Is a ZTR Better than Tractor? Dixie Chopper Blackhawk 48" Test and Review

Tractor Time with Tim (AND Christy) put the Dixie Chopper Blackhawk 48" mower to the test.
We have mowed our yard with this machine 3 times now, with each of us having several hours on the machine.
Check out our first impressions, and overall review of the machine.
This Dixie Chopper Blackhawk mower is on loan to us, and will be donated (by Dixie Chopper) to a yet to be revealed family. Stay tuned for a later episode providing details on this.
Get your isotunes noise isolating ear-buds at: isotunesaudio.c.... Use code TTWT for a $10 discount on each pair!! These things are WELL worth the investment!!
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[@HTPJohn]

Thanks for the update on Dixie Chopper Tim. I grew up near Coatesville and didn't know the story on what happened to the company. Really encouraged that the owners were able to rescue the brand. God Bless.

[@bobpurs]

I bought a JD zturn about 8 years ago. The only way to mow. Quicker, nicer cut, and not having your tractor tied up with a mower deck. I would never go back to a tractor mower. Thanks Tim those are great mowers and have had great reputation.

[@kdegraa]

The front end mowers offered by Iseki with their SF and Kubota with their F machines are excellent too. They can’t turn on a dime like a zero turn but they are manoeuvrable plus they can safely work on slopes.

[@davidmorse8432]

@@kdegraa You are right, I have a Kubota F21 with 4 wheel drive. It can handle any slope wet or dry and has a comfortable ride.

[@mikebroyles5107]

I have had 2 Country Clipper’s. I love the single joy stick control. You can take a drink, wave to people, push a limb out of the way, etc. The deck can be tilted up to clean the deck and change blades. I have a 35 hp Kawasaki with 60 inch deck. Great machine.

[@flat4314]

I like to hold the sticks on the side with my arms on the armrest. Helps me go straight on bumpy ground. With a 60 or 72 you wouldn't be in the tree so much when trimming. I have a 44, 52, 60, and 72 for my business and I find there along more string trimming withe the 44 and 52. Also a suspension seat makes a world of difference on comfort.

[@Studio23Media]

You need a zero turn with a joystick control. They're so nice.

[@geraldraber4375]

I also rest my elbows on the arm pads and have my hands on the side or top corners. Makes it way easier to keep a strait line.

[@billjohnson9343]

Agreed. Arm rests are the key to going straight, and seat time..

[@DLTJR1959]

100 % correct. I have adjusted the seat as far up as possible and keep my arms on the arm rests with the sticks as close to my fat belly as possible. Took me a few tries to figure it out but much more comfortable now. I have a 61" deck and trimming is now almost nil. I added a spring base to my seat and that is a big help also.

[@jeffstrains4014]

I worked for, then had my own business for a while. lol looking at that yard if everything had a landscape edge including the merging side to the field holy cow could it be a string trimming nightmare with all the edging.

[@DLTJR1959]

I mowed my yard for over 20 plus years with a 5 foot rear finish mower and then a 6 foot rear finish mower. Couple years ago I got an old Toro 325 D front mount mower. I used it several years with no issues. Power steering, front mower deck, and very comfortable. Not a whole lot faster than the tractor and rear finish mower but more comfortable and almost eliminated any trimming. Last year I purchased a zero turn. I don't have a lot of trees but I do have around 3 acres and a lot of it is rough. The ZTR wins hands down. Cut down on my mowing time by 45 minutes. Just have to be careful when turning. My neighbor is currently using my old Toro to mow his church yard. His old zero turn blew the motor. He's a gear head and rebuilding the engine so I am helping him out. The tractor wins hands down for utility. Thanks for the videos Tim.

[@mikah4051]

I mow 10 every acres a week on my small farm and the zero turn works like a champ. Initially I used a tractor and finishing mower but the zero turn cut my mowing time almost in half because of the speed and maneuverability.

[@larryspiller6633]

Dixie Chopper did the same for me. Still like my 3000 series Cub Cadets for when I want it to look better and other work. Peace.

[@jimmypayne6319]

I got my first zero turn late last year and I had the same problem keeping a straight line until I lowered the armrest. They really are a game changer.

[@turdferguson5300]

As long as you mow on 15 degrees slope or less and the grass is dry a zero turn seems to be safe. If you have ditches at the road most ditches are steeper than 15 degrees. I have a Z920M on the farm that could become stuck in a wet parking lot. I lowered the rear tire pressure to 12 psi which improved the ride quality and traction. The best quality a zero turn has is demonstrated by Christy, my wife likes to use it. Other than that it sucks in my opinion, I'll take a 4x4 tractor any day. My neighbor has a Scag Tiger that's been in the lake three times, it's the Titanic of mowers. I mow his waterfront with my B2601 to keep him dry, bless his heart. lol

[@theoneandonlysessy]

The camera work in this is really good, some shots remind me of mower commercials. Great job as always

[@Alanschmalzried]

I had a 61” zero turn before I had Johnny. The zero turn is a far superior grass cutting solution. BUT, Johnny is so good at so many tasks. The one machine does it all solution is what I enjoy about Johnny the most. However...a zero turn and a 3 series sure would be terrific!

[@christopherterry5457]

I have owned several Grasshoppers. You can’t beat them. That’s the brand most of the landscapers use. They know the best. I have never had any mechanical problems with any of the three I have own. My latest is a 27hp EFI mid-mount with a 60” deck. I have 3 acres and I can get it done in about 2 hours as fast as 10MPH. It use to take me a whole day with a tractor and 6’ 3pt hitch finish mower. Fuel? I have saved hundreds each year. Resale value? I normally have several fighting over one when I list it for sale. Even 7-8 yr old ones. I got the optional $100 front wheel spring shocks which help on the bumps. Anyone still mowing with the old style mowers or even a compact tractor just have not tried a ZTR. With a tractor you also compact the lawn which isn’t good for the lawn and drainage. I have noticed a big difference.

[@Studio23Media]

We have a Country Clipper with a 60" deck and a joystick control. Can mow the flat areas at 12 mph, with your arms comfortably at your sides.

[@lenmoore3628]

I have had the same Grasshopper zero-turn mower since 1991. Like myself, it's getting old but it still works.

[@berk3695]

I have a Silver Eagle series commercial grade Dixie Chopper for over 12 years and it has been a great mower!

[@RVJimD]

We have been mowing with a Dixon ZTR for 22 years and I NEVER loved it. We just got our 1025R two weeks ago with a 60D mower deck and I can mow the same acre in the same time! Yes we have lots of trees! Putting the snow blade or mower deck on or off the ztr was ALWAYS a cursing festival. I maintain a dirt oval racetrack in my back yard and we race every weekend, so I switch mower deck and implements back and forth a LOT. One more thing, I have used the 1025R on really soft conditions and not yet left a bald spot,can’t say the same for the ztr.

[@Hugh_Jarsole]

Dixon and Dixie chopper are not the same company, nowhere close. I don't blame you for not loving your Dixon, they were a nightmare

[@kipcudd7253]

Lower the handle grips for her, it will be more comfortable. I just bought a Country Clipper made in Iowa w/52" deck. Has a pivoting front axle follows terrain really good and is more comfortable than my John Deere ZTR and it has joystick steering which is more sensitive than handlebar ZTR's but your arms and shoulders don't hurt as bad. And the deck flips up vertically for easy maintenance on deck. Love it! Check them out.

[@eddiewethington1224]

Great video. Love the history of Dixie Chopper. My dad bought a Scag years ago with a 61”deck and a 27hp liquid cooled Kawasaki. After 650 hrs the motor died. Dad is meticulous about engine maintenance. He put a new motor on and has over 1500hrs on the mower. 900hrs on second motor. He then got a new John Deere strong. A 450 mulch on demand mower with never go flat tires. It is such a joy to mow with. The mulch on demand lever is easy and smooth one hand operation. The deck raise/lower foot pedal is easy on his knee to operate. The seat is extremely comfortable and it has a comfort glide setting which allows the seat to glide approximately an inch forward and back when stopping and taking off. If ya get a chance check those out you won’t be disappointed. Thanks for all the great videos. Still waiting on my 3046R with backhoe. Should get it by this Friday. Hope to send ya a photo.

[@rayhaselby2081]

A dedicated lawn mower with the size yard you have is the way to go. As Christy said, it's there ready to go, no switching implements and the dedicated features for lawn mowing make it more versatile. I would suggest you try a front mount mower with the drive wheels behind the deck and the steering wheels in the rear behind the motor. The longer wheelbase gives a smoother ride. With a 60'' deck quite a bit extends beyond the left tire and trimming under trees etc is easier without you getting into the tree yourself. Also a zero turn mandates you keep your hands on both levers and your lets your hand gets fed into the prickly spruces as you get close. Also the set up comes with 4 wheel drive to the rear steering wheels and that traction set-up helps. A rear steer doesn't turn as sharp as a zero turn but comes in a bigger format with a diesel and the deck extension past the L wheel by 12 -16" is handy. I think Club Cadet has adopted a steering wheel to a zero turn instead of the two levers. That height adjust mechanism is nice. Watch out putting a rope on to lift the flap. I did that with enough dangle that trailed on the ground and got fed under the left wheel and instantly pulled that rope tight, trapping my arms and legs. I got a permanent "dent" on my L thigh from that caper. I fashioned an electric linear servo to lift the flap after that mis-adventure. Servicing the blades and cleaning under the deck should be considered.

[@KevinCoop1]

Hello Tim. I never thought of this before. NO LIGHTS. My opinion, if all you are going to do is mow, then ZTR. If more, then tractor. Another opinion, Diesel engines way better than gasoline engines. Last longer, more torque, less fuel consumption, way less noise! Thanks for the video! Kevin

[@russellrogers3260]

Love the old American mower companies that are still around, Dixie chopper, gravely, grasshopper etc...I think there used to be an argument over who was the original ztr ( Dixie or grasshopper). I am glad Dixie chopper is getting another chance.

[@harryerhart5978]

37 years ago l started my landscape business with Dixie Chopper l know Art Evans the founder great man great company great mower l hope they do well when l started my company there was Dixie Chopper Grasshopper and Dixon that's it for ztrs 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@harmab2]

We love our Grasshopper 725D w/60inch deck

[@bobbypool923]

From the time I bought my first 42" zero-turn mower in 1988 or so, my daughter took over the mowing. I did not ask her to never had to remind her she enjoyed doing it even with her allergies. I bought a new one for my self 3 years ago a 60" one and I was really enjoying mowing the yard our pasture just sprucing up around the farm. Last year my daughter decided to move home and get a new start in life. She immediately took up where she left off when she went off to college and took my mower away. I have been trying to talk the finance committee into getting a Johnny but so far it has been a no go. LOL, I love your Bible verses and at times pass them on to my men's text group.

