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$2500, 1 Acre, A Hill and Shed Restrictions. What To Look At
#1
M
Magsrgod
M
Magsrgod
So I'm looking for some advice on what to start poking around at. I have about an acre and right now and I use a crappy LawnBoy push mower. I basically hate life come mowing time and I put it off forever so it's beyond a chore when it comes time to mow. Growing up I had this baby blue Yamaha mower that was unreal and I mowed the lawn all the time with it, I want to get back to that time.
I have $2500 to spend and a shed with a 48" opening and 89" deep, so I can fit almost any 42" deck ZTR or tractor. I will snap a picture of the little hill in the morning and post it up tomorrow. I don't think its a deal breaker with any types but I will have you guys take a gander for me.
So what's worth looking at on the market? I liked the look of the S240 for a tractor but I'm thinking a ZTR will be more beneficial, are there any ZTR's in the $2500 range worth purchasing?
I have $2500 to spend and a shed with a 48" opening and 89" deep, so I can fit almost any 42" deck ZTR or tractor. I will snap a picture of the little hill in the morning and post it up tomorrow. I don't think its a deal breaker with any types but I will have you guys take a gander for me.
So what's worth looking at on the market? I liked the look of the S240 for a tractor but I'm thinking a ZTR will be more beneficial, are there any ZTR's in the $2500 range worth purchasing?
#2
S
Shughes717
There are a few ztr mowers in the $3k range. Not going to find many priced much less than that. The hustler raptor, or toro time cutter come to mind. The cub cadet rzt s series is priced around $3k and has a steering wheel instead of lever controls. It is supposed to be a little better on inclines than comparable ztr mowers.
S
Shughes717
So I'm looking for some advice on what to start poking around at. I have about an acre and right now and I use a crappy LawnBoy push mower. I basically hate life come mowing time and I put it off forever so it's beyond a chore when it comes time to mow. Growing up I had this baby blue Yamaha mower that was unreal and I mowed the lawn all the time with it, I want to get back to that time.
I have $2500 to spend and a shed with a 48" opening and 89" deep, so I can fit almost any 42" deck ZTR or tractor. I will snap a picture of the little hill in the morning and post it up tomorrow. I don't think its a deal breaker with any types but I will have you guys take a gander for me.
So what's worth looking at on the market? I liked the look of the S240 for a tractor but I'm thinking a ZTR will be more beneficial, are there any ZTR's in the $2500 range worth purchasing?
There are a few ztr mowers in the $3k range. Not going to find many priced much less than that. The hustler raptor, or toro time cutter come to mind. The cub cadet rzt s series is priced around $3k and has a steering wheel instead of lever controls. It is supposed to be a little better on inclines than comparable ztr mowers.
#3
M
Magsrgod
Do you think I might be better off getting one of the large walk behind mowers with the wheel to stand on? I would be very open to that idea if the mower is good quality and falls into that price range. I looked at the hill this morning and I think any platform will be fine on it. I seem to have this vision of a short steep hill but it's really a pretty gentle slope when I look at it!
M
Magsrgod
There are a few ztr mowers in the $3k range. Not going to find many priced much less than that. The hustler raptor, or toro time cutter come to mind. The cub cadet rzt s series is priced around $3k and has a steering wheel instead of lever controls. It is supposed to be a little better on inclines than comparable ztr mowers.
Do you think I might be better off getting one of the large walk behind mowers with the wheel to stand on? I would be very open to that idea if the mower is good quality and falls into that price range. I looked at the hill this morning and I think any platform will be fine on it. I seem to have this vision of a short steep hill but it's really a pretty gentle slope when I look at it!
#4
M
Magsrgod
M
Magsrgod
OK just looked at those big walk behind mowers and their as much if not more than the ZTR's! Back to the drawing board
#5
J
jaredfink
J
jaredfink
I would look into a hustler raptor 42. I don't have any experience with the 42 but hustler makes good machines. Hustler is also one of the only brands that says you can operate their zero turn on hills up to 15 degrees. They say because they have a lower center of gravity. They are priced at $2799. I normally wouldn't suggest this but you can order them online from lowes and try to find a coupon for 5 or 10% off. Also was told by a dealer that the raptors will be switching over to kohler motors because there deal with kawasaki on the lower price units are running out so I would get the kawasaki while you have a chance.
#6
M
Magsrgod
Awesome thanks man, I also have a Hustler dealer near me so I will give them a call and see if they have any in stock! This thread is the first time I've heard of Hustler, are these leaps and bounds better than what the JD or Husqvarna ZTR options would be?
M
Magsrgod
I would look into a hustler raptor 42. I don't have any experience with the 42 but hustler makes good machines. Hustler is also one of the only brands that says you can operate their zero turn on hills up to 15 degrees. They say because they have a lower center of gravity. They are priced at $2799. I normally wouldn't suggest this but you can order them online from lowes and try to find a coupon for 5 or 10% off. Also was told by a dealer that the raptors will be switching over to kohler motors because there deal with kawasaki on the lower price units are running out so I would get the kawasaki while you have a chance.
Awesome thanks man, I also have a Hustler dealer near me so I will give them a call and see if they have any in stock! This thread is the first time I've heard of Hustler, are these leaps and bounds better than what the JD or Husqvarna ZTR options would be?
#7
J
jaredfink
J
jaredfink
I don't know much about the jd options but I don't think you're going to find a real jd for that price. I have heard a lot of horror stories about Husqvarna so that took them off my radar.
#8
S
Shughes717
The raptor is at the bottom of hustler's line. They come with low end ezt hydros and the residential fr series Kawasaki engines. All of the ztr mowers you are looking at in this price range will offer a similar drive train. They are all comparable. Any of them should handle your lawn easily. The most common complaint I read about the raptor is that you have to purchase the exhaust heat shield separately. Those who went without it complained of damaging their lawn when the mower is not in motion.
S
Shughes717
Awesome thanks man, I also have a Hustler dealer near me so I will give them a call and see if they have any in stock! This thread is the first time I've heard of Hustler, are these leaps and bounds better than what the JD or Husqvarna ZTR options would be?
The raptor is at the bottom of hustler's line. They come with low end ezt hydros and the residential fr series Kawasaki engines. All of the ztr mowers you are looking at in this price range will offer a similar drive train. They are all comparable. Any of them should handle your lawn easily. The most common complaint I read about the raptor is that you have to purchase the exhaust heat shield separately. Those who went without it complained of damaging their lawn when the mower is not in motion.
#9
M
Magsrgod
I not married to any one style of mower. I really just want to get the most bang for my buck, I really do like the idea of the ZTR's or the real wide walk behinds but if a tractor is what will get me the most then I'm fine with that as well. I had originally went out to look at the Snapper rear motor rider and the local Snapper dealer has had so many issues with them he stopped selling them. I guess next year their redesigning it and he's hoping their more reliable, but that doesn't help me with the with my current need :laughing:
M
Magsrgod
The raptor is at the bottom of hustler's line. They come with low end ezt hydros and the residential fr series Kawasaki engines. All of the ztr mowers you are looking at in this price range will offer a similar drive train. They are all comparable. Any of them should handle your lawn easily. The most common complaint I read about the raptor is that you have to purchase the exhaust heat shield separately. Those who went without it complained of damaging their lawn when the mower is not in motion.
I not married to any one style of mower. I really just want to get the most bang for my buck, I really do like the idea of the ZTR's or the real wide walk behinds but if a tractor is what will get me the most then I'm fine with that as well. I had originally went out to look at the Snapper rear motor rider and the local Snapper dealer has had so many issues with them he stopped selling them. I guess next year their redesigning it and he's hoping their more reliable, but that doesn't help me with the with my current need :laughing:
#10
Ric
For your $2500 Id be looking at the Cub Cadet XT2 LX46 with the fab deck. It has the Kawasaki 23 hp. I sure you can get that in your shed.
http://www.cubcadet.com/equipment/cubcadet/lawn-and-garden-tractors/xt2/lx46fab
Ric
I not married to any one style of mower. I really just want to get the most bang for my buck, I really do like the idea of the ZTR's or the real wide walk behinds but if a tractor is what will get me the most then I'm fine with that as well. I had originally went out to look at the Snapper rear motor rider and the local Snapper dealer has had so many issues with them he stopped selling them. I guess next year their redesigning it and he's hoping their more reliable, but that doesn't help me with the with my current need :laughing:
For your $2500 Id be looking at the Cub Cadet XT2 LX46 with the fab deck. It has the Kawasaki 23 hp. I sure you can get that in your shed.
http://www.cubcadet.com/equipment/cubcadet/lawn-and-garden-tractors/xt2/lx46fab
#11
M
Magsrgod
Looks very nice. I have to ask the dumb question though, what's the advantage of the Fab deck?
