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%2028%20HP%20Zero%20Turn%20Lawn%20Mower%20ZT2866%20has%20been%20discontinued.)
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Features
- Mower Is Too Large To Fit On Lift Gate For Delivery
- Must have a loading dock or fork lift @ delivery locale to unload
- Powerful 28 HP Briggs & Stratton V-Twin OHV Engine
- Full pressure lubrication with spin on oil filter
- Easy access for maintenance
- Dual Eaton Commercial-Grade Hydrostatic Transmission
- Speeds up to 6 MPH forward and 6 MPH reverse
- Large 66" Cutting Deck
- 11-gauge fabricated and welded steel
- 3 Gator Mulcher™ blades and machined steel spindles
- Adjustable side deck wheels help prevent scalping of grass
- 8 Gallon Fuel Capacity
- Spring-Assisted Lever Deck Lift
- Adjusts to 8 precision cutting heights from 1.5" to 5"
- Deluxe 16" High Back Seat
- Includes foldable arm rests and slide adjustment range of 6"
- Ergonomic Steering Handles
- Help ensure operator comfort over long time periods
- Rear Mounted Hitch Included
- Rated to tow up to 500 lbs (total weight of attachment + payload)
Specifications
ZT2866
Engine
Engine Brand
Briggs & Stratton
Starting System
12-Volt Key Start
Engine Cycle
4-Cycle
HP
28 HP
Fuel Tank Size
8 Gallons
Engine Cylinders
2 Cylinders
Oil Filter
Yes
Consumer Engine Warranty
2 Years
Motor
Battery Voltage
12 Volts
Battery Type
Lead Acid
Battery Included
Included
Overview
Weight
950 Pounds
Made in USA
Yes
Consumer Warranty
2 Years
Product Length
76.0 Inches
Product Width
75.0 Inches
Product Height
45.0 Inches
UPC
728172398304
Deck
Cutting Options
Side-Discharge
Deck Material
Steel
Deck Construction
Welded
Blades
3 Blades
Spindle Material
Steel
Deck Positions
8 Positions
Cutting Width
66 Inches
Cutting Height
1.5-5.75 Inches
Deck Lift System
Manual Hand Operated
Engagement
PTO Electric
Deck Drive
Belt
Drive
Speeds
Variable
Maximum Speed
6 MPH
Maximum Reverse Speed
6 MPH
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheels
Transmission Type
Hydrostatic
Drive System
Hydrostatic
Accessories
Rear Bagger
No
Engine Guard
No
Seat Type
High Back
Hour Meter
Included
Arm Rests
Included
Front Bumper
No
Trailer Hitch
Included
Mulcher Kit
No
Headlights
No
Wheels
Front Tire Size
11 x 4 Inch
Rear Tire Size
20 x 10 Inch
Tire Type
Pneumatic Wheels
Reviews
(12)
Swisher ZT2866 Reviews & Ratings
Customer Rating
3.75
(12 Ratings)
5
(4)
(4)4(2)
(2)3(5)
(5)2(1)
(1)1(0)
(0)
Bad service and parts department
By Bob S.
Yukon, Oklahoma
Purchased 07/02/2012 |
Review Posted 08/27/2014
I own a ZT2866 mower The mower has given me reasonable service but getting parts from the company is a nightmare. No one will answer the phone. I have sat and waited over 30 minutes for anyone to just answer the phone and talk to you. You cannot call the parts department. You have to use a fax. When you need a part, you usually need it right away. You do not have time to send a fax and sit around the phone and wait for a reply. Every day your machine is down you are losing money and work. How hard can it be to have a phone in the parts department? How hard can it be for the service department to actually answer the phone? The best machine in the world is no good if it breaks and you cannot get parts!!!
Bob S. Does Not Recommend This
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Rating Breakdown
3/5
3/5
4/5
3/5
Pros:
Easy To Use, Price
Cons:
Durability
Swisher Z-Turn
By Kirk C.
Norwood, California
Review Posted 08/05/2014
I have a Swisher 2760, had it for a few years, great engine and deck. I cut a lot of grass, 4 acres a week, would not buy this mower again. Too many belt issues. I would try to get a shaft drive unit with minimal belts as I have changed the Kevlar drive belt many times. I would spend a little more money next time and get something commercial maybe a Diesel Kubota or Deere. You get what you pay for.
