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Best Commercial Mulching Mower for Nebraska
#1
C
Conn0r33
C
Conn0r33
Hi, I currently have two Toro Super Recycle SR4 Mowers. They are the homeowner models. My business has recently stared getting a lot of customers and I am thinking about upgrading to a full commercial mower. I have been reviewing commercial mowers I have not narrowed down anything. I'm considers ZTRs Stand-Ons and Walk Behinds. The brands I have looked at are John Deere, Toro, Grasshopper, Snapper Pro, Gravely, Scag, and Hustler. There are probably some others that I forgot about. While reviewing brands I heard that where you live can effect how some brands preform based on what kind of grass you have in your area, and how wet you area is etc. So I am looking for some recommendations on what THE BEST commercial mulching mower is for Nebraska, or Midwest. I am mainly interested in what the BEST mulching mower is because I will be mulching 99% of the time. And also what would be the best brand for my area.
Thanks,
Connor
Thanks,
Connor
#2
C
Conn0r33
C
Conn0r33
Actually it doesn't have to be for Nebraska. Just what you believe is the absolute best mulching mower. I can narrow it down from there to what would be best for my area.
#3
S
Shughes717
All are very good mowers. You will get many different opinions about which is best. You will have to decide for yourself which is best. I suggest demoing as many as you can. All offer heavy duty commercial components and heavy duty commercial decks with mulching kits. All of them have blade tip speeds over 18000 fpm.
S
Shughes717
Actually it doesn't have to be for Nebraska. Just what you believe is the absolute best mulching mower. I can narrow it down from there to what would be best for my area.
All are very good mowers. You will get many different opinions about which is best. You will have to decide for yourself which is best. I suggest demoing as many as you can. All offer heavy duty commercial components and heavy duty commercial decks with mulching kits. All of them have blade tip speeds over 18000 fpm.
#4
C
Conn0r33
C
Conn0r33
Thanks, I guess I should rephrase my question. I am wondering if anyone has experience with a commercial mower with a mulch kit. And how well it has preformed. Because just like the Toro Super Recycler is better then the Toro Recycler some are better then others. Or am I wrong and they are all basically the same and it will just be opinions?All are very good mowers. You will get many different opinions about which is best. You will have to decide for yourself which is best. I suggest demoing as many as you can. All offer heavy duty commercial components and heavy duty commercial decks with mulching kits. All of them have blade tip speeds over 18000 fpm.
#5
S
Shughes717
What you are asking will be opinion based only, and most of the replies that you get will be based solely on the experiences that the member has with the machines that he/she uses. Most on here have a particular brand that they go with and won't have experiences with other brands. You should demo every brand that you are interested in and form your own opinions. I don't mulch, but I can tell you that all of the brands you mentioned leave a great cut. They come with high lift blades and typically chop the clippings up smaller than a residential mower. They also disperse the clippings much better than a residential mower.
All offer mulching kits. You should set a budget and demo every model you can find within that budget. Dealer support should also be considered. If you are depending on these machines for your business you want a dealer that will get you back going as soon as possible in case there are any mechanical failures. I have used all of the brands that you mentioned except gravely and grass hopper. There are no local dealers for them in my area. Imo all of them offer high quality commercial mowers.
Each brand offers some particular features that make them different from the others, but the main components for all of them will be very similar. Example, all offer a similar drive train.
I don't know your budget, but I can give you some opinions on particular models that I have experience operating.
Hustler super z: one of my favorite mowers. It's expensive ($12k plus), but it mows faster than any other mower I have ever been on. Flex forks are offered to help improve the ride.
Hustler xone: another very well made mower. It is a step down in power train options from the super z, but is also a heavy duty commercial mower. $8k to $9k Price range.
John Deere 900 series: very pricey $10k to $12k range. Don't offer as large an engine as some other brands (27 hp, some brands offer 32 to 36 hp engines) but enough power. The 7 iron deck is the only commercial deck that is stamped instead of fabricated, and leaves a high quality cut. A Mulch On Demand deck is offered as well, but hasn't gotten great reviews on this site.
Scag cheetah: $9k to $11k range. Scag mowers have a great reputation for cutting wet grass. The cheetah has a high range switch on their hydros that will allow the mower to reach speeds up to 16 mph. It won't mow that fast. That's just a transport range. Very good mower. The turf tiger is their top model but they are very pricey as well.
Toro: the z master series is basically the same mower as the exmark lazer z series. This mowers are also very pricey, but high quality mowers that are very popular with lawn care businesses. Their top end models will also run in the $12k range.
Snapper pro: the s200xt will give you the most bang for your buck ($8,500 range). It is the top of snapper pro's line. The Icd deck leaves a great cut. Snapper pro and ferris are very similar (the only difference is the independant suspension offered on the ferris). Both are owned by briggs & Stratton. I own a 48" s150xt and mow my 4.2 acre lawn with it. It's a great mower.
S
Shughes717
Thanks, I guess I should rephrase my question. I am wondering if anyone has experience with a commercial mower with a mulch kit. And how well it has preformed. Because just like the Toro Super Recycler is better then the Toro Recycler some are better then others. Or am I wrong and they are all basically the same and it will just be opinions?
What you are asking will be opinion based only, and most of the replies that you get will be based solely on the experiences that the member has with the machines that he/she uses. Most on here have a particular brand that they go with and won't have experiences with other brands. You should demo every brand that you are interested in and form your own opinions. I don't mulch, but I can tell you that all of the brands you mentioned leave a great cut. They come with high lift blades and typically chop the clippings up smaller than a residential mower. They also disperse the clippings much better than a residential mower.
All offer mulching kits. You should set a budget and demo every model you can find within that budget. Dealer support should also be considered. If you are depending on these machines for your business you want a dealer that will get you back going as soon as possible in case there are any mechanical failures. I have used all of the brands that you mentioned except gravely and grass hopper. There are no local dealers for them in my area. Imo all of them offer high quality commercial mowers.
Each brand offers some particular features that make them different from the others, but the main components for all of them will be very similar. Example, all offer a similar drive train.
I don't know your budget, but I can give you some opinions on particular models that I have experience operating.
Hustler super z: one of my favorite mowers. It's expensive ($12k plus), but it mows faster than any other mower I have ever been on. Flex forks are offered to help improve the ride.
Hustler xone: another very well made mower. It is a step down in power train options from the super z, but is also a heavy duty commercial mower. $8k to $9k Price range.
John Deere 900 series: very pricey $10k to $12k range. Don't offer as large an engine as some other brands (27 hp, some brands offer 32 to 36 hp engines) but enough power. The 7 iron deck is the only commercial deck that is stamped instead of fabricated, and leaves a high quality cut. A Mulch On Demand deck is offered as well, but hasn't gotten great reviews on this site.
Scag cheetah: $9k to $11k range. Scag mowers have a great reputation for cutting wet grass. The cheetah has a high range switch on their hydros that will allow the mower to reach speeds up to 16 mph. It won't mow that fast. That's just a transport range. Very good mower. The turf tiger is their top model but they are very pricey as well.
Toro: the z master series is basically the same mower as the exmark lazer z series. This mowers are also very pricey, but high quality mowers that are very popular with lawn care businesses. Their top end models will also run in the $12k range.
Snapper pro: the s200xt will give you the most bang for your buck ($8,500 range). It is the top of snapper pro's line. The Icd deck leaves a great cut. Snapper pro and ferris are very similar (the only difference is the independant suspension offered on the ferris). Both are owned by briggs & Stratton. I own a 48" s150xt and mow my 4.2 acre lawn with it. It's a great mower.
#6
C
Conn0r33
Thank you so much I appreciate it. How far would you say is too far to go for a certain brand. I would be using the mowers for a business. The closest dealer sells Toro, Snapper Pro, and Grasshopper. I've checked toro prices and for the GrandStand it was over 8k which sounded pricey compared to the price I was quoted for Scag.
I've been leaning towards Stand Ons and Walk Behinds only if the WB had a sulky though. But I'm still considering ztrs but I don't know why people pick them over a stand on. Can you maybe convince me on ztrs the only way I see it is. They are bigger so you can't fit as many on a trailer compared to a stand on. Stand Ons handle the hills better. And ZTRs are more expensive.
I don't have much of a budget I don't think I would pay more than 8k and that's stretching it a bit.
C
Conn0r33
What you are asking will be opinion based only, and most of the replies that you get will be based solely on the experiences that the member has with the machines that he/she uses. Most on here have a particular brand that they go with and won't have experiences with other brands. You should demo every brand that you are interested in and form your own opinions. I don't mulch, but I can tell you that all of the brands you mentioned leave a great cut. They come with high lift blades and typically chop the clippings up smaller than a residential mower. They also disperse the clippings much better than a residential mower.
All offer mulching kits. You should set a budget and demo every model you can find within that budget. Dealer support should also be considered. If you are depending on these machines for your business you want a dealer that will get you back going as soon as possible in case there are any mechanical failures. I have used all of the brands that you mentioned except gravely and grass hopper. There are no local dealers for them in my area. Imo all of them offer high quality commercial mowers.
Each brand offers some particular features that make them different from the others, but the main components for all of them will be very similar. Example, all offer a similar drive train.
I don't know your budget, but I can give you some opinions on particular models that I have experience operating.
Hustler super z: one of my favorite mowers. It's expensive ($12k plus), but it mows faster than any other mower I have ever been on. Flex forks are offered to help improve the ride.
Hustler xone: another very well made mower. It is a step down in power train options from the super z, but is also a heavy duty commercial mower. $8k to $9k Price range.
John Deere 900 series: very pricey $10k to $12k range. Don't offer as large an engine as some other brands (27 hp, some brands offer 32 to 36 hp engines) but enough power. The 7 iron deck is the only commercial deck that is stamped instead of fabricated, and leaves a high quality cut. A Mulch On Demand deck is offered as well, but hasn't gotten great reviews on this site.
Scag cheetah: $9k to $11k range. Scag mowers have a great reputation for cutting wet grass. The cheetah has a high range switch on their hydros that will allow the mower to reach speeds up to 16 mph. It won't mow that fast. That's just a transport range. Very good mower. The turf tiger is their top model but they are very pricey as well.
Toro: the z master series is basically the same mower as the exmark lazer z series. This mowers are also very pricey, but high quality mowers that are very popular with lawn care businesses. Their top end models will also run in the $12k range.
Snapper pro: the s200xt will give you the most bang for your buck ($8,500 range). It is the top of snapper pro's line. The Icd deck leaves a great cut. Snapper pro and ferris are very similar (the only difference is the independant suspension offered on the ferris). Both are owned by briggs & Stratton. I own a 48" s150xt and mow my 4.2 acre lawn with it. It's a great mower.
Thank you so much I appreciate it. How far would you say is too far to go for a certain brand. I would be using the mowers for a business. The closest dealer sells Toro, Snapper Pro, and Grasshopper. I've checked toro prices and for the GrandStand it was over 8k which sounded pricey compared to the price I was quoted for Scag.
I've been leaning towards Stand Ons and Walk Behinds only if the WB had a sulky though. But I'm still considering ztrs but I don't know why people pick them over a stand on. Can you maybe convince me on ztrs the only way I see it is. They are bigger so you can't fit as many on a trailer compared to a stand on. Stand Ons handle the hills better. And ZTRs are more expensive.
I don't have much of a budget I don't think I would pay more than 8k and that's stretching it a bit.
#7
S
Shughes717
Some ztrs are more expensive, but not all. I have limited experience with stand on mowers. They will probably handle smaller lawns a bit easier since they are smaller. They will also handle hills a little better. Ztr mowers have a little faster top speed and would handle larger properties quicker. As for dealer, you want a quality dealer that will give a good price, but also do quality repairs. Dealer quality would be more important than location. You don't, however, want to travel an hour to get to your dealer. Every minute your machines are not running takes money from your pocket. That's just my opinion. I don't currently work in lawn care, but have done so when I was younger.
S
Shughes717
Thank you so much I appreciate it. How far would you say is too far to go for a certain brand. I would be using the mowers for a business. The closest dealer sells Toro, Snapper Pro, and Grasshopper. I've checked toro prices and for the GrandStand it was over 8k which sounded pricey compared to the price I was quoted for Scag.
I've been leaning towards Stand Ons and Walk Behinds only if the WB had a sulky though. But I'm still considering ztrs but I don't know why people pick them over a stand on. Can you maybe convince me on ztrs the only way I see it is. They are bigger so you can't fit as many on a trailer compared to a stand on. Stand Ons handle the hills better. And ZTRs are more expensive.
I don't have much of a budget I don't think I would pay more than 8k and that's stretching it a bit.
Some ztrs are more expensive, but not all. I have limited experience with stand on mowers. They will probably handle smaller lawns a bit easier since they are smaller. They will also handle hills a little better. Ztr mowers have a little faster top speed and would handle larger properties quicker. As for dealer, you want a quality dealer that will give a good price, but also do quality repairs. Dealer quality would be more important than location. You don't, however, want to travel an hour to get to your dealer. Every minute your machines are not running takes money from your pocket. That's just my opinion. I don't currently work in lawn care, but have done so when I was younger.
#8
C
Conn0r33
C
Conn0r33
How do you know if a dealer is a quality dealer? I only have two lawns over 10k Sq. ft. so I'm guessing that smaller mowers like a stand on would be better.Some ztrs are more expensive, but not all. I have limited experience with stand on mowers. They will probably handle smaller lawns a bit easier since they are smaller. They will also handle hills a little better. Ztr mowers have a little faster top speed and would handle larger properties quicker. As for dealer, you want a quality dealer that will give a good price, but also do quality repairs. Dealer quality would be more important than location. You don't, however, want to travel an hour to get to your dealer. Every minute your machines are not running takes money from your pocket. That's just my opinion. I don't currently work in lawn care, but have done so when I was younger.
#9
S
Shughes717
Either a stand on or a 48" ztr would suit your needs well. See if you can find reviews online about your local dealers. You can also check with other lawn care companies in your area to see who they use. A large dealer may not get to your mowers in a timely manor, but a dealer who is too small may not keep as many parts in stock. You can get a very good commercial 48" ztr mower for less than the $8k quote you got for a grandstand.
S
Shughes717
How do you know if a dealer is a quality dealer? I only have two lawns over 10k Sq. ft. so I'm guessing that smaller mowers like a stand on would be better.
Either a stand on or a 48" ztr would suit your needs well. See if you can find reviews online about your local dealers. You can also check with other lawn care companies in your area to see who they use. A large dealer may not get to your mowers in a timely manor, but a dealer who is too small may not keep as many parts in stock. You can get a very good commercial 48" ztr mower for less than the $8k quote you got for a grandstand.
#10
C
Conn0r33
C
Conn0r33
Ok thanks. What I should have said earlier is most of my lawns are around 5,000 Sq. Ft. And I only have two over 10k which are about 15k and a 17k.Either a stand on or a 48" ztr would suit your needs well. See if you can find reviews online about your local dealers. You can also check with other lawn care companies in your area to see who they use. A large dealer may not get to your mowers in a timely manor, but a dealer who is too small may not keep as many parts in stock. You can get a very good commercial 48" ztr mower for less than the $8k quote you got for a grandstand.
#11
L
LoCo86
Those are some small yards. Why no just step up to a 30" Toro. But if you want a 36" Toro or Scag would be you best options. Though Toro is more well known for its mulching performance. I don't know how many lawns you have but you can't go wrong with a walk behind mower with a sulky. Also be sure to consider dealer support for parts and labor if you need help in that department.
L
LoCo86
Ok thanks. What I should have said earlier is most of my lawns are around 5,000 Sq. Ft. And I only have two over 10k which are about 15k and a 17k.
Those are some small yards. Why no just step up to a 30" Toro. But if you want a 36" Toro or Scag would be you best options. Though Toro is more well known for its mulching performance. I don't know how many lawns you have but you can't go wrong with a walk behind mower with a sulky. Also be sure to consider dealer support for parts and labor if you need help in that department.
#12
C
Conn0r33
Also I heard if you use a sulky with a walk behind it will wear the transmission out faster because of your extra weight. So I was wondering if a stand on has a better transmission to account for having to pull someone.
C
Conn0r33
I've been thinking about the 30" toro for a long time, but the reason I'm thinking about bigger mowers is because when it summer and it 90 degrees out I don't want to walk behind a mower I want to ride.Those are some small yards. Why no just step up to a 30" Toro. But if you want a 36" Toro or Scag would be you best options. Though Toro is more well known for its mulching performance. I don't know how many lawns you have but you can't go wrong with a walk behind mower with a sulky. Also be sure to consider dealer support for parts and labor if you need help in that department.
Also I heard if you use a sulky with a walk behind it will wear the transmission out faster because of your extra weight. So I was wondering if a stand on has a better transmission to account for having to pull someone.
#13
S
Shughes717
I agree that those are some small lawns. Do you plan on growing your business and getting larger properties to mow? If so then a ztr mower wouldn't be a bad investment. if not then you may be better off going with a 36" walk behind, or smaller stand on. Ric would be better suited to answer your questions concerning stand on vs walk behind vs ztr for smaller lawns. I live in an area where the lawn sizes range from a half acre to 5 or 6 acres. I have no experience with mowing small lawns.
S
Shughes717
I've been thinking about the 30" toro for a long time, but the reason I'm thinking about bigger mowers is because when it summer and it 90 degrees out I don't want to walk behind a mower I want to ride.
Also I heard if you use a sulky with a walk behind it will wear the transmission out faster because of your extra weight. So I was wondering if a stand on has a better transmission to account for having to pull someone.
I agree that those are some small lawns. Do you plan on growing your business and getting larger properties to mow? If so then a ztr mower wouldn't be a bad investment. if not then you may be better off going with a 36" walk behind, or smaller stand on. Ric would be better suited to answer your questions concerning stand on vs walk behind vs ztr for smaller lawns. I live in an area where the lawn sizes range from a half acre to 5 or 6 acres. I have no experience with mowing small lawns.