[@brettwynne8676]

I mow about 4 acres. It took 3 hours to mow with a JD 420 60” deck. Bought a used JD z757 60” deck knocked it down to 2 hours. Last year I bought a new JD z960m with a 72” deck and I mow it in an hour and 10-20 minutes. Had a hard time pulling the trigger on buying the first ztrak being used at $4500.00 for just a mower but didn’t think twice about buying the new 72”. I love it!

[@bluefj-wc3vz]

Lol I bought a Scag zero turn last year which I absolutely love. I drilled a hole in the flap and have a bungee to hold it up like you were saying. I’m guessing it’s a lawyer based reason that they don’t have a hole in it already.

[@johns6290]

Love my zero turn scag turf tiger 2. I will use the tractor on the fields but the ztr is for around he house. It takes a full day to cut my yard with my 61inch deck but the tractor takes 3 hours. The beauty of both is if the grass gets ahead of me I just pull out the 15 foot batwing.

[@woohunter1]

it’s acres per hour, not mower deck size that matters the most. They are bumpy, I run about 12 psi in the tires, helps a lot.

[@jimbennett1519]

I got a country clipper zero turn with a 60” deck. You guys would really like the joy stick control as it is way more comfortable. I mow 5 acres and faster than my 2038R with the 72” deck simply because of the maneuvering ability of the zero turn

[@Will-tm5bj]

I was hoping my first Johnny would be a tractor, turned out to be a z720e 48 inch cut. I am so glad I got that. Cuts like a monster and cut my time in half. I wouldn't want to mow with even a subcompact

[@JoeStoffa]

I have a Grasshopper 623T front mount zero turn. Rides much smoother than the center deck designs, I can stick the deck under bushes/trees without riding under them, I can stick the deck into inside corners (less weed eating), and I can cross mow on a 15-20 degree slope. There's no comparison, what takes me two hours on the Grasshopper would take five hours on a tractor (2+ acres of slopes and obstacles). Edit: I also recommend mulching blades. That allows you to trim right up to the edge of the deck on both sides instead of just one because the exhaust chute isn't in the way. Also, the mulching blades are much quieter (less lift)

[@garyjerniganjr]

The more diverse a machine is the less efficient it is at each task. The more specific the machine the better the performance. A zturn was one of the best purchases I've made for my property. Word of caution tho, they do NOT like slopes..... I may have learned the hard way lol

[@timraber6575]

Practice turning around using the “y” technique. It will save you from tearing up your yard when you turn around. I do remember that your dad’s farm has a zero turn mower, but you never did much on featuring it. I don’t remember what you said about it back then, but I think your brother was on it. The Dixie Chopper brand has been around for a long time. Glad to see them making a come back. In a few years, I maybe I the market for a new zero turn mower.

[@jdinnis]

You can also spin the mower in place without tearing up the turf, but it takes a lot of practice. The key is to make sure neither wheel is ever stopped while the other is truing. So if you want to make a really tight turn one wheel has to be turning backwards and the other forwards. No skidding if you get it just right. I actually prefer v-bar tires on my ZTR. The main reason you tear up turf is if one tire is skidding. The more traction you have, the less likely you are to accidentally skid a tire.

[@ryanthomas7037]

Completely off topic but, I was thrilled to see that you have a purple martin house! Do you have any pairs? You should consider making a video talking about them and how to install martin housing. They are such beautiful birds and a DIY-install video would fit in perfectly with your channel!

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Previous owner put it up there. No idea what we would need to do to maintain it.

[@ryanthomas7037]

Tractor Time with Tim: They are very easy to maintain! If you are interested in learning more about purple martins and how to care for them, check out the Purple Martin Conservation Association website. www.purplemartin.org Their site is full of great information and even has a forum where other “landlords” will answer your questions!

[@joeh14]

I have the exact mower and I love it. This is my 2nd one. I’m glad to know that Dixie Chopper is back in good hands.

[@bobbert368]

Hey Tim, you commented on how rough your yard made me think of a story. I went to visit a friend of mine a few years back and when I got to his house I could hear some equipment running coming from his backyard. He owned a paving company and to my surprise I saw him rolling his lawn with his 5 ton roller. I thought that was sort of weird watching him roll his lawn with such a large roller. As I walked over to him I notice how flat his lawn was. Anyway maybe that's may be an option for your bumpy lawn of course you would probably have to aerate after you rolled it. Just a thought for you. Thanks for you videos.

[@rjacobs1200]

Bit the bullet this spring and got a Z540R with the 48in HC deck. Will be selling the deck and bagger for my 1025. This will mow and even bag in the wet

[@marshallwilliams5214]

A zero turn would be great for your 5 acres a 60in or a 72in would be great for your property. You don’t want the grass chute pointed at the flower beds. If you ever get a zero turn you should get a mulching kit for It. You don’t want to start the mower deck while it is on a Lower ideal. You want to started at a higher throudeal. The roll bars is a great ideation put down if there a lot of trees in the area. We have the roll bar down all the time at are 3 acres. If you go a little bit slower we can get a straight line in your yard. Great video Tim.

