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Looking at my first ZT for 4-5 acres in Tampa
#1
Kainedogg
Kainedogg
My budget is $3k to $4.5k and I would rather finance than pay cash. I like the Raptor for $2999 especially with the 10% discount. The Raptor SD 60" is my personal favorite with the bigger motor, stronger trans and of course wider deck. I have read, and read and read and still am unsure. I will have to mow in a mild ditch and I suspect the time I choose to cut may leave me with a wet surface (0700) What are other viable options?
#2
Vanousb
the ones I demoed in that price range that I felt were solid quality zero turns from dealers that were local included Gravely, Hustler, Bad-Boy, and Exmark. Gravely makes solid mowers (ZT XL or ZT HD). Gravely was my second choice and the Hustlers were third. Was looking at the Exmark Quest S 50 inch or Pioneer E...ended up spending a little more for a Pioneer S-series 60 inch after driving all three choices. Mow 3 plus acre lawn and some for my father in law. Wanted something to last me and give me pro cut.
Gravely Zero Turn Mowers
Exmark Exmark Manufacturing - Products
Others I have seem mentioned a lot on this site includes Toros and Snappers. did not have them local so did not research them or try them out.
Take your time, compare the specs (Engine, Hydros, Decks, etc). Ask to demo the ones you really like. work with a dealer that is close to give you good service you trust. You know all this I am sure...just talking out loud. Guys here will give you good opinions about what they liked about what they mow with. Glad to do the same if you are interested in Exmark. Good luck.
Vanousb
My budget is $3k to $4.5k and I would rather finance than pay cash. I like the Raptor for $2999 especially with the 10% discount. The Raptor SD 60" is my personal favorite with the bigger motor, stronger trans and of course wider deck. I have read, and read and read and still am unsure. I will have to mow in a mild ditch and I suspect the time I choose to cut may leave me with a wet surface (0700) What are other viable options?
the ones I demoed in that price range that I felt were solid quality zero turns from dealers that were local included Gravely, Hustler, Bad-Boy, and Exmark. Gravely makes solid mowers (ZT XL or ZT HD). Gravely was my second choice and the Hustlers were third. Was looking at the Exmark Quest S 50 inch or Pioneer E...ended up spending a little more for a Pioneer S-series 60 inch after driving all three choices. Mow 3 plus acre lawn and some for my father in law. Wanted something to last me and give me pro cut.
Gravely Zero Turn Mowers
Exmark Exmark Manufacturing - Products
Others I have seem mentioned a lot on this site includes Toros and Snappers. did not have them local so did not research them or try them out.
Take your time, compare the specs (Engine, Hydros, Decks, etc). Ask to demo the ones you really like. work with a dealer that is close to give you good service you trust. You know all this I am sure...just talking out loud. Guys here will give you good opinions about what they liked about what they mow with. Glad to do the same if you are interested in Exmark. Good luck.
#3
Ric
Nothing wrong with the Raptor SD, I'd get the 54 " though because you get a higher blade tip speed than the 60". IMO the best mower for the time your talking about cutting would be a Toro with the Turbo Force deck, it the best cutting deck in wet conditions that I've ever used. I start every morning between 7:00 and 7:30 am.
Ric
My budget is $3k to $4.5k and I would rather finance than pay cash. I like the Raptor for $2999 especially with the 10% discount. The Raptor SD 60" is my personal favorite with the bigger motor, stronger trans and of course wider deck. I have read, and read and read and still am unsure. I will have to mow in a mild ditch and I suspect the time I choose to cut may leave me with a wet surface (0700) What are other viable options?
Nothing wrong with the Raptor SD, I'd get the 54 " though because you get a higher blade tip speed than the 60". IMO the best mower for the time your talking about cutting would be a Toro with the Turbo Force deck, it the best cutting deck in wet conditions that I've ever used. I start every morning between 7:00 and 7:30 am.
#4
Kainedogg
Kainedogg
Thanks friend, I appreciate the input. Just found a dealer near me. Heading out to ask questions.
