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Hi,

I spent a while at a local Gravely dear in Texas today. After some discussion I got a price of $4499 on a 2018 52" HD with a Kohler engine (I might have been able to get a similar deal on a Kawasaki but it would be $200 more). The final price with sales tax is $4870 with free delivery (this is a cash price). Is this a decent price on this mower? I think they are trying to clear out the remaining 2018 models.

I was also offered the seat isolation kit installed for $100 and the head light kit installed for $100. Is this a good price for each of these? Or even necessary?

I need to make a decision so any advice is appreciated. Thanks

I've never seen that mower but checked the specs and reviews a couple years ago when I was active on another forum. They seemed to be a good high end residential/low end commercial machine. I wouldn't try to beat the dealer up on that price, it's a fair price. Great deal, no. If I recall, they only have 1/2 inch deck height adjustment. You would want to confirm that, but I have a machine that only has 1/2 inch increments and at times it's less than ideal. The difference down low is significant. Functionally there's a big difference between cutting at 2.5 and 3.0 inches.

But I think you're taking the right route by buying a mower from a servicing dealer, even if it's a bit more than you'd pay ordering something online or getting it at a big box store. As far as the seat goes, definitely makes a difference and I'd recommend. The light is up to you but I think we all find ourselves out at dusk to finish mowing or having to park the machine after dark. I just use a strong headlamp and try to wrap up while I can still see properly, as I'm on other people's properties and it could be seen as negligent on my part to operate in poor lighting. Also if you're going to pull a cart with it for firewood or cleanups/gardening a light might be handy.

P.S. - Personally I'd shell out the extra $ for the Kawi engine, I always do and haven't regretted it. The Kawi engines on my Exmarks each have thousands of hours on them with no issues other than normal wear and tear. They're plain wearing out rather than failing.

I have had both Kohler and Kawasakiand the Kohler would be the one I would go with

Be aware that the 52" deck has an inherent vibration problem. It doesn't affect all 52" decks but there are enough with this problem that it cannot be ignored. A friend's is in the shop awaiting instructions from the factory.

I would take the Kawasaki engine over the Kohler.

Take a look at the ExMark mowers also......... They are in that price range and most all the lawn care guys down here in Louisiana use them.....

Kawi's come on them also...... Remember that Gravely / Ariens are built in the Husqvarna factory....... Not saying they are a cheapo mower at all.... They are good mowers, but my mind tells me X-Mark is the better deal.......

Plus Tard Mon Ami ~!~!

Check out the video about the Radius / Zero turn mowers..... I have ridden these before and I'll tell you the truth that there is no other smoother ride out there......

A lil more pricey than the other brands but well worth the money..... No headaches in the future or ***** aches cutting grass LOL.....

www.exmark.com

Love my Exmark mowers. I think you would have to step up to the X series Radius to get a Kawasaki engine. The lower end machines now have proprietary engines on them manufactured by Loncin. The Quest series was updated in 2018 and now has the Hydro-Gear 2800 transmission instead of the 2100 EZT that it used to. Kind of odd deck sizes.

Darryl G said:

Love my Exmark mowers. I think you would have to step up to the X series Radius to get a Kawasaki engine. The lower end machines now have proprietary engines on them manufactured by Loncin. The Quest series was updated in 2018 and now has the Hydro-Gear 2800 transmission instead of the 2100 EZT that it used to. Kind of odd deck sizes.

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I have never seen anything but Kawis and Command Pro Kohlers on the Exmarks down here...... I just got off the phone with my buddy that owns a Exmard dealership and he told me that Exmark makes their own engines for the lower end models......

Took me by surprise ~!~!

Boudreaux In Eunice La. said:

I have never seen anything but Kawis and Command Pro Kohlers on the Exmarks down here...... I just got off the phone with my buddy that owns a Exmard dealership and he told me that Exmark makes their own engines for the lower end models......

Took me by surprise ~!~!

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Yeah Toro too now. All reports I've seen indicate that they're good engines.

Daryl what state are you in and the closest big city >>>>><<<<< ??

I think I am going to go with the Gravely HD 52" with the Kawasaki engine. The Gravely dealer I am working with does not like the exmarks that were in my price range. The HD is at the very top of my range. My dealer was willing to take 10% off a 2018 model which gets me to a price of $4,679.10. I talked with several other dealers and they either told me no out right and didn't even attempt to negotiate or told me they would only do it on 2018 models and they didn't have the ones I wanted in stock. Including sale tax and free delivery I am getting the mower for $5,065.13. I am sure some might get a better price but being near Houston I have not been able to find a better one. Also getting the light kit installed for $100 plus tax.

Has anyone tried to put a seat warehouse seat suspension kit on a Gravely HD? https://seat-warehouse.com/product/seat-suspension-kit-for-bad-boygravelydeeretoroscaghustlerexmark-ff/

aviator148 said:

I think I am going to go with the Gravely HD 52" with the Kawasaki engine. The Gravely dealer I am working with does not like the exmarks that were in my price range. The HD is at the very top of my range. My dealer was willing to take 10% off a 2018 model which gets me to a price of $4,679.10. I talked with several other dealers and they either told me no out right and didn't even attempt to negotiate or told me they would only do it on 2018 models and they didn't have the ones I wanted in stock. Including sale tax and free delivery I am getting the mower for $5,065.13. I am sure some might get a better price but being near Houston I have not been able to find a better one. Also getting the light kit installed for $100 plus tax.