[@peterkober6758]

Tim Christi zero turns are great do good job and cut time by 2 thirds for us been using one for over 10 years a Toro commerical 48 inche cut burns about 1 gallon in a hour a big learning curve God Bless All PaK

[@rfb7117]

Tim,...great video. We have had zero turn mowers for 30+ years starting out with a Yazoo back in 1985. We feel there is no better way to mow a large yard with trees, beds etc. and have a quality cut, than to mow with a ZTM. We mow approximately 4 acres with a 61" deck, and to do it right it takes a little less that 1 hr. per acre, my wife is VERY particular and takes her time.

[@rfb7117]

Tim....I have owned Woods, Toro, Husqvarna, and Kubota over the years. Last year I had my third spine surgery and purchased a Ferris 61 because of the suspension. I'm very happy with the mowing comfort, even on bumpy ground compared to the others, and it does not seem to windrow as some did.

[@adamqueen189]

John Deere has a suspension seat on there z mowers. Which is a nice feature to have. On our z mower we don't use the little flap that you were talking about putting a hole in because we use a leaf and grass catcher sometimes and we would need to take it off and on all the time so we just leave it off and it doesn't blow grass in our face unless it is windy so you could just take it off.

[@spyder000069]

I have a Kubota zero turn with a 54" deck and 27hp kohler. Bought it new about 7-8 years ago when we bought our 5 acres in the country. Initially I tried to mow it with my JD 790 compact with a 6' 3pt finish mower. What a pain and the tractor was tearing up the yard. Plus you always had to go back with a regular mower to do the trimming as you pulled out away from fences and tried not to swing the rear mower into them. My 44" rider was so slow too. Mowing was literally a 5-6 hour job. The zero turn knocked it down to about 3 hours. There is no way I would go back. I would only go for a bigger zero turn that was heavier to maybe help keep it from bouncing around so much. I would go with a diesel for better fuel economy because 27hp gas engine running wide open loves fuel. The biggest gripe is ditches with a decent slope are tricky. I have one that is also often damp and if you misjudge if the grass is damp you will slide right down into it and forget getting out. Luckily we have an ATV to save the day when I make those mistakes which had no problem pulling the mower back to the dry section. The most important feature to look for on the zero turn is the seat. I spent a little extra to get the suspension seat upgrade so the seat is not hard mounted and has some springs/shock under it. Without that my back couldn't take the ride.

[@BRadWilson3]

I use my zero turn to mow a few yards on the side, they are easier to go around all the obstacles in yards. At home with more property that's more open I like my riding tractor, you can just sit and hold the wheel, not having to constantly be pushing forward. More comfortable for me.

[@Pratt_Photo]

Good Video as this is the decision I am faced with. I was set on a 1025r but then made the change to a ZT, mainly because it's so much faster. With 9 acres, and most of it being mowed, you can't ignore how much faster this is compared to a small tractor. Secondly, I have a LOT of trees to go around, and this goes around them SO much easier and faster. Only hard part was finding a quality one that was comfortable. In my opinion, the Farris IS700 was the best one we looked at. Full suspension on every corner and on the seat. High back seat, arm rests.

[@engineer8057]

I just purchased a John Deere Z960M with the 72" Deck and the 31hp Engine and it is awesome. Opted for the tweel tires and the suspension seat and that thing is a grass cutting monster!!

[@royhoco5748]

some people say a zero turn is a one purpose machine but I find that not true I installed a trailer hitch and I pull a lawnsweeper, a 5' estate rake, a 4' water filled aerator while mowing, a chain rake, and utility trailers with my 60" cut 27 hp Husqavarna ztr mower. In the fall I pull a 16 ft landscape trailer loaded with up to 40 bags of leaves around the 3 acre yard. My ztr is very versatile and has almost as much pulling power as my 27 hp compact tractor and is much more manuverable. I have used the ztr to pull another ztr out of a ditch and pull cedar logs from one location to another and find the ztr very useful for many purposes.

[@boboslickjohn1471]

I have a Bad Boy zero turn with a Yamaha 33 hp fuel injected motor. I use it to trim around the buildings and around my ponds, particularly the steep dams. Most of the time I mow around the fence lines making it easier to mow close with the tractor. For the pastures, I mow about 10 acres with a flail mower behind a tractor. I've bought a finishing mower and a brush hog with the tractor, neither have over 5 hours on them.

[@mchristley]

Thanks for the great videos. You would really like the bigger deck for trimming. It sticks out further and keeps the operator away from the branches like your Norway spruce. A 60” is good and 72” really sticks out a long ways. 72” is harder to transport for most people. You have the trailerage to overcome that though. I have three Johnnies. 3039R (Big John), an old 1994 425 (little John), and a Z915B (JZ). My kids laugh when I call it that. Mine does not have the suspension seat. Based on Christy’s comments that would be a worthwhile investment. The control arms can be adjusted to be closer to the operator if moving the seat forward doesn’t improve arm placement, she might like that too. I enjoy the videos and your overall positive outlook.

[@shawnbottom4769]

As a Hoosier glad to hear that the DC name is returning to its roots. I have a few neighbors who own “post sellout” units and I’ve encouraged them to limp them along as long as possible. Myself I’m a former JD and current Scag owner.

