42" or 48" deck

[Carl in CT]

I suppose it's not going to make a huge difference on an acre lawn with a ZTR, your mowing time will be good either way. If you gain 6" per pass then you gain a foot going up and back once so after 4 passes you've gained 4 feet which gains you one whole pass. On an acre that probably doesn't equate to that many passes saved and how much time and fuel will each pass save, probably not that much.

I see Cajun Cut's point about the blade tip speed with the longer blades on the 2 blade decks but that extra blade length could also amplify a blade that is a little out of balance which would wear on the spindles more. I honestly don't know if the extra blade speed or potential amplification of imballanced blades would really make much difference between a 42" and 48" deck, probably not IMHO.

I still would prefer the 48" deck but $600 isn't chump change. I don't know if a 48" deck would increase resale value down the road, or if that even matters to you. I think you will be happy either way so maybe the extra deck size isn't worth $600. Is that the only difference or is the enigine different/bigger on the 48" deck?

 

[Crusher]

The difference is now $700 bucks. Specs say blade speed is the same with both decks, 1850. Plan to die with this machine so resale is not a concern. As this is not my business and just a home owner cutting his lawn, I'm leaning toward the 42. Both have Briggs and Straton Motors. The 42 is 20hp and the 48 is 22hp.

 

[Ric]

Maybe I missed something but what make mowers are we talking about and how much money are we talking about for these mowers. If I can ask?

 

[Crusher]

2010 Exmark Quest. The 2011's were made cheaper. Stamped deck and single pump so I'm opting for the 2010 models that are still available in my area.....
42" is $3500
48" is $4200

 

[Slater]

I'm looking at an Exmark Quest. I can buy the 42" for $600 less then the 48". Does this effect anyone's opinion?

I think it only effects your opinion lol Do you care that it is $600 more? If your a little more budget conscious then sure it makes a difference. If you don't care, I would get the 48" deck because you can mow faster, you have a flat yard so a larger deck won't increase your probability of scalping. I think you will eventually wish you had the 48" deck, but that is just me. I have a 52" deck and do my 1-1.5 acres in about 40-50 minutes, but I had only gotten it because the 60" deck wouldn't fit through my shed doors :thumbdown:. Now I am redoing my shed, so 60" here we come :biggrin: The 60" deck can be run at the same RPMs and I can cut down my time by 30%, so I will be saving fuel and time, but that is not the case for all tractors because some tax the engines a lot harder.

 

[Ric]

2010 Exmark Quest. The 2011's were made cheaper. Stamped deck and single pump so I'm opting for the 2010 models that are still available in my area.....
42" is $3500
48" is $4200

Nothing against Exmark but I personally wouldn't own a Briggs and Straton Motor. You might want to look at one of these, The Kohler 22 hp is a lot more motor. Lap Bar Control Zero Turn Riding Mower

 

[twall]

Nothing against Exmark but I personally wouldn't own a Briggs and Straton Motor. You might want to look at one of these, The Kohler 22 hp is a lot more motor. Lap Bar Control Zero Turn Riding Mower

BAH! Modern Kohlers are no more or less than a B&S.....now if we're talking 30 YEARS ago, I woud concur........Kohler has gone to resting on their laurels, and soon, they'll go the way of Tecumseh......a proud name on junk.

B&S has at least been consistent. They make the same quality of engine they always have - it's the fact everyone else has cheapened up so terribly that makes B&S seem like they've gotten so much better.

 

[Ric]

BAH! Modern Kohlers are no more or less than a B&S.....now if we're talking 30 YEARS ago, I woud concur........Kohler has gone to resting on their laurels, and soon, they'll go the way of Tecumseh......a proud name on junk.

B&S has at least been consistent. They make the same quality of engine they always have - it's the fact everyone else has cheapened up so terribly that makes B&S seem like they've gotten so much better.

As I said it's a personal opinion, after replacing three B & S motors in three years on a JD I said I'd never own either, they're both junk as far as I'm concerned. I'll stick to the Kohlers Thank You.
Wow after reading your post I can see where your attitude has derived from.

 

[twall]

Wow after reading your post I can see where your attitude has derived from.

HUH? I didn't a-catch your drift......

 

[KennyV]

If you have the room for the larger deck... you will like a larger deck, the pulley size is different from a short blade to a longer blade... that generally will keep the tip speed up...
I've always ran 3 blade systems... never any problems,
Replacement blade type can improve the cut over the stock variety...

For regular use a B&S is going to give you great service... they are on everything and like twall said have been reliable through the years... :smile:KennyV