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Bought a new Exmark zt with the Briggs ELS (exceptionally lousy service) and at 3.3 hrs it has been picked up for service, it seems the starter decided not to.

Additionally, engine blows blue smoke on start up and the hydros make this horrible sound when -trying- to move the mower, about 50% of the time- ZT2800.

Yes I know that Exmark did not make the engine or drives, but they selected them and so in my mind it is fair to question the Exmark product in toto.

Never another Briggs, never another ZT drive (should have gone with my gut-pump and motors), never another Exmark.

Please give it to me straight about the ELS Intek 20 hp....

Will they let you trade it, being so NEW? Lemon Law? I wouldn't bunch the brand as a whole, not fair to do so. I understand your frustration, Good Luck!

Tnks for the reply; I think I am going to need alot of luck with this purchase.

Deere guarantees satisfaction for 30 days, wonder if Exmark does the same??

Don't worry man, it could have been any mower. My ZT-3100 hydros bark at times and while I haven't lost a starter, it'll probably be something else. Lots of moving parts on these things and they're mostly assembled by humans.

The good news is ZT-2800 have very few complaints against them. Google around and you'll see that's true. Haven't heard much bad about the ELS engine either. It's certainly nicer than the regular Intek engine.

You will find the integrated system more and more, even on some commercial duty equipment.... But your "gut-pump and motors" is correct, that is the most robust and easily serviceable (should it EVER need service).
Less costly pieces are where manufactures want to go... but that at times equates to cheep parts...
There is a reason the hydros whine ... it is not a good sign ... if you can stick with pump & motor, on a walk, stand or rider... :smile:KennyV

Thanks everyone, my thinking is that if Briggs has cut corners on something as important as the starter than it is reasonable to presume that they cut corners on everything else.

The model Exmark is the 'Quest' and I looked for last years model because the current year has the ZT 2200 or 2100 drives which have no external filters as the 2800 , much more of a consumer grade, plus a steel stamped deck-generally 'thought' to be lesser quality than a fab or partially fab deck (I am not convinced of this yet) BUT this years Quest does have a Kawasaki, not the FX but a Kawasaki none the same and of this I am certain: I would be mowing my 8" lawn rather than watching it go to seed if it were not for the Briggs (and I would be able to add a remote canister air filter but that is another issue in itself).

Heed this all, a Briggs engine regardless of the designation-ELS or Professional-is a Briggs-nothing more and you would be better off with a Chinese engine like those used on Husky snowblowers-after a season of insane use my brothers still starts-and by the way, starts without smoking.

If you see a Briggs on any ZT/tractor you can be certain that it is an indication that the equipment maker has cut every corner possible-unless of course you maintain that there is not a reason why a replacement Intek is about 50% less than a replacement Kawasaki.....

Sad indeed.

Robert,

Does the dealer where you got your Exmark carry any other brands ?

With only 3.3 hours on the machine and that kind of problem, I'd probably be asking for a refund or a credit to trade to another machine.

Differences irreconcilable, divorce imminent. Hopefully your dealer is a good guy who wants to see you satisfied.

bk, dealer also sells Kubota but 9 large for a gasser is insane...

jet, I put alot of stock in the way a dealer handles a situation such as this- I think that the machine should have been fixed the first day after it was returned but tomorrow will be a week-, I think it is fair to say that all they care about is the sale. I will be contacting Exmark to see if they will take it back towards the Pioneer S-we will see....

robert said:

bk, dealer also sells Kubota but 9 large for a gasser is insane...

jet, I put alot of stock in the way a dealer handles a situation such as this- I think that the machine should have been fixed the first day after it was returned but tomorrow will be a week-, I think it is fair to say that all they care about is the sale. I will be contacting Exmark to see if they will take it back towards the Pioneer S-we will see....

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That would be a significant engine upgrade for sure. Good luck.

Thanks jetblast, I'll post the good or bad news.

Hey there! WELCOME to LawnMowerForum! :biggrin:

I moved your thread to the General mower Discussion Forum. You'll get a better response there. :thumbsup:

Briana, thank you