#5
Kainedogg
Which model of the Toro are you suggesting? Good tip on the Raptor by the way. Saves me $500 too.
Kainedogg
Nothing wrong with the Raptor SD, I'd get the 54 " though because you get a higher blade tip speed than the 60". IMO the best mower for the time your talking about cutting would be a Toro with the Turbo Force deck, it the best cutting deck in wet conditions that I've ever used. I start every morning between 7:00 and 7:30 am.
Which model of the Toro are you suggesting? Good tip on the Raptor by the way. Saves me $500 too.
#6
Ric
The Toro I'd suggest if I were mowing 4 to 5 acres like you and I wanted a ZTR would be to go with the Toro Z Master 2 or 3000 but it's more money than you are wanting to spend although you may want to check on the 2000 and you would also step up to the Kawasaki FS motor. You may also want to take a look at the Toro Titans, they maybe more in the price range you're wanting to spend.
Ric
Which model of the Toro are you suggesting? Good tip on the Raptor by the way. Saves me $500 too.
The Toro I'd suggest if I were mowing 4 to 5 acres like you and I wanted a ZTR would be to go with the Toro Z Master 2 or 3000 but it's more money than you are wanting to spend although you may want to check on the 2000 and you would also step up to the Kawasaki FS motor. You may also want to take a look at the Toro Titans, they maybe more in the price range you're wanting to spend.
#7
djdicetn
For what you're looking for I would recommend that you look at the Toro Titan ZV or MX series(the MX was my favorite). They don't have the Turbo Force deck, but they are very solid machines(the MX series comes with the Commercial-grade HydroGear ZT-3100 trannies, seat upgrade(isolators, a step below full suspension) and a 3Year/400 Hour warranty. With 4-5 acres/weekly, if you want to get something that will handle that more easily(and therefore last longer) you should consider stepping up into the Toro Z-Master 2000 series. I almost pulled the trigger on one of those myself in 2012, but the Gravely was a better deal. Of course you might have to up the budget a bit to get into something entry-level Commercial rather than the high-end Residential like the Hustler Raptor RSD or Toro Titan. It's real easy for us to "spend your money":0)
P.S.
User Ric is quicker(and less wordy:0) than me, but you got basically the same advice.
djdicetn
Which model of the Toro are you suggesting? Good tip on the Raptor by the way. Saves me $500 too.
For what you're looking for I would recommend that you look at the Toro Titan ZV or MX series(the MX was my favorite). They don't have the Turbo Force deck, but they are very solid machines(the MX series comes with the Commercial-grade HydroGear ZT-3100 trannies, seat upgrade(isolators, a step below full suspension) and a 3Year/400 Hour warranty. With 4-5 acres/weekly, if you want to get something that will handle that more easily(and therefore last longer) you should consider stepping up into the Toro Z-Master 2000 series. I almost pulled the trigger on one of those myself in 2012, but the Gravely was a better deal. Of course you might have to up the budget a bit to get into something entry-level Commercial rather than the high-end Residential like the Hustler Raptor RSD or Toro Titan. It's real easy for us to "spend your money":0)
P.S.
User Ric is quicker(and less wordy:0) than me, but you got basically the same advice.
#8
P
pcclipper
P
pcclipper
Gravely Dealer in Plant City told me they have a big Labor Day sale coming up. ZT 48 or 52HD for around $4500. Am waiting to see. A lot of them go on sale in the fall, if you can wait.
#9
Kainedogg
I can't brother, unless you want me cut the lawn with my push mower until September...lol. Seriously for $3852 out the door, the Hustler 54" is now the top contender...as soon as I can find one to sit on.
I am always grateful for the input. I would rather stay under $4k for the share fact that I will NOT be cutting more than 5hrs a week, 4 times a month...worst case scenario. Surely that is not much wear and tear for a $4k mower. No mulching, no bags. Just zipping around in the morn, hopefully done by 12, then back in the barn working on the LS swap in my '68 Lemans.
I sat with a Gravely dealer and we calculated that I don't have a true 5 acres. With the house and the area around it being cut professionally, I only have 3.5 acres to cut myself.
