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Posted: 3/27/2024 9:13:17 PM EDT
Been using a 52" Big Dog Alpha for a decade to cut my just under 2 acres and I'm afraid it's on its last legs. Constantly throwing or shredding belts. I've replaced everything item I can think of that might have anything to do w/ this and I'm just honestly tired of having to fix it all the fucking time. Neighbor across the street has a new Bad Boy Maverick that I really, really like the look of. It has a Kawasaki power unit and has a few options and sizes that I could choose from. This only his second season with it so I'm not sure how the reliability is with them.
So, are there any others manufacturers I should be considering? I'm really that open to purchasing a JD or Husq from a big box store like Lowe's. I'm wanting something I can get 10+ years out of at a minimum. |
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Posted: 3/27/2024 9:15:20 PM EDT
[#1]
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Posted: 3/27/2024 9:15:38 PM EDT
[#2]
Avoid Husq. Shit company.
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Posted: 3/27/2024 9:17:22 PM EDT
[#3]
I bought a Ferris IS700Z 6 years ago now for my property. About 5 acres I keep mowed. Zero issues, just regular maintenance so far.
I don’t think Ferris is popular with homeowners but if you pay attention to commercial landscapers as you drive around you’ll start to notice a LOT of them. Solid machines for sure. Mine has a Briggs but a lot of them have Kawasakis. |
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Posted: 3/27/2024 9:21:40 PM EDT
[#4]
Really any brand with a Kawasaki engine and 3100 hydros. I have a Gravely but there are plenty of other brands with the same specs.
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Posted: 3/27/2024 9:23:24 PM EDT
[#5]
Avoid MDT and their rebadged brands.
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Posted: 3/27/2024 9:25:11 PM EDT
[#6]
I would check out the closest dealer.
I have two Graveleys. I think I saw where they have a 25% off sale the next few days. |
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MI, USA
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Posted: 3/27/2024 9:27:13 PM EDT
[Last Edit: SAINTDANIEL]
[#7]
A Scag is what you see,every part is replaceable,not a throw away machine.
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Posted: 3/27/2024 9:30:25 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SAINTDANIEL: A Scag is what you see,every part is replaceable,not a throw away machine. https://i.postimg.cc/FFdSsmjv/20220629-143952-resized-1.jpg This is the way. |
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Posted: 3/27/2024 9:30:29 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Steve307SD]
[#9]
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Posted: 3/27/2024 9:31:23 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Blstr89: I bought a Ferris IS700Z 6 years ago now for my property. About 5 acres I keep mowed. Zero issues, just regular maintenance so far. I don’t think Ferris is popular with homeowners but if you pay attention to commercial landscapers as you drive around you’ll start to notice a LOT of them. Solid machines for sure. Mine has a Briggs but a lot of them have Kawasakis. I've got a Ferris. Had it for 10 years now. Blades and starter batteries is about it. Apparently all of the U1 batteries are shit now days. They're expensive and the dealer network can be thin in some areas. |
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Posted: 3/27/2024 9:33:01 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By FMJ0311: This is the way. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By FMJ0311: Originally Posted By SAINTDANIEL: A Scag is what you see,every part is replaceable,not a throw away machine. https://i.postimg.cc/FFdSsmjv/20220629-143952-resized-1.jpg This is the way. |
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Posted: 3/27/2024 9:34:50 PM EDT
[#12]
Scag or go home.
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Posted: 3/27/2024 9:36:35 PM EDT
[#13]
We have a Gravely, and it has been a work horse. Paid $4k, it is Six years old now. It is on the cheaper end, and we have had to do a little work on it, a spindle which we replaced for $250 ourselves. We mow probably 2 acres, with trees and structures around.
