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Anyone have a Gravely ZT HD or Ariens Apex mower? Login/Join 
Go Vols!
Picture of Oz_Shadow
posted
I’m interested in opinions on these two mowers specifically.

I know there are many threads I have read here on others. I’m very familiar with commercial equipments but less so with models that are high end residential like these.

I can’t justify a true commercial machine for my needs.

My old JD rider is still going - 29 years now. I’ve thought about replacing it every year for the past 5 or so. My wife is now bugging me about it. I don’t think she likes others seeing me roll around without the hood. Plastic broke a few times! Now I think I go faster.
 
Posts: 17944 | Location: SE Michigan | Registered: February 10, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Gravely makes one heck of a machine!
I have a 144Z with the 17.0hp Kawasaki motor. Think it is about 15 years old and still an absolute tank.
A quick view of Gravely’s current offerings I would say it is likely along the same model line of the ZT HD. Of course with the ZT HD having some more modern features and while it does not have a true seat suspension system it looks far better than what my Gravely has.
That is my only complaint of my Gravely is it is a true member for the Rough Riders. I am looking into some aftermarket/universal seats with some ride migigation.

I would also suggest the Kawasaki over the Kholer motors options.


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If we got each other, and that's all we have.
I will be your brother, and I'll hold your hand.
You should know I'll be there for you!
 
Posts: 25845 | Registered: September 06, 2003Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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My only complaint about Gravely is the tires. They use one with a crown and, for me at least, it makes for a slippery ride. If you’re only flat land it won’t be an issue.
 
Posts: 13887 | Location: Shenandoah Valley, VA | Registered: October 16, 2008Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Team Apathy
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Just swinging by to state all these riding mowers threads make me wistful for the day when it is a decision for me to have to make. I can mow my lawn in under 10 minutes with my 16” deck battery push mower. Frown

Good luck on your choice!
 
Posts: 6526 | Location: Modesto, CA | Registered: January 27, 2005Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Go Vols!
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I think the difference between the two is the seat suspension is optional on the Ariens. Same company and machine otherwise. Gravely has a 48” version too.
 
Posts: 17944 | Location: SE Michigan | Registered: February 10, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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A neighbor has a Gravely Pro Turn 100 which has a 60" deck and Kawasaki engine. It's about 4-5 years old now and were just talking about it the other day, he has no problems with it at all.


No car is as much fun to drive, as any motorcycle is to ride.
 
Posts: 7392 | Location: Northern WV | Registered: January 17, 2005Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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I have had a Gravely ZT50 for 7 years and it has been great. Easy to maneuver and speedy. Kawasaki motor is strong. Digs in a little on the steep slopes in my backyard. I do miss not having a bagger.
 
Posts: 163 | Registered: February 20, 2005Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Go Vols!
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A bagger is the negative. I’m not up for a $1500 powered attachment.
 
Posts: 17944 | Location: SE Michigan | Registered: February 10, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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If you want a bagger , take a look at SCAG Liberty Z
Bagger is still expensive , but not $1500.
High end consumer Zero turn.
I've had mine a couple of years , so far no issues



.
 
Posts: 836 | Location: Central Texas | Registered: November 19, 2006Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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I have a Gravely ztr34 (residential) Brigs 16 1/2hp motor since 2015 that I have been pleased with only 2 small problems with electrical switches plus going under 41inches of flood waters in 2016 that was able to dry out myself and it still serves me well .. .... drill sgt.
 
Posts: 2160 | Location: denham springs , la | Registered: October 19, 2019Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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I have had my Gravely HD 52 for 2 years and am very happy with it.Has the 23hp Kawasaki engine. Would not go back to a lesser machine.
 
Posts: 994 | Location: UP of Michigan | Registered: October 21, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Bump.




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Posts: 8408 | Location: West | Registered: November 26, 2002Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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I also have the gravely 52hd. In fact. I liked mine so much I bought one to keep at my mothers place for me to use on her yard. I had previously a JD 420 garden tractor for almost 30 years that finally died. It will be interesting how long the HD52 lasts. So far I’m so pleased with them.




Regards,

P.
 
Posts: 1291 | Location: Alabama | Registered: May 20, 2003Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Go Vols!
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Any with the Gravely try the full mulching kit? It looks like a nice alternative to bagging with the added baffles, blades and block off.
 
Posts: 17944 | Location: SE Michigan | Registered: February 10, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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As I’ve decided not to spend on a full commercial unit, these two mowers are on my list as well.




