Export thread

I mow 4 yards each about an acre. Right now I have a John Deere LA 115 with a 42" inch deck and it takes a good amount of time. I'm looking into getting a zero turn so I can mow more yards, faster. I have looked at the Kubota ZD 221 and 323 and I like them. This will be my first zero turn. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to buy? It does not need to be brand new but still in good condition. I live in Pennsylvania in the Harrisburg area. If anyone knows any good deals in the area just let me know. Thanks!

Since your in PA why not try buying direct from the Simplicity Factory.. Nice Z series with some thick a@@ steel decks .

I don't really have $15,000 to spend on a brand new mower. That's why I was looking to buy a used one in good condition for a decent price.

USGOV.BID always has machines for auction 99% commercial grade retired units , basket cases, bankrupt sales - web site lets you know if it is a runner or not .

SONOFADOCKER said:

USGOV.BID always has machines for auction 99% commercial grade retired units , basket cases, bankrupt sales - web site lets you know if it is a runner or not .

Click to expand...

I'd really go over a government surplus auction machine. I work for a gov agency and know first hand what we send to auction. They're usually beat to snot then we strip them of any parts we may need or want. Usually the repair parts cost more than the machine is worth. You may get a commercial machine for a few hundred but it'll prob take alot more to get it going.
And even then after polishing a turd it's still just a turd.

If the mowers from the government auctions are crappy then I would rather save the money to use on a decent used mower that will last a good amount of time. Do you know anywhere where you can get ones at decent prices that are still in pretty good condition?

What are some pros and cons to kubota, exmark, and toro?

It really depends on what you are looking for and the type of terrain that you are cutting. I know that the Ferris with the Full Suspension does offer some significant benefits to deals with the bumpy surfaces.

Is speed of cut a significant factor in your buying decision?

A Walker Mower may be a good decision as well if you are inclined to want a really good cut with excellent collection. The Toro has a wide variety of models from their Timecutter, Titan and Commercial line of mowers with really more models and options than I can keep track of.

I find the best way to start looking is compare the models and see what the key difference are and then try and arrange an onsite demo so you can see for yourself which models you like.

Up in Toronto we can arrange this with different models, I would bring out a Toro, Walker Mowers and a Ferris and let you ride all three to see what does it for you.

You can check out our site in the link if you want to cross compare the models with respect to specifications, ground speed, power, deck composition, weight, tires, fuel capacity etc.

Again, I would recommend calling your dealer to arrange an onsite demo once you have narrowed down the models.

Some of the yards I now do have some bumpy spots but the whole yard isn't bumpy. I have looked at ferris a little but haven't heard too much about them. Are they good quality and would it be worth getting a full suspension one?

nwagner23 said:

Some of the yards I now do have some bumpy spots but the whole yard isn't bumpy. I have looked at ferris a little but haven't heard too much about them. Are they good quality and would it be worth getting a full suspension one?

Click to expand...

Whenever someone is on the fence I would usually suggest a on site demo so that you can see for yourself. The full suspension is meant to speed you up on the bumpier commercial properties. In terms of quality, we have had good feedback on the IS500 and IS1500. Ferris in Canada (at least) has some great finance deals as well.

A lot of guys on a budget also look at the stand on mowers as well, Toro and Wright Commercial standers are really popular up here.

Like I said, lately there is so much attention on the zero turn market the choices are endless.

Good luck on the purchase.

Do you know anything about exmark or kubota?

nwagner23 said:

Do you know anything about exmark or kubota?

Click to expand...

Both are well reputed excellent companies. We sell Exmark, but do not sell Kubota (so I am only going by what I hear second hand on Kubota).

If you were close to Toronto, I would arrange our sales guy to bring several machines out on a float and just throw you on each of them and let you decide. With the professional landscapers we have that have been the business >10 years, this work becomes more of an art and we have guys with very particular tastes when it comes to a machine that they rely on for their living 10 hours a day.

What do you like about exmark?

The Kubota is an excellent machine. It will stand up next to all of the other units mentioned. Don't know why but we've sold more of them so far this year than all of last year. Trade-ins were Dixie, Toro, Cub, Exmark, and Gravely units. All good brands. Can anyone figure this one out?

Rivets said:

The Kubota is an excellent machine. It will stand up next to all of the other units mentioned. Don't know why but we've sold more of them so far this year than all of last year. Trade-ins were Dixie, Toro, Cub, Exmark, and Gravely units. All good brands. Can anyone figure this one out?

Click to expand...

Trade in for diesel? Tough to beat a kubota diesel.

Do you think the kubotas are too heavy?

I went from a Toro Zmaster with 60" deck and Kohler EFI to a 60" Kubota ZD326. Yes, the Kubota is heavy, big and will tear up the turf if you like to run fast. I have 7 acres and the Kubota will eat thick grass in the field but when it comes to mowing around the house, trees and shrubs I wish I had the Toro back. Cousin is commerical and swears by eXmark. If you have a chance to operate a couple to compare, do it. Each has pros and cons. Parts availabilty and service are also considerations.

What is bad about going around the houses because that is mostly what I would be using it for.

nwagner23 said:

What do you like about exmark?

Click to expand...

Exmark Manufacturing was purchased by Toro in 1997. In 2011, Exmark partnered with Echo Canada to distributed Exmark in Canada. Accordingly, at least in Canada, parts and service for Exmark are easily available.

Further, Exmark tends to have very aggressive promotions and equipment that landscapers like. For example, the Exmark Metro 26 lawn mower is very popular among landscapers in Toronto.

I'm just looking for a good used mower that's cheap.

nwagner23 said:

What is bad about going around the houses because that is mostly what I would be using it for.

Click to expand...

It's a bigger machine and you set higher. Tree branches are the main problem and you can't get the front of the deck right up to trees and shrubs because of the front axle. My Toro could! The hydraulic deck lift on the Kubota, and other brands, is awkward to operate when you need to raise the deck a little because of a high spot. Toro and eXmark both have a mechanically operated foot pedal which is quick and easy to control. The Kubota is a great machine when cutting a open area but in close quarters it has limitations.

Yeah it does seem like exmarks are more maneuverable and can get around things better. Do you know anyone who's selling any?

If your looking for a used one, you might want to check Craigslist in your area. Type in "zero turn mower".

I already did that. Nothing very good came up.