WHICH SHOULD YOU BUY? CLEAR CHOICE? ZERO TURN VS BELLY MOWER.

[@rederickrederick1513]

I prefer the versatility of the tractor, tiller, box blade, bush hog, loader, etc., remember, the faster you get done, your wife will find more stuff !

[@jerryfischer3988]

Amen brother! Amen

[@amazingworldtosee]

🙏

[@scraigrogers]

Preach!

[@im6underw401]

I bought and still have a mid to larger sized zero turn last year (its awesome) and a 1023 in the fall. I put 5 hours on the 1023 and called the dealer...cold and too small, got a 3033r heated and ac cab. 320r loader 61" snow blower. Its not for everybody and ridiculously expensive/overkill for our property but i was at a point i was just tired of cost effective, efficient, sapping my time away to know end yard maintenance. I seriously could have hired the grounds keeping out for the rest of my life for what i spent in equipment but i enjoy doing my own stuff, on my own terms, and in as little time as possible so i can go play in the garage. Whats best? Whatever makes you happy. Life is short. Living the dream is living your dream, not my dream or anybody elses. If you want the little tractor or the big honker, or two units. Go get them. Nobody will care what color you bought or what you paid in a hundred years. Do you, be you, and be as happy as you can be, while you can be.

[@zackbridgman]

I’m looking at a 3039r with a belly mower. Just wondering if I’ll be happy with it as a mower. 5 acers all pretty much wide open with no trees.

[@dpistone10]

I have a John Deere 3033R with a rotary cutter a few years ago. I also purchased a Zero Turn Z370R electric ⚡️ mower. I absolutely LOVE this electric Zero Turn mower. No maintenance required other than sharpening the blades when they need it. I have mowed 2.45 acres on one charge but also use it with a John Deere utility trailer to move a lot of items around the property. Without mowing the charge lasts me a few months and I use the Zero Turn daily with the utility trailer. One amazing Z370 R All Electric Zero Turn Mower. I was the first person in California to order this Electric ⚡️ Zero Turn Mower. I love the fact that it is very quiet and no maintenance, gasoline, or diesel required. It is also very fast with those electric ⚡️ motors.

[@williamevans7326]

My mower of choice is the JD X739 4WD / AWS. For me it is about terrain. I mow two plots weekly that are about 4 acres each, both have old millpond earthworks, deep ditches, and varying slope including 30 degree inclines. I rely on my full time front wheel drive continually. The X739 doesn’t spin her wheels when I turn uphill, easily negotiates ditches, and is very surefooted on slopes. It also helps to pull the tractor around in tight turns making it gentler on the grass. The all-wheel steer is wonderful. The 60” deck will easily cut an 8” circle without having to back up. And, that is with one hand free to bat low limbs away or take a sip of water. It’s also worth mentioning when turning on hills one set of wheels will aligned up or down slope as the other set turns delivering good traction and stability. Before I bought the X739 I did look at both Zero steers and the JD 1025R. For my purposes a zero steer just wasn’t a good fit. The compact 1025 had a higher center of gravity, ROPS that would hang on my trees, and too many levers next to the seat. By levers I mean they would get in the way of me shifting my center of gravity (me) out onto the high fender when traveling along non-approved operating slopes. The x739 is not as fast as a top end zero steer, nor as heavily built as a 1025, but it is capable of handling difficult terrain while providing a very efficient cut. After having a 4WD and AWS combo, I don’t think I would be satisfied with anything else.

[@GoodWorksTractors]