Do not send me to a heaven where there are no dogs.
Step Up or Stand Aside: Support the Troops !
Expectations are premeditated disappointments.
 
Posts: 8408 | Location: West | Registered: November 26, 2002Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Picked up a Gravely HD 48” with the Kawasaki this week. First mow yesterday with about a week and a half since last mow. Warm weather is finally being consistent and my yard is taking off. 5+” tall.

Mowed to a 3.5” setting on the deck. Started with 3” but that was too much without leaving more grass piles than I like. No issue with the mower, it cut like butter but that’s a lot of grass to chop up. 3.5” there was very little noticeable discharge. So little that I may not get the much kit.

The discharge Shute is heavy rubber and locks in the up position for tight spaces, has an hour meter, serviceable hydro drives.

With my older Toro 42”, that would have been a full two pass mow to get it back under control.


Compared to my older Toro 42” TimeCutter, the Gravely is a beast!

It’s fast, mows heavy grass far better, very little dust and debris escapes the deck, the controls are solid and tight, seat suspension is good and I like the easy adjust seat.

I only have a half acre so this mower is more than I need, but I’m future proofing with plans to buy a little bigger place of property.

I expect it to last a long time.




Do not send me to a heaven where there are no dogs.
Step Up or Stand Aside: Support the Troops !
Expectations are premeditated disappointments.
 
Posts: 8408 | Location: West | Registered: November 26, 2002Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Go Vols!
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quote:
Originally posted by Riley:
Picked up a Gravely HD 48” with the Kawasaki this week. First mow yesterday with about a week and a half since last mow. Warm weather is finally being consistent and my yard is taking off. 5+” tall.

Mowed to a 3.5” setting on the deck. Started with 3” but that was too much without leaving more grass piles than I like. No issue with the mower, it cut like butter but that’s a lot of grass to chop up. 3.5” there was very little noticeable discharge. So little that I may not get the much kit.

The discharge Shute is heavy rubber and locks in the up position for tight spaces, has an hour meter, serviceable hydro drives.

With my older Toro 42”, that would have been a full two pass mow to get it back under control.


Compared to my older Toro 42” TimeCutter, the Gravely is a beast!

It’s fast, mows heavy grass far better, very little dust and debris escapes the deck, the controls are solid and tight, seat suspension is good and I like the easy adjust seat.

I only have a half acre so this mower is more than I need, but I’m future proofing with plans to buy a little bigger place of property.

I expect it to last a long time.


That is the exact same one I have about decided to buy. I am really interested in the mulch kit too.
 
Posts: 17944 | Location: SE Michigan | Registered: February 10, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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mulch kits are fine as long as the grass doesn't get oversized. If you ever need to cut an overgrown patch a mulch kit with the baffles will be a hindrance. I prefer to use Oregon G5 gator blades, turns clippings to dust nearly.


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Posts: 4870 | Location: Sunnyside of Louisville | Registered: July 04, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
A Grateful American
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I picked up a Gravely Pro Z 52" deck, and am liking it.

I have 20 acres, but am not cutting all of it. Only the about 6, but I can do it in a little over an hour.

Used to take me about 2 hours to cut my .28 acres with my "MIGHTY small" push mower.

I do not mulch or bag. I am not looking for a golf course, just trying to keep it down so it doesn't sprout cows.




"the meaning of life, is to give life meaning" Ani Yehudi אני יהודי Le'olam lo shuv לעולם לא שוב!
 
Posts: 44720 | Location: ...... I am thrice divorced, and I live in a van DOWN BY THE RIVER!!! (in Arkansas) | Registered: December 20, 2008Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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I’ve about 10hrs on the Gravely 48” ZT HD now. Up to the last mow I simply used side discharge for the grass. Worked great but in my particular yard it took more passes to mow without throwing grass up against the fence or flower bed in spots. Those also happened to be the thicker grass areas.

All doable, but I bought the mulch kit and it’s so much better. Less passes and I can fit between my shed and fence now with very little trimming vs using the push mower.

As I said, it’s oversized for my yard but so fast and smooth. I get at least 3 or 4 hours on a tank of fuel for my use, which is 4 or 5 mowes on my small lot. Guesstimate as I haven’t tracked it on paper.




Do not send me to a heaven where there are no dogs.
Step Up or Stand Aside: Support the Troops !
Expectations are premeditated disappointments.
 
Posts: 8408 | Location: West | Registered: November 26, 2002Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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