Buying Advice Needed Please

[ssj_chris]

My Craftsman GT5000 has finally kicked it and I am in need of a new mower. I own an acre of land that is mostly flat, with a sand mound in the back, so minor slopes. I want to get something that's not cheaply built and will hold some value for when it comes time to trade in when I have more sufficient funds to get something like a Husqvarna M-ZT 52($5800).

So....I am need of some buying advice for residential use.

What mower, Riding Mower (Tractor or ZT) would you recommend for:
- New
- 1 acre, mostly flat with a sand mound
- $2000-$3600
- some landscaping to go around
- 43"+ deck
- Built well
- Maintains descent resale value

 

[Rivets]

Just posted this in a thread where the person is looking to upgrade to a tractor. You might want to read that thread. Being a Toro guy I recommend them as they hold up and hold their value very well. You might want to look at the TimeCutters.


Take a look at these new zero turns, comes in 32", 42", and 50". All under $3500. Might fit into your specifications.

https://m.toro.com/homeowner/riding-...200-74784.aspx

https://m.toro.com/homeowner/riding-mowers.aspx

 

[pugaltitude]

2nd the toro range.

Great company with great product.

Find a good dealer and you wont go wrong.

 

[ssj_chris]

2nd the toro range.

Great company with great product.

Find a good dealer and you wont go wrong.

Well I have been researching the TimeCutter SS5000 50 in. with the 23-HP Kawasaki V-Twin, my concern with the entry level mowers is the EZT Transmission that pretty much all of them come with.
From my understanding the EZT can't be serviced like the 2800, and 3100. Should I worry about the EZT??
Other than that the mower looks great, wish it had a roll bar, but you don't get all those features when you are in the lower market.

Would it be better to go with the Toro TimeCutter MX5050?

C

 

[Rivets]

The MX is a good step up from the SS. Either one will serve your needs, if you have the $$ it is worth the jump. This is the time I say "What does your gut tell you". Only you can make that decision.

 

[ssj_chris]

Looks like I have narrowed my decision down to two different mowers.

Toro TimeCutter MX5060Toro | TimeCutter® MX5060 - Zero Turn Lawn Mowers

Hustler Raptor SD 54" Hustler Turf 932558 Raptor SD 54 - The Mower Shop

My other problem is the cost..I would rather purchase from a dealer but it seems that buying from Lowes special order with 10% off saves almost $500. Dealer wouldn't budge on price...but offers 0% financing for 48 months
$3816 Lowes after 10% discount and tax (free setup and delivery)
$4300 from a Local dealer (MSRP+Tax+Delivery+Free Setup)

Do I pull the trigger from the big box stores or try to negotiate with the dealer. I would prefer financing and using a good dealer but I have an issue with the $500 difference...

 

[Shughes717]

Looks like I have narrowed my decision down to two different mowers.

Toro TimeCutter MX5060Toro | TimeCutterｮ MX5060 - Zero Turn Lawn Mowers

Hustler Raptor SD 54" Hustler Turf 932558 Raptor SD 54 - The Mower Shop

My other problem is the cost..I would rather purchase from a dealer but it seems that buying from Lowes special order with 10% off saves almost $500. Dealer wouldn't budge on price...but offers 0% financing for 48 months
$3816 Lowes after 10% discount and tax (free setup and delivery)
$4300 from a Local dealer (MSRP+Tax+Delivery+Free Setup)

Do I pull the trigger from the big box stores or try to negotiate with the dealer. I would prefer financing and using a good dealer but I have an issue with the $500 difference...

The main issue when you go with a big box store is when it is time to service the machine. If you are a do it your self kind of person then it's not a problem. If you plan on getting a dealer to service your machine then you may have an issue. Not saying they won't service it, but customers who purchased their mowers from the dealer will come first.

 

[1striper1]

I'm cutting and pasting this from another post I just made on a similar thread...but the advice still applies:

To me, the purchase comes down to which mower offers:

1. Buying it from a reputable dealer who knows their products and offers after sale support. NOT A BIG BOX STORE! (yes I'm shouting this I know!)
2. A "better" engine. Ask 5 guys which engine they like and you'll get 5 different opinions. For me it's the Kawi FX Series (dual carbs and dual air filtration). STAY AWAY from the B&S Pro Series (an oil burner).
(in your price range...if it has a Kawi it's likely the FR or FS series which is OK too)
3. Which ZTR has the stronger hydro's. (I looked up the spec's on the EZT Series yesterday for another guy and it looks like YOU CAN change the fluid)
4. Frame build quality.
5. IMO - do NOT get a rear discharge deck unless you see firsthand if the cut quality and clippings meet your expectations
6. For your size lawn, yes 4X" is a good size

I come back to #1 -- is there a dealer that you have a relationship with?

Don't be pennywise and dollar foolish whatever you do!

 

[Shughes717]

I'm cutting and pasting this from another post I just made on a similar thread...but the advice still applies:

To me, the purchase comes down to which mower offers:

1. Buying it from a reputable dealer who knows their products and offers after sale support. NOT A BIG BOX STORE! (yes I'm shouting this I know!)
2. A "better" engine. Ask 5 guys which engine they like and you'll get 5 different opinions. For me it's the Kawi FX Series (dual carbs and dual air filtration). STAY AWAY from the B&S Pro Series (an oil burner).
(in your price range...if it has a Kawi it's likely the FR or FS series which is OK too)
3. Which ZTR has the stronger hydro's. (I looked up the spec's on the EZT Series yesterday for another guy and it looks like YOU CAN change the fluid)
4. Frame build quality.
5. IMO - do NOT get a rear discharge deck unless you see firsthand if the cut quality and clippings meet your expectations
6. For your size lawn, yes 4X" is a good size

I come back to #1 -- is there a dealer that you have a relationship with?

Don't be pennywise and dollar foolish whatever you do!

The particular mowers the op is looking at have the same engine and frame Whether it's purchased at a big box store or a dealer. The main advantage to purchasing from a dealer is support after the sale.

 

[1striper1]

The particular mowers the op is looking at have the same engine and frame Whether it's purchased at a big box store or a dealer. The main advantage to purchasing from a dealer is support after the sale.

I think that was my main point........buy from a dealer (for the after sale support) and not a big box store.