#14
C
Conn0r33
C
Conn0r33
I now have three lawns over 15k Sq. ft. Just added another today. One has a section of a steep slope so I doubt a ztr could handle that lawn. I have about 10 lawns not sure exact # unless I check. But 3 are over or at 15k the rest are between 10k-5k square feet.I agree that those are some small lawns. Do you plan on growing your business and getting larger properties to mow? If so then a ztr mower wouldn't be a bad investment. if not then you may be better off going with a 36" walk behind, or smaller stand on. Ric would be better suited to answer your questions concerning stand on vs walk behind vs ztr for smaller lawns. I live in an area where the lawn sizes range from a half acre to 5 or 6 acres. I have no experience with mowing small lawns.
#15
S
Shughes717
Commercial ztr mowers have larger hydros than residential models and weigh more as well. Most can handle pretty significant inclines ok. I wouldn't assume a ztr mower couldn't handle an incline. However, it does sound as though your best option for the present would be either a walk behind, or a stand on. You can always get a ztr mower at a later time if you do pick up a few larger properties. Ferris has a mower called the evolution. It is the size of a stand on but has a saddle style seat. I believe they run between $5k and $6k. Might be worth looking at.
S
Shughes717
I now have three lawns over 15k Sq. ft. Just added another today. One has a section of a steep slope so I doubt a ztr could handle that lawn. I have about 10 lawns not sure exact # unless I check. But 3 are over or at 15k the rest are between 10k-5k square feet.
Commercial ztr mowers have larger hydros than residential models and weigh more as well. Most can handle pretty significant inclines ok. I wouldn't assume a ztr mower couldn't handle an incline. However, it does sound as though your best option for the present would be either a walk behind, or a stand on. You can always get a ztr mower at a later time if you do pick up a few larger properties. Ferris has a mower called the evolution. It is the size of a stand on but has a saddle style seat. I believe they run between $5k and $6k. Might be worth looking at.
#16
C
Conn0r33
C
Conn0r33
Thanks to everyone this really helps. I know that ZTRs can handle an incline i just don't think they could handle some of the inclines I have to deal with. And right now I'm looking for a versatile mower. Because I do not want to own more than two commercial mowers max and I will probably only have one at this time. So I want it to be able to handle everything so that I don't have to turn away customers due to my mower. Also I just don't unsestand the appeal of ZTRs they don't seem as versatile and I just don't get why companies pick them over something like a stand on. Would people just rather sit than stand that bad?Commercial ztr mowers have larger hydros than residential models and weigh more as well. Most can handle pretty significant inclines ok. I wouldn't assume a ztr mower couldn't handle an incline. However, it does sound as though your best option for the present would be either a walk behind, or a stand on. You can always get a ztr mower at a later time if you do pick up a few larger properties. Ferris has a mower called the evolution. It is the size of a stand on but has a saddle style seat. I believe they run between $5k and $6k. Might be worth looking at.
#17
S
Shughes717
You can get a 44" commercial ztr mower for small lawns as well. They are versatile enough to handle most jobs. You would be amazed at th inclines I have seen them used on. Stand ons are probably better at tight places and inclines, but ztr mowers can handle small jobs. The reason most companies around here use ztr mowers is because the average lawns around here are much larger than what you are mowing. The goal is to do a good job in the least amount of time possible and move on to the next lawn. It doesn't appear that you are going to be taking on many larger properties, so a ztr may not be right for you. Have you looked into the ferris evolution I mentioned? I do know that I wouldn't want to stand the entire time I am mowing my 4.2 acre lawn.
S
Shughes717
Thanks to everyone this really helps. I know that ZTRs can handle an incline i just don't think they could handle some of the inclines I have to deal with. And right now I'm looking for a versatile mower. Because I do not want to own more than two commercial mowers max and I will probably only have one at this time. So I want it to be able to handle everything so that I don't have to turn away customers due to my mower. Also I just don't unsestand the appeal of ZTRs they don't seem as versatile and I just don't get why companies pick them over something like a stand on. Would people just rather sit than stand that bad?
You can get a 44" commercial ztr mower for small lawns as well. They are versatile enough to handle most jobs. You would be amazed at th inclines I have seen them used on. Stand ons are probably better at tight places and inclines, but ztr mowers can handle small jobs. The reason most companies around here use ztr mowers is because the average lawns around here are much larger than what you are mowing. The goal is to do a good job in the least amount of time possible and move on to the next lawn. It doesn't appear that you are going to be taking on many larger properties, so a ztr may not be right for you. Have you looked into the ferris evolution I mentioned? I do know that I wouldn't want to stand the entire time I am mowing my 4.2 acre lawn.
#18
Ric
As far as the inclines goe most ztr manuals will tell you not to mow anything over 15 degrees but most of the commercial units can handle more than that. Kawasaki rates there engines to operate continuously at angles up to 25 degrees in any direction. With the mowers you've mentioned the Toro Grandstand will get you the most for your money. It would be the most productive and you wouldn't have to buy a mulch kit. It has an adjustable chute so with a set of G6 Gator blades you'd be downtown.
The 36" Grandstand here is running $7495 but you can get it for some less. It doesn't run the Hydro-Gear Transmissions, it running separate pump and wheel motors which Imo are far better. As far as slopes the the GS or Z Master will handle 22 degrees I know because I mow that in my side yard. The 30" you mentioned and I'm assuming it's the Turf-Master, it's an excellent mulching mower also with a time savings of like 40% over the 21" I've had mine for almost 3 years and I love the thing. The Kawasaki FJ 180V KAI engine is great. The TM or Exmark 30 either one can be had for like $1699
Ric
Thanks to everyone this really helps. I know that ZTRs can handle an incline i just don't think they could handle some of the inclines I have to deal with. And right now I'm looking for a versatile mower. Because I do not want to own more than two commercial mowers max and I will probably only have one at this time. So I want it to be able to handle everything so that I don't have to turn away customers due to my mower. Also I just don't unsestand the appeal of ZTRs they don't seem as versatile and I just don't get why companies pick them over something like a stand on. Would people just rather sit than stand that bad?
As far as the inclines goe most ztr manuals will tell you not to mow anything over 15 degrees but most of the commercial units can handle more than that. Kawasaki rates there engines to operate continuously at angles up to 25 degrees in any direction. With the mowers you've mentioned the Toro Grandstand will get you the most for your money. It would be the most productive and you wouldn't have to buy a mulch kit. It has an adjustable chute so with a set of G6 Gator blades you'd be downtown.
The 36" Grandstand here is running $7495 but you can get it for some less. It doesn't run the Hydro-Gear Transmissions, it running separate pump and wheel motors which Imo are far better. As far as slopes the the GS or Z Master will handle 22 degrees I know because I mow that in my side yard. The 30" you mentioned and I'm assuming it's the Turf-Master, it's an excellent mulching mower also with a time savings of like 40% over the 21" I've had mine for almost 3 years and I love the thing. The Kawasaki FJ 180V KAI engine is great. The TM or Exmark 30 either one can be had for like $1699
#19
S
Shughes717
I was hoping you would post on here ric. You have more experience with stand ons than most of the rest of us. What is your opinion on stand on vs walk behind with the size lawns the op is mowing?
S
Shughes717
As far as the inclines goe most ztr manuals will tell you not to mow anything over 15 degrees but most of the commercial units can handle more than that. Kawasaki rates there engines to operate continuously at angles up to 25 degrees in any direction. With the mowers you've mentioned the Toro Grandstand will get you the most for your money. It would be the most productive and you wouldn't have to buy a mulch kit. It has an adjustable chute so with a set of G6 Gator blades you'd be downtown.
The 36" Grandstand here is running $7495 but you can get it for some less. It doesn't run the Hydro-Gear Transmissions, it running separate pump and wheel motors which Imo are far better. As far as slopes the the GS or Z Master will handle 22 degrees I know because I mow that in my side yard. The 30" you mentioned and I'm assuming it's the Turf-Master, it's an excellent mulching mower also with a time savings of like 40% over the 21" I've had mine for almost 3 years and I love the thing. The Kawasaki FJ 180V KAI engine is great. The TM or Exmark 30 either one can be had for like $1699
I was hoping you would post on here ric. You have more experience with stand ons than most of the rest of us. What is your opinion on stand on vs walk behind with the size lawns the op is mowing?
#20
Ric
The Grandstand will be the most productive and best all around mower he can get for the lawns he is doing, in any size. Job wise it will be faster more maneuverable than either the ZTR or WB with a sulky. A WB with a sulky is a PITA and if you don't believe me try backing one up with a sulky on the back especially the belt drive when it's operator assist.
If you want a walk behind you buy the Grandstand because that's what it is, just fold up the flex ride platform. It's the best of all three worlds. The Grandstand will go places and do things that you could never do with either of the others. The Grandstand is also better built and has the best warranty on the market, it has a 5 yr 1200 hour warranty, the others are 2 or 3 year. With the slopes he was talking about the Grandstand wouldn't be a problem because of it lower center of gravity than the rest.
Ric
I was hoping you would post on here ric. You have more experience with stand ons than most of the rest of us. What is your opinion on stand on vs walk behind with the size lawns the op is mowing?
The Grandstand will be the most productive and best all around mower he can get for the lawns he is doing, in any size. Job wise it will be faster more maneuverable than either the ZTR or WB with a sulky. A WB with a sulky is a PITA and if you don't believe me try backing one up with a sulky on the back especially the belt drive when it's operator assist.
If you want a walk behind you buy the Grandstand because that's what it is, just fold up the flex ride platform. It's the best of all three worlds. The Grandstand will go places and do things that you could never do with either of the others. The Grandstand is also better built and has the best warranty on the market, it has a 5 yr 1200 hour warranty, the others are 2 or 3 year. With the slopes he was talking about the Grandstand wouldn't be a problem because of it lower center of gravity than the rest.
#21
C
Conn0r33
Most of the companies I see near me are all using 52" and 60" ZTRs. One time I happened to see them mowing a property like mine it was about 5k-6k sq ft and they were using a 52 or bigger and the front yard could not have been more then 2k Sq ft. I wonder if they where able to get in the back yard. Haha
Like I mentioned before I have three properities that are 15,000+ but it is commercial and it is all split up into smaller sections. For example on a 15k property one section isn't even 1k and there are a few other sections that are smaller than that. Then there are sections that are like 6k sq ft. so it's kind of weird.
We have been doing mostly small residential because with two Toro SR4s you can't handle much more. The grandstand and other Toros that I was considering are too expensive for me right now. Toro is always on my mind anyway. I have looked into Scag i was quoted about $5,500 for their 36" stand on. That was the lower Hp engine. I've also thought about snapper pro they have a ztr that is only 36" but like I said I have absolutely know idea why but I just don't think I want a zero turn.
I've used a ztr before no idea on deck size probably 36. I wasn't in lawn care at the time but I really loved using it. I just don't know why for my company I hesitate to buy a ztr.
C
Conn0r33
I actually checked out the Ferris Evolution a while back. And I found out that it is only available in 48 inch. I think thats a bit big for my lawns.You can get a 44" commercial ztr mower for small lawns as well. They are versatile enough to handle most jobs. You would be amazed at th inclines I have seen them used on. Stand ons are probably better at tight places and inclines, but ztr mowers can handle small jobs. The reason most companies around here use ztr mowers is because the average lawns around here are much larger than what you are mowing. The goal is to do a good job in the least amount of time possible and move on to the next lawn. It doesn't appear that you are going to be taking on many larger properties, so a ztr may not be right for you. Have you looked into the ferris evolution I mentioned? I do know that I wouldn't want to stand the entire time I am mowing my 4.2 acre lawn.
Most of the companies I see near me are all using 52" and 60" ZTRs. One time I happened to see them mowing a property like mine it was about 5k-6k sq ft and they were using a 52 or bigger and the front yard could not have been more then 2k Sq ft. I wonder if they where able to get in the back yard. Haha
Like I mentioned before I have three properities that are 15,000+ but it is commercial and it is all split up into smaller sections. For example on a 15k property one section isn't even 1k and there are a few other sections that are smaller than that. Then there are sections that are like 6k sq ft. so it's kind of weird.
We have been doing mostly small residential because with two Toro SR4s you can't handle much more. The grandstand and other Toros that I was considering are too expensive for me right now. Toro is always on my mind anyway. I have looked into Scag i was quoted about $5,500 for their 36" stand on. That was the lower Hp engine. I've also thought about snapper pro they have a ztr that is only 36" but like I said I have absolutely know idea why but I just don't think I want a zero turn.
I've used a ztr before no idea on deck size probably 36. I wasn't in lawn care at the time but I really loved using it. I just don't know why for my company I hesitate to buy a ztr.
#22
C
Conn0r33
Also I saw a competitor using a fixed deck walk behind. Why would anyone want a fixed deck, other than that it is cheaper?
C
Conn0r33
The grandstand in my mind might be my idea mower. But my dealers price for that is too expensive im not sure if I want to spend that much money. Also because I can't afford more than one or two mowers I need to find my niche. I can't have a 21 a 36 maybe a 48 and a 60 to cover every property I find. So what seems more profitable should I try for large or smaller properties. I am still in a stage where I can pick what I want to go after because I don't have many clients. I was thinking about the Scaf V-Ride but I don't know how well it mulches. My dealer has snapper pro but they don't make a stand on just WB and ZTR.The Grandstand will be the most productive and best all around mower he can get for the lawns he is doing, in any size. Job wise it will be faster more maneuverable than either the ZTR or WB with a sulky. A WB with a sulky is a PITA and if you don't believe me try backing one up with a sulky on the back especially the belt drive when it's operator assist.
If you want a walk behind you buy the Grandstand because that's what it is, just fold up the flex ride platform. It's the best of all three worlds. The Grandstand will go places and do things that you could never do with either of the others. The Grandstand is also better built and has the best warranty on the market, it has a 5 yr 1200 hour warranty, the others are 2 or 3 year. With the slopes he was talking about the Grandstand wouldn't be a problem because of it lower center of gravity than the rest.
Also I saw a competitor using a fixed deck walk behind. Why would anyone want a fixed deck, other than that it is cheaper?
#23
L
LoCo86
You are right on the money when you say you need to find a niche mower. Just my opinion but I would stick to small residential yards that fit you and the equipment you plan to be running. Try and find properties and people who have more to be done than just cutting their grass. You will make more money doing trimming bushes, fertilizing, and doing mulch jobs than cutting grass alone. And as far as what machine you should get I believe you should get a walk behind. I have all three types of mowers and there is no where I haven't been able to go with a walk behind. It's an extremely versatile mower. As far as brand goes Snapper pro is a good option. A lot of big lawn care companies are using them here. Personally I'm an Exmark man but Snapper is a good mower. If you get a 36" not only get the mulch kit but get a weight kit because they are light on the front. As far as a sulky goes you can get one that you can back up without jack knifing.
L
LoCo86
The grandstand in my mind might be my idea mower. But my dealers price for that is too expensive im not sure if I want to spend that much money. Also because I can't afford more than one or two mowers I need to find my niche. I can't have a 21 a 36 maybe a 48 and a 60 to cover every property I find. So what seems more profitable should I try for large or smaller properties. I am still in a stage where I can pick what I want to go after because I don't have many clients. I was thinking about the Scaf V-Ride but I don't know how well it mulches. My dealer has snapper pro but they don't make a stand on just WB and ZTR. Also I saw a competitor using a fixed deck walk behind. Why would anyone want a fixed deck, other than that it is cheaper?
You are right on the money when you say you need to find a niche mower. Just my opinion but I would stick to small residential yards that fit you and the equipment you plan to be running. Try and find properties and people who have more to be done than just cutting their grass. You will make more money doing trimming bushes, fertilizing, and doing mulch jobs than cutting grass alone. And as far as what machine you should get I believe you should get a walk behind. I have all three types of mowers and there is no where I haven't been able to go with a walk behind. It's an extremely versatile mower. As far as brand goes Snapper pro is a good option. A lot of big lawn care companies are using them here. Personally I'm an Exmark man but Snapper is a good mower. If you get a 36" not only get the mulch kit but get a weight kit because they are light on the front. As far as a sulky goes you can get one that you can back up without jack knifing.
#24
Ric
Your dealer can come down on price of the Grandstand, he has the room. I got mine at $6800 OTD. If you have $5500 I'd use $4000 for a down payment and get the 0% financing, your payments would be next to nothing and the mower would pay for itself. Depending on down payment your payments could run any where from $70 to $160 monthly. In the long run you'll spend less money than buying something you really don't want or that's not going to be as productive as they need. The problem with doing that is resale, a 36" ztr isn't going to be real big on any commercial operators list, it just doesn't have a niche.
The Scag would be a good mower but to me I think with that 5 gallon gas tank where it's at would create an issue for me especially with it's center of gravity being what it is I would think it wouldn't be that great on hills.
Ric
The grandstand in my mind might be my idea mower. But my dealers price for that is too expensive im not sure if I want to spend that much money. Also because I can't afford more than one or two mowers I need to find my niche. I can't have a 21 a 36 maybe a 48 and a 60 to cover every property I find. So what seems more profitable should I try for large or smaller properties. I am still in a stage where I can pick what I want to go after because I don't have many clients. I was thinking about the Scaf V-Ride but I don't know how well it mulches. My dealer has snapper pro but they don't make a stand on just WB and ZTR.
Also I saw a competitor using a fixed deck walk behind. Why would anyone want a fixed deck, other than that it is cheaper?
Your dealer can come down on price of the Grandstand, he has the room. I got mine at $6800 OTD. If you have $5500 I'd use $4000 for a down payment and get the 0% financing, your payments would be next to nothing and the mower would pay for itself. Depending on down payment your payments could run any where from $70 to $160 monthly. In the long run you'll spend less money than buying something you really don't want or that's not going to be as productive as they need. The problem with doing that is resale, a 36" ztr isn't going to be real big on any commercial operators list, it just doesn't have a niche.
The Scag would be a good mower but to me I think with that 5 gallon gas tank where it's at would create an issue for me especially with it's center of gravity being what it is I would think it wouldn't be that great on hills.