[@scottselliers1672]

I swear you must be listening in on our conversations around here! This channel couldn't possibly be any more tailored to what we are doing here on our property in Middle Tennessee. When we bought our 7.5 acres, our first major purchase was a 1025R. We love our subcompact John Deere (ours is named Wilson), and have been using it with a drive-over deck as our primary mower since 2013. We regularly mow three mow-width passes around each of our three pastures and creek, our front yard, and barnyard, which amounts to roughly two acres of mowing each week. We use a 4ft rotary cutter to knock down the pastures between four and five times a year. But using our 1025R as our primary mower has been troublesome, as Christy notes here that the swapping out of implements becomes tedious; mowing with the FEL installed is impractical, and we frequently use dump carts and a watering set-up that cause us to have to disconnect and reconnect trailers, etc. too frequently to make mowing an easy proposition. Given our rocky terrain, leaving the drive-over deck permanently throughout mowing season is also impractical. So we've been working towards adding a ZTR into our arsenal. We'd love to start using the 1025R more as a tractor than a mower. The biggest issue we are facing involves storage; we have a dedicated single-car garage built into our auxiliary building for the 1025R and the FEL, but parking a ZTR in there would cause a machine shuffle and may cause us to storing the FEL back outside. I really don't want to store the FEL outside as the heat expansion in the hydraulic lines makes connecting it back to the 1025R a potentially dangerous hassle; the pressure that builds up in those hoses in this Tennessee summer heat is unbelievable. So taking on a ZTR is going to entail buying yet another building/structure. We already have two carports, our auxiliary building, a huge chicken coop, and a small wooden garden shed. It would also be yet another machine that requires more dedicated fuel storage and maintenance routines. Having a dedicated mower would be a luxury and a time saver to be sure, but we just can't decide if the peripheral costs (storage structure, maintenance, fuel storage, etc.) are worth it. Any thoughts/advice you could offer?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Not really much more I can add. Looks like you understand the trade offs. One more option would be to get another tractor (3033r) and devote your 1025r mostly to mowing...hooking to other attachments only for big multi tractor jobs.

[@stokesjo82]

I have mowed with a couple different zero turn mowers, but I believe the Ferris is the best of them all. You can’t utilize the speed of a zero turn comfortably without suspension. Review a Ferris!

[@justinshaw5706]

I LOVE my is700z

[@davidcantwell2489]

No doubt about it! I borrowed a Toro 5000 series from work to mow my newly acquired eight acres and it about beat me to death. Never heard of Ferris till my son told me about them, they have four of them at his work, so I borrowed one of theirs, man what a difference, and they are fast! I've had my IS 3200S for two years now and love it. Hands down, bite the bullet and get the best, it's Worth it. Oh .... when I need a tractor, I have a Branson 4520R for those jobs.

[@HVACguy813]

I love my 2100 Z

[@BigTader]

I will put a scag Turf Tiger against any on the market.

[@stokesjo82]

Michael would you be able to compete in the suspension class?

[@robertmcdonnold3038]

ZTR is very popular here in Florida. You're right they do take some practice for steering. I've used one several times and it's not for me. I have a John Deere 110. It's small but it's all I need. I pull a small trailer with it. Versatile. Good review as usual.

[@scott2426]

They are great in so many areas. However I sold my Scag after the first time mowing with the tractor. So much more comfortable, no more eating grass too! I hate how much grass ends up on you with the zero turn mowers. Looks like a nice mower they built however.

[@cashxx]

Love a zero turn! I mowed with a 50" deck on a White GT-1855 and it took me 4 hours to do 3 acres. My parents got a Bad Boy mower with a 60" deck and was excited to try it out when I went back home and mowed the whole yard in 2 hours. So it cut the time in half. Bigger deck and engine, was great! I use my 1025r at home and it suits me fine, but a zero turn is fun and fast! I seen a zero turn at my JD dealer with a folding deck that was like 80 some inches when down, that is what you guys need!! Not sure if that was a Toro or what brand. Was red, assuming Toro.

[@karlschupp8552]

I had an opportunity to borrow a diesel Grasshopper zero turn with the deck out front like Vinnie. I loved it! I had trouble marring the grass when turning also. I wouldn't trade my John Deere 455 for it though even though the Grasshopper is quicker and has a better cut. I just love the versatility of my "Johnny" !!!

[@ryanr2690]

We bought a used 28hp Scag Turf Tiger about 4 weeks ago. Everyone is now fighting to mow the grass! Lol. It took a 3hr plus job with our 2032r down to an 1:45 -1:30 as we get better at using it I'm sure the time will drop. Its alot smoother, and faster, and I like how much easier it is to get close to stuff. We do have an issue with it leaving spots of high grass randomly, not sure if it's a dull spot on the blades or if it needs a tune up, only seems to happen in alittle taller grass.

[@JustJayC]

I have had a Scag since 2012, never had a single issue out of it, and it cut my mowing time in less than half for 5 acres around my house and outside of the pastures.

[@ryanr2690]

@@JustJayC do you have any issues with it missing spots of grass? Gonna pull the blades this weekend maybe try a new set of highlift gators and clean the underside of the deck looking for obstructions but it just came from the dealer. Hoping that it's just something small I'm missing.

[@jeffstrains4014]

I have an exmark 60' with the 27hp Kaw engine , installed a mulching kit along with a striping bar truly a next level cut. They will rock side to side on bumps have to slow down. My secret on straight strips is looking at where I am heading and not just a few feet in front of the mower! Before I spin a 360 I stop start backing then rotate. Mine is liquid cooled, my experience with zero turns if your working on hills radial cooled is better! Having those counter weights on the front make it want to drop on slopes.