THANKS FOR WATCHING & HOPE YOU ENJOYED! IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR TRACTOR ATTACHMENTS, THEN GIVE US A HARD LOOK! WE SELL AND SHIP ALL OVER THE COUNTRY! www.goodworkstractors.com Get your canopy from RhinoHide Canopies! www.rhinohidecanopies.com WANT TO SAVE MONEY? CHECK OUT THE GWT DISCOUNT CLUB! Use code GWT at any of the vendors below and you will save cold hard cash :) I will also get a commission for the sale, so it's a win-win-win! 5% OFF WITH CODE GWT AT 247PARTS.COM www.247parts.com 5% OFF WITH CODE GWT AT ITC QUICK ATTACH! itcquickattach.com 5% OFF WITH CODE GWT AT JU FAB WORKS! www.jufabworks.com 5% OFF WITH CODE GWT AT 511 DESIGNS (CUSTOM GRILLS): www.5elevendesignz.com 5% OFF WITH CODE GWT AT TRACTOR PTO LINK! tractorptolink.com 5% OFF WITH CODE GWT AT YARD GLIDER! www.yardglider.com 5% OFF WITH CODE GWT AT MUDD'S CUSTOMS! www.muddscustoms.com 5% OFF WITH CODE GWT ON TRACTOR FLOORMATS! www.tractormat.com 10% OFF WITH CODE GWT AT OUTBACK WRAP! www.outbackwrap.com 5% OFF WITH CODE GWT ON HYDRAULIC SAFETY! www.hoseendchamer.com 5% OFF WITH CODE GWT ON SELECT PRODUCTS AT SUMMIT HYDRAULICS! www.summit-hydraulics.com 5% OFF WITH CODE GWT AT LUBE SHUTTLE! www.lube-shuttle.us/store 5% OFF WITH CODE GWT ON PROTERO DUMP SYSTEMS! www.proteroinc.com 5% OFF WITH CODE GWT ON SWEEP-ALL SWEEPERS! www.sweep-all.com 5% OFF WITH CODE GWT AT MILLER TIRE! www.millertire.com 5% OFF WITH CODE GWT AT BIG TOOL RACK! http:www.bigtoolrack.com 5% OFF WITH CODE GWT AT HEAVY HITCH! www.heavyhitch.com *Discount codes cannot be combined with any other promotions, offers, or deals! **I choose to sell some products through 3rd parties instead of stocking items myself. Know that I will receive a commission if you choose to purchase through certain links. Thank you very much for your support! This video is for entertainment purposes only. Good Works Tractors (Good Works Lawn & Power, LLC) cannot be held responsible for content found in any video. Always reference your owners manuals, use extreme caution, and proceed at your own risk.

[@RockyX13]

I would vote ZT for most people, but not all. Myself, I use a belly mower for my application because of my terrain and convenience of attachments. I have a JD X758 diesel 4X4, 60" deck. I use a boom sprayer, electric spreader, dethatcher and "tractor trunk", all "Click-n-Go" style implements. I also use an Agri Fab roller and Chip-n-Vac.

[@dougsanders1125]

I've mowed the same 10 acres for 29 years. Started with 8N with 6ft finishing deck. Took about 7 hrs. Had to be careful of how high the grass was. Went to Cub Cadet tractor mower with 52 inch belly deck, took about 8.5 hours. Went to John Deere Z997R (Zero Turn diesel mows at 10mph+ if grass is short) 6ft deck takes 2hrs to mow about 8 acres of it. Brush hog about 2 acres of it with 5ft brush hog. about 2 hrs. IMHO if your just mowing Zero turn can't be beat, it has saved me hundreds of hours of work over the years.

[@phild9813]

I’ve had about the same experience. The only downside in my situation to the zero turn was slick side hill spots, but you could make do.

[@danielsundberg1977]

So u have to go back inside to the missus after only 2 hrs? Go back to the Cub Cadet....more drinking time! 😉

[@mickeysm64]

Yeah but I live on an acreage also and I need mine to be able to do other things like plow snow move dirt etc. and I'm worrying about 4 acres right now.

[@byronbass8661]

I have a massey Ferguson GC1723 with a 60” belly mower and a 60” finish mower. I also just got a gravely hd 44, 44” cut zero turn. Love them all. They all work great on their respective turf. I have a half acre at home that I cut with my zero turn. And I use both tractor and zero turn an the church which is about an acre and a half. Cut quality is good on both machines.

[@kevingebert4316]

While I like to run JD 455's with 60" belly mower for quality summer seat time, the Zero Turn I have with 54" deck cuts and stripes considerably faster and neater on the 4 acres I mow. Zero turn mowers are designed to cut grass 50% faster than traditional lawn tractors, so your straight line mowing speed is improved. A typical lawn tractor cuts optimally at about 3-4 mph while a typical zero turn cruises along at 5-8+ mph.

[@GoodWorksTractors]

Good points Kevin!

[@kevingebert4316]

Its even a tad nicer when you setup a X-blade setup. Pulverizes the grass and thereby not needing to sweep up after assuming the guy mowing the grass uses the 1/3 rule on cutting regularly but even the longer grass gets minced up. Spinning 6 blades vs 3 where the top set essentially becomes a mulcher setup on pretty much any mower. Check it out sometime.

[@dpistone10]

I have a JD tractor 🚜 but just purchased a JD all electric Z370R Zero Turn Mower. I absolutely love it. No maintenance so that’s out the window other than tires. I can mow 2.25 acres on one charge. One awesome Zero Turn Mower.

