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All forgive me for "hijacking" sites - not intentional - wasn't aware of forum etiquette....i am learning, along with learning mowers!

Five thousand is our budget. We have about 10 acres, but 6-7 are in horse pasture - but we fenced so that we can mow around the pasture also.
Our land is fairly even, not golf course grass at all - lot of weeds.....we are out in the country surrounded by corn and soybean fields.

Kubota Kommander - the 124E Series. ...around $4,499 plus $248 for the suspension seat. B&S engine. 48" cut. Salesman very nice and polite - a big PLUS for me!
The salesman also showed us a CubCadet Z-Force S 48 for about $4,499. Has the regular steering wheel. Kawasaki engine. Has the steering wheel and not the "sticks".

TORO. Wasn't impressed with the first salesman - won't buy from him.
Went to another dealer - further away. Test drove the following:
MX 5060 Timecutter - Sale $3,849. Felt nice until we test drove the Titan!
Tital MX series, but in our budget is the Tital ZX5420 , on sale for $4,899. Comparison between the two is Huge, like a Cadillac and a ......Yugo. Probably not that much of a difference, but big!
The salesperson much more professional, helpful.....would buy from him.

Definitely see why you all recommend to buy from a dealer and not a big box store...thank you.

This Saturday, plan to look at Gravely's, BobCat, etc....and my husband wants to look at a Country Clipper with a joystick?!

Yay!
Face it, everything has a learning curve. But you have to start somewhere, and learn as you go.

If you have a chance, check a Husqvarna dealer. I'm awaiting the delivery of my M-ZT 52.

It has a majority of what the others have, but it was the only one in my price range that does 10mph for wide open spaces.
Final price- $5200 @ 0.49%-48mo
ZT-3400's
Cast iron spindles
My repair guy says not to worry about it, 28hp B&S Endurance
Fab deck
23" rear wheels
Real comfy seat
See the M-ZT 52 here

fry said:

All forgive me for "hijacking" sites - not intentional - wasn't aware of forum etiquette....i am learning, along with learning mowers!

Five thousand is our budget. We have about 10 acres, but 6-7 are in horse pasture - but we fenced so that we can mow around the pasture also.
Our land is fairly even, not golf course grass at all - lot of weeds.....we are out in the country surrounded by corn and soybean fields.

Kubota Kommander - the 124E Series. ...around $4,499 plus $248 for the suspension seat. B&S engine. 48" cut. Salesman very nice and polite - a big PLUS for me!
The salesman also showed us a CubCadet Z-Force S 48 for about $4,499. Has the regular steering wheel. Kawasaki engine. Has the steering wheel and not the "sticks".

TORO. Wasn't impressed with the first salesman - won't buy from him.
Went to another dealer - further away. Test drove the following:
MX 5060 Timecutter - Sale $3,849. Felt nice until we test drove the Titan!
Tital MX series, but in our budget is the Tital ZX5420 , on sale for $4,899. Comparison between the two is Huge, like a Cadillac and a ......Yugo. Probably not that much of a difference, but big!
The salesperson much more professional, helpful.....would buy from him.

Definitely see why you all recommend to buy from a dealer and not a big box store...thank you.

This Saturday, plan to look at Gravely's, BobCat, etc....and my husband wants to look at a Country Clipper with a joystick?!

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Fry,
You and the hubby are definitely making straight A's on your homework!!! All the mowers you are looking at(except for maybe the Cub...I'll explain below) are ZTR's that will do the job you need done and meet your budget goal. I knew you would probably be impressed with the Toro Titans(I was, and almost made an offer on the Titan MX5480). Sure wish that dealer would give you a deal on the 48" Titan MX that would make it affordable for you. Those are VERY nice ZTR's. The Husqvarna(M-ZT 52) that user RatRacer just bought is another worthy consideration if I hadn't already mentioned it. Seems like he got a very good deal on it though, because the MSRP on the Husqvarna website is $5499. Now on the Cub Cadet Z-Force S(with the steering wheel).....that ZTR has the sealed HydroGear EZT trannies and for your mowing needs I wouldn't recommend those for durability(also, I have read a couple of posts in the Cub Cadet forum here that had some pretty negative reviews by owners). Now the Z-Force S Commercial 48"(with the steering wheel) has the ZT-3100 trannies, but it has a $5,499 MSRP. I would recommend you look at the Z-Force 48" with lap bars, which at least has the ZT-2800 serviceable trannies(but those are what I would consider "light Commercial duty" but with regular maintenance might be OK for you). The Z-Force 48" lap bar ZTR has a MSRP 0f $4849, but a local dealer here shows it on sale for $4199(very good price for that model!). Also, you may need to discuss with the hubby and decide whether a 48" will make you able to cut the 3-4 acres in an acceptable amount of time or whether you need to be looking at a 52-54" like the Toro Titan you looked at. The main consideration is you can get a better-built ZTR model/series with a smaller 48" deck for almost the same kind of money as a not-as-well-built 52-54" model/series in the same make. I know.....more decisions....just when you & the hubby thought it was safe to go back in the water:0)
P.S.
If you decide you need the bigger deck, see what that Cub dealer will do for you on the Z-Force(with lap bars) in the 54". A dealer here shows the MSRP as $5,599 but has it currently "on sale" for $4,799(right down your alley)!!!

