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What ZTR to Buy?

#1

K

Kubota kommander

Trying to decide between the Kubota Kommander zg121s, Hustler Raptor SD, and JD Z425 (all 48"). Don't let the screen name fool you...all I could come up with. BUT....leaning towards the Kubota.....concerned about the Kohler Courage. Is it just personal preference between these three, or does one stand out? Mowing under 1 acre. Thanks!


#2

Vanousb

Vanousb

Tell a little about your needs...are you commercial lawn care or is it your lawn? How big? Type of terrain you plan to mow? etc. What is your budget? The folks here will give you some great insights and advice in making your decision. ZTR can be a big investment. I did a lot of research and asked a lot of questions. Also made sure to drive and mow demo of the ones I had on my short list of choices.


#3

K

Kubota kommander

Just residential. About a half acre to mow. Want to choose a mower that is a bit more than I need and will last a long time. Don't mind spending about $5,000. Could also consider the JD z445 I suppose. Neighbors sporting Dixie Chopper on one side and a Hustler fast trac on the other. I'm on my 28" Snapper. Trying to cut down on my one hour+ mowing time......and keep up with the Jones's.....


#4

Vanousb

Vanousb

Kubota kommander said:
Just residential. About a half acre to mow. Want to choose a mower that is a bit more than I need and will last a long time. Don't mind spending about $5,000. Could also consider the JD z445 I suppose. Neighbors sporting Dixie Chopper on one side and a Hustler fast trac on the other. I'm on my 28" Snapper. Trying to cut down on my one hour+ mowing time......and keep up with the Jones's.....
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Just taking out loud a little...
1) I like the Hustler SD (Little more hp 23 vs 21 and 22, though the hydros offer a little less at 2800 vs 3100 and little less tire 20 x 8)
2) The Kubota
Both have fabricated decks which I prefer in terms of longer lasting and better cut (IMO).

3) JD would be my last choice (though I know some that bleed green) form your list.

Other to consider (and I would place both over what you have listed knowing all are good mowers) that I looked before deciding on Exmark Pioneer S.

Gravely ZT HD Gravely ZT HD Zero Turn Mower
Exmark Quest S (50 inch) Exmark Manufacturing - Products

Others here can give insights on Toro, Snapper, etc. All will have a version of a mower to meet your needs that are comparable.

Advice...buy from local dealer you trust that can provide timely service. Drive what you think you plan to buy to feel how they compare.


#5

K

Kubota kommander

Thanks. That is tremendously helpful. Actually the local dealer that I like and sold me the Snapper handles the Hustler. He also handles Exmark, but for some reason I didn't look at that one.....may have been above my $5k max. I will look again though.


#6

Vanousb

Vanousb

Kubota kommander said:
Thanks. That is tremendously helpful. Actually the local dealer that I like and sold me the Snapper handles the Hustler. He also handles Exmark, but for some reason I didn't look at that one.....may have been above my $5k max. I will look again though.
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Exmarks can cost more...around here they dominate the commercial lawn care guys and the larger lawn residential mowers, which I felt said something about them. I ended up deciding to invest in an Exmark Pioneer S 60 inch cut. I mow 3 plus acres and then some for my father in law. Like you mentioned, I wanted something I would be mowing with 15 years down the road if takes care of. I feel the Exmark was a better quality overall coming from a local dealer I trust and definitely a better ride than any I drove. Gravely was my second choice and the Hustler was my third. Also drove a Bad Boy. All of these were carried by local dealers.

But I was looking at size and level just above what you are looking at. Like I said, I would ask to drive and mow with demo (both the hustler and Exmark along with any other you are seriously considering). I actually printed the specs for each mower so I can compare the detail (hydros, engines, deck quality, speeds, etc.). There are a lot of great mowers right now on the market. Other here can give you their take on some of the other makers.


#7

K

Kubota kommander

Vanousb said:
Exmarks can cost more...around here they dominate the commercial lawn care guys and the larger lawn residential mowers, which I felt said something about them. I ended up deciding to invest in an Exmark Pioneer S 60 inch cut. I mow 3 plus acres and then some for my father in law. Like you mentioned, I wanted something I would be mowing with 15 years down the road if takes care of. I feel the Exmark was a better quality overall coming from a local dealer I trust and definitely a better ride than any I drove. Gravely was my second choice and the Hustler was my third. Also drove a Bad Boy. All of these were carried by local dealers.