Would a commercial grade be better? Yes. For what we paid for it and what we have gotten out of it dollar for dollar been a good deal? I think so. Do not buy one from a box store, go to an actual dealer either way. Trust me. |
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USA
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Posted: 3/27/2024 9:37:32 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Ikumaru]
[#14]
Originally Posted By Paulie771: Been using a 52" Big Dog Alpha for a decade to cut my just under 2 acres and I'm afraid it's on its last legs. Constantly throwing or shredding belts. I've replaced everything item I can think of that might have anything to do w/ this and I'm just honestly tired of having to fix it all the fucking time. Neighbor across the street has a new Bad Boy Maverick that I really, really like the look of. It has a Kawasaki power unit and has a few options and sizes that I could choose from. This only his second season with it so I'm not sure how the reliability is with them. So, are there any others manufacturers I should be considering? I'm really that open to purchasing a JD or Husq from a big box store like Lowe's. I'm wanting something I can get 10+ years out of at a minimum. So I had a Hustler that did that same thing, always shredding belts, and Hustler is owned by the same company that owned Big Dog mowers. You need to check the mounts for your hydros. On the Hustler they issued a warranty repair to replace the mounting brackets and bolts, since the original ones were like tinfoil thickness and bent. That is, if you are talking about drive belts. Also, after repairing the mounts, you need to buy oem belts and not the cheap belts they have on Amazon, even as enticing as they are with how cheap they are. If you go the buying route, you are gonna be able to get a decade out of just about any mower. Stick to a budget and don't let GD talk you up to a 12k mower because they insist you have to go commercial grade. These mowers all use nearly identical engines and transmissions. If you are going to spend any more money on a mower, do so for amazing convenience features like a suspension seat, OCDC, etc. Get a mower with a Kawasaki engine and some good serviceable hydros and you will be good for easily a decade. |
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KS, USA
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Posted: 3/27/2024 9:38:12 PM EDT
[#15]
Okay, every suggestion here is good.
Try to pick one that has a close dealer and doesn't suck balls. Once you get over about $6k, they're all solid Some work better in certain grass, etc Look at what the commercial guys are using in my area. Around here, its: Grasshopper Walker Hustler Bad Boy Other brands to look at: Big Dog Gravely Ferris They all have multiple models, so you can't just say "xxx sucks". Some of them, namely Hustler and Bad Boy, have big box store models. Avoid those. I had a Ferris with full suspension. Loved it. I recently got the smallest Grasshopper they make, and it cuts really good. Keep in mind, these all use off the shelf motors, hydrostatic, etc. The main difference is the frames, decks, layout, and slight feature difference. |
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USA
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Posted: 3/27/2024 9:43:16 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GunsAndGoats: We have a Gravely, and it has been a work horse. Paid $4k, it is Six years old now. It is on the cheaper end, and we have had to do a little work on it, a spindle which we replaced for $250 ourselves. We mow probably 2 acres, with trees and structures around. Would a commercial grade be better? Yes. For what we paid for it and what we have gotten out of it dollar for dollar been a good deal? I think so. Do not buy one from a box store, go to an actual dealer either way. Trust me. IDK about the gravely you have, but I just did the spindles on my Hustler and saved a boatload of money just pressing out the bearings and pressing in new bearings to the existing spindles. Was very very easy and made a multi hundred dollar job cost like $15. I splurged on higher quality bearings or it would have cost half that. |
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Posted: 3/27/2024 9:43:34 PM EDT
[#17]
Exmark Lazer Z
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Posted: 3/27/2024 9:45:59 PM EDT
[#18]
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Posted: 3/27/2024 9:48:59 PM EDT
[#19]
Ferris, Scag or Bobcat.
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Posted: 3/27/2024 9:57:11 PM EDT
[#20]
A buddy of mine has a 6-7 year old Ferris that's been flawless. Really nice machine. It was a prior year leftover I think he paid something like $12k for, but he's a yardaphile. His yard would put many golf courses to shame. It's also just under an acre so that machine barely gets warmed up by the time he's done.
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KS, USA
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Posted: 3/27/2024 10:04:04 PM EDT
[#21]
Here's my ferris from a few years back.
