Gravley mower owners, talk me into/out of one (52" X, XL, or HD)

I've got the ZTXL-42. Had it for probably 4 years now. I bought it as a previous year's display model with 0% financing for 3 years. It has the Kohler engine, but it has been no problem to work on. Just a well built solid machine. The blades aren't difficult to remove/sharpen. The engine oil drain is in a stupid spot, but they all seem to be.

It's WAY more powerful than the 15 year old Dixon it replaced. I've never had it choke on grass no matter the length.

Have you looked at the Hustler Super Z? I picked one up about a month ago and love that thing. Very smooth and fast

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Reason to not buy a Gravely--they're made by Ariens. I wouldn't mow 2 acres with a 10 gauge deck.

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With zero explanation I can’t tell if this is good or bad.

I have a Gravely ProTurn that I purchased used 4-5 years back. I had to have a couple of spindles replaced but other than that, it's been a joy to operate.

Having a local dealer is great.

Three acres is a bit of a ‘tweener between commercial and residential. I’m running a BadBoy MZ Magnum (residential) on its ninth year of service.

For the first five years, I cut four acres of pretty uneven terrain. Since I bought my new place, I’m only cutting two acres. Other than changing oil and blades, the only things I’ve had to do are replace a front wheel and last year replaced drive belt and spindles. Kohler engine, paid $3499 new when I got it.

I have a 52” Gravely HD with Kawasaki engine. I was looking between Gravely, Hustler, and Bad Boy.

In general, it’s a very solid machine that cuts decent. I wish the cut was a little better, but it’s not bad. I cut a lot and probably should sharpen/replace blades more often than I do.

I’ve read the 52” deck design is poor in comparison. It’s an oddball size too vs a 48/54/60 split. There’s a fair amount of vibration in the deck, but the tensioning system is great. I’d probably recommend a 48 or 60 based on what I’ve read. I’m looking to upgrade to a 60” in a year or two.

If you like to wash your mower, the solenoid on the Gravely is in a bad spot. Mine corroded away one of the prongs and was a PITA to troubleshoot. Also, the Kawasaki randomly bent a pushrod that I wasn’t sure the cause, resulted in me replacing the engine, rebuilding and selling the old one.

It’s also heavy AF. Built like a tank. Which is both good and bad.

I mow 4 acres and have right at 200 hours on mine. I put between 60-70/year. I would still never recommend a full “commercial” machine like you’ll see many people push you to. You just don’t put the hours on it like they do, and it’s not worth the trade off in cost. A decent residential machine will easily last 500 hours (10+ years) with minimal maintenance for much less cost.

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How important is Kawasaki vs kholer?

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Almost everyone will recommend the Kawasaki, but it’s not a super critical decision. Both are fairly reliable and similar power. Kawasaki parts tend to be more readily available since there is a stronger preference for them.

Sent you an email as well.