[@mikefortune4796]

Hi Tim and Christy nice piece of equitment Tim and Christy looks at home on it

[@brentbrown8393]

Your place looks great Christy and Tim, you'll love that mower, I love our Zero turn mower, it's the best mower I ever had. Since you're traveling over rough ground, I would basically check every bolt you can get too before the start of every new mowing season for looseness. My rough ground caused my mowers carburetor's bolts to back out of the mowers 20HP Kohler engine allowing it to completely fall off the engine. 👍🙋‍♂️

[@TractorTimewithTim]

...of course this ztr is finding a new home.

[@bradperkins3337]

I just bought the ISO tunes and I love them! Even bought them from your Amazon page! Thanks for the wonderful videos and knowledge you share. Been a fan since the very start when y’all just had a small garden. Big 👍

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Thanks! You will love them! Of course you missed zither $10 discount with code TTWT when buying from isotunesaudio.com

[@bradperkins3337]

Oh man! Didn’t realize

[@MattN03]

My Toro Z-Master 3000, 60" deck will out mow a tractor any day. But it is a dedicated piece of equipment. I mow about 3 acres at my house, but mow another 7+ for neighbors so it's worth it to have a dedicated mower for me. I think it depends on how much you have to mow and are willing to invest into a dedicated piece of equipment. That being said, I wouldn't want to get rid of my tractor either! Great job as always Tim!

[@jasone9]

After 5 years of having a zero turn I cant imagine going back to lawn mowing with a tractor. I love my tractors for many things, but for cutting grass no thanks. It is a considerable investment just to cut grass, but I've got 4 acres of yards to mow and it saves me a ton of time. It also keeps me from putting more hours on a tractor.

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

April 2018 i bought a Dixie Chopper 2002 Quad Loop complete for $100, not running. 20hp Kohler 2 cylinder and 50” deck. The metal in the deck is very thick. I have great difficulty moving the 50” deck around and I think it’s even heavier than the Toro 60” decks I’ve had. I’m hoping to get it running soon so that I can do some repairs to my Toro 522xi garden tractor.

[@mburke1211]

When I had a zero turn, I found that it’s much rougher riding, and will beat you to a pulp on bumpy ground. While it is a time efficient way to mow, I much prefer the comfort of a tractor.

[@turdferguson5300]

I improved my ride and traction by lowering the rear tire pressure to 12 psi. I have a Deere 920m that I wasn't pleased with the ride or traction so I went to the dealer for those premium plastic hub tires. They were $420 each! That was out so I started looking at their qualities, they were softer so I made mine softer and it helped. You can always air em back up if you don't like it. The cut quality didn't suffer at all, just keep them both the same psi.

[@andrewk8636]

Get a ferris full suspension zero turn

[@typeebs93]

You got bit by the zero turn bug, no turning back now. We have a hustler x one with a 60 in deck and a 27 hp kawasaki, its been a great machine for us. It leaves a beautiful cut on the lawn

[@jamesdiehl8690]

I saw a deere dealer demo yesterday (July 4) of their zero turn, a 2 wheel drive lawn tractor and a 4 wheel drive lawn tractor. The dealer used them all on an average type lawn, plus sloped ditch. The zero turn scalped some places and slid down the slope. It got stuck in the ditch and had to be pulled out by the 4 wheeler. He said it was normal for most zero turn units. I had heard they weren't too good for slopes before and the brand doesn't matter.

[@chrispileski6640]

Love it. I have an Exmark ZTR. I mow about 1.5 acres. Going backwards does take some getting used to. I find if I look straight ahead and adjust my hands accordingly, it's better than your natural inclination to turn your head and look where you're going. Maybe try that if you ever get the chance to use another ZTR.

[@SubStationSparky]

Tim I have a LS XJ 2025H tractor with backhoe and i considered the mower deck but with the backhoe subframe its quite the ordeal to take off the backhoe and install the mower deck, so Ive had a zero turn for some time now. I just upgraded to the Husqvarna Z560 61" mower with the dump from seat bagger.. It wasnt cheap.. About $10,000 all said and done. But it cut my mowing from 4 hours (54" residential husky zero turn) down to 2. So over the course of ownership Im buying time as well. A large investment for sure. I have about 2.75 acres I mow.

[@realpdm]

I don't really want to have two units either. We have 2.5 acres and I have a hard time mowing with my tractor around the many many obstacles. I ended up buying a push mower to do some of the fiddly bits around the house and end up string trimming a great deal all over our property. Thanks for sharing your experience with this thing. I see my neighbor going lickity split with his ZT and I get jealous but I really don't want to buy one.

[@ratdog3055]

My Massey came with a 60 inch belly mower. It was ok, but my wife had trouble getting on and off the tractor. We bought a Hustler zero turn with a 60 inch deck and I cant get her off of it! We mow 3+ acres with a lot of trees and it has cut our mowing time by about 1 hour. Does a good job towing the yard sweeper as well. sadly I am relegated to the little garden tractor for my share of the mowing duties!

[@picsaregreat]

Thanks or the video, very informative. One thing I would like to say is that I have a John Deere X500 mower with a 24 or 25 hp Kawasaki engine. It will easily start the 54 inch mower deck at idle. I even have a spot that I mow at idle very slowly so I don't pile grass up against a building. I am very pleased with the power from that engine.