Heavy as a tank. So comfy. I miss it 
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USA
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Posted: 3/27/2024 10:05:42 PM EDT
[#22]
1000% get a Scag. They are the heaviest duty brand by far and will life a homeowner a lifetime with proper maintenance and a few fixes here and there. Get a Kawasaki engine.
For 2 acres test out a Vride standing model, so much more comfortable and maneuverable than a sit on. But if riding is your thing, Patriot or Turf Tiger. They offer a nice military and vet discount too. |
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TN, USA
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Posted: 3/27/2024 10:07:55 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MHowski: Exmark Lazer Z This |
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OR, USA
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Posted: 3/27/2024 10:12:12 PM EDT
[#24]
I bought a Kubota 422 with a 60” deck last year. 3600 gears and a 24 hp Kawasaki engine. I only have 12 hours on it but it cuts good and saves me a shit ton of time.
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AL, USA
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Posted: 3/27/2024 10:17:24 PM EDT
[Last Edit: anymanusa]
[#25]
Ferris master race checking in.
IS 800z 52" deck Kawasaki motor. 40+ hours. Suspension is a BIG selling point for uneven ground. |
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Posted: 3/27/2024 10:18:22 PM EDT
[#26]
Hustler with forged deck and a Kaw motor is a great combo
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Posted: 3/27/2024 10:20:34 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Mp40Gunner: Really any brand with a Kawasaki engine and 3100 hydros. I have a Gravely but there are plenty of other brands with the same specs. |
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Posted: 3/27/2024 10:28:40 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bondryan: I bought a Kubota 422 with a 60” deck last year. 3600 gears and a 24 hp Kawasaki engine. I only have 12 hours on it but it cuts good and saves me a shit ton of time. My Kubota ZG327 (60” cut, 27hp Kawasaki engine) still runs great after 14 years of mowing 8 acres, then another 2 mowing a couple acres at the new place. 16 years and I put 1 belt, 2 batteries, and a starter on it. And probably 8-10 sets of blades because I used it like a bushog on the 8 acres. |
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Posted: 3/27/2024 10:34:27 PM EDT
[#29]
Spartan
good mower |
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MI, USA
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Posted: 3/27/2024 10:36:52 PM EDT
[#30]
Something to keep in mind, how do they cut ? The scag velocity deck is fantastic ! many commercial guys use them,the John Deere 7 Iron also a great deck. The type of grass you have also comes into play,some do not give a shit, they just want it to cut. My Tiger Cat ll is a hell of a machine,scag is not cheap.
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PA, USA
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Posted: 3/27/2024 10:42:53 PM EDT
[#31]
I vote for something with a diesel engine. Worth the extra money in my eyes.
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Posted: 3/28/2024 8:56:17 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Papermaker: My Kubota ZG327 (60" cut, 27hp Kawasaki engine) still runs great after 14 years of mowing 8 acres, then another 2 mowing a couple acres at the new place. 16 years and I put 1 belt, 2 batteries, and a starter on it. And probably 8-10 sets of blades because I used it like a bushog on the 8 acres. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Papermaker: Originally Posted By bondryan: I bought a Kubota 422 with a 60" deck last year. 3600 gears and a 24 hp Kawasaki engine. I only have 12 hours on it but it cuts good and saves me a shit ton of time. My Kubota ZG327 (60" cut, 27hp Kawasaki engine) still runs great after 14 years of mowing 8 acres, then another 2 mowing a couple acres at the new place. 16 years and I put 1 belt, 2 batteries, and a starter on it. And probably 8-10 sets of blades because I used it like a bushog on the 8 acres. I also use mine as a bushhog; the dang thing takes a lot of abuse! |
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Posted: 3/28/2024 9:04:38 AM EDT
[#33]
Dad has a 60" Spartan with the HTE Parker hydros and Kawasaki, no complaints.
It's a great residential option. Scag, Gravely or ExMark are better commercial options. We make the hydro housings for most all of them. Parker, HydroGear, TuffTorq... |
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Posted: 3/28/2024 9:06:25 AM EDT
[Last Edit: fxntime]
[#34]
I have a grasshopper 720 with a vacuum system and hopper, a 30hp Kubota z781i, and a 48'' ferris walk behind with a 15hp Kawasaki. [I like to mow and my old walk behind died after a decade of use, for $200 it did well.]
Buy a good brand, get the best hydro's you can, maintain the hydros correctly, keep the blades sharp, and a commercial use mower, even if used, will last a LOOONG time if using for your own residential lawn, even if it's a couple acres. I toy with selling the grasshopper as I don't use it much anymore but it mulches leaves so damn good in the fall that I can't bring myself to sell it. Both the Grasshopper and Kubota uses a Parker Hydro wheel motor type system, excellent setup and extremely long lived. |
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Posted: 3/28/2024 9:15:05 AM EDT
[Last Edit: swampvol]
[#35]
Went with the 60" Bad Boy Maverick for my 5AC with a rough 3.5AC to cut.
Very solid machine. Decided to go with the 27hp Briggs CXI over the 24hp Kawi only because I dont want to have to cut every week and thought the little extra hp/tq would help me get through 14-17 day old thick grass. So far it plows through it with minimal bog, if any. |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 3/28/2024 9:29:09 AM EDT
[#36]
Some of the dealers around here have a loaner, if so try them out. I’m on mine at least 3 plus hours. You want something comfortable and one that will hold up. I’ve got two kubotas. |
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Posted: 3/28/2024 9:30:30 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Blstr89: I bought a Ferris IS700Z 6 years ago now for my property. About 5 acres I keep mowed. Zero issues, just regular maintenance so far. I don’t think Ferris is popular with homeowners but if you pay attention to commercial landscapers as you drive around you’ll start to notice a LOT of them. Solid machines for sure. Mine has a Briggs but a lot of them have Kawasakis. Ferris is the answer |
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Posted: 3/28/2024 9:37:54 AM EDT
[#38]
What do the lawn crews use in your area?
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Posted: 3/28/2024 9:44:23 AM EDT
[#39]
Up front, this is probably the best post in the thread so far:
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Mp40Gunner: Really any brand with a Kawasaki engine and 3100 hydros. I have a Gravely but there are plenty of other brands with the same specs. Those are the specs that matter. Most of the brands are going to hit that mark somewhere, almost all of them are going to have really strong decks, and you're mostly looking at paint colors, price tags, and small details like arm rests after that. Some other things to throw out there: Dealer location and reputation should be a top priority. Bad Boy has a program similar to Glock Blue Label. If you're a veteran/first responder, you're going to have a hard time finding a better deal elsewhere. The Bad Boy Maverick is way overkill for a property of that size. You could drop to the ZT Elite, save a chunk of cash, and probably not notice a difference. If you're going to spend extra money, don't chase bigger components beyond the above, look for things like good suspension systems. |
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Posted: 3/28/2024 9:47:52 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Crazyascanbe]
[#40]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SAINTDANIEL: A Scag is what you see,every part is replaceable,not a throw away machine. https://i.postimg.cc/FFdSsmjv/20220629-143952-resized-1.jpg Yep Bought this one for around 9000 4000 down and rest is on a 5000 loan at zero percent for 4 years I might pay it off early but it is on auto pay so no big deal I used it on two acres of field grass cutting at 3.5 inches. Grass was over two feet tall and it didnt even change engine sounds while plowing through it.  Attached File |
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Posted: 3/28/2024 9:50:57 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Mp40Gunner: Really any brand with a Kawasaki engine and 3100 hydros. I have a Gravely but there are plenty of other brands with the same specs. Yep. The biggest differences is in warranty and the steel fab/design. They're all buying the hydraulics and motors from the same places. I bought a Hustler simply because I like working with the dealer and it had a lifetime warranty on the deck. Same motor and hydros in Gravely, Cub, Ariens, etc. IIRC 3100 hydro is where they start being serviceable. |
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Posted: 3/28/2024 10:04:36 AM EDT
[#42]
Got a Scag Cheetah II last year. This will be my brand from now on.
