Hi all, any input you can provide, or suggestions for other subreddits and/or other websites to go to for input on this project would be greatly appreciated. I realize that maybe some aspects of this project might be outside the scope and/or expertise of the folks here, and so if I need to incorporate other disciplines or areas of expertise into this project, that is ok.
So, here's the deal:
I am looking to build my own electric zero turn mower for commercial use (looking to build it with the capability of mowing 8-15 very small to moderately small yards a day).
I am looking to do this because the market for electric zero turn mowers is still fairly limited, and a bit absurd, to be honest. The cheapest is a $4,000 zero turn mower with a 42 inch deck from Ryobi, and most or all of them beyond that are $7,000+, with most of them being around $20,000 and up.....
If I can, I'd like to accomplish the following two goals with this project:
1: Build it for cheaper than the cost of the Ryobi electric zero turn, so less than $4,000
2: Have all of the design features I want it to have (I'll get into those later)
There's a few different ways I could go in terms of getting the basic frame together, but to keep it simple for this thread, let's say I get a "mechanic's special" gas-powered zero turn. I'll take all the gasoline-related parts off, and sell any of them that are useable.
Now, in terms of the motors I will need, I know much of this depends on the performance I want, and the construction of the rest of the mower.
Let's say I go with brushless DC motors for each of the two blades. We'll go with a 48 inch deck, so two 16 and 1/4 inch blades, at 1.45 pounds each, looking to have a blade tip speed of about 17,000 feet per minute. What kind of brushless motors will I need to get a blade weighing 1.45 pounds to have a blade tip speed of 17,000 FPM? How much will each cost?
As for the rear wheel drive, would it be better to have one motor, or two motors? If I want a top speed of 8 MPH, approximately (don't know right now exactly what the total weight of the whole mower would be) what kind of motor (or motors) will I need for the rear wheel drive? How much will this cost?
What about batteries to accomodate all of this? Most electric zero turn mowers I have seen have the batteries in a compartant down under the seat. What if I do that AND have a battery slot on each side of the driver's seat (like how Exmark mowers have gas tanks on each side of the driver's
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So who has experience with newer models? My 2004 cub cadet recently decided that it no longer needed an engine, so I am trying to decide wether to buy a new or nite the bullet and go with a new one.
(In actuality, the engine block mount cracked across one of the screws and did it in such a manor that all the old drained out). Was debating one either trying oneof the vertical shaft predators out, getting another motor (factory was 17.5 HP briggs and stratton) And going a little larger. OR just buying the newer one. Any thoughts?
Hi all,
I’m on the hunt for a new 60” zero turn to mow my 4-5 acres. I test drove the Toro Titan HD 1500, Scag Patriot, and the Ferris IS700. I wanted to test drive the Gravely XTHD and ZX60, but my dealer did not have any assembled. I was leaning toward the Toro and at last minute decided to drive over to another dealer and test drive the Scag and Ferris. The Scag felt great, but the Ferris surprised me with the smooth ride. I’m leaning toward the Ferris, but I’m not sure about the Briggs motor and the front tires seem small. Anyone with experience on these machines or opinions.
Thanks!
So, my mower has been leaking oil for at least a year - I think it started after an oil change when I might have overfilled it.
The biggest problem, it leaks very slow - the picture below is after 2 weeks. Because the leaking is so slow, I haven't been able to locate it. I really have no idea where these things usual leak - gaskets maybe?
Would there be a good place to start checking, or would it be more important to somehow clean all of the oil, grease, grass, etc from everything that I can?
Pretty sure it is leaking in more than one spot as I see at least two trails on the tinfoil.
2015 Husqvarna Z254 if that helps.
Some pictures below
My wife and I have traded in the city life for a beautiful house sitting on relatively flat 3.5 acres in a more rural setting. The yard is a little bumpy and has a small drainage ditch by the main road. My budget is $5k with a little wiggle room but I would prefer to stay below that. What mowers and size would you recommend?
In my owners manual for my Ferris ISX 800, it states that you should never start the engine and then proceed to move the machine without letting the engine warm up for 3-5 minutes. I follow a lot of guys on youtube that do commercial mowing and I have seen them start their engines cold, and then move the machine RIGHT after doing so. Why does it state in the manual to not do this if so many other people do it anyways? Is it bad for my engine or is it safe to just start-up and go? Any help would be appreciate due to the fact that sitting there waiting for the engine to warm up multiple times is just wasting gas and costing money. Thanks
In the market for a new zero-turn mower and looking for recommendations/suggestions. I used to cut with a Stihl when I did commercial landscaping years ago, but I know I can't get anything as nice as those. Here is what my yard looks like:
- Yard is about 2 acres surrounded by forest in northern Ohio, mostly flat but a good amount of scattered trees and a little bridge to go over a creek. A lot of leaves in the fall time.
