna Z254F special edition 3 weeks ago , has the 23 HP Kawasaki, very happy with the mower. I live on 5.5 acre horse property with no horses. Pastures had not been cut all summer, were 2 feet tall grass and weeds. Had to make two passes but it did it. Very powerful mow
Recently purchased a 54" Bad Boy MZ Magnum with 40 hours on it for $3100. It was a stroke of luck, because I was just a day or two away from buying a new one for $4699. We know the former owners, which gives great peace of mind about how the machine has been treated. I'd slightly prefer the Kawasaki engine, but I'm comfortable with the Kohler 7000. Our last mower was a Husqvarna with the much-maligned Kohler Courage engine, and we got 12-13 years of good service from it. I've cut our 4 acre lawn 4 times with the BB, and I really like this mower. It's a bit faster than the Husqvarna and seems to get much better gas mileage. I really like the deck height adjustment. My only complaint so far is I wish it had either better suspension or a better seat. It's a bit of a rough ride in the less-smooth parts of our yard. Overall I'm pleased, and I really hope it serves us as well as our old Husqvarna.
You can get the air ride suspension seat upgrade but it's not cheap
The engine is exposed well. That is a good quality.
I've had my Timecutter (75750) for 3 years and I absolutely love it.
Thanks for the comment!
Just purchased a ZT1 50". I like the exposed motor for ease of maintenance.. Although i've had Kawasaki motors before and they are excellent and not likely to need repairs.
how ya liking it? im gona buy the same one in the next couple weeks any curve balls with it?
I went with the Toro timecutter 42 fabricated deck and with the kohler engine retail for 3,500 paid 3750, so far loving it with my small landscaping business 🙏
I just purchased the Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 kohler engine for $3,695 at RK and love it. Have a 4 year old John Deere 48 tractor moving 2.5 acres, still use it for the ditch line.
Very nice!
My son was able to buy a bad boy, MZ Mustang, 54 inch deck with 54 hours on it for three grand in April.
So far, he is pretty happy with it for his first zero turn.
That's great!
I like the exposed engine on the Cub Cadet, makes it much easier to work on if needed.
Great job showing and telling, keep up the good work showing. Thanks for showing see ya next time see ya bye.
Yes I did see,the cub was the best deal cause the deck you can have is 42 up to 54 the other’s were not. Great job showing and telling about the lawnmowers , have a great day see ya bye.
I love my simplicity courier easy to service has a large assortments of mower heights and so far after 5years it's gave me no trouble.
I bought a redmax rtz54 with a 26 horse kawasaki and have had good luck so far, i fabricated a hitch to roll a 1 acre lawn 3or 4 times early spring, the mower does 9mph so if its not rolled its pretty rough ride, with it rolled i cut my lawn in about 40 mins 55 if i cross cut which i do quite a bit because i have alot of shade.
I would step up to the $5000 to $6000 range as a starting point. Much better serviceable transaxles, better build quality, and no single cylinder engines. The Bad Boy would have been the #1 pick but the single cylinder Briggs puts it at the bottom with the Toro. If you’re on a budget and have to buy one of these, the Husqvarna is probably the best choice.
Everyone is on a budget.
That's what I did . More machine than I need but it's not over worked
Great list. The theme of value continues on as well with commercial mowers. Choosing between a Bad Boy and Toro. The Toro 2000 series with something like 27hp carburated engine is the same price as a Rebel with the 31hp Kawasaki EFI. The Rebel also has better transaxles. The only thing the toro has going for it is the supposedly better myride system, but that makes it very difficult to get to things for maintenance and repair.
Thanks for the comment! Might I suggest trying out the Rebel with a suspension seat? I think you'll find a suspension seat on the rebel is going to be pretty close to that myride feeel. Also, If you're comfortable with a 60" cut the maverick HD is also a great choice, Happy Mowing!
@TractorBobs just wondering, when does Bad Boy come out with new model year mowers? My local shop says ordering the one I want might be tricky as Bad Boy starts ramping down production this time of year. While we still have 4 months of cutting in Ohio, most people don't keep getting in a lot of inventory.
just priced the cub cadet . where i live ,around 5400 dollars. these were commercial mowers. haven't found any for residential.
It’s all I need to cut grass, keep it very simple
Thanks for the information. Looking for a mower
The mz magnum would be my choice.
I have read some. As reviews on the toro about belt problems
I got my time cutter for $2,399. Someone traded it in literally brand new not even fully put together to my local tractor supply in exchange for a brush hog.
These mowers all use hydro gear transaxle (That’s good) do not get a Briggs engine! The Areins mower and a gravely are about the same machine. The bad boy is a good choice. Might want to check out a hustler. I recommend Kawasaki engines always. I have been a mower mechanic for nearly 40 years. Buy the best you can afford. Just my 2 cents
not really, because an ezt-2200 transaxle is non serviceable, I think. The ezt 2800 can do a fluid and filter change. It's also a weak transmission. but 3100 steps into commercial, so you'll pay extra.
