What is the best zero turn mower for under $3500?

Thanks

Hustler

I had a Hustler and loved it. I've heard from some landscape guys that run hard and heavy that the Hustlers dont hold up as well under heavy use, but for home use you should be fine. I never had a problem with mine.

If you would have left it as best, I wouldn’t have said Hustler

But with your budget, I’d still say Hustler.

I’ve owned 3 Hustlers FWIW

Three in how many years?

Same here.

Charlie

My JD has served me well...………..
It's not pro...... But It's been great, for home use...…

My hustler is 7 years old. Never a problem except for 2 new front tires.

No complaints on my deer z425. My neighbor with the hustler has to borrow mine at least once a year.

Look at scag’s. Had one for six years and still cuts like new.

I was married to two hustlers. They were both in it for the ride. Both were very high maintenance. A couple of real money pits. In no time, I didn't enjoy riding them at all. Glad I got rid of them. Dam hustlers. Now I just rent one when I need one.

Scag's are great, I have one, but it's gonna be hard to find one at that price unless you go the used route

Bad boy ZT

Probably 10 years

I owned a small side mowing business about 10 years ago. I had 15-20 yards and a guy offered to buy me out. Equipment and all. So I did

The next I owned a home on 8 acres, I mowed about 3 acres w the next Hustler. Sold the home and the lady asked for the Hustler mower in the sale. So I did

Now I have a new place and bought another Hustler about 6 months ago

I have a Bad Boy that I bought at TC. Going on 8 years now. Replaced a couple of belts and numerous flats. I did jumper all the safety switches as they were a PITA. Been a very good mower.

JD z445 w/ Kawasaki engine and parker hydraulic wheel motors, 13 years and only replaced battery, fuel pump, filter and line. Mow 5 acres.

JD did away with full hydraulics, not sure if the new mowers are as good. JD dealers have different models than what you can get in the bog box stores.

John Deere will stand behind all their equipment except their manure spreader.

Agree. If you do some research you'll find they all are using the same manufacturers of transmissions (different models) and motors from Kawasaki or Kohler. When I was researching this summer I found that Hustler was using a bit better transmission for the price range than the competitors.

I have the Huster Mini Z that is 12 years old and upgraded late summer to a Skag Tiger Cat with an EFI Kohler. The Skag is nicer and rides better but they cut the same. Unfortunately, the Skag is too big and I can't get it into several spaces in my yard so will be selling it in the Spring and I'll continue using the Hustler.

Motors are the most important thing...three general choices. Briggs, Kohler and Kaw go from there and pick, that'll narrow your choice.

I wanted the Kaw and the welded not stamped deck.

I bought the Ariens 42" and I've been pretty happy with it. They suck on grades, the bar ditch in front of the house is flat dangerous on the thing and you have to pay attention. Hind sight being what it is, I probably should've bought a small lawn tractor.

Toro time cutter mx, ss or hd / with fabricated deck.
3 year no hour limitation warranty.

I’ve got the Gravely 42 with the welded deck. It’s the exact same unit as the areins. Mine has the Kohler motor and it’s starting to smoke slightly when first started and when put under a load. Around 500 hours. In all fairness it has saw lots of hours cutting tall pasture grass.

John Deere has worked well for me.

I like my Ferris

FIL has a hustler raptor. Its about 5 years old. He cuts his acre, his MIL's acre, his mothers 2 acres and occasionally my 2 acres when im at work and he has extra time lol.

It has been good but has had a few minor problems. The tires all went flat now have slime(we are in mesquite country so that is expected) have put 2 spindles on it, the front bolt that supports the front of the deck has broke and been replaced 3 times, according to the local Hustler parts guy it is a known problem and they have an updated part, the last one I put on it was the new design and it hasn't broke yet. The only other thing is the drive belt broke, but its not to bad to replace.

As far as motors go I don't mind brigs kohler or Kawasaki. His is a Kawasaki and has been good. I have a brigs on my mower and it has been good too. If you actually change the oil and filter like you should throw an air filter at it every so often and don't let the gas go bad in it I bet the motors on all of them are the last thing you have problems with.

Toro 54 inch with the commercial engine. I paid 3200 for it 3 years ago.