#25
C
Conn0r33
I like toro and considering they own Exmark I think I would really like an Exmark but the closest dealer is over an hour away :-(
C
Conn0r33
Well I meant that I could change to large lots and buy a big zero turn. I've never bought a commercial mower. So I could go either way. I could stick to small lawns and buy a WB or stand on. But I've only had 21" Homeowner Toros.You are right on the money when you say you need to find a niche mower. Just my opinion but I would stick to small residential yards that fit you and the equipment you plan to be running. Try and find properties and people who have more to be done than just cutting their grass. You will make more money doing trimming bushes, fertilizing, and doing mulch jobs than cutting grass alone. And as far as what machine you should get I believe you should get a walk behind. I have all three types of mowers and there is no where I haven't been able to go with a walk behind. It's an extremely versatile mower. As far as brand goes Snapper pro is a good option. A lot of big lawn care companies are using them here. Personally I'm an Exmark man but Snapper is a good mower. If you get a 36" not only get the mulch kit but get a weight kit because they are light on the front. As far as a sulky goes you can get one that you can back up without jack knifing.
I like toro and considering they own Exmark I think I would really like an Exmark but the closest dealer is over an hour away :-(
#26
C
Conn0r33
I think Toro and John Deere are just out of my price range.
C
Conn0r33
Thanks for your input. If I want a lower price I'd have to find another dealer. He doesn't negotiate.Your dealer can come down on price of the Grandstand, he has the room. I got mine at $6800 OTD. If you have $5500 I'd use $4000 for a down payment and get the 0% financing, your payments would be next to nothing and the mower would pay for itself. Depending on down payment your payments could run any where from $70 to $160 monthly. In the long run you'll spend less money than buying something you really don't want or that's not going to be as productive as they need. The problem with doing that is resale, a 36" ztr isn't going to be real big on any commercial operators list, it just doesn't have a niche.
The Scag would be a good mower but to me I think with that 5 gallon gas tank where it's at would create an issue for me especially with it's center of gravity being what it is I would think it wouldn't be that great on hills.
I think Toro and John Deere are just out of my price range.
#27
Ric
Well If you can't afford the GS I'd look at this unit, It's the Venom Stander and IMO is a pretty well built unit at $5999 It or maybe the Encore Rage are both are basically the same price. Only problem is there a 52" stander not the 36"
Stand On - Worldlawn Power Equipment, Inc.Worldlawn Power Equipment, Inc.
Ric
Thanks for your input. If I want a lower price I'd have to find another dealer. He doesn't negotiate.
I think Toro and John Deere are just out of my price range.
Well If you can't afford the GS I'd look at this unit, It's the Venom Stander and IMO is a pretty well built unit at $5999 It or maybe the Encore Rage are both are basically the same price. Only problem is there a 52" stander not the 36"
Stand On - Worldlawn Power Equipment, Inc.Worldlawn Power Equipment, Inc.
- Engine: Kawasaki
- Model: FX730V
- Horsepower: 23.5
- Deck: 7 ga.
- Final Drive: Hydro
- PTO: Warner Electric Clutch
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 5 gallons
- Cutting Heights: 1.5" - 4.5" (7 positions)
- Forward Speed: 0-8.55 MPH
- Tires - Front: 11 x 5.00-4 smooth
- Tires - Rear: 18 x 9.50-8 turf
- Width: 65"
- Width w/ Deflector Up: 53"
- Starter: Electric
- Blades: 18" x 3
- Length: 72", 62" w/ Platform up
- Clutch: Manual
- Wheel Base: 33"
- Wheel Track - Front: 36"
- Wheel Track - Rear: 44"
- Weight: 750 lb
#28
C
Conn0r33
C
Conn0r33
Thanks! I could be wrong but with the size of lawns I have I think anything bigger than a 48 or 36 is too big. Unless I start going after large lawns.Well If you can't afford the GS I'd look at this unit, It's the Venom Stander and IMO is a pretty well built unit at $5999 It or maybe the Encore Rage are both are basically the same price. Only problem is there a 52" stander not the 36"
Stand On - Worldlawn Power Equipment, Inc.Worldlawn Power Equipment, Inc.
- Engine: Kawasaki
- Model: FX730V
- Horsepower: 23.5
- Deck: 7 ga.
- Final Drive: Hydro
- PTO: Warner Electric Clutch
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 5 gallons
- Cutting Heights: 1.5" - 4.5" (7 positions)
- Forward Speed: 0-8.55 MPH
- Tires - Front: 11 x 5.00-4 smooth
- Tires - Rear: 18 x 9.50-8 turf
- Width: 65"
- Width w/ Deflector Up: 53"
- Starter: Electric
- Blades: 18" x 3
- Length: 72", 62" w/ Platform up
- Clutch: Manual
- Wheel Base: 33"
- Wheel Track - Front: 36"
- Wheel Track - Rear: 44"
- Weight: 750 lb
#29
Ric
You'll be surprised I run the 48" ZM on most all my lawns and it works great. A 52" isn't all that much more especially in a stander. You'll have keep the 21" Toro for the tight spots and for back yards but that's what I use my 30" for because a lot of my back yards aren't big enough for anything else. I see a lot of my competition show up and do the same size yards as mine with 60" cuts.
Ric
Thanks! I could be wrong but with the size of lawns I have I think anything bigger than a 48 or 36 is too big. Unless I start going after large lawns.
You'll be surprised I run the 48" ZM on most all my lawns and it works great. A 52" isn't all that much more especially in a stander. You'll have keep the 21" Toro for the tight spots and for back yards but that's what I use my 30" for because a lot of my back yards aren't big enough for anything else. I see a lot of my competition show up and do the same size yards as mine with 60" cuts.
#30
L
lewb
L
lewb
Best advice I could give you is to check out this guys videos on youtube, doing exactly what you are doing for his whole life.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzTnzmwTgd-06-JJZNgBJBQ
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzTnzmwTgd-06-JJZNgBJBQ
#31
Ric
Wow.. doing that his whole life and he still hasn't figured it out.
Ric
Best advice I could give you is to check out this guys videos on youtube, doing exactly what you are doing for his whole life.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzTnzmwTgd-06-JJZNgBJBQ
Wow.. doing that his whole life and he still hasn't figured it out.
#32
C
Conn0r33
C
Conn0r33
Hasn't figured what out?Wow.. doing that his whole life and he still hasn't figured it out.
#34
C
Conn0r33
C
Conn0r33
I know. I've watched a lot of Greg's videos. But I'm not sure what you are saying he still hasn't learned.The guy in the video.
#35
Ric
I just watched the I believe it's the 20 minute video and when he started the lot he was doing the edging with a trimmer, that was clue one. No lawn service worth there salt is going to use a trimmer to edge sidewalks or driveways. The second was when he said people don't want to pay $100 to have something like this lot done so he thought $60 was an appropriate price because it was one he was picking up in his spare time. That was clue 2. Tell me is your time worth less because it's a job your doing in your spare rather than mowing lawn for your business......I think not. Seems to me the guy is clueless when it comes to his business and pricing. I mean really I've got got 1/4 acre lawns in great shape that I get $40 a cut for.
Ric
I know. I've watched a lot of Greg's videos. But I'm not sure what you are saying he still hasn't learned.
I just watched the I believe it's the 20 minute video and when he started the lot he was doing the edging with a trimmer, that was clue one. No lawn service worth there salt is going to use a trimmer to edge sidewalks or driveways. The second was when he said people don't want to pay $100 to have something like this lot done so he thought $60 was an appropriate price because it was one he was picking up in his spare time. That was clue 2. Tell me is your time worth less because it's a job your doing in your spare rather than mowing lawn for your business......I think not. Seems to me the guy is clueless when it comes to his business and pricing. I mean really I've got got 1/4 acre lawns in great shape that I get $40 a cut for.
#36
L
LoCo86
I've got 1/4 acre lawns I get 50-60 dollars for,but neither one of us live in St. Louis either where everyone is having financial troubles. Like the saying goes " location, location, location".
L
LoCo86
I just watched the I believe it's the 20 minute video and when he started the lot he was doing the edging with a trimmer, that was clue one. No lawn service worth there salt is going to use a trimmer to edge sidewalks or driveways. The second was when he said people don't want to pay $100 to have something like this lot done so he thought $60 was an appropriate price because it was one he was picking up in his spare time. That was clue 2. Tell me is your time worth less because it's a job your doing in your spare rather than mowing lawn for your business......I think not. Seems to me the guy is clueless when it comes to his business and pricing. I mean really I've got got 1/4 acre lawns in great shape that I get $40 a cut for.
I've got 1/4 acre lawns I get 50-60 dollars for,but neither one of us live in St. Louis either where everyone is having financial troubles. Like the saying goes " location, location, location".
#37
C
Conn0r33
Also as you might remember I am concerned with steep hills. Would you be able to tell if a ztr would be able to handle them if I posted pictures of the slopes?
C
Conn0r33
Do you and Ric use ztrs to mow those properties?I've got 1/4 acre lawns I get 50-60 dollars for,but neither one of us live in St. Louis either where everyone is having financial troubles. Like the saying goes " location, location, location".
Also as you might remember I am concerned with steep hills. Would you be able to tell if a ztr would be able to handle them if I posted pictures of the slopes?
#38
L
LoCo86
I don't use ZTR on small properties. You can actually mow faster with a wide area walk behind. And as far as hills go a walk behind will handle any slope you throw at it. Ric raves about stand on mower and I like them better than ZTRs but if you have a lot of steep hills to mow then a stand on is not for you.
L
LoCo86
Do you and Ric use ztrs to mow those properties? Also as you might remember I am concerned with steep hills. Would you be able to tell if a ztr would be able to handle them if I posted pictures of the slopes?
I don't use ZTR on small properties. You can actually mow faster with a wide area walk behind. And as far as hills go a walk behind will handle any slope you throw at it. Ric raves about stand on mower and I like them better than ZTRs but if you have a lot of steep hills to mow then a stand on is not for you.
#39
Ric
Ok, what properties are you talking about? I do mower all my properties with a ZTR and if you want to post some pictures I would love to see them.
Ric
Do you and Ric use ztrs to mow those properties?
Also as you might remember I am concerned with steep hills. Would you be able to tell if a ztr would be able to handle them if I posted pictures of the slopes?
Ok, what properties are you talking about? I do mower all my properties with a ZTR and if you want to post some pictures I would love to see them.
#40
C
Conn0r33
C
Conn0r33
Okay I meant 15k sq. ft. properties. You might not even have any that small. I will post some pictures when I get the chance. But I will have to wait until I'm at the property to take some photos because I currently don't have any.Ok, what properties are you talking about? I do mower all my properties with a ZTR and if you want to post some pictures I would love to see them.
#41
Ric
I mow in a sub-division. The lot sizes are weird, they can run any size up to a 1 & 2 acre track depending on your location within the sub-division. I do several 1 acre and a lot of quarter acre. I do them all with my ZTR. I mow a couple of homes that the square footage of there house is more than the property they have left outside to mow. :smile:
Ric
Okay I meant 15k sq. ft. properties. You might not even have any that small. I will post some pictures when I get the chance. But I will have to wait until I'm at the property to take some photos because I currently don't have any.
I mow in a sub-division. The lot sizes are weird, they can run any size up to a 1 & 2 acre track depending on your location within the sub-division. I do several 1 acre and a lot of quarter acre. I do them all with my ZTR. I mow a couple of homes that the square footage of there house is more than the property they have left outside to mow. :smile:
#42
C
Conn0r33
C
Conn0r33
I've always done very small residential accounts. Although I have four commercial. But I have no idea on large properties. So I was wondering if you could tell me about how much you or most companies charge for something like an acre. Or two acres.I mow in a sub-division. The lot sizes are weird, they can run any size up to a 1 & 2 acre track depending on your location within the sub-division. I do several 1 acre and a lot of quarter acre. I do them all with my ZTR. I mow a couple of homes that the square footage of there house is more than the property they have left outside to mow. :smile:
#43
Ric
That's a very good question. The problem is everybody has their own philosophy on charging for lawn care. The rate on what you charge can depend on the services you'll be performing, do you want to charge mileage/drive time to and from the job as added cost, what kind of overhead do you have, what are the cost you have that are involved in the job, are you going to cut weekly or biweekly. A Bi weekly cut I generally charge 40 to 50% more. First time cuts can run twice the normal cut depend on how bad the lawn is.
Your location can play a big part in what you can charge, I'd find out what the market could stand in your area because every place is different. I provide or charge for the Lawn cut, Trimming, edging with an edger not a trimmer and I finish up with a blower @ $60 an hour so basically a dollar a minute regardless of the size of the property and that's probably on the cheap side for most.
Ric
I've always done very small residential accounts. Although I have four commercial. But I have no idea on large properties. So I was wondering if you could tell me about how much you or most companies charge for something like an acre. Or two acres.
That's a very good question. The problem is everybody has their own philosophy on charging for lawn care. The rate on what you charge can depend on the services you'll be performing, do you want to charge mileage/drive time to and from the job as added cost, what kind of overhead do you have, what are the cost you have that are involved in the job, are you going to cut weekly or biweekly. A Bi weekly cut I generally charge 40 to 50% more. First time cuts can run twice the normal cut depend on how bad the lawn is.
Your location can play a big part in what you can charge, I'd find out what the market could stand in your area because every place is different. I provide or charge for the Lawn cut, Trimming, edging with an edger not a trimmer and I finish up with a blower @ $60 an hour so basically a dollar a minute regardless of the size of the property and that's probably on the cheap side for most.
#44
C
Conn0r33
I'm just wanting to get an idea how much of a price and efficiency difference there is between large and small mowers. For me with 21" WB half on a half an acre property I would have to charge $100. But at those prices I'm not even competitive so it's not even worth me going after large properties right now because I don't have the equipment. So I just wondered how much companies are getting for properties like these and how much they are getting an hour. And at my price of $100 that's only $30 an hour but its lower once you get into edging and trimming.
C
Conn0r33
Thanks. That is an excellent answer. But I was only wondering how much you would charge someone for a property that is one acre. Because you charge 60 an hour, what is a realistic time that it would take you to mow and do everything on an acre property. I'm just wondering how much would half an acre, one acre, and two acre cost properties cost? Just a realistic number.That's a very good question. The problem is everybody has their own philosophy on charging for lawn care. The rate on what you charge can depend on the services you'll be performing, do you want to charge mileage/drive time to and from the job as added cost, what kind of overhead do you have, what are the cost you have that are involved in the job, are you going to cut weekly or biweekly. A Bi weekly cut I generally charge 40 to 50% more. First time cuts can run twice the normal cut depend on how bad the lawn is.
Your location can play a big part in what you can charge, I'd find out what the market could stand in your area because every place is different. I provide or charge for the Lawn cut, Trimming, edging with an edger not a trimmer and I finish up with a blower @ $60 an hour so basically a dollar a minute regardless of the size of the property and that's probably on the cheap side for most.
I'm just wanting to get an idea how much of a price and efficiency difference there is between large and small mowers. For me with 21" WB half on a half an acre property I would have to charge $100. But at those prices I'm not even competitive so it's not even worth me going after large properties right now because I don't have the equipment. So I just wondered how much companies are getting for properties like these and how much they are getting an hour. And at my price of $100 that's only $30 an hour but its lower once you get into edging and trimming.
#45
C
Conn0r33
C
Conn0r33
What about Stand Ons that have the a fold up platform that you can use as a walk behind? Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds for hills?I don't use ZTR on small properties. You can actually mow faster with a wide area walk behind. And as far as hills go a walk behind will handle any slope you throw at it. Ric raves about stand on mower and I like them better than ZTRs but if you have a lot of steep hills to mow then a stand on is not for you.
#46
Ric
I really don't know how to answer your question on what you should charge. They say in Lawn care that Time Is Money, the faster you are the more money you make.. If you are using a 21" Toro then I'd stick with the small lawns. As you say you can't be competitive so it's not even worth going after large properties right now because you don't have the equipment to compete with the bigger LCO's.
My small lawns I spend 20 minutes a lawn and charge $20 a cut and I don't kill myself by no means. My large lawns take me 40 minutes ea. to complete, the cost is $40 a cut and I use a 48 and 36" ztr on all. I try for three lawns per hr and that gets me my $60 an hr.
Now don't get me wrong because I have nothing against a 21" mower but you can't make any money with it, it just isn't fast enough. If your going to have a lawn care business and work sub-divisions a 36"to 48" ztr is the way to go and keep the 21 for tight places. A good 42" ztr is capable of mowing about 2 acres an hr.
Ric
Thanks. That is an excellent answer. But I was only wondering how much you would charge someone for a property that is one acre. Because you charge 60 an hour, what is a realistic time that it would take you to mow and do everything on an acre property. I'm just wondering how much would half an acre, one acre, and two acre cost properties cost? Just a realistic number.
I'm just wanting to get an idea how much of a price and efficiency difference there is between large and small mowers. For me with 21" WB half on a half an acre property I would have to charge $100. But at those prices I'm not even competitive so it's not even worth me going after large properties right now because I don't have the equipment. So I just wondered how much companies are getting for properties like these and how much they are getting an hour. And at my price of $100 that's only $30 an hour but its lower once you get into edging and trimming.
I really don't know how to answer your question on what you should charge. They say in Lawn care that Time Is Money, the faster you are the more money you make.. If you are using a 21" Toro then I'd stick with the small lawns. As you say you can't be competitive so it's not even worth going after large properties right now because you don't have the equipment to compete with the bigger LCO's.
My small lawns I spend 20 minutes a lawn and charge $20 a cut and I don't kill myself by no means. My large lawns take me 40 minutes ea. to complete, the cost is $40 a cut and I use a 48 and 36" ztr on all. I try for three lawns per hr and that gets me my $60 an hr.
Now don't get me wrong because I have nothing against a 21" mower but you can't make any money with it, it just isn't fast enough. If your going to have a lawn care business and work sub-divisions a 36"to 48" ztr is the way to go and keep the 21 for tight places. A good 42" ztr is capable of mowing about 2 acres an hr.
