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New Exmark 30 Commercial
#1
H
Heyitsespo
H
Heyitsespo
Well after much debate, research, soul searching I pulled the trigger and bought 2 Exmark 30 inch commercial mowers. Hard to beat 0% for 42 months. If anyone is interested I will post mine and the crews experience with them. We usually run HRC Hondas for trim mowers and on our small stuff so lets see how these things do. Figured the customers who bitch about the Z's and Scags on their lawns may not look close enough and see these brutes are actually not the usual trim mowers.
#2
lawn mower fanatic
I am thinking about purchasing one as well. It's between that and a Toro 32 or 36 inch walk behind. So let me know your experience please! If your guys are used to the heavy commercial Hondas they should be used to the weight of the Commercial 30's. If you plan on mulching with it, let me know your opinion on its performance. Good luck with them!!
lawn mower fanatic
Well after much debate, research, soul searching I pulled the trigger and bought 2 Exmark 30 inch commercial mowers. Hard to beat 0% for 42 months. If anyone is interested I will post mine and the crews experience with them. We usually run HRC Hondas for trim mowers and on our small stuff so lets see how these things do. Figured the customers who bitch about the Z's and Scags on their lawns may not look close enough and see these brutes are actually not the usual trim mowers.
I am thinking about purchasing one as well. It's between that and a Toro 32 or 36 inch walk behind. So let me know your experience please! If your guys are used to the heavy commercial Hondas they should be used to the weight of the Commercial 30's. If you plan on mulching with it, let me know your opinion on its performance. Good luck with them!!
#3
H
Heyitsespo
H
Heyitsespo
So I used both machines yesterday for about 4 hours doing a spring cleanup, my initial thoughts:
1. Drive system needs a little getting used to with the upside down bail. Gets a little tiring but the dealer also had it set up on the highest setting. I'm 5'8 so I should knock it down a notch.
2. used one to mulch leaves and the other to pick them up. Mulches well and vacuums great. You can hear the suction when the blades engage...mower came with Gator Clones. No real grass to tell yet but the leaves were ground up well. Picked up all of the debris on the ground and pulled the grass upright. I cut at the lowest setting on the back and one up from that on the front. Even pulled some thatch out.
3. Getting used to feathering the bail for speed rather than a speed setting...should be a little more resistance in the bail swivel points to help hold the setting, especially on rough ground.
4. Ground speed at full speed is good for transport.
5. Height adjustment isnt difficult and I kinda like not having to worry about bending adjusters when I hit something.
6. Deck looks sturdy with a edged tubing welded to it, not gonna bend too easily.
7. maybe a brake system to stop it from rolling on the trailer without chocking it
8. Mulch plug sucks to get out, you have to bend a plastic tab and really pull hard to get the plug out. I see that tab breaking later, especially if the plastic gets weak from sitting in the sun unused in the back of the truck.
9. Bag is a nice, heavy material.
10. Bag frame is sturdy.
11. Kawi seems good for the job, The pulleys act as a gearing system to get the blade speed up. I have alot of experience with this motor and its durable. Best part, you want to replace it the motor goes for under $300.00.
12, Zerks on the spindles would be nice, I didn't see any but I didn't put the mower on a lift yet. Spindles look small, but then again they are only supporting a 15 inch blade. I assume they are serviceable, hate to replace an entire spindle if I bend a shaft.
13. Good filter system and a one gallon gas tank.
14 Overall easy to maneuver, caster wheels would be a pain in the *** honestly.
Ok so its snowing in Jersey today with possible 2 to 3 inch accumulation, but changing to rain later. I put high Nitrogen down after core aeration and lime on most of my lawns the last few days so hopefully this grass grows so I can evaluate how the mower does on grass. Just realize this is only a initial impression and I'm not going to say my overall opinion until I spend a few weeks with these machines ( Don't you love how people give their definitive opinions after using something for 30 minutes? Idiots...) These machines are not going to replace my 36 Scag, but they do have a niche, and I see that machine staying on the trailer a bit more. The Honda's may get less use too if these Exmarks work out. Equipment wise I have 2 48 Scag Hydros, a 48 John Deere ZTR with a power bagger, 36 scag belt and 2 Honda HRCs so these Exmarks are gonna bridge the gap between the deck mowers and the Honda's.
More info to follow....
1. Drive system needs a little getting used to with the upside down bail. Gets a little tiring but the dealer also had it set up on the highest setting. I'm 5'8 so I should knock it down a notch.
2. used one to mulch leaves and the other to pick them up. Mulches well and vacuums great. You can hear the suction when the blades engage...mower came with Gator Clones. No real grass to tell yet but the leaves were ground up well. Picked up all of the debris on the ground and pulled the grass upright. I cut at the lowest setting on the back and one up from that on the front. Even pulled some thatch out.
