For many years (and likely many more), there will be curiosity about whether using a tractor to cut the grass is a viable option. I mean, it makes sense to use this versatile, powerful tractor you just bought (or are thinking of buying) for everything it can be used for, right? Instead of buying an expensive zero turn, can't you save some money by just adding a finish mower to the back or a belly mower underneath?
Well, the answer to these questions is really...maybe.
This should come as no surprise, but the reality is, for some people, it WILL make sense to use their tractor as a lawn mower, and for others, it will not. Let's take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of using these machines that play into this decision.
Cutting your grass with a Zero Turn:
Advantages
Very fast & efficient
Excellent cut quality
"Exciting" to operate
Lower maintenance and repair cost
Disadvantages
An entirely separate power unit to maintain
Quality units are expensive
Depreciation is SIGNIFICANT
Less "robust" than a tractor
Cutting your grass with a Tractor
Advantages
Cost savings by attaching an implement vs buying a completely separate machine
Smooth ride (sometimes)
Lots of power with high durability and longevity
Efficiency (in the right situations)
Disadvantages
Racking up hours on a more expensive machine (comparatively)
Relatively slow compared to cutting with a ZTR (in many cases)
Lesser cut quality
Attachments usually must be swapped around
Let's take a deeper dive into some of these pro's and cons to see if we can understand why they are what they are:
Speed
When you really get down to it, in most situations, the ZTR is going to be faster. And not just a little faster, a lot faster. It's ability to quickly maneuver and change speed in ever changing conditions is unmatched. When you look at statistics, the largest factor in acres cut per hour is actually your groundspeed not the width of your cutting deck. What does that really mean? Well, it means that you can out cut a 72" wide deck with a 48" wide deck pretty easily by just having a higher average speed. I have proven this concept at my own residence, cutting the 2 acres I mow weekly faster with a 48" ZTR than a tractor with a 72" finish mower. I've not had this result only once, but many times, as I own both of these setups and have spent many hours using them.
The only situations where I've seen the tractor be consistently faster are A) when using a VERY wide finish mower (11' +) in open terrain or B) in very tall conditions where the tractor is able to keep a higher average speed than the ZTR (and if you are cutting very tall grass on a regular basis, this is when a rotary mower or bush hog is going to come into play). And it does take some getting use to having a big mower swinging out behind the tractor.
Effectiveness
Let's talk about the end result. Both setups get the job done. Which looks better? Typically, the zero turn.
Tractors tend to have a couple things working against them when it comes to cut quality. First, they are usually heavier, and the tires that run over the grass before the deck usually trample the grass to a greater degree compared to a zero turn. You'll likely have more stragglers and a less manicured look with a tractor. Tractor mid mount mowers typically have a maximum cut height of 3.5-4", and while that is sufficient for a lot of people, it can be limiting for those who desire premium turf cut at higher heights.
Finish mowers offer some advantages, and if you set your tractor up correctly (think golf course style with bubbly turf tires and a TriMax 3 decked floating rotary mower), it is possible to achieve a high quality of cut. But if that's the route you go, you've really now gotten a dedicated turf machine and not the versatile property maintainer you probably set out to get. Both styles of machine will damage turf in muddy or soft conditions, but the ZTR has the edge here as well (unless you go golf course style with your tractor).
The other thing to think about here is that you are likely going to have some implement swapping with a tractor every time you want to cut. It is highly advisable to take your loader off, and there may be other swaps that need to take place if you've been using your tractor for other tasks between cuts.
Safety
Unfortunately, I've seen people get hurt on both tractors and zero turns. At the end of the day, these pieces of equipment are heavy, and powerful. If you fail to follow the safety recommendations from the manufacturer, you increase the risk of injury or death.
Both styles of machines should be operated with the roll bar in the up position and your seat belt should be worn at all times. I know it is convenient to fold the roll bar so that you can get under obstacles, but I've seen people get killed because they made that decision. And in the instance I'm thinking of, this person had been cutting that piece of property for almost 20 years without prior incident.
A 4wd compact tractor does have the edge on steep slopes, as zero turns are known for wanting to slide on hills. If you have a loader on your tractor, make sure to keep it low to the ground so that your center of gravity stays lows. Many of the new zero turns have really come a long way in this regard, but it's still more of a gamble compared to the tractor. There are machines on the market that specialize in steep hill sides, so if you have a lot to cut on steep hills, I would seriously consider going with a specialized machine. Not only will you stay safer, but it will be much more enjoyable to operate.
Cost
Buying a mower to work with your tractor will usually be less expensive than buying a quality ZTR. You'll probably spend $3-5k on a new 60/72" belly mower or finish mower, and to get into a quality ZTR, you're probably starting at $6k and going up from there. Commercial machines are going to be $10k plus in most instances.
One question I often ask is, do you really want to rack up all the hours on your tractor to mow your grass? Your tractor is much more expensive to maintain, and because it costs more to purchase up front, you really want it to last as long as possible, right? Most tractors should last 2,000hrs plus, and most zero turns are going to have a lifespan of probably 1500hrs or less. Plus, keeping your tractor with minimal hours can turn into more of an investment, as well cared for tractors hold their value significantly better than zero turns.
Comfort
If you buy a tractor that has significantly larger tires than a ZTR, you may experience a smoother ride, but that has some caveats. The center of gravity is typically higher on a tractor, and so sometimes you experience more of a jostling, especially left to right. I suspect if someone found a scientific way to measure the smoothness between the two, many tractors may come out on top, but I can tell you it doesn't feel like you're riding on a cloud.
Many seats on ZTRs are on par with tractors these days, so I consider that a wash. Also, it seems to me it is more fatiguing on your arms to run the tractor, as turning a steering wheel requires more effort than moving the ZTR lap bars. If you have a cab tractor with heat/ac, well, that obviously has some comfort benefits.
One thing I've noticed with cutting with a tractor and a 3pt finish mower is that you don't encounter as much dust. Because the mower is trailing behind you, you just don't get nearly as much dust or grass blowing into your face like you get on a ZTR or tractor with a belly mower. If you have allergies, this is probably something to take note of.
Overall
I could say more on the subject, and perhaps I will in a video - but this feels like a good spot to wrap this up. As I stated in the beginning, you can go both ways, and for some, they are going to be called one way or the other. I happen to enjoy mowing with a gear tractor and a finish mower sometimes. I'll put it in a slow gear and take my time getting the grass cut - It's fairly relaxing.
Having said that, if you can afford to do so, my overall opinion is that having a zero turn to compliment your tractor is the way to go for most people. Yes it costs more up front, but I think you win that cost back in time and retained value on the tractor, since you are limiting the usage. Plus, it's fun to operate both types of machines. If I had to give a second place, it'd probably be a subcompact tractor with a belly mower. This really can be a great setup, especially if you only have a few acres and you are able to configure your tractor for each season.
At the end of the day, if you can find a way to operate both on your property, I suspect that will give you clarity if you've been searching for it. That's one of the primary reasons Jameson's Tractor Company wants to bring the equipment out to the customer and let them operate it before the final purchase. Getting the chance to operate equipment on your property significantly reduces your chance of making the wrong decision, and we think that's a great way to build long term relationships.
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