I picked up a new left over Husqvarna ZTH 4218 zero turn, I love it, I mow about an acre in less than an hour.
This Husqvarna is made by Kees/yazoo, not AYP, MTD or whoever.
See if you can swing a smaller commerical unit vs a Consumer,
You will get a much better built machine.
Look for seperate hydralic pumps and motors.
I would get the bigger deck if i had to do it over again, not for more cutting speed but for better trimming. On mine the deck and rear wheels are the same width so when I try to "zero turn" around a tree I hit it with the wheel or gas tank.
Steep hills can be a little bit of a chalange as the front wheels just caster and don't help hold the hill. Doing wheelies up a hill makes for some unsual cutting patterns
I welded up a receiver hitch and use it to pull all sorts o things.

A WORD OF CAUTION if you find mowing the lawn a relaxing form of "work" like I do, DO NOT LET THE WIFE TRY the zero turn. I heard her say "wow this is fun" & "Kinda like a video game". Twice now she has done me a "favor" and cut the lawn for me.

Good luck with whatever you get!

 

About 2 years ago I was in the market for a new mower. I don't have a big yard so I was looking for a self propelled walk-behind unit or a used riding one. Well, my wife was working part time a Wally World and she told me they had a riding mower in the back corner of the store and something was wrong with it but nobody knew what. I went up and looked at it and it was a little 30" Murray and it was brand new but wouldn't run. I turned the key and got nothing so I figured battery, ignition switch, or starter. The manager told me a lady bought it and used it twice and it wouldn't start again so she returned it. All the managers wanted it but nobody could get it started so there it sat. They were real anxious to get rid if it too. New cost was $850 and they were trying to get $450.00. I said "Look, I have my truck here and I'll take it off your hands for $300.00, not knowing if it will ever run." The manager called up the GM and they agreed. As we were ringing it up the manager said "Dont forget your employee discount." We ended up getting it for $260.00. I got it home and checked all the wiring and all seemed OK. I put a charger on it for a couple of hours and it started right up and it has run perfectly ever since. I think the lady just left the key on after she shut it down last time she mowed. The managers were all a little upset to say the least.
It's not the biggest mower but it works fine for me and I think it would be OK for a 1 acre yard. It would just take a bit longer to cut. It has a cup holder too!! I mounted a Hella driving light for those late day mows and I plan on installing a turbo and bigger muffler.

 

How about this one?




$2199.99
Reg. $2899.99
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Sale ends 08/21/04
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Craftsman 26 hp, 48 in. Deck Garden Tractor

Sears item #07127608000 Mfr. model #27608

Briggs & Stratton 26 hp ELS V-Twin engine with pressure lube, oil and fuel filters. Extra heavy-duty automatic transmission. Heavy-duty 10 ga. 48 in. deck with thicker blades. Learn more


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26 hp Briggs & Stratton ELS V-Twin engine
10 ga. 48 in. vented deck system w/4 adjustable gauge wheels
Capable of using ground-engaging attachments
Electric clutch for engaging the mower blades
Full length Rail Frame for durability
5 gal. fuel tank for fewer stops while mowing
Large 23 x 10-1/2 in. rear tires
Cast iron front Axle for durability
Extra heavy-duty automatic transmission




See the owner's manual and warranty information.
Revisa el manual del propietario y la informacíon sobre la garantía del producto.







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Craftsman 26 hp, 48 in. Deck Garden Tractor
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The pictures did not come up but here are more specs. I think it is a GT 5000. Who made this for craftsman?

Motor-Engine:
Engine Brand Briggs & Stratton®
Displacement 725 cc
Horsepower 26 hp
Series V-Twin ELS
Air Filter Type Dual
Cooling Fan Yes
Cylinder Liner Cast iron
Cylinders No. 2
Electronic Ignition Yes
Lubrication System Full pressure
Overhead Valves Yes
Valve Design Overhead

Cut:
Cutting Blades Number 3
Cutting Deck Type Ventilated
Cutting Positions Infinite
Cutting Range 1-1/2 to 4 in.
Cutting Swath 48 in.
Gauge Wheels Yes
Number of Deck Gauge Wheels 4
Deck Thickness (Gauge) 10
Deck Cut Width 48 in.

Drive System:
Transmission Type Automatic
Speeds, Forward Infinite
Speeds, Reverse Infinite
Shifter Location Fender
Power Propulsion Type Transmission

Chassis:
Axle Material Cast iron
Frame Material 11 ga. formed steel
Frame Type Rail frame
Wheel Number 4

Handling & Operating:
Electric Clutch For Attach. Yes
Brakes Type Disk
Cruise Control Yes
Battery Ammeter Yes
Speed & Direction Control Motion lever
Steering Wheel Type Deluxe Padded
Steering Type Sector and pinion
Turning Radius 30 in.

Convenience:
CupHolder Yes
Seat, Adjustable No tools required

Wheels & Tires:
Wheel Grease Zerks Yes
Type Turf saver
Front 16 x 6.5 x 8 in.
Rear 23 x 10.5 x 12 in.

Fuel System:
Fuel Capacity 5 gal.

Accessories Accepted:
Electric Lift Kit Yes
Ground-Engaging Attach. Yes
Hauling Equipment Yes
Lawn Care Attach Yes
Snow Blade or Thrower Yes
Bagger Yes
3 Bin Bagger #24987
Dozer Blade Yes
Mulch Kit #24148

Product Overview:
Garden Tractor Type Automatic, 48 in. Deck
Manual del Dueno Presione Aqui
See Owners Manual Click Here
Garantia Presione Aqui
See Product Warranty Click Here
Item Weight 689.0 lbs.
General Warranty 2 year limited

Color:
Overall Color Red

Installation Requirements:
Setup Some assembly required