3. Getting used to feathering the bail for speed rather than a speed setting...should be a little more resistance in the bail swivel points to help hold the setting, especially on rough ground.
4. Ground speed at full speed is good for transport.
5. Height adjustment isnt difficult and I kinda like not having to worry about bending adjusters when I hit something.
6. Deck looks sturdy with a edged tubing welded to it, not gonna bend too easily.
7. maybe a brake system to stop it from rolling on the trailer without chocking it
8. Mulch plug sucks to get out, you have to bend a plastic tab and really pull hard to get the plug out. I see that tab breaking later, especially if the plastic gets weak from sitting in the sun unused in the back of the truck.
9. Bag is a nice, heavy material.
10. Bag frame is sturdy.
11. Kawi seems good for the job, The pulleys act as a gearing system to get the blade speed up. I have alot of experience with this motor and its durable. Best part, you want to replace it the motor goes for under $300.00.
12, Zerks on the spindles would be nice, I didn't see any but I didn't put the mower on a lift yet. Spindles look small, but then again they are only supporting a 15 inch blade. I assume they are serviceable, hate to replace an entire spindle if I bend a shaft.
13. Good filter system and a one gallon gas tank.
14 Overall easy to maneuver, caster wheels would be a pain in the *** honestly.
Ok so its snowing in Jersey today with possible 2 to 3 inch accumulation, but changing to rain later. I put high Nitrogen down after core aeration and lime on most of my lawns the last few days so hopefully this grass grows so I can evaluate how the mower does on grass. Just realize this is only a initial impression and I'm not going to say my overall opinion until I spend a few weeks with these machines ( Don't you love how people give their definitive opinions after using something for 30 minutes? Idiots...) These machines are not going to replace my 36 Scag, but they do have a niche, and I see that machine staying on the trailer a bit more. The Honda's may get less use too if these Exmarks work out. Equipment wise I have 2 48 Scag Hydros, a 48 John Deere ZTR with a power bagger, 36 scag belt and 2 Honda HRCs so these Exmarks are gonna bridge the gap between the deck mowers and the Honda's.
More info to follow....
#4
Lawnboy18
Lawnboy18
Please let us know how the mower performs on the long run.
Also, what lawn size do you mow with the 30"? What would be the maximum size that one could mow with a 30" according to you? (I am debating between a 30" and 36").
Also, what lawn size do you mow with the 30"? What would be the maximum size that one could mow with a 30" according to you? (I am debating between a 30" and 36").
#5
lawn mower fanatic
I'm in the same predicament as Lawnboy18, so your input is valuable.
lawn mower fanatic
Please let us know how the mower performs on the long run.
Also, what lawn size do you mow with the 30"? What would be the maximum size that one could mow with a 30" according to you? (I am debating between a 30" and 36").
I'm in the same predicament as Lawnboy18, so your input is valuable.
#6
S
sjessen
S
sjessen
As an owner of this unit one has to take into consideration the types of grass being cut in different parts of the country. It is a good mower but has limitations.
#7
Lawnboy18
Lawnboy18
That is good to know, but what kind of grass type it likes/doesn't like according to you?
#8
H
Heyitsespo
H
Heyitsespo
Ok guys will do....all of my turf is fescue and blue grass for the most part...cool season grasses. I will give you an opinion on the sizes for lawns but these mowers will be used for tight lawns that a walkbehind like a 36 or 48 would end up tearing up from too many turns...If yhe turf is open we use the Z or larger mowers, otherwise we use 21's. Out record with 4 guys is 53 lawns in one day, so we try to as efficient as possible and use the best tool for the job. 35 of those lawns are in a retir3ment community where the turf area is only 1200 square feet. Two passes with the z or 48s on each side...21s or 30s on the front and back, another guy trim and a 2nd edge and blow and we are done...6 minutes and we have entire streets. Other lawns range from 5k to 22k square feet, so we have a good mix. I'll keep you guys posted
#9
Lawnboy18
Lawnboy18
Thankyou for keeping us posted. I want to pull the trigger on a 30", but I am still hesitant.
What mainly grows here is cool season grass (Kentukcy blue grass). I mostly mow max 5k lawns, and three 1/4 acre yards. I feel that a 30" would be great on these. A 36" might be a little too big.
What mainly grows here is cool season grass (Kentukcy blue grass). I mostly mow max 5k lawns, and three 1/4 acre yards. I feel that a 30" would be great on these. A 36" might be a little too big.
