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trying to buy the right mower!
#1
C
COLTman
C
COLTman
I recently took a job for the town i live in and am in charge of mowing 3 parks and a lagoon. The mowers we have now are lets just say getting pretty tired. I mow with a 2210 John Deere utility tractor and well it sucks i got them talked into buying a new mower but i dont know what kind to go with. I know i want to get a zero turn and since they like to trade mowers about once a decade i want to stick with a diesel just cause i think the motor will with stand the time and abuse. i've looked at the Bad Boy,gravely,scag,hustler and dixie choper i'm really leaning to the scag just cause it's built like a tank. I'd really like to get some insite from the pros so if anyone could help with some advise feel free.
Thank You,
COLTman
Thank You,
COLTman
#2
djdicetn
I'm by no means a pro, but based upon my ZTR research(and purchase) you can't go wrong with the Gravely, Scag or Hustler. I'm not really too crazy about the Bad Boy or Dixie Chopper ZTR's(and I actually made an offer on a Bad Boy Outlaw last fall:0) Can you tell us what your budget range is???? You would be surprised how spending an additional $1k to go up a series in about any reputable ZTR manufacturer will benefit you in added durability and longevity. I wanted a Commercial grade ZTR and started out with a $4k-$5k budget and after looking at a few discovered that a $6k-$7k range was more in line with getting a true Commercial grade machine. Let us know what you can afford and we will try to give you some comparable models for several brands that will allow you to pick the one you feel meets your needs the best.
djdicetn
I recently took a job for the town i live in and am in charge of mowing 3 parks and a lagoon. The mowers we have now are lets just say getting pretty tired. I mow with a 2210 John Deere utility tractor and well it sucks i got them talked into buying a new mower but i dont know what kind to go with. I know i want to get a zero turn and since they like to trade mowers about once a decade i want to stick with a diesel just cause i think the motor will with stand the time and abuse. i've looked at the Bad Boy,gravely,scag,hustler and dixie choper i'm really leaning to the scag just cause it's built like a tank. I'd really like to get some insite from the pros so if anyone could help with some advise feel free.
Thank You,
COLTman
I'm by no means a pro, but based upon my ZTR research(and purchase) you can't go wrong with the Gravely, Scag or Hustler. I'm not really too crazy about the Bad Boy or Dixie Chopper ZTR's(and I actually made an offer on a Bad Boy Outlaw last fall:0) Can you tell us what your budget range is???? You would be surprised how spending an additional $1k to go up a series in about any reputable ZTR manufacturer will benefit you in added durability and longevity. I wanted a Commercial grade ZTR and started out with a $4k-$5k budget and after looking at a few discovered that a $6k-$7k range was more in line with getting a true Commercial grade machine. Let us know what you can afford and we will try to give you some comparable models for several brands that will allow you to pick the one you feel meets your needs the best.
#3
jimrs
jimrs
I don't know who makes a Z-Turn mower with a diesel but I do know that your looking a a big price tag.
#4
Carscw
Carscw
Kubota- bad boy - junk Deere all make diesel zero turns
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
#5
Carscw
Carscw
Sorry forgot TORO
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
#6
djdicetn
If it's OK(cause I'm biased:0), I'll add Gravely to that list of diesels. They offer that in the Commercial "flagship" Pro-Turn 400XDZ Series(BTW, if anyone is "interested" the "XDZ" acronym in the Pro-Turn Series stands for "X-tra Durability Zero Turns") for the 60" & 72" cut(but your wallet better be prepared for a $14,599 or $15,599 expenditure:0)
Another sidebar(I know I'm good at those:0)
Propane-driven ZTR's..........does anybody actually use these in a lawn maintenance business???? I noticed the Gravely Pro-Turn 400XDZ series offers that in the 72" and also had seen it offered by Toro in the Z-Master 6000 Series). It seems that these have a Kawasaki FX engine that has been converted to run on propane. The Gravely runs $13,699 MSRP(actually a little cheaper than the 72" Diesel counterpart). The 2012 Toro brochure I have touts lower fuel costs, less engine maintenance and of course lower emissions for the propane 60" & 70" models. So are these "widely" or "seldom" used in businesses and why????
djdicetn
Sorry forgot TORO
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
If it's OK(cause I'm biased:0), I'll add Gravely to that list of diesels. They offer that in the Commercial "flagship" Pro-Turn 400XDZ Series(BTW, if anyone is "interested" the "XDZ" acronym in the Pro-Turn Series stands for "X-tra Durability Zero Turns") for the 60" & 72" cut(but your wallet better be prepared for a $14,599 or $15,599 expenditure:0)
Another sidebar(I know I'm good at those:0)
Propane-driven ZTR's..........does anybody actually use these in a lawn maintenance business???? I noticed the Gravely Pro-Turn 400XDZ series offers that in the 72" and also had seen it offered by Toro in the Z-Master 6000 Series). It seems that these have a Kawasaki FX engine that has been converted to run on propane. The Gravely runs $13,699 MSRP(actually a little cheaper than the 72" Diesel counterpart). The 2012 Toro brochure I have touts lower fuel costs, less engine maintenance and of course lower emissions for the propane 60" & 70" models. So are these "widely" or "seldom" used in businesses and why????
