Originally Posted by
TurboJoe
I'm not a tractor fan at all. When I was younger I spent some time working for a landscraper, and it became very apparent there is only one good tool for the job. A professional walk behind or zero turn rider is the only way to go for big lawns. I got lucky and found a 60inch exmark lazer Z used with 1,000 hours on it for $2k. Sounds like a lot for a used mower, but they are 8-9k new now.
I cut ~2.5 acres of lawn in 45 minutes, with perfect lines. The zero turn flies, turns around obstacles easier, and the blade speed is a ton higher than homeowner equipment. The higher blade speed makes the cut look a ton better.
Anyone looking for a mower I recommend looking on craigslist for some used landscape equipment. These mowers are designed to run all day long, 6 days a week, so used is fine for a homeowner if they are in ok shape.