#47
C
Conn0r33
I'm not asking asking how much I should charge I know how much I charge. I charge by the hour with expenses. I'm just asking how much another company would charge for an acre property. What do your competitors charge? What would you say is the average price for an acre because I have absolutely no idea I can't just walk up to some company's guys and ask how much they get for a lawn. I'm in the small lawn market so I know what the going rate is for a 7,000 sq ft property because that's my area. But I would really like to know how much my competition is getting for something like an acre or half an acre or more. I know a guy who only runs large ZTRs and does large properties but I have no idea how much he or anyone gets. That's why I'm asking you because you mow larger properties. you know how much you and your competition is getting. I mean if they get a ton of money i would like to know because that would tell me that larger properties are better and maybe I should switch to that.
Thanks.
C
Conn0r33
I know 21s are horrible for a primary mower I have to use them.I really don't know how to answer your question on what you should charge. They say in Lawn care that Time Is Money, the faster you are the more money you make.. If you are using a 21" Toro then I'd stick with the small lawns. As you say you can't be competitive so it's not even worth going after large properties right now because you don't have the equipment to compete with the bigger LCO's.
My small lawns I spend 20 minutes a lawn and charge $20 a cut and I don't kill myself by no means. My large lawns take me 40 minutes ea. to complete, the cost is $40 a cut and I use a 48 and 36" ztr on all. I try for three lawns per hr and that gets me my $60 an hr.
Now don't get me wrong because I have nothing against a 21" mower but you can't make any money with it, it just isn't fast enough. If your going to have a lawn care business and work sub-divisions a 36"to 48" ztr is the way to go and keep the 21 for tight places. A good 42" ztr is capable of mowing about 2 acres an hr.
I'm not asking asking how much I should charge I know how much I charge. I charge by the hour with expenses. I'm just asking how much another company would charge for an acre property. What do your competitors charge? What would you say is the average price for an acre because I have absolutely no idea I can't just walk up to some company's guys and ask how much they get for a lawn. I'm in the small lawn market so I know what the going rate is for a 7,000 sq ft property because that's my area. But I would really like to know how much my competition is getting for something like an acre or half an acre or more. I know a guy who only runs large ZTRs and does large properties but I have no idea how much he or anyone gets. That's why I'm asking you because you mow larger properties. you know how much you and your competition is getting. I mean if they get a ton of money i would like to know because that would tell me that larger properties are better and maybe I should switch to that.
Thanks.
#48
L
LoCo86
I have one that has the fold up platform. And the mower depends on you to stand on the platform to give the rear drive wheels traction. On top of that walking behind the machine just seems awkward.
L
LoCo86
What about Stand Ons that have the a fold up platform that you can use as a walk behind? Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds for hills?
I have one that has the fold up platform. And the mower depends on you to stand on the platform to give the rear drive wheels traction. On top of that walking behind the machine just seems awkward.
#49
C
Conn0r33
So I guess I should change my thread name because this is my new question. I need a mower that can handle any job because I don't want to have to turn down work because of something like a hill. I'm planning on running either one 21" mower and a larger commercial mower whatever the members recommend. Or two 21" push mowers and a larger commercial mower. Or a 21" and a Toro Timemaster and a larger commercial mower.
So I need one mower to handle almost every job but if it's super small I have it covered with one of the push mowers. So my question is.
What is the most versatile commercial mower that is an extremely awesome mulcher?
C
Conn0r33
Ok thanks!I have one that has the fold up platform. And the mower depends on you to stand on the platform to give the rear drive wheels traction. On top of that walking behind the machine just seems awkward.
So I guess I should change my thread name because this is my new question. I need a mower that can handle any job because I don't want to have to turn down work because of something like a hill. I'm planning on running either one 21" mower and a larger commercial mower whatever the members recommend. Or two 21" push mowers and a larger commercial mower. Or a 21" and a Toro Timemaster and a larger commercial mower.
So I need one mower to handle almost every job but if it's super small I have it covered with one of the push mowers. So my question is.
What is the most versatile commercial mower that is an extremely awesome mulcher?
#50
L
LoCo86
When you look at mowing companies that start to broaden their business from small big box store equipment they always go for a commercial walk behind mower. Why? Because there's no yard that it can not tackle. When they make enough money with it then they step up to larger more expensive ride on equipment to handle the lager yards that they were not being as productive on with a walk behind mower. But if you stick to smaller yards you'll never have that worry. And you'll always have the equipment to service those types of clients. On another note you should keep up with the amount of time you spend at each yard from start to finish and use simple math to find out if you're making the money you are looking to make on each individual property.
L
LoCo86
Ok thanks! So I guess I should change my thread name because this is my new question. I need a mower that can handle any job because I don't want to have to turn down work because of something like a hill. I'm planning on running either one 21" mower and a larger commercial mower whatever the members recommend. Or two 21" push mowers and a larger commercial mower. Or a 21" and a Toro Timemaster and a larger commercial mower. So I need one mower to handle almost every job but if it's super small I have it covered with one of the push mowers. So my question is. What is the most versatile commercial mower that is an extremely awesome mulcher?
When you look at mowing companies that start to broaden their business from small big box store equipment they always go for a commercial walk behind mower. Why? Because there's no yard that it can not tackle. When they make enough money with it then they step up to larger more expensive ride on equipment to handle the lager yards that they were not being as productive on with a walk behind mower. But if you stick to smaller yards you'll never have that worry. And you'll always have the equipment to service those types of clients. On another note you should keep up with the amount of time you spend at each yard from start to finish and use simple math to find out if you're making the money you are looking to make on each individual property.
#51
C
Conn0r33
If I have a sulky attached and for example let's say im on a steep hill mowing horizontally would the sulky pivot on whatever it is attached to and sort of slide down the hill or a least be lower and the mower at a higher level on the hill? If so and I step off and just walk behind would i have to walk around the sulky and try not to trip on it or is there some way of keeping it out of my way?
C
Conn0r33
Thank you so much! I make about $20-30 an hour mostly closer to 20 because with such small equipment if I wanted to make more i would be pricing myself out of my market and not land many jobs. That's why I want to upgrade to increase my productivity and make more per hour without raising prices.When you look at mowing companies that start to broaden their business from small big box store equipment they always go for a commercial walk behind mower. Why? Because there's no yard that it can not tackle. When they make enough money with it then they step up to larger more expensive ride on equipment to handle the lager yards that they were not being as productive on with a walk behind mower. But if you stick to smaller yards you'll never have that worry. And you'll always have the equipment to service those types of clients. On another note you should keep up with the amount of time you spend at each yard from start to finish and use simple math to find out if you're making the money you are looking to make on each individual property.
If I have a sulky attached and for example let's say im on a steep hill mowing horizontally would the sulky pivot on whatever it is attached to and sort of slide down the hill or a least be lower and the mower at a higher level on the hill? If so and I step off and just walk behind would i have to walk around the sulky and try not to trip on it or is there some way of keeping it out of my way?
#52
L
LoCo86
There are tricks to using a sulky and you will figure them all out as you go. When using one on a hill side you will have to go slow if you are standing on it. Or you can lift it onto a hook while you mow the hill and just let it down when you're back to flatter ground or you can just walk beside it on the downhill side, which I probably not recommended but you do what you have to. And there's a few more. Seems like a hassle but it's not bad at all. Personally I prefer walk behinds over any type of mower but I only use exmark walk behinds because I feel like they have the best design followed by snapper pro/ferris.
L
LoCo86
Thank you so much! I make about $20-30 an hour mostly closer to 20 because with such small equipment if I wanted to make more i would be pricing myself out of my market and not land many jobs. That's why I want to upgrade to increase my productivity and make more per hour without raising prices. If I have a sulky attached and for example let's say im on a steep hill mowing horizontally would the sulky pivot on whatever it is attached to and sort of slide down the hill or a least be lower and the mower at a higher level on the hill? If so and I step off and just walk behind would i have to walk around the sulky and try not to trip on it or is there some way of keeping it out of my way?
There are tricks to using a sulky and you will figure them all out as you go. When using one on a hill side you will have to go slow if you are standing on it. Or you can lift it onto a hook while you mow the hill and just let it down when you're back to flatter ground or you can just walk beside it on the downhill side, which I probably not recommended but you do what you have to. And there's a few more. Seems like a hassle but it's not bad at all. Personally I prefer walk behinds over any type of mower but I only use exmark walk behinds because I feel like they have the best design followed by snapper pro/ferris.
#53
Ric
If you were to buy a stander you wouldn't have to worry about hills. I've been using the Toro Grandstand for the last three seasons and it's actually better on hills than a sit down ZTR. I mean really a ZTR is rated for a 15 degree slope while a Toro Grandstand is Rated for a 20 degree slope so that alone will tell you which is better on a slope and you can look at the pdf file on line for each. If you use the GS as a WB it's not awkward to drive if you've never used a wb with a sulky. It's also one of the most productive mowers you can buy. As far as losing traction with a stander goes, you can lose traction on any ztr or lawn tractor you can buy but I've never lost traction on the grandstand because I was off the Flex Ride Platform I mean really the mower weighs in at 756 lbs without a rider
Ric
Ok thanks!
So I guess I should change my thread name because this is my new question. I need a mower that can handle any job because I don't want to have to turn down work because of something like a hill. I'm planning on running either one 21" mower and a larger commercial mower whatever the members recommend. Or two 21" push mowers and a larger commercial mower. Or a 21" and a Toro Timemaster and a larger commercial mower.
So I need one mower to handle almost every job but if it's super small I have it covered with one of the push mowers. So my question is.
What is the most versatile commercial mower that is an extremely awesome mulcher?
If you were to buy a stander you wouldn't have to worry about hills. I've been using the Toro Grandstand for the last three seasons and it's actually better on hills than a sit down ZTR. I mean really a ZTR is rated for a 15 degree slope while a Toro Grandstand is Rated for a 20 degree slope so that alone will tell you which is better on a slope and you can look at the pdf file on line for each. If you use the GS as a WB it's not awkward to drive if you've never used a wb with a sulky. It's also one of the most productive mowers you can buy. As far as losing traction with a stander goes, you can lose traction on any ztr or lawn tractor you can buy but I've never lost traction on the grandstand because I was off the Flex Ride Platform I mean really the mower weighs in at 756 lbs without a rider
#54
Ric
How much another company will charge will very so much from area to area it's hard for me to say. Like I said the going rate is a dollar a minute but larger company's are going to use a 48" or larger ZTR and if there are other expenses for trimming or edging there added to the cost.
Some company's charge by the sq.ft or so much per 1000 sq.ft. plus expenses. The differences in price locally can very drastically. Here if your in say the Orlando area for an acre you can get $60 but go to West Palm or Palm Beach and that same acre could cost you double or triple that because those guys are in a money area.
If it really concerns you to know what your competitors are charging get on the phone and ask, call them and ask them what they would charge to cut your home with an acre of property and call three or four of those guys and tell them your just wanting a ballpark figure and see what they say. Then you'll know the going rate for your area.
I can tell you this if your pushing a lawn for $20 your crazy. I wouldn't touch a quarter acre lawn with a push mower for less than $35 a cut and I'd be using a TM 30" or an Exmark 30" push, you'd up your productivity like 40% over a 21"
Ric
I know 21s are horrible for a primary mower I have to use them.
I'm not asking asking how much I should charge I know how much I charge. I charge by the hour with expenses. I'm just asking how much another company would charge for an acre property. What do your competitors charge? What would you say is the average price for an acre because I have absolutely no idea I can't just walk up to some company's guys and ask how much they get for a lawn. I'm in the small lawn market so I know what the going rate is for a 7,000 sq ft property because that's my area. But I would really like to know how much my competition is getting for something like an acre or half an acre or more. I know a guy who only runs large ZTRs and does large properties but I have no idea how much he or anyone gets. That's why I'm asking you because you mow larger properties. you know how much you and your competition is getting. I mean if they get a ton of money i would like to know because that would tell me that larger properties are better and maybe I should switch to that.
Thanks.
Thank you so much! I make about $20-30 an hour mostly closer to 20 because with such small equipment if I wanted to make more i would be pricing myself out of my market and not land many jobs. That's why I want to upgrade to increase my productivity and make more per hour without raising prices.
If I have a sulky attached and for example let's say im on a steep hill mowing horizontally would the sulky pivot on whatever it is attached to and sort of slide down the hill or a least be lower and the mower at a higher level on the hill? If so and I step off and just walk behind would i have to walk around the sulky and try not to trip on it or is there some way of keeping it out of my way?
How much another company will charge will very so much from area to area it's hard for me to say. Like I said the going rate is a dollar a minute but larger company's are going to use a 48" or larger ZTR and if there are other expenses for trimming or edging there added to the cost.
Some company's charge by the sq.ft or so much per 1000 sq.ft. plus expenses. The differences in price locally can very drastically. Here if your in say the Orlando area for an acre you can get $60 but go to West Palm or Palm Beach and that same acre could cost you double or triple that because those guys are in a money area.
If it really concerns you to know what your competitors are charging get on the phone and ask, call them and ask them what they would charge to cut your home with an acre of property and call three or four of those guys and tell them your just wanting a ballpark figure and see what they say. Then you'll know the going rate for your area.
I can tell you this if your pushing a lawn for $20 your crazy. I wouldn't touch a quarter acre lawn with a push mower for less than $35 a cut and I'd be using a TM 30" or an Exmark 30" push, you'd up your productivity like 40% over a 21"
#55
C
Conn0r33
Ok thanks that answers my question.
C
Conn0r33
How much another company will charge will very so much from area to area it's hard for me to say. Like I said the going rate is a dollar a minute but larger company's are going to use a 48" or larger ZTR and if there are other expenses for trimming or edging there added to the cost.
Some company's charge by the sq.ft or so much per 1000 sq.ft. plus expenses. The differences in price locally can very drastically. Here if your in say the Orlando area for an acre you can get $60 but go to West Palm or Palm Beach and that same acre could cost you double or triple that because those guys are in a money area.
If it really concerns you to know what your competitors are charging get on the phone and ask, call them and ask them what they would charge to cut your home with an acre of property and call three or four of those guys and tell them your just wanting a ballpark figure and see what they say. Then you'll know the going rate for your area.
I can tell you this if your pushing a lawn for $20 your crazy. I wouldn't touch a quarter acre lawn with a push mower for less than $35 a cut and I'd be using a TM 30" or an Exmark 30" push, you'd up your productivity like 40% over a 21"
Ok thanks that answers my question.
#56
C
Conn0r33
Ok thanks. So between a WB, stander, and a zero turn what will be the least likely to rut up a lawn if I ever have to mow in damp conditions? I heard that a stander might make ruts easier because their all their weight is centered on their back wheels and that it might slink in a little more because all or most of its widget is on it's back wheels.
C
Conn0r33
If you were to buy a stander you wouldn't have to worry about hills. I've been using the Toro Grandstand for the last three seasons and it's actually better on hills than a sit down ZTR. I mean really a ZTR is rated for a 15 degree slope while a Toro Grandstand is Rated for a 20 degree slope so that alone will tell you which is better on a slope and you can look at the pdf file on line for each. If you use the GS as a WB it's not awkward to drive if you've never used a wb with a sulky. It's also one of the most productive mowers you can buy. As far as losing traction with a stander goes, you can lose traction on any ztr or lawn tractor you can buy but I've never lost traction on the grandstand because I was off the Flex Ride Platform I mean really the mower weighs in at 756 lbs without a rider
Ok thanks. So between a WB, stander, and a zero turn what will be the least likely to rut up a lawn if I ever have to mow in damp conditions? I heard that a stander might make ruts easier because their all their weight is centered on their back wheels and that it might slink in a little more because all or most of its widget is on it's back wheels.
#57
Ric
Any mower is capable of making ruts. The weight is center with the engine on a stander. The or my Grandstand comes in @ 756 lbs the Z Master ztr comes in @ 926 lbs. I would assume a comparable size WB would go about the same weight as the Grandstand.
The thing is that if you have two lawns sitting side by side and one individual waters three times a week you can do them with the same mower and the property that's watered will rut worse than the other. I've mowed lawns with my 170lb Turf-Master push mower and left ruts on a wet lawn. You can minimize the rutting by changing mowing direction.
A Stander type mower for me is the best all around mower you can have, the Grandstand in particular stands out above the others IMO because you have a lower center of gravity than the others and the option of picking up the flex ride platform and using it as a walk behind and it will cut anything you need to cut.
The productivity of the mower is much better than the regular sit down ztr or walk behind. Its ability to turn easily, get in and out of tight spaces, and quickly get on and off the mower to pick up debris or move obstacles out of the way saves time and contributes to the In lawn-care time is money thing.
Ric
Ok thanks. So between a WB, stander, and a zero turn what will be the least likely to rut up a lawn if I ever have to mow in damp conditions? I heard that a stander might make ruts easier because their all their weight is centered on their back wheels and that it might slink in a little more because all or most of its widget is on it's back wheels.
Any mower is capable of making ruts. The weight is center with the engine on a stander. The or my Grandstand comes in @ 756 lbs the Z Master ztr comes in @ 926 lbs. I would assume a comparable size WB would go about the same weight as the Grandstand.
The thing is that if you have two lawns sitting side by side and one individual waters three times a week you can do them with the same mower and the property that's watered will rut worse than the other. I've mowed lawns with my 170lb Turf-Master push mower and left ruts on a wet lawn. You can minimize the rutting by changing mowing direction.
A Stander type mower for me is the best all around mower you can have, the Grandstand in particular stands out above the others IMO because you have a lower center of gravity than the others and the option of picking up the flex ride platform and using it as a walk behind and it will cut anything you need to cut.
The productivity of the mower is much better than the regular sit down ztr or walk behind. Its ability to turn easily, get in and out of tight spaces, and quickly get on and off the mower to pick up debris or move obstacles out of the way saves time and contributes to the In lawn-care time is money thing.