M
Magsrgod
For your $2500 Id be looking at the Cub Cadet XT2 LX46 with the fab deck. It has the Kawasaki 23 hp. I sure you can get that in your shed.
http://www.cubcadet.com/equipment/cubcadet/lawn-and-garden-tractors/xt2/lx46fab
Looks very nice. I have to ask the dumb question though, what's the advantage of the Fab deck?
#12
J
jaredfink
J
jaredfink
As the poster said above all of the mowers in this price range will have the same hydros and similar power engines. Go try some out. That is the benefit of buying from a dealer over lowes. Ask them to let you drive it around. I recently bought my first zero turn and researched them online for a couple weeks. My research kept bringing me back to hustler for what I was looking for. I bought the raptor sd 60 because they have serviceable hydros and wide tires. I have 2.5 acres of hilly property that used to take me almost 3 hours on my rider and now takes me an hour and 15 minutes to mow and loved doing it. Try all you options. But for me I believe I made the right decision.
#13
J
jaredfink
J
jaredfink
A fabricated deck is usually heavier duty. I have a lot of roots in my yard and ripped a stamped deck on a craftsman so I wanted to get a heavier duty deck.
#14
M
Magsrgod
M
Magsrgod
I'm going to take a look at the Hustler this weekend. I called 2 of the dealers in my area and they both have the 42" Raptors in stock. Going to try and find one of those Cub Cadets to look at as well. One of the local dealers wanted 2800 for the Raptor and the other wanted 2900, if I go that route I could get it from Lowe's for much cheaper but I hate buying anything small gas engine related from them. I have the thing for supporting small shops around me.
I might still look at the JD S240 tractor mower as well. I'm just trying to get some unbiased info before going into the shops and getting somewhat biased info!
Does anyone know if there is any companies out there that make the large deck walk behinds in that price range? Everything I saw was in the 3300+ range.
I might still look at the JD S240 tractor mower as well. I'm just trying to get some unbiased info before going into the shops and getting somewhat biased info!
Does anyone know if there is any companies out there that make the large deck walk behinds in that price range? Everything I saw was in the 3300+ range.
#15
J
jaredfink
J
jaredfink
As the poster said above all of the mowers in this price range will have the same hydros and similar power engines. Go try some out. That is the benefit of buying from a dealer over lowes. Ask them to let you drive it around. I recently bought my first zero turn and researched them online for a couple weeks. My research kept bringing me back to hustler for what I was looking for. I bought the raptor sd 60 because they have serviceable hydros and wide tires. I have 2.5 acres of hilly property that used to take me almost 3 hours on my rider and now takes me an hour and 15 minutes to mow and loved doing it. Try all you options. But for me I believe I made the right decision.
#16
Ric
What are the advantages? That depends on who you talk to. Some say the fab decks leave a better cut, some say not. The Fab deck on the Cub Cadet is 11 ga. construction which is heavier than the 13 or 14 ga. stamped decks, the 11ga is better for the pulley and spindle mounts. The fab deck will also take a higher impact rating than the stamped. The good commercial decks are a fabricated 10/7 some are totally 7ga. depending on size in some cases. I've run both stamped an Fab and both are good decks for there designed use, I prefer the fab, I think it delivers a much better cut imo. The other advantage that most over look is resale value, a fab will sell used mower faster than a stamped deck and for more money in most cases.
Ric
Looks very nice. I have to ask the dumb question though, what's the advantage of the Fab deck?
What are the advantages? That depends on who you talk to. Some say the fab decks leave a better cut, some say not. The Fab deck on the Cub Cadet is 11 ga. construction which is heavier than the 13 or 14 ga. stamped decks, the 11ga is better for the pulley and spindle mounts. The fab deck will also take a higher impact rating than the stamped. The good commercial decks are a fabricated 10/7 some are totally 7ga. depending on size in some cases. I've run both stamped an Fab and both are good decks for there designed use, I prefer the fab, I think it delivers a much better cut imo. The other advantage that most over look is resale value, a fab will sell used mower faster than a stamped deck and for more money in most cases.
#17
reynoldston
reynoldston
Go to your local Sears and buy a lawn tractor. The most bang for your money. If given some care it will last you for years..
#18
S
shiftsuper175607
Good idea! Also...
Maybe check at Sears.com as they have sales and clearance mowers that can be delivered to the store of choice.
S
shiftsuper175607
Go to your local Sears and buy a lawn tractor. The most bang for your money. If given some care it will last you for years..
Good idea! Also...
Maybe check at Sears.com as they have sales and clearance mowers that can be delivered to the store of choice.
#19
S
Shughes717
If the sturdiest built mower for your money is what you are looking for, then I have to agree with ric. A ztr would probably be slightly faster, but not much considering the lawn tractor has a larger deck. A ztr mower is much more fun to operate, so if you want to enjoy your work more then ztr is the way to go. If you maintain your mower properly and don't abuse it any of the mowers you are looking at will last you better than 10 years. I ran a low end 42" scotts lawn tractor with. 17.5 hp kohler on my 1 acre lawn for 10 years and sold it to my neighbor 3 years ago. It's still running. Research the mowers you are interested in. Demo what you can and make your decision based on what you like best. Brand is less important than power train and deck options for your budget. Unless you are mechanically inclined, I would also suggest buying from a dealer rather than a box store.
S
Shughes717
Good idea! Also...
Maybe check at Sears.com as they have sales and clearance mowers that can be delivered to the store of choice.
If the sturdiest built mower for your money is what you are looking for, then I have to agree with ric. A ztr would probably be slightly faster, but not much considering the lawn tractor has a larger deck. A ztr mower is much more fun to operate, so if you want to enjoy your work more then ztr is the way to go. If you maintain your mower properly and don't abuse it any of the mowers you are looking at will last you better than 10 years. I ran a low end 42" scotts lawn tractor with. 17.5 hp kohler on my 1 acre lawn for 10 years and sold it to my neighbor 3 years ago. It's still running. Research the mowers you are interested in. Demo what you can and make your decision based on what you like best. Brand is less important than power train and deck options for your budget. Unless you are mechanically inclined, I would also suggest buying from a dealer rather than a box store.
#20
M
Magsrgod
Your right, I need to be realistic about this. No matter what I get its going to work just fine. I stopped by the John Deere dealer on the way home and looked at the Z235, nice mower and seems pretty well built. Its not like I'm going to be traveling with this, I will bring it home and its life will consist of going in and out of a shed. I'm going to stop by a Toro dealer tomorrow then take a look at Hustler over the weekend. With the idea that I should be looking for the best engine that I can get for the price range, Kawasaki>Briggs>John Deere>Kohler in that order?
M
Magsrgod
If the sturdiest built mower for your money is what you are looking for, then I have to agree with ric. A ztr would probably be slightly faster, but not much considering the lawn tractor has a larger deck. A ztr mower is much more fun to operate, so if you want to enjoy your work more then ztr is the way to go. If you maintain your mower properly and don't abuse it any of the mowers you are looking at will last you better than 10 years. I ran a low end 42" scotts lawn tractor with. 17.5 hp kohler on my 1 acre lawn for 10 years and sold it to my neighbor 3 years ago. It's still running. Research the mowers you are interested in. Demo what you can and make your decision based on what you like best. Brand is less important than power train and deck options for your budget. Unless you are mechanically inclined, I would also suggest buying from a dealer rather than a box store.
Your right, I need to be realistic about this. No matter what I get its going to work just fine. I stopped by the John Deere dealer on the way home and looked at the Z235, nice mower and seems pretty well built. Its not like I'm going to be traveling with this, I will bring it home and its life will consist of going in and out of a shed. I'm going to stop by a Toro dealer tomorrow then take a look at Hustler over the weekend. With the idea that I should be looking for the best engine that I can get for the price range, Kawasaki>Briggs>John Deere>Kohler in that order?
#21
S
Shughes717
I am not a fan of the low end Briggs engines. Their commercial turf engines seem to be pretty good, and the vanguard is one of the best commercial engines out there in my opinion, but both of those options are way out of your budget. The fr series Kawasaki is a very good engine. I have also had good luck with kohler command engines. You will get many different opinions on that question. You won't be putting a lot of stress on whatever engine you go with, so truthfully you should be ok with whatever engine you go with.
S
Shughes717
Your right, I need to be realistic about this. No matter what I get its going to work just fine. I stopped by the John Deere dealer on the way home and looked at the Z235, nice mower and seems pretty well built. Its not like I'm going to be traveling with this, I will bring it home and its life will consist of going in and out of a shed. I'm going to stop by a Toro dealer tomorrow then take a look at Hustler over the weekend. With the idea that I should be looking for the best engine that I can get for the price range, Kawasaki>Briggs>John Deere>Kohler in that order?
