Tractor vs ZTR

[riches139]

Being new to this forum, a question for the pro's.
What makes a ZTR twice as fast to mow versus a tractor?
Looked at Cub Cadet 3000 series tractor vs ZTR. Ground speed about the same. It seems to me if you plan your mowing pattern ahead of time, wouldn't be to much difference. Decks being the same width etc.

[grasschaser]

Turning radius is the main factor in this case since both are the same speed. Trust me a ztr will cut the property faster and also will help with less trimming. Only way is to test them both and time your results. You said ground speed is about the same. Just 2 mph difference will increase productivity considerably.

[mx495]

Is it faster to pull forward into a tight area and just move handles to back out or have to shift in reverse and back out? Trim time will be less and maneuverability isn't even comparable. There is a reason every LCO has a ZTR.

[BigDave]

There is a reason every LCO has a ZTR.

True where I live in MD, but not true where my parents live in Deleware. I was shocked this past weekend at how many small garden tractors I saw on trailers, including a Craftsman!!

What's also true about where my parents live in Deleware is that there is a cop on every corner -- just waiting to catch you going 28 in a 25 mph zone. Who knows -- maybe officers there have been known to ticket ZTRs, and that's why you see so many lawn tractors?

[riches139]

Didn't know ZTR's could run that fast. Cub Cadet Commercial ZTR top speed is 10mph. Same for tractor. I also see alot of tractors being used by commercial lawnservices. Must be initial startup costs that steer them towards the tractors. I'm looking at both, will be starting up in spring of 2004, and price is a big factor.
I want to thank everyone for their input. I have been a member for about a month, and i can't begin to tell you how much I've learned already. It's alot bigger ballgame than i imagined.

[andersc1]

Dixie Chopper has a top speed of 15 miles per hour. You'd be hard pressed to find a garden tractor that will compete with that. Not to mention the fact that it can stop on a dime, spin around and be heading back the opposite direction before the garden tractor can even consider making the wide swing around.

It's easy to find justification for equipment when your wanting to save money. And like what was previously said, there is a reason 95% of successful lawn companies use ZTR mowers.

Curtis