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Posted: 3/28/2024 10:09:47 AM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Kuraki: Yep. The biggest differences is in warranty and the steel fab/design. They're all buying the hydraulics and motors from the same places. I bought a Hustler simply because I like working with the dealer and it had a lifetime warranty on the deck. Same motor and hydros in Gravely, Cub, Ariens, etc. IIRC 3100 hydro is where they start being serviceable. Finding a good dealer is very important, IMO. I initially was going with a Ferris but the dealer seemed uninterested and was actually kind of a dick. BB dealer was awesome and answered all of my questions without hesitation. The shop has been around for a good while too which helped with my decision. |
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OH, USA
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Posted: 3/28/2024 10:22:42 AM EDT
[Last Edit: JKH62]
[#44]
Purchased my 1st Hustler last year and it's been a great mower thus far.
It has the new design frame which is a big improvement. |
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Posted: 3/28/2024 12:10:20 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Blstr89: I bought a Ferris IS700Z 6 years ago now for my property. About 5 acres I keep mowed. Zero issues, just regular maintenance so far. I don't think Ferris is popular with homeowners but if you pay attention to commercial landscapers as you drive around you'll start to notice a LOT of them. Solid machines for sure. Mine has a Briggs but a lot of them have Kawasakis. We have right at 3 acres or just over. Its not real rough, but has a few spots and at the end of the front yard where it meets the road there's a bit of a slope/hill. The worst thing is the fricken holes from the dogs digging their moats and Moles/Voles mounding dirt up for their subway system... Between the two, they have ruined more blades... I don't even sharpen, I just replace. If I could afford a Ferris Commercial unit thats what I'd have. As of now I have a 6-8 year old Hustler Raptor from Lowes.. Its a lower end line unit and I'd never buy one again unless I had a small, flat smooth property in town. These Lowes' Hustlers are just not built for it. Unless you have a postage stamp sized lot in the city, Do not buy from Lowes, HD or other Big box Hardware stores, go to an outdoor power or Implement shop and buy something a bit heavier duty. |
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OK, USA
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Posted: 3/30/2024 9:12:13 AM EDT
[#46]
Going on my 13th year with a Gravely 60" HD. 2 batteries and 1 drive belt during that time, other than the yearly tune up/ blades/oil change. My land is rougher than a cob, and the shocks/ springs on a Ferris is very appealing, but not at another 6K.
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Posted: 3/30/2024 9:30:26 AM EDT
[#47]
Looks interesting (only 52" though)
Big Dog BlackJack https://www.bigdogmowerco.com/products/blackjack  Attached File |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 3/30/2024 12:20:45 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Triggerstuck]
[#48]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Crazyascanbe: Yep Bought this one for around 9000 4000 down and rest is on a 5000 loan at zero percent for 4 years I might pay it off early but it is on auto pay so no big deal I used it on two acres of field grass cutting at 3.5 inches. Grass was over two feet tall and it didnt even change engine sounds while plowing through it. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/591422/1000005098_jpg-3171667.JPG Looks like this site does cost us a bunch of money. I pick up my Scag Patriot SPZ-61H-23FX61" Hero Cutter Deck, 23 HP Kawasaki® FX730 on Monday. Got the mulching deck as I have 2.6 acres of oak trees. Takes me days with the Toro SS5000, going back and forth to mulch all the leaves. I noticed they offered a 15% veteran discount, coupled with the 0% @ 48 months, so why not? $9281 total with tax. |
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PA, USA
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Posted: 3/30/2024 12:27:26 PM EDT
[#49]
Ferris we are still running a 2014 commercially. Been that way for years. Motor bolts, oil, e brakes, and belts are all that have been changed.
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NC, USA
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Posted: 3/30/2024 12:29:33 PM EDT
[#50]
My Gravely turns 20 this May.
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