I am not a fan of the low end Briggs engines. Their commercial turf engines seem to be pretty good, and the vanguard is one of the best commercial engines out there in my opinion, but both of those options are way out of your budget. The fr series Kawasaki is a very good engine. I have also had good luck with kohler command engines. You will get many different opinions on that question. You won't be putting a lot of stress on whatever engine you go with, so truthfully you should be ok with whatever engine you go with.
#22
Ric
If your thinking about a ZTR the kawasaki or Kohler are the way to go. The problem your going to have with a ZTR is your budget. Any ztr you buy in the $2500 range will most likely have the EZT drives and IMO wont do what your looking at very long without problems. That's the reason I recommended the the cub cadet XT2 IMO it's the best way to go for the money you want to spend and the nice thing about the tractor is it has attachments you can get that could be very useful where you are located, like maybe a trailer for hauling a small load or maybe small snow plow etc.
Ric
Your right, I need to be realistic about this. No matter what I get its going to work just fine. I stopped by the John Deere dealer on the way home and looked at the Z235, nice mower and seems pretty well built. Its not like I'm going to be traveling with this, I will bring it home and its life will consist of going in and out of a shed. I'm going to stop by a Toro dealer tomorrow then take a look at Hustler over the weekend. With the idea that I should be looking for the best engine that I can get for the price range, Kawasaki>Briggs>John Deere>Kohler in that order?
If your thinking about a ZTR the kawasaki or Kohler are the way to go. The problem your going to have with a ZTR is your budget. Any ztr you buy in the $2500 range will most likely have the EZT drives and IMO wont do what your looking at very long without problems. That's the reason I recommended the the cub cadet XT2 IMO it's the best way to go for the money you want to spend and the nice thing about the tractor is it has attachments you can get that could be very useful where you are located, like maybe a trailer for hauling a small load or maybe small snow plow etc.
#23
M
Magsrgod
The only thing I'm finding in a ZTR with the Kawasaki is the Hustler Raptor 42, looks like it has a Fab deck as well. I'm going to check that out and the Cub Cadet this weekend!
M
Magsrgod
If your thinking about a ZTR the kawasaki or Kohler are the way to go. The problem your going to have with a ZTR is your budget. Any ztr you buy in the $2500 range will most likely have the EZT drives and IMO wont do what your looking at very long without problems. That's the reason I recommended the the cub cadet XT2 IMO it's the best way to go for the money you want to spend and the nice thing about the tractor is it has attachments you can get that could be very useful where you are located, like maybe a trailer for hauling a small load or maybe small snow plow etc.
The only thing I'm finding in a ZTR with the Kawasaki is the Hustler Raptor 42, looks like it has a Fab deck as well. I'm going to check that out and the Cub Cadet this weekend!
#24
Ric
The Raptor will have or comes with the Kawasaki 21.5HP FR651V. It has the 11ga fab deck, the only thing that hurt that mower imo are the ezt drive units, that and it only has some where around a 16000 BTS.
Ric
The only thing I'm finding in a ZTR with the Kawasaki is the Hustler Raptor 42, looks like it has a Fab deck as well. I'm going to check that out and the Cub Cadet this weekend!
The Raptor will have or comes with the Kawasaki 21.5HP FR651V. It has the 11ga fab deck, the only thing that hurt that mower imo are the ezt drive units, that and it only has some where around a 16000 BTS.
#25
M
Magsrgod
Have their been lots of issues with the EZT transmissions? Also what is BTS, is that the blade rpm's? I just looked at the specs for the Cub Cadet and its 48.5 with the chute up so its just a hair to big to fit into the shed. It looks like the 42" will fit with no problem
M
Magsrgod
The Raptor will have or comes with the Kawasaki 21.5HP FR651V. It has the 11ga fab deck, the only thing that hurt that mower imo are the ezt drive units, that and it only has some where around a 16000 BTS.
Have their been lots of issues with the EZT transmissions? Also what is BTS, is that the blade rpm's? I just looked at the specs for the Cub Cadet and its 48.5 with the chute up so its just a hair to big to fit into the shed. It looks like the 42" will fit with no problem
#26
Ric
BTS is Blade tip speed or how many FPM (feet per minute ) the mower can cut. There are no issues with the ezt drives if there used for what they were designed for and that's for a small lawn that maybe takes 30 minutes a week to mow. There a sealed unit and according to hydro gear do not ever need service, they do not use any type of oil filter. They have small 10cc pumps and motors. There cheap to have and cheap to run and that's why you find them on $2500 ztr.
The thing is that it doesn't really matter what I or anyone else say or tells you because it's all opinion. You need to buy what you'll be happy with and will preferably do the job you need to have done. The one thing I would tell when you buy a mower is don't buy the mower, Buy the warranty.
Ric
Have their been lots of issues with the EZT transmissions? Also what is BTS, is that the blade rpm's? I just looked at the specs for the Cub Cadet and its 48.5 with the chute up so its just a hair to big to fit into the shed. It looks like the 42" will fit with no problem
BTS is Blade tip speed or how many FPM (feet per minute ) the mower can cut. There are no issues with the ezt drives if there used for what they were designed for and that's for a small lawn that maybe takes 30 minutes a week to mow. There a sealed unit and according to hydro gear do not ever need service, they do not use any type of oil filter. They have small 10cc pumps and motors. There cheap to have and cheap to run and that's why you find them on $2500 ztr.
The thing is that it doesn't really matter what I or anyone else say or tells you because it's all opinion. You need to buy what you'll be happy with and will preferably do the job you need to have done. The one thing I would tell when you buy a mower is don't buy the mower, Buy the warranty.
#27
M
Magsrgod
Your 100% right, but I do listen well especially when it's a realm I know nothing about. These are all things I would completely look over when looking at a spec sheet. I started out at just looking who made the motor and what the width was, but now I know more and that's a good thing!
M
Magsrgod
The thing is that it doesn't really matter what I or anyone else say or tells you because it's all opinion. You need to buy what you'll be happy with and will preferably do the job you need to have done. The one thing I would tell when you buy a mower is don't buy the mower, Buy the warranty.
Your 100% right, but I do listen well especially when it's a realm I know nothing about. These are all things I would completely look over when looking at a spec sheet. I started out at just looking who made the motor and what the width was, but now I know more and that's a good thing!
#28
KrashnKraka
Been following this (thread) along to concur you are likely going
to settle on a yella - or now red, so I hear) - 42" ZTR, just as I did.
This for longevity on the dollar invested.
My ride is excellent.
However, I do suggest you read my thread and ask before
buying, especially in light of some recomendations given through
the thread. Know what you are buying.
http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/small...a-fr541v-top-end-bobbins-rocker-assembly.html
Trust that helps some.
KK
KrashnKraka
Your 100% right, but I do listen well especially when it's a realm I know nothing about. These are all things I would completely look over when looking at a spec sheet. I started out at just looking who made the motor and what the width was, but now I know more and that's a good thing!
Been following this (thread) along to concur you are likely going
to settle on a yella - or now red, so I hear) - 42" ZTR, just as I did.
This for longevity on the dollar invested.
My ride is excellent.
However, I do suggest you read my thread and ask before
buying, especially in light of some recomendations given through
the thread. Know what you are buying.
http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/small...a-fr541v-top-end-bobbins-rocker-assembly.html
Trust that helps some.
KK
#29
S
Shughes717
The ezt transmission can handle more than 30 minutes a week of mowing. It is by no means designed to be used commercially, but as long as the op isn't attempting to pull trailer loads of things around the lawn it can handle his lawn easily. 1 acre with a mild incline is exactly the type of lawn the 42" raptor was designed for. I have a neighbor who mows 8 acres with a 52" raptor. It takes him over 6 hours to mow his property. Has been mowing it for two seasons so far and the ezt hydros are still holding up with no issues. The church across the street from my house uses a john Deere ztr mower with ezt hydros to mow about 5 acres. They have been using the same mower for at least 4 years and their mower is still going. Takes them about 4 hours to mow the whole property.
S
Shughes717
BTS is Blade tip speed or how many FPM (feet per minute ) the mower can cut. There are no issues with the ezt drives if there used for what they were designed for and that's for a small lawn that maybe takes 30 minutes a week to mow. There a sealed unit and according to hydro gear do not ever need service, they do not use any type of oil filter. They have small 10cc pumps and motors. There cheap to have and cheap to run and that's why you find them on $2500 ztr.
The thing is that it doesn't really matter what I or anyone else say or tells you because it's all opinion. You need to buy what you'll be happy with and will preferably do the job you need to have done. The one thing I would tell when you buy a mower is don't buy the mower, Buy the warranty.