OMG - 2nd day of "looking" = more confused.:confused2:
1st Stop. BobCat Dealer-VERY nice sales woman. Showed us a 52" mower, KAW(FR) engine for $5,199. Nice, but didn't fall in love.
2nd stop. Gravely Dealer - Also, VERY nice salesman. Showed us a 48 ZT HD like DJD recommended. Price $4,999. 0% financing for 48 months. We both liked this very much.
....we should have stopped looking but we didn't......
3rd stop. Hustler and Kubota dealer. Again, very nice salesman. Have to admit the Hustler FastTrack 48" was nice too. Price $4,999. 0% financing for 48 months. KAW engine.
Don't know why, but I have a soft spot for the Kubota Kommander 48". The "S" series at $4,949, the "E" series for $4,499. 0% financing for 36 month.
4th stop. Country Clipper, Ferris and Toro dealer. What is it with all these nice salespeople all of a sudden??...thought I could narrow my decision down by hateful salesman - i'm finding out there isn't many in the mower business. :smile:
-Country Clipper. Hubby had to try the joystick steering. I didn't care for it - they say it's more ergonomic comfort - but I can see one slouching to the side driving it?? LOved the way the deck folded out and up for easy cleaning and working on.
-Ferris. model IS 600Z. price $5,999 with a KAW (FS) engine.48". Husband loved the shock/suspension system. 0% for 48 months.
-TORO Z Master (commercial) KAW(FX) engine....but a 52 inch and on sale, yes, sale for $6,499 until May 22. 0% for 48 months. I must be out of my mind:shocked: 'cause I have it on the list!!!! What are we thinking???
Whew - we are wore out ....from stress and shopping. All your input has definitely helped me out - I understand a little more or even a lot of what they are talking about. We didn't make a decision yet. It's not going to be easy.....we may end up putting all the contenders in a hat and pulling the winner out.

.....and how was your Saturday??? One day we will be like you all - mowing our yard instead of shopping for one. :wink:

I have to add my opinion, as I always do. Having worked on most of the models you are looking at I'll give my opinion as a mechanic. For various reasons I would stay away from the Country Clipper, Hustler, Toro Z-Master and Cub Cadet. Don't feel that the quality is there or in the case of the Toro, way over kill. I am partial to the Kubota (haven't work on that model, to new, but it is built by a quality manufacturer, which we sell) Toro Titan, and Ferris.

fry said:

OMG - 2nd day of "looking" = more confused.:confused2:
1st Stop. BobCat Dealer-VERY nice sales woman. Showed us a 52" mower, KAW(FR) engine for $5,199. Nice, but didn't fall in love.
2nd stop. Gravely Dealer - Also, VERY nice salesman. Showed us a 48 ZT HD like DJD recommended. Price $4,999. 0% financing for 48 months. We both liked this very much.
....we should have stopped looking but we didn't......
3rd stop. Hustler and Kubota dealer. Again, very nice salesman. Have to admit the Hustler FastTrack 48" was nice too. Price $4,999. 0% financing for 48 months. KAW engine.
Don't know why, but I have a soft spot for the Kubota Kommander 48". The "S" series at $4,949, the "E" series for $4,499. 0% financing for 36 month.
4th stop. Country Clipper, Ferris and Toro dealer. What is it with all these nice salespeople all of a sudden??...thought I could narrow my decision down by hateful salesman - i'm finding out there isn't many in the mower business. :smile:
-Country Clipper. Hubby had to try the joystick steering. I didn't care for it - they say it's more ergonomic comfort - but I can see one slouching to the side driving it?? LOved the way the deck folded out and up for easy cleaning and working on.
-Ferris. model IS 600Z. price $5,999 with a KAW (FS) engine.48". Husband loved the shock/suspension system. 0% for 48 months.
-TORO Z Master (commercial) KAW(FX) engine....but a 52 inch and on sale, yes, sale for $6,499 until May 22. 0% for 48 months. I must be out of my mind:shocked: 'cause I have it on the list!!!! What are we thinking???
Whew - we are wore out ....from stress and shopping. All your input has definitely helped me out - I understand a little more or even a lot of what they are talking about. We didn't make a decision yet. It's not going to be easy.....we may end up putting all the contenders in a hat and pulling the winner out.

