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Opinions And Help Deciding On New Machine??

Aug 31, 2018#1

S

Selluwud

I am currently mowing in excess of 2.5 acres with a 15 year old 42" Kawasaki powered Husqvarna garden tractor. The engine is great and doesn't use oil, so I'm sold on Kawasaki power. I'd like to move up to 54"-60" size deck on either a tractor or zero turn set up. My budget is +/- $4000. and I need some input from professionals about what their choices would be. My old machine, other than the motor, is about worn out and I have pieced & patched it together over the years but it's about done. I need something that will give me another 15 years?? I am 66 yrs old and close to 3 hours on a lawn mower is taking it's toll. Need to go bigger, better & faster. Thanks, no opinions are bad opinions.

Sep 4, 2018#2

BlazNT

If you want a long lasting machine you will need to move up a little in your price This is the lowest I would go.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Husqvarna-...ostatic-61-in-Zero-Turn-Lawn-Mower/1000486279

Sep 5, 2018#3

S

Selluwud

BlazNT said:
If you want a long lasting machine you will need to move up a little in your price This is the lowest I would go.

I'll check the link when I'm at home on an unfiltered network. What do you know about the Hustler brand, specifically a Raptor SD?? I'm looking at a 60" model.

Sep 5, 2018#4

tom3

For sure I'd look for a machine with a serviceable transaxle if a hydro is wanted. Pretty much standard in the homeowner's line of riders is a throwaway transmission that starts failing at 300 hours or so, all in at 600 and expensive to replace. Look for an oil filter or two on the transaxle back there. I made the mistake some years ago with a John Deere, heck of a nice mower with a junk trans., now on my second box.

Sep 6, 2018#5

S

Selluwud

tom3 said:
For sure I'd look for a machine with a serviceable transaxle if a hydro is wanted. Pretty much standard in the homeowner's line of riders is a throwaway transmission that starts failing at 300 hours or so, all in at 600 and expensive to replace. Look for an oil filter or two on the transaxle back there. I made the mistake some years ago with a John Deere, heck of a nice mower with a junk trans., now on my second box.

My old 42" Husq with a 13HP Kawa had a belt drive hydro that's still holding up after 15 years of cutting 3 acres once a week for 8 months a year. I rebuilt the carb once and had the deck repaired. The front wheel bushings are shot and the deck suspending hardware is messed up, it runs on the deck wheels set at my height preference and they have been replaced twice. I had to rewire the PTO clutch a few times as well. It's on it's last leg. I looked at a Hustler Raptor SD 60" yesterday and was impressed but it's a little bit over my budget. Waiting for an off season deal if my old one holds up until then.

Sep 6, 2018#6

S

snookerly

Dont go soo low on your budget. You might end up with a not so good choice

Sep 8, 2018#7

RajunCajun

Early this summer I purchased a new ZTR. A residential model featuring a lot of commercial quality.
A residential Snapper 360Z 25/52, 25hp professional BRIGGS, 52” fabricated 10gauge deck, larger rear wheels&tires, handy carry deck (removable). $3699msrp at the Snapper dealer.

My other ZTR is at my parents large property home that I cut weekly is a commercial Snapper Pro 52” S150z w/ a Kawasaki 23.5hp. Yes a great commercial mower but $7500. I see the same mower high quality in both mowers. I would have preferred a Kawasaki on my 360z, but to get the Hydro-Gear 2800 tranzaxles it only comes with Briggs and the larger 52” fabricated deck. Great running engine also in my opinion. Good deal w/ serviceable Hydro-Gear 2800 hydro transmissions. Smooth, precise hydro response. A strong tight running machine. I installed a new Briggs hour meter that pops right into the dash panel knockout and plugged into the waiting harness. 18 hours on it so far and runs great. I wouldn’t hesitate cutting the larger 5 acre property with the 360z if I had to.
Hard to beat bang for your bucks! I did a lot of research.

(The 3 other smaller Snapper 360Zs models have cheaper EZT hydrostrans, smaller wheels, no carry decks, 12 gauge mower decks)

A good friend just bought the Raptor SD, 52” deck, 2800s transaxles and loves it. Equal mower, his has a Kohler I believe. He’s satisfied. Kawasaki is my favorite.

Just another opinion
Eric (60 and retired mechanic)

Sep 9, 2018#8

S

Selluwud

RajunCajun said:
View attachment 40347 View attachment 40348 View attachment 40349
Early this summer I purchased a new ZTR. A residential model featuring a lot of commercial quality.
A residential Snapper 360Z 25/52, 25hp professional BRIGGS, 52” fabricated 10gauge deck, larger rear wheels&tires, handy carry deck (removable). $3699msrp at the Snapper dealer.

My other ZTR is at my parents large property home that I cut weekly is a commercial Snapper Pro 52” S150z w/ a Kawasaki 23.5hp. Yes a great commercial mower but $7500. I see the same mower high quality in both mowers. I would have preferred a Kawasaki on my 360z, but to get the Hydro-Gear 2800 tranzaxles it only comes with Briggs and the larger 52” fabricated deck. Great running engine also in my opinion. Good deal w/ serviceable Hydro-Gear 2800 hydro transmissions. Smooth, precise hydro response. A strong tight running machine. I installed a new Briggs hour meter that pops right into the dash panel knockout and plugged into the waiting harness. 18 hours on it so far and runs great. I wouldn’t hesitate cutting the larger 5 acre property with the 360z if I had to.
Hard to beat bang for your bucks! I did a lot of research.

(The 3 other smaller Snapper 360Zs models have cheaper EZT hydrostrans, smaller wheels, no carry decks, 12 gauge mower decks)

A good friend just bought the Raptor SD, 52” deck, 2800s transaxles and loves it. Equal mower, his has a Kohler I believe. He’s satisfied. Kawasaki is my favorite.

Just another opinion
Eric (60 and retired mechanic)

Thanks for your thoughts. I’ve found that B&S engines don’t hold up over time as well, piston rods become worn and get sloppy. Also talked to mower mechanic who told me Kholer down engineered their products a few years ago to save money. Survey was done and found most people sold or replaced their mowers within a time much less than the life of Kholers former product, so they cheapened them up to match market expectations. Also found out Honda makes 2 different motors, red and black, one good and one from China. Maybe I’ve been told incorrectly, but this guys been in business a long time. True or not, I don’t really know.

Sep 10, 2018#9

RajunCajun

2018 FERRIS 5901705. $4350, free shipping, no taxes

https://www.brunospowersports.com/i...=+3477335&sfc=0&ssc=0&scc=0&sps=0&lo=2&snai=0

Wishing you Good luck with that storm!! Stay safe.

Sep 11, 2018#10

S

Selluwud

RajunCajun said:
2018 FERRIS 5901705. $4350, free shipping, no taxes

https://www.brunospowersports.com/i...=+3477335&sfc=0&ssc=0&scc=0&sps=0&lo=2&snai=0

View attachment 40398

Wishing you Good luck with that storm!! Stay safe.

Thank you for the link, I like the free shipping and "make an offer" details. Thanks again, and also the comment about the storm, we are under mandatory evacuation in the low lying coastal waters on which I reside. Luckily I am at a 25 ft above sea level elevation and only worry about the winds and downed trees. Got gas and two generators with well water, we'll be OK.

Sep 14, 2018#11

kblackmer100

If you can move up to a FERRIS you wont be dispointed

Sep 14, 2018#12

S

Selluwud

kblackmer100 said:
If you can move up to a FERRIS you wont be dispointed

Yep, that’s what I’m finding out. I got spoiled getting 15 years of life out of a 1800 investment and it seems the Ferris is out of my budget. I’m going to wait until the mowing season is over and try to find something with these three criteria: Kawa power, 2800 hydros or better, and a 54” deck all for the most reasonable price. I’ve learned a great deal reading this forum, for which I appreciate.

Sep 15, 2018#13

Boobala

Are you sure you MIGHT want a Zero-Turn ..?? Do you use any attachments with your GARDEN tractor.. ( plow, cultivator, heavy trailer loads etc. ) be sure you DON'T limit he capabilities of you new machine, you've been comfortable with a Husqvarna and the Kawi eng. .... perhaps an upgrade into a new Garden Tractor will better suit your NEEDS ! ......

https://sleequipment.com/husqvarna-...MIivyz0Oi83QIVDYvICh1oiQEfEAkYDyABEgIjovD_BwE

https://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/riding-lawn-mowers/ts354x/960430243/#specifications

Sep 15, 2018#14

S

Selluwud

Boobala said:
Are you sure you MIGHT want a Zero-Turn ..?? Do you use any attachments with your GARDEN tractor.. ( plow, cultivator, heavy trailer loads etc. ) be sure you DON'T limit he capabilities of you new machine, you've been comfortable with a Husqvarna and the Kawi eng. .... perhaps an upgrade into a new Garden Tractor will better suit your NEEDS ! ......

https://sleequipment.com/husqvarna-...MIivyz0Oi83QIVDYvICh1oiQEfEAkYDyABEgIjovD_BwE

https://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/riding-lawn-mowers/ts354x/960430243/#specifications

Thanks for the links. No, I haven’t ruled out a LT, and the one you’ve mentioned is on my short list, meets most of my needs, I only pull a garden cart around occasionally. I suppose I should make a few rounds on a ZT to compare comfort levels for riding over an hour or two. I tried my brother’s/neighbor ZT once when mine was down and had issues with arm fatigue/numbness using that kind of control, but it maybe something you have to get used to?

Sep 18, 2018#15

BlazNT

Selluwud said:
BlazNT said:

If you want a long lasting machine you will need to move up a little in your price This is the lowest I would go.

I'll check the link when I'm at home on an unfiltered network. What do you know about the Hustler brand, specifically a Raptor SD?? I'm looking at a 60" model.

Click to expand...

Unlike most of the others on here I would not purchase a Raptor SD. I would not even take one if given to me. Lots of reasons you can read about them in the Hustler section.

Sep 18, 2018#16

jekjr

Up your budget and get a Tiger Cat Scag. It will be the last mower you need to buy. it will last 40 years or longer. Problem solved.

Sep 18, 2018#17

S

Selluwud

jekjr said:
Up your budget and get a Tiger Cat Scag. It will be the last mower you need to buy. it will last 40 years or longer. Problem solved.

I hear ya, but I don’t love my yard that much. Nice machines though, investment for making a living.

Sep 18, 2018#18

S

Selluwud

BlazNT said:
Selluwud said:

Unlike most of the others on here I would not purchase a Raptor SD. I would not even take one if given to me. Lots of reasons you can read about them in the Hustler section.

Click to expand...

I’ve read about a few disgruntled owners with different issues. What is the biggest reason to avoid the Hustler? Big seller at local chain of commercial lawn & garden business along with Toro.

Sep 19, 2018#19

RajunCajun

Bolts coming loose. Damage sometimes folllows.
Belt braking, alignment. Damage to hydro fans sometimes follows.
Hydrostatic brackets bending. Just what I’ve read, but issues can happen with any brand.

How’s the flood? Saying a few prayers for y’all.
Eric

Sep 19, 2018#20

S

Selluwud

The Hustler problems you mentioned are what I read as well and give me a reason to stay away other than the company that sells and services them here. I am looking seriously at the Snapper like you mentioned, the Ferris (no local dealers), and I am checking out a Dirty Hands Tool ZT mower that I know nothing about but is piquing my interest. As far as the storm, luckily, no damage here, it was too far south of my part of Virginia to do much damage even though some tornadoes sprung up around Richmond along with flooding in the mountains. There's a lot of people dealing with some serious water and wind damage in N.C. and I feel for them.

DW

Sep 23, 2018#21

S

Selluwud

Thanks to all for your help and opinions. Analysis paralysis is officially over. I bought a used 200 hr Toro Titan ZX6020 with 23 hp Kawa in cherry condition. Homeowner with a garage and shop that’s cleaner than my kitchen counter. Added home made fabricated rear hitch and engine sound baffle. Includes added sun canopy, set of new blades, mower belt, air filters, oil filters along with manual and maintenance log. His father in law sold him a monster diesel Kubota commercial unit at family discount and the older Toro mower had to go. 3400 was worth it to me!

Sep 27, 2018#22

S

Selluwud

Made my first cut with the new/used machine. What a beast, it cut my mowing time down by an hour and 10 minutes even though I was going through a learning curve. I had a hard time doing fine detail with the throttle wide open while working the levers....a little twitchy at the least. My cut was lower than usual and I had to adjust for the extra load, but I am totally satisfied with the machine I luckily came across. The weather here has been so rainy and humid/hot this year that I've had to keep raising my cutting height to accommodate for the too tall lush bermuda grass that's out of control. My new mower will help keep it back to normal. My hands and arms went numb a few times, but the nice seat with arm rest came to the rescue. Again, I am thankful for all the useful information I pick up on this forum.

Sep 27, 2018#23

BlazNT

C channel frame. They are weak and cause all the problems.

Sep 27, 2018#24

S

Selluwud

BlazNT said:
C channel frame. They are weak and cause all the problems.

I ditched the Hustler idea and bought a used Toro Titan ZT6020 with 200 hours instead. Tubular frame.

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