Compact Tractor or Zero Turn?

I currently have 2 properties to mow with about 6 acres each. The ground on one of the properties is quite rough whilst the other property is flat, although on one section, the grass grows quickly and to a height of about 9" before the customer requires it cut. My thinking was to buy a Zero Turn mower. However, I received a call the other day from a tractor company who have a second hand compact tractor in. It is a 26hp and has a finishing mower attached. It only has 400 hours on the clock. It is immaculate. It is road registered which means I can drive it between the 2 jobs as they are only a mile apart. In my opinion, the tractor would be better value than a zero turn. It is faster and would be more comfortable over 6 acres. It is more versatile. Storage isn't an issue. Am I making a mistake in my thinking? I would welcome any opinions as despite my reasoning, I really am in two minds. Thank you for any input.

From someone that has both items of kit, they both have a place. I used to do multiple acre sites with a five foot finishing mower on a 16hp compact on turf tyres. I currently do multiple acre sites elsewhere with a Kubota Zero turn. A GOOD 26hp compact with finishing mower won't be cheap (I have just sold my Teagle finishing mower and the tractor it was attached to for £6.5K and it was older kit).

Currently retained the 35hp tractor on agricultural tyres for more agricultural type work (rough paddock mowing, post knocking, front end loader work and ground cultivation work).

Cheap Chinese tractors are the devils work and unreliable. Mine is an older tractor but I bought it from its original owner and know its history from new (worked doing light work on a family owned flower nursery).

All depends what you want/need - you can't ground cultivate on turf tyres or without four wheel drive but then again you cant mow good grass areas on ag tyres as it will rip it up.

Some food for thought there for you hopefully?

Replies

Peter sellers October 14, 2023 at 6:35am

The compact every time for the reasons you've given plus you may need other attachments in the future. I.E. rotovator, flail etc.
PRO

Dave Colton October 14, 2023 at 9:15am

You can get a lot of work with a compact, especially with a flail attachment, I hire one several times a year as I have no where to keep one if I did I would own one.
Dylan October 14, 2023 at 11:02am

Hmm if the grounds are a bit soft you will wreck the lawns with a compact tractor!
PRO

Adam Pilgrim October 14, 2023 at 11:47am

From someone that has both items of kit, they both have a place. I used to do multiple acre sites with a five foot finishing mower on a 16hp compact on turf tyres. I currently do multiple acre sites elsewhere with a Kubota Zero turn. A GOOD 26hp compact with finishing mower won't be cheap (I have just sold my Teagle finishing mower and the tractor it was attached to for £6.5K and it was older kit).

Currently retained the 35hp tractor on agricultural tyres for more agricultural type work (rough paddock mowing, post knocking, front end loader work and ground cultivation work).

Cheap Chinese tractors are the devils work and unreliable. Mine is an older tractor but I bought it from its original owner and know its history from new (worked doing light work on a family owned flower nursery).

All depends what you want/need - you can't ground cultivate on turf tyres or without four wheel drive but then again you cant mow good grass areas on ag tyres as it will rip it up.

Some food for thought there for you hopefully?
PRO

Christopher Rocca October 14, 2023 at 2:00pm

Ariens or JD. Zero turn

make sure you've got front rights ideal for the job and quick

they are in the main cut and drop
- James King > Christopher Rocca October 14, 2023 at 3:57pm
  
  I was looking at a JD. Looked at the tractor today. It is a Solis with a finishing mower attached. To be honest, I think it will do a much better job and will be far more versatile than a zero turn. The ground I go on is very uneven and I'm not sure the JD will cope. I've looked at the reviews for Solis. Quite positive with some negative. Will go for manual. No fancy electrics - straight forward mechanical. I think it will save me a lot of time and could even open work up. Has anyone on here got a Solis?
  - James King > James King October 17, 2023 at 7:25pm
    
    Since my last post at the weekend, things have moved on. I have decided against the tractor as a number of issues arose, not with the tractor, but with my circumstances. This means that I may well go for Zero Turn next season. Thanks to everyone for their replies.