Kainedogg
Gravely Dealer in Plant City told me they have a big Labor Day sale coming up. ZT 48 or 52HD for around $4500. Am waiting to see. A lot of them go on sale in the fall, if you can wait.
I can't brother, unless you want me cut the lawn with my push mower until September...lol. Seriously for $3852 out the door, the Hustler 54" is now the top contender...as soon as I can find one to sit on.
For what you're looking for I would recommend that you look at the Toro Titan ZV or MX series(the MX was my favorite). They don't have the Turbo Force deck, but they are very solid machines(the MX series comes with the Commercial-grade HydroGear ZT-3100 trannies, seat upgrade(isolators, a step below full suspension) and a 3Year/400 Hour warranty. With 4-5 acres/weekly, if you want to get something that will handle that more easily(and therefore last longer) you should consider stepping up into the Toro Z-Master 2000 series. I almost pulled the trigger on one of those myself in 2012, but the Gravely was a better deal. Of course you might have to up the budget a bit to get into something entry-level Commercial rather than the high-end Residential like the Hustler Raptor RSD or Toro Titan. It's real easy for us to "spend your money":0)
P.S.
User Ric is quicker(and less wordy:0) than me, but you got basically the same advice.
I am always grateful for the input. I would rather stay under $4k for the share fact that I will NOT be cutting more than 5hrs a week, 4 times a month...worst case scenario. Surely that is not much wear and tear for a $4k mower. No mulching, no bags. Just zipping around in the morn, hopefully done by 12, then back in the barn working on the LS swap in my '68 Lemans.
The Toro I'd suggest if I were mowing 4 to 5 acres like you and I wanted a ZTR would be to go with the Toro Z Master 2 or 3000 but it's more money than you are wanting to spend although you may want to check on the 2000 and you would also step up to the Kawasaki FS motor. You may also want to take a look at the Toro Titans, they maybe more in the price range you're wanting to spend.
I sat with a Gravely dealer and we calculated that I don't have a true 5 acres. With the house and the area around it being cut professionally, I only have 3.5 acres to cut myself.
#10
Kainedogg
Kainedogg
Am I wrong for grabbing the SD 54" from Lowes? It is $3885 to my door with the 2800 serviceable trans. Can I still go to a local dealer for warranty claims and repairs?
#11
S
Shughes717
S
Shughes717
You are never wrong if that's the mower you want and can get it cheaper there. If you only have a mild slope to mow without any major obstacles and you like the feel of the hustler then it should service you well. Some of us on here went with commercial mowers because our lawns were a little too demanding for a residential mower (myself included). As long as you properly maintain your mower you should get several years of quality use out of it. I have no experience with the raptor but the commercial hustlers are quality machines. Many professional landscapers use them around here. The only issue that I see that you may have is fuel capacity. I believe the raptor only has a 3 gallon fuel tank (I may be wrong). I mow over 4 acres and I will use 3.5 to 4 gallons of fuel. It's no big deal as long as you don't mind stopping to refuel, but that would bug me.
