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New mower decision, need help please
#1
G
geeksbsmrt
G
geeksbsmrt
Hi everyone,
I've just moved into a new home and am in need of a mower. I have spent the past few days researching everything I can online trying to make a decision, but can't seem to settle on a choice. Please let me know your thoughts on the following:
I have a 1/2 acre lot with the 1700 sq ft house on the front 1/3 of the property. The back 1/4 is tree covered. Yard is flat with the trees in the back, 2 in front and a few on both sides of the property line. After subtracting the size of the house from the lot, I have approximately 20000 sq feet of yard.
I cannot use a push mower due to medical issues, so please refrain from recommending them.
I have contacted many local yard maintenance companies and the cost to have the yard serviced is double what I could pay monthly for a riding mower, so I will be purchasing and doing it myself.
My quandary is:
Would a Gravely ZT 34 ($2500) be worth the extra money over a Husqvarna YTH22V46 ($1700)?
Please elaborate on the Pros/Cons of each.
Thank you,
Geeks
I've just moved into a new home and am in need of a mower. I have spent the past few days researching everything I can online trying to make a decision, but can't seem to settle on a choice. Please let me know your thoughts on the following:
I have a 1/2 acre lot with the 1700 sq ft house on the front 1/3 of the property. The back 1/4 is tree covered. Yard is flat with the trees in the back, 2 in front and a few on both sides of the property line. After subtracting the size of the house from the lot, I have approximately 20000 sq feet of yard.
I cannot use a push mower due to medical issues, so please refrain from recommending them.
I have contacted many local yard maintenance companies and the cost to have the yard serviced is double what I could pay monthly for a riding mower, so I will be purchasing and doing it myself.
My quandary is:
Would a Gravely ZT 34 ($2500) be worth the extra money over a Husqvarna YTH22V46 ($1700)?
Please elaborate on the Pros/Cons of each.
Thank you,
Geeks
#2
S
Shughes717
It's difficult to compare a ztr mower to a lawn tractor. They have different strengths. Lawn tractors are slower and easier to operate. They also handle slopes better. Zero turn mowers are more maneuverable and are more beneficial if you have numerous obstacles, such as trees. Zero turns are typically faster and will cut mowing time down. However, you are comparing a 46" tractor to a 34" zero turn so I would say that the mowing time won't be much different. Once you get the hang of a zero turn you can zip around trees without backing, where as you can't with the tractor. You will also read on here from many who don't think a mower that is priced under $2k is worth buying. I don't fall into that category. In my opinion, any mower will last on a small lawn like yours unless it's abused and not maintained. You have to decide if you want a tractor, or a zero turn. If you have several obstacles to mow around, then I would suggest the zt 34. If your used to tractor mowers and mowing around the trees won't be an issue, then I would go with the husqvarna. I hope this helps.
S
Shughes717
Hi everyone,
I've just moved into a new home and am in need of a mower. I have spent the past few days researching everything I can online trying to make a decision, but can't seem to settle on a choice. Please let me know your thoughts on the following:
I have a 1/2 acre lot with the 1700 sq ft house on the front 1/3 of the property. The back 1/4 is tree covered. Yard is flat with the trees in the back, 2 in front and a few on both sides of the property line. After subtracting the size of the house from the lot, I have approximately 20000 sq feet of yard.
I cannot use a push mower due to medical issues, so please refrain from recommending them.
I have contacted many local yard maintenance companies and the cost to have the yard serviced is double what I could pay monthly for a riding mower, so I will be purchasing and doing it myself.
My quandary is:
Would a Gravely ZT 34 ($2500) be worth the extra money over a Husqvarna YTH22V46 ($1700)?
Please elaborate on the Pros/Cons of each.
Thank you,
Geeks
It's difficult to compare a ztr mower to a lawn tractor. They have different strengths. Lawn tractors are slower and easier to operate. They also handle slopes better. Zero turn mowers are more maneuverable and are more beneficial if you have numerous obstacles, such as trees. Zero turns are typically faster and will cut mowing time down. However, you are comparing a 46" tractor to a 34" zero turn so I would say that the mowing time won't be much different. Once you get the hang of a zero turn you can zip around trees without backing, where as you can't with the tractor. You will also read on here from many who don't think a mower that is priced under $2k is worth buying. I don't fall into that category. In my opinion, any mower will last on a small lawn like yours unless it's abused and not maintained. You have to decide if you want a tractor, or a zero turn. If you have several obstacles to mow around, then I would suggest the zt 34. If your used to tractor mowers and mowing around the trees won't be an issue, then I would go with the husqvarna. I hope this helps.
