Need advise

[chris22888]

Hi guys and thanks for taking a second to read and give me your thoughts. Ok I'm in the market for a new mower the yard machine I bought when I purchased my house as serviced its time and its time for a new one. When I bought it I didn't expect it to last more than 3 or 4 years and that is what I got out of it. Still no major issues but starting to have issues with parts breaking and its down waiting for parts more than its working.

I mow about 1.5 acres one part is a big open field the other is a opened fenced area (Gate is 48.5 inch so this limits the size of the deck.)with one tree and the side yard as a shed and some inclines of about 15-20 degree slopes and 3 trees. I was looking at zero turn and can get a good deal on the husqvarna rz422f. The deal is a awesome price but the dealer is about 2 hours from me and I know that most local dealers would give me better support if I bought from them as much as I would like to purchase from the dealer as he is family I think I may be better off paying a little more and buying from a local dealer that is going to be closer for service. In my area I have Gravley which is a little more than the 3000-3500 limit I have been budgeting for but I also game across the Hustler Raptor that is below the price range and looks to be a ok built zero turn but I know its new this year. It does have the Kawasaki engine which from what I have read on here is better and they both have Fab decks. Here is my question is a zero turn right for me or should I get a lawn tractor? How do the Husqvarna rz422f and Hustler Raptor compare and is there another model that you guys would recommend. My goal in this price range is to get me something that is going to mow the thick grass I have better it is pretty much just whatever grows and get it done in a little faster time it currently takes me about 2 and a 30 hours and looks like crap when done because the Yard machine is beat up and to get something that is going to last 5-8 years.

 

[KennyV]

WELCOME to these Forums....

ZTR will be your Best bet for what you are looking for, If I were doing it, that narrow gate would be replaced with something else, and I would be driving a larger ZTR mower through it for the next few Decades...
Get a Hustler.
There are several great ZTR's, but I am partial to Hustler. :smile:KennyV

 

[djdicetn]

Hi guys and thanks for taking a second to read and give me your thoughts. Ok I'm in the market for a new mower the yard machine I bought when I purchased my house as serviced its time and its time for a new one. When I bought it I didn't expect it to last more than 3 or 4 years and that is what I got out of it. Still no major issues but starting to have issues with parts breaking and its down waiting for parts more than its working.

I mow about 1.5 acres one part is a big open field the other is a opened fenced area (Gate is 48.5 inch so this limits the size of the deck.)with one tree and the side yard as a shed and some inclines of about 15-20 degree slopes and 3 trees. I was looking at zero turn and can get a good deal on the husqvarna rz422f. The deal is a awesome price but the dealer is about 2 hours from me and I know that most local dealers would give me better support if I bought from them as much as I would like to purchase from the dealer as he is family I think I may be better off paying a little more and buying from a local dealer that is going to be closer for service. In my area I have Gravley which is a little more than the 3000-3500 limit I have been budgeting for but I also game across the Hustler Raptor that is below the price range and looks to be a ok built zero turn but I know its new this year. It does have the Kawasaki engine which from what I have read on here is better and they both have Fab decks. Here is my question is a zero turn right for me or should I get a lawn tractor? How do the Husqvarna rz422f and Hustler Raptor compare and is there another model that you guys would recommend. My goal in this price range is to get me something that is going to mow the thick grass I have better it is pretty much just whatever grows and get it done in a little faster time it currently takes me about 2 and a 30 hours and looks like crap when done because the Yard machine is beat up and to get something that is going to last 5-8 years.

Based upon your statement about the Yardman mower being "beat up", did you buy it new and if so how many years of service have you gotten? That would incline me to agree you need a ZTR, but in my opinion you may need more than a "light Residential" model which the Husqvarna RZ series and the Hustler Raptor are(non serviceable trannies and light 11gauge decks). If well-maintained you may be lucky enough to get 5-8 years, but if you can budget a little more than the $3000-$3500 limit you would fare better on durability and longevity. Just about anything with a ZT-2800, ZT-3100 servicable trannies and heavy fabricated deck will cost a little more than that. In the Husqvarna I don't care much for the RZ series, but the MZ & M-ZT series are VERY nice. In the Hustler I would recommend the Fastrak minimum and in the Gravely the ZT-HD. Like I said, you can spend a little more and get something that well-maintained will last 10+ years or you can get the light Residential $3,000-$3,500 ZTR's and take your chances. Another good, reasonably priced high-end Residential ZTR in my opinion is the Dixie Chopper Zee 2 which has the Kawasaki engine(but even that mower in a 42" has a MSRP of $4,799). Of course, this is the best time to buy because dealers will negotiate quite a bit on their existing on-hand inventory to sell it before the 2014 models are delivered in a few months. Good luck and I hope my advice helped some.