[@ErikAsquith]

I used to have a John Deere 2720 (renamed in future models as a 2032R) with a 72” belly mower. The cut quality was good, but not great. However, it was way to heavy and big to mow an acre of turf. In straight lines it was fine, assuming the soil wasn’t wet (it would put ruts in your lawn), but the turning radius slows you down around trees, gardens, and just turning around at the end of your run. I ended up selling the John Deere 2720 and picked up a 2038R and a Z950M for mowing. The Z950M is better in every aspect except wet hills (which the 2720 slipped on as well, until I temporarily put it in 4WD), the additional maintenance burden (which isn’t bad) and drinking gas. Also, the Mulch on Demand (MOD) is so convenient, versatile, and appreciated when cutting and seeing the finished results. In short, I was in the camp of buying a tractor and getting every attachment possible, including the mower deck. But based on my experience, and just watching folks cut with a tractor or ZTR, a dedicated ZTR is best tool for the job.

[@nathanhansen2821]

I bought a 2038R with 72” MMM back in 2020. We have 7 acres that is almost all rough and sloped. The tractor/MMM combo showed it was not the right combo, cut quality at 4-5mph was not as good as I expected and mow time was more than expected (it would about rock me out of the seat going faster) plus I had a bunch of problems with the CommandCut system. After talking with my dealer they recommended a Z740R 60” instead of the MMM. It’s a great machine, the seat is super comfortable and tweels hold better pretty much everywhere. I agree that having two machines means more maintenance and space needed for storage, but for me the two machines route seems to be best.

[@03XLTPSD]

Pretty good list. Only thing I’ll say is, I feel the belly mower option has a slight upper hand in maintenance in the aspect of you’re easily able to remove the deck to clean, grease, change blades and replaced parts compared to the ZTR

[@evanhelmond7184]

I ran a high end zero turn mower for work last summer and I had a lot of success mowing on hills. The trick is to mow hills when they are dry and keep the throttle up and use the uphill stick more than the downhill one. It sounds a little counterintuitive but with a little practice it works well.

[@diggingwithdylan]

When I was doing research before buying my 2038R, I ended up going with the larger deck. Ultimately I had some comments about the hilly nature of the property that led me to go that way over zero turn. It's a bit slower than I expected and can be rough in spots as its somewhat pasture. But there's really no such thing as bad time spent on the tractor.

[@trophyhunterssupplyllc7163]

Ive been back and forth a few times with various zero turns and lawn tractors and finally realized the zero turn is superior for mowing. The zero turn is just so much faster and some have great striping kits like my scag to make your lawn look amazing. I do have a tractor for just tractor stuff.

[@user-lx3je3rd1j]

Buy both! Belly mower with bagging system is perfect for mowing tall grass and picking up leaves in a wooded yard. Zero turn for mulching otherwise.

[@seabomber1]

I went from a John Deere garden tractor with a 42" mower deck to a Toro Titan 54" zero turn and have no regrets. It cut my mowing time in more than half. I have since purchased a tractor for all my other property needs. It's nice to have separate equipment for specific jobs.

[@darnellwatkins4031]

ZERO TURN! I sent the 1023 to the yard and got the z420 and b2601. The tractor ruined my yard. Love your channel!!!!!!!!!!

[@1993razorback]

Excellent side by side demonstration. Like always, appreciate your unbiased and transparent presentation.

[@lebraun12345]

I currently have a 60” belly mower and wish I would have just gotten a separate zero turn for the flexibility, I would probably go for a slightly smaller 54” deck to improve maneuverability too, I have some tight spots with landscaping. We do use the tractor almost daily for doing horse chores which makes it annoying to either have the deck left on or to take it on and off regularly.

[@jimstruve3602]

If your lawn isn't FLAT, be wary of the zero turn! I have some areas that are not very steep, but even heavy clippings can make it slick enough that it is difficult to mow straight with a zero turn. I tried both a heavier Woods and a small Husqvarna. In the end I decided to bite the bullet and get a 2025R with a belly mower. (Along with the zero-turns, I also had an older compact tractor without a mower.)

[@PawPaws_Place]

Having a tractor already I am looking at a zero turn to now once the clearing is done out front. The reason is the quality cut and the speed. That combined with the slope handling ability means I will make room for two machines.

[@GoodWorksTractors]

Do you have a belly mower on the tractor now?

[@scottmarshall6766]

Good subject, and I agree with you on all points. I have both, use the ZT mower to mow my lawn, the County Line 7' sets awaiting a set of airless tires (the factory inflated ones are shot, and a constant PIA), Frankly, I'm finding it hard to justify the couple hundred bucks to put the tires on the 3 point mower. I'm sure there will come a time where the Husky commercial mower is down, and I'll want the 3 point mower ready to go, so I am going to get it RTR so it's available as a backup. It's good for reclaiming my back lot as you can raise it up to trim along rr tracks and the associated ballast stone/rr spikes/train debris that end up in the grass. Last summer I mowed along the tracks with the zero turn and hit a brake shoe from the train. It cost me a set of blades and spindle assembly. From now on it's the 3 point raised high for the 1st pass on that job.

[@JimJWalker]

I ditched my zero turn for a 1025R and a Gm1060e. The zero turn constantly got stuck in muddy areas on my property. I live in a wet area so the 4WD is a life saver.

[@jerryfischer3988]

We purchased a John Deere X738. All Wheel drive All Wheel Steer. Not quite as fast as our zero turn. However we have a heated cab, a broom, a snowblower and rent a tiller for it. All that plus mowing!

[@thegreenerthemeaner]

I have a Zero turn for the lawn. Having some acres, farm tractors are a given. I don't have a 175hp monster anymore, but kept the 47 year old 60 hp for the mowing around the fields, garden tilling, blading, etc. that needs done. Also a skid steer for the loader needs. Probably same or less money than an over priced subcompact of choice with attatchments and a Zero turn. I can get a lot more done easier. But I understand seat time for some is more important.

[@nickg2366]

For $1000 extra bucks I think going with a zero turn is a no brainer. Once you've mowed with a zero turn you never go back. Plus, servicing the newer zero turns is as simple as it gets. My Toro Myride doesn't even require a wrench to change the oil. The simple answer is that you need a tractor and a zero turn😉

[@robertgonzalez8419]

I agree with you 100% and someone who has a zero turn they are awesome but I recently moved to California they’re not that great on hilly terrain I come to realize the need for a conventional riding lawnmower specially one that has Front wheel steering to avoid sliding into ditches now I’m looking for one that is four-wheel-drive how things change

[@MyGreenLawn2019]

That’s a tough choice. Love zero turns, I own both types of mowers. Can’t make up my mind. I’ll take both lol

[@markziegler3551]

I hate zero turns because it takes both hands. I do like the couple of zero turns with steering wheels but I would say it is ergonomics of driving a tractor with one hand and foot speed control vs zero turn using both hands.

[@kevinstewart4806]

Thank you for your videos been so helpful I have farmed for over 40 years and really enjoy your videos thank you

[@RionPhotography]

I finally just gave up on mowing with my 1025R. I had it adjusted multiple times and in addition to just feeling clumsy striping and turning around etc, it just was never a super clean and level cut. I switched to mowing with a Z930M and holy cow I wish i had done that a lot sooner. In addition to the reasons presented here, the blade speed is a good bit faster on the commercial mowers and the cut quality is just phenomenal. The discharge spread seems better on the Z commercial mower as well. Not to mention I’m done in like ten minutes now and not trying to maneuver a semi around all my landscaping obstacles. I got rid of everything except the tractor and FEL because I use that all summer long, but yea I just can’t handle mowing with it anymore.

[@bearkatljl]

I bought a Kubota ZD 221 ten years ago. Hated it until I got used to it but since I am smart enough not to tell my wife I spent 1o grand on a lawn mower I don't like, I kept on using it and now I wouldn't trade my 0 turn for all the "tractor" style mowers you could give me.

[@misterb1080]

This is easy. I faced the same question. If you have the money get a dedicated zero turn mower. The time you save is huge. If you can only afford one then get the dual purpose compact tractor.

[@jims3650]

I had both and the zero turn is the best for your yard.

[@gearhead366]

Slope mowing... I bought a steering wheel ZTR for the slopes I have to mow. It has the agility and low CoG of a zero turn, but with better slope holding ability. Better than a tractor due to the low CoG. It has the advantage of two hydrostatic transmissions. It's not 4wd, but it's better than anything that has a single transmission and an open diff (riding mower, lawn tractor, garden tractor, etc). For mowing on slopes, I think it's better than anything, except maybe a stand-on zero turn. Ease to work on... tractors beat my ZTR. Some ZTR's have good engine access, but mine has the engine buried between fuel tanks and panels. One thing not mentioned... comfort. My ZTR has a nice suspension seat, which I think most tractors don't have. Compared to my previous ZTR, my current one is MUCH more comfortable to use. If I wear myself out doing yard work, then hop on the ZTR for an hour of mowing, I feel better afterwards than when I started mowing. I really like the idea of a single machine to do everything, but even if I had a tractor, I think the majority of my seat time would be spent mowing. I think a tractor might be the better option in some cases, but for the mowing I need to do, my ZTR just has too many advantages.

