From new engine designs to added operator comforts, these mowers have stepped up their game.
By Jennifer M. Holloway
Grease spindles
The Ferris IS 2500Z mid-mount ZTR mower line for 2011 includes three models featuring Yanmar three-cylinder, in-line diesel engines with cast iron blocks: a 20-horsepower with 52-inch iCD cutting system, 24-horsepower with 61-inch iCD cutting system and a 24-horsepower with 52-inch iCD cutting system. Mower decks include cast-iron greaseable spindles for longer life.
Manage debris
The Grasshopper 226V MidMount features an advanced debris management system, 12-gallon fuel capacity and forward mowing speeds up to 9 mph. It also includes a 26-horsepower professional series V-Twin engine,
commercial-grade Parker pump and wheel motor drive system and fabricated 5 ½-inch deep cutting deck with optional down discharge mulching and PowerVac capability.
Steering wheel
The Cub Cadet Z-Force S commercial ZTR features Synchro Steer technology, which replaces the lap bar with a steering wheel and offers steerable front wheels. Offered with a 22- or 25-horsepower Kohler Command V-Twin engine, the Z-Force S includes a ZT3100 charged transmission, EVC suspension seat and uses a fabricated, slope-nose cutting deck in 48- or 60-inch widths.
Heavy duty
Husqvarna’s P-ZT line of zero-turn mowers borrows key attributes from the PZ line, like a commercial-duty chassis and heavy-duty front casters. It also features a 2-inch by 3-inch tube style frame and a cutting deck with ¼-inch thick top deck area for added structure and spindle support. The deck also includes heavy-duty scalp roller mounts and a rubber discharge shield. Pneumatic tires come standard; flat-free versions are optional.
Low center of gravity
The Land Pride ZTi zero-turn mower works efficiently in commercial applications and offers features such as low center of gravity, legroom and arm extensions. The mower is available with 54- and 60-inch decks, has a 1- to 5-inch cutting height in ¼-inch increments, four anti-scalp rollers, two hydraulic reservoirs and a choice of Honda, Kawasaki or Briggs and Stratton engines.
Save on space
The 34-inch HomePro mower from Billy Goat is efficient for residential properties and designed to be compact, leaving more room in your trailer or equipment garage. The HP3400 features a deck with a two-blade cutting system, and the unit is adjustable in both the front and the rear. It is available with optional grass catcher or mulch kit.
Easy access
The S200x zero-turn mower from Snapper Pro is available in a 25- or 27-horsepower Kawasaki or 27-horsepower Kohler engine with 61-inch cutting width or a 32-horsepower Vanguard Big Block engine with 72-inch cutting width. The twin 5-gallon fuel tanks with extra large filler neck include a cup holder and large storage compartment. The seat flips forward for access to all major components, and all high-pressure hoses are wrapped in industrial strength material to contain leaks.
Propane power
Toro added a propane-powered mower to its Z Master G3 Series. The unit features a 29-horsepower Kawasaki engine with ground speeds up to 11.5 mph. The fuel tank holds 43 1/2 pounds of liquid propane mounted behind the seat for better deck and drive tire visibility. It is available with 60- or 72-inch deck with a cutting height from 1 to 5 ½ inches.
Walk behind
John Deere’s WG and WH Series of commercial walk-behind mowers feature six models with gear or hydrostatic transmission, ranging from 16 to 24 horsepower. Gear models have 7-gauge fabricated decks and 5-speed transmission, while hydro models include 7-gauge fabricated floating decks and twin loop handle controls with front and rear index bars. All of the models are available with flat free tires.
Quality cut
Ventrac’s side discharge HM and HP mower decks are designed for the 4000 Series tractors to provide a better quality of cut as more grass is moved efficiently through the deck tunnel. All of the models offer full-width rear rollers with large pneumatic front swivel caster tires. The HP deck is a 72-inch mower with a left offset of 6 1/2 inches for mowing along ditches, ponds and trimming near obstacles.
Still a classic
The Dixie Chopper Classic hasn’t changed much from the company’s initial zero-turn design, featuring a quad loop hydraulic system, performance filters and an operator controlled discharge chute for heavy-duty mowing needs. Engines range from 27 to 33 horsepower with decks available in 50, 60 and 72 inches. Other features include a new retractable seatbelt, new floor mat and engine guard.
Instant response
The Bob-Cat Predator-Pro zero-turn mower from Schiller Grounds Care is powered by a 37-horsepower Kawasaki digital fuel injection engine with an E-Gov regulator. The E-Gov reacts instantaneously to changing loads and conditions, maintaining peak performance and keeping you from losing engine RPM. Other features include a 61- or 72-inch side discharge DuraDeck with adjustable cut height from 1 to 5 ½ inches and speeds up to 13.5 mph.
