Advise Needed: Zero Turn Mowers. 48”-52”. What Do You Recommend?

[Mirvin 264]

I bought a new Hustler Raptor XL a few years back and have had great service with it. Very tough fabricated deck, Kawasaki engine, and extremely easy to service/maintain. Been running non ethanol since new so no common fuel related issues. I'm a big fellow and it drags me around my big yard just fine........

 

[harrycalahan]

If you go Hustler, get the commercial line. Not the big box store home owner line. Exmarks are excellent machines. Ive heard Gravelys are good but dont have personal experience. I put 1200 hours on a 52” Exmark in the early 2000’s w/ a 23 horse Kawa. Had 2500 hours on it when I left. Couldnt kill it. We have a 60” Hustler commercial grade purchased in the late 90’s still going strong.

 

[rtross]

You won’t be disappointed with a commercial grade John Deere.
I don’t know if they make them a small as you have specified. And they can be a little pricey.

But you won’t be disappointed

 

[DeerLord]

Ran commercial lawn care business for years. Ex mark will last through anything. Had a few with 2500 hrs of being run by straight retards, and JDs that had constant issues. Specifically the unsealed starter solenoids for JD accrue dirt in them very fast, and barely last a growing season. If you're wealthy or have tons of acreage Ventrac is also up there.

 

[CAMSDADDY]

One thing mentioned that I want to repeat because its solid. Buy from a dealer rather than a big box. I saw it when I worked at john deere the mowers ourchased at the dealer got priority.

 

[fslc94]

I’ve ran just about all them extensively and did maintenance on all the ones I owned. We cut commercially for 25 years and I sold the business. My personal preference was the new JD’s dealer support was great. Exmark, or Scag would be my next choice and a close one at that. Kawasaki, Honda or Kohler. I’ve put 1000’s of hours on either, just stay away from Briggs. 👍🏻

 

[Poppa Mike]

I have a 2004 year model Exmark, 54” cut replaced the belts a couple of times, blades of course, nothing else but filter and oil changes in 21 years. Still going strong!

 

[CrzTyler]

Gravely / ariens best bang for buck

Ex or scag if you big ballin

 

[cr107]

I have a Hustler FasTrack 48” and it’s been amazing. Going on my third season with it this year.

 

[BlackRifler42]

I bought a 54” Gravely last year. So far it’s been a solid machine!