.....and how was your Saturday??? One day we will be like you all - mowing our yard instead of shopping for one. :wink:

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Grasshopper....grasshopper.....you MUST strive to find "the center/eye of the storm":0)
Welcome to the wonderful(head spinning) world of ZTR shopping. I, like you, am a first time ZTR buyer and by no means am I an expert at this!! We told you there were a lot of good ZTR's to choose from...some with this....some with that, you will just need to step back(you may need to re-read your post if you didn't take good notes) and sort out the most "important" features that give you that warm & fuzzy.
Firstly, remember the "apples-to-apples" approach...the Toro Z-Master is a grade above just everything else you looked at(except maybe the Ferris) and that's why you were so impressed(I take it that this one was the 2000 Series that "I almost bought"). But if $6499(I think I was quoted $6100 for a 2012 last fall) puts it on your short list, you and the hubby need to huddle again and set the budget appropriately and not deviate unless you raise the bar on all of the others to match the Z-Master and the Ferris. Also you neeed to decide 48", 52", 54" etc. and compare the same/similar size decks across each different ZTR make. You will either have to drop down into the Toro Titans series or bring the others up a notch to the Toro Z-Master and Ferris. In the Gravely that would be the base Pro-Turn(not the 100ZXDZ), the FasTrak Super Duty in the Hustler line, the Jazee Pro in the Country Clipper line and I don't really know on the Kubota Z Series above the Kommander ZG100 series(I "think" their price jumps way up when you get above the Kommander). And you are right...the "easy/fun" part is the shopping/looking at different ZTR's and the hard part is deciding which one to buy. But you & hubby are practicing due diligence and are doing an excellent job. I know you need to make a decision in the next couple of weeks.....soooooo take a deep breath, don't stress over it and make a corporate decision that both of you feel comfortable with. I'm sure as hard as you two are working at it, it will be the right one!!!!

Rivets said:

I have to add my opinion, as I always do. Having worked on most of the models you are looking at I'll give my opinion as a mechanic. For various reasons I would stay away from the Country Clipper, Hustler, Toro Z-Master and Cub Cadet. Don't feel that the quality is there or in the case of the Toro, way over kill. I am partial to the Kubota (haven't work on that model, to new, but it is built by a quality manufacturer, which we sell) Toro Titan, and Ferris.

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Rivets,
Can you tell user fry what they would be looking at for a Kubota ZG222A-48(if they decide to move up to a "Commercial Grade")? Can you be more specific about the problems you see with the Z-Master or the Hustler ZTR's? Quality, in what regard???

P.S.
The reason I find it difficult to accept negative reviews of Hustler products is because of their historical reputation of quality and that they received the highest overall ratings this year of ANY outdoor equipment manufacturer by the dealer networks(see NAEDA Survey below):

http://www.msdeda.com/pdf/2013 Dealer Manufacturer Survey.pdf

Lol! Good luck with that!
I know the feeling. My original budget was 3K, but attractive financing for better, durable, quality can make you look further up. When you can get a machine that "could" last decades vs. 5 or so years for about double, but livable with reasonable financing, it'll drive you nuts. But, usable and comfortable ergonomics is an important aspect for larger jobs to be bearable. It may be a $ inconvenience right now, but it will pay off in the long run by making that chore being way more tolerable for a happier life in general.

Opinions very much welcome and wanted! Thank you for taking the time to reply....it is MUCH appreciated!

Yes, I realize that if we do (gulp) raise our budget, that we need to go back and see what the dealers have comparable to the TORO Z-Master.
But.......I really, really don't want to go more than $5,000. I started out with $3,000 - and then I thought I was out of my mind.
Which my contenders would be the Kubota Kommander, Gravely 48" ZT HD, Toro Titan, Hustler FastTrack.....but Rivets has me wondering about the Hustler.
The Ferris has the KAW FS engine and the shocks - is that really a big thing? I know the FS is Heavy Duty engine, but I'm thinking that the FR engine would be good for us??
My wonderful husband is thinking maybe down the line to buy something big enough to cut the horse pasture with....am I wrong to not like the idea? We have an old 8N Ford tractor that we bushhog the pasture with, yes it needs work - but maybe I should put the $1,000 more into the 8N tractor instead of upgrading to a Monster of a mower for residential use. My poor husband has to fight with the 8N Ford tractor a lot to get it going. (are there any good forums like this one for 8N Ford tractors for help and advice?)

Any of the ones I listed above for around $5,000 should last me a long time right?....more than 5 years - I'm hoping it's the last one we buy.

By the way, does homeowner insurance cover the mowers?....do I have to get a seperate policy for it?....after all it's the price of a car! Just wondering.
Thank you again for taking the time to help us.

fry said:

Opinions very much welcome and wanted! Thank you for taking the time to reply....it is MUCH appreciated!

Yes, I realize that if we do (gulp) raise our budget, that we need to go back and see what the dealers have comparable to the TORO Z-Master.
But.......I really, really don't want to go more than $5,000. I started out with $3,000 - and then I thought I was out of my mind.
Which my contenders would be the Kubota Kommander, Gravely 48" ZT HD, Toro Titan, Hustler FastTrack.....but Rivets has me wondering about the Hustler.
The Ferris has the KAW FS engine and the shocks - is that really a big thing? I know the FS is Heavy Duty engine, but I'm thinking that the FR engine would be good for us??
My wonderful husband is thinking maybe down the line to buy something big enough to cut the horse pasture with....am I wrong to not like the idea? We have an old 8N Ford tractor that we bushhog the pasture with, yes it needs work - but maybe I should put the $1,000 more into the 8N tractor instead of upgrading to a Monster of a mower for residential use. My poor husband has to fight with the 8N Ford tractor a lot to get it going. (are there any good forums like this one for 8N Ford tractors for help and advice?)

