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Need Zero-turn mower.... any zero-turn guru here?
4/7/2012 11:24:33 PM
Well, I need zero-turn mower for my lawn since I'm tired of backing up with my John Deere L110 riding mower.
What should I get?
I saw Toro 42" or 50" Time cutter at home depot but someone said it has some known issue and not very good.
Any recommendations?
Who has best deal on zero-turn mowers in Gwinnett county or within 30 miles of drive?
My budget is $1000~3000max on either new or excellent used condition.
Thanks in advance!
What should I get?
I saw Toro 42" or 50" Time cutter at home depot but someone said it has some known issue and not very good.
Any recommendations?
Who has best deal on zero-turn mowers in Gwinnett county or within 30 miles of drive?
My budget is $1000~3000max on either new or excellent used condition.
Thanks in advance!
4/8/2012 3:56:12 AM
Just like everything else in life. You get what you pay for. With that being said, I have a Toro 400 series mower. I've also had higher end (scag, dixie chopper, toro). I miss my large mowers but with proper maintenance this small one isn't terrible. It's light so expect to tear the sod in turns. I put water/glycol in my tires to minimize this. The blades suck. I cant find high lift blades that will fit. Other than that, it doesn't shoot grass out the side with the velocity of a center fire round (so no grass all over you and everything else). Which makes it a plus to me. The engine is plenty powerful for what you have. I'd say buy one from a Toro dealer and NOT Home Depot. The mower from a dealer is a different spec than the others. Plus, you'll be helping the little guy and get great dealer support/maintenance.
4/8/2012 8:28:50 AM
I'd rather buy a used commercial grade mower on craigslist rather than a new homeowner grade mower.
4/8/2012 10:47:39 AM
Originally Posted By robpiat:
I'd rather buy a used commercial grade mower on craigslist rather than a new homeowner grade mower.
I'd rather buy a used commercial grade mower on craigslist rather than a new homeowner grade mower.
This has worked for me in the past.
I bought my brother a fleet maintained exmark hydrostatic walk-behind with sulky for $1500 10 years ago when they were selling new for $6000+
He has used it off and on commercially, not continuously, with nothing but regular maintenance since then.
I have also bought 2 used commercial/industrial generators at a bargain on craigslist, serviced them and put them into use in my general contracting business.
Just look every day and when a bargain presents itself be ready with cash in hand.
Just make sure to give the equipment a thorough testing and if you aren't familiar with the equipment bring someone who is.
4/9/2012 8:55:37 PM
Take a look at a used Walker (brand) zero turn. They have a fantastic bagging unit, strong enough to suck up a coke can. The cut is fantastic, and are easy to service. With a little practice, you can perform turns without ever harming the turf, and the cut is fantastic.
A decent used one is going to be at the high end of your budget, but they are worth the money. I've run every type of commercial mower out there and a Walker is the only zero-turn I would ever consider.
If you can find an older C-model with belt drive, get it. They are the best cutting versions. The T-models that come with the 25hp motor, or a diesel are too easy to scalp your lawn with.
A decent used one is going to be at the high end of your budget, but they are worth the money. I've run every type of commercial mower out there and a Walker is the only zero-turn I would ever consider.
If you can find an older C-model with belt drive, get it. They are the best cutting versions. The T-models that come with the 25hp motor, or a diesel are too easy to scalp your lawn with.
4/9/2012 8:57:47 PM
Originally Posted By MedicOC:
Take a look at a used Walker (brand) zero turn. They have a fantastic bagging unit, strong enough to suck up a coke can. The cut is fantastic, and are easy to service. With a little practice, you can perform turns without ever harming the turf, and the cut is fantastic.
A decent used one is going to be at the high end of your budget, but they are worth the money. I've run every type of commercial mower out there and a Walker is the only zero-turn I would ever consider.
If you can find an older C-model with belt drive, get it. They are the best cutting versions. The T-models that come with the 25hp motor, or a diesel are too easy to scalp your lawn with.
Take a look at a used Walker (brand) zero turn. They have a fantastic bagging unit, strong enough to suck up a coke can. The cut is fantastic, and are easy to service. With a little practice, you can perform turns without ever harming the turf, and the cut is fantastic.
A decent used one is going to be at the high end of your budget, but they are worth the money. I've run every type of commercial mower out there and a Walker is the only zero-turn I would ever consider.