- Yard is fertilized professionally 5 times a season (still reaping the benefits of old landscaping friends, getting this almost for free)
- Grass is mostly Kentucky Blue with some rye here and there
- Grass grows insanely fast and is VERY thick, need to cut it weekly if not more often
I have a 10 year old Ariens tractor mower now, and it takes FOREVER to cut the whole yard, especially if I try and bag the grass (which I almost always do).
Currently I'm between two mowers both around $3000 range + whatever a bagger costs for these, but I am open to other suggestions..
Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50 in. Fabricated Deck 23 HP Kawasaki
Ariens Edge 21.5-HP V-Twin Dual Hydrostatic 52-in Zero-Turn
Thanks!
https://imgur.com/a/4XG6EtT
Looking to upgrade because I've got two acres to mow, with trees to go around etc. I've also got a couple of ditches that are always tough on my regular riding mower, how do zero turns do with ditches? Budget is 3k. Thanks!
they detect every lil bump
Hey /r/lawncare
After keeping my Gravely 20G running for twenty years, I'm tired of fighting it. This year has been one headache after another and now it needs an engine rebuild, so I'm throwing in the towel and demoting it to backup-mower.
I'm in the market for a zero turn with a 60" cutting deck. I'm mechanically inclined and will be doing all maintenance myself, and would love to get another 20 years out of a mower.
What do you all recommend? I was looking at another Gravely, but I'm not sure if their build quality has remained consistent since my last purchase. Research also led me to Ariens' Apex line. Thoughts on that brand? Any other units I should take a look at?
Thanks in advance.
As mentioned, I’m considering a zero turn mower. However, in my backyard I have sort of a shallow upside-down bowl shaped yard that slopes into my neighbors lawns which are flat. The slopes are around 15 degrees and are about 20 to 30 feet long. One smaller area has a 22 degree slope that ends as my neighbor’s flat lawn. I have had a lawn care service mow this lawn with a ZT with what seems to be relative ease, although they slow down on the slopes. Do you think a yard like this is too much for a residential grade ZT? If it helps, this is one of the models I had considered:
https://www.cubcadet.com/equipment/cubcadet/zero-turn-riding-mowers/ultima-series/cub-cadet-zt1-50-rzt-17AIEACZ010
Btw I don't do it on the grass only on gravel spots and roads which there is a lot of where I work
For residential use. Example would be like the John Deere Z335
We are in the process of closing on a house that sits on 5.5 acres. I'm looking for recommendations for the best zero turn to mow with. The main options that I'm debating between are: a SCAG Liberty Z with a 61" deck, a Gravely ZT with a 60" deck, or a Toro Timecutter HD with a 60" deck. I also peeked at a Ferris IS 700 with a 61" deck, but it's a little north of what I'd like to spend. I'm trying to stick between 5-6K if possible...but I'm flexible.
Any advice? I appreciate any input!
Hello! Not sure if this is the right spot, but I hope it is. I'm looking for a lawn mower that I can mow it without taking forever.
5 Acre of flat and clear land. There are very few trees, so it's mostly open, gentle rolls on 2 small hills, nothing crazy elevation speaking.
I was looking at Grasshopper right now, but they are expensive. Any information I'm willing to listen. I've heard good things about Toro TimeCutters.
Thanks!
I got a Dines Manufacturing zero turn at an auction last year dirt cheap because it looks old and no one in NY knows what it is. I didn't either till I got it home. Mine seems to be a 96ish vintage but the things look the same from the 70s till new.
The thing is commercial grade all plate steel and works really well. The best part is that it's pretty simple with the chain drive models, and all the parts are still available from the manufacturer (in the US) and they are happy to talk to you on the phone about how to fix it or replace parts etc.
I don't see how you'd break it and if you can fix it yourself or have a mechanic who is willing to give it a go they'd be able to fix it because parts are available.
Now I also like that the mower is out in front of the machine and you can unclip some chains and just lift the deck up 90 degrees for cleaning or sharpening or blade replacement without having to remove the deck or have a lift. It also somehow mowes hills surprisingly well, and while 7mph isn't the fastest out there for zero turns it is faster than our lawn tractors. Especially for what zero turns are good for like mowing up against trees etc.
Of course new they cost a lot but if you can find them used, they are likely to work great even if abused (I am sure mine was abused before I got it) and really easy to repair cause they are simple designs and the manual has exploded Views and the phone help. Plus you support American manufacturing.
I’m getting one for my house only. 2/3 acre; all flat. Would appreciate recommendations. I know they are expensive but I don’t want to go past $4000
I’m looking at the lower end models like John Deere z335 and Craftsman z510. Currently they are selling for about $2600. I know prices drop throughout the fall. If I manage to get one close to Christmas, how low do you think the prices will drop?
