Due to shoulder issues I can longer pull start my 20+ year old 14hp Kawasaki Gravley. So I am thinking of a ZTR. I mow about 2.5 acres. Nothing to severe but the orchard is kinda rough in places. I am trying to stay under $5500.
I have narrowed it down to either a Gravley ZT HD or a Kubota Kommander. My choices of the above are based on past experience with Gravley lawnmowers and Kubota tractors, dealer support for both has been excellent in this area.

arky

I have used one for years at the ranch here.

Wore out a Troybilt RZT.

Replaced it with a Bad Boy Magnum 54".

It'll mow faster than I can run.

I bought a Hustler Fastrac 54" zero turn 3 - 4 years ago and it cut my mowing time from 4 1/2 hours to just over 2. AND its fun.

My parent's have used Grasshopper mowers for about 30 years. You'll never get my dad to buy anything different. They've been awesome machines.

ALl mentioned so far are good machines but either are not sold in my area or have no have local shop support.

Locally my choices are limited to Badboy, Gravley, Hustler, Exmark, Kubota.

Thanks for your input.

around in these parts Exmark has a big following.

having a good local dealer figures in also

Got a Tractor Supply close by?

Yes, we have 3 TS within 30 miles but when you buy from a box store, and you have a warranty or repair issue they can't help you. They will refer you to a authorized repair shop. And my experience has been if you did not by from them they are less than enthusiastic to help.

Research before you buy. Most manufacturers build to different quality levels. The Kohler engine on a Tractor Supply Bad Boy is not the the Kohler of the past. There are 2 basic transmissions on almost all cheaper machines. Most ztr's are the same mechanically, the frame and deck is the big difference. Avoid cable hung decks (Cub Cadet) the cables wear and break, chains are much better.

The Farris ZTR has really good suspension for mowing over rough terrain. Lots of power, too.

I have been researching for several months now and kicked tires and driven several different models. Customer service, how well made, ease of maintenance, and will it hold up for 10+ years are things I am looking at. Again that is why I have narrowed too, the two above.
I put the gravley through some rough and sloped stuff to day on a test drive and it just feels better than the Kubota. It has larger tranny, kawasaki engine and much beefier deck, anti scalping wheels and brackets, and spindle mounts. Deck adjustment is much more solid than Kubota and others in this price range.

Kawasaki engines are pretty danged hard to beat. I've got a liquid cooled one on my Toro Z master and its been awesome.

I wrote the check for the Gravley zt hd 54 they will deliver later this week. I'll post update in couple months after I have put it through some abuse.