Has anyone tried to put a seat warehouse seat suspension kit on a Gravely HD? https://seat-warehouse.com/product/seat-suspension-kit-for-bad-boygravelydeeretoroscaghustlerexmark-ff/

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I have not installed one on those..... It doesn't come with one for that price ????

http://www.congressoutdoor.com/exmark-radius.html

Boudreaux In Eunice La. said:

Remember that Gravely / Ariens are built in the Husqvarna factory.......

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Huh???? My Gravely was built in the Ariens/Gravely factory in Brillion, Wisconsin. Husqvarna ztr's are made in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

https://youtu.be/-3GRDqITxEE?t=165

Just in case someone gets confused, the red ones are Gravely and the orange ones are Ariens (NOT Husqvarna).



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Boudreaux In Eunice La. said:

I have not installed one on those..... It doesn't come with one for that price ????

http://www.congressoutdoor.com/exmark-radius.html

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The cheapest Radius with a 52" deck and Kawasaki motor is $8500. The Gravely ZT HD 52 is about $5000. I'm not sure of MSRP, but it's below $6k. I bought mine for less than $5k.
The cheapest Radius in your link only has a 44" deck and is listed at $5400. I don't think price point or ridicule for lack of suspension seat is the best comparison if you want him to buy the eXmark.


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aviator148 said:

I think I am going to go with the Gravely HD 52" with the Kawasaki engine. The Gravely dealer I am working with does not like the exmarks that were in my price range. The HD is at the very top of my range. My dealer was willing to take 10% off a 2018 model which gets me to a price of $4,679.10. I talked with several other dealers and they either told me no out right and didn't even attempt to negotiate or told me they would only do it on 2018 models and they didn't have the ones I wanted in stock. Including sale tax and free delivery I am getting the mower for $5,065.13. I am sure some might get a better price but being near Houston I have not been able to find a better one. Also getting the light kit installed for $100 plus tax.

Has anyone tried to put a seat warehouse seat suspension kit on a Gravely HD? https://seat-warehouse.com/product/seat-suspension-kit-for-bad-boygravelydeeretoroscaghustlerexmark-ff/

Click to expand...

I love my HD 52. It doesn't have the deck issue. However, to be on the safe side, make sure you spin up the blades before you take it home to see if it has the issue. At least confirm that the dealer will take care of it if it does. I've been looking at those suspension seats also, but I haven't bought one yet.

My dealer is a big part of the reason I chose Gravely. He worked with me on price, delivered it 10 miles to my home, and he and his employees ride and race motorcycles and quads, so I get to talk shop with them when I need something for my bikes. Another big reason is that it is a lot beefier than all the other ZT's with Kawi engines and 52-54" decks at the same price point that had dealers close enough to me. Are there better mowers? I'm sure there are, but you have to consider how much you get for the price and availability of good local dealer support. You are getting a good deal at that price. But are you getting a free hat? :wink:

I am picking up my Gravely ZT HD 52 next week. Spent a lot of time on this decision and had it narrowed down between the Scag Liberty Z and the Gravely. There were many reasons that pushed me towards the Gravely. The main reason is the dealer who I've known and worked with for a longtime and he also worked with my grandparents before me. They were also the only ones willing to give me a trade in for my Cub LTX1042 KW. That saved me from selling on my own. But the specs on the Gravely beat the SCAG in wheel size, weight, 3100 hydros, belt access panel, seat with arm rests, and a few other convenience features. I'm mowing 2-3 acres and as I clear my land that will grow. With trade I think I'm getting a very fair price plus a dealer that will back it up who is only about 8 miles from my house. Oh, and yes it has the Kawasaki. Can't wait to try out my new Z-Turn!

MowSC said:

I am picking up my Gravely ZT HD 52 next week. Spent a lot of time on this decision and had it narrowed down between the Scag Liberty Z and the Gravely. There were many reasons that pushed me towards the Gravely. The main reason is the dealer who I've known and worked with for a longtime and he also worked with my grandparents before me. They were also the only ones willing to give me a trade in for my Cub LTX1042 KW. That saved me from selling on my own. But the specs on the Gravely beat the SCAG in wheel size, weight, 3100 hydros, belt access panel, seat with arm rests, and a few other convenience features. I'm mowing 2-3 acres and as I clear my land that will grow. With trade I think I'm getting a very fair price plus a dealer that will back it up who is only about 8 miles from my house. Oh, and yes it has the Kawasaki. Can't wait to try out my new Z-Turn!

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Congrats. Going with a good dealer can make all of the difference and I'm partial to Kawasaki engines myself. I don't own a Bob-Cat because I think it's the best machine...I own it because that's what the best dealer in my area sells. :smile:

I've really enjoyed mine. It used to take several hours to mow with my old tractor style mower. Now I'm almost sad that I get done so fast. I'm glad that dealer relationship played a big part in your decision. I think you will be happy with your machine and if you have a warranty issue, your guy will take care of you.