Manueverability would be a factor on your list for some of us I'm sure. I can use my tractor on some of my lawns, but most of them are interspersed with large trees, close enough together to be much more practical for a regular riding mower or zero radius.
The bad boy isn't bad... But one should really look at the diesel kubota ZD series and the Scag mowers if they're looking for a zero turn!
I have a 1989 JD 260 with 17 Hp Kawasaki,46 inch deck, gear drive, have about an acre of lawn, change oil ever spring, motor has never been touched and never have had to add oil,changed blade belt twice, drive belt once,nothing other than that, keep telling the wife its time for a new one, her response is why,you've never have any problem's with the one you have, and I really can't argue that fact.
Thats basically same mower as mine. My Kawi started having alot of blowby issues so instead of rebuilding it, I swapped in a 20hp Briggs twin. Took a little doing but it's running like a clock again. Need a good fc540v for parts?? It runs like new just burns some oil.
I'll cross my fingers for you, but I truly believe that you'll be happy. Do let us know your thoughts after you've used it a bit, thanks.
I have a zd323 zero turn. But if I were buying today I'd have to look real hard at the grasshopper.. that front mounted deck sure has its merits.
