42 or 48?

[PAHokie]

Buying first zero turn for about 1 acre. So far looked at Snapper, Bad Boy Maverick and Kubota Kommander. Really like the Kubota but can't decide on size. 42" would seem to navigate obstacles (several tight trees, gate, etc) but the heavier and wider 48" would seem to handle the slope better (15 deg prob). I like the better hydros in the 48 but it's a Kohler and the 42 is a Kawasaki (seems to have better reviews). Any help is appreciated.

 

[Rivets]

I like the Kohlers, but in this case I would go with the 42" Kawasaki. Don't think you will notice much difference.

 

[PAHokie]

Looked at the Toro SWX 42" zero turn "tractor" today. Has the welded deck and supposedly hold slopes much better that regular zero turns. It's actually $300 more than the 42" Kubota and has a Toro motor. Any thoughts?

 

[Rivets]

The dealership I work for actually sells both the Kubota and Toro, so I do have them side by side. The steering wheel Z's have been very popular this spring and I have sold 4 or 5. They do have a slightly wider wheel base, which does mean they should be a little better on slopes. The engine is built by Loncin in China and except for the first year Toro came out with them, I have been very impressed with their strength and quality. I was going to mention the Toro's earlier, but didn't want to muddy the waters. If your better half will be using the unit, I would recommend the Toro, much quicker learning curve, which means a better feeling after making the purchase. Both units will do the job for you and I have to say what I tell my customers, "What does you gut tell you". Good Luck in your decision.

 

[PAHokie]

Thank you for your help so far! I do have another question. Still deciding between the Kubota (prob the z121s) and the Toro SWX4250. The Toro is at the local dealer, which is great, for $4300 and at Home Depot for $3900. I certainly see the value in the dealer but is it really worth the extra $400? I've heard the big box stores get "similar" models that look the same but use inferior parts. Can that be true if it's exactly the same model number? Thanks again!

 

[Rivets]

In some cases that many be true, but not with this model. That mower should have a $400 rebate right now and maybe the dealer gave you the MSRP without the rebate. I can't see why there would be such a big difference. Right now we have the $3900 price after rebate. Let me know what you find out. Why the second post???

 

[PAHokie]

Thanks for the quick reply Rivets...very helpful info! The second post was just because I didn't think the title of the original was specific to the new question. Thanks again!