If you can find an older C-model with belt drive, get it. They are the best cutting versions. The T-models that come with the 25hp motor, or a diesel are too easy to scalp your lawn with.
Walker makes a great mower. Just be ready to shell out a bunch of money for the housing that the little blower wheel for the grass bagger spins in.
4/9/2012 9:15:46 PM
I have a friend who is an engineer at HD and he specializes in "lightening the price". Aka they replace metal gears with plastic, thin out casings etc. anything to save $1!!!
That said I don't buy any tools from them anymore! Personally I would get a Jacobson or a scag. Probably the scag in the used market should work ($2k or less)
That said I don't buy any tools from them anymore! Personally I would get a Jacobson or a scag. Probably the scag in the used market should work ($2k or less)
4/9/2012 9:35:05 PM
Originally Posted By Impact-Vector:
I have a friend who is an engineer at HD and he specializes in "lightening the price". Aka they replace metal gears with plastic, thin out casings etc. anything to save $1!!!
That said I don't buy any tools from them anymore! Personally I would get a Jacobson or a scag. Probably the scag in the used market should work ($2k or less)
I have a friend who is an engineer at HD and he specializes in "lightening the price". Aka they replace metal gears with plastic, thin out casings etc. anything to save $1!!!
That said I don't buy any tools from them anymore! Personally I would get a Jacobson or a scag. Probably the scag in the used market should work ($2k or less)
This is exactly why I haven't bought any tools at big box stores in the last few years and why most of my tools are Hilti now.
Same goes for water heaters.
4/9/2012 10:43:48 PM
So it looks like no Home Depot toys...
We have Exmark dealer 5 mins away from my house and I'm leaning toward Exmark.
Thinking about Exmark Pioneer or Quest even Laser but oh boy... they're pricey.
We have Exmark dealer 5 mins away from my house and I'm leaning toward Exmark.
Thinking about Exmark Pioneer or Quest even Laser but oh boy... they're pricey.
4/10/2012 6:22:46 AM
Originally Posted By coolhand:
So it looks like no Home Depot toys...
We have Exmark dealer 5 mins away from my house and I'm leaning toward Exmark.
Thinking about Exmark Pioneer or Quest even Laser but oh boy... they're pricey.
So it looks like no Home Depot toys...
We have Exmark dealer 5 mins away from my house and I'm leaning toward Exmark.
Thinking about Exmark Pioneer or Quest even Laser but oh boy... they're pricey.
You may be able to find a dealer who will let you demo a used model to find what you like.
4/10/2012 7:04:40 AM
Look for lawn service companies going out of business. Commercial really is the only way to go, the home versions are far cheaper built and the blades do not spin as fast due to regulations. I personally like grasshopper, bought one years ago with the vacuum system and it'll just about pull worms out of their holes........I hate raking leaves.
4/10/2012 11:09:10 AM
I bought a 60" Ferris that had 10 hours on it from a dealer and saved $3000 on the price. some Landscaper bought it didn't like how much gas it used traded it back for a diesel mower. for me it is great. I love the suspension the mower just floats over bumps and suspension seat makes it even softer.
The guys are right, buy a commercial mower. go look at the ex mark in person look at the frame, the casters and the deck you will see they are built much better than a box store mower. I have seen deals for commercial mowers on craiglist all the time in my area.
The guys are right, buy a commercial mower. go look at the ex mark in person look at the frame, the casters and the deck you will see they are built much better than a box store mower. I have seen deals for commercial mowers on craiglist all the time in my area.
4/10/2012 11:25:07 AM
I'll go the other way and say while commercial is preferred, there's nothing wrong with the Toro zero turns. I have the Toro 42" zero and have had it for over 9 years with no unexpected problems. It's run great, though I maintain it to the letter of that they recommend. I originally bought it for my house & some investment properties I helped take care of, totaling about 40K sq ft. every cut. Did that for about 3 of those years, then only used it on my house yard (no time to mow the others). I have about 15K sq ft of sod, 2/3rds of it on a fairly steep slope and the mower works in 95%+ of the areas. Based on my use I'd recommend it without hesitation if you were interested in it.
That said if you can get a good condition commercial for about the same price, go for it. But when I bought mine the closest priced commercial I could find was over $1K more.
That said if you can get a good condition commercial for about the same price, go for it. But when I bought mine the closest priced commercial I could find was over $1K more.
4/10/2012 12:25:45 PM
Originally Posted By Scuba-Scott:
I'll go the other way and say while commercial is preferred, there's nothing wrong with the Toro zero turns. I have the Toro 42" zero and have had it for over 9 years with no unexpected problems. It's run great, though I maintain it to the letter of that they recommend. I originally bought it for my house & some investment properties I helped take care of, totaling about 40K sq ft. every cut. Did that for about 3 of those years, then only used it on my house yard (no time to mow the others). I have about 15K sq ft of sod, 2/3rds of it on a fairly steep slope and the mower works in 95%+ of the areas. Based on my use I'd recommend it without hesitation if you were interested in it.
That said if you can get a good condition commercial for about the same price, go for it. But when I bought mine the closest priced commercial I could find was over $1K more.
I'll go the other way and say while commercial is preferred, there's nothing wrong with the Toro zero turns. I have the Toro 42" zero and have had it for over 9 years with no unexpected problems. It's run great, though I maintain it to the letter of that they recommend. I originally bought it for my house & some investment properties I helped take care of, totaling about 40K sq ft. every cut. Did that for about 3 of those years, then only used it on my house yard (no time to mow the others). I have about 15K sq ft of sod, 2/3rds of it on a fairly steep slope and the mower works in 95%+ of the areas. Based on my use I'd recommend it without hesitation if you were interested in it.
That said if you can get a good condition commercial for about the same price, go for it. But when I bought mine the closest priced commercial I could find was over $1K more.
not doubting your experience, but 40K square feet is less than an acre, and 15K is only about 1/3 of an acre. I am sure the mower has and does work fine, but you're not mowing much either.
4/10/2012 1:03:27 PM
Originally Posted By mattellis2:
not doubting your experience, but 40K square feet is less than an acre, and 15K is only about 1/3 of an acre. I am sure the mower has and does work fine, but you're not mowing much either.
Originally Posted By Scuba-Scott:
I'll go the other way and say while commercial is preferred, there's nothing wrong with the Toro zero turns. I have the Toro 42" zero and have had it for over 9 years with no unexpected problems. It's run great, though I maintain it to the letter of that they recommend. I originally bought it for my house & some investment properties I helped take care of, totaling about 40K sq ft. every cut. Did that for about 3 of those years, then only used it on my house yard (no time to mow the others). I have about 15K sq ft of sod, 2/3rds of it on a fairly steep slope and the mower works in 95%+ of the areas. Based on my use I'd recommend it without hesitation if you were interested in it.
That said if you can get a good condition commercial for about the same price, go for it. But when I bought mine the closest priced commercial I could find was over $1K more.
I'll go the other way and say while commercial is preferred, there's nothing wrong with the Toro zero turns. I have the Toro 42" zero and have had it for over 9 years with no unexpected problems. It's run great, though I maintain it to the letter of that they recommend. I originally bought it for my house & some investment properties I helped take care of, totaling about 40K sq ft. every cut. Did that for about 3 of those years, then only used it on my house yard (no time to mow the others). I have about 15K sq ft of sod, 2/3rds of it on a fairly steep slope and the mower works in 95%+ of the areas. Based on my use I'd recommend it without hesitation if you were interested in it.
That said if you can get a good condition commercial for about the same price, go for it. But when I bought mine the closest priced commercial I could find was over $1K more.
not doubting your experience, but 40K square feet is less than an acre, and 15K is only about 1/3 of an acre. I am sure the mower has and does work fine, but you're not mowing much either.
That might be all that the OP is going to cut with his. I also have a Toro but mine is the z5000 with 50" cut. Only cut my yard, which is about 1 1/2 acre and so far have had no problems. Knock on wood here. One thing I have found out is that the Toro blades work better on mine then any other that I've tried.
4/10/2012 1:43:51 PM
Originally Posted By mattellis2:
not doubting your experience, but 40K square feet is less than an acre, and 15K is only about 1/3 of an acre. I am sure the mower has and does work fine, but you're not mowing much either.
not doubting your experience, but 40K square feet is less than an acre, and 15K is only about 1/3 of an acre. I am sure the mower has and does work fine, but you're not mowing much either.
True, but I have more than most of the residential yards in my area have. The OP said they wanted it for their home, so not knowing how large his yard is I figured I'd give my details for something for him to compare his to. I know 1/3 of an acre isn't much for commercial, or even some of the rural residential, but it's a 'decent' size for residential around my parts, and it's been going strong over 9 years now and while I've maintained it I haven't babied it either. I actually put it thru hell for the 3 years I helped on those investments as the tenants tended to leave all kinds of crap in the yard that I ended up striking...
4/10/2012 7:01:10 PM
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/grd/2950842717.html
4/10/2012 9:35:34 PM
Originally Posted By Scuba-Scott:
True, but I have more than most of the residential yards in my area have. The OP said they wanted it for their home, so not knowing how large his yard is I figured I'd give my details for something for him to compare his to. I know 1/3 of an acre isn't much for commercial, or even some of the rural residential, but it's a 'decent' size for residential around my parts, and it's been going strong over 9 years now and while I've maintained it I haven't babied it either. I actually put it thru hell for the 3 years I helped on those investments as the tenants tended to leave all kinds of crap in the yard that I ended up striking...
Originally Posted By mattellis2:
not doubting your experience, but 40K square feet is less than an acre, and 15K is only about 1/3 of an acre. I am sure the mower has and does work fine, but you're not mowing much either.
not doubting your experience, but 40K square feet is less than an acre, and 15K is only about 1/3 of an acre. I am sure the mower has and does work fine, but you're not mowing much either.
True, but I have more than most of the residential yards in my area have. The OP said they wanted it for their home, so not knowing how large his yard is I figured I'd give my details for something for him to compare his to. I know 1/3 of an acre isn't much for commercial, or even some of the rural residential, but it's a 'decent' size for residential around my parts, and it's been going strong over 9 years now and while I've maintained it I haven't babied it either. I actually put it thru hell for the 3 years I helped on those investments as the tenants tended to leave all kinds of crap in the yard that I ended up striking...
But that was 9 years ago.
Think about all of the "lightening" the engineers have done since then
I would be interested to see your opinion of the new toro mowers if you had a chance to look at one compared to yours of 9 years ago
4/10/2012 10:28:44 PM
I am not a Exmark fan their quality has really dropped off. Exmark is now outsourcing parts overseas. Due to this things like bearings and pump motors and clutches have been failing left and right.
I own a 54" John Deere 737 I am very happy with it.
I would look at SCAG,Hustler,Grasshopper,Woods and Dixie Chopper.
I own a 54" John Deere 737 I am very happy with it.
I would look at SCAG,Hustler,Grasshopper,Woods and Dixie Chopper.
4/10/2012 10:38:17 PM
Originally Posted By Handydave:
But that was 9 years ago.
Think about all of the "lightening" the engineers have done since then
I would be interested to see your opinion of the new toro mowers if you had a chance to look at one compared to yours of 9 years ago
But that was 9 years ago.
Think about all of the "lightening" the engineers have done since then
I would be interested to see your opinion of the new toro mowers if you had a chance to look at one compared to yours of 9 years ago
Well I haven't used any of the new ones, but I have looked at them many times while killing time at the store and they certainly don't seem any 'lighter' than mine. In fact most of the working parts (that I can see anyways) looks pretty much the same. Maybe they've lightened it up somewhere to make it function worse, but I haven't seen any evidence of this. There's some cosmetic differences, but overall it doesn't seem to be much lighter to me. But again, I haven't used one so I can't say either way if it is or not without being pure speculation. I can say if mine was to crap out tomorrow I would seriously consider any of their current models without hesitation until they give me a reason to not trust their product anymore.
4/11/2012 10:58:16 PM
Well, thank you so much guys... you guys are truly awesome.
I ended up buying used Cub Cadet RZT 50" zero turning w/ Kawasaki 22hp engine.
It was manufactured in 2006 and hour meter is 165hr.
I paid $1000 cash to retired cop and happy with it so far.
I'm going to start saving money for new Exmark Pioneer Laser or something similar...
Thanks again for everyone's .02 cents!
I ended up buying used Cub Cadet RZT 50" zero turning w/ Kawasaki 22hp engine.
It was manufactured in 2006 and hour meter is 165hr.
I paid $1000 cash to retired cop and happy with it so far.
I'm going to start saving money for new Exmark Pioneer Laser or something similar...
Thanks again for everyone's .02 cents!
4/12/2012 9:28:11 AM
Congrats on the buy, sounds like a pretty good deal. Hope you get many years of service from it.
Once you go from a standard tractor to a zero turn there's no 'turning back' (sorry for the bad pun
)..
Once you go from a standard tractor to a zero turn there's no 'turning back' (sorry for the bad pun
)..4/12/2012 6:24:43 PM
You done good!