#3
J
Jack17
J
Jack17
Somewhere in between a 34" and 48" cut you'll find your happy medium...I'm sure of it. Zero turn vs. riding mower? I'm not sure what to make of it because they're two different animals. But I tell you what, back in my old house with 1/2 acre lot I went out and bought an MTD 42" rider at Home Depot for around $1000. I kept using it for seven seasons and when I sold that property I gave the rider to the new owner. Now, five years later I see him still riding it. So, 7 + 5 = 12 years of mowing. And that is pretty good for a thousand dollar mower in my book if you ask me. What I'm saying is: if I were you I'd buy a rider just like I did and be happy with it. I'd look for a single cylinder rider with gear (not hydro) transmission dough.
#4
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
This is going to sound silly but is well worth thinking about.
Cut a sheet of cardboard 48" x 16". that is the size of the YTH deck.
Then do another 36" x 16", that is the size of the Gravley deck
Put them on the end of something like a broom and try to run them over your yard, You can go Brummm Brumm while you are doing it if you like.
On your size block me thinks the bigger deck will be hard to manoeuvre around the trees & other obstacles and the YTH will not mow backwards unless you have 4 hands to activate the reverse cut out override .
The ZTR will cut both backwards & forwards .
I am not a fan of the Husqvarna fabricated decks it is way too shallow front to back so there is not enough overlap on the cutting circles so they are very sensative to blade wear.
Being a very heavy deck they are difficult to get out so unless you can stand the mower up the blades are hard to replace or sharpen.
OTOH the YTHs series do a stunning beautiful cut, probably the best on any rotary short of the pro riders.
The big down side on this series, regrdless of the deck size is the clutch/brake pedal rests on a platform under the mower which is a double floor so the space is only about 1.5" high.
Grass builds up in this space preventing the pedal going fully home eventually causing the mower to come to a dead stop ( as the clutch / brake is effectivly 1/2 way pushed down ) the long term effect of this is excessive belt wear and this cavity is almost impossible to clean. This effect is even worse if you mulch as the fabricated beck tosses a lot of stuff every where.
For anything under 1 acre I generally recommend the smallest deck.
While there is a massive 12" difference in the width of cut that will add up to around 4 extra passes for the smaller deck over the width of your property as compared to all the time spent going backwards & forewords tying to get around the trees & other obstructions.
We don't get the Graverly down here, Ariens are relaunching the Ariens/Gravley range at the moment & I won't get to put a spanner on one for quite a while as I am not a dealer so I can not give any opinion as to the merit of the the Gravely.
This of course makes this post a little one sided because if I see problems with the Gravley I would be informing you of them as well.
Cut a sheet of cardboard 48" x 16". that is the size of the YTH deck.
Then do another 36" x 16", that is the size of the Gravley deck
Put them on the end of something like a broom and try to run them over your yard, You can go Brummm Brumm while you are doing it if you like.
On your size block me thinks the bigger deck will be hard to manoeuvre around the trees & other obstacles and the YTH will not mow backwards unless you have 4 hands to activate the reverse cut out override .
The ZTR will cut both backwards & forwards .
I am not a fan of the Husqvarna fabricated decks it is way too shallow front to back so there is not enough overlap on the cutting circles so they are very sensative to blade wear.
Being a very heavy deck they are difficult to get out so unless you can stand the mower up the blades are hard to replace or sharpen.
OTOH the YTHs series do a stunning beautiful cut, probably the best on any rotary short of the pro riders.
The big down side on this series, regrdless of the deck size is the clutch/brake pedal rests on a platform under the mower which is a double floor so the space is only about 1.5" high.
Grass builds up in this space preventing the pedal going fully home eventually causing the mower to come to a dead stop ( as the clutch / brake is effectivly 1/2 way pushed down ) the long term effect of this is excessive belt wear and this cavity is almost impossible to clean. This effect is even worse if you mulch as the fabricated beck tosses a lot of stuff every where.