The ezt transmission can handle more than 30 minutes a week of mowing. It is by no means designed to be used commercially, but as long as the op isn't attempting to pull trailer loads of things around the lawn it can handle his lawn easily. 1 acre with a mild incline is exactly the type of lawn the 42" raptor was designed for. I have a neighbor who mows 8 acres with a 52" raptor. It takes him over 6 hours to mow his property. Has been mowing it for two seasons so far and the ezt hydros are still holding up with no issues. The church across the street from my house uses a john Deere ztr mower with ezt hydros to mow about 5 acres. They have been using the same mower for at least 4 years and their mower is still going. Takes them about 4 hours to mow the whole property.
#30
M
Magsrgod
M
Magsrgod
Thank you for all of your responses. I'm going to go around in the next week and do my due diligence. I have most of the major dealers pretty close to me so I will go check out all of their offerings. I will let everyone know what I end up getting!
#31
Ric
You keep talking about the FR 541 and Kawasaki making a bad engine. I run a FS 541 Kawasaki engine and I had the thing for 3 yrs and have 677.2 hrs on the thing and I've never had an issue with the engine. I've never had an issue with either the FS of FX engines period.
Ric
Been following this (thread) along to concur you are likely going
to settle on a yella - or now red, so I hear) - 42" ZTR, just as I did.
This for longevity on the dollar invested.
My ride is excellent.
However, I do suggest you read my thread and ask before
buying, especially in light of some recomendations given through
the thread. Know what you are buying.
http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/small...a-fr541v-top-end-bobbins-rocker-assembly.html
Trust that helps some.
KK
You keep talking about the FR 541 and Kawasaki making a bad engine. I run a FS 541 Kawasaki engine and I had the thing for 3 yrs and have 677.2 hrs on the thing and I've never had an issue with the engine. I've never had an issue with either the FS of FX engines period.
#32
G
gainestruk
G
gainestruk
http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/husqvarna-dixon-forum/33685-checking-temperature.html
Look at link above, I'm running a temperature check on oil filter engine block and drives.
My Husqvarna RZ4623 has EZT drives, I've heard you should keep hydrostatic drives at 180 degrees or less and so far on 2 runs my drives stayed under 150 degrees at 1 1/2 hours.
I now have 90 hrs on mower
It also has Kohler courage engine which has been trouble free (knock on wood)
Look at link above, I'm running a temperature check on oil filter engine block and drives.
My Husqvarna RZ4623 has EZT drives, I've heard you should keep hydrostatic drives at 180 degrees or less and so far on 2 runs my drives stayed under 150 degrees at 1 1/2 hours.
I now have 90 hrs on mower
It also has Kohler courage engine which has been trouble free (knock on wood)
#33
KrashnKraka
Have you viewed the illustration of the design I posted AND pulled yer covers
to compare with your engines?
KK
KrashnKraka
You keep talking about the FR 541 and Kawasaki making a bad engine. I run a FS 541 Kawasaki engine and I had the thing for 3 yrs and have 677.2 hrs on the thing and I've never had an issue with the engine. I've never had an issue with either the FS of FX engines period.
Have you viewed the illustration of the design I posted AND pulled yer covers
to compare with your engines?
KK
#34
Ric
Yes I've seen your illustration and I could really care less and I'm really not interested in pulling the covers off a perfectly good running engine to compare, I think that would be absolutely ridiculous. I've heard this song and dance before about the Kohler Courage engine being a bad engine just because a few individuals say they had problems with the Kohler and the same with the Stihl 4 mix engines being terrible because they need to have valves adjusted all the time and they a maintenance issue.
The problem with all the song and dance is that for every one individual that has a problem you have a thousand and more that run the stuff untold hours and never have an issue.
I've put over 1400 hrs on my Kohler Courage engines and never had an issue, I've run the Stihl 4 mix engines for eleven years and never had a valve adjusted and I've run the Kawasaki engines that I have for almost a 1000 hrs and never had an issue and at this point even if I did have a problem with any equipment that I run daily I sure wouldn't condemn the whole line and everything they make.
Ric
Have you viewed the illustration of the design I posted AND pulled yer covers
to compare with your engines?
KK
Yes I've seen your illustration and I could really care less and I'm really not interested in pulling the covers off a perfectly good running engine to compare, I think that would be absolutely ridiculous. I've heard this song and dance before about the Kohler Courage engine being a bad engine just because a few individuals say they had problems with the Kohler and the same with the Stihl 4 mix engines being terrible because they need to have valves adjusted all the time and they a maintenance issue.
The problem with all the song and dance is that for every one individual that has a problem you have a thousand and more that run the stuff untold hours and never have an issue.
I've put over 1400 hrs on my Kohler Courage engines and never had an issue, I've run the Stihl 4 mix engines for eleven years and never had a valve adjusted and I've run the Kawasaki engines that I have for almost a 1000 hrs and never had an issue and at this point even if I did have a problem with any equipment that I run daily I sure wouldn't condemn the whole line and everything they make.
#35
S
Shughes717
Some can say the same thing to you, and for that matter, me about the Briggs Intek engines. Neither of us are a fan of them. Each member on this site is going to have different opinions about engines based on their personal experiences. He has had a problem with Kawasaki, just like you have with Briggs. I just hope he doesn't blindly hate everything Kawasaki based on his experience with one engine though. : )
S
Shughes717
Yes I've seen your illustration and I could really care less and I'm really not interested in pulling the covers off a perfectly good running engine to compare, I think that would be absolutely ridiculous. I've heard this song and dance before about the Kohler Courage engine being a bad engine just because a few individuals say they had problems with the Kohler and the same with the Stihl 4 mix engines being terrible because they need to have valves adjusted all the time and they a maintenance issue.
The problem with all the song and dance is that for every one individual that has a problem you have a thousand and more that run the stuff untold hours and never have an issue.
I've put over 1400 hrs on my Kohler Courage engines and never had an issue, I've run the Stihl 4 mix engines for eleven years and never had a valve adjusted and I've run the Kawasaki engines that I have for almost a 1000 hrs and never had an issue and at this point even if I did have a problem with any equipment that I run daily I sure wouldn't condemn the whole line and everything they make.
Some can say the same thing to you, and for that matter, me about the Briggs Intek engines. Neither of us are a fan of them. Each member on this site is going to have different opinions about engines based on their personal experiences. He has had a problem with Kawasaki, just like you have with Briggs. I just hope he doesn't blindly hate everything Kawasaki based on his experience with one engine though. : )
#36
M
Magsrgod
M
Magsrgod
So what you guys are all saying is that everyone makes a pretty good product but sometimes you get a dud or one that has a few failures! I always abide by the new old adage that unhappy consumers come to the internet to complain, happy consumers carry on with their lives.
#37
S
Shughes717
Most of the brands offer the same drive train options. Each brand has some different extra features that set them apart from the others. After that you are paying for paint color and name. Dealer support in Your area should play more into your decision than a particular brand that any of us recommend. Brands have better dealer support in some communities than in others. Members on this site are loyal to the brands that they know, and some will bash brands that they have limited to no experience with.
I personally try to keep an unbiased point of view towards mower brands. There are some mower models I like better than others, but it's because I like their particular features, or their price compared to the others. I have had some bad experiences with Briggs Intek engines in the past, and their els series had a air filter design flaw that caused the engines to fail with low hours on them. you should be fine with whatever you choose if you take care of your mower. 1 acre won't be a heavy work load on any 42" lawn tractor or ztr mower that you decide to purchase. Find a dealer you trust and go with something that they offer that falls within your budget.
S
Shughes717
So what you guys are all saying is that everyone makes a pretty good product but sometimes you get a dud or one that has a few failures! I always abide by the new old adage that unhappy consumers come to the internet to complain, happy consumers carry on with their lives.
Most of the brands offer the same drive train options. Each brand has some different extra features that set them apart from the others. After that you are paying for paint color and name. Dealer support in Your area should play more into your decision than a particular brand that any of us recommend. Brands have better dealer support in some communities than in others. Members on this site are loyal to the brands that they know, and some will bash brands that they have limited to no experience with.
I personally try to keep an unbiased point of view towards mower brands. There are some mower models I like better than others, but it's because I like their particular features, or their price compared to the others. I have had some bad experiences with Briggs Intek engines in the past, and their els series had a air filter design flaw that caused the engines to fail with low hours on them. you should be fine with whatever you choose if you take care of your mower. 1 acre won't be a heavy work load on any 42" lawn tractor or ztr mower that you decide to purchase. Find a dealer you trust and go with something that they offer that falls within your budget.
#38
KrashnKraka
NOTE "you", not "it".
Your're a LC Guy, right?
How could you possibly *know* "thousands/never have an issue".
Answer is you do not, you simply sing and dance out the tune wishing it were so.
I found a design fault AFTER a symptom, I then experienced a repeat shortly after the first.
I reported on the instances, supplying facts, not invention, not rhetorical misinforming diatribe as a rebuttal.
Oh, wait... there was none. Not until you (Ric) got your fiddle out posting chapter and verse of a well known tune.