#58
C
Conn0r33
I would absolutely love to buy the grandstand but I can't afford it. :frown: And I have a dealer that is only about a mile away from me so I would prefer to buy from him than some other shop that is 30 minutes away. For commercial mowers that aren't just ZTRs they have Toro and Snapper Pro. So if I want a stand on I would have to get a GrandStand. I LOVE Toro but I just can't afford Toro. But Snapper Pro only makes WB and Ztrs. I could also go with Grasshopper but they only make ZTRs.
C
Conn0r33
So it doesn't really matter what mower I choose they all are about the same when it comes to ruts? I change directions every time I mow.Any mower is capable of making ruts. The weight is center with the engine on a stander. The or my Grandstand comes in @ 756 lbs the Z Master ztr comes in @ 926 lbs. I would assume a comparable size WB would go about the same weight as the Grandstand.
The thing is that if you have two lawns sitting side by side and one individual waters three times a week you can do them with the same mower and the property that's watered will rut worse than the other. I've mowed lawns with my 170lb Turf-Master push mower and left ruts on a wet lawn. You can minimize the rutting by changing mowing direction.
A Stander type mower for me is the best all around mower you can have, the Grandstand in particular stands out above the others IMO because you have a lower center of gravity than the others and the option of picking up the flex ride platform and using it as a walk behind and it will cut anything you need to cut.
The productivity of the mower is much better than the regular sit down ztr or walk behind. Its ability to turn easily, get in and out of tight spaces, and quickly get on and off the mower to pick up debris or move obstacles out of the way saves time and contributes to the In lawn-care time is money thing.
I would absolutely love to buy the grandstand but I can't afford it. :frown: And I have a dealer that is only about a mile away from me so I would prefer to buy from him than some other shop that is 30 minutes away. For commercial mowers that aren't just ZTRs they have Toro and Snapper Pro. So if I want a stand on I would have to get a GrandStand. I LOVE Toro but I just can't afford Toro. But Snapper Pro only makes WB and Ztrs. I could also go with Grasshopper but they only make ZTRs.
#59
Ric
Yes there are a lot of standers by different manufacturers Gravely, Dixie chopper, Wright, John Deere which is a Wright painted green, Worldlawn makes the most reasonable priced stander @ $5999 along with the Rage by Encore. BadBoy also has a stander. Any Stander you buy isn't going to be cheap. Have you thought about going to Toro and trying to get there 0% financing, if you come up with enough of a down payment the payments will be reasonable. Right now I think Toro is offering $300 off the price of there standers.
http://www.worldlawn.com/stand-on/venom-wys52fx730v/
Rage - Encore
Ric
So it doesn't really matter what mower I choose they all are about the same when it comes to ruts? I change directions every time I mow.
I would absolutely love to buy the grandstand but I can't afford it. :frown: And I have a dealer that is only about a mile away from me so I would prefer to buy from him than some other shop that is 30 minutes away. For commercial mowers that aren't just ZTRs they have Toro and Snapper Pro. So if I want a stand on I would have to get a GrandStand. I LOVE Toro but I just can't afford Toro. But Snapper Pro only makes WB and Ztrs. I could also go with Grasshopper but they only make ZTRs.
Yes there are a lot of standers by different manufacturers Gravely, Dixie chopper, Wright, John Deere which is a Wright painted green, Worldlawn makes the most reasonable priced stander @ $5999 along with the Rage by Encore. BadBoy also has a stander. Any Stander you buy isn't going to be cheap. Have you thought about going to Toro and trying to get there 0% financing, if you come up with enough of a down payment the payments will be reasonable. Right now I think Toro is offering $300 off the price of there standers.
http://www.worldlawn.com/stand-on/venom-wys52fx730v/
Rage - Encore
#60
C
Conn0r33
Ok I really want toro. But like I said I'm only 17 years old. I don't want to spend ALL of my money on a mower I would like to have some of advertising and other things. I would buy a toro if I was making a lot of money but to spend a whole years worth of payments on one mower seems like a lot not to mention I've already spent some of the money on other equipment. I would like to wait on even thinking about a stand on until i can post pictures of the hills I have. They aren't huge but I just want to be sure.
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Conn0r33
Yes there are a lot of standers by different manufacturers Gravely, Dixie chopper, Wright, John Deere which is a Wright painted green, Worldlawn makes the most reasonable priced stander @ $5999 along with the Rage by Encore. BadBoy also has a stander. Any Stander you buy isn't going to be cheap. Have you thought about going to Toro and trying to get there 0% financing, if you come up with enough of a down payment the payments will be reasonable. Right now I think Toro is offering $300 off the price of there standers.
http://www.worldlawn.com/stand-on/venom-wys52fx730v/
Rage - Encore
Ok I really want toro. But like I said I'm only 17 years old. I don't want to spend ALL of my money on a mower I would like to have some of advertising and other things. I would buy a toro if I was making a lot of money but to spend a whole years worth of payments on one mower seems like a lot not to mention I've already spent some of the money on other equipment. I would like to wait on even thinking about a stand on until i can post pictures of the hills I have. They aren't huge but I just want to be sure.
#61
Ric
Hey that's fine, 7 or 8K on a mower is a lot of money to spend. Take your time and be sure about where your going. I've been where you are. When I started I purchased cheaper mowers, everybody always does but I also know now that if I had saved my money a while to start and purchased the right equipment the first time, it would have saved me a lot of money and it would have better in the long run. Just remember what you buy now can be back up for later so buy something that will last even if you have to buy a used commercial as an alternative. You'll find out in time that good equipment pays for itself.
Ric
Ok I really want toro. But like I said I'm only 17 years old. I don't want to spend ALL of my money on a mower I would like to have some of advertising and other things. I would buy a toro if I was making a lot of money but to spend a whole years worth of payments on one mower seems like a lot not to mention I've already spent some of the money on other equipment. I would like to wait on even thinking about a stand on until i can post pictures of the hills I have. They aren't huge but I just want to be sure.
Hey that's fine, 7 or 8K on a mower is a lot of money to spend. Take your time and be sure about where your going. I've been where you are. When I started I purchased cheaper mowers, everybody always does but I also know now that if I had saved my money a while to start and purchased the right equipment the first time, it would have saved me a lot of money and it would have better in the long run. Just remember what you buy now can be back up for later so buy something that will last even if you have to buy a used commercial as an alternative. You'll find out in time that good equipment pays for itself.
#62
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Conn0r33
Thanks I totally agree. I'm still considering the Grandstand I just want to make sure it will fit all my needs because I don't want to just go and spend 8k and find out I should have gone with a WB. And its quite a jump from 600 to 8k for a mower lol. I'm also considering the Scag V-Ride because one dealer said if I paid cash it would be something around $5,550 for the 36" I can't remember the price exactly. But than if anything breaks on the Scag I'm looking at about a 30 minute drive. I think I might have eliminated ZTRs because I don't want to have to turn down a job because of a steep hill and the fact that a stand on will handle hills a lot better. So I think I'm going to have to decide between a WB and a stand on. I will post pictures of the hills as soon as I can. They are not even that steep but my push mower does slide down when mowing them so I wan't to be sure that a new mower will be able to handle them.
C
Conn0r33
Hey that's fine, 7 or 8K on a mower is a lot of money to spend. Take your time and be sure about where your going. I've been where you are. When I started I purchased cheaper mowers, everybody always does but I also know now that if I had saved my money a while to start and purchased the right equipment the first time, it would have saved me a lot of money and it would have better in the long run. Just remember what you buy now can be back up for later so buy something that will last even if you have to buy a used commercial as an alternative. You'll find out in time that good equipment pays for itself.
Thanks I totally agree. I'm still considering the Grandstand I just want to make sure it will fit all my needs because I don't want to just go and spend 8k and find out I should have gone with a WB. And its quite a jump from 600 to 8k for a mower lol. I'm also considering the Scag V-Ride because one dealer said if I paid cash it would be something around $5,550 for the 36" I can't remember the price exactly. But than if anything breaks on the Scag I'm looking at about a 30 minute drive. I think I might have eliminated ZTRs because I don't want to have to turn down a job because of a steep hill and the fact that a stand on will handle hills a lot better. So I think I'm going to have to decide between a WB and a stand on. I will post pictures of the hills as soon as I can. They are not even that steep but my push mower does slide down when mowing them so I wan't to be sure that a new mower will be able to handle them.
#63
Ric
If you do a little research you'll find the grandstand is your best buy even if you have to pay a little more than the rest are selling for. It's a zero turn rider as well as a walk behind so it's the best of both worlds. It's lighter, has a lower center of gravity, better drive system and a far far better warranty than any of the others. With the others your looking at a two year warranty, the Grandstand a 5yr 1200hr warranty parts and labor is hard to beat and the 36" will be some cheaper to run than the others. A lot of things to take into consideration.
Ric
Thanks I totally agree. I'm still considering the Grandstand I just want to make sure it will fit all my needs because I don't want to just go and spend 8k and find out I should have gone with a WB. And its quite a jump from 600 to 8k for a mower lol. I'm also considering the Scag V-Ride because one dealer said if I paid cash it would be something around $5,550 for the 36" I can't remember the price exactly. But than if anything breaks on the Scag I'm looking at about a 30 minute drive. I think I might have eliminated ZTRs because I don't want to have to turn down a job because of a steep hill and the fact that a stand on will handle hills a lot better. So I think I'm going to have to decide between a WB and a stand on. I will post pictures of the hills as soon as I can. They are not even that steep but my push mower does slide down when mowing them so I wan't to be sure that a new mower will be able to handle them.
If you do a little research you'll find the grandstand is your best buy even if you have to pay a little more than the rest are selling for. It's a zero turn rider as well as a walk behind so it's the best of both worlds. It's lighter, has a lower center of gravity, better drive system and a far far better warranty than any of the others. With the others your looking at a two year warranty, the Grandstand a 5yr 1200hr warranty parts and labor is hard to beat and the 36" will be some cheaper to run than the others. A lot of things to take into consideration.
#64
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Conn0r33
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Conn0r33
My problem right now is that I currently run a two man crew both using 21" push mowers. After we are done mowing we trim, edge, and blow off the sidewalks. That being said if I upgrade to a commercial mower I'm not sure if I would need two Grandstands or one. If I need two that would be WAY too much money. If we got a Grandstand. One person would mow and the other could trim edge and blow. But I don't want the guy who is trimming and edging to get done way early and then have to sit and wait in the car until the other is done. I want each working the same amount of time to make sure we are efficient.If you do a little research you'll find the grandstand is your best buy even if you have to pay a little more than the rest are selling for. It's a zero turn rider as well as a walk behind so it's the best of both worlds. It's lighter, has a lower center of gravity, better drive system and a far far better warranty than any of the others. With the others your looking at a two year warranty, the Grandstand a 5yr 1200hr warranty parts and labor is hard to beat and the 36" will be some cheaper to run than the others. A lot of things to take into consideration.
#65
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Shughes717
One ztr or stand on mower should mow faster than you can with 2 21" push mowers. If anyone would get done first it would be the one running the mower. For instance, My lawn is 4.2 acres with numerous obstacles. I mow the lawn with a commercial 48" ztr mower. Takes me 2 hours and 15 minutes. How long do you think it would take you with 2 push mowers? As ric mentioned, there are other options out there if you don't think you can afford a grandstand. A used stand on May be a good investment for you to start with.
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Shughes717
My problem right now is that I currently run a two man crew both using 21" push mowers. After we are done mowing we trim, edge, and blow off the sidewalks. That being said if I upgrade to a commercial mower I'm not sure if I would need two Grandstands or one. If I need two that would be WAY too much money. If we got a Grandstand. One person would mow and the other could trim edge and blow. But I don't want the guy who is trimming and edging to get done way early and then have to sit and wait in the car until the other is done. I want each working the same amount of time to make sure we are efficient.
One ztr or stand on mower should mow faster than you can with 2 21" push mowers. If anyone would get done first it would be the one running the mower. For instance, My lawn is 4.2 acres with numerous obstacles. I mow the lawn with a commercial 48" ztr mower. Takes me 2 hours and 15 minutes. How long do you think it would take you with 2 push mowers? As ric mentioned, there are other options out there if you don't think you can afford a grandstand. A used stand on May be a good investment for you to start with.
#66
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Conn0r33
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Conn0r33
Well thankfully I don't do any properties anywhere close to that size. And some properties I do hardly have any edging or trimming. So are you saying that I should just run one mower?One ztr or stand on mower should mow faster than you can with 2 21" push mowers. If anyone would get done first it would be the one running the mower. For instance, My lawn is 4.2 acres with numerous obstacles. I mow the lawn with a commercial 48" ztr mower. Takes me 2 hours and 15 minutes. How long do you think it would take you with 2 push mowers? As ric mentioned, there are other options out there if you don't think you can afford a grandstand. A used stand on May be a good investment for you to start with.
#67
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Shughes717
If you are getting your job done now with two 21" push mowers then one stand on or ztr can handle what you are doing now in less time. If you can only afford one mower now then yes. You can always purchase a second mower later if you pick up more lawns. One stand on will reduce the amount of time you spend per lawn. This will allow you to pick up more lawns and increase profit. You always have the push mowers as back ups. If your helper finishes the trimming he can get a push mower out and help. I don't think thats going to be a problem though. Don't over extend yourself trying to purchase equipment you can't afford yet. Get yourself one commercial mower and add another once your business grows.
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Shughes717
Well thankfully I don't do any properties anywhere close to that size. And some properties I do hardly have any edging or trimming. So are you saying that I should just run one mower?
If you are getting your job done now with two 21" push mowers then one stand on or ztr can handle what you are doing now in less time. If you can only afford one mower now then yes. You can always purchase a second mower later if you pick up more lawns. One stand on will reduce the amount of time you spend per lawn. This will allow you to pick up more lawns and increase profit. You always have the push mowers as back ups. If your helper finishes the trimming he can get a push mower out and help. I don't think thats going to be a problem though. Don't over extend yourself trying to purchase equipment you can't afford yet. Get yourself one commercial mower and add another once your business grows.
#68
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Conn0r33
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Conn0r33
When you say a stand on is faster than two 21" push. Do you mean a stand on of 36" or would I need a bigger one to be faster?If you are getting your job done now with two 21" push mowers then one stand on or ztr can handle what you are doing now in less time. If you can only afford one mower now then yes. You can always purchase a second mower later if you pick up more lawns. One stand on will reduce the amount of time you spend per lawn. This will allow you to pick up more lawns and increase profit. You always have the push mowers as back ups. If your helper finishes the trimming he can get a push mower out and help. I don't think thats going to be a problem though. Don't over extend yourself trying to purchase equipment you can't afford yet. Get yourself one commercial mower and add another once your business grows.
#69
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LoCo86
Get rid of the helper for now. When you upgrade you won't need him especially if you're only doing 10 lawns. Even if you were doing 20 you still shouldn't need him because of the time savings you will have. You will cut your total time in half.
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LoCo86
My problem right now is that I currently run a two man crew both using 21" push mowers. After we are done mowing we trim, edge, and blow off the sidewalks. That being said if I upgrade to a commercial mower I'm not sure if I would need two Grandstands or one. If I need two that would be WAY too much money. If we got a Grandstand. One person would mow and the other could trim edge and blow. But I don't want the guy who is trimming and edging to get done way early and then have to sit and wait in the car until the other is done. I want each working the same amount of time to make sure we are efficient.
Get rid of the helper for now. When you upgrade you won't need him especially if you're only doing 10 lawns. Even if you were doing 20 you still shouldn't need him because of the time savings you will have. You will cut your total time in half.
#70
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Shughes717
Good point. That would be cold to fire someone who didn't do anything wrong. Lol
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Shughes717
Get rid of the helper for now. When you upgrade you won't need him especially if you're only doing 10 lawns. Even if you were doing 20 you still shouldn't need him because of the time savings you will have. You will cut your total time in half.
Good point. That would be cold to fire someone who didn't do anything wrong. Lol
#71
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Shughes717
That's up to you. A 36" will be much faster than a 21" push mower, and should be as fast as two push mowers. However, a 48" will be even faster. In the long run I would say a 48" would be the better investment. If there are places you can't go with it you still have the push mowers.
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Shughes717
When you say a stand on is faster than two 21" push. Do you mean a stand on of 36" or would I need a bigger one to be faster?
That's up to you. A 36" will be much faster than a 21" push mower, and should be as fast as two push mowers. However, a 48" will be even faster. In the long run I would say a 48" would be the better investment. If there are places you can't go with it you still have the push mowers.
#72
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Conn0r33
Also I can't fire him because he's my business partner and brother.
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Conn0r33
Okay thanks! I have been considering both 48 and 36 also toro makes the grandstand in a 40" which seems like an uncommon size in most mower.That's up to you. A 36" will be much faster than a 21" push mower, and should be as fast as two push mowers. However, a 48" will be even faster. In the long run I would say a 48" would be the better investment. If there are places you can't go with it you still have the push mowers.
Also I can't fire him because he's my business partner and brother.
#73
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Shughes717
Haha! Will there be a fight over who gets to run the stand on? Hope he isn't bigger than you!:laughing:
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Shughes717
Okay thanks! I have been considering both 48 and 36 also toro makes the grandstand in a 40" which seems like an uncommon size in most mower.
Also I can't fire him because he's my business partner and brother.
Haha! Will there be a fight over who gets to run the stand on? Hope he isn't bigger than you!:laughing:
#74
Ric
Comm0r33, the 36 will be fast enough, you won't need to go bigger with a two man crew and you don't need to fire anyone. Stay with the 36", the price difference between it and the 40" isn't worth the money for what you'd get or gain in productivity. If your worried about money I also wouldn't consider the 48" because you'd be talking more money than the 36".
You have to look at things this way, if you buy this mower (the Grandstand 36" ) you will increase your productivity but at the same time the cost of running the machine will also increase although not as much as a ZTR. You said earlier in the thread you were making like $20 an hour, with the Grandstand you can up that amount to $60 an hour instead of $20, With the 36 "the guy that's trimming, edging and blowing things off will have everything he can do to stay with you.
