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bobcat
#1
E
edd
E
edd
anybody running a bobcat predator pro? dealer here has a good deal on a demo...61 inch deck with 34 kawa......wondering if anybody can speak firsthand about bobcat quality
#2
djdicetn
There have been several forum users that purchased/owned a Bobcat and I've only heard good things about their quality. Have you checked out the Bobcat website? There were no dealers close to me when I was looking last fall or i would have taken a look at least.
P.S.
Also, I've read customer reviews that these ZTR's have a natural tendency to stripe(without a striper kit).
P.S.S.
I've done some side-by-side tech spec comparisons and the Bobcat FastCat Pro is very similar in build to my Gravely 100XDZ. The Predator Pro is a "step up" and would compare to a Gravely Pro-Turn 200XDZ(that has a recommended MSRP of $10,399...on sale right now for $9699). The Gravely's, though have a little beefier deck in my opinion(all 7gauge with a lifetime warranty). Both of the Bobcats I mentioned have a 10 gauge shell with 7gauge and 3gauge reinforcements). The Predator Pro weighs about the same as the Gravely Pro Turn 200 and has a slightly larger Kawasaki engine(the Gravely has a 27hp). Very comparable machines overall though.
What is the dealer asking for the demo???
djdicetn
anybody running a bobcat predator pro? dealer here has a good deal on a demo...61 inch deck with 34 kawa......wondering if anybody can speak firsthand about bobcat quality
There have been several forum users that purchased/owned a Bobcat and I've only heard good things about their quality. Have you checked out the Bobcat website? There were no dealers close to me when I was looking last fall or i would have taken a look at least.
P.S.
Also, I've read customer reviews that these ZTR's have a natural tendency to stripe(without a striper kit).
P.S.S.
I've done some side-by-side tech spec comparisons and the Bobcat FastCat Pro is very similar in build to my Gravely 100XDZ. The Predator Pro is a "step up" and would compare to a Gravely Pro-Turn 200XDZ(that has a recommended MSRP of $10,399...on sale right now for $9699). The Gravely's, though have a little beefier deck in my opinion(all 7gauge with a lifetime warranty). Both of the Bobcats I mentioned have a 10 gauge shell with 7gauge and 3gauge reinforcements). The Predator Pro weighs about the same as the Gravely Pro Turn 200 and has a slightly larger Kawasaki engine(the Gravely has a 27hp). Very comparable machines overall though.
What is the dealer asking for the demo???
#3
lawn mower fanatic
The closest dealer to me is over 20 mins. away...and it just looks like a farm! After that it's 30 miles away. :frown:
lawn mower fanatic
There have been several forum users that purchased/owned a Bobcat and I've only heard good things about their quality. Have you checked out the Bobcat website? There were no dealers close to me when I was looking last fall or i would have taken a look at least.
The closest dealer to me is over 20 mins. away...and it just looks like a farm! After that it's 30 miles away. :frown:
#4
djdicetn
So you passed on that Hustler Super Z you were looking at???
P.S.
My local dealer shows the Pro Turn 400XDZ(60") with the Kawa on sale at $11,199(regularly $12,239). That would definitely outclass that Bobcat!!!! Maybe your Gravely dealer has a 460 demo:0)
djdicetn
anybody running a bobcat predator pro? dealer here has a good deal on a demo...61 inch deck with 34 kawa......wondering if anybody can speak firsthand about bobcat quality
So you passed on that Hustler Super Z you were looking at???
P.S.
My local dealer shows the Pro Turn 400XDZ(60") with the Kawa on sale at $11,199(regularly $12,239). That would definitely outclass that Bobcat!!!! Maybe your Gravely dealer has a 460 demo:0)
#5
E
edd
E
edd
no demo at gravely dealer plus their service dept is not good.....heard this from other customers of theirs......can get a big dog diablo x demo for 7300 or the bobcat predator pro for 8500 ......super z is good but their is not 3500 dollars difference over the diablo.....bobcat predator pro is more comparable to gravely 460 imho......
#6
A
Altarboy
A
Altarboy
I'm not much help as I recently bought my Bobcat and only have 5 hours on it, but it is too fine for words. My 2.5 acre lawn (with muy trees thanks to arborday foundation) which used to take around four hours now takes about an hour and a half.
#7
B
Brucebotti
How about some pictures? :smile:
B
Brucebotti
I'm not much help as I recently bought my Bobcat and only have 5 hours on it, but it is too fine for words. My 2.5 acre lawn (with muy trees thanks to arborday foundation) which used to take around four hours now takes about an hour and a half.