[@kennethschaidle5995]

I have a cub cadet 60" steering wheel zero turn. 31 hp Kawasaki engine. It is an absolutely fantastic mower. With the power steering front wheels and zero turn drive rear wheels it handles great on slopes even mowing perpendicular to the slop to the point that the uphill wheels start to lift. But like you said it is a gas hog. I mow my hilly 3 plus acres with lots of trees in less than 1.5 hours. I have used a john Deere 1025 with 62-inch deck. It took about 2.5 hours and left tire track depression in the wet ground. The zero turn has a minimally better cut quality. However, The Deere used only about 1/3 the amount of fuel. Both are great machines just as you said they are made for different purposes. I agree, I wish the Zero turn came with a diesel. Originally, I bought the steering wheel zero turn instead of a standard lever controlled zero turn due to occasionally having someone else mow for me. As it does take a short learning curve to operate a lever-controlled type. But after having it for 2 years what I rely like is the extra agility the power steering front wheels provide, especially on slopes. Again, to mostly repeat what You said, only need to mow get a zero turn. Need to do everything get a tractor. Got lots of money and storage get both.

[@coreybushmaker6255]

Is it worth the price point for say a cub cadet z932?

[@chuckstimson9029]

I went with the 60" auto connect on my 3046R. Mowing is second priority to me. Needed to be able to clear a .5 mile drive of snow and move large amounts of dirt, firewood and everything else I can find. Plus where I live not a flat piece of ground to be had so a zero turn is out. It's also really nice coming home on a hot day and mowing with the radio and AC on.

[@zackbridgman]

I’m looking at getting a 39r with 72” mower. Currently mowing 5 acers of flat no tree ground. But do maintain the Hwy ditches. Worried I will not be happy with the mower. Mainly tractor tearing up the yard and being to tippy to mow the ditch. But I’m dying to have a cab to mow in. Lol

[@BobsOutdoorActivities]

Good video. I have a John Deere Z540M and it weighs 654LBS. That green Zero of yours is 1,350lbs. Wow. I mow about 2-2.5 acres with my Z540M with 54" deck. Had it 4 years now, it's great. Never misses a beat even in some thick waist high field grass a couple of times. I'd love to see how your all green Zero rides with the Tweels.

[@ionhavoc2]

Would be interested to see how well a flail mower can cut a lawn. Seems like it would be so much easier to use than a lot of belly mowers.

[@31sweetcorn]

I have the answer. Just buy them both. You won’t regret it. I use both of mine for different conditions wet, leaves so on

[@timothyreed6054]

I own both. My experience is that compaction is worse with the zero turn. The reason being that most of a zero turn's weight is centered in one place over the rear axel unlike a tractor that has a more even weight distribution. If you don't vary your mowing pattern a lot with a zero turn , you will start to see trails or light ruts. And some places it's not possible to vary much. Also you have to be careful making sharp turns because you will tear your grass with a zero turn. The up side is zero turn's do a better mowing job and are faster.

[@jamesmcmahonii8433]

My 1025R is paid for and has its use cases. Moving to a 0 turn for the lawn maintenance as we've got more beds, curves and a patio now.

[@douglaspost5097]

I have a Ferris zero turn and a John Deere 4 wheel steer lawn tractor I use on 26 lawns. The JD can turn almost as tight a circle as the z turn. The difference is that the 4 wheel steer doesn't chew up the lawn like the z turn. The tractor can go places the z turn can't like wet spots. The z turn gets stuck at the drop of a hat. Both are pretty much purpose built for mowing lawns. The light weight of the tractor is a real plus. It weighs about 750lbs the way it's set up and the z turn goes a little over 1100lbs. I think that's why the tractor doesn't get stuck as readily. Also, the Ferris has a 61" deck while the JD only has a 48",another reason the jd can go places the Ferris can't. Where the Ferris really shines is the speed it mows, it's easily twice as fast as the tractor in terms of ground speed and width of cut. I'd never be without either of them if I could help it.

[@jonathangough118]

Buy both! I got a bad boy zero turn for 2k that’s less than a mower deck for my tractor it’s a no brainer

[@wulfeman9948]

i got a craftsman 19hp from 1992 still works good

[@fondy44]

If you own an air compressor, dropping tire pressure has helped my ZT a lot in low traction areas. Hit those areas first then reinflate for the rest of the lawn.

[@1STGeneral]

Looks like he's running the lowest air possible

[@lakeacres9750]

this is something i've been wondering myself lately so i'm glad you made a video. to be honest, though, i feel like the correct comparison should be between the 1025r with 60" deck and a $3,000 zero turn. a zero turn is purchased to basically do one type of task while a 1025r is capable of many different tasks, but you only buy the 60" deck for one purpose. therefore i feel like comparing the cost of just the 60" deck vs a full zero turn is really the correct price comparison.

[@redneckmini14]

After having a zero turn for a couple years, I prefer the zero turn for strictly lawn maintenance. If you need a tractor for all the other chores and don't have room for a second machine, then go with the tractor. We have both, plus a lawn tractor, but our big tractor is too big for a belly mower, and I'm not a huge fan of 3 point finish mowers for a primary mowing tool. I just think the zero turn outperforms. The tractor is definitely good for loader work, driveway maintenance, brush hogging, and so much more, but the zero turn is the dedicated lawn mower.

[@chrishunt5291]

Having both works best. Bought the tractor after the zero turn, I got the drive over deck for resale or in case i needed it.

[@charlesmartin8047]

I use a 4ft finish mower behind my 1023e and I like it.

[@randyb9310]

We have a 1025r with 60" belly mower, loader, backhoe, and tiller. I can see the draw of a zero turn just for cutting as it is quicker and always ready to go (no removing attachments).

[@mrmichaeltscott]

At 60 the dumbest thing I ever bought was a zero turn. It's fun and fast. But it constantly gets stuck, rips up turf. And Sinks. Plus it's really high maintenance and guzzles gas compared to the Cub Cadet tractor I had to keep for all these reasons. And I have the coolest Cub cadet zero turn on KZbin. It is worth more than I paid. I should sell it. It does make a pretty good wheel barrel.

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

I have some really steep slopes that I need to mow. I have a Kubota GR 2120 that is a 4wd diesel with Kubotas Glide Steer function. The Glide Steer is a very simple yet effective method of disengaging the rear inside wheel in sharp turns. Allowing the lawn tractor to make a very tight turn as compared to competitors models. Because of the steep slopes, a zero turn was not an option. At the time of the purchase of the GR 2120, it was quite a bit cheaper than the top of the line Deere lawn tractor. The Deere was a gas engine model where this GR 2120 is a diesel. It is very easy on fuel. There is only one thing that I do not like about the Kubota. The treadle pedal.

[@lcee6592]

I know of people who put quad tires on their zero turn and greatly reduced traction issues. The trade off is some turf damage when cranking it in the turns. Depends on how aggressive the tread.

[@09X19]

I just went with option C. B01 with a rear finish mower and selling my 4yo simplicity zero turn. It was just delivered last week and have not tried it yet. Hopefully it works well!

[@woodyholland9865]

I used a 72" belly mower behind my New Holland T1520 4 wheel drive. Cutting 10 acres all summer. Now I mow half of it with a Exmark 48" zero turn. I get a much better looking cut with the Exmark. I use a 60" rotary cutter for the back pasture that is not see from the road. Zero turn cuts almost twice as fast as the rotary units and once you figure out how to drive it I do not get any divots. 4 when drive making sharp turns tears up the turf the same as zero turn

[@fondy44]

Big fan of redundancy so I don't regret buying a ZT, plus two people mowing is twice as fast, but I kinda regret cheaping out on the RFM instead of just sucking it up and paying double for the belly mower. Advice for new buyers - there's a reason JD went to the trouble of designing drive-over decks vs just selling RFMs.

[@motc4944]

There are allot of good points in the video and comments but one I didn't see was that hours on a tractor seat increases maintenance...by a LOT. It's just not the same with a zero turn. Just think about how many hours you are mowing per week and the amount of maintenance that implies on a tractor (grease, fluids, and whatnot). On a zero turn all that stuff is like once or twice a season. Just my humble $0.02....YMMV :-) (I have both)

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Good discussion.

