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Message
Buying a zero-turn lawnmower
Posted on 9/27/17 at 2:39 pm
Posted on 9/27/17 at 2:39 pm
What I have established that are must haves:
- all welded deck
- Kawasaki appears to receive favorable reviews as far as engines are concerned
- mid-grade trim level is probably preferential for residential lawns and weekend lawn warriors
What else?
Is it worth buying new for warranty purposes? Or purchase from a small engine (lawnmower) repair shop more advantageous, providing a limited warranty comes with it? Or dare I say, Craigslist / Facebook Marketplace?
- all welded deck
- Kawasaki appears to receive favorable reviews as far as engines are concerned
- mid-grade trim level is probably preferential for residential lawns and weekend lawn warriors
What else?
Is it worth buying new for warranty purposes? Or purchase from a small engine (lawnmower) repair shop more advantageous, providing a limited warranty comes with it? Or dare I say, Craigslist / Facebook Marketplace?
This post was edited on 9/27/17 at 2:41 pm
Posted on 9/27/17 at 2:42 pm to Will Cover
I don't cut grass - I leave that for the help
Posted on 9/27/17 at 2:42 pm to Will Cover
after much research i decided on Big Dog Alpha years ago for most reasons you have listed.
Posted on 9/27/17 at 2:51 pm to Will Cover
Buy a bad boy with the v twin Briggs for half the price of a skag.
I have both.
While the snag is "commercial" it cuts no better than the $3000 unit.
I have both.
While the snag is "commercial" it cuts no better than the $3000 unit.
Posted on 9/27/17 at 2:52 pm to Will Cover
You want what is a prosumer series.
At this price point you have a lot of choices and all of them are decent. Bad boys have issues with deck belts flying off so stay away from them. Most bigger names have decent units husqvarna, Cub z force, snapper pro, hustler, toro, and gravely are your bigger boys that will be around to provide parts down the road.
Kawasaki remember if you buy a used one they had problems with metal on valves a few years back. Around 300 hours or less they snapped.
Kawasaki and Kohler command are decent engines.
Typically a prosumer unit should have
Steel spindles
Hydro gear ZT series transmission over an EZT transmission
- this what I worry about and most expensive part of the mower.
Engine toss up Kawasaki, Kohler, or some Briggs it just depends on brand and dealer.
If you wanted to save money and found a prosumer unit at a service center which they warranty and it is a reputable dealer go for it.
If you find a new one at a dealer who you feel will service you that a plus also just cost you more money.
I would stay away from a big box store that sells a so called prosumer unit. You will not get the service that a local dealer or service center will give you.
Guess what they all break!
My customers in and out 1 to 7 days depending on if I have the parts.
Big box 3 to 4 weeks as I always put my customers first.
At this price point you have a lot of choices and all of them are decent. Bad boys have issues with deck belts flying off so stay away from them. Most bigger names have decent units husqvarna, Cub z force, snapper pro, hustler, toro, and gravely are your bigger boys that will be around to provide parts down the road.
Kawasaki remember if you buy a used one they had problems with metal on valves a few years back. Around 300 hours or less they snapped.
Kawasaki and Kohler command are decent engines.
Typically a prosumer unit should have
Steel spindles
Hydro gear ZT series transmission over an EZT transmission
- this what I worry about and most expensive part of the mower.
Engine toss up Kawasaki, Kohler, or some Briggs it just depends on brand and dealer.
If you wanted to save money and found a prosumer unit at a service center which they warranty and it is a reputable dealer go for it.
If you find a new one at a dealer who you feel will service you that a plus also just cost you more money.
I would stay away from a big box store that sells a so called prosumer unit. You will not get the service that a local dealer or service center will give you.
Guess what they all break!
My customers in and out 1 to 7 days depending on if I have the parts.
Big box 3 to 4 weeks as I always put my customers first.
This post was edited on 9/27/17 at 2:59 pm
Posted on 9/27/17 at 2:54 pm to johnnyrocket
Love the Gravely Mowers. Simplicity makes nice ones too.
Posted on 9/27/17 at 3:01 pm to Will Cover
I'm in the same boat. After looking, reading, and researching, I've settled on a Gravely ZT HD. I felt it was the best bang for what I was willing to spend. Kawi engine, big tires, tank under the seat for better balance for my hills, welded deck, easy access to belts, good reviews, good price compared to others,
Posted on 9/27/17 at 3:05 pm to Will Cover
I'm in the same boat. Tried out a Kubota the other day and loved it. Not sure what we're going to go with yet, as I haven't done all the research I need to do. Glad you started this thread.
This post was edited on 9/27/17 at 3:06 pm
Posted on 9/27/17 at 3:06 pm to fishbig
Bought a Hustler. Welded frame and Kholer engine
Posted on 9/27/17 at 3:08 pm to fishbig
quote:How much do these run?
I've settled on a Gravely ZT HD. I felt it was the best bang for what I was willing to spend.
Posted on 9/27/17 at 3:09 pm to When in Rome
$5,099-5,499. Depending upon dealers. This is for a 52".
Posted on 9/27/17 at 3:10 pm to BoudinJoe
quote:
Bought a Hustler. Welded frame and Kholer engine
Have a Hustler Raptor bought it from a dealer, has a Kawasaki engine, the ones at Lowes have Kholer engines, not sure why.
A Hustler will have everything he wants, had mine 4 years no problems.
Posted on 9/27/17 at 3:10 pm to BoudinJoe
My neighbor has a Hustler. He cuts his yard and his grandfather's yard with it. Both yards are 1 acre +. He works the hell out of it and to my knowledge has had no problems with it.
Posted on 9/27/17 at 3:15 pm to fishbig
That's around what I was looking to spend. I'll have to look into it. The Kubota was out of my price range, but a dream to drive. Lol.
Thanks
Thanks
Posted on 9/27/17 at 3:19 pm to Will Cover
I bought a John Deer 912B Zero Turn in the spring of 2016. More mower than I needed however it had less than 6hrs on it and was given a great deal. Also got all the rebates that were available for the series as well as full warranty.
Didn't purchase extended warranty or service contract.
Didn't purchase extended warranty or service contract.
Posted on 9/27/17 at 3:31 pm to Will Cover
Why would anyone want a mower that doesn't turn? Seems like a waste to me.
Posted on 9/27/17 at 3:35 pm to Will Cover
Two questions: Are you going to use the mower commercially?
How much do you want to spend?
How much do you want to spend?
Posted on 9/27/17 at 3:36 pm to johnnyrocket
quote:
Bad boys have issues with deck belts flying off so stay away from them.
Been having mine about a year. Got around 50 hours on it in the time and had no problem with it at all. Got the 72" cut.
Posted on 9/27/17 at 3:43 pm to Perfect Circle
quote:
Are you going to use the mower commercially?
No.
quote:
How much do you want to spend?
As little as possible. I feel like I am at a car dealership right now.
But I expect to spend anywhere from $3 to $4K.
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