Ok guys, I'm sure you get tired of the "recommend me..." threads. However, here is another one! LOL. I am tired of spending +5 hours per week cutting grass with my 48" Craftsman. I've got 3 to 4 acres that I cut. The two most important factors for me right now are deck durability and engine. Most mower manufacturers all use the same engines, so it really comes down to the deck and the construction of the actual mower. I am looking for a 60" low to mid commercial grade zero turn. My brother in law just bought a Toro Z 2000 with a 23.5 hp (Briggs I think) for around $6500. Seems like a well built machine. Can you guys recommend me something for around $7,000? If I gave you $7,000 to spend all on a mower, what would you get???
Ok guys, I'm sure you get tired of the "recommend me..." threads. However, here is another one! LOL. I am tired of spending +5 hours per week cutting grass with my 48" Craftsman. I've got 3 to 4 acres that I cut. The two most important factors for me right now are deck durability and engine. Most mower manufacturers all use the same engines, so it really comes down to the deck and the construction of the actual mower. I am looking for a 60" low to mid commercial grade zero turn. My brother in law just bought a Toro Z 2000 with a 23.5 hp (Briggs I think) for around $6500. Seems like a well built machine. Can you guys recommend me something for around $7,000?
If I gave you $7,000 to spend all on a mower, what would you get???
I would cut your yard with the toro and see how you like it. Toro makes a good mower. Is there any others you have looked at? You are going to get 50 people telling you to get what they have. If I was looking to get a new mower it would be the toro grandstand.
Thanks for the info everyone. I may ask to use the bro-in-law's new Toro Z 2000 this weekend to see how I like it. My dad has a SCAG but he is 5 hours away. I don't know which model he has but if I know him, it got 2x the mower that he needed.
By the way, all the commercial guys around here are sporting Exmarks...at least 9 out of 10 are. There's a few that use Grashoppers...but I don't know jack about that brand.
Keep the advice coming...I"m about 2 weeks out from making a purchase.
Ok guys, I'm sure you get tired of the "recommend me..." threads. However, here is another one! LOL. I am tired of spending +5 hours per week cutting grass with my 48" Craftsman. I've got 3 to 4 acres that I cut. The two most important factors for me right now are deck durability and engine. Most mower manufacturers all use the same engines, so it really comes down to the deck and the construction of the actual mower. I am looking for a 60" low to mid commercial grade zero turn. My brother in law just bought a Toro Z 2000 with a 23.5 hp (Briggs I think) for around $6500. Seems like a well built machine. Can you guys recommend me something for around $7,000?
If I gave you $7,000 to spend all on a mower, what would you get???
If you want to come up to Chattanooga I would sell you my 23hp 52" Toro Grandstand. It almost has 40 hours on it. It's a great mower but I had a car accident about 7 years ago and I thought my legs and back could handle standing in one spot for a long period of time, but it looks like I'm going to need a riding mower instead.
If you want to come up to Chattanooga I would sell you my 23hp 52" Toro Grandstand. It almost has 40 hours on it. It's a great mower but I had a car accident about 7 years ago and I thought my legs and back could handle standing in one spot for a long period of time, but it looks like I'm going to need a riding mower instead.
Ok guys, after a lot of internet researching, I have a top 3 list. Now I'm going to try to go out to dealers and get hands on. With each of the ones below, I would be looking at a Kaw engine if possible.
Toro X 2000
SCAG Freedom Z 61"
Bad Boy Outlaw
My dealer would not even sell me a freedom z. Just doesn't think it was built that well and could get a better machine for not that much more. My vote would be the toro. I have a ferris mower
I might come look and talk price with you. I am only 30 mins away and just picked up 20 yards in Chattanooga.
Ok guys, after a lot of internet researching, I have a top 3 list. Now I'm going to try to go out to dealers and get hands on. With each of the ones below, I would be looking at a Kaw engine if possible.
Toro X 2000
SCAG Freedom Z 61"
Bad Boy Outlaw
I might come look and talk price with you.
I am only 30 mins away and just picked up 20 yards in Chattanooga.