Kirk C. Does Not Recommend This
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Rating Breakdown
4/5
2/5
4/5
2/5
swisher nightmare
By Anthony F.
Blythe, Georgia
Review Posted 06/09/2014
I bought my Swisher when I built my first house in 2010 on 4 acres..At first I thought I was getting a great mower but five minutes into cutting the mower stopped...battery problems. Got a new battery and things seemed great. The next time I tried to mow, the drive belt broke. Only had about 4 hours of mow time into it. Sent it out to be fixed from the dealer I bought it from, they contracted it out to be repaired and the mower has not worked ever since. The cutting blades will not engage. I have never made it through a mowing season that this mower has worked. Tried putting new clutch in but that only let it work for two mows before breaking again. Can't seem to give this mower away and I can't use it. Swisher really needs to pay more attention to the product they are putting out or at the very least when customers complain about a mower like this one they should do something about it. The warranty is good but, if you never fix it and it has to be brought in every year for the same thing until the warranty wears out, you have a problem. So disappointed in the Swisher company. Now hoping to trade in my mower for a Hustler Raptor SD seems like a better mower.
Anthony F. Does Not Recommend This
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Rating Breakdown
3/5
2/5
5/5
3/5
Pros:
Easy To Use, Price
Cons:
Low Quality, Unreliable, Seems To Be Made On A Monday
So far, so good
By Rick C.
Hamersville, Ohio
Purchased 09/05/2012 |
Review Posted 09/26/2012
I took delivery on my Swisher mower two weeks ago. My daughter who cuts our grass loves it. It has cut her mowing time way down. We cut about five acres.
If I have any problems, you will know about it.
If I have any problems, you will know about it.
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Rating Breakdown
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
Nursery Owner
By Bob S.
Yukon, Oklahoma
Purchased 07/02/2012 |
Review Posted 09/04/2012
I bought my 66" model ZT2866 mower early this summer. I placed the order with Power Equipment Direct and the mower was delivered 4 days later. It was strongly crated in oak. I uncrated it and assembled it in about 30 minutes, and it started right up.
I am very satisfied with the way the mower operates. Lots of power. The four leveling wheels are a little time consuming for a 66 year old guy like me, but considering the width of the mower they are most likely needed. I mow my 1/2 acre front yard and a 3 acre sod farm twice per week.
After 18 hours of operation I did have a belt break. I called Swisher Manufacturing and after a little discussion as to how I was using the mower, they resolved the problem to my satisfaction. I think the company is building a good product and is willing to stand behind it.
I have had two Ariens zero mowers before this one. I feel the Swisher mower is comparable in quality and handling. I think it is funny that it appears all mower manufacturing companies use and have used the same key and starting systems for at least 20 years. My Ariens key fits the Swisher as well as a key that went to a tractor mower I had at least 20 years ago. I did write on my registration form that who ever is willing to spend a few more dollars on a more secure starting and locking system will no doubt sell more mowers by just stating they changed starting switches to better secure their customers equipment.
I am very satisfied with the way the mower operates. Lots of power. The four leveling wheels are a little time consuming for a 66 year old guy like me, but considering the width of the mower they are most likely needed. I mow my 1/2 acre front yard and a 3 acre sod farm twice per week.
After 18 hours of operation I did have a belt break. I called Swisher Manufacturing and after a little discussion as to how I was using the mower, they resolved the problem to my satisfaction. I think the company is building a good product and is willing to stand behind it.
I have had two Ariens zero mowers before this one. I feel the Swisher mower is comparable in quality and handling. I think it is funny that it appears all mower manufacturing companies use and have used the same key and starting systems for at least 20 years. My Ariens key fits the Swisher as well as a key that went to a tractor mower I had at least 20 years ago. I did write on my registration form that who ever is willing to spend a few more dollars on a more secure starting and locking system will no doubt sell more mowers by just stating they changed starting switches to better secure their customers equipment.
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Rating Breakdown
4/5
4/5
4/5
4/5
High quality
By Sid V. Jr.
