New Guy - looking to buy ZTR

[indio51]

Hi I am new to the forum. Looking to get a NEW ZTR, very interested in Scag Freedom Z but a friend says before I bite the bullet to look at the Hustler Raptor sd.
I have really enjoyed reading the forum, I didn't realize that there are so many mowers out there, so many Name Brands.

 

[Vanousb]

This will be a great place to get ideas on best zt options. Hard to recommend without budget you are tied to. Things to consider

1-a trusted dealer for quality service.
2-hydros 2800, 3100, 3400+
3-engine (kohler vs Kawasaki vs b & s)
4-deck fab vs stamped/48 in, 50, 60, 72?
5-did I mention trusted dealer?
6-seat/suspension for ride comfort
7-residential/prosumer/commercial mower as there is a definite difference in price.
8-purpose or yard(s) are you just mowing your yard or are you going into business?

All the bigger names (toro/Exmark, ferris, gravely, hustler etc) will all offer a quality mower so it will get down to personal feel and budget. Also, like myself, those who like the mower they bought and can give you opinions on their brand of choice. For instance, I am an exmark guy. Dealer and quality were I biggest reasons. I suggest you find all the dealers local and ask to sit on and demo each you are considering.

 

[whelch1]

I just bought a 52" freedom z with the Kawasaki motor about a month ago. I have only used it twice but I'm in love with it. I also looked at the hustler raptor sd and a couple others but it came down to the hustler and the scag. Both are great mowers, same motor and similar quality. The scag does have the roll bar which I didn't need but I think it looks cool. The closest hustler dealer to me is about an hour away vs 15 minutes for the scag. The scag is a little bit more money. The hustler dealer wanted to charge me almost $400 to finance and the scag dealer charged nothing for financing or delivery. I was a little concerned with the hustler since it is now being sold at big box stores so I wonder if there is some quantity over quality, but it doesn't seem like a problem yet. Both are great mowers, see which dealer you feel more comfortable with.

 

[indio51]

Thanks for the replies very helpful. I just came back from the Hustler dealer and he started talking about the Alpha MP Big Dog (Hustler Made) was real nice wider tires and a much more comfortable seat. But still leaning towards the Scag Freedom Z. In fact going to test drive Saturday. I did test drive the Hustler and it is a nice mower could have a seat that the back wasn't so tilted forward. Thanks again. Also the sales person at the Hustler Dealer wasn't real knowledgeable about things such as the gauge metal the deck was or if the spindles were sealed or should be serviced he said he was more into the Bad Boy mower. So not real comfortable with that.

Thanks Again

 

[whelch1]

Don't quote me but I believe the big dog alpha mp is made exactly like the raptor sd. I believe the only difference is a couple of options like led lights, the seat and the engine guard. I actually prefer the color combo on the big dog but that shouldn't be a deciding factor. One thing I wish the freedom z came with was the larger caster tires that the raptor has. If you haven't seen it yet, scag now has the liberty z, if I could have gotten the Kawasaki engine I may have bought it instead.