Signed up! Looking for a new mower.

[djdicetn]

Technically, the yard should be mowed every 4 to 5 days. It grows that fast. Right now it is just continuous (it seems). I keep the grass pretty tall to help choke out weeds. The rains do not help. I really don't mow when it is wet. Sometimes, there is a week to 10 days between mowings. Temperatures are coming down finally so that will help. The yard needs to be smoothed and leveled due to ruts, a fallen tree (large) and a couple of dogs I know. The only mower I've really been looking at is the Bad Boy since some coworkers have them with no complaints. Parts are available on-line and there is suppose to be an excellent dealer/service company just South of me in Alachua, Florida. I have not been there yet. I've not seen any advertisements for the 2014 models yet. I may have to buy a trailer too.

Not trying to sound too brand-loyal...but last fall I bought the last mower I'll ever have to buy just before my upcoming retirement end of October, 2013. I have about 1.5 acres and I got the 2012 52" Gravely Pro Turn XDZ100. It's a fully commercial model and the 2013's have an MSRP of approx. $7,499(Model 991080). In 2013, Gravely introduced the base Pro-Turn which is now considered their "entry-level" commercial and runs a little less($6,899 for the 52"...they may be on sale right now for $6,199). They are still worthy of being called commercial, but miss some of the nicer upgrades of the 100 XDZ series. You could probably get by with a 48" and get one even a little cheaper. I have 32 hours now on my Gravely and I love it(just added a mulch kit and am extremely pleased with that too). There are a whole LOT of good ZTR's out there for $6k-$8k, including Hustlers, Toro, Scag, Kubota, Dixon and Husqvarna. The Bad Boys are built like tanks, but have gotten mixed reviews by their owners. Most importantly, find a dealer with a good reputation that makes you feel comfortable and is willing to be a little negotiable on price.

 

[mormonsniper]

Just to close the loop, I purchased a slightly used 2013 Scag Turf Tiger today. It has less than 200 hours on the meter. Maintenance records came with it and it still has warranty tied to it. $9000.00. More mower than I need I know, but I think it was a good deal for the last mower I hope I'll ever have to buy. 61" cut with the 29hp Kawasaki water cooled engine. How'd I do?