The exposed engine I think is a good thing some of the JD models burn up engines a lot because of getting too hot.
How is the 34 cut Briggs Ariens zero turn
Thanks for the video. FYI your amazon page link doesn't work.
Thank you for letting me know!
$3,500 might be a lot. But remember next year they'll be more. And more the next year. Or we can all stop buying things and force a correction
I haven't found anything on your list for less than $4300 except for the 32 in cut decks
I just bought a bad boy MZ Rambler 42” $3600 msrp
I agree it’s a waste of time
What about troy bilt z46?
Cub #1 Easily
Anyone notice that there is very little difference { or no dif at all } in all these mowers.
It almost boils down to what color you like
I dont think you're the first to notice, lol.. The more affordable the mower, the more similair they become.
@@TractorBobsbuild quality, can’t break the bad boy but I have to keep pumping the front tire.
@@everettware3466 Sounds like you got a problem, get no-flats or beet juice!
All drive train ( Bottom of the line). Don’t buy from a box store. Big mistake, They will send you somewhere else to do the warranty work.
You said the Ariens deck quality isn't good, but what about it isn't good? The specs show 11ga steel...is it something else that makes it not good?
Stamped no scalp wheels on the 42 inch cut
The deck is fabricated but the material thickness of the deck is thinner than others. I went to my local dealer and stepped on the Ariens deck and felt very flimsy compared to the bad boy. As far as comfort though they have one of the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in.
It’s interesting you cared more about floor mats and cup holders than the actual machine. Never mentioned a gas gauge or transparent tank or foot pedal deck lift? And the motor is too open? Seriously?! No one that works on their own stuff is ever going to complain about that!
All mowers at this price range feature identical engines and transaxles. The only thing left to go talk about is the tire size, deck quality, build quality, and features.
Any one notice that every brand has a hydro that seems to fail and that the price of one is damn near the cost of whole new unit?
What are your thoughts on the 2023 John Deere Z231E?
I think it's light duty compared to other mowers you can get at that price. I think you might be talking about the 235 because I don't think a 231 model exists. I say, as long as you take good care of the mower it should be just fine for you!
@@TractorBobs sorry Z315E ZTrak
@@dougdozier8782 I think this is as good as the Toro & Ariens on my list, but just slightly worse than all the other mowers in the video. Only because it's lighter duty and doesn't have quite as many features. That said if you have about half an acre or less, with no problem areas, this mower will do ya just fine my friend!
Waste of Money
Deere has really good options in their new 2023 lineup ranging from $3300 on up
All are really junky
Ariens is the best mower.
Thanks for the review. I got the 2023 Gravely ZT 42 with bagger (not power bagger). It's AWEFUL!! Do NOT get this one! Also, the mower blows grass, leaves, debris all out of ALL sides of the mower including in front which goes RIGHT into your face and eyes! It's absolutely awful. I was advised to slow the mower engine/speed and that will fix it and it did NOTHING! The bagger is the 1st time Gravely did their own and it's AWFUL. The bags are WAY too behind the mower so if you're driving along side of a structure or fence, you can't just turn away from the structure normally b/c the bags are so far behind the mower, turning normally, the bags crash up against the structure. Literally the only good thing about the Gravely ZT 42 is the Kawasaki engine. I'm selling this mower despite having it for ONE season!!! I might look at a couple of these but only ones that offer the Kawasaki engine.
No John deer?
Hydro-Gear has included drain plugs on the newer EZT2200 hydros. Easier to swap oil.
Nice! Thanks for the update!
Uh, I think you missed one. The 2023 John Deere Z-Traks are so much improved over the previous years that most others have them as #1 or #2 on their lists. Why did you omit them completely on your list?
Based on my research John Deer still has a stamped deck at this price point. Stamped decks are terrible. They are weaker and more likely to bend. Until they improve their decks with fabricated decks they will never be as good as these mowers listed. You can then talk about JD spindles which are aluminum and they warp. Most of the repair shops hate John Deere because their reliability is not what it used to be. I owned an JD 300 series mower and it lasted 17 years not much of shop time in it aside from standard maintenance. However the deck didn't cut straight for the last 12 years and I had to make multiple passes took hours to cut 1.5 acres. I thought it was blades. Could never figure it out. Took it to a shop and found out the deck was bent. 1k to replace a new frame time for a new tractor. I will never buy a stamped deck again.
Just a lit nit picking. On the Bad Boy you say it has a Briggs engine, yet in the video you can clearly see that it says Kohler on the engine.
JD 330m kaw motor
Zero turn!
Tracktor bob :
Paid for by Bad Boy
Bad Boy does not sponsor our videos. However, we are a Bad Boy dealer and that's because we only want top quality brands to provide our customers.