Any of the ones I listed above for around $5,000 should last me a long time right?....more than 5 years - I'm hoping it's the last one we buy.

By the way, does homeowner insurance cover the mowers?....do I have to get a seperate policy for it?....after all it's the price of a car! Just wondering.
Thank you again for taking the time to help us.

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I would await a more detailed explanation, like I requested, from user Rivets on the Hustler. I have heard very little if any negative reviews by Hustler owners(and very many good user revirew) and as I pointed out Hustler received the highest dealer rating this year(not just owner or mechanic views). I made an offer on a Hustler and if the dealer had negotiated price to my liking I might very well be a Hustler FasTrak Super Duty owner today. The base FasTrak is no slouch either when compared to any other ZTR in it's class and most users here will agree with that statement. I have no idea why he questions their quality. I believe I hear your gut saying the Z-Master is too expensive and that's OK. Go back to the $5,000 ZTR's you have looked at and(I've forgotten how much area you will be mowing) get the smallest deck size that you really need because then you can look for upgraded other features you may really need or prefer to get more for your $5K. Of course if you will need a 52" or 54" deck by all means compare those models. Your husband may very well be right thinking out to the future needs!! I think that any of the ZTR's in the $5k range will last 10 years minimum easily if well maintained. Even though my ZTR is my first one I had a $2,000 lawn tractor that lasted 19 years because I took good care of it, so it's reasonable to expect something that costs almost 3 times that much to do the same!!!
P.S.
Yes, homeowner's Insurance covers your ZTR(personal property) even if you are trailering it(I thought I would need a rider on my auto insurance for towing a trailer with a ZTR but my agent told me no....unless I am in the lawn care business which has different rules).

I can not comment on any issues that Rivets has see with the Hustler mowers, but speaking as a heavy duty truck mechanic who works for a dealership, I can say that as a mechanic, we tend to see "trends" or problems with certain models that the regular public ( consumers) may not be aware of, simply because their particular product has not experience it. Part of a dealerships job is to take care of the customer and repair any issues they may have with their unit in a timely and professional manner. This may have something to do with Hustlers great dealership ratings, even though there may be some wide spread issues with particular parts. For example, we are a dealership for a certain truck manufacturer that is routinely at the top of the JD Power customer satisfaction ratings, yet we see countless trucks in our shop for the same issues, namely injectors, and there have been atleast 3 revisions to that specific part. But we try to take care of the customers in a timely, professonal manor. There are also times where we as mechanics, after working on several different brands of a product, we see how one manufacturer might build something differently, and in some cases better than another, where as the general public does not have access to all these different models to see this for them selves. I appologize if I'm not making sense to some, but I'm merely speculating on the point that Rivets is trying to make. I'm in no way bad mouthing Hustler, I see lots of landscapers in my area using them, just trying to add a different perspective.

Sorry I have not gotten back to this sooner, but am working 9-10 hour days and don't have the ambition many times to review posts. In reviewing this thread it has been asked why I don't recommend Hustler. Try to give the short answer. First, Hustler make a quality unit in the price range over $5000. The OP wanted recommendations on units under $ 5000. I don't feel that they put the same quality into their lower end units, especially the Raptor and Sport. Second, working on the Hustlers that come into our shop can be a real challenge. Yes, we are not a Hustler dealer. Getting at components, and repairing components can beva real challenge, as they pack big things into a smaller package for the residential units. This means more time spent on the unit and a high cost for the customer. Also, many of the parts have a higher price tag, as there are not alternatives, and the owner is a captive market. When people post questions on what to buy, as a mechanic, I look at what are they going to have to spent on repairs down the road. Those are the reasons in this case that I cannot recommend the Hustler line to this OP. If they raise their budget level, then things change again, that is the reason I did not recommend the Toro MX line. Hope this answers the questions that were asked of me. Remember to read my signature.

Rivets said:

Sorry I have not gotten back to this sooner, but am working 9-10 hour days and don't have the ambition many times to review posts. In reviewing this thread it has been asked why I don't recommend Hustler. Try to give the short answer. First, Hustler make a quality unit in the price range over $5000. The OP wanted recommendations on units under $ 5000. I don't feel that they put the same quality into their lower end units, especially the Raptor and Sport. Second, working on the Hustlers that come into our shop can be a real challenge. Yes, we are not a Hustler dealer. Getting at components, and repairing components can beva real challenge, as they pack big things into a smaller package for the residential units. This means more time spent on the unit and a high cost for the customer. Also, many of the parts have a higher price tag, as there are not alternatives, and the owner is a captive market. When people post questions on what to buy, as a mechanic, I look at what are they going to have to spent on repairs down the road. Those are the reasons in this case that I cannot recommend the Hustler line to this OP. If they raise their budget level, then things change again, that is the reason I did not recommend the Toro MX line. Hope this answers the questions that were asked of me. Remember to read my signature.

