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zero turn mower suggestions
Posted on 3/19/12 at 2:19 pm
Posted on 3/19/12 at 2:19 pm
Used the search option but came up empty.
House sits on about an acre, but total grass to cut is probably just under 1/2 acre. In the market for zero turn with the welded deck (not stamped) and about a 42 inch cut. Looked at Cub, Gravely, Toro, Hustler and Exmark.
Exmark looked like the best built, but it is 2k more than any of the others. Gravely and Toro passed the "eye test" and were significantly cheaper (around 4K). Any comments on these brands is appreciated (or other brands to consider).
House sits on about an acre, but total grass to cut is probably just under 1/2 acre. In the market for zero turn with the welded deck (not stamped) and about a 42 inch cut. Looked at Cub, Gravely, Toro, Hustler and Exmark.
Exmark looked like the best built, but it is 2k more than any of the others. Gravely and Toro passed the "eye test" and were significantly cheaper (around 4K). Any comments on these brands is appreciated (or other brands to consider).
17
Posted on 3/19/12 at 2:23 pm to failuretocommunicate
My dad bought a Big Dog zero turn from the place that sells Hustlers (I think) on Airline in Gonzales. No major problems with it. I think he broke the belt once and had to replace a pulley, but it was because something got jammed in it and the mower kept going for like times worth of cutting with that pulley not spinning, and it just ate it in half.
No idea how the price compares to others, but if I know my dad at all it was a good value.
No idea how the price compares to others, but if I know my dad at all it was a good value.
Posted on 3/19/12 at 2:24 pm to failuretocommunicate
Gravely fan here.
Posted on 3/19/12 at 2:26 pm to failuretocommunicate
I've had a gravely for 7 years and only had to put gas in it and change the oil. haven't changed the first belt. cut's about 3.5 acres.
The secret is to keep your blades sharp. Not sure where you saw a gravely for $4k. mine was almost twice that.
The secret is to keep your blades sharp. Not sure where you saw a gravely for $4k. mine was almost twice that.
Posted on 3/19/12 at 2:26 pm to failuretocommunicate
You can't go wrong buying any commercial grade mower that doesn't have the Hydrogear transmissions.
Posted on 3/19/12 at 2:27 pm to Boats n Hose
We have a grasshopper and it has been phenomenal. I'm not sure if it would be justified with just a 1/2 acre to mow, but here is their smaller version:
https://www.grasshoppermower.com/mid_100.php
They are right up there at the top as far as quality. But I usually tell people to find a close shop that you like doing business with, and pick one of theirs. (Grasshopper place is right down the road from me)
https://www.grasshoppermower.com/mid_100.php
They are right up there at the top as far as quality. But I usually tell people to find a close shop that you like doing business with, and pick one of theirs. (Grasshopper place is right down the road from me)
Posted on 3/19/12 at 2:27 pm to olgoi khorkhoi
quote:homeowner model with the tranny's shown in my pic.
Not sure where you saw a gravely for $4k.
Posted on 3/19/12 at 2:30 pm to olgoi khorkhoi
quote:
Not sure where you saw a gravely for $4k. mine was almost twice that.
Southland Engine in Laffy.....42 inch cut 42 ZTXL $4,400
Posted on 3/19/12 at 2:37 pm to failuretocommunicate
quote:it is a rebadged Ariens with the hydrogear tranny's
42 ZTXL
This post was edited on 3/19/12 at 2:38 pm
Posted on 3/19/12 at 2:47 pm to meauxjeaux2
MJ2......what's your take on the Toro brand? All of the brands mentioned in the OP have the kawasaki engine.....anything to lookout for there?
It (Toro) seemed well made and was very comfortable.
It (Toro) seemed well made and was very comfortable.
Posted on 3/19/12 at 2:49 pm to meauxjeaux2
for small yard like that I would get a hustler. I see lots of landscaping companies using them. they are pretty cheap and good quality.
Posted on 3/19/12 at 2:53 pm to failuretocommunicate
The Toro zero turns were bought out by Exmark.
Exact same mowers.
If you knew anything about small engines you would know the name brand on the engine means squat.
A brigs is not a briggs,is not a briggs.
Same with Kawi,Kohler and Generac.
It's the series of the motor that's important.
Hell,I'd take a briggs Vanguard engine over any other small engine.
Not all Kawasaki engines are the same either but the real concern in a zero turn is the clutch system for the blades,the blade spindle size and are they servicable?
How about the baffle design for the deck,how much vacuum does it create for better grass cutting?
What is the steel thickness of the fabricated deck?
What kind of transmissions and wheel motors does the mower have.
How much are you wanting to spend is the real question.
Exact same mowers.
If you knew anything about small engines you would know the name brand on the engine means squat.
A brigs is not a briggs,is not a briggs.
Same with Kawi,Kohler and Generac.
It's the series of the motor that's important.
Hell,I'd take a briggs Vanguard engine over any other small engine.
Not all Kawasaki engines are the same either but the real concern in a zero turn is the clutch system for the blades,the blade spindle size and are they servicable?
How about the baffle design for the deck,how much vacuum does it create for better grass cutting?
What is the steel thickness of the fabricated deck?
What kind of transmissions and wheel motors does the mower have.
How much are you wanting to spend is the real question.
Posted on 3/19/12 at 2:59 pm to failuretocommunicate
I bought the Exmark Quest 42 last year. Happy with it so far.
Posted on 3/19/12 at 3:03 pm to crazytigerfan69
quote:
Gravely fan here.
Get a commercial model.
Posted on 3/19/12 at 3:05 pm to meauxjeaux2
quote:
If you knew anything about small engines you would know the name brand on the engine means squat.
I don't know $hit about engines.....I sit at a desk all day, but I enjoy cutting grass.
quote:
Hell,I'd take a briggs Vanguard engine over any other small engine.
Glad to hear that, cause that's what pushes my go-devil
quote:
How much are you wanting to spend is the real question.
Hoping to stay under 5K since I don't need a huge cutting deck, have a small cutting area (1/2 acre) etc....I do prefer the welded reinforced decks versus the stamped decks
Posted on 3/19/12 at 3:17 pm to failuretocommunicate
you would have a ton of fun with a commercial hydro walk behind with a sulky
I find them much more manuverable and you can cut closer to trees and bushes which you can't with a ride on.
You will get a commercial machine with well built parts for $3000.00 less than a ride on.
I find them much more manuverable and you can cut closer to trees and bushes which you can't with a ride on.
You will get a commercial machine with well built parts for $3000.00 less than a ride on.
This post was edited on 3/19/12 at 3:18 pm
Posted on 3/19/12 at 3:20 pm to failuretocommunicate
To be honest I wouldn't get a zero turn to cut under 1/2 acre. Just seems like a waste. A cheaper riding mower would do fine, it's not like you'll be putting a lot of wear on it using it 30-40 minutes or so a week (or twice a week, depending on how often you cut)
Posted on 3/19/12 at 3:32 pm to meauxjeaux2
quote:
The Toro zero turns were bought out by Exmark
I thought it was the other way around...Exmark was bought out by Toro
Posted on 3/19/12 at 3:35 pm to poule deau
quote:it is my bad,but I was just trying to say they are the same mower.
I thought it was the other way around...Exmark was bought out by Toro
Posted on 3/19/12 at 3:36 pm to Boats n Hose
I'm looking to make it a 30-40 minute job. Right now it takes me nearly 1 1/2 hours to get it done. I usually cut twice a week. It probably is overkill since a new Craftsman lawn tractor runs about 1,500 but I like the idea of cutting at twice the speed of the craftsman and the welded deck should prove to be more durable.
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