ZTR as back-up? - Machine Underground -Tractor & Commercial Equipment Discussion Forum

nuru · 06-08-2008, 04:37 PM

I was toying around with getting a back-up mower for times when the tractor is unavailable like right now! (as you know in the shop). Well, i was considering a 2002 Great Dane Chariot Jr., and all the guy wanted was $2500 for it. It had ~800 hours and was in good shape. Well i sat there and pondered and pondered and spoke to the wife (big mistake), and let that one slip away. I am kicking myself right now!

So anyone have any opinion of the Great Danes? Especially the chariot jr (No ROPS was a concern)

I have also been looking for a used Great Dane Scamper /Surfer/super surfer or a wright stander for the areas I am leery about with the 3520. Gee my grass is high

**PaulChristenson** · 06-08-2008, 04:48 PM

How many acres do you have to mow?

A backup would be better to be something like this...
DR® Power Equipment - Brush Cutter - DRÂ® Field and Brush Mower - Powerful Brush Mower

with the following accessory...
DR® Power Equipment - DR Field and Brush Mower 42 inch Lawn Deck

Remember this is a BACKUP...you don't want SWMBO get it into her head that you don't need THE TRACTOR...

nuru · 06-08-2008, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulChristenson

How many acres do you have to mow?

A backup would be better to be something like this...
DR® Power Equipment - Brush Cutter - DRÂ® Field and Brush Mower - Powerful Brush Mower

with the following accessory...
DR® Power Equipment - DR Field and Brush Mower 42 inch Lawn Deck

Remember this is a BACKUP...you don't want SWMBO get it into her head that you don't need THE TRACTOR...

Paul; Sofar 1.25 acres to mow, gonna expand a little bit, maybe another QTR acre.

That did cross my mind about the tractor vs cheap ZTR comparison

, but it can't mode dirt/mulch/or snow, so that would alleviate that concern.

I did look at the DR or at least a used one but I have the flail for brush work, and the back-up will be for the main lawn and some of the sloped trouble spots

**Ducati996** · 06-08-2008, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nuru

I have also been looking for a used Great Dane Scamper /Surfer/super surfer or a wright stander for the areas I am leery about with the 3520. Gee my grass is high

Out of the choices listed my personal choice would be the Wright Stander -does very well on hills which may give the 3520 pause -

nuru · 06-08-2008, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ducati996

Out of the choices listed my personal choice would be the Wright Stander -does very well on hills which may give the 3520 pause -

Duc; I was looking around and then it came up about the wright Stander being very good on hills. I just gotta find one used I can afford. I was really gonna get the chariot jr, as I heard it was good on hills too, but beyond that, I don't know a bunch about these units, having not used one myself. Space is also a premium since i need to store the backup with the tractor and its implements (Flail, Dirt Scoop, loader, spreader). The chariot was a good size fit as it measured 72" x 50".

Hey BTW, take a look at these pics. I have an area on our private road that drops off into a small gulley (well 15 - 17 feet deep, and 60 feet wide), that I need some recommendations on how to fill and maintain the drainage that the developer indicated they needed to preserve. One side is the street and the other side is a downslope of a forested hill. The developer put a drainage tunnel under the street that opens up on both sides ot the street.

what can i do to fill that hole which is a concern about people driving off into it, it can take a vehicle in it pretty easily. no one yet, but I am thinking, no one ever if I fill it with something (rocks, dirt, then grass)?

Let me know what you all think!

**Ducati996** · 06-08-2008, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nuru

Hey BTW, take a look at these pics. I have an area on our private road that drops off into a small gulley (well 15 - 17 feet deep, and 60 feet wide), that I need some recommendations on how to fill and maintain the drainage that the developer indicated they needed to preserve. One side is the street and the other side is a downslope of a forested hill. The developer put a drainage tunnel under the street that opens up on both sides ot the street.

what can i do to fill that hole which is a concern about people driving off into it, it can take a vehicle in it pretty easily. no one yet, but I am thinking, no one ever if I fill it with something (rocks, dirt, then grass)?

Let me know what you all think!

All you need is some free fill - 60 yrds maybe more. You can call around to see if the pool guys are looking to get rid of some fill, even the cesspool guys. Try an ad on craigslist - you will be surprised on how good it works.

Chute matting will work for the erosion until the vegatation takes off too. Not sure how bad the run off is there...

nuru · 06-09-2008, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ducati996

All you need is some free fill - 60 yrds maybe more. You can call around to see if the pool guys are looking to get rid of some fill, even the cesspool guys. Try an ad on craigslist - you will be surprised on how good it works.

Chute matting will work for the erosion until the vegatation takes off too. Not sure how bad the run off is there...

Thanks for the advice. There is a platci drainage pipe that extends under the road, so I guess i should extend that up into the woods, and cover it with dirt.