Zero turn recommendations

I need to step up my lawnmower to a zero turn. Mowing is all it will be doing. Currently have a POS cub cadet lawn tractor. NOT what they used to be. I mow over an acre and have a lot of obstacles. Anyone have experience with Simplicity?

I've been using a Simplicity Champion for the last several seasons, I bought it new. It's a solid unit, no major problems yet. The Champion is basically a Ferris - Briggs and Stratton owns both brands now. Mine has a stamped steel deck. I kind of wish I had one of the heavier-duty cast decks now as I am hard on decks - accidentally catching immovable objects on the edges. I mow several acres each week.

I've got one of the older Great Dane Golden Chariots with a 61" deck. I've got several friends and customers who do commercial landscaping so I have also looked at the way mine is made in relation to the way many of the other commercial mowers are made, and I've got to say it's a well designed mower from a mechanical standpoint. One of the major things I like is that mine has a hydrostat pump and individual drive motors where many of the others have a hydrostatic transaxel with everything in one unit. Everyone I know with one of those has had problems with them, be it a leak at a joint in the housing, or a major malfunction. In all cases the repairs weren't cheap, or so I was told.

Beyond that if you really look, the designs are similar between all of the brands, with the major differences seeming to be more in how heavy it's built. That said I've repaired cracks on the frames on several of the other brands, but haven't had any issues with my mower yet. Granted I don't run it every day like the commercial guys do, but I do run it through the paces when I mow. That said, given the age of mine -vs- the age of many of the others, it's probably seen just as many hours as any of the others without any issues.

Another thing I like about mine is it has the old style handles where they are stationary and sit between your legs -vs- folding out of the way to the sides like the newer ones. This allows me to travel slow using one hand and spray poison/weed killer, or whatever, without having to use both hands on the handles like you do with the newer style machines. Maybe not an issue for many, but something I like about mine.

Around here all the landscapers seem to get Xmark. I bought one of their Lazer models last summer. Never used anything like it. Lawn looks amazing and it is nice to ride around on. I do 2 acres here and about 4-5 out to the farm.

I have a Hustler Fastrack 60" deck, Kawasaki engine, built in Kansas, very nice heavy built machine!

I have Dixie Chopper and like it. Well made for commercial duty, bu I just use it for home mowing.

KEH

Wife inherited a Woods Mown'-Machine. Is a stand alone unit with mower deck mounted on independent frame. Tractor itself has 4 wheels (2 casters behind,) so it can be run without deck. Deck is interchangeable with snowblower, rotary brush, blade - anything you might want to power - up front. Surprisingly maneuverable. Has a 22hp diesel, very economical on fuel, quite powerful. I'm impressed with it.

I have an older Woods Mown"-machine (made by Grasshopper for Woods).
I am the third or 4th owner and it is a quality machine still mowing with 1800 hours on it.
I have a 1 acre lawn. The machine is easy to work on and service.
The people at Grasshopper are more than helpful if you have to call them for information.
My next machine will be a Grasshopper if I ever wear this one out.

I have a Hustler Fast trac. Good machine.Plastic belt tightners are cheap , but I figure everybody uses them.Have an extra on hand.

EX-MART

I'll agree with the Dixie chopper, there built plenty heavy and mow great and have a nice deep deck.

Local green ag. dealer have a turf dept.?
A JD 200 series would be fine for one acre.
JD 200 series ZTR mowers

(quoted from post at 09:46:21 03/31/14) I need to step up my lawnmower to a zero turn. Mowing is all it will be doing. Currently have a POS cub cadet lawn tractor. NOT what they used to be. I mow over an acre and have a lot of obstacles. Anyone have experience with Simplicity?

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Bad Boy.
Good HD mower.

I had a Bobcat 60" with a 23hp Kaw. You could mow in a light rain. Bought a demo Big Dog Diablo 60" with a 32hp Kaw. How ever fast you want to run it, it will mow.

Not sure which brand is better than the other, but I do know the hydraulic system is the major difference to pay attention to. Everyone I know who has different brands all have problems with the hydraulic system. Some units use a better hydraulic system than others.

Mark, I too like Bruce and Ray, I inherited a Woods, 5180 Mowin-Machine, 6ft front deck, 2 large Drive wheels and 2 rear Casters, 18 hp Briggs This thing is non a Lawn Mower....Its a piece of Equipment!! Major league!! mine has approx 800hrs. I would recommend this unit. It would be nice if it had a Hydrolic Front Deck Lift! Over all very nice unit!
Later,
John A.

I have a Country Clipper. So far it"s the only one that uses a joystick to drive it. Pretty slick, just point the stick in the direction you want to go and that"s where it goes. It has a welded deck. I"m not a big fan of the Kohler Courage engine, but it does have good power. I would have rather had the Command series.

Been very happy with my Exmark.