Ric
My problem right now is that I currently run a two man crew both using 21" push mowers. After we are done mowing we trim, edge, and blow off the sidewalks. That being said if I upgrade to a commercial mower I'm not sure if I would need two Grandstands or one. If I need two that would be WAY too much money. If we got a Grandstand. One person would mow and the other could trim edge and blow. But I don't want the guy who is trimming and edging to get done way early and then have to sit and wait in the car until the other is done. I want each working the same amount of time to make sure we are efficient.
When you say a stand on is faster than two 21" push. Do you mean a stand on of 36" or would I need a bigger one to be faster?
Comm0r33, the 36 will be fast enough, you won't need to go bigger with a two man crew and you don't need to fire anyone. Stay with the 36", the price difference between it and the 40" isn't worth the money for what you'd get or gain in productivity. If your worried about money I also wouldn't consider the 48" because you'd be talking more money than the 36".
You have to look at things this way, if you buy this mower (the Grandstand 36" ) you will increase your productivity but at the same time the cost of running the machine will also increase although not as much as a ZTR. You said earlier in the thread you were making like $20 an hour, with the Grandstand you can up that amount to $60 an hour instead of $20, With the 36 "the guy that's trimming, edging and blowing things off will have everything he can do to stay with you.
#75
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Conn0r33
Thanks for all your help Ric! I'm going to measure the inclines on one of the properties that pays very well and I wouldnt want to loose to see if the inclines are too steep.
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Conn0r33
Haha! Will there be a fight over who gets to run the stand on? Hope he isn't bigger than you!:laughing:
Haha! We will probably take turns using it but I love edging lawns so I would be fine either way.Comm0r33, the 36 will be fast enough, you won't need to go bigger with a two man crew and you don't need to fire anyone. Stay with the 36", the price difference between it and the 40" isn't worth the money for what you get in productivity. If your worried about money I also wouldn't consider the 48" because you'd be talking more money than the 36".
You have to look at things this way, if you buy this mower (the Grandstand 36" ) you will increase your productivity but at the same time the cost of running the machine will also increase. You said earlier in the thread you were making like $20 an hour, with the Grandstand you can up that amount to $60 an hour instead of $20 so the guy that's trimming, edging and blowing thing off will have everything he can do to stay with you.
Thanks for all your help Ric! I'm going to measure the inclines on one of the properties that pays very well and I wouldnt want to loose to see if the inclines are too steep.
#76
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Shughes717
I wouldn't worry too much about not being able to mow your inclines with whatever you purchase. You can push mow whatever the stand on can't handle.
You are a good brother. When I was younger my brother and I would have fought over it. Lol
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Shughes717
Haha! We will probably take turns using it but I love edging lawns so I would be fine either way.
Thanks for all your help Ric! I'm going to measure the inclines on one of the properties that pays very well and I wouldnt want to loose to see if the inclines are too steep.
I wouldn't worry too much about not being able to mow your inclines with whatever you purchase. You can push mow whatever the stand on can't handle.
You are a good brother. When I was younger my brother and I would have fought over it. Lol
#77
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Shughes717
Ric, wouldn't a 48" handle inclines better? I have only been on a stand on once and it was a 48". I have no experience on the smaller stand ons, but I would think that the wider base and extra weight would help the larger stand on hold a hill better. Can a 36" go anywhere a 48" stand on can go?
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Shughes717
Comm0r33, the 36 will be fast enough, you won't need to go bigger with a two man crew and you don't need to fire anyone. Stay with the 36", the price difference between it and the 40" isn't worth the money for what you get in productivity. If your worried about money I also wouldn't consider the 48" because you'd be talking more money than the 36".
You have to look at things this way, if you buy this mower (the Grandstand 36" ) you will increase your productivity but at the same time the cost of running the machine will also increase. You said earlier in the thread you were making like $20 an hour, with the Grandstand you can up that amount to $60 an hour instead of $20 so the guy that's trimming, edging and blowing thing off will have everything he can do to stay with you.
Ric, wouldn't a 48" handle inclines better? I have only been on a stand on once and it was a 48". I have no experience on the smaller stand ons, but I would think that the wider base and extra weight would help the larger stand on hold a hill better. Can a 36" go anywhere a 48" stand on can go?
#78
Ric
The mower/engine is capable of up 25 degrees, I mow a 22/23 degree in my yard according to the Iphone slope indicator and I have no problem, The maximum slope you can safely operate the grandstand on is a 20 degree slope according to the manufacturer. The ZM is rated at 15 degrees and I mow the same slope with it and it does fine.
Ric
Haha! We will probably take turns using it but I love edging lawns so I would be fine either way.
Thanks for all your help Ric! I'm going to measure the inclines on one of the properties that pays very well and I wouldn't want to loose to see if the inclines are too steep.
The mower/engine is capable of up 25 degrees, I mow a 22/23 degree in my yard according to the Iphone slope indicator and I have no problem, The maximum slope you can safely operate the grandstand on is a 20 degree slope according to the manufacturer. The ZM is rated at 15 degrees and I mow the same slope with it and it does fine.
#79
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LoCo86
I know you said not to fire his helper,but how can he afford to keep him. With the cost of fuel, equipment cost and having to pay his brother/partner I don't see how it's going to worth his time unless he ups his amount of lawns to around 40+. You always say time is money but money is money. Why have someone help you when you don't need help. He doesn't even have a day's worth of work to do and you advise him to pay someone half of his profit.
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LoCo86
Comm0r33, the 36 will be fast enough, you won't need to go bigger with a two man crew and you don't need to fire anyone. Stay with the 36", the price difference between it and the 40" isn't worth the money for what you'd get or gain in productivity. If your worried about money I also wouldn't consider the 48" because you'd be talking more money than the 36". You have to look at things this way, if you buy this mower (the Grandstand 36" ) you will increase your productivity but at the same time the cost of running the machine will also increase although not as much as a ZTR. You said earlier in the thread you were making like $20 an hour, with the Grandstand you can up that amount to $60 an hour instead of $20, With the 36 "the guy that's trimming, edging and blowing things off will have everything he can do to stay with you.
I know you said not to fire his helper,but how can he afford to keep him. With the cost of fuel, equipment cost and having to pay his brother/partner I don't see how it's going to worth his time unless he ups his amount of lawns to around 40+. You always say time is money but money is money. Why have someone help you when you don't need help. He doesn't even have a day's worth of work to do and you advise him to pay someone half of his profit.
#80
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Shughes717
Man you are cold hearted!:laughing: he can't fire his brother. They will just have to pound the pavement and get more lawns.
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Shughes717
I know you said not to fire his helper,but how can he afford to keep him. With the cost of fuel, equipment cost and having to pay his brother/partner I don't see how it's going to worth his time unless he ups his amount of lawns to around 40+. You always say time is money but money is money. Why have someone help you when you don't need help. He doesn't even have a day's worth of work to do and you advise him to pay someone half of his profit.
Man you are cold hearted!:laughing: he can't fire his brother. They will just have to pound the pavement and get more lawns.
#81
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LoCo86
There are very few lawn companies that make it with co owners. You need one and only one boss. I understand that he's only 17 and all it would take is some young girl to come his way and he might not even want to be in the lawn business anymore. But for people our age who think with the head above our shoulders it's all about the money all the time.
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LoCo86
Man you are cold hearted!:laughing: he can't fire his brother. They will just have to pound the pavement and get more lawns.
There are very few lawn companies that make it with co owners. You need one and only one boss. I understand that he's only 17 and all it would take is some young girl to come his way and he might not even want to be in the lawn business anymore. But for people our age who think with the head above our shoulders it's all about the money all the time.
#82
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Shughes717
He may be worried his brother will fire him.:laughing:
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Shughes717
There are very few lawn companies that make it with co owners. You need one and only one boss. I understand that he's only 17 and all it would take is some young girl to come his way and he might not even want to be in the lawn business anymore. But for people our age who think with the head above our shoulders it's all about the money all the time.
He may be worried his brother will fire him.:laughing:
#83
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Conn0r33
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Conn0r33
Haha neither is firing either. Both owners but I pretty much do everything on the business side, and he helps mow and we split the payments. Not a good deal for me :-/ lolHe may be worried his brother will fire him.:laughing:
#84
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Conn0r33
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Conn0r33
I honestly don't think we can really afford the GrandStand unless we use all the money we have saved up so far. We don't even have a trailer to haul it with let alone a truck. I currently use my parents car and load the mowers, edger, trimmer, and backpack blower in the back of the car. It has a hitch so if we got a trailer we could haul it without having to buy another car. I'm also planning on advertising and hiring a guy to optimize our website and add SEO stuff so we rank high in Google. All of that might not add up to be all of our money but I'm estimating that it would be over half of our money.
#85
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LoCo86
I believe you're putting the horse before the cart on that one.
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LoCo86
I honestly don't think we can really afford the GrandStand unless we use all the money we have saved up so far. We don't even have a trailer to haul it with let alone a truck. I currently use my parents car and load the mowers, edger, trimmer, and backpack blower in the back of the car. It has a hitch so if we got a trailer we could haul it without having to buy another car. I'm also planning on advertising and hiring a guy to optimize our website and add SEO stuff so we rank high in Google. All of that might not add up to be all of our money but I'm estimating that it would be over half of our money.
I believe you're putting the horse before the cart on that one.
#86
Ric
I think that's Cart before the Horse
Ric
I believe you're putting the horse before the cart on that one.
I think that's Cart before the Horse
#87
Ric
Actually the Kid is right, Marketing is a great deal of building a business but I think he's moving a bit fast. Conner can I ask what do your parents think about what your doing? I ask because if your my kid and you have a business your trying to build, I'd say consider how your spending your money because there better ways for what your trying to do. First let me ask, do you have a DBA yet?
Ric
I honestly don't think we can really afford the GrandStand unless we use all the money we have saved up so far. We don't even have a trailer to haul it with let alone a truck. I currently use my parents car and load the mowers, edger, trimmer, and backpack blower in the back of the car. It has a hitch so if we got a trailer we could haul it without having to buy another car. I'm also planning on advertising and hiring a guy to optimize our website and add SEO stuff so we rank high in Google. All of that might not add up to be all of our money but I'm estimating that it would be over half of our money.
I believe you're putting the horse before the cart on that one.
Actually the Kid is right, Marketing is a great deal of building a business but I think he's moving a bit fast. Conner can I ask what do your parents think about what your doing? I ask because if your my kid and you have a business your trying to build, I'd say consider how your spending your money because there better ways for what your trying to do. First let me ask, do you have a DBA yet?
#88
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Conn0r33
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Conn0r33
I currently do not have a DBA because my city does not require one of a lawn business. I have everything required to be in business legally. I don't think I'm getting ahead of myself with marketing because I would just buy a cheaper mower like the the Snpper Pro SW25 just so that I could use some money for other things like advertising. I'm not planning on marketing next year with two push mowers. I was thinking i would advertise and if we picked up enough to justify a new mower I would go get one before next season.Actually the Kid is right, Marketing is a great deal of building a business but I think he's moving a bit fast. Conner can I ask what do your parents think about what your doing? I ask because if your my kid and you have a business your trying to build, I'd say consider how your spending your money because there better ways for what your trying to do. First let me ask, do you have a DBA yet?
#89
C
Conn0r33
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Conn0r33
My parents approve of our business. I'm not sure what you are asking there but they think it's a good thing. You said there are better ways for what you are trying to do. Like what? What would you say I should spend my money on instead?Actually the Kid is right, Marketing is a great deal of building a business but I think he's moving a bit fast. Conner can I ask what do your parents think about what your doing? I ask because if your my kid and you have a business your trying to build, I'd say consider how your spending your money because there better ways for what your trying to do. First let me ask, do you have a DBA yet?
#90
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Shughes717
I think what Ric is asking is have you ran your ideas by your parents for advice? Sometimes young people will spend too much and get themselves in a hole. Your parents have probably been there themselves and hopefully will give you some advice on how to make sure your business succeeds. I wish you the best of luck. I hope my kids are as industrious as you are some day. I can't get my 13 year old off of her butt to do the dishes.
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Shughes717
My parents approve of our business. I'm not sure what you are asking there but they think it's a good thing. You said there are better ways for what you are trying to do. Like what? What would you say I should spend my money on instead?
I think what Ric is asking is have you ran your ideas by your parents for advice? Sometimes young people will spend too much and get themselves in a hole. Your parents have probably been there themselves and hopefully will give you some advice on how to make sure your business succeeds. I wish you the best of luck. I hope my kids are as industrious as you are some day. I can't get my 13 year old off of her butt to do the dishes
.
#91
Ric
If your Parents approve of the business I would suggest you talk to your father about co-signing a loan for the Grandstand and using say 2K for a down payment and financing the rest at 0% for 42 months and your payment would be like $130.78 a month. Use the rest of your for a trailer and set up. With the lawns that you'll pick up you can pay the monthly payments and then some. Personally I'd wait on the marketing thing because there's a lot more to it than just advertising. Let me ask do you have a Tax Number?
Ric
I currently do not have a DBA because my city does not require one of a lawn business. I have everything required to be in business legally. I don't think I'm getting ahead of myself with marketing because I would just buy a cheaper mower like the the Snpper Pro SW25 just so that I could use some money for other things like advertising. I'm not planning on marketing next year with two push mowers. I was thinking i would advertise and if we picked up enough to justify a new mower I would go get one before next season.
My parents approve of our business. I'm not sure what you are asking there but they think it's a good thing. You said there are better ways for what you are trying to do. Like what? What would you say I should spend my money on instead?
I think what Ric is asking is have you ran your ideas by your parents for advice? Sometimes young people will spend too much and get themselves in a hole. Your parents have probably been there themselves and hopefully will give you some advice on how to make sure your business succeeds. I wish you the best of luck. I hope my kids are as industrious as you are some day. I can't get my 13 year old off of her butt to do the dishes
If your Parents approve of the business I would suggest you talk to your father about co-signing a loan for the Grandstand and using say 2K for a down payment and financing the rest at 0% for 42 months and your payment would be like $130.78 a month. Use the rest of your for a trailer and set up. With the lawns that you'll pick up you can pay the monthly payments and then some. Personally I'd wait on the marketing thing because there's a lot more to it than just advertising. Let me ask do you have a Tax Number?
#92
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Shughes717
I tend to agree with Ric here on this. If you are intending on investing in growing your business you will need quality commercial equipment to handle the extra lawns you are going to get. If a stand on is what you think you need, then you should find something that falls in your budget and acquire it. If your parents are willing to help by co-signing for a new mower then that is an option. However, you better be ready to commit to it. When it gets hot, and you are sick of mowing lawns you can't just up and quit. You will still have an $8k mower that will have to be paid for. You may be on the right path by going with a less expensive commercial walk behind for the time being. Or, you could look into a used stand on on Craig's list. That way you don't have to risk putting your parents in a financial strain of you decide to persue other endeavors. As for the marketing side of it, I will have to defer to Ric's advice on that. Most of the lawn care business drummed up in my area is by word of mouth, but it's very rural where I live.
S
Shughes717
If your Parents approve of the business I would suggest you talk to your father about co-signing a loan for the Grandstand and using say 2K for a down payment and financing the rest at 0% for 42 months and your payment would be like $130.78 a month. Use the rest of your for a trailer and set up. With the lawns that you'll pick up you can pay the monthly payments and then some. Personally I'd wait on the marketing thing because there's a lot more to it than just advertising. Let me ask do you have a Tax Number?
I tend to agree with Ric here on this. If you are intending on investing in growing your business you will need quality commercial equipment to handle the extra lawns you are going to get. If a stand on is what you think you need, then you should find something that falls in your budget and acquire it. If your parents are willing to help by co-signing for a new mower then that is an option. However, you better be ready to commit to it. When it gets hot, and you are sick of mowing lawns you can't just up and quit. You will still have an $8k mower that will have to be paid for. You may be on the right path by going with a less expensive commercial walk behind for the time being. Or, you could look into a used stand on on Craig's list. That way you don't have to risk putting your parents in a financial strain of you decide to persue other endeavors. As for the marketing side of it, I will have to defer to Ric's advice on that. Most of the lawn care business drummed up in my area is by word of mouth, but it's very rural where I live.
#93
C
Conn0r33
I am still considering WB and Stand ons I haven't fully decided.
C
Conn0r33
I tend to agree with Ric here on this. If you are intending on investing in growing your business you will need quality commercial equipment to handle the extra lawns you are going to get. If a stand on is what you think you need, then you should find something that falls in your budget and acquire it. If your parents are willing to help by co-signing for a new mower then that is an option. However, you better be ready to commit to it. When it gets hot, and you are sick of mowing lawns you can't just up and quit. You will still have an $8k mower that will have to be paid for. You may be on the right path by going with a less expensive commercial walk behind for the time being. Or, you could look into a used stand on on Craig's list. That way you don't have to risk putting your parents in a financial strain of you decide to persue other endeavors. As for the marketing side of it, I will have to defer to Ric's advice on that. Most of the lawn care business drummed up in my area is by word of mouth, but it's very rural where I live.
My parents said they would help pay for the mowers. I don't know how much they would give me.If your Parents approve of the business I would suggest you talk to your father about co-signing a loan for the Grandstand and using say 2K for a down payment and financing the rest at 0% for 42 months and your payment would be like $130.78 a month. Use the rest of your for a trailer and set up. With the lawns that you'll pick up you can pay the monthly payments and then some. Personally I'd wait on the marketing thing because there's a lot more to it than just advertising. Let me ask do you have a Tax Number?
I am still considering WB and Stand ons I haven't fully decided.
#94
Ric
Here's a hit or something you may want to put in the back of your mind when deciding on which mower you want to buy. A walk behind is just a walk behind, nothing special there, but a Grandstand...A stand on mower is different. It draws attention because it's different and attention can mean more business. People tend to like different. They see the stander and think hey maybe that thing isn't as heavy as one of those big ztr mowers the others are using, maybe it wont leave those ruts in my lawn as bad, the lawn he's doing sure looks nice maybe we should talk to this guy and see what he would charge to do our lawn. Sounds like a comical and stupid post doesn't it but it worked for me, the Grandstand is an advertisement in itself. :smile:
Ric
My parents said they would help pay for the mowers. I don't know how much they would give me.