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Information is much appreciated. Cost of parts is to be considered. In your opinion Rivets, if you happen to know off hand, which machine/manufacture has the most reasonable price for parts: Kubota Kommander, Ferris IS 600Z or the Gravely ZT HD 48" Cut? We haven't checked out the "equivilant" machine in the Gravely yet to the Ferris IS 600Z. Do all three have the Independent suspension that the Ferris has? I'm going to look - but this is like cheating! The Kubota has the non-floating deck, which I believe is not as good as the floating decks....as the others have, I think.
Which is the most rugged? I'm thinking the Ferris...but at this point I don't know what to think My husband likes the shock system that the Ferris has. He's leaning towards the Ferris, I'm leaning towards the Kubota - but both of like the Gravely too!

Rivets said:

I have to add my opinion, as I always do. Having worked on most of the models you are looking at I'll give my opinion as a mechanic. For various reasons I would stay away from the Country Clipper, Hustler, Toro Z-Master and Cub Cadet. Don't feel that the quality is there or in the case of the Toro, way over kill. I am partial to the Kubota (haven't work on that model, to new, but it is built by a quality manufacturer, which we sell) Toro Titan, and Ferris.

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That Z master maybe way over kill but it's the best mower IMO that he's looking at. For what he is mowing the 2 or 3000 series would be a great mower. Personally and this is me I'd take a serious look at the Toro 48" Grandstand, with it he would have the best of both worlds a ZTR and a walk behind. It would cut better than anything else besides the Z master that he is looking at and a whole lot more fun to use.:smile:

When looking at repairs and parts, you can't just say this one is more costly, that one is cheaper. I would ask each dealers you are considering the following questions and then compare.

1. What is the cost of a replacement set of blades? Common replacement item, but prices vary greatly, depending on unit.
2. What is your shop hourly rate?
3. What does your shop do when you bring your unit in for a yearly tune-up and complete check over? What is the average time to complete? Most good shops will have a checkoff sheet of what the techs do. Ask for a copy, if they have none be careful, means they have no set procedure, walk away.
4. What is the average cost of this check over?
5. Do they have a free or reduced pick up and delivery for their purchasing customers?
6. Do they service their customers first or is it a first in, first out service?
7. What parts are not covered under the warranty? Some warranties do not cover things like tires, spindles, and belts.
8. If you do your own service will it void the warranty?
Comparing these will give you a good idea of what your unit will cost down the road, even if you or your better half will do some of the maintenance yourself.

Hope this helps.

Rivets said:

Sorry I have not gotten back to this sooner, but am working 9-10 hour days and don't have the ambition many times to review posts. In reviewing this thread it has been asked why I don't recommend Hustler. Try to give the short answer. First, Hustler make a quality unit in the price range over $5000. The OP wanted recommendations on units under $ 5000. I don't feel that they put the same quality into their lower end units, especially the Raptor and Sport. Second, working on the Hustlers that come into our shop can be a real challenge. Yes, we are not a Hustler dealer. Getting at components, and repairing components can beva real challenge, as they pack big things into a smaller package for the residential units. This means more time spent on the unit and a high cost for the customer. Also, many of the parts have a higher price tag, as there are not alternatives, and the owner is a captive market. When people post questions on what to buy, as a mechanic, I look at what are they going to have to spent on repairs down the road. Those are the reasons in this case that I cannot recommend the Hustler line to this OP. If they raise their budget level, then things change again, that is the reason I did not recommend the Toro MX line. Hope this answers the questions that were asked of me. Remember to read my signature.

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Thanks for taking the time to explain. I can see the reasoning from a service cost perspective, and of course even though all of us hope our mowers will never break down after the warranty runs out...the reality is they probably will need some repairs as they age!! I too have had 'limited time" to get on the forums as my home PC "died" last weekend and it's all I can do to find a few minutes at work to participate.
Would you say that as a general rule the "cheaper models" regardless of brand would be more difficult/timely to work on than the same brand's more expensive models(labor hourly rates in a lot of instances are more costly than the replacement parts themselves)??? That, in and of itself, could be another reason why spending a little extra money to move up from i.e. the Raptor/Sport to the Hulstler FasTrak or from the Toro MX to the Toro Titan series is worth considering. You pay a little more up front, but avoid more costly repairs...........right????

I thought we made a decision yesterday.....but now i'm wondering if it is the correct one.
We looked at the Ferris and Gravely yesterday - ended the day deciding on the Gravely Pro-Turn 48".
We told the dealer we would be back Tuesday to pick it up.
The Gravely zt48hd is $4,999 + tax+ about $125 financing fee =around $5,500.
The Gravely ProTurn 48 is $5,999 +tax+ about 125 financing fee = around $6,500.
If I take advantage of the 48 month 0% financing, with around $2,000 down, that would be either $73.00 or $94.00 a month for 48 months.