NO FACTS, NO MECHS, JUST SALES LOLLY.
Your Kawasaki engines may well use a different design, WE (royal) do not know, you refuse to go look, opting for a string of rhetoric which frankly means nothing to those looking to part with good dollars. Your "say so" isn't good enough when the FACTS are there in plain view.
I got no issue with you personally, I however do know the stereotype well so will discredit the tune each time it is played.
Discuss that with <Rivets> should you wish to question my integrity.
Ric.
Your're the one with "moderator" as a 'title', you have already removed - or had removed - one of my posts referring to your attitude on the Kawa engine issue, without consulting me I add.
Hardly a responsible action it does not surprise me when - as I read now - you have no argument with the science, you simply object to the facts being published.
Please do lay out which brand names are fair game for critique so that WE (royal) all know your rules.
Thanks.
KK
KrashnKraka
So you got no problem with my critique of the design, you simply believe it is "abolutely ridculous" to investigate what you own - I got that right?Yes I've seen your illustration and I could really care less and I'm really not interested in pulling the covers off a perfectly good running engine to compare, I think that would be absolutely ridiculous.
And I your's - "song and dance", like. It is almost a mantra among the "mine's fine, what's up with you" crowd.I've heard this song and dance before about the Kohler Courage engine being a bad engine just because a few individuals say they had problems with the Kohler and the same with the Stihl 4 mix engines being terrible because they need to have valves adjusted all the time and they a maintenance issue.
NOTE "you", not "it".
Some generalisation you make there.The problem with all the song and dance is that for every one individual that has a problem you have a thousand and more that run the stuff untold hours and never have an issue.
Your're a LC Guy, right?
How could you possibly *know* "thousands/never have an issue".
Answer is you do not, you simply sing and dance out the tune wishing it were so.
I found a design fault AFTER a symptom, I then experienced a repeat shortly after the first.
I reported on the instances, supplying facts, not invention, not rhetorical misinforming diatribe as a rebuttal.
Oh, wait... there was none. Not until you (Ric) got your fiddle out posting chapter and verse of a well known tune.
NO FACTS, NO MECHS, JUST SALES LOLLY.
Let's not broaden the smoke screen in attempting to attach credibility, hey?[...]
I've run the Kawasaki engines that I have for almost a 1000 hrs and never had an issue and at this point even if I did have a problem with any equipment that I run daily I sure wouldn't condemn the whole line and everything they make.
Your Kawasaki engines may well use a different design, WE (royal) do not know, you refuse to go look, opting for a string of rhetoric which frankly means nothing to those looking to part with good dollars. Your "say so" isn't good enough when the FACTS are there in plain view.
I got no issue with you personally, I however do know the stereotype well so will discredit the tune each time it is played.
Discuss that with <Rivets> should you wish to question my integrity.
Ric.
Your're the one with "moderator" as a 'title', you have already removed - or had removed - one of my posts referring to your attitude on the Kawa engine issue, without consulting me I add.
Hardly a responsible action it does not surprise me when - as I read now - you have no argument with the science, you simply object to the facts being published.
Please do lay out which brand names are fair game for critique so that WE (royal) all know your rules.
Thanks.
KK
#39
KrashnKraka
Where you find "complaint" please bring that to my attention.
Further, I am quite sure that were the issue to balloon, become apparent, the
"internet"(sic) would not be big enough. Kawasaki AC twins are
everywhere, just no longer in Wrights.
KK
KrashnKraka
You have read the original work?So what you guys are all saying is that everyone makes a pretty good product but sometimes you get a dud or one that has a few failures! I always abide by the new old adage that unhappy consumers come to the internet to complain, happy consumers carry on with their lives.
Where you find "complaint" please bring that to my attention.
Further, I am quite sure that were the issue to balloon, become apparent, the
"internet"(sic) would not be big enough. Kawasaki AC twins are
everywhere, just no longer in Wrights.
KK
#40
KrashnKraka
Same question I put to <Magsrgod> I put to you, Sir.
Do point to where I mention "Dealer" dissatisfaction in the work.
Further, your post reflects that "it is not cared for" mantra, so often trotted
out in covering faults with a product.
Are you aware Kawasaki in Australia has discontinued it's line of engines
using those STUPID pleated block air cartridges?
Loads and loads and loads of Aussies never cleaned their filters or swapped
them out, hey?
There is another example of "cheap AND nasty" for you to blame on a consumer.
I may well be buying another Kawa yet...but I know what I am doing with it on
delivery. Stripping the engine down and removing each piece of SILASTIC I find.
I do wonder if the parent company knows USA builders are using that shite, as cheap.
Make of that what you will...and yes, I am fully aware of "warranty". It's not worth a
cracker to engine specialists today, as these forums well prove.
KK
KrashnKraka
[...]
. you should be fine with whatever you choose if you take care of your mower. 1 acre won't be a heavy work load on any 42" lawn tractor or ztr mower that you decide to purchase. Find a dealer you trust and go with something that they offer that falls within your budget.
Same question I put to <Magsrgod> I put to you, Sir.
Do point to where I mention "Dealer" dissatisfaction in the work.
Further, your post reflects that "it is not cared for" mantra, so often trotted
out in covering faults with a product.
Are you aware Kawasaki in Australia has discontinued it's line of engines
using those STUPID pleated block air cartridges?
Loads and loads and loads of Aussies never cleaned their filters or swapped
them out, hey?
There is another example of "cheap AND nasty" for you to blame on a consumer.
I may well be buying another Kawa yet...but I know what I am doing with it on
delivery. Stripping the engine down and removing each piece of SILASTIC I find.
I do wonder if the parent company knows USA builders are using that shite, as cheap.
Make of that what you will...and yes, I am fully aware of "warranty". It's not worth a
cracker to engine specialists today, as these forums well prove.
KK
#41
Ric
Perhaps you may want to check on the statement about wright mowers here because every wright stander and Ztr and walk behind come with Kawasaki engines according to there sites.
Wright Commercial Lawn Mowers - Wright Commercial Mowers Welcome - Wright Commercial Mowers
Ric
You have read the original work?
Where you find "complaint" please bring that to my attention.
Further, I am quite sure that were the issue to balloon, become apparent, the
"internet"(sic) would not be big enough. Kawasaki AC twins are
everywhere, just no longer in Wrights.
KK
Perhaps you may want to check on the statement about wright mowers here because every wright stander and Ztr and walk behind come with Kawasaki engines according to there sites.
Wright Commercial Lawn Mowers - Wright Commercial Mowers Welcome - Wright Commercial Mowers
#42
Ric
No I have no problem with the Kawasaki design and it would be ridiculous for me to believe there is one because you say there is. . I never said that thousands never had an issue, I said for every one individual that has a problem with the engine you have a thousand and more that run the stuff untold hours and never have an issue. I seriously doubt you know more about the engine than the designers do and if there was a problem I'm sure Kawasaki would say there was and do something about it.
Now as far as removing your post goes, it was never removed, After consulting with another moderator It was however moved for review for spam content in the url.
Ric
So you got no problem with my critique of the design, you simply believe it is "abolutely ridculous" to investigate what you own - I got that right?
And I your's - "song and dance", like. It is almost a mantra among the "mine's fine, what's up with you" crowd.
NOTE "you", not "it".
Some generalisation you make there.
Your're a LC Guy, right?
How could you possibly *know* "thousands/never have an issue".
Answer is you do not, you simply sing and dance out the tune wishing it were so.
I found a design fault AFTER a symptom, I then experienced a repeat shortly after the first.
I reported on the instances, supplying facts, not invention, not rhetorical misinforming diatribe as a rebuttal.
Oh, wait... there was none. Not until you (Ric) got your fiddle out posting chapter and verse of a well known tune.
NO FACTS, NO MECHS, JUST SALES LOLLY.
Let's not broaden the smoke screen in attempting to attach credibility, hey?
Your Kawasaki engines may well use a different design, WE (royal) do not know, you refuse to go look, opting for a string of rhetoric which frankly means nothing to those looking to part with good dollars. Your "say so" isn't good enough when the FACTS are there in plain view.
I got no issue with you personally, I however do know the stereotype well so will discredit the tune each time it is played.
Discuss that with <Rivets> should you wish to question my integrity.
Ric.
Your're the one with "moderator" as a 'title', you have already removed - or had removed - one of my posts referring to your attitude on the Kawa engine issue, without consulting me I add.
Hardly a responsible action it does not surprise me when - as I read now - you have no argument with the science, you simply object to the facts being published.
Please do lay out which brand names are fair game for critique so that WE (royal) all know your rules.
Thanks.
KK
No I have no problem with the Kawasaki design and it would be ridiculous for me to believe there is one because you say there is. . I never said that thousands never had an issue, I said for every one individual that has a problem with the engine you have a thousand and more that run the stuff untold hours and never have an issue. I seriously doubt you know more about the engine than the designers do and if there was a problem I'm sure Kawasaki would say there was and do something about it.