From those three I would pick the Toro Z-Master 2000 series!!! That Turbo Force deck cuts extremely well!! P.S. Have you asked the Toro dealer how much more the 3000 series in the 60" Z-Master is??? That's a VERY NICE commercial mower(has the full 7gauge deck instead of the 10gauge w/7gauge spindle reinforcement deck that the 2000 series has. Also the 3000 has the suspension seat upgrade. I'm curious how much the 3000 upgrade would be. Most likely....well worth it!!
Even though the 7 gauge deck is thicker and durable I've had several mowers with the 7-10 and find them to be just as durable. 10+ years of abuse is a testament to that.
I would still go take a good look at the Exmark Pioneer. Have been impressed with it from the start. I free with an artier post...get what feel right to you as they all have selling points and their "following". Same goes for engines...someone with a bad experience on a brand will like the other better, etc. You are doing the right thing in research and going out to ride on each you are interested in. Good luck and enjoy.
What kind of deal did you get on that Exmark Pioneer? I'm wondering how the price compares to similarly equipped ZTR's by Gravely, Hustler, Toro, Kubota, Cub Cadet, etc.
I went with the 60 inch Pioneer S-Series at 6900. I was looking at the Gravely ZTHD 60 inch and the Bad Boy 60 inch. The Exmark runs 1000 to 1800 more depending on where you look. Both Gravely and BB had lesser engine hp, little lesser Hydro (3100 vs 3400), slightly less torque, smaller tire base (20 vs the 23 on the pioneer) and 1 less year on mower warranty. Some other differences. All told, I feel more for the money overall to last a very long time. Finally, to me the BB an Gravely felt boxy to me compare the the Pioneer. Stayed with those 3 as they were all sold local and I wanted to be close to service, accessories, part if needed.
This is why I do not use nice new mowers.
But this is good money $150 for a hour and a half
View attachment 20982
That's a very good "short list"!!!!!Thanks for the info on the Pioneer. I plan on giving it a serious look. My top list has changed a bit. I hope to get out and check them out this weekend. Lucky for me, I'm near Chattanooga and there's dealers for all the major manufacturers.
Toro Z master 2000
Toro Z master 3000 (will check price difference from the 2000)
Exmark Pioneer S series
Scag Freedom
With all of these, I would opt for the Kawasaki FX engine if possible.
That's a very good "short list"!!!!!
What about the 2014 hustler fasttrak super duty 60" 23.5 kaw msrp $7099
Watch out Carscw.....you get that Grandstand and you wouldn't want to mow yards with any of your other mowers(just ask user Ric:0)
Ya know Djdicetn I don't know how to take that statement, although true the Toro Grandstand is more maneuverable, faster and more productive than any ZTR than you could possibly buy and the Turbo Force deck regardless of what mower it's attached to is one of the best cutting decks on the market. There are many advantages to the stander over a ztr and your right, you get that Grandstand and you wont want to mow yards with any of your other mowers.
Last year I went the ZTR way, I got a Toro 3000 and Love it, the Deck is Built like a Tank, I don't think there would be any way to hit something hard enough to bend it, I am up to 90 Hrs. on it now, I had to go with a 52 in cut because of some of the place I have to get, our yard is about 4 ac. counting a Neighbors Place that I get paid to cut the same time I cut my grass, This Toro 3000 took the place of 2 ridding mowers, we had a JD -LT 445 with a 60 in. cut and a JD - LT 166 with a 46 in cut, This Toro replaced both of these, takes me 3 hours with all the Trimming, if I were not for all the tight places that I have to get I would have gone with a 60 inch cut,
PS: The Toro Guarantee on this 3000 is 1200 Hrs. for home owner use,
Rat
Well guys, I got up early Saturday morning and headed up to Tenn to visit some dealers. First stop was the Exmark dealer in Cleveland, TN. I went there specifically to look at the Pioneer S Series. They only had one, which happened to be the 60" which I was looking for. Sticker price was $7,399. The sales guy immediately told me there was a $500 factory rebate (of course I already knew about the rebate). The mower was perfect. The Series 4 tank was very impressive and mower fit like a glove when I sat on it. I next went to the Toro dealer also in Cleveland, TN. They ended up being closed, so I headed back to the Exmark dealer with plans on buying the Pioneer. Once back at the dealer, I started talking business with the salesman. I could not get him to budge one penny beyond the $500 rebate. I mentioned that the Exmark website is promoting an upgraded full suspension seat in addition to the $500 rebate. The sales man would not honor it. He said the seat would be a factory installed upgrade but if I wanted the better seat, he would be glad to sell me one that he has in stock (blood is starting to boil at this point). I then ask him about sales tax, since I am a Georgia resident. I agreed to not collect Tenn sales tax. (this is a very common practice for various type dealers do for Georgia residents). He said the only thing he would have to do would be to show on paper only that he would be delivering the mower to me in Georgia. He then proceeds to tell me that he would have to charge me a delivery fee of $150. I ask him if he is serious and he says yes. So I ask him if he thinks its a good business practice to charge a potential customer for a service that he really isn't going to provide. He would not waive it. Talk about freaking ridiculous! So I get up, tell the guy what I think, and leave. Its a shame because I really liked that mower. There isn't another dealer nearby. So unfortunately, Exmark may have to be off my list. I will visit the Toro dealer this weekend and hope that I like the 3000 as much as I liked the Pioneer S series mower. I will be calling and talking to the manager at Homestead Lawn and Tractor in Cleveland, TN and let him know how his sales man did everything in his power to prevent me from buying that mower (which has been sitting on the lot for 7 months without being sold.
Man I could have told you not to go to homestead. Been there 3 times and 3 times they pissed me off.
POARCH'S PARTS
703 NEWTOWN LOOP RD NE
CALHOUN, GA 30701
(706) 625-5334
robinpoarch@comcast.net
Not sure what they have in stock.
Well guys, I got up early Saturday morning and headed up to Tenn to visit some dealers. First stop was the Exmark dealer in Cleveland, TN. I went there specifically to look at the Pioneer S Series. They only had one, which happened to be the 60" which I was looking for. Sticker price was $7,399. The sales guy immediately told me there was a $500 factory rebate (of course I already knew about the rebate). The mower was perfect. The Series 4 tank was very impressive and mower fit like a glove when I sat on it. I next went to the Toro dealer also in Cleveland, TN. They ended up being closed, so I headed back to the Exmark dealer with plans on buying the Pioneer. Once back at the dealer, I started talking business with the salesman. I could not get him to budge one penny beyond the $500 rebate. I mentioned that the Exmark website is promoting an upgraded full suspension seat in addition to the $500 rebate. The sales man would not honor it. He said the seat would be a factory installed upgrade but if I wanted the better seat, he would be glad to sell me one that he has in stock (blood is starting to boil at this point). I then ask him about sales tax, since I am a Georgia resident. I agreed to not collect Tenn sales tax. (this is a very common practice for various type dealers do for Georgia residents). He said the only thing he would have to do would be to show on paper only that he would be delivering the mower to me in Georgia. He then proceeds to tell me that he would have to charge me a delivery fee of $150. I ask him if he is serious and he says yes. So I ask him if he thinks its a good business practice to charge a potential customer for a service that he really isn't going to provide. He would not waive it. Talk about freaking ridiculous! So I get up, tell the guy what I think, and leave. Its a shame because I really liked that mower. There isn't another dealer nearby. So unfortunately, Exmark may have to be off my list. I will visit the Toro dealer this weekend and hope that I like the 3000 as much as I liked the Pioneer S series mower. I will be calling and talking to the manager at Homestead Lawn and Tractor in Cleveland, TN and let him know how his sales man did everything in his power to prevent me from buying that mower (which has been sitting on the lot for 7 months without being sold.
Have you tried Southern Turf off of the Bonny Oaks exit on 153? They sell Exmark mowers. I'd hate to see you give up on a good product for a terrible dealer.
Have you tried Southern Turf off of the Bonny Oaks exit on 153? They sell Exmark mowers. I'd hate to see you give up on a good product for a terrible dealer.
Southern Turf wasn't listed on Exmark's website. I googled them and sure enough, it they sell Exmark. I have to go right by there next Friday, so I will stop in and see what they have!
Have you tried Southern Turf off of the Bonny Oaks exit on 153? They sell Exmark mowers. I'd hate to see you give up on a good product for a terrible dealer.
I called them this morning and they are not an Exmark dealer. Back to square one...
What did they say they deal with now. Last time I was there they had a showroom and everything for exmark. And that was earlier this year.
I have SCAG Freedom 48" with Kawasaki engine.
Love the low sitting position and build quality.
It cuts just as nice as my neighbor's Exmark E series.
However, EXmark E series and TORO 2000 are also excellent choice.
My local dealer has TORO 2000 for $7k plus tax.
You might also consider a used Exmark S or X series from your local Craigslist.
They usually have extremely low hour unit for your price range.
Good luck!
Thanks for the info on the Scag Freedom. I did look at it and it is in the running. However, I'm in North Georgia, surrounded by obnoxious Tenn Vol fans. I don't think I could bring myself to riding around on an orange mower. People might get the wrong idea. :laughing:
By the way, my brother in law bought a Toro 2000 for $6500 out the door a couple weeks ago..
I'm working within the same budget and have narrowed it down to a similar top list, and almost have a similar post going here:
http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/mower...s700-exmark-pioneer-s-snapper-pro-sx150t.html
I've removed the Gravely from the list mainly because of the warranty and the lack of "good" dealers in my area.
If you haven't looked at the Snapper Pro 150xt, its a really nice machine. The dealer told me basically they are made by Ferris, so much so many of the parts are interchangeable. The comparable Ferris in your range is the IS700z, claim to fame is the suspension, it was alright but I think its better on the pricier versions. The Snapper PRO has a Kawasaki FX engine, 5400 series Hydro (found on the top of the line Gravely and Scag mowers) and 23 inch tires. The ride felt really good overall, looks to be very well built
I'm hoping to get to the Toro dealer and Exmark dealer this weekend to test drive.
The best I've seen on the Toro Zmaster 2000 52" deck is $6399 (pre-tax) and Toro Zmaster 3000 52" inch deck is $7399 (pre-tax). The 3000 series comes with a 5 year warranty on the machine, where as the 2000 series has a 4 year warranty. You can also tell the 2014 models (from what I was told) is that they now have dark gray wheels vs bright white like the Exmark.
I've test drove the Pioneer S-Series with the 52" inch Kaw. Nice machine $6150 (pre-tax) with the $500 off rebate they have. They have the 60" inch coming in with that suspension seat model, so hoping its there today. They told me $6,999 (pre-tax) on it. This dealer said they have been selling that model like crazy with the 60" ultracut 4 deck and SS seat on it. The only thing I wasn't sure of was the Kohler engine that comes on it ZT740 engine, which I couldn't find much on it.
Thanks for the info on the mowers. The Exmark dealer that I visited had a sticker price of $7399 on the 60" Pioneer S series with the Kohler engine. Like you, I don't know how I feel about the Kohler engines. But in regard to Kohlers, my neighbor bought an older Exmark (don't remember which model but it was an upper level commercial) from a guy who ran it in his yard business for about 5 years. I believe it is an 2004 or 2005 model. It has a Kohler engine and has been flawless, even with the high hours it has on it.
I haven't talked to the Toro dealer but my brother in law bought a 60" 2000 for $6500 a couple weeks ago. It seems like a very solid machine and he is in love with it. I'm going to talk to the same dealer to see what I can get a 3000 for. I have to one up the brother in law. If the 3000 is outside of my range, I can always fall back to the 2000.
I think I would prefer the Exmark Pioneer over the Toro 2000, but I had a bad experience at the Exmark dealer a couple weeks ago. I wrote the sales manager this week about the ordeal and he left a message asking me to call him back. I'm still debating whether to call or just go on with life.
One thing I just noticed, the $500 factory rebate that Toro and Exmark had was to run out today (5/31/14). However, I just noticed that its been extended through June 31. So, don't feel rushed to make a decision.
As for Ferris and Snapper, we do have a local dealer. However, I'm not excited about either. The suspension of the Ferris looks more like a gimmick and I've had people tell me as much. its going to be either Toro or Exmark for me. If you look on professionals' trailers, 9 out of 10 are using either Exmark or Toro's. The other 1 out of 10 usually has a Scag.
Thanks for the info on the mowers. The Exmark dealer that I visited had a sticker price of $7399 on the 60" Pioneer S series with the Kohler engine. Like you, I don't know how I feel about the Kohler engines. But in regard to Kohlers, my neighbor bought an older Exmark (don't remember which model but it was an upper level commercial) from a guy who ran it in his yard business for about 5 years. I believe it is an 2004 or 2005 model. It has a Kohler engine and has been flawless, even with the high hours it has on it.
I haven't talked to the Toro dealer but my brother in law bought a 60" 2000 for $6500 a couple weeks ago. It seems like a very solid machine and he is in love with it. I'm going to talk to the same dealer to see what I can get a 3000 for. I have to one up the brother in law. If the 3000 is outside of my range, I can always fall back to the 2000.
I think I would prefer the Exmark Pioneer over the Toro 2000, but I had a bad experience at the Exmark dealer a couple weeks ago. I wrote the sales manager this week about the ordeal and he left a message asking me to call him back. I'm still debating whether to call or just go on with life.
One thing I just noticed, the $500 factory rebate that Toro and Exmark had was to run out today (5/31/14). However, I just noticed that its been extended through June 31. So, don't feel rushed to make a decision.
As for Ferris and Snapper, we do have a local dealer. However, I'm not excited about either. The suspension of the Ferris looks more like a gimmick and I've had people tell me as much. its going to be either Toro or Exmark for me. If you look on professionals' trailers, 9 out of 10 are using either Exmark or Toro's. The other 1 out of 10 usually has a Scag.
Even though Toro makes the ExMark too, the Z-Master is a pay-grade above the ExMark Pioneer. I almost pulled the trigger in Fall 2012 on a Z-Master 2000 myself but the Gravely was a better deal. If I could have afforded the 2012 Z-Master 3000 that's what I would own right now. But at $6,800 OTD I am VERY happy with my Pro-Turn 100XDZ!!!
Good to see a fellow Ky guy here.I'm originally from Hoptown.
Yep, when it comes to high-end residential ZTR's with commercial quality components you did very well. I would be "torn" if I had to decide between a Toro Titan MX or that Exmark Pioneer.Sounds like the Z-Master is toro version of the exmark lazer series. The lazer is the step up from pioneer. Like djdicetn with the thought of the upscale, i would have gotten the lazer, but for the cost and features i got, i was very happy with my pioneer s.
Yep, when it comes to high-end residential ZTR's with commercial quality components you did very well. I would be "torn" if I had to decide between a Toro Titan MX or that Exmark Pioneer.
You are keeping us in suspense! Have you gotten anything yet?!
You might consider looking in fall and winter for dealers willing to give off season pricing. Just a thought to get a deal on any of those top three you have listed.
Ok guys, I'm sure you get tired of the "recommend me..." threads. However, here is another one! LOL. I am tired of spending +5 hours per week cutting grass with my 48" Craftsman. I've got 3 to 4 acres that I cut. The two most important factors for me right now are deck durability and engine. Most mower manufacturers all use the same engines, so it really comes down to the deck and the construction of the actual mower. I am looking for a 60" low to mid commercial grade zero turn. My brother in law just bought a Toro Z 2000 with a 23.5 hp (Briggs I think) for around $6500. Seems like a well built machine. Can you guys recommend me something for around $7,000?
If I gave you $7,000 to spend all on a mower, what would you get???
Ok guys, I'm sure you get tired of the "recommend me..." threads. However, here is another one! LOL. I am tired of spending +5 hours per week cutting grass with my 48" Craftsman. I've got 3 to 4 acres that I cut. The two most important factors for me right now are deck durability and engine. Most mower manufacturers all use the same engines, so it really comes down to the deck and the construction of the actual mower. I am looking for a 60" low to mid commercial grade zero turn. My brother in law just bought a Toro Z 2000 with a 23.5 hp (Briggs I think) for around $6500. Seems like a well built machine. Can you guys recommend me something for around $7,000?
If I gave you $7,000 to spend all on a mower, what would you get???
Ok guys, I'm sure you get tired of the "recommend me..." threads. However, here is another one! LOL. I am tired of spending +5 hours per week cutting grass with my 48" Craftsman. I've got 3 to 4 acres that I cut. The two most important factors for me right now are deck durability and engine. Most mower manufacturers all use the same engines, so it really comes down to the deck and the construction of the actual mower. I am looking for a 60" low to mid commercial grade zero turn. My brother in law just bought a Toro Z 2000 with a 23.5 hp (Briggs I think) for around $6500. Seems like a well built machine. Can you guys recommend me something for around $7,000?
If I gave you $7,000 to spend all on a mower, what would you get???