#12
Kainedogg
Kainedogg
Thanks Shughes. I went with the Hustler SD 60" and 48 months interest free. It took me 3.5 hours to cut 4 acres. You don't appreciate the size of your property until you go out there and cut it line by line. My acreage is reasonably flat, and rectangular in shape. I almost think I could have gotten away with a 72" ZT since the average gate on my property is 96" wide. I can say that the SD cut rather well at full tilt, so despite the slower blade speed it did everything it was supposed to. With 1 acre left and going full throttle 90% of the time I did have to pull in for a refuel and Gatorade break...much appreciated. Hussie (as I affectionately call her) has 3.6 hrs on her now and after I cut again I will drain the oil and change the filter (I went ahead and bought everything while at the dealer) I was told after the break in, it might get a little faster because of the improved ring sealing. I am ok with that. Anyone throw a tuned exhaust or shot of nitrous for those tough grades...lol :laughing:
#13
djdicetn
FYI...if you read your User Manual you will find that it is ALWAYS recommended to cut with the engine at 100% throttle. Trying to "save gas" by mowing with it at 90% throttle might cause some regrets down the line:0(
djdicetn
Thanks Shughes. I went with the Hustler SD 60" and 48 months interest free. It took me 3.5 hours to cut 4 acres. You don't appreciate the size of your property until you go out there and cut it line by line. My acreage is reasonably flat, and rectangular in shape. I almost think I could have gotten away with a 72" ZT since the average gate on my property is 96" wide. I can say that the SD cut rather well at full tilt, so despite the slower blade speed it did everything it was supposed to. With 1 acre left and going full throttle 90% of the time I did have to pull in for a refuel and Gatorade break...much appreciated. Hussie (as I affectionately call her) has 3.6 hrs on her now and after I cut again I will drain the oil and change the filter (I went ahead and bought everything while at the dealer) I was told after the break in, it might get a little faster because of the improved ring sealing. I am ok with that. Anyone throw a tuned exhaust or shot of nitrous for those tough grades...lol :laughing:
FYI...if you read your User Manual you will find that it is ALWAYS recommended to cut with the engine at 100% throttle. Trying to "save gas" by mowing with it at 90% throttle might cause some regrets down the line:0(
#14
Kainedogg
Kainedogg
My apologies for not clarifying on the 90% I meant the handles all the way forward as far as top speed, the throttle handle itself was always maxed out on the hare. :thumbsup:
#15
djdicetn
Gotcha...a little more practice and you'll have that 4 acres down closer to 2 hours if you don't have a lot of obstacles to cut around(even without maxing out a ZTR you'll cut around 1.5 acres/hour).
djdicetn
My apologies for not clarifying on the 90% I meant the handles all the way forward as far as top speed, the throttle handle itself was always maxed out on the hare. :thumbsup:
Gotcha...a little more practice and you'll have that 4 acres down closer to 2 hours if you don't have a lot of obstacles to cut around(even without maxing out a ZTR you'll cut around 1.5 acres/hour).
#16
Kainedogg
Kainedogg
I hope so. I do know, now that I am an evening cutter. Much cooler and it is relaxing after a long day at work to jump on and ride around...
#17
djdicetn
I hear ya....more relaxing than cutting in the heat of the day. If you find yourself getting started a little late and mowing after dark....check out my post where I added some halogen auto driving lights to my Gravely. Sure helps if I'm needing to mow late!! On my second season with them and they're holding up great. I've always contended that since cheap riding lawn tractors all come with "headlights".....for what we pay for these ZTR's lights oughta be standard equipment too:0)
Link below:
http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/build-yourself/18564-ztr-light-kit.html
djdicetn
I hope so. I do know, now that I am an evening cutter. Much cooler and it is relaxing after a long day at work to jump on and ride around...
I hear ya....more relaxing than cutting in the heat of the day. If you find yourself getting started a little late and mowing after dark....check out my post where I added some halogen auto driving lights to my Gravely. Sure helps if I'm needing to mow late!! On my second season with them and they're holding up great. I've always contended that since cheap riding lawn tractors all come with "headlights".....for what we pay for these ZTR's lights oughta be standard equipment too:0)
Link below:
http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/build-yourself/18564-ztr-light-kit.html
#18
Kainedogg
Kainedogg
I agree and will definitely be looking into mounting headlights on Hussie.
#19
S
Shughes717
I mow in the evening as well. Got it timed to where I'm done just before it gets too dark. Got on my mower yesterday at 6:09 pm and parked at 8:29 pm. Fastest I have mowed my 4.2 acres to date. Got some low branches to trim and some t post to pull up and I hope to get to two hours or less myself. I too am looking into getting lights.
S
Shughes717
I hope so. I do know, now that I am an evening cutter. Much cooler and it is relaxing after a long day at work to jump on and ride around...
I mow in the evening as well. Got it timed to where I'm done just before it gets too dark. Got on my mower yesterday at 6:09 pm and parked at 8:29 pm. Fastest I have mowed my 4.2 acres to date. Got some low branches to trim and some t post to pull up and I hope to get to two hours or less myself. I too am looking into getting lights.