[@Matt10Lawrence]

A 48" zero turn in the hands of an experienced operator will get a mowing job done faster and better than a 60" tractor every day of the week. But, that's all it can do. It's one trick pony, and does that one trick really really well. A tractor is more of a workhorse that does many things and works really hard. And doesn't do any of them as well.

[@toxictophat711]

My 50in chopper silver is a ton faster than my old bosses bad boy maverick 60in both great mowers but the chopper has dropped a hour off one of my yards

[@kingofwake]

I had a Kubota ZTR and found your channel (and Messicks) a few years ago.. sold it and bought a Kubota BX.

[@fitch8363]

Three families went together on a Diesel 60"zero turn. Between us we mow and maintain about 8 acres of lawn. Between a tractor and zero turn there is no comparison. The zero turn wins by so much margin it really isn't a contest.

[@CaveWyatt]

No doubt about it; zero turn AND a tractor. The only way to fly! But we have almost four acres so it was never a question. In point of fact I have heard so many times about the lack of maneuverability with a tractor with a belly mower I didn’t even buy the mower with the tractor. But get a deck sized in the 60’s. And, yes, I removed the grass spray chute.

[@curtwhite876]

Love my zero turn mower and did not buy a deck when I bought my tractor. My zero turn mower is a Hustler Super Duty with a 54 inch deck. It has heavy duty construction and it sits lower than a Dixie Chopper, which is great around trees. I used to mow about 4 acres with a lawn tractor. It took about 4 hours. Now I mow it in less than 2 hours.

[@jakeschisler7525]

In Illinois I bought a lawn tractor which was better than a push mower. Then I bought a zero turn, what a difference in time an cut. Now here in Florida I bought a Gravely zero turn with Kawasaki engine 22 hp, plenty of power. If it weren't for the cost I would buy a Gravely 460 model which has an air ride seat, or a Scag mower. My mower has twin gas tanks with a valve to change between the two or shut off. I like the heavy duty welded deck will last a long time over stamped models. My seat is gray in color why companies use black seats I don't get. Most mowers you can put the Rops down an not worry about branches. With Rops up they say to use seat belt, but my property is flat for what I mow. I was surprised you weren't trying out a John Deere zero turn, my neighbor has a commercial one it has a drive shaft, but he also has problem with it quite often where the dealer comes and takes it for repair. There are so many different mowers an options but then there's the cost, my mower was over 8 grand it now has 623 hours on it. I do my own maint.

[@ConnorsLandscaping]

If you do a three point turn doesn’t tear up the grass

[@ericpowell335]

Is a ZTR better than a tractor? Yes, but only for one very specific task. Versatility is the key for a tractor.

[@shanes481]

I keep all of my 8 acres mowed. A zero turn is not a luxury it's a necessity. If I couldn't use a zero turn to mow I would move. And I have a small tractor as well.

[@zachary3777]

@@shanes481 Make 6 of those woods

[@maxwellianmindfuzz3640]

I know what a dumb comparison!

[@Theyralltakenfu]

What people need to realize is, ZTR's are NOT for every lawn. I do approx 3-4 acres and have both a ZTR and Tractor. Obviously, the Z does a quicker job, but the downside is, I have a lawn that is somewhat hilly, not steep, in certain areas. Try turning a Z on a hill, it doesn't always go well, try it with a Tractor and it's normally no problem. If you have hills on your lawn, a Z may not be an option for you, because safety is the most important thing when mowing, not just getting the lawn done'

[@fcardona84]

The machine looks way too big for only 48”. My Husqvarna 54” is smaller yet has a wider cut. I’m sure it would knock out this property very quickly.

[@jeffrainwater4084]

It's kind of neat that this model can switch from side discharge to "sort of mulching" on the fly. My Hustler Raptor SD has a mulch kit on it, which I love, but i find limits the height of grass I can cut. If it gets too long, i have to raise the deck and cut higher.

[@RCPSU4]

Dixie Choppers are a good brand of zero turn. I'd like to see them churn out a front deck model to compete with Grasshopper and Woods. Front deck models look easier to trim under trees with. The other thing I like about a front deck is how much more you can do with it after deck removal.

[@InquisiitorWH44K]

Mowed my property for years with a 32 inch big box store and a used Snapper. The number of acres I mow just wore them out and I was spending way too much time mowing. Bought a Simplicity Prestige with a 54" deck and mowed with it for many years. Still have it and still use it to mow once in a while but keep it around as an extra mower and to haul my yard cart around. The Kholer engine is still going strong. But when the machine was down it was not good to be without a mower. Bought a Ferris Lazer Z1500 with a 60" deck and it's been a great and cuts even more time off of mowing. When I got my 1025r with a loader and a backhoe I also got the 60" deck. Although I only use it occasionally, it's still good to have the peace of mind to know I should always have a mower available.

[@michaelhutchinson2275]

Tim and Christy, the height and the position of the steering handles is the problem. In this case they are too high and too far forward and as an ergonomist this is easy to see. Check to see if there are any adjustments available to the handles. To find YOUR correct position simply sit in the seat and place the arms and hand in your lap. Check to see if the ankles, knees hips and upper arms are all close to 90 degrees. This is the seat height. For the arms and shoulders the upper arm should be inline with midline of the body (close to vertical or slightly forward). Raise the hands up until the elbow is about 90 degrees. This is about where the handles should be (this works good for home computing also!). In addition, if the handles ARE NOT too far apart, you should grasp the angle part of the handles. This reduces the rotational stress on the forearms. Hope that helps!

