Which of these ZTRs would you buy?

[mowniacal]

I know some of you get tired of this question, so sorry about that; however, most of the discussion I have seen surrounds quality of cut. What I'm specifically looking for is durability because most of the mowing will be pasture land, which will have its share of knolls, ridges and bumps.

The following machines are all available to me within 5 to 10 miles or so and all are good dealers with in-house service and parts departments, etc. In order of proximity to my house:

Grasshopper and Gravely (same dealer but they push the Grasshopper)
John Deere (the new 997 looks like a beast)
eXmark
Toro and Scag (same dealer but they push the Toro)
Dixie Chopper (32 HP Guardian diesel, lifetime frame warranty)

There is also a Hustler dealer about 40 miles away and I would consider it if there was a compelling case for that mower (like the 34 HP Caterpillar Diesel)

If money were no object (though it is), which machine would be best for durability of frame, engine, spindles, etc.? I'm probably going to look at the maximum machine from each. I want to still be using this 10 or more years from now after mowing 20+ acres a week with it.

Any comments or discussion would be greatly appreciated (regarding durability or anything else noteworthy).

Thanks much,

Dan P

[MBDiagMan]

For the purposes you mentioned and the ones you listed I would think Gravely 2XX series, Grasshopper or Dixie Chopper.

Where is Rockmount, NC? Thomas Nursery there handles Bad Boy which would match up well with your needs. They are super tough, very accessible for maintenance, super thick 1/4" decks and a great company behind them.

Good luck,
Doc

[Lawn Masters]

Personally, I'd buy the Dixie chopper, the diesel on that will provide plenty of torque to cut with, and you'd probably save fuel by cutting faster. I believe the dixie has a faster blade speed than the others too, about 19000fps if I recall correctly.

[TFord]

Pound for pound and dollar for dollar, my Kubota ZD21 w/fab. deck is the toughest mower I have owned. Very smooth and fuel efficient. Best money I have EVER spent.