New Rider Advice Needed - Cub Cadet, Husqvarna, or Other?

[Ric]

Well the Husqvarna rep came out yesterday to survey the hills and beds in which the mower would need to deal with. I wanted to make sure he had no reservation regarding the terrain prior to make a purchase like this. The Cud dealer is coming on Monday. Unfortunately, Hus rep had some concerns over the back hill grade. After talking more, I really think I should be looking into a 36-inch commercial walk behind. Lawn is very thick and does not mulch well. It will be interesting to see what the Cub dealer says but I expect the same. He is bringing out the mower. We will see. Any thoughts or recommendations on a commercial walk behind. Money will be an issue as I know they can be very expensive, especially the hydro-static drive models. Can I get away with gear drive with the hills? Checking craigslist and not much out there in my area.

Well if your considering spending that amount of money $5300 you may want to consider a commercial mower. Are you financing or buying with cash?

 

[Certek]

Are you just discussing the Husqvarna YT42DXLS (42") tractor with the Husqvarna rep ?
Was the Husqvarna R322T AWD considered ?
I realize it's not a machine for everyone, but it you've got steep slopes it's hard to beat, and it maneuvers well in confined areas.
It not inexpensive at $5300, but it is AWD, and it is designed to last and does have serviceable transmissions (oil changes and filter replacing)
The R322T is made in Sweden and it's not something you're going to find in a big box store.
Mowing decks for the R322T are the 48" side discharge, and the Combi 103 (40.5") that can be either a mulching deck or rear discharge.
Some folks use the rear discharge configuration and tow a lawn sweeper to collect the clippings.
At present Husqvarna does not offer a bagging collection system for the R322T.

I was not looking at the R322T because of the cost. Just can't pull the trigger on a $5,300 mower for a smaller residential lawn. I realize it may take that kind of investment in order to be safe but I would probably just continue with my current walk behind or newer model before I sink in that level of cash. I will post another reply with a few pictures of the most demanding hill - I have to figure out how do this. I appreciate the continued replies and interest. My max budget is $3000.

 

[Certek]

Well if your considering spending that amount of money $5300 you may want to consider a commercial mower. Are you financing or buying with cash?

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I was trying to keep my price point below $3,000. Just don't know if I can make this happen with a new commercial machine. Again, only need a 34/36 deck. I have attached some pictures of my back hill and beds for some perspective. I am checking craigslist and there is nothing really out there used. The only thing that came up was a Simplicity Pacer 1534. Looks intriguing, but I believe it only has a single hydro drive which maybe tough for the hill. What do you think?

 

[Ric]

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I was trying to keep my price point below $3,000. Just don't know if I can make this happen with a new commercial machine. Again, only need a 34/36 deck. I have attached some pictures of my back hill and beds for some perspective. I am checking craigslist and there is nothing really out there used. The only thing that came up was a Simplicity Pacer 1534. Looks intriguing, but I believe it only has a single hydro drive which maybe tough for the hill. What do you think?

Love the property, it's beautiful. I don't remember what price they quoted you on the Cub Cadet RZT S42 and I'm not a fan of the EZT drives but I think it would handle your property without any problems. Any ZTR would do that property well and the Toro Grandstand 36" would be ideal for that also if you happen to run across on craigslist. What are you mowing with now?

 

[dhd]

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I was trying to keep my price point below $3,000. Just don't know if I can make this happen with a new commercial machine. Again, only need a 34/36 deck. I have attached some pictures of my back hill and beds for some perspective. I am checking craigslist and there is nothing really out there used. The only thing that came up was a Simplicity Pacer 1534. Looks intriguing, but I believe it only has a single hydro drive which maybe tough for the hill. What do you think?

I am unable to open your attachments.

 

[Certek]

Love the property, it's beautiful. I don't remember what price they quoted you on the Cub Cadet RZT S42 and I'm not a fan of the EZT drives but I think it would handle your property without any problems. Any ZTR would do that property well and the Toro Grandstand 36" would be ideal for that also if you happen to run across on craigslist. What are you mowing with now?

Thank you. The Cub was quoted about $2,700. I believe it has the Dual Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 which is their lower end. Dealer is coming tomorrow with the unit. Currently I have a Toro 190cc 22" Recycler mower, model 20333. Does not get good reviews on Amazon. It was given to me and really has a tough time mulching my grass. Just not enough torque, engine bogs, clumping, etc. I clean the deck, always have a sharp blade and minimize the cut. Had another Toro with the same mulching results. Starting to think maybe another WB with better specs maybe the way to go. Too early to settle at this point.

 

[Certek]

I am unable to open your attachments.

I don't know why this is. Is it because I replied to Ric and he is the only one that can see them? Does not seem right but I do not have any prior experience with posting pictures on this site.

 

[Ric]

I don't know why this is. Is it because I replied to Ric and he is the only one that can see them? Does not seem right but I do not have any prior experience with posting pictures on this site.

Shouldn't have anything to do with replying to me. What type pictures did you post? : jpg, jpeg, png, gif and how did you post your pictures?

 

[dhd]

I can see the pictures now.
Really nice looking lawn, and you are right that grass look nice an thick.
I know you are trying to maintain a certain lawn mower budget, but for future reference
the R322T AWD could handle your steep slope.

good luck in your search

 

[Ric]

I can see the pictures now.
Really nice looking lawn, and you are right that grass look nice an thick.
I know you are trying to maintain a certain lawn mower budget, but for future reference
the R322T AWD could handle your steep slope.

good luck in your search

I wouldn't want to use that mower ( R322T ) on that slope it's to narrow and sets to high. When mowing a slope I want the lowest center of gravity possible, the other reason I wouldn't select that mower is cutting height.