The ProTurn has the bigger FS/Heavy Duty engine. Has the 22" tires and a bigger tansmission and upgraded seat.....are there any other featuresdifferences that i missed?
Well, i guess we did make a decision yesterday - to buy a Gravely ....but now to decide which one.

We live in the middle of a corn/soy fields. ( i was amused to hear one salesman tell us that people in subdivisions often want to out buy their neighbor when it comes to mowers; like the "Jones's thing" i guess.)
We LOVE being outside. We aren't the social type who go out ; spend a lot of money. Because of all our animals, we don't go on vacations - NOT COMPLAINING :smile:. What I guess I'm doing is, again, thinking out loud trying to decide if we should/need to spend the extra $1,000 for the upgraded mower.....it would be about $20.00 a month more.

Just wondering, how much do people pay to get their lawn cut?....say around 3 acres. I imagine some people pay $100.00 a month or more to get their lawn cut.

We can get a trailer hitch on it, so we could use it for other stuff too i guess...but that is on both mowers I believe.
I read a lot of reviews on Gravely's website on the ZT HD series and the ones I read just love it.

So I guess I'm asking is feedback on which one I should buy. My original budget was $3,000 and I thought that was alot.
Thank you,
-fry

fry said:

Just wondering, how much do people pay to get their lawn cut?....say around 3 acres. I imagine some people pay $100.00 a month or more to get their lawn cut.

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In our area companies charge between $30-$45 per cut for a 0.25 acre property. So I would imagine if you could get your 3 acre lawn cut weekly for $100 a month it would be a GREAT deal!

fry said:

I thought we made a decision yesterday.....but now i'm wondering if it is the correct one.
We looked at the Ferris and Gravely yesterday - ended the day deciding on the Gravely Pro-Turn 48".
We told the dealer we would be back Tuesday to pick it up.
The Gravely zt48hd is $4,999 + tax+ about $125 financing fee =around $5,500.
The Gravely ProTurn 48 is $5,999 +tax+ about 125 financing fee = around $6,500.
If I take advantage of the 48 month 0% financing, with around $2,000 down, that would be either $73.00 or $94.00 a month for 48 months.

The ProTurn has the bigger FS/Heavy Duty engine. Has the 22" tires and a bigger tansmission and upgraded seat.....are there any other featuresdifferences that i missed?
Well, i guess we did make a decision yesterday - to buy a Gravely ....but now to decide which one.

We live in the middle of a corn/soy fields. ( i was amused to hear one salesman tell us that people in subdivisions often want to out buy their neighbor when it comes to mowers; like the "Jones's thing" i guess.)
We LOVE being outside. We aren't the social type who go out ; spend a lot of money. Because of all our animals, we don't go on vacations - NOT COMPLAINING :smile:. What I guess I'm doing is, again, thinking out loud trying to decide if we should/need to spend the extra $1,000 for the upgraded mower.....it would be about $20.00 a month more.

Just wondering, how much do people pay to get their lawn cut?....say around 3 acres. I imagine some people pay $100.00 a month or more to get their lawn cut.

We can get a trailer hitch on it, so we could use it for other stuff too i guess...but that is on both mowers I believe.
I read a lot of reviews on Gravely's website on the ZT HD series and the ones I read just love it.

So I guess I'm asking is feedback on which one I should buy. My original budget was $3,000 and I thought that was alot.
Thank you,
-fry

Click to expand...

Well.....it is kinda hard to resist those Gravely's once you look at them isn't it:0)
I can't tell you whether the upgrades you mentioned and the foldable ROPS & 2Year Commercial Warranty(instead of 1) is worth the extra $1k investment since it's your money. Of course with the Pro-Turn you are getting just about everything on it that the "big boys" that mow for a living have on their ZTR's. When you've got that "Commercial decal" across the front of the ZTR(and a 2 Year Commercial Warranty) you know it'll take a beating and ask for more!! Personally, I think the ZT HD would do you just fine but it's all about those nice Commercial-quality upgrades that give the confidence that the heavier-duty components will last longer and be less prone to any problems and if I could afford the upgrade I would probably go with the Pro-Turn(but of course it's not my money to spend:0)
You have looked at a LOT of quality ZTR's to compare to so I would just have to advise you to go with your(and the hubby's) gut feeling. I guess in a few days we'll know what you decided.

DONE!:smile:
WOW...I am wore out from deciding on a ZTR...who knew there were so many choices?...i didn't, but I do now!

We ended up with a GRAVELY Pro-Turn 48.
It was a very hard decision, especially price, ended up being about $6,400.
With about 2500 down, my payments will be about $83 a month.
Lawn Mower Fanatics reply helped with what people pay to have their grass cut......and they don't get the fun of doing it or a mower!!!
My brother told me a lady he knows pays around $400 a CUT!!!!... yes, her yard is very large - but that just blew my mind!!

We used it yesterday and we were done cutting grass before we knew it!.....and that was at beginner, slow speed!
Djdicetn- I have to admit when I first read you first experience with the ZTR i really didn't understand, BOY I sure do now!! i can totally relate!
For me, it can still be alittle slower, but i will take it as slow as I can until I get the hang of it......they fly!!
We are also glad that we stayed with the 48" cut instead of going bigger. Our place isn't very "mower friendly" and the 48" is perfect for us.

I'm also glad that we got from a dealer, instead of a big box store. I now realize how important a dealer is , especially with such big purchase.

Thank you all VERY, VERY much for helping us,
- fry
p.s.....I' still love the Kubota Kommader, and if I win the lotto - that will be our second mower!!

Congrats on the end of the spec wars! Don't be a stranger, now that you got what you need. Keep us up on the trials and tribulations on the learning curve.

And of course, we need to add the old.....

fry said:

DONE!:smile:
WOW...I am wore out from deciding on a ZTR...who knew there were so many choices?...i didn't, but I do now!

We ended up with a GRAVELY Pro-Turn 48.
It was a very hard decision, especially price, ended up being about $6,400.
With about 2500 down, my payments will be about $83 a month.
Lawn Mower Fanatics reply helped with what people pay to have their grass cut......and they don't get the fun of doing it or a mower!!!
My brother told me a lady he knows pays around $400 a CUT!!!!... yes, her yard is very large - but that just blew my mind!!

We used it yesterday and we were done cutting grass before we knew it!.....and that was at beginner, slow speed!
Djdicetn- I have to admit when I first read you first experience with the ZTR i really didn't understand, BOY I sure do now!! i can totally relate!
For me, it can still be alittle slower, but i will take it as slow as I can until I get the hang of it......they fly!!
We are also glad that we stayed with the 48" cut instead of going bigger. Our place isn't very "mower friendly" and the 48" is perfect for us.

I'm also glad that we got from a dealer, instead of a big box store. I now realize how important a dealer is , especially with such big purchase.

Thank you all VERY, VERY much for helping us,
- fry
p.s.....I' still love the Kubota Kommader, and if I win the lotto - that will be our second mower!!

Click to expand...

Fry,

Congrats...and welcome to the growing Gravely clan:0)
On the speed....make SURE you are running the engine at full throttle when mowing(for blade cutting speed), just don't press the lap bars forward very much and you'll still "mow going at a slow speed" until you get used to it!!

]

djdicetn said:

Fry,

Congrats...and welcome to the growing Gravely clan:0)
On the speed....make SURE you are running the engine at full throttle when mowing(for blade cutting speed), just don't press the lap bars forward very much and you'll still "mow going at a slow speed" until you get used to it!!

Click to expand...

Thank you - I did do better today feeling comfortable at a slow speed - I plan to take it slow for a while!
........and here's some pictures of her......
....well, maybe not - i'm not sure if the pictures are attaching.....I select upload and it doesn't seem to be taking.....must be an operator issue!
I'll see if I can put them in an album on my profile.

No that didn't work either. :-(.

....finally I got them to come up......a lot smaller than I thought...but they are on here!

fry said:

DONE!:smile:
WOW...I am wore out from deciding on a ZTR...who knew there were so many choices?...i didn't, but I do now!

We ended up with a GRAVELY Pro-Turn 48.
It was a very hard decision, especially price, ended up being about $6,400.
With about 2500 down, my payments will be about $83 a month.
Lawn Mower Fanatics reply helped with what people pay to have their grass cut......and they don't get the fun of doing it or a mower!!!
My brother told me a lady he knows pays around $400 a CUT!!!!... yes, her yard is very large - but that just blew my mind!!

We used it yesterday and we were done cutting grass before we knew it!.....and that was at beginner, slow speed!
Djdicetn- I have to admit when I first read you first experience with the ZTR i really didn't understand, BOY I sure do now!! i can totally relate!
For me, it can still be alittle slower, but i will take it as slow as I can until I get the hang of it......they fly!!
We are also glad that we stayed with the 48" cut instead of going bigger. Our place isn't very "mower friendly" and the 48" is perfect for us.

I'm also glad that we got from a dealer, instead of a big box store. I now realize how important a dealer is , especially with such big purchase.

Thank you all VERY, VERY much for helping us,
- fry
p.s.....I' still love the Kubota Kommader, and if I win the lotto - that will be our second mower!!

Click to expand...

Congratulations! I'm sure that you will love it. Hard to believe that now you can look forward to mowing...:laughing:

I laughed when I first read Djdicetn's "encounter" on his maiden voyage. After that, when I got my ZTR, I totally understood. Thank God for the low speed..:smile:
Bruce

fry said:

View attachment 14770View attachment 14769]

Thank you - I did do better today feeling comfortable at a slow speed - I plan to take it slow for a while!
........and here's some pictures of her......
....well, maybe not - i'm not sure if the pictures are attaching.....I select upload and it doesn't seem to be taking.....must be an operator issue!
I'll see if I can put them in an album on my profile.