Now as far as removing your post goes, it was never removed, After consulting with another moderator It was however moved for review for spam content in the url.
#43
Ric
I'm not saying every manufacturer makes a good product, I think it's more like every manufacturer can have a problem with there product time to time. When you produce as many engines as Kawasaki or Kohler does your going to have a problem now and then.
Ric
So what you guys are all saying is that everyone makes a pretty good product but sometimes you get a dud or one that has a few failures! I always abide by the new old adage that unhappy consumers come to the internet to complain, happy consumers carry on with their lives.
I'm not saying every manufacturer makes a good product, I think it's more like every manufacturer can have a problem with there product time to time. When you produce as many engines as Kawasaki or Kohler does your going to have a problem now and then.
#44
S
Shughes717
S
Shughes717
W
I was not addressing you with that post. I was addressing the op. I don't know how you gathered that I mentioned anything concerning your complaint about dealer work from my post. I gave my opinion about the Briggs Intek engine and the Briggs els engine. As I was telling the op the els had a design flaw with the air filter housing.
Briggs was using the flat style air filters like seen on automobile engines. The problem was that the air was pulled in from the bottom, through the filter and the filter cover channeled the air into the engine. The filter cover is plastic and warps when hot. When it warps there is a gap between the cover and the top of the engine and dirty air by passes the filter, which causes the engine to fail. Briggs did change the design on their later models of the els engine by fitting it with a canister filter.
Same question I put to <Magsrgod> I put to you, Sir.
Do point to where I mention "Dealer" dissatisfaction in the work.
Further, your post reflects that "it is not cared for" mantra, so often trotted
out in covering faults with a product.
Are you aware Kawasaki in Australia has discontinued it's line of engines
using those STUPID pleated block air cartridges?
Loads and loads and loads of Aussies never cleaned their filters or swapped
them out, hey?
There is another example of "cheap AND nasty" for you to blame on a consumer.
I may well be buying another Kawa yet...but I know what I am doing with it on
delivery. Stripping the engine down and removing each piece of SILASTIC I find.
I do wonder if the parent company knows USA builders are using that shite, as cheap.
Make of that what you will...and yes, I am fully aware of "warranty". It's not worth a
cracker to engine specialists today, as these forums well prove.
KK
I was not addressing you with that post. I was addressing the op. I don't know how you gathered that I mentioned anything concerning your complaint about dealer work from my post. I gave my opinion about the Briggs Intek engine and the Briggs els engine. As I was telling the op the els had a design flaw with the air filter housing.
Briggs was using the flat style air filters like seen on automobile engines. The problem was that the air was pulled in from the bottom, through the filter and the filter cover channeled the air into the engine. The filter cover is plastic and warps when hot. When it warps there is a gap between the cover and the top of the engine and dirty air by passes the filter, which causes the engine to fail. Briggs did change the design on their later models of the els engine by fitting it with a canister filter.
#45
KrashnKraka
write I fudged a fault, I am posting misinformation?
That what you want to put out there?
Go right ahead, you are the moderator who accuses
people of posting Spam links without as much of
a thought.... clueless (thought) as it may be.
Can you say "weasel words"?
You used the cliche as an attempt at justification, a pillar
to your context. It wont wash with the intelligent.
You however....
You have already well proven you not only lack knowledge on
technical matters, engines and network links at least, but you
refuse to help yourself or anyone else in showing you care less
on what you have bought and own.
In fact it reads to me, and no doubt others, that your fascination
with yourself in rhetorical kudos blinds you to what is plainly before
you. To the point your arrogance leads you into pitfalls.
Example?
The news on Wright and Kawasaki is maybe two weeks old, telephone
Wright, take it from the horse's......
You got any idea, any concept at all as to what goes on behind "recall"
announcements? Corporations spend millions dodging those bullets, friend.
That aside, Kawasaki have not had near enough time to respond. But you go
right ahead making it news every other five minutes and that might change.
from you?
Or are you saying you do not know the link is a genuine info link and
want it removed to be sure?
I trust we are talking about the post in Site Discussions and not yet another
post removed?
FWIW...this site does run a PM function...your end broken?
Question for site operators.
What is it a fella is required to own in skills to be a moderator on this site.
KK
KrashnKraka
What are you really wanting to post? You want toNo I have no problem with the Kawasaki design and it would be ridiculous for me to believe there is one because you say there is.
write I fudged a fault, I am posting misinformation?
That what you want to put out there?
Go right ahead, you are the moderator who accuses
people of posting Spam links without as much of
a thought.... clueless (thought) as it may be.
I never said that thousands never had an issue, I said for every one individual that has a problem with the engine you have a thousand and more that run the stuff untold hours and never have an issue.
Can you say "weasel words"?
You used the cliche as an attempt at justification, a pillar
to your context. It wont wash with the intelligent.
Doubt how, what do you know about me?I seriously doubt you know more about the engine than the designers do
You however....
You have already well proven you not only lack knowledge on
technical matters, engines and network links at least, but you
refuse to help yourself or anyone else in showing you care less
on what you have bought and own.
In fact it reads to me, and no doubt others, that your fascination
with yourself in rhetorical kudos blinds you to what is plainly before
you. To the point your arrogance leads you into pitfalls.
Example?
The news on Wright and Kawasaki is maybe two weeks old, telephone
Wright, take it from the horse's......
Really!... YOU Really Believe That?[...]and if there was a problem I'm sure Kawasaki would say there was and do something about it.
You got any idea, any concept at all as to what goes on behind "recall"
announcements? Corporations spend millions dodging those bullets, friend.
That aside, Kawasaki have not had near enough time to respond. But you go
right ahead making it news every other five minutes and that might change.
Sooo... you are saying that if I go look I will find the post with an apologyNow as far as removing your post goes, it was never removed, After consulting with another moderator It was however moved for review for spam content in the url.
from you?
Or are you saying you do not know the link is a genuine info link and
want it removed to be sure?
I trust we are talking about the post in Site Discussions and not yet another
post removed?
FWIW...this site does run a PM function...your end broken?
Question for site operators.
What is it a fella is required to own in skills to be a moderator on this site.
KK
#46
KrashnKraka
Yes,, I understood you were not addressing my work directly.
You did though quote the mantra at the OP where if the unit
was cared for the purchase would prove fine. And that is simply
not a truism as you now point out yourself in fine detail (edited out).
It is true many many users of lawn equipment drive 'em like they
stole ' em or have borrowed it from their FIL. It is not however
ALWAYS the case a problem is owned by the operator, again as your
example well illustrates. Who paid while that was sorted out?
THAT is what I published my work for, so folks know what they are
buying. No other reason, I sort my own shite myself. The engine is
mine, I will deal with it.
And thanks to these forums I have been able to determine I have
been putting 5 TIMES the American average of oil through that engine.
Now tell me the engine is not cared for :-/
Thank you for your post.
KK
KrashnKraka
I was not addressing you with that post. I was addressing the op. I don't know how you gathered that I mentioned anything concerning your complaint about dealer work from my post. I gave my opinion about the Briggs Intek engine and the Briggs els engine. As I was telling the op the els had a design flaw with the air filter housing.
Yes,, I understood you were not addressing my work directly.
You did though quote the mantra at the OP where if the unit
was cared for the purchase would prove fine. And that is simply
not a truism as you now point out yourself in fine detail (edited out).
It is true many many users of lawn equipment drive 'em like they
stole ' em or have borrowed it from their FIL. It is not however
ALWAYS the case a problem is owned by the operator, again as your
example well illustrates. Who paid while that was sorted out?
THAT is what I published my work for, so folks know what they are
buying. No other reason, I sort my own shite myself. The engine is
mine, I will deal with it.
And thanks to these forums I have been able to determine I have
been putting 5 TIMES the American average of oil through that engine.
Now tell me the engine is not cared for :-/
Thank you for your post.
KK
#47
S
SeniorCitizen
I'd probably go with your first impulse S240 but the " electric clutch " and word " Sport " is hardly worth the extra approximately 500 bucks to me.
S
SeniorCitizen
So I'm looking for some advice on what to start poking around at. I have about an acre and right now and I use a crappy LawnBoy push mower. I basically hate life come mowing time and I put it off forever so it's beyond a chore when it comes time to mow. Growing up I had this baby blue Yamaha mower that was unreal and I mowed the lawn all the time with it, I want to get back to that time.
I have $2500 to spend and a shed with a 48" opening and 89" deep, so I can fit almost any 42" deck ZTR or tractor. I will snap a picture of the little hill in the morning and post it up tomorrow. I don't think its a deal breaker with any types but I will have you guys take a gander for me.