For anything under 1 acre I generally recommend the smallest deck.
While there is a massive 12" difference in the width of cut that will add up to around 4 extra passes for the smaller deck over the width of your property as compared to all the time spent going backwards & forewords tying to get around the trees & other obstructions.
We don't get the Graverly down here, Ariens are relaunching the Ariens/Gravley range at the moment & I won't get to put a spanner on one for quite a while as I am not a dealer so I can not give any opinion as to the merit of the the Gravely.
This of course makes this post a little one sided because if I see problems with the Gravley I would be informing you of them as well.
#5
S
Shughes717
S
Shughes717
This is going to sound silly but is well worth thinking about.
Cut a sheet of cardboard 48" x 16". that is the size of the YTH deck.
Then do another 36" x 16", that is the size of the Gravley deck
Put them on the end of something like a broom and try to run them over your yard, You can go Brummm Brumm while you are doing it if you like.
That is nuts! :laughing: I have never heard anyone tell someone to run over their lawn with cardboard going brumm brumm. If the op did that the neighbors would think his cheese has slid of his cracker.
Cut a sheet of cardboard 48" x 16". that is the size of the YTH deck.
Then do another 36" x 16", that is the size of the Gravley deck
Put them on the end of something like a broom and try to run them over your yard, You can go Brummm Brumm while you are doing it if you like.
That is nuts! :laughing: I have never heard anyone tell someone to run over their lawn with cardboard going brumm brumm. If the op did that the neighbors would think his cheese has slid of his cracker.
#6
Ric
The pro's and cons on residential mowers? Not many really. The gravely Imo would be the best out of the two mowers, it would be the fastest even though it has the smallest deck and the most maneuverable of the two mowers and seeing you live in Florida you really don't have to worry about hills or grades to much. Neither mower will mow in reverse without alterations being made so don't plan on doing any mowing that way. You may want to take a look on Craigslist, I think you could do a lot better for the money or budget your talking about.
Ric
Hi everyone,
I've just moved into a new home and am in need of a mower. I have spent the past few days researching everything I can online trying to make a decision, but can't seem to settle on a choice. Please let me know your thoughts on the following:
I have a 1/2 acre lot with the 1700 sq ft house on the front 1/3 of the property. The back 1/4 is tree covered. Yard is flat with the trees in the back, 2 in front and a few on both sides of the property line. After subtracting the size of the house from the lot, I have approximately 20000 sq feet of yard.
I cannot use a push mower due to medical issues, so please refrain from recommending them.
I have contacted many local yard maintenance companies and the cost to have the yard serviced is double what I could pay monthly for a riding mower, so I will be purchasing and doing it myself.
My quandary is:
Would a Gravely ZT 34 ($2500) be worth the extra money over a Husqvarna YTH22V46 ($1700)?
Please elaborate on the Pros/Cons of each.
Thank you,
Geeks
The pro's and cons on residential mowers? Not many really. The gravely Imo would be the best out of the two mowers, it would be the fastest even though it has the smallest deck and the most maneuverable of the two mowers and seeing you live in Florida you really don't have to worry about hills or grades to much. Neither mower will mow in reverse without alterations being made so don't plan on doing any mowing that way. You may want to take a look on Craigslist, I think you could do a lot better for the money or budget your talking about.
#7
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
Want to know just how many of my 1 acre to 1/4 customers have needed to back trade because they can not get their you beaut 48" mower around their yard ?
It looks so small in the shop but when you go to get it through the gate, past the tree, around the edge of the fren house dom past the pool pump suddenly it becomes way too big.
Takes me 1.5 hours longer to mow a 5 acre orchard with a 24" deck as the owner with a 44" deck.
I did it once testing out a customers pro rider with a 36" deck and it was faster by way over an hour due to the better manoeuvrability and the out front deck.
Done the same patch with a 61" zero turn, took longer than the 24" and most of the ground would have been over cut at least twice.
At those prices the dealers are highly unlikely going to allw him to take them home for a test drive around the block.
And a test run around the car park does not cut the mustard.
It looks so small in the shop but when you go to get it through the gate, past the tree, around the edge of the fren house dom past the pool pump suddenly it becomes way too big.
Takes me 1.5 hours longer to mow a 5 acre orchard with a 24" deck as the owner with a 44" deck.
I did it once testing out a customers pro rider with a 36" deck and it was faster by way over an hour due to the better manoeuvrability and the out front deck.
Done the same patch with a 61" zero turn, took longer than the 24" and most of the ground would have been over cut at least twice.
At those prices the dealers are highly unlikely going to allw him to take them home for a test drive around the block.
And a test run around the car park does not cut the mustard.
#8
S
Shughes717
Better advice would be to get the op to go out with a measuring tape and measure any gates, and tight spaces to make sure the deck will fit in those areas.
S
Shughes717
Want to know just how many of my 1 acre to 1/4 customers have needed to back trade because they can not get their you beaut 48" mower around their yard ?
It looks so small in the shop but when you go to get it through the gate, past the tree, around the edge of the fren house dom past the pool pump suddenly it becomes way too big.
Takes me 1.5 hours longer to mow a 5 acre orchard with a 24" deck as the owner with a 44" deck.
I did it once testing out a customers pro rider with a 36" deck and it was faster by way over an hour due to the better manoeuvrability and the out front deck.
Done the same patch with a 61" zero turn, took longer than the 24" and most of the ground would have been over cut at least twice.
At those prices the dealers are highly unlikely going to allw him to take them home for a test drive around the block.
And a test run around the car park does not cut the mustard.
Better advice would be to get the op to go out with a measuring tape and measure any gates, and tight spaces to make sure the deck will fit in those areas.
#9
D
dhd
Have you seen one of these ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4eSb3pJBBg
It would be really good manuevering around trees.
The Husqvarna R220T is a 2wd machine, the drive wheels are the back steering wheels.
I have the Husqvarna R322T AWD which looks exactly the same as the R220T except the R322T AWD is an all wheel drive machine, which I need for my steep slopes.
For your small yard the Combi 103 deck might be better that the 48" side discharge deck.
The Combi deck can be rear discharge, or mulching..
D
dhd
Hi everyone,
I've just moved into a new home and am in need of a mower. I have spent the past few days researching everything I can online trying to make a decision, but can't seem to settle on a choice. Please let me know your thoughts on the following:
I have a 1/2 acre lot with the 1700 sq ft house on the front 1/3 of the property. The back 1/4 is tree covered. Yard is flat with the trees in the back, 2 in front and a few on both sides of the property line. After subtracting the size of the house from the lot, I have approximately 20000 sq feet of yard.
I cannot use a push mower due to medical issues, so please refrain from recommending them.
I have contacted many local yard maintenance companies and the cost to have the yard serviced is double what I could pay monthly for a riding mower, so I will be purchasing and doing it myself.
My quandary is:
Would a Gravely ZT 34 ($2500) be worth the extra money over a Husqvarna YTH22V46 ($1700)?
Please elaborate on the Pros/Cons of each.
Thank you,
Geeks
Have you seen one of these ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4eSb3pJBBg
It would be really good manuevering around trees.
The Husqvarna R220T is a 2wd machine, the drive wheels are the back steering wheels.
I have the Husqvarna R322T AWD which looks exactly the same as the R220T except the R322T AWD is an all wheel drive machine, which I need for my steep slopes.
For your small yard the Combi 103 deck might be better that the 48" side discharge deck.
The Combi deck can be rear discharge, or mulching..
#10
S
Shughes717
Why would the op want to spend $4k on a mower for 1/2 acre? There are so ,any other options out there that can do the job just as well for half that price. Not to mention that an articulating mower is much longer than a tractor or a zero turn. Don't think it would do as well in tight places. Don't get me wrong, they are awesome looking mowers. I just don't see the need for a lawn that small. Ric has mentioned this before, and I agree, that the op could look into a small used stand on mower for $2k or less and it would work well. That is if the op doesn't mind looking at used equipment. I also think a rer mower would suit the op's needs well.
S
Shughes717
Have you seen one of these ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4eSb3pJBBg
It would be really good manuevering around trees.
The Husqvarna R220T is a 2wd machine, the drive wheels are the back steering wheels.
I have the Husqvarna R322T AWD which looks exactly the same as the R220T except the R322T AWD is an all wheel drive machine, which I need for my steep slopes.
For your small yard the Combi 103 deck might be better that the 48" side discharge deck.
The Combi deck can be rear discharge, or mulching..
Why would the op want to spend $4k on a mower for 1/2 acre? There are so ,any other options out there that can do the job just as well for half that price. Not to mention that an articulating mower is much longer than a tractor or a zero turn. Don't think it would do as well in tight places. Don't get me wrong, they are awesome looking mowers. I just don't see the need for a lawn that small. Ric has mentioned this before, and I agree, that the op could look into a small used stand on mower for $2k or less and it would work well. That is if the op doesn't mind looking at used equipment. I also think a rer mower would suit the op's needs well.
#11
Ric
A ztr is more maneuverable than that Husqvarna and I think spending 4 or 5k on something like that from a BBS would be crazy with the options that are available.
Ric
Why would the op want to spend $4k on a mower for 1/2 acre? There are so ,any other options out there that can do the job just as well for half that price. Not to mention that an articulating mower is much longer than a tractor or a zero turn. Don't think it would do as well in tight places. Don't get me wrong, they are awesome looking mowers. I just don't see the need for a lawn that small. Ric has mentioned this before, and I agree, that the op could look into a small used stand on mower for $2k or less and it would work well. That is if the op doesn't mind looking at used equipment. I also think a rer mower would suit the op's needs well.
A ztr is more maneuverable than that Husqvarna and I think spending 4 or 5k on something like that from a BBS would be crazy with the options that are available.
#12
G
geeksbsmrt
G
geeksbsmrt
Thank you everyone for the replies so far. I would love to be able to find something second hand. Unfortunately, I don't have cash on hand, so I will be financing the purchase. Unless I can find a dealer that is willing to finance a used mower, I will be buying new. I have not yet started to look at the local dealers as I am still trying to decide on tractor vs ZTR. I am heavily leaning towards the ZTR and will likely go that route.
I'm sorry to be so needy, however this is my first mower purchase and want to be as informed as possible. The reason I was looking at the Gravely was a co-worker who had a small lawn business recommended them. Since I have mostly decided on a ZTR, would Gravely be the best option or would another brand be more beneficial? I am looking to stay around or under $2500 before tax.
Again, any advice is greatly appreciated.
I'm sorry to be so needy, however this is my first mower purchase and want to be as informed as possible. The reason I was looking at the Gravely was a co-worker who had a small lawn business recommended them. Since I have mostly decided on a ZTR, would Gravely be the best option or would another brand be more beneficial? I am looking to stay around or under $2500 before tax.
Again, any advice is greatly appreciated.
#13
S
Shughes717
All of them offer similar drive trains. Some are priced a little better than others. Asking which brand is the best option is going to confuse you more, because you are going to get so many different opinions. Opinions will vary with each individual, because people generally recommend what they know. If someone has a gravely they will suggest gravely. If someone has a hustler then they will generally recommend hustler, etc. The best thing for you to do is set a budget (which you have), and go kick the tires on every mower you can find in your area under that budget. Go with the mower that you liked best out of the bunch. I would suggest that you also consider the reputation of the dealer as well. Dealer support is also important.
S
Shughes717
Thank you everyone for the replies so far. I would love to be able to find something second hand. Unfortunately, I don't have cash on hand, so I will be financing the purchase. Unless I can find a dealer that is willing to finance a used mower, I will be buying new. I have not yet started to look at the local dealers as I am still trying to decide on tractor vs ZTR. I am heavily leaning towards the ZTR and will likely go that route.
I'm sorry to be so needy, however this is my first mower purchase and want to be as informed as possible. The reason I was looking at the Gravely was a co-worker who had a small lawn business recommended them. Since I have mostly decided on a ZTR, would Gravely be the best option or would another brand be more beneficial? I am looking to stay around or under $2500 before tax.
Again, any advise is greatly appreciated.
All of them offer similar drive trains. Some are priced a little better than others. Asking which brand is the best option is going to confuse you more, because you are going to get so many different opinions. Opinions will vary with each individual, because people generally recommend what they know. If someone has a gravely they will suggest gravely. If someone has a hustler then they will generally recommend hustler, etc. The best thing for you to do is set a budget (which you have), and go kick the tires on every mower you can find in your area under that budget. Go with the mower that you liked best out of the bunch. I would suggest that you also consider the reputation of the dealer as well. Dealer support is also important.
#14
1
1striper1
1
1striper1
You can finance a used unit. Most banks (I prefer credit unions) will finance pretty much anything nowadays. Don't be swayed by "0% for 48 months" offerings....do the math. It doesn't cost that much more for say 3.9% for 48 months through your bank or credit union.
EDIT - I know guys here are pushing a ZTR but IMO...don't give up on a lawn tractor quite yet. Will you be wanting to pull anything? Roller, aerator? de-thatcher? Lawn tractor is more adept and designed/built to do those things.
You can get some great used equipment.....LT's or ZTR's up by me for $2500...what it's like in FL I haven't a clue.
Oh yea...before I forget - what do you guys think of 2 blade vs 3 blade? I like the cut of a 3 blade better myself. The OP would be in the range of a 3 blade.
EDIT - I know guys here are pushing a ZTR but IMO...don't give up on a lawn tractor quite yet. Will you be wanting to pull anything? Roller, aerator? de-thatcher? Lawn tractor is more adept and designed/built to do those things.
You can get some great used equipment.....LT's or ZTR's up by me for $2500...what it's like in FL I haven't a clue.
Oh yea...before I forget - what do you guys think of 2 blade vs 3 blade? I like the cut of a 3 blade better myself. The OP would be in the range of a 3 blade.
#15
S
Shughes717
I totally agree with your post. With a lawn as small as the one the op will be mowing, he should not rule anything out. My friend just financed a used mower through his credit union for just under $2500. As far as 2 blade vs 3 blade I don't think I could give a fair opinion. I had a lt with a 42" deck that ran 2 blades. It did ok. My commercial mower has three blades, and does leave a nicer cut, but the blade tip speed on my commercial mower is about 6000 fpm faster than the lt was. Maybe someone who has used mowers with 2 and 3 blade decks with similar blade tip speeds could give a better answer.
S
Shughes717
You can finance a used unit. Most banks (I prefer credit unions) will finance pretty much anything nowadays. Don't be swayed by "0% for 48 months" offerings....do the math. It doesn't cost that much more for say 3.9% for 48 months through your bank or credit union.
EDIT - I know guys here are pushing a ZTR but IMO...don't give up on a lawn tractor quite yet. Will you be wanting to pull anything? Roller, aerator? de-thatcher? Lawn tractor is more adept and designed/built to do those things.
You can get some great used equipment.....LT's or ZTR's up by me for $2500...what it's like in FL I haven't a clue.
Oh yea...before I forget - what do you guys think of 2 blade vs 3 blade? I like the cut of a 3 blade better myself. The OP would be in the range of a 3 blade.
I totally agree with your post. With a lawn as small as the one the op will be mowing, he should not rule anything out. My friend just financed a used mower through his credit union for just under $2500. As far as 2 blade vs 3 blade I don't think I could give a fair opinion. I had a lt with a 42" deck that ran 2 blades. It did ok. My commercial mower has three blades, and does leave a nicer cut, but the blade tip speed on my commercial mower is about 6000 fpm faster than the lt was. Maybe someone who has used mowers with 2 and 3 blade decks with similar blade tip speeds could give a better answer.
#16
1
1striper1
1
1striper1
I have a 38" 2 blade LT and still use it to this day....and to this day I wished I had jumped to the 44" 3 blade deck. Forget about the width, the quality of cut is slightly better on the 3 blade especially in LH curves where you don't always get the good overlap with the blades. Much was dependent on how moist the blades of grass were (remember we have mostly KBG up here) with the 2 blade. A couple of years after I bought the 2 blade I demo'd the 3 blade.....it was really nice!
Good point though on the blade tip speed on a LT vs. ZTR. Maybe we're just confusing the OP?
OP - where in FL do you live?
Good point though on the blade tip speed on a LT vs. ZTR. Maybe we're just confusing the OP?
OP - where in FL do you live?
#17
G
geeksbsmrt
Not totally confused, I sometimes have to figure out the acronyms.
I live in central FL, between Tampa and Orlando.
G
geeksbsmrt
I have a 38" 2 blade LT and still use it to this day....and to this day I wished I had jumped to the 44" 3 blade deck. Forget about the width, the quality of cut is slightly better on the 3 blade especially in LH curves where you don't always get the good overlap with the blades. Much was dependent on how moist the blades of grass were (remember we have mostly KBG up here) with the 2 blade. A couple of years after I bought the 2 blade I demo'd the 3 blade.....it was really nice!
Good point though on the blade tip speed on a LT vs. ZTR. Maybe we're just confusing the OP?
OP - where in FL do you live?
Not totally confused, I sometimes have to figure out the acronyms.
I live in central FL, between Tampa and Orlando.
#18
1
1striper1
Sent you a PM.
This place is in Hudson, FL. They carry Exmark and Gravely which are two brands with solid reputations. Can't tell you zilch about the dealer though. They also carry Ariens lawn tractors which are made in my great state of Wisconsin!
If $65/month is OK this is a nice mower for the money and has a Kawasaki engine: 42" GRAVELY ZERO TURN HOMEOWNER MOWER
1
1striper1
Not totally confused, I sometimes have to figure out the acronyms.
I live in central FL, between Tampa and Orlando.
Sent you a PM.
This place is in Hudson, FL. They carry Exmark and Gravely which are two brands with solid reputations. Can't tell you zilch about the dealer though. They also carry Ariens lawn tractors which are made in my great state of Wisconsin!
If $65/month is OK this is a nice mower for the money and has a Kawasaki engine: 42" GRAVELY ZERO TURN HOMEOWNER MOWER
#19
S
Shughes717
It wouldn't take long to mow 1/2 acre with a mower like that. 30 minutes or less. If it falls in the op's budget it would be a great option. That's a lot of mower for a little lawn.
S
Shughes717
Sent you a PM.
This place is in Hudson, FL. They carry Exmark and Gravely which are two brands with solid reputations. Can't tell you zilch about the dealer though. They also carry Ariens lawn tractors which are made in my great state of Wisconsin!
If $65/month is OK this is a nice mower for the money and has a Kawasaki engine: 42" GRAVELY ZERO TURN HOMEOWNER MOWER
It wouldn't take long to mow 1/2 acre with a mower like that. 30 minutes or less. If it falls in the op's budget it would be a great option. That's a lot of mower for a little lawn.
#20
1
1striper1
They have a 3X" (don't remember the exact size) with for $10 less per month. Pretty sure the 3X" deck is also a 3 blade as well....which personally I really like. But would you get a Kawi motor? To the OP don't forget RESALE value. IMO any mower with a 4X" deck and a Kawi motor is going to have a higher resale value.
More confusion! LOL!!
1
1striper1
It wouldn't take long to mow 1/2 acre with a mower like that. 30 minutes or less. If it falls in the op's budget it would be a great option. That's a lot of mower for a little lawn.
They have a 3X" (don't remember the exact size) with for $10 less per month. Pretty sure the 3X" deck is also a 3 blade as well....which personally I really like. But would you get a Kawi motor? To the OP don't forget RESALE value. IMO any mower with a 4X" deck and a Kawi motor is going to have a higher resale value.
More confusion! LOL!!
#21
G
geeksbsmrt
$65/month is right were I would like to be. I was actually looking at the smaller Gravely ZT34. I had the same thought as Shughes, that the 42 may be a little overkill. However, you do make a good point about having the 3rd blade. Does the 3rd blade make that much of a difference?
G
geeksbsmrt
Sent you a PM.
This place is in Hudson, FL. They carry Exmark and Gravely which are two brands with solid reputations. Can't tell you zilch about the dealer though. They also carry Ariens lawn tractors which are made in my great state of Wisconsin!
If $65/month is OK this is a nice mower for the money and has a Kawasaki engine: 42" GRAVELY ZERO TURN HOMEOWNER MOWER
$65/month is right were I would like to be. I was actually looking at the smaller Gravely ZT34. I had the same thought as Shughes, that the 42 may be a little overkill. However, you do make a good point about having the 3rd blade. Does the 3rd blade make that much of a difference?
#22
S
Shughes717
It depends on whether the op is looking for the last mower he will ever buy. If he plans on selling it a few years down the road and upgrading, then the Kawi engine would sell better. If the op is looking for a mower that falls in his budget and wants to run it for 10 to 20 years I wouldn't worry about it. As I said earlier, a homeowner with a small lawn isn't going to put much stress on a mower, so any engine should be able to hold up well as long as it's maintained. He is looking at putting less than an hour a week on a mower like that.
S
Shughes717
They have a 3X" (don't remember the exact size) with for $10 less per month. Pretty sure the 3X" deck is also a 3 blade as well....which personally I really like. But would you get a Kawi motor? To the OP don't forget RESALE value. IMO any mower with a 4X" deck and a Kawi motor is going to have a higher resale value.
More confusion! LOL!!
It depends on whether the op is looking for the last mower he will ever buy. If he plans on selling it a few years down the road and upgrading, then the Kawi engine would sell better. If the op is looking for a mower that falls in his budget and wants to run it for 10 to 20 years I wouldn't worry about it. As I said earlier, a homeowner with a small lawn isn't going to put much stress on a mower, so any engine should be able to hold up well as long as it's maintained. He is looking at putting less than an hour a week on a mower like that.
#23
G
geeksbsmrt
I will likely be buying to keep. I don't want to have to buy another mower until this one dies.
G
geeksbsmrt
It depends on whether the op is looking for the last mower he will ever buy. If he plans on selling it a few years down the road and upgrading, then the Kawi engine would sell better. If the op is looking for a mower that falls in his budget and wants to run it for 10 to 20 years I wouldn't worry about it. As I said earlier, a homeowner with a small lawn isn't going to put much stress on a mower, so any engine should be able to hold up well as long as it's maintained. He is looking at putting less than an hour a week on a mower like that.
I will likely be buying to keep. I don't want to have to buy another mower until this one dies.
#24
1
1striper1
Agree.
I PM'd the OP with the info on a Gravely and Exmark dealer close to him.
1
1striper1
It depends on whether the op is looking for the last mower he will ever buy. If he plans on selling it a few years down the road and upgrading, then the Kawi engine would sell better. If the op is looking for a mower that falls in his budget and wants to run it for 10 to 20 years I wouldn't worry about it. As I said earlier, a homeowner with a small lawn isn't going to put much stress on a mower, so any engine should be able to hold up well as long as it's maintained. He is looking at putting less than an hour a week on a mower like that.
Agree.
I PM'd the OP with the info on a Gravely and Exmark dealer close to him.
#25
Z
zmister11
What city do you live in. I live in between tampa and orlando too. I live in brandon. If you live around me I could tell you a few dealers also
Z
zmister11
Not totally confused, I sometimes have to figure out the acronyms.
I live in central FL, between Tampa and Orlando.
What city do you live in. I live in between tampa and orlando too. I live in brandon. If you live around me I could tell you a few dealers also
#26
G
geeksbsmrt
Bartow. I'll likely buy at Cutting Edge in Lakeland.
G
geeksbsmrt
What city do you live in. I live in between tampa and orlando too. I live in brandon. If you live around me I could tell you a few dealers also
Bartow. I'll likely buy at Cutting Edge in Lakeland.
#27
Z
zmister11
Oh okay. Plant city is close to lakeland. I know the guys at choo choo lawn equipment out their
Z
zmister11
Bartow. I'll likely buy at Cutting Edge in Lakeland.
Oh okay. Plant city is close to lakeland. I know the guys at choo choo lawn equipment out their
#28
G
geeksbsmrt
G
geeksbsmrt
Thank you everyone for your help! I will be going with a Gravely ZT. Still deciding on the 34/42. I really like the added features of the 42, and if the difference in cost is not significant at the dealer will end up with the 42.
#29
Z
zmister11
Sweet! Take some pictures when you get one
Z
zmister11
Thank you everyone for your help! I will be going with a Gravely ZT. Still deciding on the 34/42. I really like the added features of the 42, and if the difference in cost is not significant at the dealer will end up with the 42.
Sweet! Take some pictures when you get one
#30
S
Shughes717
Congratulations on the purchase. Be sure to post on here what you like about your mower, and what helped make your decision to purchase one over the other brands so others who are looking will have some input from someone with a new gravely.
S
Shughes717
Thank you everyone for your help! I will be going with a Gravely ZT. Still deciding on the 34/42. I really like the added features of the 42, and if the difference in cost is not significant at the dealer will end up with the 42.
Congratulations on the purchase. Be sure to post on here what you like about your mower, and what helped make your decision to purchase one over the other brands so others who are looking will have some input from someone with a new gravely.