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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 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 3:19 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 3:43 pm to Will Cover
Buying used or new, buy a commercial grade one. I bought a 5 year old commercial grade zero turn in 2011 for $1900 and it's been great. Well worth the money. Will last me 10 more years.
Posted on 9/27/17 at 3:58 pm to Will Cover
toro
Posted on 9/27/17 at 4:25 pm to Will Cover
quote:
mid grade trim level is probably preferential for residential lawns
Is this statement referencing the height you should cut the grass? Depends on the grass. Some grasses can be cut shorter, Bahia, Bermuda ( 2 in. or shorter). Some grasses don't like to be cut short (St. Augustine), and doing so will cause bare spots to develop.
Adjust deck height to where you're cutting no more than half the length of the blade of grass.
Posted on 9/27/17 at 4:43 pm to Will Cover
This time of year the dealers should have specials. I sold out my inventory and getting ready for snow blower sales, tuneups, and service.
In Louisiana the dealers probably have trade in's and deals on prosumer units. $3k to $4k most dealers can get you in a prosumer unit all day long.
Now in flat land areas people do not see a need for riders.
I sell a lot of the cub cadet XT3's with drive shafts at my stores with areas with hills. They also have electric PTO's for accessories such as blades, small disc, and snow blower. In these areas they will out handle a zero turn. Flat surface a zero turn is faster.
In Louisiana the dealers probably have trade in's and deals on prosumer units. $3k to $4k most dealers can get you in a prosumer unit all day long.
Now in flat land areas people do not see a need for riders.
I sell a lot of the cub cadet XT3's with drive shafts at my stores with areas with hills. They also have electric PTO's for accessories such as blades, small disc, and snow blower. In these areas they will out handle a zero turn. Flat surface a zero turn is faster.
This post was edited on 9/27/17 at 4:48 pm
Posted on 9/27/17 at 4:56 pm to Will Cover
Whatever you do get one that you raise the deck with your foot and not a hand lever. That way don't have to take hands off handle bars to make slight height adjustments to the deck while you are moving, important if you have lots of trees with roots and other obstacles. I've driven both and the foot lever is way more convenient IMO.
I have a Hustler raptor SD. Its okay--been in the shop 3 times in 4 years.
I have a Hustler raptor SD. Its okay--been in the shop 3 times in 4 years.
Posted on 9/27/17 at 6:21 pm to Will Cover
I bought a Scag Freedom Z and it was great. Before that I had a Toro ZTR (their consumer line) and it fell apart after a couple of years. I bought the Toro from a local hardware store and when something broke, it would take them 3-4 weeks to get it fixed.
I purchased the Scag from a dealer that caters to the pros and they can turn around repairs in next to no time.
I purchased the Scag from a dealer that caters to the pros and they can turn around repairs in next to no time.
Posted on 9/27/17 at 6:23 pm to Will Cover
Nothing runs like a Deere
Posted on 9/27/17 at 7:02 pm to Will Cover
Bought a Deere Z997R Diesel 72" for the farm a couple of years ago. It has been rock-solid so far. Neighbor bought a comparable 72" Kubota diesel around the same time, and he's been pleased with it as well.
Price for either one is a little steep, but we picked up our Deere from the dealer as a 2015 closeout for under $20K.
Only advice I can give you re: Deeres is stay far far away from the ones sold at the big box stores.
Price for either one is a little steep, but we picked up our Deere from the dealer as a 2015 closeout for under $20K.
Only advice I can give you re: Deeres is stay far far away from the ones sold at the big box stores.
Posted on 9/27/17 at 7:04 pm to Will Cover
My father is selling one at the moment.. can get specs and pics if you’d like
Big Dog
Kawasaki
48”
158 hrs
Big Dog
Kawasaki
48”
158 hrs
This post was edited on 9/27/17 at 7:16 pm
Posted on 9/27/17 at 8:08 pm to Will Cover
Now is the perfect time to pick up a quality low hours machine.
Check around for small lawn services who thought they could "make money" with only 20 properties. You have these upstarts who have been working all summer and haven't made the money they thought they would be making.
Liquidation time is now for the newbies. They know if they hold on too much longer, the market demand will be gone. For some, it already has.
Check their other equipment. You can tell those who have taken good care of their stuff.
Check around for small lawn services who thought they could "make money" with only 20 properties. You have these upstarts who have been working all summer and haven't made the money they thought they would be making.
Liquidation time is now for the newbies. They know if they hold on too much longer, the market demand will be gone. For some, it already has.
Check their other equipment. You can tell those who have taken good care of their stuff.
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