No that didn't work either. :-(.

....finally I got them to come up......a lot smaller than I thought...but they are on here!

Click to expand...

Good looking machine fry!!! BTW, in Information Systems we call "computer-challenged" users a "PICNIC"...behind their backs(an acromym that stands for Problem In Chair Not In Computer:0)
A little "recommendation" on the Pro-Turn(this is my opinion and may not represent that of management)...when you "store the ZTR" between mowings(and particularly over the winter) put the deck height at the very highest setting(5 and1/4" I think) instead of at the lowest setting. You'll notice that this takes all of the "stretching" out of the deck leveling/stabilizing springs on each side of the mower. Even though these are really heavy-duty springs, IMHO storing them "completely relaxed" can only make them last longer without getting "stretched" and losing some of their tension ability. If you store the ZTR with the deck at it's "lowest" setting, I would think over time those springs could be adversely affected by remaing stretched for so long. Probably not a big deal, but if you are like me I want all that money I spent to be not in vain if I could have prevented a maintenance "problem" by a little foresight.

djdicetn said:

Good looking machine fry!!! BTW, in Information Systems we call "computer-challenged" users a "PICNIC"...behind their backs(an acromym that stands for Problem In Chair Not In Computer:0)
A little "recommendation" on the Pro-Turn(this is my opinion and may not represent that of management)...when you "store the ZTR" between mowings(and particularly over the winter) put the deck height at the very highest setting(5 and1/4" I think) instead of at the lowest setting. You'll notice that this takes all of the "stretching" out of the deck leveling/stabilizing springs on each side of the mower. Even though these are really heavy-duty springs, IMHO storing them "completely relaxed" can only make them last longer without getting "stretched" and losing some of their tension ability. If you store the ZTR with the deck at it's "lowest" setting, I would think over time those springs could be adversely affected by remaing stretched for so long. Probably not a big deal, but if you are like me I want all that money I spent to be not in vain if I could have prevented a maintenance "problem" by a little foresight.

Click to expand...

That's a good point, just like bungee cords when parking my trailer I always release them I hardly ever have to replace them. When storing it for winter be sure to drain and burn your gas and clean clippings as they will eventually corode and or be a pita to clean up.

Tips and Recommendations always welcome and VERY MUCH appreciated.....that is why I absolutely LOVE this forum.
Okay.......to review:
Before mowing, we:
-Check the gas and oil
After mowing, we:
-Blow the mower off real well and wipe down.
-Raise the deck to the highest setting.
Before storing, we:
-Raise the deck to the highest setting
-Make sure mower is clean on top and underneath.
-Burn all the gas out.
I'll admit, I've got a lot to learn, so PLEASE let me know what I need to add to my list!

fry said:

Tips and Recommendations always welcome and VERY MUCH appreciated.....that is why I absolutely LOVE this forum.
Okay.......to review:
Before mowing, we:
-Check the gas and oil
After mowing, we:
-Blow the mower off real well and wipe down.
-Raise the deck to the highest setting.
Before storing, we:
-Raise the deck to the highest setting
-Make sure mower is clean on top and underneath.
-Burn all the gas out.
I'll admit, I've got a lot to learn, so PLEASE let me know what I need to add to my list!

Click to expand...

Don't forget routine maintenance frequent oil changes blow out air filter maybe replace air filter once a year. Sharpen blades frequently visual walk around see if anything is amiss. I didn't read if you have a. Bagger but if you do keep the chute and bags clean. Check air pressure. Lube zerks if any make sure engine isn't dirty in the air sinks I'm sure I'm missing some I'm really tired

fry said:

Tips and Recommendations always welcome and VERY MUCH appreciated.....that is why I absolutely LOVE this forum.
Okay.......to review:
Before mowing, we:
-Check the gas and oil
After mowing, we:
-Blow the mower off real well and wipe down.
-Raise the deck to the highest setting.
Before storing, we:
-Raise the deck to the highest setting
-Make sure mower is clean on top and underneath.
-Burn all the gas out.
I'll admit, I've got a lot to learn, so PLEASE let me know what I need to add to my list!

Click to expand...

You got most of it down pat...but as user exotion pointed out be sure you do ALL of the maintenance like air filters, etc. according to the Owner manual or Engine Manual that came with it. I don't know about yours, but mines got a little "switch" in the engine area that has "Right Tank"/"Left Tank"/"Off" for switching gas delivery from one side to the other. When I stored mine last winter I just turned it to off, ran the engine until it ran out of gas and then made sure I had adequate fuel stablilizer in both tanks(if they both still had gas). But you can do whatever is recommended in the Owner Manual or what feels right to you(I thought it was a bit of overkill to drain/throw away unused gas since I use "non-ethanol" and always add Stabil to every tank). Also, I HIGHLY recommend that if you can find a gas station that sells "non-ethanol" gas nearby, run it instead of regular unleaded with ethanol. Your Kawasaki will thank you for the little bit extra money you spent on what it drinks!!!