I am still considering WB and Stand ons I haven't fully decided.
Here's a hit or something you may want to put in the back of your mind when deciding on which mower you want to buy. A walk behind is just a walk behind, nothing special there, but a Grandstand...A stand on mower is different. It draws attention because it's different and attention can mean more business. People tend to like different. They see the stander and think hey maybe that thing isn't as heavy as one of those big ztr mowers the others are using, maybe it wont leave those ruts in my lawn as bad, the lawn he's doing sure looks nice maybe we should talk to this guy and see what he would charge to do our lawn. Sounds like a comical and stupid post doesn't it but it worked for me, the Grandstand is an advertisement in itself. :smile:
#95
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Shughes717
Having a professional appearance and doing quality work is going to get you business. Neighbors do look at other neighbors lawns. Even out in the country where I live. If they like the work you are doing then you will get calls. Ric is much more experienced in the marketing side of commercial lawn business. I think having magnetic signs on the side of your vehicle with your company name and a phone number will help in that reguard. I am on the fence about walk behind vs stand on for small properties.
I am sure the stand on is a little faster, but I wouldn't think it would cut the lawn any better than a commercial walk behind. I am still curious to know if there is a significant difference in the ability of a 48" stand on vs a 36" stand on in reguards to mowing hills. My experience is limited to only one use of a stand on mower. I have a friend in Middle Tennessee still has not purchased a new mower and he has some serious hills to mow.
S
Shughes717
Here's a hit or something you may want to put in the back of your mind when deciding on which mower you want to buy. A walk behind is just a walk behind, nothing special there, but a Grandstand...A stand on mower is different. It draws attention because it's different and attention can mean more business. People tend to like different. They see the stander and think hey maybe that thing isn't as heavy as one of those big ztr mowers the others are using, maybe it wont leave those ruts in my lawn as bad, the lawn he's doing sure looks nice maybe we should talk to this guy and see what he would charge to do our lawn. Sounds like a comical and stupid post doesn't it but it worked for me, the Grandstand is an advertisement in itself. :smile:
Having a professional appearance and doing quality work is going to get you business. Neighbors do look at other neighbors lawns. Even out in the country where I live. If they like the work you are doing then you will get calls. Ric is much more experienced in the marketing side of commercial lawn business. I think having magnetic signs on the side of your vehicle with your company name and a phone number will help in that reguard. I am on the fence about walk behind vs stand on for small properties.
I am sure the stand on is a little faster, but I wouldn't think it would cut the lawn any better than a commercial walk behind. I am still curious to know if there is a significant difference in the ability of a 48" stand on vs a 36" stand on in reguards to mowing hills. My experience is limited to only one use of a stand on mower. I have a friend in Middle Tennessee still has not purchased a new mower and he has some serious hills to mow.
#96
C
Conn0r33
I totally agree with you ric. Whenever I see a company using a Stander I tend to look longer because they are cool and I just want to see what they are running. It is just a lot of money I'm not going to buy these mowers any time soon I am just planning ahead so I know what I want to buy when I get to the point that I need it. If I was made of money and had enough customers to justify it I think the Grandstand would be my ideal mower. But with only ten customers and mowing 14 lawns a week I don't think I can justify the 8k cost. I'm still considering all the mowers the WB, Standers, and ZTRs. Because like someone said earlier if the ZTR can't get there or handle a hill I can just push mow it with a 21.
Also i have magnets on my car with my name logo and phone number.
C
Conn0r33
Having a professional appearance and doing quality work is going to get you business. Neighbors do look at other neighbors lawns. Even out in the country where I live. If they like the work you are doing then you will get calls. Ric is much more experienced in the marketing side of commercial lawn business. I think having magnetic signs on the side of your vehicle with your company name and a phone number will help in that reguard. I am on the fence about walk behind vs stand on for small properties.
I am sure the stand on is a little faster, but I wouldn't think it would cut the lawn any better than a commercial walk behind. I am still curious to know if there is a significant difference in the ability of a 48" stand on vs a 36" stand on in reguards to mowing hills. My experience is limited to only one use of a stand on mower. I have a friend in Middle Tennessee still has not purchased a new mower and he has some serious hills to mow.
Here's a hit or something you may want to put in the back of your mind when deciding on which mower you want to buy. A walk behind is just a walk behind, nothing special there, but a Grandstand...A stand on mower is different. It draws attention because it's different and attention can mean more business. People tend to like different. They see the stander and think hey maybe that thing isn't as heavy as one of those big ztr mowers the others are using, maybe it wont leave those ruts in my lawn as bad, the lawn he's doing sure looks nice maybe we should talk to this guy and see what he would charge to do our lawn. Sounds like a comical and stupid post doesn't it but it worked for me, the Grandstand is an advertisement in itself. :smile:
I totally agree with you ric. Whenever I see a company using a Stander I tend to look longer because they are cool and I just want to see what they are running. It is just a lot of money I'm not going to buy these mowers any time soon I am just planning ahead so I know what I want to buy when I get to the point that I need it. If I was made of money and had enough customers to justify it I think the Grandstand would be my ideal mower. But with only ten customers and mowing 14 lawns a week I don't think I can justify the 8k cost. I'm still considering all the mowers the WB, Standers, and ZTRs. Because like someone said earlier if the ZTR can't get there or handle a hill I can just push mow it with a 21.
Also i have magnets on my car with my name logo and phone number.
#97
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Shughes717
I can see that you are being very deliberate in making your decision. That shows some maturity. Ric has the experience with using stand on mowers for a lawn business. Have you checked Craig's list for used stand ons in your area?
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Shughes717
I totally agree with you ric. Whenever I see a company using a Stander I tend to look longer because they are cool and I just want to see what they are running. It is just a lot of money I'm not going to buy these mowers any time soon I am just planning ahead so I know what I want to buy when I get to the point that I need it. If I was made of money and had enough customers to justify it I think the Grandstand would be my ideal mower. But with only ten customers and mowing 14 lawns a week I don't think I can justify the 8k cost. I'm still considering all the mowers the WB, Standers, and ZTRs. Because like someone said earlier if the ZTR can't get there or handle a hill I can just push mow it with a 21.
Also i have magnets on my car with my name logo and phone number.
I can see that you are being very deliberate in making your decision. That shows some maturity. Ric has the experience with using stand on mowers for a lawn business. Have you checked Craig's list for used stand ons in your area?
#98
C
Conn0r33
I have not yet. I'm not sure on used yet because I would hate to buy one and have something go wrong or break and not have a warrenty. Now that probably won't happen quickly but I am just tired of repairs and I am leaning towards new but I could probably afford one if I buy used.
C
Conn0r33
I can see that you are being very deliberate in making your decision. That shows some maturity. Ric has the experience with using stand on mowers for a lawn business. Have you checked Craig's list for used stand ons in your area?
I have not yet. I'm not sure on used yet because I would hate to buy one and have something go wrong or break and not have a warrenty. Now that probably won't happen quickly but I am just tired of repairs and I am leaning towards new but I could probably afford one if I buy used.
#99
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Shughes717
I can understand that. It is tough to buy used if you don't have much experience with working on your own equipment. If you know a good mechanic who could go with you to look at the used mowers before you consider purchasing it would be a good idea. It is a risk, but if you can get a few seasons out of it then that could help you get your business up and going. If you are positive that a stand on is what you eventually want to get to, then used will be the quickest way to get one. I don't have any experience mowing small lawns, so I couldn't say what would be your best option. I do know that any of the three options you are considering will be faster than what you are doing now.
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Shughes717
I have not yet. I'm not sure on used yet because I would hate to buy one and have something go wrong or break and not have a warrenty. Now that probably won't happen quickly but I am just tired of repairs and I am leaning towards new but I could probably afford one if I buy used.
I can understand that. It is tough to buy used if you don't have much experience with working on your own equipment. If you know a good mechanic who could go with you to look at the used mowers before you consider purchasing it would be a good idea. It is a risk, but if you can get a few seasons out of it then that could help you get your business up and going. If you are positive that a stand on is what you eventually want to get to, then used will be the quickest way to get one. I don't have any experience mowing small lawns, so I couldn't say what would be your best option. I do know that any of the three options you are considering will be faster than what you are doing now.
#100
C
Conn0r33
I know a good mechanic/dealer who could probably check it out for me.
How many hours or years would you say a commercial mower like the grandstand would be able to get?
C
Conn0r33
I can understand that. It is tough to buy used if you don't have much experience with working on your own equipment. If you know a good mechanic who could go with you to look at the used mowers before you consider purchasing it would be a good idea. It is a risk, but if you can get a few seasons out of it then that could help you get your business up and going.
I know a good mechanic/dealer who could probably check it out for me.
How many hours or years would you say a commercial mower like the grandstand would be able to get?
#101
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Shughes717
I don't have much experience with stand on mowers, but I do with the engines that are used on them. A commercial ztr mower can run several thousand hours. I have friends who mow with 2004 model mowers that have over 6000 hours and they are still running great. Your mechanic friend will be able to give you good advice concerning the power train. It really depends on how well the mowers are maintained. Commercial mowers are built very sturdy, and can go for a long time if taken care of.
S
Shughes717
I know a good mechanic/dealer who could probably check it out for me.
How many hours or years would you say a commercial mower like the grandstand would be able to get?
I don't have much experience with stand on mowers, but I do with the engines that are used on them. A commercial ztr mower can run several thousand hours. I have friends who mow with 2004 model mowers that have over 6000 hours and they are still running great. Your mechanic friend will be able to give you good advice concerning the power train. It really depends on how well the mowers are maintained. Commercial mowers are built very sturdy, and can go for a long time if taken care of.
#102
C
Conn0r33
C
Conn0r33
Ok thank you. I'm also thinking about the Snapper Pro SW20 and the SW30 they are my only option for cheaper WB. The Toro WB if you want hydro and a floating deck it's still over 7k. Sadly he doesn't have any brand besides toro that makes a Stander.I don't have much experience with stand on mowers, but I do with the engines that are used on them. A commercial ztr mower can run several thousand hours. I have friends who mow with 2004 model mowers that have over 6000 hours and they are still running great. Your mechanic friend will be able to give you good advice concerning the power train. It really depends on how well the mowers are maintained. Commercial mowers are built very sturdy.
#103
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Shughes717
I can tell you that snapper pro zero turn mowers are very good machines. I currently own a s150xt myself. I am sure their walk behind will be quality machines as well. Snapper pro and ferris are both owned by briggs & Stratton and are very similarly made. Scag makes a pretty popular stand on mower. Walker is also known for their stand on mowers. We don't see very many of them in these parts. Ztr mowers are what all of the lawn care companies use around here.
S
Shughes717
Ok thank you. I'm also thinking about the Snapper Pro SW20 and the SW30 they are my only option for cheaper WB. The Toro WB if you want hydro and a floating deck it's still over 7k. Sadly he doesn't have any brand besides toro that makes a Stander.
I can tell you that snapper pro zero turn mowers are very good machines. I currently own a s150xt myself. I am sure their walk behind will be quality machines as well. Snapper pro and ferris are both owned by briggs & Stratton and are very similarly made. Scag makes a pretty popular stand on mower. Walker is also known for their stand on mowers. We don't see very many of them in these parts. Ztr mowers are what all of the lawn care companies use around here.
#104
C
Conn0r33
I've been thinking about Snapper Pro ZTRs also. Could you tell me what you paid for yours? How wide of a deck do you have? I've checkedou Scag and I might choose their stand on but a toro dealer is WAY closer. And I don't have any walker dealers anywhere near. Have you seen the small ZTR by Snapper Pro I think it's the s50xt it's in 36 and 48 but it doesn't have that roll bar.
C
Conn0r33
I can tell you that snapper pro zero turn mowers are very good machines. I currently own a s150xt myself. I am sure their walk behind will be quality machines as well. Snapper pro and ferris are both owned by briggs & Stratton and are very similarly made. Scag makes a pretty popular stand on mower. Walker is also known for their stand on mowers. We don't see very many of them in these parts. Ztr mowers are what all of the lawn care companies use around here.
I've been thinking about Snapper Pro ZTRs also. Could you tell me what you paid for yours? How wide of a deck do you have? I've checkedou Scag and I might choose their stand on but a toro dealer is WAY closer. And I don't have any walker dealers anywhere near. Have you seen the small ZTR by Snapper Pro I think it's the s50xt it's in 36 and 48 but it doesn't have that roll bar.
#105
S
Shughes717
I am very experienced with snapper pro ztr mowers. They offer the most bang for your buck as far as pricing. I have a 2012 48" s150xt. I paid $5500 for mine new, but a new 48" s150xt runs about $6500 now. I have a friend who just purchased a 2009 s50x. It is also a very good mower. The s50xt is offered with the fx series Kawasaki engine, and commercial zt3100 hydros. The 48" has the icd deck which is a very good cutting deck. A 48" s50xt with the fx series Kawi will run around $4500 to $4800. You can get one with the commercial turf engine for around $4100.
I went with the s150xt when I purchased mine because it comes with the heavy duty zt5400 hydros, which help it hold hills better than a ztr with smaller hydros. I am very satisfied with my mower. It handles my 4.2 acres with ease. My father has a 2011 61" s200xt with the big block vanguard and that mower is an awesome machine as well. He uses his like a bush hog around his farm shop. He is rough on equipment and abuses his mower. It has taken the punishment and still runs great.
S
Shughes717
I've been thinking about Snapper Pro ZTRs also. Could you tell me what you paid for yours? How wide of a deck do you have? I've checkedou Scag and I might choose their stand on but a toro dealer is WAY closer. And I don't have any walker dealers anywhere near. Have you seen the small ZTR by Snapper Pro I think it's the s50xt it's in 36 and 48 but it doesn't have that roll bar.
I am very experienced with snapper pro ztr mowers. They offer the most bang for your buck as far as pricing. I have a 2012 48" s150xt. I paid $5500 for mine new, but a new 48" s150xt runs about $6500 now. I have a friend who just purchased a 2009 s50x. It is also a very good mower. The s50xt is offered with the fx series Kawasaki engine, and commercial zt3100 hydros. The 48" has the icd deck which is a very good cutting deck. A 48" s50xt with the fx series Kawi will run around $4500 to $4800. You can get one with the commercial turf engine for around $4100.
I went with the s150xt when I purchased mine because it comes with the heavy duty zt5400 hydros, which help it hold hills better than a ztr with smaller hydros. I am very satisfied with my mower. It handles my 4.2 acres with ease. My father has a 2011 61" s200xt with the big block vanguard and that mower is an awesome machine as well. He uses his like a bush hog around his farm shop. He is rough on equipment and abuses his mower. It has taken the punishment and still runs great.
#106
C
Conn0r33
C
Conn0r33
Thank you so much!I am very experienced with snapper pro ztr mowers. They offer the most bang for your buck as far as pricing. I have a 2012 48" s150xt. I paid $5500 for mine new, but a new 48" s150xt runs about $6500 now. I have a friend who just purchased a 2009 s50x. It is also a very good mower. The s50xt is offered with the fx series Kawasaki engine, and commercial zt3100 hydros. The 48" has the icd deck which is a very good cutting deck. A 48" s50xt with the fx series Kawi will run around $4500 to $4800. You can get one with the commercial turf engine for around $4100.
I went with the s150xt when I purchased mine because it comes with the heavy duty zt5400 hydros, which help it hold hills better than a ztr with smaller hydros. I am very satisfied with my mower. It handles my 4.2 acres with ease. My father has a 2011 61" s200xt with the big block vanguard and that mower is an awesome machine as well. He uses his like a bush hog around his farm shop. He is rough on equipment and abuses his mower. It has taken the punishment and still runs great.
#107
S
Shughes717
No problem. You will learn as you begin shopping for commercial ztr mowers that every brand offers similar drive train options with fabricated decks. Each commercial brand will either have the fs series Kawi, the fx series Kawi, the b&s commercial turf, the b&s vanguard, the kohler command, or command pro engine. Most will be offered with hydrogear transmissions as well. Their commercial line starts with the zt3100 hydros and go up to the heavy duty zt5400 hydros. After that you are paying for paint color and what ever extra features each brand offers that sets them apart from the others.
S
Shughes717
Thank you so much!
No problem. You will learn as you begin shopping for commercial ztr mowers that every brand offers similar drive train options with fabricated decks. Each commercial brand will either have the fs series Kawi, the fx series Kawi, the b&s commercial turf, the b&s vanguard, the kohler command, or command pro engine. Most will be offered with hydrogear transmissions as well. Their commercial line starts with the zt3100 hydros and go up to the heavy duty zt5400 hydros. After that you are paying for paint color and what ever extra features each brand offers that sets them apart from the others.
#108
Ric
Shuges maybe is experienced with snapper mowers and that mower for him maybe the best bang for the buck but for you I think it could be a down fall. Yeah he likes to talk about the 5400 drives and there great drives but there not going to hold hills any better than any other because the drives have nothing to do with holding hills. Drive units are match with the HP rating and weight of the mower. Drives have nothing to do with holding hills, it's the weight of the mower that may give you an edge on hills.
He likes to talk about doing his 4.2 acres and doing it with ease once a week maybe twice and the mower I have no doubt the mower does handle it, but a 48" with 3400 drive will do the same or a 48" with 2800 drives will do the same. Talk about 4.2 acres, I do that and more everyday 6 days a week for the business with a Grandstand and a 48" ztr and both run a lot cheaper than his. See in business the best bang for the buck isn't the cheapest mower with the most, it's how efficient the mower is that counts because that and maybe the warranty can effect your bottom line at the end of the year. and possibly the next five years with the Grandstand.
Ric
I am very experienced with snapper pro ztr mowers. They offer the most bang for your buck as far as pricing. I have a 2012 48" s150xt. I paid $5500 for mine new, but a new 48" s150xt runs about $6500 now. I have a friend who just purchased a 2009 s50x. It is also a very good mower. The s50xt is offered with the fx series Kawasaki engine, and commercial zt3100 hydros. The 48" has the icd deck which is a very good cutting deck. A 48" s50xt with the fx series Kawi will run around $4500 to $4800. You can get one with the commercial turf engine for around $4100.