#10
lawn mower fanatic
Honestly I don't think the 6" would make a big difference on whether the mower was too big for the size lawn you do IF they looked the same. But the 30" is designed like a 21" mower while the 36" is designed like a larger mower (bulkier). So ya the 30" might be better.
lawn mower fanatic
Thankyou for keeping us posted. I want to pull the trigger on a 30", but I am still hesitant.
What mainly grows here is cool season grass (Kentukcy blue grass). I mostly mow max 5k lawns, and three 1/4 acre yards. I feel that a 30" would be great on these. A 36" might be a little too big.
Honestly I don't think the 6" would make a big difference on whether the mower was too big for the size lawn you do IF they looked the same. But the 30" is designed like a 21" mower while the 36" is designed like a larger mower (bulkier). So ya the 30" might be better.
#11
Lawnboy18
I know, I've been thinking about that. Getting a 30". Don't feel like buying a 6K 36" and then down the road a 7K zero turn.
Lawnboy18
Honestly I don't think the 6" would make a big difference on whether the mower was too big for the size lawn you do IF they looked the same. But the 30" is designed like a 21" mower while the 36" is designed like a larger mower (bulkier). So ya the 30" might be better.
I know, I've been thinking about that. Getting a 30". Don't feel like buying a 6K 36" and then down the road a 7K zero turn.
#12
lawn mower fanatic
Yeah. That's why I am thinking about the 36" Toro T-Bar walk behind for around $3,500. Should be the step up from a 21" mower that I want, but not too much. But it will all come down to the demo to see what I think (once the grass starts to grow). I know already it will be a lot different, considering I mulch the grass, and I will likely side discharge with the Toro.
lawn mower fanatic
I know, I've been thinking about that. Getting a 30". Don't feel like buying a 6K 36" and then down the road a 7K zero turn.
Yeah. That's why I am thinking about the 36" Toro T-Bar walk behind for around $3,500. Should be the step up from a 21" mower that I want, but not too much. But it will all come down to the demo to see what I think (once the grass starts to grow). I know already it will be a lot different, considering I mulch the grass, and I will likely side discharge with the Toro.
#13
I
IRON
but found them no good when there were steps up to a higher section of the
property as the rear wheels are set inside the rear deck edge so you cant use the step riser
to lift them...the Honda is fine for this as the rear wheels protrude past the deck.
We dont have the Exmark in Australia but could talk to some dealers if it would do the job
Any help appreciated
I
IRON
Hi .....just read your letter about theExmark 30...have used Toro,s in the pastSo I used both machines yesterday for about 4 hours doing a spring cleanup, my initial thoughts:
1. Drive system needs a little getting used to with the upside down bail. Gets a little tiring but the dealer also had it set up on the highest setting. I'm 5'8 so I should knock it down a notch.
2. used one to mulch leaves and the other to pick them up. Mulches well and vacuums great. You can hear the suction when the blades engage...mower came with Gator Clones. No real grass to tell yet but the leaves were ground up well. Picked up all of the debris on the ground and pulled the grass upright. I cut at the lowest setting on the back and one up from that on the front. Even pulled some thatch out.
3. Getting used to feathering the bail for speed rather than a speed setting...should be a little more resistance in the bail swivel points to help hold the setting, especially on rough ground.
4. Ground speed at full speed is good for transport.
5. Height adjustment isnt difficult and I kinda like not having to worry about bending adjusters when I hit something.
6. Deck looks sturdy with a edged tubing welded to it, not gonna bend too easily.
7. maybe a brake system to stop it from rolling on the trailer without chocking it
8. Mulch plug sucks to get out, you have to bend a plastic tab and really pull hard to get the plug out. I see that tab breaking later, especially if the plastic gets weak from sitting in the sun unused in the back of the truck.
9. Bag is a nice, heavy material.
10. Bag frame is sturdy.
11. Kawi seems good for the job, The pulleys act as a gearing system to get the blade speed up. I have alot of experience with this motor and its durable. Best part, you want to replace it the motor goes for under $300.00.
12, Zerks on the spindles would be nice, I didn't see any but I didn't put the mower on a lift yet. Spindles look small, but then again they are only supporting a 15 inch blade. I assume they are serviceable, hate to replace an entire spindle if I bend a shaft.
13. Good filter system and a one gallon gas tank.
14 Overall easy to maneuver, caster wheels would be a pain in the *** honestly.
Ok so its snowing in Jersey today with possible 2 to 3 inch accumulation, but changing to rain later. I put high Nitrogen down after core aeration and lime on most of my lawns the last few days so hopefully this grass grows so I can evaluate how the mower does on grass. Just realize this is only a initial impression and I'm not going to say my overall opinion until I spend a few weeks with these machines ( Don't you love how people give their definitive opinions after using something for 30 minutes? Idiots...) These machines are not going to replace my 36 Scag, but they do have a niche, and I see that machine staying on the trailer a bit more. The Honda's may get less use too if these Exmarks work out. Equipment wise I have 2 48 Scag Hydros, a 48 John Deere ZTR with a power bagger, 36 scag belt and 2 Honda HRCs so these Exmarks are gonna bridge the gap between the deck mowers and the Honda's.
