Buying New ZTR - around $5,000 - deciding end of May

[afoulk]

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.

 

[Rivets]

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.

 

[fry]

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.

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!

 

[Ric]

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.

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:

 

[Rivets]

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.

 

[djdicetn]

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.

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????

 

[fry]

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

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

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.

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!

 

[djdicetn]

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

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.

 

[fry]

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!!