How about some pictures? :smile:
#8
djdicetn
djdicetn
I think the OP(user edd) decided to go with a deal he got on a Big Dog Diablo. A fine machine in it's own right!! Anxiously awaiting a picture from him:0)
BTW, I've only heard good things about Bobcat ZTR's, but was mildly surprised that edd mentioned that the Predator Pro had aluminum spindle housings rather than the heavy duty/commercial cast iron(unusual for a $8K ZTR). Not saying that aluminum spindle housings are not durable/reliable but the cast iron can take a lot of punishment compared to the aluminum without any problems.
BTW, I've only heard good things about Bobcat ZTR's, but was mildly surprised that edd mentioned that the Predator Pro had aluminum spindle housings rather than the heavy duty/commercial cast iron(unusual for a $8K ZTR). Not saying that aluminum spindle housings are not durable/reliable but the cast iron can take a lot of punishment compared to the aluminum without any problems.
#9
E
edd
E
edd
demoed a predator pro and was impressed....pros----mowed thru grass at 12 mph....comfortable seat....good purchase program......cons----higher center of gravity than big dog....new type battery which cant be replaced cheaply.....looked like a good quality mower and probly would have bought it if this big dog diablo had not been priced 1500 dollars lower....
#10
exotion
exotion
I have a had time believing it can give a quality cut at 12mph this sounds like transport speed
#11
lawn mower fanatic
I think if you keep the blades super sharp it can (in a perfect world) cut well at 12 mph, since most of those mowers have a high BTS. But a lot of my yards are too bumpy and I would fly off of the seat if I went that fast. What I'm trying to say is that the mowers probably can cut well at that speed, but a lot of the time conditions won't allow for it.
lawn mower fanatic
I have a had time believing it can give a quality cut at 12mph this sounds like transport speed
I think if you keep the blades super sharp it can (in a perfect world) cut well at 12 mph, since most of those mowers have a high BTS. But a lot of my yards are too bumpy and I would fly off of the seat if I went that fast. What I'm trying to say is that the mowers probably can cut well at that speed, but a lot of the time conditions won't allow for it.
#12
exotion
I don't think even at a high bts that a machine going 12 mph would be able to achieve vacumn enough to cut without leaving straglers
exotion
I think if you keep the blades super sharp it can (in a perfect world) cut well at 12 mph, since most of those mowers have a high BTS. But a lot of my yards are too bumpy and I would fly off of the seat if I went that fast. What I'm trying to say is that the mowers probably can cut well at that speed, but a lot of the time conditions won't allow for it.
I don't think even at a high bts that a machine going 12 mph would be able to achieve vacumn enough to cut without leaving straglers
#13
Carscw
Carscw
I know guys tha run bob cats and Dixie choppers and mow as fast as it will go and the cut is just as good as going slow. Some of them are rated at 4 to 5 acres a hour
(( cowboy up and get over it ))
(( cowboy up and get over it ))
#14
E
edd
E
edd
i cut a smooth area in front of the dealership and it cut good at top speed......that was the predator pro.....my new diablo will cut at 14 mph in a perfect world..BUT...what i have found out is that even smooth yards have small ridges and bumps that wont allow you to go that fast for long if at all.......about 10--11 mph would be a good consistant cut speed......the bobcat procat will do that.....the hustler x 1 was more machine than i thought it would be.....11 mph.....the difference is that at 11 mph it is tapped out and the diablo is at a fast idle.....but an x-1 with 54 '' deck would be suitable for anything most people cut.....diablo was priced 150 dollars less out the door ......i cut a 1 acre lot on diablo saturday and finished in less than 30 minutes......i figure 2 1/2 to 3 acres per hour will work,maybe 4 depending on type of ground.....these adds about 6 acres per hour must be calculations and not real world mowing
#15
S
sgmgarden
S
sgmgarden
I would definitely recommend Bobcat as a strong brand! Their products are made to a very high standard and speaking from experience, they do produce reliable machines which is important.
#16
exotion
I have never used their mowers but I have used some really big bobcat equipment doing construction they were definately built to take abuse
exotion
I would definitely recommend Bobcat as a strong brand! Their products are made to a very high standard and speaking from experience, they do produce reliable machines which is important.
I have never used their mowers but I have used some really big bobcat equipment doing construction they were definately built to take abuse
#17
djdicetn
My Gravely is rated at 10mph, and since getting used to a ZTR I've been mowing pretty consistently at about 8mph without any uncut stragglers(I'm one who doesn't believe in running ANY machinery at it's maximum speed for extended periods...I can justify short bursts on real even terrain, but not just "pedal to the metal" constantly). Now that I've installed a mulch kit(because of the extremely mild & wet summer we have had in middle TN making the grass grow fast & thick resulting in excessive clippings), I've had to slow down a bit to get the desired effect of mulching. I'm now probably running at about 6mph, which on a 1.5-2.0 acre lot doesn't take that much longer and I must say the cut I made this past weekend(first time since I installe the Gravely mulch kit that the grass was REALLY dry from 3-4 consecuting sunny days with temps in the 80's) I am ecstatic about the performance of the Gravely mulch kit. BARELY any clippings underneath the deck when finished and following the 1/3 rule(cutting 1/3 of the total uncut height of the grass) the fine layer of clippings pushed back into the cut area cannot be seen at all....but seem to give somewhat of a "striping effect" look to the yard(from cutting different directions each pass and the vague tire marks). I want to get the Gravely hex striper kit but just the mulching kit alone makes my yard look MUCH better than when I was cutting with the OEM blades and side-discharging. I'm gonna have to post some pics in the "Striping, Gotta Love It" thread just so you guys won't think this ole Gravely fanboy is just blowin' smoke:0)
djdicetn
I think if you keep the blades super sharp it can (in a perfect world) cut well at 12 mph, since most of those mowers have a high BTS. But a lot of my yards are too bumpy and I would fly off of the seat if I went that fast. What I'm trying to say is that the mowers probably can cut well at that speed, but a lot of the time conditions won't allow for it.
My Gravely is rated at 10mph, and since getting used to a ZTR I've been mowing pretty consistently at about 8mph without any uncut stragglers(I'm one who doesn't believe in running ANY machinery at it's maximum speed for extended periods...I can justify short bursts on real even terrain, but not just "pedal to the metal" constantly). Now that I've installed a mulch kit(because of the extremely mild & wet summer we have had in middle TN making the grass grow fast & thick resulting in excessive clippings), I've had to slow down a bit to get the desired effect of mulching. I'm now probably running at about 6mph, which on a 1.5-2.0 acre lot doesn't take that much longer and I must say the cut I made this past weekend(first time since I installe the Gravely mulch kit that the grass was REALLY dry from 3-4 consecuting sunny days with temps in the 80's) I am ecstatic about the performance of the Gravely mulch kit. BARELY any clippings underneath the deck when finished and following the 1/3 rule(cutting 1/3 of the total uncut height of the grass) the fine layer of clippings pushed back into the cut area cannot be seen at all....but seem to give somewhat of a "striping effect" look to the yard(from cutting different directions each pass and the vague tire marks). I want to get the Gravely hex striper kit but just the mulching kit alone makes my yard look MUCH better than when I was cutting with the OEM blades and side-discharging. I'm gonna have to post some pics in the "Striping, Gotta Love It" thread just so you guys won't think this ole Gravely fanboy is just blowin' smoke:0)
#18
lawn mower fanatic
Yes, pictures!
lawn mower fanatic
My Gravely is rated at 10mph, and since getting used to a ZTR I've been mowing pretty consistently at about 8mph without any uncut stragglers(I'm one who doesn't believe in running ANY machinery at it's maximum speed for extended periods...I can justify short bursts on real even terrain, but not just "pedal to the metal" constantly). Now that I've installed a mulch kit(because of the extremely mild & wet summer we have had in middle TN making the grass grow fast & thick resulting in excessive clippings), I've had to slow down a bit to get the desired effect of mulching. I'm now probably running at about 6mph, which on a 1.5-2.0 acre lot doesn't take that much longer and I must say the cut I made this past weekend(first time since I installe the Gravely mulch kit that the grass was REALLY dry from 3-4 consecuting sunny days with temps in the 80's) I am ecstatic about the performance of the Gravely mulch kit. BARELY any clippings underneath the deck when finished and following the 1/3 rule(cutting 1/3 of the total uncut height of the grass) the fine layer of clippings pushed back into the cut area cannot be seen at all....but seem to give somewhat of a "striping effect" look to the yard(from cutting different directions each pass and the vague tire marks). I want to get the Gravely hex striper kit but just the mulching kit alone makes my yard look MUCH better than when I was cutting with the OEM blades and side-discharging. I'm gonna have to post some pics in the "Striping, Gotta Love It" thread just so you guys won't think this ole Gravely fanboy is just blowin' smoke:0)
Yes, pictures!