[@amossnowdaharleyman9179]

My mower is a Mars: pay him once a year in January and I don't worry with the yard until the following January and can do what I want and enjoy doing at the farm. Only me there :) Might mow, might plow,might get on the dozer and knock stuff over just because it feels good to knock stuff over now and again.

[@bordstif84]

Our farm has a 54 inch jd zero turn. A 72 inch front mount old kubota and a 72 inch 3 point finishing mower mounted on a 3027 jd

[@schroederfamilyfarm298]

I went from a D170 to a Z535M mowing around 3 1/2 acres. Took about 3 hours with D170 and about 45 min with the Z535M. I would definitely get a zero turn. Its all in the turning and speed of the mower. You need a country mile to turn around the garden tractors compared to the zero turns and there slower.

[@wingersww]

We had a 52" ZTR to mow our 3 acres before we got our 1025R at the beginning of 2018. The choice for us was a second machine to mow with so we could turn a 4 hour job into something less than 2, and to gain the versatility of a tractor that can do a multitude of task we needed done, with the right attachments... It would be nice to upgrade the ZTR (closing in on 700 hours and showing it) to a bigger unit and cut mowing time even further. The ZTR is good for trimming around everything but the 1025r still beats it for the longer straight-line mowing. Having both is a win-win scenario IMHO.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yes, we really enjoyed having both available. The 2038r with 72” deck rides so smooth, and keeps me up out of the grass clippings. Probably my favorite mower...but turning radius is abysmal!

[@Ridgerunner49]

I've got a Dixie chopper and older model it mows like a hero it's fast it's agile it's comfortable it's the best thing I have had and I've had more tractors for ever

[@brucewagoner6179]

You would love a Spartan then suspension seat like an 18 wheeler and you're supposed to turn the PTO on at Full Throttle

[@TractorTimewithTim]

No, you are NOT supposed to turn the PTO on at full throttle.

[@teekay1785]

with a 60 inch deck you will be sitting at least 6 inches further away from things you are trimming around and some decks may be offset a little further to one side to make trimming easier since a 60 inch will probably have 3 blades too

[@TractorTimewithTim]

This one has 3 blades.

[@teekay1785]

@@TractorTimewithTim yes but the point is they usually will not offset a deck that only has 2 blades

[@semco72057]

I remember the Dixie Chopper mowers since the prison system I worked for had some and they loved those mowers and the inmates operated them which is remarkable that they lasted considering that. When I went looking for a mower of my own I considered the brand, but ended up with a John Deere brand instead.

[@Ridgerunner49]

You can feel the natural flow of the least resistant way to turn when you're mowing if it doesn't make a difference on which direction you go

[@DougAlesUSA]

15:08 Oh the joys of learning to fly a drone. There are two types of drone operators, those that have crashed and those that lie. How is the drone? Is the gimbal okay? Propellers are inexpensive to replace, but if the gimbal gets damaged, repairs get pricy.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Drone works well...but sometimes the obstacle sensors don’t work perfectly!

[@bradolsen9981]

These two kids are priceless

[@Kcolby47]

Well done. Good to hear about Dixie Chopper. They had a very good reputation, and pleased to hear about their new future. I had tractor mowers for years, but I really like the ZTR for pure mowing. Easier, faster, less trimming, and does a good job. As you pointed it, situations are different, and it’s the old “needs vs. wants” thing sometimes. Enjoy the videos. Blessings!

[@FelipeColby]

They certainly are faster! Warp speed!

[@augustreil]

IMO, Zero turns are way faster than a tractor for mowing. The downside is, a Zero turn has pretty much just one objective, to mow grass. You can put spreaders, baggers, thatchers, etc. on them also. To make the ride softer, run the tire pressure at it's lowest setting. I always put tubes in the rears to lower the pressure even more, huge difference in the ride.

[@2LateIWon]

For Christy you should be able to move/adjust the levers to make it more comfortable for her.

[@frankhartmeyer9841]

Always enjoy your videos Tim

[@avs2978]

Cub Cadet has a ZT with air ride seat and steering wheel. The PRO Z series. You need to give it more throttle before engaging PTO almost 3/4's. It will be a lot smoother.

[@CapeAnnImages]

Wonderful review! Very nimble machine but one feature would prevent me from buying one. The deck height adjustment. I have a hilly yard with rock & root outcroppings. I need to adjust the height on the fly, having a notched lever I can do this. With that one you would have to stop and re-position the pin. The two handle steering also has a safety feature....It prevents texting while mowing!

[@JasonCarmichael]

Slide that seat forward and angle the control handles back. Learn about the Y turn. Even though it's a ZTR, you will almost always "turf" the ground if you try to pivot around on the wheel. Go forward and left, back and right, and now you are facing the other direction. Never start the PTO at full throttle, start about 2/3rd, then full-throttle it, and get to cutting.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

We didn't start the PTO at full throttle, nor did we suggest such a thing. We recommend starting the PTO at idle, or at the minimum RPM which will not kill the engine. Be as gentle as possible. 2/3 throttle is way too high.