DeBary,, Florida
Purchased 07/18/2012 |
Review Posted 09/03/2012
The Swisher 66" Zero Turn Mower is a good machine and is an outstanding value. There were some loose parts from the factory which came off during the first few hours of mowing. The service company in DeBary, Flroida handled the repair and parts order quickly and it was extremely satisfactory.
Thus, the warranty part of my experience was really good. The mower cuts great and it is of high quality.
My purchase experience with Jim was excellent and he was very professional and informative. Once the order went in the delivery was quick and satisfactory.
Thus, the warranty part of my experience was really good. The mower cuts great and it is of high quality.
My purchase experience with Jim was excellent and he was very professional and informative. Once the order went in the delivery was quick and satisfactory.
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Rating Breakdown
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
Mixed Bag
By Chris
Warrenton, Virginia
Review Posted 08/17/2012
I purchased the mower from Mowers Direct in April 2012 and the first issue was that you must have a fork lift or loading dock at the delivery location. I have neither at my farm. A buddy with a landscaping company hooked me up, and with a bunch of inconvenience I was able to get my new mower.
Out of the box it wouldn't turn on. After a few minutes of inspection, I found that the safety under the seat was disconnected. (To say the mower documentation is lacking would be a huge understatement) After connecting, it roared to life. I did a bit of test cutting in high grass and it handled it without an issue. The mower cuts wonderfully. After the first cut I had a wonderfully manicured front acreage.
I have rolling hills and the machine does not do well on hills. Once the front end dips under horizontal the mower can run away from you so you have to learn the angles to cut. Prior to that however, I had a few very scary experiences sliding down a hill in full reverse and coming a foot or less to a tree or a creek at the bottom of a hill. The point is the machine can get away from you and if that is the case you have no control as to what happens.
Construction of the mower overall is solid and the 28 hp engine has lots of power but my I have had problems with my drive (Hydro) belt. I have replaced it twice in 51 hours of use. My first call to Swisher came up with sorry no warranty on belts. Regardless of my displeasure with the handling of it I purchased a replacement belt for about $40 and installed it. It lasted one cut or about 9 hours. Currently the mower is getting warranty work done and I have acres of long grass.
One of the reasons I purchased the mower was because of its tow hitch but it does not handle a hitch ball. I have a power vacuum and will have to build an extension for the hitch frame to be able to use it. Overall the mower again cuts wonderfully but it is not good for hills, the tires have inadequate traction, it doesn't move too fast and I have had the issues with the hydro belt. If I were to be able to do it again with my experience I would purchase an Exmark ZTR and pay the extra money for quality.
Out of the box it wouldn't turn on. After a few minutes of inspection, I found that the safety under the seat was disconnected. (To say the mower documentation is lacking would be a huge understatement) After connecting, it roared to life. I did a bit of test cutting in high grass and it handled it without an issue. The mower cuts wonderfully. After the first cut I had a wonderfully manicured front acreage.
I have rolling hills and the machine does not do well on hills. Once the front end dips under horizontal the mower can run away from you so you have to learn the angles to cut. Prior to that however, I had a few very scary experiences sliding down a hill in full reverse and coming a foot or less to a tree or a creek at the bottom of a hill. The point is the machine can get away from you and if that is the case you have no control as to what happens.
Construction of the mower overall is solid and the 28 hp engine has lots of power but my I have had problems with my drive (Hydro) belt. I have replaced it twice in 51 hours of use. My first call to Swisher came up with sorry no warranty on belts. Regardless of my displeasure with the handling of it I purchased a replacement belt for about $40 and installed it. It lasted one cut or about 9 hours. Currently the mower is getting warranty work done and I have acres of long grass.
One of the reasons I purchased the mower was because of its tow hitch but it does not handle a hitch ball. I have a power vacuum and will have to build an extension for the hitch frame to be able to use it. Overall the mower again cuts wonderfully but it is not good for hills, the tires have inadequate traction, it doesn't move too fast and I have had the issues with the hydro belt. If I were to be able to do it again with my experience I would purchase an Exmark ZTR and pay the extra money for quality.