#7
Parkmower
Parkmower
What size are the parks and areas needing to be mowed. I've worked and mowed in parks for 16 years. I do agree diesel is a good option but don't rule out the gassers. Again what's you purchase and then maint budget?
#8
Parkmower
Gettin real tired of hearing gravely anytime someone thinks about a new mower and then upselling them. I agree they are good machines. But please give it a rest.
Remember your a first time zt owner/ user and never mowed commercially.
Parkmower
If it's OK(cause I'm biased:0), I'll add Gravely to that list of diesels. They offer that in the Commercial "flagship" Pro-Turn 400XDZ Series(BTW, if anyone is "interested" the "XDZ" acronym in the Pro-Turn Series stands for "X-tra Durability Zero Turns") for the 60" & 72" cut(but your wallet better be prepared for a $14,599 or $15,599 expenditure:0)
Another sidebar(I know I'm good at those:0)
Propane-driven ZTR's..........does anybody actually use these in a lawn maintenance business???? I noticed the Gravely Pro-Turn 400XDZ series offers that in the 72" and also had seen it offered by Toro in the Z-Master 6000 Series). It seems that these have a Kawasaki FX engine that has been converted to run on propane. The Gravely runs $13,699 MSRP(actually a little cheaper than the 72" Diesel counterpart). The 2012 Toro brochure I have touts lower fuel costs, less engine maintenance and of course lower emissions for the propane 60" & 70" models. So are these "widely" or "seldom" used in businesses and why????
Gettin real tired of hearing gravely anytime someone thinks about a new mower and then upselling them. I agree they are good machines. But please give it a rest.
Remember your a first time zt owner/ user and never mowed commercially.
#9
djdicetn
I will stop recommending a Gravely if you won't recommend a Husqvarna, Cub Cadet or Toro:0)
Have you read most of the threads for all four of those brands in the Brand Specific forums and discerned the numer of relative major problems reported???? Or maybe checked out the most recent 2013 Dealer Ratings of those brands(see link below). First time/non-Commercial experience doesn't always mean "incorrect/bad advice".
http://www.msdeda.com/pdf/2013 Dealer Manufacturer Survey.pdf
P.S.
If the dealers for the Husqvarna's, Cub Cadet & Toro's don't rate the overall quality as high as the Ariens/Gravely dealers why should your "experienced advice" be any more reliable that a newbie??? Maybe you were just "lucky" to get a good one. If a dealer disses a brand I am a little more reluctant to invest in one, maybe other users will feel the same way about a Gravely. Actually, I prefer a dealer survey to a owner survey because it doesn't have the "emotional/bias" aspect of the quality opinion.
P.S.S.
If, over the years, my Gravely has any major problems I won't hesitate to advise users on this forum. Have you had any major repairs on your mowing equipment???
djdicetn
Gettin real tired of hearing gravely anytime someone thinks about a new mower and then upselling them. I agree they are good machines. But please give it a rest.
Remember your a first time zt owner/ user and never mowed commercially.
I will stop recommending a Gravely if you won't recommend a Husqvarna, Cub Cadet or Toro:0)
Have you read most of the threads for all four of those brands in the Brand Specific forums and discerned the numer of relative major problems reported???? Or maybe checked out the most recent 2013 Dealer Ratings of those brands(see link below). First time/non-Commercial experience doesn't always mean "incorrect/bad advice".
http://www.msdeda.com/pdf/2013 Dealer Manufacturer Survey.pdf
P.S.
If the dealers for the Husqvarna's, Cub Cadet & Toro's don't rate the overall quality as high as the Ariens/Gravely dealers why should your "experienced advice" be any more reliable that a newbie??? Maybe you were just "lucky" to get a good one. If a dealer disses a brand I am a little more reluctant to invest in one, maybe other users will feel the same way about a Gravely. Actually, I prefer a dealer survey to a owner survey because it doesn't have the "emotional/bias" aspect of the quality opinion.
P.S.S.
If, over the years, my Gravely has any major problems I won't hesitate to advise users on this forum. Have you had any major repairs on your mowing equipment???
#10
Carscw
Carscw
I would just get a toro grounds master don't hold back spend all your money.
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
#11
Parkmower
I agree. Or a Jacobsen turf cat
Parkmower
I would just get a toro grounds master don't hold back spend all your money.
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
I agree. Or a Jacobsen turf cat
#12
Parkmower
I hardly recommend anything. And I mow, don't push pencils/keyboard
Parkmower
I will stop recommending a Gravely if you won't recommend a Husqvarna, Cub Cadet or Toro:0)
Have you read most of the threads for all four of those brands in the Brand Specific forums and discerned the numer of relative major problems reported???? Or maybe checked out the most recent 2013 Dealer Ratings of those brands(see link below). First time/non-Commercial experience doesn't always mean "incorrect/bad advice".
http://www.msdeda.com/pdf/2013%20Dealer%20Manufacturer%20Survey.pdf
P.S.
If the dealers for the Husqvarna's, Cub Cadet & Toro's don't rate the overall quality as high as the Ariens/Gravely dealers why should your "experienced advice" be any more reliable that a newbie??? Maybe you were just "lucky" to get a good one. If a dealer disses a brand I am a little more reluctant to invest in one, maybe other users will feel the same way about a Gravely. Actually, I prefer a dealer survey to a owner survey because it doesn't have the "emotional/bias" aspect of the quality opinion.
P.S.S.
If, over the years, my Gravely has any major problems I won't hesitate to advise users on this forum. Have you had any major repairs on your mowing equipment???
I hardly recommend anything. And I mow, don't push pencils/keyboard
#13
Carscw
Have never been on a turf cat. But I do know the toro is one bad a s s mower.
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
Carscw
I agree. Or a Jacobsen turf cat
Have never been on a turf cat. But I do know the toro is one bad a s s mower.
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
#14
djdicetn
I had a friend that had a Jacobsen Turf Cat and it was in the shop 80% of the time he owned it..........................I'm lyin:0)
Actually, admittingly so, the Toro Grounds Master and that Jacobsen(I assume both high-end/high-dollar rotary mowers) are way beyond the scope of my research/knowledge. If indeed, the OP has an unlimited budget and can afford to purchase one of those I will gracefully bow out of further recommendations in this thread. I was only responding based upon the brands/type mowers that the OP originally stated that he was looking at/interested in.
P.S.
"Hardly"......but indeed you do recommend the brands you own:0)
P.S.S.
I have been warned by the Admin Muhammad to "be nice" and not insult other users, so I will interpret the comment about "pushing pencils/keyboard" as a compliment regarding how I acquired my analytical skills(not all occupations/endeavors offer that skill as a side effect:0)
P.S.S.S
Can anyone answer my questions about propane-fueled ZTR's???? I'm just curious:0)
djdicetn
I hardly recommend anything. And I mow, don't push pencils/keyboard
I had a friend that had a Jacobsen Turf Cat and it was in the shop 80% of the time he owned it..........................I'm lyin:0)
Actually, admittingly so, the Toro Grounds Master and that Jacobsen(I assume both high-end/high-dollar rotary mowers) are way beyond the scope of my research/knowledge. If indeed, the OP has an unlimited budget and can afford to purchase one of those I will gracefully bow out of further recommendations in this thread. I was only responding based upon the brands/type mowers that the OP originally stated that he was looking at/interested in.
P.S.
"Hardly"......but indeed you do recommend the brands you own:0)
P.S.S.
I have been warned by the Admin Muhammad to "be nice" and not insult other users, so I will interpret the comment about "pushing pencils/keyboard" as a compliment regarding how I acquired my analytical skills(not all occupations/endeavors offer that skill as a side effect:0)
P.S.S.S
Can anyone answer my questions about propane-fueled ZTR's???? I'm just curious:0)
#15
Carscw
Jacobsen is a very high guality mowers and tractors I like there tractors over John Deere but I also like a cheap weedeater mower over a junk deere.
There are a lot of guys around here that use propane mowers. I have never used one but have only heard good things about them.
I must have missed you not being nice to people.
Must have been bad because I have never been warned.
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
Carscw
I had a friend that had a Jacobsen Turf Cat and it was in the shop 80% of the time he owned it..........................I'm lyin:0)
Actually, admittingly so, the Toro Grounds Master and that Jacobsen(I assume both high-end/high-dollar rotary mowers) are way beyond the scope of my research/knowledge. If indeed, the OP has an unlimited budget and can afford to purchase one of those I will gracefully bow out of further recommendations in this thread. I was only responding based upon the brands/type mowers that the OP originally stated that he was looking at/interested in.
P.S.
"Hardly"......but indeed you do recommend the brands you own:0)
P.S.S.
I have been warned by the Admin Muhammad to "be nice" and not insult other users, so I will interpret the comment about "pushing pencils/keyboard" as a compliment regarding how I acquired my analytical skills(not all occupations/endeavors offer that skill as a side effect:0)
P.S.S.S
Can anyone answer my questions about propane-fueled ZTR's???? I'm just curious:0)
Jacobsen is a very high guality mowers and tractors I like there tractors over John Deere but I also like a cheap weedeater mower over a junk deere.
There are a lot of guys around here that use propane mowers. I have never used one but have only heard good things about them.
I must have missed you not being nice to people.
Must have been bad because I have never been warned.
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
#16
djdicetn
Yeah, I know Jacobsen's are good machines, I was just ribbing user Parkmower about chastising me for recommending Gravely's. Actually, I wasn't "directly warned" by the Admin, I was referring to my thread about "Laws Governing Lawn Maintenance Businesses" that was removed by the Moderators and then added back by the Admin with a warning about insults or foul language. Looks like my controversial topic sparked a few unrestrained emotions(many "towards" me:0(
I wondered about the popularity/usage of the propanes with all the "Go Green" hoopla going on. To me there's just nothing quite as invigorating as the sound of a good ole fossil fuel Chevy SS 396 or gas-powered lawn mower. I wonder what the propane-fueled Kawas sound like???????
djdicetn
Jacobsen is a very high guality mowers and tractors I like there tractors over John Deere but I also like a cheap weedeater mower over a junk deere.
There are a lot of guys around here that use propane mowers. I have never used one but have only heard good things about them.
I must have missed you not being nice to people.
Must have been bad because I have never been warned.
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
Yeah, I know Jacobsen's are good machines, I was just ribbing user Parkmower about chastising me for recommending Gravely's. Actually, I wasn't "directly warned" by the Admin, I was referring to my thread about "Laws Governing Lawn Maintenance Businesses" that was removed by the Moderators and then added back by the Admin with a warning about insults or foul language. Looks like my controversial topic sparked a few unrestrained emotions(many "towards" me:0(
I wondered about the popularity/usage of the propanes with all the "Go Green" hoopla going on. To me there's just nothing quite as invigorating as the sound of a good ole fossil fuel Chevy SS 396 or gas-powered lawn mower. I wonder what the propane-fueled Kawas sound like???????
#17
Carscw
Carscw
A propane mower sounds just like a forklift
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
#18
djdicetn
Duhhhhhhh...that makes sense!!! Now I HAVE heard one of those before:0)
Can't imagine that sound coming from my next-door-neighbor when he's mowing his lawn at 7:00AM on Saturday morning. That would make me jump right out of bed.....especially that beeping sound when he backs up:0)
djdicetn
A propane mower sounds just like a forklift
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
Duhhhhhhh...that makes sense!!! Now I HAVE heard one of those before:0)
Can't imagine that sound coming from my next-door-neighbor when he's mowing his lawn at 7:00AM on Saturday morning. That would make me jump right out of bed.....especially that beeping sound when he backs up:0)
#19
lawn mower fanatic
I don't think propane zero-turns sound much different than gas-powered ones. Listen to the background noise in this video:
lawn mower fanatic
Duhhhhhhh...that makes sense!!! Now I HAVE heard one of those before:0)
Can't imagine that sound coming from my next-door-neighbor when he's mowing his lawn at 7:00AM on Saturday morning. That would make me jump right out of bed.....especially that beeping sound when he backs up:0)
I don't think propane zero-turns sound much different than gas-powered ones. Listen to the background noise in this video:
#20
T
tom-ky
T
tom-ky
I have looked at several zero turn mowers and ran into one propane. Curious as to why someone needs one? Mainly propane has been use on forklifts indoors for the cleaner exhaust. The hassle of swapping tanks or refilling them in a lawn care settings seems like to much trouble.
Propane has less power than gas, the same engine running propane will not put out the same horsepower.
Propane has less power than gas, the same engine running propane will not put out the same horsepower.
#21
lawn mower fanatic
Here are reasons why some people like propane mowers: http://www.autogasusa.org/mower-incentive/
lawn mower fanatic
I have looked at several zero turn mowers and ran into one propane. Curious as to why someone needs one? Mainly propane has been use on forklifts indoors for the cleaner exhaust. The hassle of swapping tanks or refilling them in a lawn care settings seems like to much trouble.
Propane has less power than gas, the same engine running propane will not put out the same horsepower.
Here are reasons why some people like propane mowers: http://www.autogasusa.org/mower-incentive/