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Having a heck of a time trying to decide between these and would appreciate a nudge in either direction.

Property is just over 0.60 acres -- not a huge piece of property by any means, but large enough for me to not want to use a push mower. House has a walk-out basement, but aside from the slope from front to rear of the house, the rest of the terrain is rather flat and open.

Toro (and Cub Cadet) has the greatest presence out here in terms of dealer support though I did come across an Ariens dealer this afternoon that has been in business for quite some time with good reviews.

Dealer was quoting $2350 cash OTD for the Ariens Zoom 42 and $2734 cash for the Toro SS 4260 that he is trying to move. Setup/delivery fees would be the same for either model.

Only major difference I am seeing is 2-blade vs 3-blade design (Toro vs Ariens) and Kawasaki vs Kohler motor. Few other differences (12 ga vs 10 ga deck, mechanical vs electronic brake, etc.), but is it pretty much a coin toss at this point?

Thanks!

BravoKilo said:

Having a heck of a time trying to decide between these and would appreciate a nudge in either direction.

Property is just over 0.60 acres -- not a huge piece of property by any means, but large enough for me to not want to use a push mower. House has a walk-out basement, but aside from the slope from front to rear of the house, the rest of the terrain is rather flat and open.

Toro (and Cub Cadet) has the greatest presence out here in terms of dealer support though I did come across an Ariens dealer this afternoon that has been in business for quite some time with good reviews.

Dealer was quoting $2350 cash OTD for the Ariens Zoom 42 and $2734 cash for the Toro SS 4260 that he is trying to move. Setup/delivery fees would be the same for either model.

Only major difference I am seeing is 2-blade vs 3-blade design (Toro vs Ariens) and Kawasaki vs Kohler motor. Few other differences (12 ga vs 10 ga deck, mechanical vs electronic brake, etc.), but is it pretty much a coin toss at this point?

Thanks!

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Either would be fine for a lawn that size, but I would go with the toro if I had to choose. The 10 ga deck will hold up better over time. Other than that you are right. It is a coin toss.

Don't agonize over your choice.
Under $ 4000 they are all much the same, build down to the lowest price to try & poach some customers from the "other brands"
There are some odd exceptions but basically any ride on will do your place standing on it's head.
Some models are subsidised big time to get you hooked into the brand .
So it is more of a which colour, how handy & co-operative are the dealers.
How much are consumables, particularly the belts.
How heavy are the blades & tightness of the turning circle.

Back in the "good old days"
Anything under 1 acre was the providance of the 8/30's or 10/32's (Hp/cut).
And none of these had fancy things like a diff.

I mow 2 to 5 miles of 12' to 20' wide road side verge with an 8/24 from 1966 fairly regularly
Effectivly the 3 blade system will wear at the same rate as the two blade system & has an extra blade to replace.
OTOH the 3 blade will give a cleaner finner cut, all other things being equal.
You have not mentioned weather you will be mulching, bagging or throwing which might also point to one over the other.

Thanks guys !

The yard is in need of some help (previous owners neglected it) so anything to help put nutrients back in is my idea, whether it's throwing or mulching. Only 2 deciduous trees (1 is the neighbors that drops on our yard) so no real need to be bagging at this point.

My vote goes to the unit with the Kawasaki motor. I guess I fall into the category of "the lowest end Kawi motor is better than the best Kohler motor" type of user.