Arien lower end reviews aren't impressive despite many recommendations by experts. Read reviews for trends in people having the same issues like oil leaks or broken spindles. It's not easy getting a good economical z turn.
Bad boy would and should be last.
Ferris didn't fit your comparison?
No sir I wanted to include Ferris, they make one of the better mowers in my opinion. Would have included the 300s but the price tag on that is $4000 in 2023, making it just a bit too expensive for this video.
@@TractorBobs Thank you
Price increase due to yourube landscaping videos.
This list doesn't go over all the complaints people have. My Cub Cadet vibrates and rattles so hard it sounds like it's going to fall apart. The deck height adjusts itself to lower or higher positions while you're mowing. Others are saying the plastic chutes and belt guards on the Toro keeps breaking and getting chewed up by the belt. The Briggs engine on your Bad boy is under powered and the deck is too small, the Ariens is basically a Gravely which offers a lot less for your buck imo. Husqvarna gives people the run around and it's impossible to get someone on the phone. All in all I'd say get an MZ Magnum at $4,200. All these mowers are garbage.
I had to change my blades after 2 months but when I did all the rattling and clattering stopped. It's mowing quiet and smooth like the day I got it. I can't believe I was ready to get rid of this mower so quickly.
How did cub cadet make top five? So much for this rating channel
If you looks at the specs, the cub cadet is a top performer in this price range. Trust me I didn’t want to put the cub cadet on the list. But the truth is, it’s got a lot going for it at this price!
I have had three cubs 54 inch cut over the years. wore one deck out . Running two now to cut 5 acres, 3 empty lots and two with homes on them . we dont cut them all at the same time and we dont dog the mowers. WE clean and maintain them well beyond what is recommended. they have a good warranty compared to others. Took our ultima zt1 in for repair, wife got to zealous with the plastic throttle control. I told them we broke it but they fixed it for free anyway, mower was a year old. I like the cubs overall. Dont like the plastic throttle control or the S shaped holes on the blades on the ultima! Had a transmission leak on one under warranty, replaced it no questions. I think they belong on this list they perform well for a mower in this price range. Maintenace is the key, $3000 or $13,000 Dollars.
Husqvarna not Husqu"A"varna
How tall is that women on the Ariens? lol
Guess john deer didn't make the cut. I thought they were top grade.....
NO NO. They have been bested due to still having a stamped deck and aluminum spindles at 3500 price point.
vertimo reikia
Too much superficial information. How are they at sharpening the blades?
Toro. Not Torro.
The side fenders on the Bad Boy mowers are lame. Look like bat wings. Don't care for it at all.
I agree. I like the BadBoy features but it looks like the Bat mower with those goofy fenders.
Briggs & Stratton engine on the Bad Boy Zero-Turn mower… ‼️THAT’S TERRIBLE‼️
If that mower had a Kawasaki or Kohler it would be great. Not to mention that brigs isn't even a twin.
I have the original Kholer engine in my 1974 cub. Lol who’s buying mowers every few years? That’s dumb af
My Briggs been running for over 20 years
Only reason I didn't get the badboy was because of the engine if it had and kohler or kawasaki I would get it in a heart beat.
The Briggs&stratton 22 v twin engine is pretty good.
This AI voice was not bad. Still an AI voice yuk!
They all look cheaply made !!
I’m gonna have to call you on that one partner!! I see no reason why the Cub Cadet wasn’t number 1 !! It was way better than the bad boy !!! The only thing it had better was the larger tank!! That’s it !! So talk need to fix that !! But I appreciate your work and investigative skills but my points are legit
I agree that the motor on the cub is best at this price point. If Rambler had the Kawasaki or a Kohler it would be a 3800 tractor. The 2024 version of the Cub comes with the Kohler motor. The Kawasaki version is over $4,000. Build quality on the Rambler is excellent best overall with 7 gauge steel. Serviceability on the Rambler is fantastic because the deck is completely flat. He apparently didn't like the open frame style around the motor of the cub. Although he didn't mention it, the cub does use aluminum spindles and the deck although it is fabricated it is not totally flat and is 10 gauge. He also loves Bad Boy so there may be some bias there. All in all the Cub has a great set of options for home use however right now its build quality is not on par with the Rambler. I also have heard horror stories about the Cub and deck vibration issues and uneven cuts. I personally like the MZ Magnum it is a bit more money but it is everything that the Rambler is plus a bigger deck and better motor. Cash price is 4,175 and puts it at the same price point as the Cub with the same Kawasaki motor in 2024.
Cub cadet suck
This list is trash
Then watch my latest top 5 list… but this time watch it on 2x speed so you can sift through the trash more quickly. Haha
@@TractorBobs that’s a good idea bobs
Ask Tractor Bob what he sells UMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM Bad Boy LOL