People love zero turn mowers and tractors for their ability to get the job done far more quickly and efficiently than traditional riding-tractor equipment. However, you cannot take full advantage of zero turn radius (ZTR) equipment if you choose a machine that's inadequate for your intended usage. Here's how you can choose the right ZTR mower or tractor for your specific needs.
Understand Why You Want a ZTR Mower or Tractor
Before choosing, you need to know how you plan on using the ZTR equipment. There's a big difference between needing a mower for occasional lawn maintenance at home, and needing one for maintaining a country club's landscape. Question your motives for wanting to make the purchase. Consider the following:
- Is it for a small yard?
- Will you use it for a landscaping business?
- Is it for agricultural purposes?
- Will it get frequent use or occasional?
Even if you plan to use if for a combination of things, you still need to have a good idea of what you will use it for. This will help narrow down your choices from the very start.
Do You Require Your Mower or Tractor to Perform Additional Duties?
If you plan to do work other than mow, you will want a ZTR tractor that can accommodate the right attachments. So look for mowers or tractors that can handle the attachments you specifically need. Some attachments available for ZTR tractors include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Trailers
- Carts
- Snow plows
- Leaf vacuums
- Mulchers
These are just examples. Many of the mowers and tractors can handle a variety of attachments, but not all ZTR machines can handle every kind of attachment.
Where Do You Plan to Use Your ZTR Mower or Tractor?
The terrain you plan to pass your ZTR over matters. If you plan to mow just one area, then you should seek a ZTR machine suited to it. If you plan to use the mower in various places, then you will need to also take that into account.
Here are a few things you need to know about ZTR mowers and tractors in regards to terrain.
ZTR mowers are not ideal for hilly landscapes. These mowers and tractors steer from the rear, which can make hills and slopes a problem.
Your terrain will determine your mower's deck size. If the landscape has a lot of features and tight places, you may want a slimmer deck. If the terrain is relatively open, a larger deck will serve you better.
How Much Maintenance Can You Handle?
Maintenance is easier on some models than others. If you're not mechanically inclined, you should look for models that make maintenance easy. Otherwise, you may find yourself paying someone else to take care of your mower or tractor when you can do a lot of the maintenance yourself instead.
Choose Proven ZTR Equipment from a Reputable Dealer
When you're finally ready to choose your mower or tractor, start with a professional and reputable dealer, such as Chenango Supply Co Inc. You can let them know what you want from your mower and how you intend to use it. They can help you further fine-tune your choice so you leave with the zero turn mower or tractor that you need.
