While it arrived over a week after the initial estimate, it finally did arrive and I am pleased. I went with the 60 over the 54 because 1) I measured and it fit through everything in my yard, 2) it had the upgraded seat w/ arm rests, 3) it had the steel surround guard protecting the engine and 5) bigger is better, right?
Pro's: Great fit and finish, love the big Kawasaki engine, nice heavy duty steel welded deck, huge back and front wheels with much less turf being damaged, if any, than my Cub Cadet Z-turn, very comfortable, starts easily and runs smoothly, love the parking brake feature controlled by the steering bars, very smooth steering and easily adjustable deck w/o removing hands from steering bars.
Con's: Drive belt seems to vibrate and is somewhat noisier than expected when at fast throttle, mower very bouncy over uneven ground at higher speeds, hard to determine gas level and no ability to easily lift foot rest to quickly access deck for cleaning or maintenance.
Overall, I am very pleased and was able to get 10% off the advertised price of $4499 by searching for a coupon and signing up as a "mover" on the Lowe's site. I don't think there is anything comparable in the $4k range that I found while searching. While covered up with a sticker, there is already a cutout for an extra switch in the starter panel so I installed some halogen lights from Northern ($20) for any dusk related activities. My Cub Cadet Z-turn 44" (with the rusted out stamped deck) took me over an hour, I think I can do everything with this one in almost 1/2 the time.
Pro's: Great fit and finish, love the big Kawasaki engine, nice heavy duty steel welded deck, huge back and front wheels with much less turf being damaged, if any, than my Cub Cadet Z-turn, very comfortable, starts easily and runs smoothly, love the parking brake feature controlled by the steering bars, very smooth steering and easily adjustable deck w/o removing hands from steering bars.
Con's: Drive belt seems to vibrate and is somewhat noisier than expected when at fast throttle, mower very bouncy over uneven ground at higher speeds, hard to determine gas level and no ability to easily lift foot rest to quickly access deck for cleaning or maintenance.
Overall, I am very pleased and was able to get 10% off the advertised price of $4499 by searching for a coupon and signing up as a "mover" on the Lowe's site. I don't think there is anything comparable in the $4k range that I found while searching. While covered up with a sticker, there is already a cutout for an extra switch in the starter panel so I installed some halogen lights from Northern ($20) for any dusk related activities. My Cub Cadet Z-turn 44" (with the rusted out stamped deck) took me over an hour, I think I can do everything with this one in almost 1/2 the time.
