Need somethimg to get me through the next few years

[twoguyswithmowers]

I was at a dealer earlier today. Almost got a Gravely ZT 34 but I chickened out at the last minute because of all the comments I've got about how bad it would be to get a consumer mower.

It was about $2200 and would be paid for in a few months. I paid $999 for the Timemaster.

 

[djdicetn]

We are using consumer grade mowers now. Thats why I didn't see the big deal in doing a little upgrade to a consumer ztr to get us by for a while.

Well, like user Carscw said, religious maintenance will go a long way. You can take a chance, spend $2k-$3k on an entry-level residential ZTR like the Toro Timecutter series he mentioned or the Husky I told you about and stay on top of keeping it cleaned and all maintenance performed and hope it lasts. The only problem is if you position your business to depend on it and it goes south on you you're taking a chance on potentially losing customers when you can't keep up with you current equipment. It's your call but I tend to agree with your first response about saving a little longer and at least going with an entry-level Commercial unit(you would probably have to double your investment to $5k-$7k to get in a good 48" Commercial ZTR).

 

[Ric]

I was at a dealer earlier today. Almost got a Gravely ZT 34 but I chickened out at the last minute because of all the comments I've got about how bad it would be to get a consumer mower.

It was about $2200 and would be paid for in a few months. I paid $999 for the Timemaster.

I can agree with Carscw about the Toro Timecutter, I know a couple of guys that are using them and they work but they can also leave a lot to be desired. I also can agree with djdicetn I and your first response about saving a little longer and at least going with an entry-level Commercial unit. Personally If I were you I'd stay with what I have and wait. The cutting season will becoming to end before you know it and guess what everyone who is in business will be doing, they will be looking to upgrade for next season and you'll be able to find all kinds of commercial stuff at good prices on Craigslist, ZTR, Standers all types of mowers and equipment and that's the time to buy. Instead of buying something like your Toro Timecutter you may end up buying something like the Toro Z-master, Hustler or maybe a Toro Grandstand:smile: Whatever you may buy it will be more mower for you money, Something to think about :thumbsup:

 

[Carscw]

I Agree buying a used mower because someone wants to upgrade or they thought they wanted to do lawn care and spent to much money on mowers and now can't pay the rent.

I been looking at the grand stand my wife likes it but not sure I want to change my ways.

No matter what mower you buy you have to take care of it. Change the oil and filter when you should.
Don't use it for chopping rocks or grinding stumps or roots.

Don't let your friends use it.

Don't buy if you can not pay cash
I see it all the time guys start out and finance $30.000 of equipment and can't pay for it. They think they going to get rich in a month.

(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))

 

[djdicetn]

I Agree buying a used mower because someone wants to upgrade or they thought they wanted to do lawn care and spent to much money on mowers and now can't pay the rent.

I been looking at the grand stand my wife likes it but not sure I want to change my ways.

No matter what mower you buy you have to take care of it. Change the oil and filter when you should.
Don't use it for chopping rocks or grinding stumps or roots.

Don't let your friends use it.

Don't buy if you can not pay cash
I see it all the time guys start out and finance $30.000 of equipment and can't pay for it. They think they going to get rich in a month.

(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))

You sound like my wife with that "don't buy if you can't pay cash"(of course that just proves that both of you are smarter than me:0) My problem is I always seem to "want something now" and am inclined to charge it to get it and pay later when the bill comes in(hopefully able to pay for it then:0) But I did do the right thing in paying cash for my Gravely, otherwise I would have never been able to afford such a nice ZTR when I retire this coming October. I had to spend some of my retirement savings, but I consider the purchase as a retirement investment(at least that's the only way I could convince the wife to let me get it:0)

That is very good advice you gave......but I'm betting the wife gets the stander she likes and you end up changing your ways:0)

 

[exotion]

Next year I am getting a time master. I run consumer grade equipment and properly maintain.

Here is the catch repairs on commercial equipment cost about 200% more than a residential grade. I think for a couple seasons you can get a small residential ztr don't beat it to hell and maintain well.

 

[twoguyswithmowers]

I have been obsessing over it all day and I think I had decided to get that little gravely. I know I'm taking a chance and that the warranty is no good sense I'm using it for commercial use but I'm a little bit of a gambler and I won't be depending on this thing to keep the business going. A guy I work with was looking into buying a 40 timesaver like the one I have and offered me $800 for it since I bought it probably not even two months ago. But I decided I'm just going to keep it so we will still have two of those. There are 4 yards that do not want riding mowers on them so it will be helpful for us to keep both walk behind.

The guy who wanted to buy my Toro has been mowing for a few years with about 20 regular customers. He is running a consumer Gravley also and happens to have not had any problems yet. So if I buy this thing and it doesn't last and shame on me. I knew what I was getting into and I'm taking a chance. It will be paid off in three months and we will begin setting money aside for the next one.

 

[exotion]

I have been obsessing over it all day and I think I had decided to get that little gravely. I know I'm taking a chance and that the warranty is no good sense I'm using it for commercial use but I'm a little bit of a gambler and I won't be depending on this thing to keep the business going. A guy I work with was looking into buying a 40 timesaver like the one I have and offered me $800 for it since I bought it probably not even two months ago. But I decided I'm just going to keep it so we will still have two of those. There are 4 yards that do not want riding mowers on them so it will be helpful for us to keep both walk behind.

The guy who wanted to buy my Toro has been mowing for a few years with about 20 regular customers. He is running a consumer Gravley also and happens to have not had any problems yet. So if I buy this thing and it doesn't last and shame on me. I knew what I was getting into and I'm taking a chance. It will be paid off in three months and we will begin setting money aside for the next one.

Keep us posted with a good review with all the ups and downs

 

[twoguyswithmowers]

Definitely… If you thing craps out on me before long I will be the first one to get on here and let everybody tell me "I told you so"

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

Keep us posted with a good review with all the ups and downs

And pics! :thumbsup: