Top mower under $7,000!

[poolecw]

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 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!

 

[Kwelhand]

I was about to blow $9K on Exmark S-series and found a used SCAG Freedom Z w/ 90hrs & Kawasaki engine for $2800 off the Craigslist.
Damn thing was near new condition and saved me from that 48mts finance jail.

Try this 2013 Exmark S-series w/ EFI engine.
The guy offered me $7K but I declined it... may go less.
Still has warranty and all.
I saw the same machine at Howard Bothers for $10K+
2013 Exmark Lazer Z 52" S-Series

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..

 

[captain ron]

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.

 

[poolecw]

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.

 

[captain ron]

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.

If I could get the deal I would really like to have the Toro 3000, but its at the very top end, and really exceeds the budget by 1k. I think I'm leaning towards the 2000 if I don't go that way, mostly because of the engine. The Toro dealer also told me they extended the half off suspension seat, so I'm thinking I could push to get out with the seat + tax for right at 8k on 3000 series. That gives you the 5 year warranty, the parker hyrdros, and Kaw FX engine, and the 3000 has much improved gauges over the 2000 model. Overall I'm sure the Exmark or Toro will be great choices.

On the Exmark, by the Kohler site its a new engine type, which doesn't give me the warm fuzzy. The dealer told me it only has a 2 year warranty.
Kohler Engines: ZT740: Confidant: Product Detail: Engines

If it worked I found a list price Toro online, and it shows the discounted rate that Kansas gets them at, so I been using it as a basis for a good deal. The screen shot of that is below. Good luck!

 

[Vanousb]

After reading your earlier post, I talked with my dealer regarding model. Mine is the 2013 model. He feels (assures me) the CV740-3138 27hp I got was the better of the engines regardless compared to the 2014 model engine. He actually bought more to stock his store with. I have mowed about 6 times now and I am more and more pleased with my buy of the S-Series. Particularly like (am impressed with) the very tight turning and great traction I get. Another plus in my opinion. Also finding the quick clean up from the pull of spindle covers very convenient. I am still in the blow it off, spray it off, wipe it down stage. haha. Wonder if you could haggle for a Pioneer S 2013 model at a lower price? I would call the manager back. Glad he did a returned to you. I am sure Torros are fine mowers as well. Sure you will not go wrong with either. Keep us updated. I am finding my interest in mowers has increased as I read more. haha:laughing:

 

[djdicetn]

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!!!

 

[chemingthroughtheleather]

You are keeping us in suspense! Have you gotten anything yet?!

 

[Vanousb]

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!!!

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.

 

[chemingthroughtheleather]

Good to see a fellow Ky guy here.I'm originally from Hoptown.