ALL depends on HOW MUCH $$$ you're willing/able to put
into one. Cub Cadet, Toro, Snapper/Simplicity, Excel,
Exmark, etc, etc...ALL offer a 42-44" cut zero-turn
from around $3000 to $5000. From what I've seen, the
Excel Fastrac's and the Snapper/Simplicity 44" cut models
are going for around $4495, and seem to be of the best
quality. These would be considered "low-end" commercial,
high-end consumer models, while the Toro TimeCutter and
Cub Cadet consumer models in the $3000 to $3900 range are
certainly more for the homeowner. If you step up and spend
the extra $$$'s, your downtime and reliability factor will
be considerably better than the lesser expensive models.
Don't know if you've "zero-turned" before, but...once you
do and become used to this style of mowing, you'll NEVER
UNDERSTAND HOW....YOU EVER MOWED ANY OTHER WAY !!! You'll
also NEVER BE HAPPY riding around on a tractor again.
Best wishes in your search and decision !!!

T-Man

Zero turn mowers are awesome. Hydrostatic drives on these machines tend to last much longer than mechanical. My dad has a great dane chariot that he has been using now for 7 years without a problem.

I would recommend john deere Z-trak, perhaps used to keep the $$ down.

Listen to the T-Man that is good advice. I would stay away for the CC though I've seen too many problems with them. Don't know about the Toro. Snapper is coming out with some new stuff for next year might want to wait and look at them. Later Butch

any thoughts on the Exmark or Hustler. I am looking at the 44" . Are they worth the money?

MJ
I have an eXmark LazerZ. 23HP kohler, 60" deck.
I have not had the fist problem out of mine. It has not been babied in the least.
I highly reccomend them.

I have three zero turn mowers that I am interested in selling. A 61" Great Dane Chariot, a 50" Gravely Walk Behind, and a 36" Great Dane walk behind hydro. Any suggestions?

Check out the Hustler Mini FasTrak. You can get one with a 36" 15HP Kohler for $2999 ... not commercial, but certainly better than Toro and CC's residential line.

I have a lead on an original owner, '02 or '03, 52", 19 HP Bunton with approximately 350 hours that appears to be in excellent condition. I'm having a hard time finding out how much it is actually worth. Can anyone help me with this?

SCAG

I'm thinking about buying a Simplicity Champion 20-44. It lists for $4995 and after checking with several dealers that's what they want for it. Except one dealer that offered to sell it to me for $3,999.95 after he applied what he said was a $600.00 rebate and a nearly $400.00 discount.
It looks like a good machine and it rode well. He said they would bring it out so I could cut with it to see how I like it. He said he believes I will like it for that price, compared to the residential Zs at the big box stores. The next best mowers I found are up in the true commercial end and start @ $5 grand.
I'd appreciate any thoughts, comments, or advice on buying this machine from anyone?

I bought it and truly like it for the price I paid.

Take a look at the new Scag Freedom Z.Under $5000.00.

mjhbga.. i have a toro z4200 and i love it it has great qaulity and it cuts great.I bought it for 2300.00 which is the cheapest one on the market for a 42 inch deck.Ihave about 20 hours on it with no problems.. I love it

Some of the poster here own repair business and thats who I would ask. Not so much the individuals who own them, or the dealer that sells them. You cannot help but to be bias towards them. Go around to local repair shops that dont sell a certain model and ask which ones they see the most. Now someone saying that after 4+ years and no problems is something to jot down for future reference.

Does anyone have any info---reliability, dependability, etc. of the Swisher zero turn mowers

as a commerical lawn business owner i can give you a little input.... you never did say weather you want a rider ztr or a walk behind ztr...
i have had alot of equipment and we abuse it i dont baby my equipment...

as fas as a rider .. i would go with a grasshopper or a excel... i have both of these and never ever have had any major problems ... just rember you have to do is maintain them...
as far a walk behind ztr... i use a snapper for my personal lawn and use them for my business....
i have also owned ransome/bocat 's ... and both have not given me any grief ....
you also need to consider lot size ...before buying any equipment ... and always always $$$$$$$$ is the end factor... most dealers will let you try out the equipment b4 buying... and never be pressured into buying ... do your home work.. if need be call the factory they will be glad to help you with any questions...

Thanks radcad, I have been really looking at the Hustler Fastrak super duty with either the 54" or 60" deck. I like the residential mower with some of the commercial upgrades, even though the price is a little higher. I just happen to see the Swisher ZTR, and they have one with a 66" deck for $500 less, but I have not seen any comments about them. I will be using for personal use only on a 2 acre lot, and hopefully it will last as long as I am willing to mow it.

T-Man is correct. Although I have been in Landscaping for 16 years and have used several models of zero's, I have found that the BOBCAT 54' with the Generac engine to be the best I have used. It can cut at top speeds in tall grass with little or no engine lag. Very well balanced on slopes. They go for about 5,400.00. I would choose a Exmark Laser Next Z as my second choice. You can google exmark to find their site to get sizes. If you would like to see stats on several commercial zero mowers here is a site that does a comparison: http://www.the-lawn-advisor.com/Bobcat-Mower.html
Hope this helps!

Here is a link that might be useful: the-lawn-advisor

Just bought a used 2005 Simplicity Champion Zero .... I LOVE it! However, the "stamped" deck seems to plug easily in tall or damp grass. Can I swap decks? Is there a more commercial or rugged deck (from Simplicity or Snapper?) that will easily install without a lot of modification?