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Rating Breakdown
3/5
3/5
3/5
3/5
My Mower Would not Run
By Rich
Indianapolis, Indiana
Purchased 06/05/2012 |
Review Posted 06/27/2012
I did take mower out of crate mover. Per instructions, Very Excited about new mower.
Charged battery, This mower would not run. I called Mowers direct and never revived a call back.
I went throw the wiring diagram and found safeties for the handles. This mover never made it throw check out at factory.
I had to plug in the wiring on the handle safeties the mower would still not Run.
After further inspection the handle safety switches were loose and out of line to even hit handles.
I thought I was buying a new mower one I did not have to work one.
This was a bad experience with all the money I paid for mower and then had to go throw before it would even start.
This is my first new rider and I was so excited about experience.
I am worried about buying it for a internet company not a dealer. There is no support from this dealer.
Sent out email to get help received no call just find local dealer to get this unit running.
What if it breaks. I feel there is no support, This is why price is low.
Rich
Charged battery, This mower would not run. I called Mowers direct and never revived a call back.
I went throw the wiring diagram and found safeties for the handles. This mover never made it throw check out at factory.
I had to plug in the wiring on the handle safeties the mower would still not Run.
After further inspection the handle safety switches were loose and out of line to even hit handles.
I thought I was buying a new mower one I did not have to work one.
This was a bad experience with all the money I paid for mower and then had to go throw before it would even start.
This is my first new rider and I was so excited about experience.
I am worried about buying it for a internet company not a dealer. There is no support from this dealer.
Sent out email to get help received no call just find local dealer to get this unit running.
What if it breaks. I feel there is no support, This is why price is low.
Rich
Was this review helpful?
Rating Breakdown
2/5
2/5
2/5
2/5
First time use
By Sandy B.
lemont furnace, Pennsylvania
Review Posted 06/18/2012
We did have a troybilt and we like it. But it was older and we needed a new one. We have 12 acres of land and we cut and weed it all. It took about three and half hours to cut the grass. We like the Swisher real well. And the grandson who cuts grass for us really likes it real well. So hoping for a good summer.
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Rating Breakdown
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
66 Inch Swisher Zero Turn Mower
By Harold
Indiana
Purchased 04/24/2012 |
Review Posted 05/15/2012
I already owned a 60 " Swisher Mower but I have had it for about 6 years and love it. I thought it was about time to get another one, for a backup but went just a little bigger on this new one. As soon as I got it out of the crate I notice they have made changes to all the weak spots of my Older Mower. The reinforcements were great to see and all the other changes they made to this new one, I like.
The 66" mower has the four wheels at the corners of the deck which gives a more perfect cut and once adjusted properly they keep if from gouging on uneven areas in our lawn. The new one runs faster than the old one so I just run at half throttle. It is also much more responsive than the old one but I am getting use to it, now that I have mowed a couple of times.
After getting them set up, the way you like, there is not a better mower for the money anywhere out there. I bought the better Suspension seat for both of my Swishers and you can buy them at Northern Tool for about $300 less than through Swisher. The seat makes a big difference because they are so comfortable. Swisher should put it on all their larger mowers.
Mowers Direct was the best buy out there since there was no Taxes or Shipping to pay. I think Swisher is the best mower you will find. I mow about 3 acres, usually twice per week when the grass is growing fast in the spring. It does not take long to keep it looking perfect.
The 66" mower has the four wheels at the corners of the deck which gives a more perfect cut and once adjusted properly they keep if from gouging on uneven areas in our lawn. The new one runs faster than the old one so I just run at half throttle. It is also much more responsive than the old one but I am getting use to it, now that I have mowed a couple of times.
After getting them set up, the way you like, there is not a better mower for the money anywhere out there. I bought the better Suspension seat for both of my Swishers and you can buy them at Northern Tool for about $300 less than through Swisher. The seat makes a big difference because they are so comfortable. Swisher should put it on all their larger mowers.
Mowers Direct was the best buy out there since there was no Taxes or Shipping to pay. I think Swisher is the best mower you will find. I mow about 3 acres, usually twice per week when the grass is growing fast in the spring. It does not take long to keep it looking perfect.
Was this review helpful?
Rating Breakdown
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
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ZT2866
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