I have not stopped trying every new model of Gravely because of its ease of use and functionalities. Is Gravely a good Zero Turn?
In this article, I will explain why I have not stopped using this model for my business. Gravely began his first production facilities in Dunbar, West Virginia, and the company remained there until 1968 when it needed to expand and moved to Clemens, North Carolina.
While Benjamin Gravely was certainly the brain behind the Gravely Motor Plow and Cultivator Company – a company incorporated in 1922 for $200,000 – he didn’t own it for long.
I will want you to know that Zero-turn mowers aren’t just for commercial use anymore. Several manufacturers, including Gravely, produce smaller-scale zero-turn mowers that are designed for home use.
If you are looking for your first zero-turn mower, the Gravely ZT is a good model to start with. It’s available in three cutting widths, features seven cutting heights, and is comfortable and easy to use. The mower is designed for yards up to 3 acres, depending on the size of the cutting deck.
What to Know Before Buying a Zero Turn Mower
A zero-turn mower gives you the chance to cut your lawn more effectively and efficiently. Professional lawn care companies have been using zero-turn mowers for a long time now. These days, zero-turn models are also available for residential use.
There are a few things to know about zero-turn mowers before you decide to invest in one. For one thing, it helps to understand what “zero-turn” means.
Traditional ride-on mowers have a turning radius that’s anywhere from 15 to 30 degrees. That means every time you turn the mower, such as to round a corner or start a new row, a patch of grass is left uncut.
To make sure you don’t miss any areas of your lawn, you’ll need to go over and over the spots.
In contrast, zero-turn mowers have a turning radius of zero degrees. I can easily pivot the mower a full 180 degrees without leaving any grass uncut.
The location of the steering controls also differs between a zero-turn mower and a traditional lawn tractor. Usually, you steer the front wheels, using a steering wheel when you drive a ride-on mower.
When you drive a zero-turn mower, you steer using the rear wheels. Rear wheel steering is what allows the mower to have a much smaller turning radius. It can also improve stability as you mow, especially if you’re moving faster.
Speaking of speed, that’s another difference between a zero-turn mower and traditional ride-on machines. Your average lawn mower might reach a speed of about 3 or 4 mph. That’s much faster than you’d go when operating a push mower, but still not that fast.
Meanwhile, residential zero-turn mowers can travel at speeds up to 8 mph. Mowers made for commercial use can go as fast as 13 mph.
What to Look for in a Zero Turn Mower
Although there are a few big differences between zero-turn and traditional mowers, when choosing a zero-turn mower, you want to look for a few of the same features you’d look for in a regular lawn tractor.
For example, the size of the cutting deck is an essential feature to pay attention to. While some zero-turn mowers have larger cutting decks (up to 60 inches) than regular mowers, a number have smaller decks, measuring just 34 inches.
Cutting deck size matters not only for determining how much of your lawn the mower can cut at once. It also determines whether your zero-turn mower will fit on your property. A 54 or 60-inch cutting deck might make short work of mowing your lawn.
But a machine that size won’t fit through typically lawn gates and might be too large to fit through the doors of a storage shed. A smaller cutting deck might be better for you if your shed has double-wide doors or if you don’t have to move the tractor from one area of the yard to another through a gate.
Cutting height is another feature to pay attention to when choosing your zero-turn mower. Some grass types need to be cut higher than others. Alternatively, if your lawn is overgrown, you don’t necessarily want to come in and shear it all off. You’ll need to start with a higher cutting height and work your way down.
Having a wide range of cutting heights, and the ability to easily adjust the height of the blades is preferable to having just a few heights.
My Opinion
Comfort is another feature to pay attention to when choosing your mower. When it comes to zero-turn mowers, many manufacturers don’t shy away from comfort features, such as high-backed seats and ergonomically positioned handles.
If you feel cramped or develop lower back pain using your mower, you’re less likely to get out there and mow the lawn. Gravely is a good zero turn machine if you want super-efficient machine.
FAQS
Is Gravely a good Zero Turn?
If you are looking for your first zero-turn mower, the Gravely ZT is a good model to start with. It’s available in three cutting widths, features seven cutting heights, and is comfortable and easy to use. The mower is designed for yards up to 3 acres, depending on the size of the cutting deck
Who is Gravely mowers made by?
Gravely was purchased by AriensCo located in Brillion, Wisconsin, in 1982. Today the Gravely brand operates as the commercial lawn division of AriensCo and its products continue to be sold exclusively through its dealer network.
Are Gravely mowers made in the USA?
For a decade, the two brands were manufactured in separate states, but today, both are manufactured in Brillion, a town of just over 3,000 people in east-central Wisconsin. Throughout all of the changes in branding and leadership, Gravely is still proud to boast that it has been American-made for a century
Is Gravely and Ariens the same mower?
For a decade, the two brands were manufactured in separate states, but today, both are manufactured in Brillion, a town of just over 3,000 people in east-central Wisconsin.