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Hey everyone.
I am in the market for a zero turn mower. I cut about 2 acres. We have looked at a few different options.

Option 1 - Husqvarna MZ6128. This was quoted to me for 5000
Option 2 - Toro Titan MX5480. This was quoted to me for 5400 (it was a demo with ~30 hours on it)

I am going to go try and drive an Exmark quest and pioneer tonight to see how they ride. All three of these dealers are fairly close, within 20 minutes. Does anyone have any recommendations on the above listed models? I want to stay about in that $5k range so if you have any other recommendations let me know (I checked Bad Boys and they don't have any close dealers to me so I ruled them out)
Thanks!!

Id buy the Toro if it was me out of your 2 options. I would also consider buying a Exmark, Hustler, or a Ferris also.

Provided there are dealers nearby, give a look to the Gravely ZT HD series. The 48" deck retails for $5K with a Kawasaki engine and 3100 trannies and is well-built. Also, check out the Kubota Kommander (what I have) which retails for $4500 and up depending on model.

Happy shopping!

Jwgauss said:

Hey everyone.
I am in the market for a zero turn mower. I cut about 2 acres. We have looked at a few different options.

Option 1 - Husqvarna MZ6128. This was quoted to me for 5000
Option 2 - Toro Titan MX5480. This was quoted to me for 5400 (it was a demo with ~30 hours on it)

I am going to go try and drive an Exmark quest and pioneer tonight to see how they ride. All three of these dealers are fairly close, within 20 minutes. Does anyone have any recommendations on the above listed models? I want to stay about in that $5k range so if you have any other recommendations let me know (I checked Bad Boys and they don't have any close dealers to me so I ruled them out)
Thanks!!

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I agree with user Ragnar4841, based upon my experience with Gravelys:0)
On the Husqvarna, take a look at the M-ZT52 which I consider a better machine than the MZ6128(but usually about $500 more). between those two you listed, I would go with the Toro Titan as I consider them another high-end Residential that is good bang-for-the-buck!!

Ok thanks for the information. I drove the exmark pioneer e last night and I will have to consider that in the mix as well.
The Gravely dealer around here also does Toro so they only have residential grade Toro machines and have Gravely for their commercial line. I could order from them but I won't be able to sit in it/drive it before any purchase so I am not to fond of that idea. I will see about the Kubota and Hustler this weekend, there are some dealers in the area

Thanks again

For the best looking lawn when you finish cutting, I would recommend Toro or Kubota.

Rivets this is only my opinion but Kubota has to leave the worst finished product of any commercial mower I have ever seen. I see a few companies around here using them and what they leave behind is terrible. It could be the operator but I don't believe that all the users I've seen could be that bad at mowing. I'm sure they make a durable dependable product and I know their engines are made to last forever but a far a making the grass look well kept and groomed this is not the mower for it.

Ok, I went and tested a few more models and tested the rest again as well. I think I have changed my thoughts after riding each again.

I have pretty much narrowed it down to 2 models (different from my original 2). I am either looking at the Hustler Fastrak 60" for $5,900 OTD or the Exmark Pioneer E series 52" for $6,100 OTD. The only reason for the 60" deck on the Hustler is because they have it sitting there and are willing to give me a good price. On paper the Hustler looks a little better but they both drive really nice and for the most part seem about as durable as the other.

Thoughts on either of these two?

Thanks!

Jwgauss said:

Ok, I went and tested a few more models and tested the rest again as well. I think I have changed my thoughts after riding each again.

I have pretty much narrowed it down to 2 models (different from my original 2). I am either looking at the Hustler Fastrak 60" for $5,900 OTD or the Exmark Pioneer E series 52" for $6,100 OTD. The only reason for the 60" deck on the Hustler is because they have it sitting there and are willing to give me a good price. On paper the Hustler looks a little better but they both drive really nice and for the most part seem about as durable as the other.

Thoughts on either of these two?

Thanks!

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I don't know much about Exmark Residential ZTR's and my area's local dealer(last fall when I was shopping) does not appear to sell Exmarks any more(they aren't on their website). I would recommend that you "closely" compare the main components between the Hustler Fastrak and the Exmark Pioneer; especially the deck gauge, the trannies, the engine(brand and displacement...leaning towards Kawasaki here:0), warranties(hard to beat Hustler) and dealer reputation. Personally, my gut feeling would sway towards the Hustler(and I would lean more towards the Toro Titan MX which is made by the same company as Exmark, instead of the Pioneer). I'm not surprised you are impressed with the Hustler.....if it were me, I would see what kind of "deal" that dealer would give me on a Hustler Fastrak SD if he has one in stock(that's what I would buy if I were buying a Hustler). That's my thoughts....for what they are worth:0)

I would recommend to go with what you feel in your gut. I know that you haven't selected a unit that I recommend which is OK. You choose what you feel is best for you and I know you have talked to and feel comfortable with your dealer. you asked for opinions and we gave you ours. You didn't have to agree, but reserved the right to make your own based on what you have in your area and your experiences. That is the reason you posted your question. If you have any questions down the road, please post back and we will be glad to answer them. This is the best example of what this forum is for. Thank you and let us know your final decision.

Well I decided to go with the Hustler. Got it home and have cut three times with it already and I really like it (I don't think I would have gone wrong with any I looked at). I do have a question on mulch kits. I live in a pretty wooded area and like to use my mower to grind up leaves instead of raking. Does anyone have any experience with mulch kits on these machines and if so how do they do against leaves? I did put a set of mulch blades on but not the full blown kit. Is it worth putting the mulch kit on? Will it effect the overall performance of the machine?

I will try to post some pics tonight
Thanks!

Just to throw something into your mix and Gravely has one along with Toro and the Toro is kick azz and a little more money than the gravely which is a good machine but try looking at there Stand on mowers, There faster, lighter and more maneuverable than the ZTR's and less money to operate. The nice thing about the Toro Grandstand is you get two mowers in one, you get the benefits of the ZTR as well as a wide area walk behind.

Jwgauss said:

Well I decided to go with the Hustler. Got it home and have cut three times with it already and I really like it (I don't think I would have gone wrong with any I looked at). I do have a question on mulch kits. I live in a pretty wooded area and like to use my mower to grind up leaves instead of raking. Does anyone have any experience with mulch kits on these machines and if so how do they do against leaves? I did put a set of mulch blades on but not the full blown kit. Is it worth putting the mulch kit on? Will it effect the overall performance of the machine?

I will try to post some pics tonight
Thanks!

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I think you made a good choice.. but there are several good ZTR manufacturers...what sold you on the Hustler?

Ragnar4841 said:

Provided there are dealers nearby, give a look to the Gravely ZT HD series. The 48" deck retails for $5K with a Kawasaki engine and 3100 trannies and is well-built. Also, check out the Kubota Kommander (what I have) which retails for $4500 and up depending on model.

Happy shopping!

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Since you've had your Kommander for a while now, how do you like it?