So what's worth looking at on the market? I liked the look of the S240 for a tractor but I'm thinking a ZTR will be more beneficial, are there any ZTR's in the $2500 range worth purchasing?
I'd probably go with your first impulse S240 but the " electric clutch " and word " Sport " is hardly worth the extra approximately 500 bucks to me.
#48
S
Shughes717
I understand that you found an issue with the fr Kawasaki engine on your mower. I appreciate that you posted the problem that you discovered in case anyone else has a similar problem. The point I was attempting to make to the op was that he will not be putting much stress on any of the engines he is looking at. A 42" ztr or 46" lawn tractor should be able to mow 1 acre in 2 hours or less. He won't put more than 50 hours a year on the mower. I understand that not every engine failure is the result of operator error. Sometimes the engine just fails no matter how well you maintain it. That's why there are warranties. Hopefully the problem is discovered in the first few hundred hours and gets repaired with no cost to the owner.
You should acknowledge that many times engine failure is the result of operator error though. Some people abuse mowers, don't change the oil (or check it for that matter), don't store it out of the weather over the winter, don't treat the gas when it's stored, and then don't know why the mower doesn't last. I never meant for you to believe that I implied that you don't service your mower. I don't understand why you took it as a personal attack. I explained why I was not a fan of the low end Briggs engines. You explained why you had a problem with the fr series Kawasaki. The two ztr mowers I mentioned in an earlier post about the ezt hydros also run the fr series Kawasaki engines. One has over two hundred hours on it. The other has over four hundred hours. Neither has had an engine fail like the one you described.
S
Shughes717
Yes,, I understood you were not addressing my work directly.
You did though quote the mantra at the OP where if the unit
was cared for the purchase would prove fine. And that is simply
not a truism as you now point out yourself in fine detail (edited out).
It is true many many users of lawn equipment drive 'em like they
stole ' em or have borrowed it from their FIL. It is not however
ALWAYS the case a problem is owned by the operator, again as your
example well illustrates. Who paid while that was sorted out?
THAT is what I published my work for, so folks know what they are
buying. No other reason, I sort my own shite myself. The engine is
mine, I will deal with it.
And thanks to these forums I have been able to determine I have
been putting 5 TIMES the American average of oil through that engine.
Now tell me the engine is not cared for :-/
Thank you for your post.
KK
I understand that you found an issue with the fr Kawasaki engine on your mower. I appreciate that you posted the problem that you discovered in case anyone else has a similar problem. The point I was attempting to make to the op was that he will not be putting much stress on any of the engines he is looking at. A 42" ztr or 46" lawn tractor should be able to mow 1 acre in 2 hours or less. He won't put more than 50 hours a year on the mower. I understand that not every engine failure is the result of operator error. Sometimes the engine just fails no matter how well you maintain it. That's why there are warranties. Hopefully the problem is discovered in the first few hundred hours and gets repaired with no cost to the owner.
You should acknowledge that many times engine failure is the result of operator error though. Some people abuse mowers, don't change the oil (or check it for that matter), don't store it out of the weather over the winter, don't treat the gas when it's stored, and then don't know why the mower doesn't last. I never meant for you to believe that I implied that you don't service your mower. I don't understand why you took it as a personal attack. I explained why I was not a fan of the low end Briggs engines. You explained why you had a problem with the fr series Kawasaki. The two ztr mowers I mentioned in an earlier post about the ezt hydros also run the fr series Kawasaki engines. One has over two hundred hours on it. The other has over four hundred hours. Neither has had an engine fail like the one you described.
#49
KrashnKraka
Not being picky at all, Shughes717...I found an issue with that model, that
series run (if you like), so have others - from dealer and agent feedback.
We clear on that? It is all laid out in my original post.
same problem. There is a distinct difference between your read and what
I have posted as comment, more often than just within the original work, I add.
You are not alone.
And quite frankly I would question seriously the intelligence of those who
read the work, owned a Kawa of similar manufacture (year), and shrugged their
shoulders to mutter, "not mine".
ambiguous..as another of my LMF threads is proving. I am settling at around 400hrs
for my engine.
Regardless, a failure may occur in the first ten hours... the owner is not going to be
told. Period.
A failure may occur at 2500hrs, where "out of warranty" the owner is likely going to
be told the engine simply wore out and directed to the sales desk :-/
Thing is, none I spoke to could say what was the cause for the damage they found,
shrugged shoulders to comment... "s**t happens", to simply threadlock a new bolt in.
I know/knew, and know it is a time bomb sitting in every engine of the model made in
Maryland, a fault which will be ignored as others report of Kohler, B&S et al.
Self help is going to prove smart in this instance.
IF,, if others were to check their engines to find the same construction then they too
share the problem I have now. A well cared for stuffed engine well out of warranty and
long short of it's serviceable life.
I don't take Interwebs stuff as personal affrontry, that is pointless..it's what the
0ff tab is for. And I certainly did not read you critiquing(negatively) my care for the
engine.
I was simply pointing out it is the care factor (mantra) that is trotted out when
consumers present a malfunction or breakage, rightly so in by far the majority of
claims, as you eloquently reiterate [edited out].
Comment such as "if you look after it on that acreage mow you will have a
machine for years",,, despite the possibilty that may well be true, it is assumption
of two factors which immediately puts all responsibilty on the new owner.
In the >$3000 market the manufacturer should not be putting machines out there
with faults no amount of "due care" is going to save from self destruction inside
of an expected/proven service life.
I know dealers and repair shops know about the rocker assembly failure. I fail to see
how Kawasaki (USA) does not know but be assured I will know they know shortly.
Meantime...those that choose to take a chance...?.. not my problem.
Are we done?
Thanks for your post.
KK
KrashnKraka
KK I understand that you found an issue with the fr Kawasaki engine on your mower.
Not being picky at all, Shughes717...I found an issue with that model, that
series run (if you like), so have others - from dealer and agent feedback.
We clear on that? It is all laid out in my original post.
No. I bought the issue out so that others could AVOID having theI appreciate that you posted the problem that you discovered in case anyone else has a similar problem.
same problem. There is a distinct difference between your read and what
I have posted as comment, more often than just within the original work, I add.
You are not alone.
And quite frankly I would question seriously the intelligence of those who
read the work, owned a Kawa of similar manufacture (year), and shrugged their
shoulders to mutter, "not mine".
At this time it is an estimation only, this as counting hours is somewhatYou explained why you had a problem with the fr series Kawasaki. The two ztr mowers I mentioned in an earlier post about the ezt hydros also run the fr series Kawasaki engines. One has over two hundred hours on it. The other has over four hundred hours. Neither has had an engine fail like the one you described.
ambiguous..as another of my LMF threads is proving. I am settling at around 400hrs
for my engine.
Regardless, a failure may occur in the first ten hours... the owner is not going to be
told. Period.
A failure may occur at 2500hrs, where "out of warranty" the owner is likely going to
be told the engine simply wore out and directed to the sales desk :-/
Thing is, none I spoke to could say what was the cause for the damage they found,
shrugged shoulders to comment... "s**t happens", to simply threadlock a new bolt in.
I know/knew, and know it is a time bomb sitting in every engine of the model made in
Maryland, a fault which will be ignored as others report of Kohler, B&S et al.
Self help is going to prove smart in this instance.
IF,, if others were to check their engines to find the same construction then they too
share the problem I have now. A well cared for stuffed engine well out of warranty and
long short of it's serviceable life.
Let's just put this misunderstanding down to poor editorial?I never meant for you to believe that I implied that you don't service your mower. I don't understand why you took it as a personal attack.
I don't take Interwebs stuff as personal affrontry, that is pointless..it's what the
0ff tab is for. And I certainly did not read you critiquing(negatively) my care for the
engine.
I was simply pointing out it is the care factor (mantra) that is trotted out when
consumers present a malfunction or breakage, rightly so in by far the majority of
claims, as you eloquently reiterate [edited out].
Comment such as "if you look after it on that acreage mow you will have a
machine for years",,, despite the possibilty that may well be true, it is assumption
of two factors which immediately puts all responsibilty on the new owner.
In the >$3000 market the manufacturer should not be putting machines out there
with faults no amount of "due care" is going to save from self destruction inside
of an expected/proven service life.
I know dealers and repair shops know about the rocker assembly failure. I fail to see
how Kawasaki (USA) does not know but be assured I will know they know shortly.
Meantime...those that choose to take a chance...?.. not my problem.
Are we done?
Thanks for your post.
KK
#50
S
Shughes717
S
Shughes717
I am done being a part of hijacking this thread. We can continue this somewhere else if you wish. Good luck to the op, and let us know what you went with.
#51
KrashnKraka
Okeeeey...if I have this wrong I would happily accept a 'slap':confused2:
So... mentioning the Kawa problem on new purchase threads
is going to be read as "highjacking", yeh?