More info to follow....
but found them no good when there were steps up to a higher section of the
property as the rear wheels are set inside the rear deck edge so you cant use the step riser
to lift them...the Honda is fine for this as the rear wheels protrude past the deck.
We dont have the Exmark in Australia but could talk to some dealers if it would do the job
Any help appreciated
#14
H
Heyitsespo
H
Heyitsespo
Ok been running the Exmarks for approx 200 hours and here is an update:
My guys love the mowers. They mulch great and cut perfectly. Bagging is great. Thats bullshit about the Kawi being underpowered, it does the job well. Yeah I've had bogs, but it was thick,tall grass that I was mulching or it was wet, so it was expected. The complaint about it not pulling hills is solved by squeezing the handle harder. The deck and blades really pack the clippings in and when the mulch plate is installed the clippings disappear onto the turf. Controls are engine mounted, which I hate because I like to engage the blades at low speed and then redline it to save the clutch. Good news is no broken levers from trailer damage like the commercial hondas get. The machines have saved us time, especially with the mulch capabilites. Complaints of hard steering are solved by disengaging the drive right before the turn. I also dont like flipping the mower over to change the oil like Exmark recommends. I may buy another one this spring.
My guys love the mowers. They mulch great and cut perfectly. Bagging is great. Thats bullshit about the Kawi being underpowered, it does the job well. Yeah I've had bogs, but it was thick,tall grass that I was mulching or it was wet, so it was expected. The complaint about it not pulling hills is solved by squeezing the handle harder. The deck and blades really pack the clippings in and when the mulch plate is installed the clippings disappear onto the turf. Controls are engine mounted, which I hate because I like to engage the blades at low speed and then redline it to save the clutch. Good news is no broken levers from trailer damage like the commercial hondas get. The machines have saved us time, especially with the mulch capabilites. Complaints of hard steering are solved by disengaging the drive right before the turn. I also dont like flipping the mower over to change the oil like Exmark recommends. I may buy another one this spring.
#15
Lawnboy18
Lawnboy18
Very well said! Pretty much the same for me!
I do get that occasional deck clog on wet grass. I have to scrap the bottom real quick and I am good to go. I love this mower. Saves me time and I am not as tired at the end of the day. I also want to buy another one.
I do get that occasional deck clog on wet grass. I have to scrap the bottom real quick and I am good to go. I love this mower. Saves me time and I am not as tired at the end of the day. I also want to buy another one.
#16
H
Heyitsespo
H
Heyitsespo
I bought 2 this spring because I got .9% for 42 months, ive been sending 5 payments a month so I shoukd have them paid off by the end of the season. I think I will buy a 3rd, we originally were going to replace one of the 48 scags but they are getting less use because the exmarks are so easy to handle, plus no lifting that heavy Gobbler off when you can mulch. The big mowers still have their places but on the smaller lawns in a retirement community these Exmarks are perfect.
#17
Ric
The 30" mowers are a great commercial concept. It's a versatile mower package. I looked at both the Exmark and Toro and purchased the Toro because I liked the single bail and height adjustment better. I've been running the Toro for almost three years and love the thing.
Ric
I bought 2 this spring because I got .9% for 42 months, ive been sending 5 payments a month so I shoukd have them paid off by the end of the season. I think I will buy a 3rd, we originally were going to replace one of the 48 scags but they are getting less use because the exmarks are so easy to handle, plus no lifting that heavy Gobbler off when you can mulch. The big mowers still have their places but on the smaller lawns in a retirement community these Exmarks are perfect.
The 30" mowers are a great commercial concept. It's a versatile mower package. I looked at both the Exmark and Toro and purchased the Toro because I liked the single bail and height adjustment better. I've been running the Toro for almost three years and love the thing.
#18
Lawnboy18
Well said also. But, I like the Exmark bail style better.
Lawnboy18
The 30" mowers are a great commercial concept. It's a versatile mower package. I looked at both the Exmark and Toro and purchased the Toro because I liked the single bail and height adjustment better. I've been running the Toro for almost three years and love the thing.
Well said also. But, I like the Exmark bail style better.
#19
Ric
Hey, To each his own. It's what your use too.
Ric
Well said also. But, I like the Exmark bail style better.
Hey, To each his own. It's what your use too.
#20
jekjr
jekjr
We like the drive system on our Toro. It is fast.Hey, To each his own. It's what your use too.