[@meds4all]

Both, yes more things that need maintenance but more time in-between those intervals by spreading the work load. At least for my home and what we mow. 6 acres total 4 gets mowed, driveway is about a half mile long. We already had a zero turn so when I got my 3046r I didn't even order a deck for it. However if I do decide to mow with it, I'm probably going to get a three point mower. Dad's 1025r has the drive over auto connect and it's great, buy a quick hitch compatible one and the just connect the pto maybe be as fast.

[@sethwhitelaw1994]

I do get a better cut quality with the zero-turn than the belly mower, especially on a lawn that is not completely level in places.

[@caryholt54]

Off the current topic, I was curious what you use for transferring fuel and filling your tractors? Would like to find a reliable and reasonable method to transfer and fuel tractors for a regular home owner without having to lug and pour 5gal cans.

[@fondy44]

I use one of those battery powered kerosene heater siphon pumps. Not bad and battery life has been surprisingly long.

[@danielsundberg1977]

Only point to really consider is how do you hold your beer 🍺 on a zero-turn?

[@GoodWorksTractors]

Haha, that's when you need the beer helmet!

[@JCWren]

My Scag 52" has a cup holder molded in.

[@brianhillis3701]

A belly mower costs about as much as a zero turn mower. My zturn goes 12 mph. I would think a offset mower would add lots of value to either. The tractor can have bat wings, finish mowers that do a much better job than a zero turn. A zero turn is really just a small brush cutter. Mow tall grass and you will see that. Tractor is more comfortable. In my opinion a tractor with a belly mower is the worst choice. A tractor with a mowing implement is better for most people. It depends on how much property, the terrain, storage, maintenance, etc. I am using a zero turn until I can get a bat wing tractor combo. I will still use the zero turn for trimming, followed by weed whacked and for near the house.

[@09X19]

Exactly! Holding both yokes one handed rarely works.

[@danielsundberg1977]

@@brianhillis3701 so which one can u drive with a beer 🍺 in your hand? 😉

[@maxball6388]

Mowed with the MMM for 6 years. Just picked up a Ferris 500S and mowed once. Literally less then half the time. Kubota is just a TLB now.

[@zackbridgman]

Would you sacrifice some time for a ac cab though?

[@andrewanderson1436]

Personally I wouldn't buy a mowing deck for a tractor unless I was getting the 1025r. Hands down the easiest deck to take on/off the machine. But for mowing I run a kubota z421 60 cut. I can cut 2&1/2 acres in no time with it. My only complaint is its hard to find a bagging system for it. Mowing once a week I'll have windrows you could bale lol.

[@anindividual3889]

I had a Kubota B3030 with a belly mower, and I hated the belly mower. I'd go with a bush hog behind the tractor or a zero turn. I found I could get alot closer to stuff with the bush hog like underneath my pine trees where I couldn't with the belly mower. Also, the belly mower was a pain to take on and off as well as it always seemed like it was in the way when I kept it on.

[@charliebowdrey4353]

If it's just mowing a lawn then yeah the zero turn for sure but the 1025r mower works just fine for mowing

[@jim78]

i have both. To me i feel the hours and wear on 30k tractor to cut grass doesnt make sense.

[@johnsonworks3724]

On a proper commercial mower, the blade tip speed is faster than the residential units however the clip on your front yard looked great. Maybe the 1025 60" has the same faster blade tip speed???

[@maxmartz4665]

Just did the 1025R 50hr. John Deere uses spring clamps forged in the fires of h#ll. Hose clamps much better for transmission screen and fuel filter. Also why no shut off from tank in front of fuel filter

[@reno4819]

Cut quality is related to the size of deck when your yard isn't perfectly flat. A wider deck is prone to bridging over valleys and scalping peaks. Also a wide deck is harder to maneuver in between obstacles and in corners.

[@GoodWorksTractors]

Yeah, you'll want to mow at a higher cut height if you have a bumpy lawn, especially with the wider deck. However, wider decks make it easier to cut close to landscaping and, of course, you're cutting more grass with each pass.

[@markschmaus5580]

Love both my zero turns !

[@GoodWorksTractors]

What models are you running Mark?

[@markschmaus5580]

@@GoodWorksTractors I have a Toro 6000 and I just bought a Kioti ZXC60SE Commercial last Fall.

[@travissullivan5245]

You missed the inability to drive/turn/steer a zero turn with a single hand/knee like you can on a tractor. Thus cold beverages can be enjoyed while doing yard chores when driving a tractor, thus any extra mow time melts away with beverage enjoyment.

[@tomonentrepreneurship]

It's important to note that John Deere only warranties the decks for one year, which translates into one mowing season for most people. The rivets popped off the belt tensioner at 18 months causing $500 in damage. All of that is on you as John Deere doesn't stand behind their own design defects, so while you're buying the whole thing, thinking you're getting this great warranty, in reality it's not the same for the deck and don't expect support from John Deere. Heritage Tractor was of no help, so know that you're on your own.

[@usafballer79]

I have no informed opinion yet but decided to get a 1025r with 60” MMM. Hoping I don’t regret it over dedicated zero turn

[@vitiatedvagabond9632]

well?

[@williammunny7133]

Acreage determines it for me, you have to have both, and one saves the other on wear, tear and hours, just an opinion.

[@ericreinoehl9402]

I prefer the tractor, except for collective hours on zero turn is much less over the season, for me anyhow. Z930m 60" and x580 54" about 2.5 acres

[@free_electron]

I prefer the zero turn. Storing all of those attachments is a problem - some of the work can be hired out or you can rent equipment biannually and likely never break even to owning a machine and dealing with loss of investment. I’ll always have to mow grass and the safety as well as maneuverability of a zero turn cannot be beat.

[@awinchester]

Which has a better ride over a bumpy lawn? If one eats the bumps better it could impact the total mowing time...

[@outdoorfun1596]

Cleaning under the deck is easier with tractor auto connect deck.

[@mitchelljude4198]

i have both like the zeroturn in the level tractor on the hill

[@royjones59344]

I had 3 separate companies tear up my lawn with zero turns. I bought a tractor and haven't had another problem.

[@kevinsturtevant272]

Question: 60”belly vs 54 ztr for about 2 acres. Time difference? Thanks.

[@JCWren]

Can you get a striping roller for a tractor? Some people are really into lawn striping and that might contribute to the decision.

[@nickg2366]

My buddy looked for one for his B series and couldn't find any. There are plenty of diy ideas using pvc and other materials.

[@A_A_Ron78]

I went from an X580 to a 1025... The 580 was way superior to the 1025 in terms of cutting.. I wish I could trade my 1025 54" deck for an x300 or something similar

[@mikljgrunenfelder2030]

Comment on deck cleaning, blade removal. 1025 mower deck removes easily. Z-turn?

[@johnhiggs325]

I have a high end residential grade zero turn (not a green machine.) My only real complaint is that the blade hubs and bearings are complete garbage. I’m upgrading to a finishing mower for my compact at the end of this season just for the durability.

[@09X19]

I just made this leap as well. Selling the Zturn and got a rear finish mower. Have not tried it yet, I don’t see any deal breakers. Well, apart from weight on soft ground.

[@marjoriekaminski3996]

I prefer the Z mower. They need to make more attachments for the Z!

[@terrygoss7229]

Costs less to only have one machine

[@kevinstewart4806]

I own workmaster 35 would like to buy 2-in wheel spacers steel for it what spacers do I need

[@eyesonly4451]

Our old JD Z997 (2004 model) has reached the point where it's spending more time in the shop than in the grass. We have about 10 acres to maintain around our business campus. So we just paid a king's ransom for a new 997R. Seems that dealers are having to buy multiple units to get any from Deere. What gives?

[@rcwayt4020]

I have mowed with my 1025R and my neighbors ZTR and i can't tell a difference in cut quality.

[@cowboy898]

I have a nonmowing question. Which hydraulic top link do you recommend?

[@glennmerryman8814]

Would like to put some wheel spacers on my zero turn for stability. Can’t find where to contact bora to ask. Suggestions please.

[@caydenvlogs-mn1jo]

can you do a video of a 1025r vs a 1585

[@tigerbandit78]

I have 957 and 1025. 1025 doesn't even get deck put on any more. Cut qualify is far superior on z turn. Both have high speed decks but tractor doesn't cut as even due to oscillating front end. My farm yard 50 minutes with z turn 1.3 hours with tractor. Tractor better for drinking beer on though.

[@kipcudd7253]

Ventrac can handle hills 30° plus many attachments but $$$$$.

[@tomkavanaugh8175]

Also look at the cost of diesel fuel today, gas is much cheaper even if having to fill more often

[@joecahill8165]

Seems like a silly comparison. Compare tilling or snow plowing with a zero turn to a 1025. Just not what it’s “built for”. I know you mentioned this, but come on people, it’s a tractor that can mow, not a mower.

[@GoodWorksTractors]

Agreed! It seems more of a stretch to try to do other tasks with a zero turn vs the tractor.