From where I sit this is very important info for new players in changing
out or buying first time. These engines are mounted on any number of
offers. I fail to see why the info should be buried under a highjack tag
KK
KrashnKraka
I am done being a part of hijacking this thread. We can continue this somewhere else if you wish. Good luck to the op, and let us know what you went with.
Okeeeey...if I have this wrong I would happily accept a 'slap':confused2:
So... mentioning the Kawa problem on new purchase threads
is going to be read as "highjacking", yeh?
From where I sit this is very important info for new players in changing
out or buying first time. These engines are mounted on any number of
offers. I fail to see why the info should be buried under a highjack tag
KK
#52
Ric
Ric
I think what he is trying to tell you is he doesn't want to infringe on the OP's subject and he's willing to take it to someplace else like maybe The Front Porch Forum.
#53
KrashnKraka
oh.. I see.
Wellll there is always the thread, it is there for that reason
http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/small...a-fr541v-top-end-bobbins-rocker-assembly.html
KK
KrashnKraka
I think what he is trying to tell you is he doesn't want to infringe on the OP's subject and he's willing to take it to someplace else like maybe The Front Porch Forum.
oh.. I see.
Wellll there is always the thread, it is there for that reason
http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/small...a-fr541v-top-end-bobbins-rocker-assembly.html
KK
#54
173abn
173abn
to the op,have you thought about buying a good used one?I found my GH on CL.I see postings every day on good ZTR s both sitting and standers....russ
#55
S
Shughes717
Good point. If the op is interested in a stander, or a walk behind with a sulky that would be a good option to help him get what he wants. He should be able to find a used wb for his budget.
S
Shughes717
to the op,have you thought about buying a good used one?I found my GH on CL.I see postings every day on good ZTR s both sitting and standers....russ
Good point. If the op is interested in a stander, or a walk behind with a sulky that would be a good option to help him get what he wants. He should be able to find a used wb for his budget.
#56
Ric
Yeah you can get a lot of good deals on CL. people/Commercial guys wanting to sell mowers to upgrade.
Ric
to the op,have you thought about buying a good used one?I found my GH on CL.I see postings every day on good ZTR s both sitting and standers....russ
Yeah you can get a lot of good deals on CL. people/Commercial guys wanting to sell mowers to upgrade.
#57
M
Magsrgod
M
Magsrgod
Had a mid week death, late week funeral to attend so that put a damper on checking mowers out this weekend. Just took a look at Craigslist and there is a TON of mowers on there for pretty cheap around me.
I saw this which looks enticing even though I'm not super excited about a rider. Bagging system would be nice for leaves come fall time.
Husqvarna Riding Mower 20hp 42" deck with bagger
I saw this which looks enticing even though I'm not super excited about a rider. Bagging system would be nice for leaves come fall time.
Husqvarna Riding Mower 20hp 42" deck with bagger
#58
S
Shughes717
I wouldn't settle for a mower I knew I really didn't want. If you get the right machine, mowing your lawn will seem less like work and more like an enjoyable hobby.
S
Shughes717
Had a mid week death, late week funeral to attend so that put a damper on checking mowers out this weekend. Just took a look at Craigslist and there is a TON of mowers on there for pretty cheap around me.
I saw this which looks enticing even though I'm not super excited about a rider. Bagging system would be nice for leaves come fall time.
Husqvarna Riding Mower 20hp 42" deck with bagger
I wouldn't settle for a mower I knew I really didn't want. If you get the right machine, mowing your lawn will seem less like work and more like an enjoyable hobby.
#59
M
Magsrgod
M
Magsrgod
OK its been while. Went out and looked at some zero turn mowers, I liked them but not enough to spend the money on one. Plus I ran into an issue where I can fit it in my shed but then I wouldn't be able to get anything else out because of the amount of space it takes up, aka my snow blower which is critical. The tractor mowers seem to fall into this problem as well for me. So what I've been looking at and looking for are larger deck walk alongs or stand behinds. Toro has a 30" Time cutter that seemed pretty nice and Cub Cadet has a 33" Walk behind that was nice as well, from there it seems I get into the commercial mowers and I'm in the 3500 range. I keep trolling Craigslist for a used one but haven't come up with anything yet.
#60
M
Magsrgod
M
Magsrgod
Reviving my old thread.
Never ended up getting a mower last year put it off and continued to push mow away. Now I'm back and I don't really have a shed restriction, getting brand new 60" doors cut into my shed makes me getting just about anything possible.
This also opens up my possibilities for what mower to get, Id like to get something that's good quality residential. Probably looking to spend around 3500 on it now. I still like that Cub Cadet with the Fab deck which I can now fit but I also am interested in which ZTR's I should be looking at around 3500? I've also been looking at used Walk behinds that I can use a Sulky with, tons of used Lesco mowers in my area.
Never ended up getting a mower last year put it off and continued to push mow away. Now I'm back and I don't really have a shed restriction, getting brand new 60" doors cut into my shed makes me getting just about anything possible.
This also opens up my possibilities for what mower to get, Id like to get something that's good quality residential. Probably looking to spend around 3500 on it now. I still like that Cub Cadet with the Fab deck which I can now fit but I also am interested in which ZTR's I should be looking at around 3500? I've also been looking at used Walk behinds that I can use a Sulky with, tons of used Lesco mowers in my area.
#61
S
Shughes717
$3500 will get you a new low end residential ztr mower and not much more. If $3500 is your limit, and you have your mind set on a ztr mower, then I would still suggest you continue looking for a used commercial ztr mower.
S
Shughes717
Reviving my old thread.
Never ended up getting a mower last year put it off and continued to push mow away. Now I'm back and I don't really have a shed restriction, getting brand new 60" doors cut into my shed makes me getting just about anything possible.
This also opens up my possibilities for what mower to get, Id like to get something that's good quality residential. Probably looking to spend around 3500 on it now. I still like that Cub Cadet with the Fab deck which I can now fit but I also am interested in which ZTR's I should be looking at around 3500? I've also been looking at used Walk behinds that I can use a Sulky with, tons of used Lesco mowers in my area.
$3500 will get you a new low end residential ztr mower and not much more. If $3500 is your limit, and you have your mind set on a ztr mower, then I would still suggest you continue looking for a used commercial ztr mower.
#62
BlazNT
BlazNT
I suggest you get what you want. Commercial mowers are normally beat to death and just total money pits. I purchased my Husqvarna in 2007 and have used it commercially for the last few years and have not had a single issue except what I created myself. There is another thread on here you might want to look at. He too has a $3500 price range. Check it out here. http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/showthread.php/39079-Best-Zero-Turn-Under-3500?highlight=3500
#63
mhavanti
mhavanti
Check your private messages. There is a really great deal on an Ariens Zero Turn.
#64
M
Magsrgod
M
Magsrgod
How are the Ariens mowers, I know very little about the brand and I haven't seen them at any of the dealers near me?
So I went dealer shopping over the weekend. I went to a few dealers where the sales guy just didn't do it for me, one was pushing me towards a JD x350 rider that I wasn't really interested in but they had it in stock. The last place I went to was killer, the guy was 100% no pressure just took the time to get to know what I had for a lawn, what I needed then finally what I wanted. He had 2 mowers the fit the bill size wise one was a Scag Liberty Z and the other was one of the 48" Kubota commander series. Now both of these are a little more than what I was looking at paying but still not out of the question, especially since both had a 0% option so the out of pocket capital hit won't be as bad. I believe it was going to be around Mid 5K's with a bagging system for either one.
Any thoughts on these mowers, should I be looking at one of these over the other? I'm fine with getting a mower that is higher quality if its going to last me substantially longer and I can't stress how much I really enjoyed the dealership experience there.
So I went dealer shopping over the weekend. I went to a few dealers where the sales guy just didn't do it for me, one was pushing me towards a JD x350 rider that I wasn't really interested in but they had it in stock. The last place I went to was killer, the guy was 100% no pressure just took the time to get to know what I had for a lawn, what I needed then finally what I wanted. He had 2 mowers the fit the bill size wise one was a Scag Liberty Z and the other was one of the 48" Kubota commander series. Now both of these are a little more than what I was looking at paying but still not out of the question, especially since both had a 0% option so the out of pocket capital hit won't be as bad. I believe it was going to be around Mid 5K's with a bagging system for either one.
Any thoughts on these mowers, should I be looking at one of these over the other? I'm fine with getting a mower that is higher quality if its going to last me substantially longer and I can't stress how much I really enjoyed the dealership experience there.
#65
John R
John R
Now is a good time to look for year end deals (winter is coming), a lot of good deals out there.
Also most dealers have 0% for 3 to 5 years.
Buy once, cry once. :laughing::laughing:
Also most dealers have 0% for 3 to 5 years.
Buy once, cry once. :laughing::laughing: