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Stand on mowers?
#1
jay stortini
jay stortini
Gat is the general consensus on stand on mowers?
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
#2
djdicetn
I have no first-hand experience, but user/Moderator Ric has a Toro Grandstand(and also has a Cub Cadet Zero Turn) and being a commercial mower with many years of experience he sometimes prefers the stander to the ZTR for situations where a stander is more versatile than a ZTR(I think he has mentioned on slopes and tight areas). maybe he will chime in and give you a more accurate depiction of where a stander "satnds out" versus using another type of mower.
djdicetn
Gat is the general consensus on stand on mowers?
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
I have no first-hand experience, but user/Moderator Ric has a Toro Grandstand(and also has a Cub Cadet Zero Turn) and being a commercial mower with many years of experience he sometimes prefers the stander to the ZTR for situations where a stander is more versatile than a ZTR(I think he has mentioned on slopes and tight areas). maybe he will chime in and give you a more accurate depiction of where a stander "satnds out" versus using another type of mower.
#3
L
LoCo86
Just got my Toro Grandstand today. Used it for two hours and have to say it is a great machine. Took me about the first hour to get a good handle on the controls, I'm sure with a few more it will become second nature. But the cut is great, very compact and almost just as maneuverable as my walk behinds. Have to say I'm very pleased.
L
LoCo86
Gat is the general consensus on stand on mowers? Sent from my iPhone using LMF
Just got my Toro Grandstand today. Used it for two hours and have to say it is a great machine. Took me about the first hour to get a good handle on the controls, I'm sure with a few more it will become second nature. But the cut is great, very compact and almost just as maneuverable as my walk behinds. Have to say I'm very pleased.
#4
Ric
What size did you get?
Ric
Just got my Toro Grandstand today. Used it for two hours and have to say it is a great machine. Took me about the first hour to get a good handle on the controls, I'm sure with a few more it will become second nature. But the cut is great, very compact and almost just as maneuverable as my walk behinds. Have to say I'm very pleased.
What size did you get?
#5
Ric
The GrandStand offers you a more compact size mower than a ZTR. It combines the speed and comfort of a zero-turn rider with the on-and-off ease of a wide area walk-behind which in turn makes it a fast, more maneuverable and a more productive mower than a ztr or any other type or alternative that I have found. I run the 36" which is perfect for my residential lawns, goes through most gates without problems, I mow places where other have to use a push mower. The Grandstand and the stander mowers like it are the best mowers you can buy IMO.
Ric
Gat is the general consensus on stand on mowers?
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
The GrandStand offers you a more compact size mower than a ZTR. It combines the speed and comfort of a zero-turn rider with the on-and-off ease of a wide area walk-behind which in turn makes it a fast, more maneuverable and a more productive mower than a ztr or any other type or alternative that I have found. I run the 36" which is perfect for my residential lawns, goes through most gates without problems, I mow places where other have to use a push mower. The Grandstand and the stander mowers like it are the best mowers you can buy IMO.
#6
Carscw
Carscw
I have heard good things about the grandstand. Going to demo one on a couple of yards that a ztr can not mow the hills on as soon as I have time.
Been looking at the 74578. 48 inch deck
Been looking at the 74578. 48 inch deck
#7
M
mowerguy
M
mowerguy
Ric how does the 36" perform on hills with it having a narrower wheel base? I have a 60" V-ride and was looking at getting a 36" and getting rid of my walk behind. I talked to the sales guy at the local dealer today about them and he a little skeptical about mowing on hills with them. He said with a smaller wheel base they are very unstable. He said he even gets nervous sometimes loading it on a trailer. Now that may be from lack of experience. I wanted to get someone's opinion who runs a 36" routinely, which there is no doubt you do.
#8
jay stortini
How much does 36" grandstand go for?
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
jay stortini
The GrandStand offers you a more compact size mower than a ZTR. It combines the speed and comfort of a zero-turn rider with the on-and-off ease of a wide area walk-behind which in turn makes it a fast, more maneuverable and a more productive mower than a ztr or any other type or alternative that I have found. I run the 36" which is perfect for my residential lawns, goes through most gates without problems, I mow places where other have to use a push mower. The Grandstand and the stander mowers like it are the best mowers you can buy IMO.
How much does 36" grandstand go for?
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
#10
Ric
That would depend on when you buy the thing. If you could find a 2013 after they get the 2014 models you could get a deal. Right at the moment my dealer has one on the floor for I think for $7800, you could probably get it some cheaper but not much.
Ric
How much does 36" grandstand go for?
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
That would depend on when you buy the thing. If you could find a 2013 after they get the 2014 models you could get a deal. Right at the moment my dealer has one on the floor for I think for $7800, you could probably get it some cheaper but not much.
#11
jay stortini
Wow that is more than what I was bargaining on! Looks like I will get a gravely zt hd in nov!
Is there anything out there comparable with a lower price tag?
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
jay stortini
That would depend on when you buy the thing. If you could find a 2013 after they get the 2014 models you could get a deal. Right at the moment my dealer has one on the floor for I think for $7800, you could probably get it some cheaper but not much.
Wow that is more than what I was bargaining on! Looks like I will get a gravely zt hd in nov!
Is there anything out there comparable with a lower price tag?
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
#12
Ric
Well you can get what you want but keep in mind you get what you pay for. Do have a question, are you going to use the mower for home owner use or in a business. If your using it to mow your own lawn the gravely would work fine but if your using the mower for business 5 or 6 days a week I'd spend the extra on a commercial mower, yes you'll pay more but something like the Grandstand being more maneuverable and a more productive will or would save you time and make you more money in a day than the Gravely. The other thing you have to consider in buying the Grandstand is your actually buying 2 mowers in one. Your buying a ztr plus if you flip up the flex ride platform you have a wide area walk behind and trust me that can come in handy on slopes of 20 degrees, something you wont mow with a ztr. You can try the Wright, Scag standers or maybe the Exmark Vantage but there price tags are going to be in the same ball park because there commercial mowers.
Ric
Wow that is more than what I was bargaining on! Looks like I will get a gravely zt hd in nov!
Is there anything out there comparable with a lower price tag?
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
Well you can get what you want but keep in mind you get what you pay for. Do have a question, are you going to use the mower for home owner use or in a business. If your using it to mow your own lawn the gravely would work fine but if your using the mower for business 5 or 6 days a week I'd spend the extra on a commercial mower, yes you'll pay more but something like the Grandstand being more maneuverable and a more productive will or would save you time and make you more money in a day than the Gravely. The other thing you have to consider in buying the Grandstand is your actually buying 2 mowers in one. Your buying a ztr plus if you flip up the flex ride platform you have a wide area walk behind and trust me that can come in handy on slopes of 20 degrees, something you wont mow with a ztr. You can try the Wright, Scag standers or maybe the Exmark Vantage but there price tags are going to be in the same ball park because there commercial mowers.
#13
jay stortini
jay stortini
Wow I really like the sound of this machine.
Now I have a lot more to think about hmmm.
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
Now I have a lot more to think about hmmm.
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
#14
Ric
I was hoping that next year I could or can replace my 48" ztr with the 48 or 52 " Grandstand, I want to be totally standers for my business. With my 48" ztr I was running about 30 minutes a lawn, with the 36" GS I'm running 20 minutes a lawn. When you consider that I reduced my cutting width by 12 inches and reduced my time per lawn by 10 minutes that says a lot about the machines productivity.
Ric
Wow I really like the sound of this machine.
Now I have a lot more to think about hmmm.
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
I was hoping that next year I could or can replace my 48" ztr with the 48 or 52 " Grandstand, I want to be totally standers for my business. With my 48" ztr I was running about 30 minutes a lawn, with the 36" GS I'm running 20 minutes a lawn. When you consider that I reduced my cutting width by 12 inches and reduced my time per lawn by 10 minutes that says a lot about the machines productivity.
#15
L
LoCo86
It all depends on your location how much one would cost. I got my 52" Grandstand for $7300 out the door and that is with a two sets of blades and a trash container for the side.
L
LoCo86
That would depend on when you buy the thing. If you could find a 2013 after they get the 2014 models you could get a deal. Right at the moment my dealer has one on the floor for I think for $7800, you could probably get it some cheaper but not much.
It all depends on your location how much one would cost. I got my 52" Grandstand for $7300 out the door and that is with a two sets of blades and a trash container for the side.
#16
Ric
The price I quoted was what was on the tag on the one on the floor and if you talk to them they'll come down on the price. I got mine a lot cheaper, it also helps the price if your a real good customer and purchased other mowers before.
Ric
It all depends on your location how much one would cost. I got my 52" Grandstand for $7300 out the door and that is with a two sets of blades and a trash container for the side.
The price I quoted was what was on the tag on the one on the floor and if you talk to them they'll come down on the price. I got mine a lot cheaper, it also helps the price if your a real good customer and purchased other mowers before.
#17
L
LoCo86
You're right. I was just posting to let the OP and anyone else to not let the sticker price scare you out of trying to make a deal. Especially this time of year when they must clear out the 2013 models.
L
LoCo86
The price I quoted was what was on the tag on the one on the floor and if you talk to them they'll come down on the price. I got mine a lot cheaper, it also helps the price if your a real good customer and purchased other mowers before.
You're right. I was just posting to let the OP and anyone else to not let the sticker price scare you out of trying to make a deal. Especially this time of year when they must clear out the 2013 models.
#18
djdicetn
Looks like users Ric & LoCo86 have chimed in to fill you in on first-hand details like I figured. Heck, they've got me wishing I had looked at the Grandstand and other standers last fall:0)
Seriously, I have post-polio syndrome so a "sit-down" machine is really a necessity for me(I wouldn't even be able to walk behind a Grandstand and maneuver it). But like pointed out, if you are just mowing your yard I would highly recommend the bang-for-your-buck by getting the Gravely ZT HD....but if you are mowing commercially where time is money user Ric is spot on recommending the Grandstand.
djdicetn
Wow that is more than what I was bargaining on! Looks like I will get a gravely zt hd in nov!
Is there anything out there comparable with a lower price tag?
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
Looks like users Ric & LoCo86 have chimed in to fill you in on first-hand details like I figured. Heck, they've got me wishing I had looked at the Grandstand and other standers last fall:0)
Seriously, I have post-polio syndrome so a "sit-down" machine is really a necessity for me(I wouldn't even be able to walk behind a Grandstand and maneuver it). But like pointed out, if you are just mowing your yard I would highly recommend the bang-for-your-buck by getting the Gravely ZT HD....but if you are mowing commercially where time is money user Ric is spot on recommending the Grandstand.
#19
Ric
My 36" does well on hills not great but good. A lot depends on the guy on the back and his capability's on hill use. I can tell you it will do a lot more of a grade than a ztr and will do more than I'm willing to put it through. I mean I do retention ponds and things of that nature but as far as hills go, here in Florida we just don't have that many real hills. The mower itself is rated for 20 degree slopes, the engine is rated for 25 degrees which is more than most any ZTR and if your sales guy get nervous putting the thing on a trailer he has problems:smile: cause that's not an issue. Now I drive mine on and off the trailer standing on the platform not like a walk behind and the only thing you may need to do is adjust the height of the back of the trailer because if it is to steep you can drag the back of the platform on the pavement loading the thing but that's an easy fix. If your using the 60' V-ride you'll probably find the Grandstand super easy and more maneuverable being a smaller unit. The nice thing about the Grandstand is you still have the walk-behind advantage if you want it, goes through gates, is a great smaller area mower, it's the best all around mower I own and I hope to sell my ZTR and match it up with a 52" GS for next season.
Ric
Ric how does the 36" perform on hills with it having a narrower wheel base? I have a 60" V-ride and was looking at getting a 36" and getting rid of my walk behind. I talked to the sales guy at the local dealer today about them and he a little skeptical about mowing on hills with them. He said with a smaller wheel base they are very unstable. He said he even gets nervous sometimes loading it on a trailer. Now that may be from lack of experience. I wanted to get someone's opinion who runs a 36" routinely, which there is no doubt you do.
My 36" does well on hills not great but good. A lot depends on the guy on the back and his capability's on hill use. I can tell you it will do a lot more of a grade than a ztr and will do more than I'm willing to put it through. I mean I do retention ponds and things of that nature but as far as hills go, here in Florida we just don't have that many real hills. The mower itself is rated for 20 degree slopes, the engine is rated for 25 degrees which is more than most any ZTR and if your sales guy get nervous putting the thing on a trailer he has problems:smile: cause that's not an issue. Now I drive mine on and off the trailer standing on the platform not like a walk behind and the only thing you may need to do is adjust the height of the back of the trailer because if it is to steep you can drag the back of the platform on the pavement loading the thing but that's an easy fix. If your using the 60' V-ride you'll probably find the Grandstand super easy and more maneuverable being a smaller unit. The nice thing about the Grandstand is you still have the walk-behind advantage if you want it, goes through gates, is a great smaller area mower, it's the best all around mower I own and I hope to sell my ZTR and match it up with a 52" GS for next season.
#20
M
Mad Mackie
M
Mad Mackie
Here in rocky, rooty, hilly New England I don't see many standers. Local Scag dealer doesn't sell many. As an older operator I would rather be sitting!!!! If I were 40 years younger I may go for a stander, but not now!!!
I use machines with either a collection system or a rear discharge deck and standers don't have those options.
Local Scag dealer used to sell Wright Standers but discontinued them when Scag came out with their standers, but they haven't sold well either.
I can see an advantage to a stander on flatter and smoother lawns, but that don't happen much here in New England!!!
I mowed for many years(25) with two Ingersoll GTs both with collection systems, these machines were very effective and compact, however slow. I still have the "low time" machine with 2,700 hours, 2nd engine. When I upgraded to a ZTR it took me a long time to get accustomed to its operational characteristics, but now I won't be without a ZTR with collection.
Mad Mackie in CT
I use machines with either a collection system or a rear discharge deck and standers don't have those options.
Local Scag dealer used to sell Wright Standers but discontinued them when Scag came out with their standers, but they haven't sold well either.
I can see an advantage to a stander on flatter and smoother lawns, but that don't happen much here in New England!!!
I mowed for many years(25) with two Ingersoll GTs both with collection systems, these machines were very effective and compact, however slow. I still have the "low time" machine with 2,700 hours, 2nd engine. When I upgraded to a ZTR it took me a long time to get accustomed to its operational characteristics, but now I won't be without a ZTR with collection.
Mad Mackie in CT
#21
L
LoCo86
There are a few options for a collection system for the stand on units. Not many but the have them.
http://www.proteroinc.com/new-product-release.html
http://www.acceleratorindustries.com
L
LoCo86
Here in rocky, rooty, hilly New England I don't see many standers. Local Scag dealer doesn't sell many. As an older operator I would rather be sitting!!!! If I were 40 years younger I may go for a stander, but not now!!! I use machines with either a collection system or a rear discharge deck and standers don't have those options. Local Scag dealer used to sell Wright Standers but discontinued them when Scag came out with their standers, but they haven't sold well either. I can see an advantage to a stander on flatter and smoother lawns, but that don't happen much here in New England!!! I mowed for many years(25) with two Ingersoll GTs both with collection systems, these machines were very effective and compact, however slow. I still have the "low time" machine with 2,700 hours, 2nd engine. When I upgraded to a ZTR it took me a long time to get accustomed to its operational characteristics, but now I won't be without a ZTR with collection. Mad Mackie in CT
There are a few options for a collection system for the stand on units. Not many but the have them.
http://www.proteroinc.com/new-product-release.html
http://www.acceleratorindustries.com
#22
Parkmower
Parkmower
The number 1 mower used commercially around here is the Wright stander. Almost every trailer has at least one on it, if not two or three. I'm not exaggerating in the least bit. Everyone here uses them.
#23
L
LoCo86
L
LoCo86
In my region not many people use standing mowers. Other than myself I've only seen three others. Most just have ZTR's. My belief is that they are just too lazy to stand. You do see a lot of walk behinds most every truck has one but it's always in the front of the trailer with two ZTR's behind it. Which helps confirm my belief that they would rather sit than have three pieces of equipment that are highly versatile.
#24
M
Mad Mackie
Having been born last week, I will have to take your beliefs and opinions as "you can take it to the bank" fact!!!
Well------, some of us had been mowing for 20 years before the first ZTR was manufactured! Do you remember when the very first ZTR was made and who made it???? Do you know when the first stander was produced and who made it???
Do you know how bad it was, much worse than the first ZTR????
Mad Mackie in CT
M
Mad Mackie
In my region not many people use standing mowers. Other than myself I've only seen three others. Most just have ZTR's. My belief is that they are just too lazy to stand. You do see a lot of walk behinds most every truck has one but it's always in the front of the trailer with two ZTR's behind it. Which helps confirm my belief that they would rather sit than have three pieces of equipment that are highly versatile.
Having been born last week, I will have to take your beliefs and opinions as "you can take it to the bank" fact!!!
Well------, some of us had been mowing for 20 years before the first ZTR was manufactured! Do you remember when the very first ZTR was made and who made it???? Do you know when the first stander was produced and who made it???
Do you know how bad it was, much worse than the first ZTR????
Mad Mackie in CT
#25
L
LoCo86
Though I like trivia. I do not know the answers to all your questions. I do know that the first ZTR was made by Hustler in the mid 60's. And I assume that the first stander was the Great Dane made around 15 years ago. I'm sure like anything that is produced and in its infancy that it will have its problems. I'm sure Henry Ford did not achieve perfection with his Model T in the first year. But now technology is so much more advanced that diagnosing problems with machines come at a much faster rate resulting in highly efficient and highly productive equipment in much less time, such as the Toro Grandstand which was started back in 09' and is now at the pinnacle of its design.
L
LoCo86
Having been born last week, I will have to take your beliefs and opinions as "you can take it to the bank" fact!!! Well------, some of us had been mowing for 20 years before the first ZTR was manufactured! Do you remember when the very first ZTR was made and who made it???? Do you know when the first stander was produced and who made it??? Do you know how bad it was, much worse than the first ZTR???? Mad Mackie in CT
Though I like trivia. I do not know the answers to all your questions. I do know that the first ZTR was made by Hustler in the mid 60's. And I assume that the first stander was the Great Dane made around 15 years ago. I'm sure like anything that is produced and in its infancy that it will have its problems. I'm sure Henry Ford did not achieve perfection with his Model T in the first year. But now technology is so much more advanced that diagnosing problems with machines come at a much faster rate resulting in highly efficient and highly productive equipment in much less time, such as the Toro Grandstand which was started back in 09' and is now at the pinnacle of its design.
#26
Ric
Actually the first ztr was Offered by Hustler Turf, it was invented In 1963, John Regier who eventually sold his patent to Hustler Turf / Excell Industry.
Ric
Though I like trivia. I do not know the answers to all your questions. I do know that the first ZTR was made by Hustler in the mid 60's. And I assume that the first stander was the Great Dane made around 15 years ago. I'm sure like anything that is produced and in its infancy that it will have its problems. I'm sure Henry Ford did not achieve perfection with his Model T in the first year. But now technology is so much more advanced that diagnosing problems with machines come at a much faster rate resulting in highly efficient and highly productive equipment in much less time, such as the Toro Grandstand which was started back in 09' and is now at the pinnacle of its design.
Actually the first ztr was Offered by Hustler Turf, it was invented In 1963, John Regier who eventually sold his patent to Hustler Turf / Excell Industry.
#27
L
LoCo86
You will be pleased with the 52" mower. It is very compact and gives you the feel as if you are using a 48". Definitely worth the money. I am very pleased with my 52" grandstand. The cut is excellent. Just took a little while to get used to the controls, like where to place my hands and how to uniformly position my lower body to maintain stability on varying terrain changes. Overall an excellent machine glad I made the switch and purchase. Also I am thinking of doing a reversal of you plans and getting a 36" grandstand to replace my smaller walk behind.
L
LoCo86
My 36" does well on hills not great but good. A lot depends on the guy on the back and his capability's on hill use. I can tell you it will do a lot more of a grade than a ztr and will do more than I'm willing to put it through. I mean I do retention ponds and things of that nature but as far as hills go, here in Florida we just don't have that many real hills. The mower itself is rated for 20 degree slopes, the engine is rated for 25 degrees which is more than most any ZTR and if your sales guy get nervous putting the thing on a trailer he has problems:smile: cause that's not an issue. Now I drive mine on and off the trailer standing on the platform not like a walk behind and the only thing you may need to do is adjust the height of the back of the trailer because if it is to steep you can drag the back of the platform on the pavement loading the thing but that's an easy fix. If your using the 60' V-ride you'll probably find the Grandstand super easy and more maneuverable being a smaller unit. The nice thing about the Grandstand is you still have the walk-behind advantage if you want it, goes through gates, is a great smaller area mower, it's the best all around mower I own and I hope to sell my ZTR and match it up with a 52" GS for next season.
You will be pleased with the 52" mower. It is very compact and gives you the feel as if you are using a 48". Definitely worth the money. I am very pleased with my 52" grandstand. The cut is excellent. Just took a little while to get used to the controls, like where to place my hands and how to uniformly position my lower body to maintain stability on varying terrain changes. Overall an excellent machine glad I made the switch and purchase. Also I am thinking of doing a reversal of you plans and getting a 36" grandstand to replace my smaller walk behind.
#28
Ric
Actually I purchased my 36" Grandstand to replace my Cub Cadet G1336 walk behind and my 44" Z-Force ztr. The Grandstand has a higher productivity rate than the 1336 and it is equally as fast as the 44" and it allowed me to have two Ztr's on the trailer and a walk behind at the same time in less space so for me it was a win win.
Ric
You will be pleased with the 52" mower. It is very compact and gives you the feel as if you are using a 48". Definitely worth the money. I am very pleased with my 52" grandstand. The cut is excellent. Just took a little while to get used to the controls, like where to place my hands and how to uniformly position my lower body to maintain stability on varying terrain changes. Overall an excellent machine glad I made the switch and purchase. Also I am thinking of doing a reversal of you plans and getting a 36" grandstand to replace my smaller walk behind.
Actually I purchased my 36" Grandstand to replace my Cub Cadet G1336 walk behind and my 44" Z-Force ztr. The Grandstand has a higher productivity rate than the 1336 and it is equally as fast as the 44" and it allowed me to have two Ztr's on the trailer and a walk behind at the same time in less space so for me it was a win win.
#29
L
LoCo86
On the Turbo Force deck what setting do you keep the discharge plate on (I.E. A,B,or C). I believe I have read that you mulch, but just to satisfy my own curiosity I would like to know. Personally I side discharge and find that I get the best results from a quality of cut and productivity stand point by setting the selector on "B".
L
LoCo86
Actually I purchased my 36" Grandstand to replace my Cub Cadet G1336 walk behind and my 44" Z-Force ztr. The Grandstand has a higher productivity rate than the 1336 and it is equally as fast as the 44" and it allowed me to have two Ztr's on the trailer and a walk behind at the same time in less space so for me it was a win win.
On the Turbo Force deck what setting do you keep the discharge plate on (I.E. A,B,or C). I believe I have read that you mulch, but just to satisfy my own curiosity I would like to know. Personally I side discharge and find that I get the best results from a quality of cut and productivity stand point by setting the selector on "B".
#30
H
Hills2Mow
H
Hills2Mow
I purchased the Toro GrandStand 52" early 2013. It took all season to get accustom to the power, zturn controls. I'm not a pro, just a homeowner w/an acre on a 18-25 degree sloped yard. I've rolled 3 riders on these slopes over the years..and had problems getting up or down a hill (usually down, loss of control), getting too old to walk behind, so went with a machine with guts. Damn, and I did get a machine with guts!! Biggest problems w/the Toro: 1. scalping the hill ridge, scalp rollers are on the 60" not the 52, so over the season kept increasing depth high until I got a good cut height and no scalping. 2. tire scalping when making sharp turns. Divits all over the yard the first month or so. Gotten used to the Y turn to prevent tire scalp. 3. No HITCH. That's a lot of machine and not able to haul wood, or other things. A very smart friend of mine said to place a bucket that would fit in between the two front bars that end with the front caster wheels, and bolt it down. Of course, would have to remove it when mowing but now I may be able to get a little more work out of the machine. 4. No easy access to clean under the deck....either do not mow when grass is damp or you will spend at least an hour on your knees reaching under the deck to pull large globs of grass...Again back to my smart friend, (I have a pressure washer) get a pressure washer adapter used for cleaning out roof gutters, it is the perfect size and angle to get under there and blast off the clumps, also purchased a mirror on an extended rod that angles, and now look under to see the areas that need more blasting. (Again his idea). He helped me put the machine on its back to clean for winter storage, yeap, takes two men. And again, if the grass isn't damp...all I see with it lying on its back is a green stained on the under deck, no clumps anywhere, very effective in removing grass. 4. It is limited on the degree of slope, going up it wants to flip (scary), going down no control (again scary). So the very steep parts of the yard have been landscaped to remove "the Threat", guess I could have weed eated those slopes also, but again looking to decrease the work load as I "wizen" into an older man. :=) When I retire from my full time job, this machine and I will go through this suburb and see if anyone wants their lawn mowed at a reasonable cost. Just to have a little spending $$.
#31
L
LoCo86
I also have this machine and you are on point with the learning curve for the controls on this mower. To help you with cleaning the underside of the deck you can by a mower lift for around $125 maybe more maybe less if you find it on sale. I'm glad to see you are finding ways to optimize this machines potential on your particular yard.
L
LoCo86
I purchased the Toro GrandStand 52" early 2013. It took all season to get accustom to the power, zturn controls. I'm not a pro, just a homeowner w/an acre on a 18-25 degree sloped yard. I've rolled 3 riders on these slopes over the years..and had problems getting up or down a hill (usually down, loss of control), getting too old to walk behind, so went with a machine with guts. Damn, and I did get a machine with guts!! Biggest problems w/the Toro: 1. scalping the hill ridge, scalp rollers are on the 60" not the 52, so over the season kept increasing depth high until I got a good cut height and no scalping. 2. tire scalping when making sharp turns. Divits all over the yard the first month or so. Gotten used to the Y turn to prevent tire scalp. 3. No HITCH. That's a lot of machine and not able to haul wood, or other things. A very smart friend of mine said to place a bucket that would fit in between the two front bars that end with the front caster wheels, and bolt it down. Of course, would have to remove it when mowing but now I may be able to get a little more work out of the machine. 4. No easy access to clean under the deck....either do not mow when grass is damp or you will spend at least an hour on your knees reaching under the deck to pull large globs of grass...Again back to my smart friend, (I have a pressure washer) get a pressure washer adapter used for cleaning out roof gutters, it is the perfect size and angle to get under there and blast off the clumps, also purchased a mirror on an extended rod that angles, and now look under to see the areas that need more blasting. (Again his idea). He helped me put the machine on its back to clean for winter storage, yeap, takes two men. And again, if the grass isn't damp...all I see with it lying on its back is a green stained on the under deck, no clumps anywhere, very effective in removing grass. 4. It is limited on the degree of slope, going up it wants to flip (scary), going down no control (again scary). So the very steep parts of the yard have been landscaped to remove "the Threat", guess I could have weed eated those slopes also, but again looking to decrease the work load as I "wizen" into an older man. :=) When I retire from my full time job, this machine and I will go through this suburb and see if anyone wants their lawn mowed at a reasonable cost. Just to have a little spending $$.
I also have this machine and you are on point with the learning curve for the controls on this mower. To help you with cleaning the underside of the deck you can by a mower lift for around $125 maybe more maybe less if you find it on sale. I'm glad to see you are finding ways to optimize this machines potential on your particular yard.
#32
Ric
I'm cutting with the discharge on or between the b and c setting, on the hash mark. I'm dealing with wet St.Augustine grass. I start at 7:30 am with humidity levels running anywhere from 70 to 90% and with people watering when they don't need to I use Gator Blades to keep things as finely cut as possible and it gets me a nice cut.
Ric
On the Turbo Force deck what setting do you keep the discharge plate on (I.E. A,B,or C). I believe I have read that you mulch, but just to satisfy my own curiosity I would like to know. Personally I side discharge and find that I get the best results from a quality of cut and productivity stand point by setting the selector on "B".
I'm cutting with the discharge on or between the b and c setting, on the hash mark. I'm dealing with wet St.Augustine grass. I start at 7:30 am with humidity levels running anywhere from 70 to 90% and with people watering when they don't need to I use Gator Blades to keep things as finely cut as possible and it gets me a nice cut.
#33
Ric
Does your machine have the adjustable speed control or do you have the newer model to help with the controls?
Ric
I also have this machine and you are on point with the learning curve for the controls on this mower. To help you with cleaning the underside of the deck you can by a mower lift for around $125 maybe more maybe less if you find it on sale. I'm glad to see you are finding ways to optimize this machines potential on your particular yard.
Does your machine have the adjustable speed control or do you have the newer model to help with the controls?
#34
L
LoCo86
No, it does not have the adjustable speed control. I wish it did. A dealer I spoke too said that they were having too many problems out of it, so they removed all of them as they were brought into the shop. I also talked to an Exmark dealer about their X-series Vantage and he said they were also having trouble getting everything correct with the infinite speed control on their machine.
L
LoCo86
Does your machine have the adjustable speed control or do you have the newer model to help with the controls?
No, it does not have the adjustable speed control. I wish it did. A dealer I spoke too said that they were having too many problems out of it, so they removed all of them as they were brought into the shop. I also talked to an Exmark dealer about their X-series Vantage and he said they were also having trouble getting everything correct with the infinite speed control on their machine.
#35
Ric
That's really weird, I used mine when I first purchased the mower and so did the wife. I thought it gave me and her an advantage when learning the mower especially her because she never used a ZTR of any type. I still use it on occasion in tight locations. I never had an issue with it, it always works fine. I guess maybe it was you that told me about what was happening and seeing the new standers at the dealers to me they look weird without it.
Ric
No, it does not have the adjustable speed control. I wish it did. A dealer I spoke too said that they were having too many problems out of it, so they removed all of them as they were brought into the shop. I also talked to an Exmark dealer about their X-series Vantage and he said they were also having trouble getting everything correct with the infinite speed control on their machine.
That's really weird, I used mine when I first purchased the mower and so did the wife. I thought it gave me and her an advantage when learning the mower especially her because she never used a ZTR of any type. I still use it on occasion in tight locations. I never had an issue with it, it always works fine. I guess maybe it was you that told me about what was happening and seeing the new standers at the dealers to me they look weird without it.
#36
L
LoCo86
Yea I remember telling you about that. I wish that feature was on there, but I have come accustom to the controls and how to retard the machine for tight spaces and hillsides.
L
LoCo86
That's really weird, I used mine when I first purchased the mower and so did the wife. I thought it gave me and her an advantage when learning the mower especially her because she never used a ZTR of any type. I still use it on occasion in tight locations. I never had an issue with it, it always works fine. I guess maybe it was you that told me about what was happening and seeing the new standers at the dealers to me they look weird without it.
Yea I remember telling you about that. I wish that feature was on there, but I have come accustom to the controls and how to retard the machine for tight spaces and hillsides.
#37
R
Raege
R
Raege
my company demo'd a 52" grandstand about a month ago for about a week. I put about 30 commercial hours on the machine and here are some thoughts I had about it.
overall I really liked the machine. the platform was very comfortable to stand on and I liked how easy it was to shift my weight and cog on side hills. traction was excellent. cut quality was great and I like the rubber discharge chute.
there were only a few things I didn't like about the machine. the biggest thing is I wish it had a floating deck instead of a fixed deck. I mostly had issues turning to the left on uneven ground. the deck wheel would cut into the ground. I found that changing my cog to the back of the platform and take pressure off the front helped. but a floating deck would also help with scalping of offset cuts.
the next thing I wasn't a big fan of is the machine's top speed of 8.5 mph. I think that it can easily handle another mph. of course I didn't mow at the full 8.5 much anyways but while transporting to the trailer would be nice.
those are the biggest things I didn't like. I'm interested in checking out the newer John Deere/ Wright quik-trak 600r series. I'd like to try a Wright but we don't have any close by dealers around here and a John Deere every twenty miles.
overall I really liked the machine. the platform was very comfortable to stand on and I liked how easy it was to shift my weight and cog on side hills. traction was excellent. cut quality was great and I like the rubber discharge chute.
there were only a few things I didn't like about the machine. the biggest thing is I wish it had a floating deck instead of a fixed deck. I mostly had issues turning to the left on uneven ground. the deck wheel would cut into the ground. I found that changing my cog to the back of the platform and take pressure off the front helped. but a floating deck would also help with scalping of offset cuts.
the next thing I wasn't a big fan of is the machine's top speed of 8.5 mph. I think that it can easily handle another mph. of course I didn't mow at the full 8.5 much anyways but while transporting to the trailer would be nice.
those are the biggest things I didn't like. I'm interested in checking out the newer John Deere/ Wright quik-trak 600r series. I'd like to try a Wright but we don't have any close by dealers around here and a John Deere every twenty miles.
#38
H
Hills2Mow
And regarding your question, "B".
H
Hills2Mow
On the Turbo Force deck what setting do you keep the discharge plate on (I.E. A,B,or C). I believe I have read that you mulch, but just to satisfy my own curiosity I would like to know. Personally I side discharge and find that I get the best results from a quality of cut and productivity stand point by setting the selector on "B".
And regarding your question, "B".
#39
S
sterlinglawn
S
sterlinglawn
Standers are my favorite. I love the wright and john Deere later model like 2013 because those. Are like wrights. I don't like the SCAG toro or ex mark standons at all. The opperater platform is behind rear wheels so not as good on hills.
#40
J
jkeith1
I also have this machine my first stand on mower. I jumped on it first time and it was very easy to learn. I mowed all day with no problem. This grandstand can handle major hills and almost any terrain. When you mow wet grass lift the rubber shoot up and very little grass will be stuck under deck.
J
jkeith1
I also have this machine and you are on point with the learning curve for the controls on this mower. To help you with cleaning the underside of the deck you can by a mower lift for around $125 maybe more maybe less if you find it on sale. I'm glad to see you are finding ways to optimize this machines potential on your particular yard.
I also have this machine my first stand on mower. I jumped on it first time and it was very easy to learn. I mowed all day with no problem. This grandstand can handle major hills and almost any terrain. When you mow wet grass lift the rubber shoot up and very little grass will be stuck under deck.