I went with the s150xt when I purchased mine because it comes with the heavy duty zt5400 hydros, which help it hold hills better than a ztr with smaller hydros. I am very satisfied with my mower. It handles my 4.2 acres with ease. My father has a 2011 61" s200xt with the big block vanguard and that mower is an awesome machine as well. He uses his like a bush hog around his farm shop. He is rough on equipment and abuses his mower. It has taken the punishment and still runs great.
Thank you so much!
Shuges maybe is experienced with snapper mowers and that mower for him maybe the best bang for the buck but for you I think it could be a down fall. Yeah he likes to talk about the 5400 drives and there great drives but there not going to hold hills any better than any other because the drives have nothing to do with holding hills. Drive units are match with the HP rating and weight of the mower. Drives have nothing to do with holding hills, it's the weight of the mower that may give you an edge on hills.
He likes to talk about doing his 4.2 acres and doing it with ease once a week maybe twice and the mower I have no doubt the mower does handle it, but a 48" with 3400 drive will do the same or a 48" with 2800 drives will do the same. Talk about 4.2 acres, I do that and more everyday 6 days a week for the business with a Grandstand and a 48" ztr and both run a lot cheaper than his. See in business the best bang for the buck isn't the cheapest mower with the most, it's how efficient the mower is that counts because that and maybe the warranty can effect your bottom line at the end of the year. and possibly the next five years with the Grandstand.
#109
S
Shughes717
How does both of your mowers run cheaper than mine? That is a claim you can't prove mainly because you have never owned a snapper pro or ferris. It's easy to make claims such as that when you have no experience with those machines. How much did your zmaster 2000 cost you? Bet it was much more than my snapper pro, and my snapper pro has a better drive train. Yes zt 2800 and zt3400 hydros will handle my property, but I would take the heavy duty zt5400 hydros over the others any day. I'm not saying the zmaster isn't a good mower because it is a very good mower. Toro just doesn't match the price of snapper pro. Several lawn care businesses around here run snapper pro mowers and they cover much more acreage than you will in your area. Lawn care companies here mow larger acreage because we are in a rural area. Tell him the truth. The fact is that you blindly hate everything that is even associated with briggs & Stratton.
S
Shughes717
Shuges maybe is experienced with snapper mowers and that mower for him maybe the best bang for the buck but for you I think it could be a down fall. Yeah he likes to talk about the 5400 drives and there great drives but there not going to hold hills any better than any other because the drives have nothing to do with holding hills. Drive units are match with the HP rating and weight of the mower. Drives have nothing to do with holding hills, it's the weight of the mower that may give you an edge on hills.
He likes to talk about doing his 4.2 acres and doing it with ease once a week maybe twice and the mower I have no doubt the mower does handle it, but a 48" with 3400 drive will do the same or a 48" with 2800 drives will do the same. Talk about 4.2 acres, I do that and more everyday 6 days a week for the business with a Grandstand and a 48" ztr and both run a lot cheaper than his. See in business the best bang for the buck isn't the cheapest mower with the most, it's how efficient the mower is that counts because that and maybe the warranty can effect your bottom line at the end of the year. and possibly the next five years with the Grandstand.
How does both of your mowers run cheaper than mine? That is a claim you can't prove mainly because you have never owned a snapper pro or ferris. It's easy to make claims such as that when you have no experience with those machines. How much did your zmaster 2000 cost you? Bet it was much more than my snapper pro, and my snapper pro has a better drive train. Yes zt 2800 and zt3400 hydros will handle my property, but I would take the heavy duty zt5400 hydros over the others any day. I'm not saying the zmaster isn't a good mower because it is a very good mower. Toro just doesn't match the price of snapper pro. Several lawn care businesses around here run snapper pro mowers and they cover much more acreage than you will in your area. Lawn care companies here mow larger acreage because we are in a rural area. Tell him the truth. The fact is that you blindly hate everything that is even associated with briggs & Stratton.
#110
C
Conn0r33
Why would he hate B&S?
C
Conn0r33
How does both of your mowers run cheaper than mine? That is a claim you can't prove mainly because you have never owned a snapper pro or ferris. It's easy to make claims such as that when you have no experience with those machines. How much did your zmaster 2000 cost you? Bet it was much more than my snapper pro, and my snapper pro has a better drive train. Yes zt 2800 and zt3400 hydros will handle my property, but I would take the heavy duty zt5400 hydros over the others any day. I'm not saying the zmaster isn't a good mower because it is a very good mower. Toro just doesn't match the price of snapper pro. Several lawn care businesses around here run snapper pro mowers and they cover much more acreage than you will in your area. Lawn care companies here mow larger acreage because we are in a rural area. Tell him the truth. The fact is that you blindly hate everything that is even associated with briggs & Stratton.
Why would he hate B&S?
#111
S
Shughes717
Only Ric can answer that ?. We have had numerous debates over it in the past. I honestly dont like their lower end residential products myself. That has nothing to do with snapper pro or ferris products though. They are just as well made as every other commercial mower out there. Ric has never used snapper pro or ferris mowers, so he cant give an honest informed opinion.
S
Shughes717
Why would he hate B&S?
Only Ric can answer that ?. We have had numerous debates over it in the past. I honestly dont like their lower end residential products myself. That has nothing to do with snapper pro or ferris products though. They are just as well made as every other commercial mower out there. Ric has never used snapper pro or ferris mowers, so he cant give an honest informed opinion.
#112
Ric
Ric
#113
C
Conn0r33
If I got it from another dealer how much less realistically would you say the price might be?
C
Conn0r33
Seriously after watching that video it is the perfect lawn mower for me I think. It's just SOOOO much money. :smiley_aafz::frown:
If I got it from another dealer how much less realistically would you say the price might be?
#114
Ric
I don't know what your dealer is asking but here there getting $7495 for the 36" and of coarse if you want the larger decks the price goes up. Realistically and if the dealer is willing to deal he should be able to discount the price enough to save you at least the amount of the sales Tax which here would amount to like $525 and the last I knew Toro was offering a $300 off the price of there standers so you should be looking at a final price of somewhere between $6700 and $6800 OTD.
Yeah It is a lot of money but it's something that will give you a lot of years of service and it's basically maintenance free except for some grease points on the lift because it's all sealed bearings, change the oil filter and oil every 50 hrs and you got it made.
Ric
Seriously after watching that video it is the perfect lawn mower for me I think. It's just SOOOO much money. :smiley_aafz::frown:
If I got it from another dealer how much less realistically would you say the price might be?
I don't know what your dealer is asking but here there getting $7495 for the 36" and of coarse if you want the larger decks the price goes up. Realistically and if the dealer is willing to deal he should be able to discount the price enough to save you at least the amount of the sales Tax which here would amount to like $525 and the last I knew Toro was offering a $300 off the price of there standers so you should be looking at a final price of somewhere between $6700 and $6800 OTD.
Yeah It is a lot of money but it's something that will give you a lot of years of service and it's basically maintenance free except for some grease points on the lift because it's all sealed bearings, change the oil filter and oil every 50 hrs and you got it made.
#115
C
Conn0r33
C
Conn0r33
Do you have to grease spots on a Walk Behind?I don't know what your dealer is asking but here there getting $7495 for the 36" and of coarse if you want the larger decks the price goes up. Realistically and if the dealer is willing to deal he should be able to discount the price enough to save you at least the amount of the sales Tax which here would amount to like $525 and the last I knew Toro was offering a $300 off the price of there standers so you should be looking at a final price of somewhere between $6700 and $6800 OTD.
Yeah It is a lot of money but it's something that will give you a lot of years of service and it's basically maintenance free except for some grease points on the lift because it's all sealed bearings, change the oil filter and oil every 50 hrs and you got it made.
#116
Ric
It depends on the unit you buy. The more expensive units could be set up the sealed bearings on the front wheels and spindles but more than likely you'll have greasing to do on any unit some where. I never like the walk behind mowers. I ran the G 1336 and the cutting height was a PITA you gad to pull pins and remove the wheel and adjust spacers each time you wanted to change the cutting heights and you were a greasy mess when you got through. My advice if your thinking about a WB with a sulky I'd say forget it :laughing: You'll look like Chubby Checker doing the twist mowing a lawn.
Ric
Do you have to grease spots on a Walk Behind?
It depends on the unit you buy. The more expensive units could be set up the sealed bearings on the front wheels and spindles but more than likely you'll have greasing to do on any unit some where. I never like the walk behind mowers. I ran the G 1336 and the cutting height was a PITA you gad to pull pins and remove the wheel and adjust spacers each time you wanted to change the cutting heights and you were a greasy mess when you got through. My advice if your thinking about a WB with a sulky I'd say forget it :laughing: You'll look like Chubby Checker doing the twist mowing a lawn.
#117
L
LoCo86
If that's your experience with a walk behind then you don't know anything about walk behinds. You're just trying to discourage him because you had some cheap cub cadet. That's not fair to him. I have and use all three types of mower styles and for him a walk behind is the way to go. I've never seen a lawn crew without one so he's going to need one anyway even if he does expand.
L
LoCo86
It depends on the unit you buy. The more expensive units could be set up the sealed bearings on the front wheels and spindles but more than likely you'll have greasing to do on any unit some where. I never like the walk behind mowers. I ran the G 1336 and the cutting height was a PITA you gad to pull pins and remove the wheel and adjust spacers each time you wanted to change the cutting heights and you were a greasy mess when you got through. My advice if your thinking about a WB with a sulky I'd say forget it :laughing: You'll look like Chubby Checker doing the twist mowing a lawn.
If that's your experience with a walk behind then you don't know anything about walk behinds. You're just trying to discourage him because you had some cheap cub cadet. That's not fair to him. I have and use all three types of mower styles and for him a walk behind is the way to go. I've never seen a lawn crew without one so he's going to need one anyway even if he does expand.
#118
Ric
With the Grandstand he has a walk behind, he has the best of both worlds.
Ric
If that's your experience with a walk behind then you don't know anything about walk behinds. You're just trying to discourage him because you had some cheap cub cadet. That's not fair to him. I have and use all three types of mower styles and for him a walk behind is the way to go. I've never seen a lawn crew without one so he's going to need one anyway even if he does expand.
With the Grandstand he has a walk behind, he has the best of both worlds.
#119
C
Conn0r33
That's only with a fixed deck. Check out snapper pro's SW20 or 30 or Scag's V-Ride the floating decks because it's very easy to change cutting height with a floating deck.
C
Conn0r33
It depends on the unit you buy. The more expensive units could be set up the sealed bearings on the front wheels and spindles but more than likely you'll have greasing to do on any unit some where. I never like the walk behind mowers. I ran the G 1336 and the cutting height was a PITA you gad to pull pins and remove the wheel and adjust spacers each time you wanted to change the cutting heights and you were a greasy mess when you got through. My advice if your thinking about a WB with a sulky I'd say forget it :laughing: You'll look like Chubby Checker doing the twist mowing a lawn.
That's only with a fixed deck. Check out snapper pro's SW20 or 30 or Scag's V-Ride the floating decks because it's very easy to change cutting height with a floating deck.
#120
Ric
Yeah your right and I know that, it's like I said It depends on the unit you buy. The more expensive units could be set up the sealed bearings on the front wheels and spindles but more than likely you'll have greasing to do on any unit some where. The good units or walk behind mowers with all the fun bells and whistles will cost close to the price of the Grandstand and for the money difference there's no choice when I can have the best of both worlds with the GS and that's the reason I sold the G 1336.
You ask a question of another forum member here about Why would he hate B&S? Well let me answer. I've been mowing lawns for a good number of years and I've had plenty of experience with B&S stuff/engines over the years and I've replaced a lot of B&S stuff/ engines in that time so I know about the quality of there equipment and it hasn't changed. My last and final experience with B&S was a $600 electric start push mower that the wife used to mow with when she was helping me with the business.
She came to and asked to have the blade changed so I turned the mower up and I pulled the bolt to take off the blade and what happens.....a piece of the adapter plate falls off so I pulled the rest of the plate because I knew it would have to be replaced and what do I find..... The shear pin had sheared about half of the crankshaft off so I'm sitting here with a $600 mower that I end up throwing in the trash. Quality equipment and B&S shouldn't be used in the same sentence.
Now am I going to buy my mower like Snapper that went belly up and was and purchased by B&S... I don't think so. I mean really there already selling the Snapper push mower and Lawn tractors at Walmart and btw don't let anyone start talking about the B&S VG engine and I have to admit it's a good engine as it should be, problem is the engine isn't made by B&S it's made by Daihatsu. B&S
built them a plant in Japan in exchange for marketing rights for the motor here in this country, that's the reason it's a good engine. Sorry about the Rant Conner
Ric
That's only with a fixed deck. Check out snapper pro's SW20 or 30 or Scag's V-Ride the floating decks because it's very easy to change cutting height with a floating deck.
Yeah your right and I know that, it's like I said It depends on the unit you buy. The more expensive units could be set up the sealed bearings on the front wheels and spindles but more than likely you'll have greasing to do on any unit some where. The good units or walk behind mowers with all the fun bells and whistles will cost close to the price of the Grandstand and for the money difference there's no choice when I can have the best of both worlds with the GS and that's the reason I sold the G 1336.
You ask a question of another forum member here about Why would he hate B&S? Well let me answer. I've been mowing lawns for a good number of years and I've had plenty of experience with B&S stuff/engines over the years and I've replaced a lot of B&S stuff/ engines in that time so I know about the quality of there equipment and it hasn't changed. My last and final experience with B&S was a $600 electric start push mower that the wife used to mow with when she was helping me with the business.
She came to and asked to have the blade changed so I turned the mower up and I pulled the bolt to take off the blade and what happens.....a piece of the adapter plate falls off so I pulled the rest of the plate because I knew it would have to be replaced and what do I find..... The shear pin had sheared about half of the crankshaft off so I'm sitting here with a $600 mower that I end up throwing in the trash. Quality equipment and B&S shouldn't be used in the same sentence.
Now am I going to buy my mower like Snapper that went belly up and was and purchased by B&S... I don't think so. I mean really there already selling the Snapper push mower and Lawn tractors at Walmart and btw don't let anyone start talking about the B&S VG engine and I have to admit it's a good engine as it should be, problem is the engine isn't made by B&S it's made by Daihatsu. B&S
built them a plant in Japan in exchange for marketing rights for the motor here in this country, that's the reason it's a good engine. Sorry about the Rant Conner
#121
S
Shughes717
Snapper didn't go belly up. Still make their mowers in the same factory they have been making them for years. Snapper, snapper pro, and ferris were bought by simplicity which was bought by briggs & Stratton in 2002. Just because the companies were purchased doesn't mean they were going under. You should know your facts before talking about companies. I Am not a fan of the low end briggs & Stratton products either, but Ferris and Snapper pro are quality machines. None of those low end briggs engines are even offered on those mowers. In fact, they have the same drive train options as all of the other brands (including toro). Answer this ?. Have you ever owned, or used a snapper pro or ferris mower? I know you haven't, so how can you give advice about the quality of their machines?
As for sealed bearings vs greasable, I will take greasable any day. Bearings need lubrication. When the grease in the sealed bearing breaks down, and it will, you will have to replace them sooner than you will with a bearing that you can keep lubricated. Just because it's sealed doesn't mean that it's made heavier. I grew up working on a 4000 acre cotton farm and used all sorts of heavy duty farm equipment. Just about every bearing was greasable.
S
Shughes717
Yeah your right and I know that, it's like I said It depends on the unit you buy. The more expensive units could be set up the sealed bearings on the front wheels and spindles but more than likely you'll have greasing to do on any unit some where. The good units or walk behind mowers with all the fun bells and whistles will cost close to the price of the Grandstand and for the money difference there's no choice when I can have the best of both worlds with the GS and that's the reason I sold the G 1336.
You ask a question of another forum member here about Why would he hate B&S? Well let me answer. I've been mowing lawns for a good number of years and I've had plenty of experience with B&S stuff/engines over the years and I've replaced a lot of B&S stuff/ engines in that time so I know about the quality of there equipment and it hasn't changed. My last and final experience with B&S was a $600 electric start push mower that the wife used to mow with when she was helping me with the business.
She came to and asked to have the blade changed so I turned the mower up and I pulled the bolt to take off the blade and what happens.....a piece of the adapter plate falls off so I pulled the rest of the plate because I knew it would have to be replaced and what do I find..... The shear pin had sheared about half of the crankshaft off so I'm sitting here with a $600 mower that I end up throwing in the trash. Quality equipment and B&S shouldn't be used in the same sentence.
Now am I going to buy my mower like Snapper that went belly up and was and purchased by B&S... I don't think so. I mean really there already selling the Snapper push mower and Lawn tractors at Walmart and btw don't let anyone start talking about the B&S VG engine and I have to admit it's a good engine as it should be, problem is the engine isn't made by B&S it's made by Daihatsu. B&S
built them a plant in Japan in exchange for marketing rights for the motor here in this country, that's the reason it's a good engine. Sorry about the Rant Conner
Snapper didn't go belly up. Still make their mowers in the same factory they have been making them for years. Snapper, snapper pro, and ferris were bought by simplicity which was bought by briggs & Stratton in 2002. Just because the companies were purchased doesn't mean they were going under. You should know your facts before talking about companies. I Am not a fan of the low end briggs & Stratton products either, but Ferris and Snapper pro are quality machines. None of those low end briggs engines are even offered on those mowers. In fact, they have the same drive train options as all of the other brands (including toro). Answer this ?. Have you ever owned, or used a snapper pro or ferris mower? I know you haven't, so how can you give advice about the quality of their machines?
As for sealed bearings vs greasable, I will take greasable any day. Bearings need lubrication. When the grease in the sealed bearing breaks down, and it will, you will have to replace them sooner than you will with a bearing that you can keep lubricated. Just because it's sealed doesn't mean that it's made heavier. I grew up working on a 4000 acre cotton farm and used all sorts of heavy duty farm equipment. Just about every bearing was greasable.