Top mower under $7,000!

[Vanousb]

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.

 

[djdicetn]

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.

 

[Vanousb]

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.

 

[djdicetn]

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.

For that price, you should have been comparing the Gravely Pro-Turn instead of the ZTHD. Much more akin to apples-to-apples regarding features & components(ZT-3200 trannies) when comparing to the Pioneer. Now if the trannies were the most important feature to you, you would have to get the Gravely Pro-Turn 100XDZ(has the ZT-3400). That, in a 60"(with the Kawa option) would run about $7,999 plus tax so you faired much better(price-wise) with the Pioneer. Of course the Gravely would have had an X-Factor lifetime warranty 7 gauge deck, cast iron spindles and other commercial quality upgrades from the Pioneer. Shopping ZTR's is NOT easy(and I think we will both agree on that:0)

 

[poolecw]

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.

 

[Vanousb]

Definitely put in time researching, comparing, riding, and seeking opinions. Lot of great people Had top end of my budget at 7000. I agree there were some other brands that were more commercial that match up to Pioneer. Staying on budget left the next level out them of my range as I wanted new and not used. Plan to get lots of years out of this investment.

 

[Carscw]

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)

This is why I do not use nice new mowers.

But this is good money $150 for a hour and a half

 

[Brucebotti]

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

Al I can say is...WOW!

 

[djdicetn]

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"!!!!!

 

[poolecw]

That's a very good "short list"!!!!!

Thanks...I may scratch off the Scag Freedom based on the engine being not as good as the others. I will still visit the dealer in chattanooga tomorrow.