But I was looking at size and level just above what you are looking at. Like I said, I would ask to drive and mow with demo (both the hustler and Exmark along with any other you are seriously considering). I actually printed the specs for each mower so I can compare the detail (hydros, engines, deck quality, speeds, etc.). There are a lot of great mowers right now on the market. Other here can give you their take on some of the other makers.
Click to expand...

Just looked on my local guy's website. He shows a 48" cut Exmark Pioneer E series for $4,999, which is in my ballpark. I'll see if I can demo one of those. Originally looked at the low end Gravely's and didn't care for them. Probably need to circle back and look at the next bump up. The more I look the tougher the decision, but glad I didn't buy too quickly. I'll be checking back to see what other advice is out there, but your input has been most helpful!


#8

Vanousb

Vanousb

Kubota kommander said:
Just looked on my local guy's website. He shows a 48" cut Exmark Pioneer E series for $4,999, which is in my ballpark. I'll see if I can demo one of those. Originally looked at the low end Gravely's and didn't care for them. Probably need to circle back and look at the next bump up. The more I look the tougher the decision, but glad I didn't buy too quickly. I'll be checking back to see what other advice is out there, but your input has been most helpful!
Click to expand...

Exmark was my top choice and other here have their preferred brand and are very knowledgeable. They will all be about the same with some small differences here and there and there are a lot of good ones in the price range you have...just be sure to compare apples to apples so to speak...enjoy the hunt. You will know the one when it feel right. Keep us posted.


#9

K

Kubota kommander

Vanousb said:
Exmark we my choice and other here have their preferred brand and are very knowledgeable. They will all be about the same with some small differences here and there and there are a lot of good ones in the price range you have...just be sure to compare apples to apples so to speak...enjoy the hunt. You will know the one when it feel right. Keep us posted.
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Will do! Hoping to purchase some time next week. I'll post what I end up doing and why. Thanks again!


#10

K

Kubota kommander

Kubota kommander said:
Will do! Hoping to purchase some time next week. I'll post what I end up doing and why. Thanks again!
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I suppose I may have to change my screen name!


#11

P

pcclipper

Don't know what part of Fl. you're in but around the Plant City area Gravely has a Labor Day sale. Probably National sale. I was told by The Gravely dealer a ZT-52HD would be around $4500. I am still undecided on which model I will buy.


#12

chemingthroughtheleather

chemingthroughtheleather

Without good service you will be unhappy,please remember service as a game changer before you quibble over a few hundred!


#13

djdicetn

djdicetn

Kubota kommander said:
I suppose I may have to change my screen name!
Click to expand...

I agree with user Vanousb that you need to go back to the Gravely dealer and look at the ZT HD 48!! Someone mentioned them being on sale for $4,500 which would be a steal on that ZTR(it's well worth the current "No Haggle" sale price of $4,999). For your needs, the ZT HD or Raptor SD will be your best bet(with the Gravely being a bit of an "upgrade" from the Hustler). Demo both of them and get a feel for the dealers. Like mentioned....that is a VERY important factor in buying a ZTR that costs several thousand dollars!!! My Gravely dealer in Nashville, TN has treated me like royalty ever since my purchase(gives me his commercial customer discount on any parts or accessories).


#14

K

Kubota kommander

pcclipper said:
Don't know what part of Fl. you're in but around the Plant City area Gravely has a Labor Day sale. Probably National sale. I was told by The Gravely dealer a ZT-52HD would be around $4500. I am still undecided on which model I will buy.
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I live in Winter Haven, which is just around the corner. I wish they were having a July 4th sale. Great price!


#15

K

Kubota kommander

PHP:
chemingthroughtheleather said:
Without good service you will be unhappy,please remember service as a game changer before you quibble over a few hundred!
Click to expand...

Good point on the price. Fortunately there are three reputable dealers nearby to cover the three brands I'm trying to decide on.


#16

djdicetn

djdicetn

Kubota kommander said:
PHP:

Good point on the price. Fortunately there are three reputable dealers nearby to cover the three brands I'm trying to decide on.
Click to expand...

Demo all three, compare build engineering, components(engine, trannies, deck build/hang system/gauge), warranties and price and go with your gut feeling. That usually results in a satisfied purchase.

P.S.
I think you'll find the only one of those three with a commercial style chain-hung deck is the Gravely.


#17

K

Kubota kommander

djdicetn said:
Demo all three, compare build engineering, components(engine, trannies, deck build/hang system/gauge), warranties and price and go with your gut feeling. That usually results in a satisfied purchase.

P.S.
I think you'll find the only one of those three with a commercial style chain-hung deck is the Gravely.
Click to expand...

Definitely plan to back up and look at a mid range Gravely. Thanks.


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