It Is That Time Again...ZTR Mower Talk On This Week In ARF Lawns...*UPDATE PAGE 2* - Page 2

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - It Is That Time Again...ZTR Mower Talk On This Week In ARF Lawns...*UPDATE PAGE 2* (Page 2 of 2)

Posted: 8/14/2016 10:41:27 AM EDT

[#1]

Hustler.

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile

Posted: 8/14/2016 12:55:25 PM EDT

[#2]

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Quoted:
I have discovered a few things in my search for a new lawn mower.

Lawn Mower Dealers are NEVER FUCKING OPEN.
Dealerships are open M-F 8a-5p and Sa 9a-12p, Closed Sunday
There is almost nothing in stock to look at in the dealership, all of it is ordered in within a few days.
There are no real off season/out of season sales.
The models don't change so there is no obsolete last years models
There is no in-house stock to "blow out inventory reduction" sale
Chinese motors are everywhere and it is a $1500+ upgrade to get a non-Chinese motor
The more leg work I do on this the less exited I am about actually getting a new mower, I feel like I am voting for Trump here.

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It pays to be discriminating when it comes to zero turn mower engines. I really can't emphasize that enough.

Equipatron has a great site if you'd like to browse mower engines to get an idea of what is available. https://www.equipatron.com/

Posted: 8/14/2016 1:16:17 PM EDT

[#3]

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Quoted:

It pays to be discriminating when it comes to zero turn mower engines. I really can't emphasize that enough.

Equipatron has a great site if you'd like to browse mower engines to get an idea of what is available. https://www.equipatron.com/

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Quoted:

Quoted:
I have discovered a few things in my search for a new lawn mower.

Lawn Mower Dealers are NEVER FUCKING OPEN.
Dealerships are open M-F 8a-5p and Sa 9a-12p, Closed Sunday
There is almost nothing in stock to look at in the dealership, all of it is ordered in within a few days.
There are no real off season/out of season sales.
The models don't change so there is no obsolete last years models
There is no in-house stock to "blow out inventory reduction" sale
Chinese motors are everywhere and it is a $1500+ upgrade to get a non-Chinese motor
The more leg work I do on this the less exited I am about actually getting a new mower, I feel like I am voting for Trump here.

It pays to be discriminating when it comes to zero turn mower engines. I really can't emphasize that enough.

Equipatron has a great site if you'd like to browse mower engines to get an idea of what is available. https://www.equipatron.com/

The guy has 3/4 of an acre. He'll put about 5 hrs a year on it. They make residential models for a reason and this guy is it.

Posted: 8/14/2016 1:22:13 PM EDT

[#4]

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Quoted:

The guy has 3/4 of an acre. He'll put about 5 hrs a year on it. They make residential models for a reason and this guy is it.

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Quoted:

Quoted:
I have discovered a few things in my search for a new lawn mower.

Lawn Mower Dealers are NEVER FUCKING OPEN.
Dealerships are open M-F 8a-5p and Sa 9a-12p, Closed Sunday
There is almost nothing in stock to look at in the dealership, all of it is ordered in within a few days.
There are no real off season/out of season sales.
The models don't change so there is no obsolete last years models
There is no in-house stock to "blow out inventory reduction" sale
Chinese motors are everywhere and it is a $1500+ upgrade to get a non-Chinese motor
The more leg work I do on this the less exited I am about actually getting a new mower, I feel like I am voting for Trump here.

It pays to be discriminating when it comes to zero turn mower engines. I really can't emphasize that enough.

Equipatron has a great site if you'd like to browse mower engines to get an idea of what is available. https://www.equipatron.com/

The guy has 3/4 of an acre. He'll put about 5 hrs a year on it. They make residential models for a reason and this guy is it.

I understand what you are saying. Personally I would prefer to purchase a better product regardless if I could afford to. YMMV

Posted: 8/14/2016 2:32:30 PM EDT

[#5]

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Quoted:
In arfcom fashion increase budget around 13 k and get a 72" bad boy mower with the cat diesel. My brothers step cousin owns a mowing company and he wont buy anything less.

But in truth. Any of the ones op lined up would work for op.

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That's what I did for my one acre

. I was planning on picking up some other yards though

Posted: 8/14/2016 8:32:36 PM EDT

[#6]

Quote History

Quoted:

I understand what you are saying. Personally I would prefer to purchase a better product regardless if I could afford to. YMMV

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Quoted:

Quoted:

I have discovered a few things in my search for a new lawn mower.

Lawn Mower Dealers are NEVER FUCKING OPEN.

Dealerships are open M-F 8a-5p and Sa 9a-12p, Closed Sunday

There is almost nothing in stock to look at in the dealership, all of it is ordered in within a few days.

There are no real off season/out of season sales.

The models don't change so there is no obsolete last years models

There is no in-house stock to "blow out inventory reduction" sale

Chinese motors are everywhere and it is a $1500+ upgrade to get a non-Chinese motor

The more leg work I do on this the less exited I am about actually getting a new mower, I feel like I am voting for Trump here.

It pays to be discriminating when it comes to zero turn mower engines. I really can't emphasize that enough.

Equipatron has a great site if you'd like to browse mower engines to get an idea of what is available. https://www.equipatron.com/

The guy has 3/4 of an acre. He'll put about 5 hrs a year on it. They make residential models for a reason and this guy is it.

I understand what you are saying. Personally I would prefer to purchase a better product regardless if I could afford to. YMMV

I have 3/4 of an acre right now, I am planning on moving further out into the country in a year or two. I do want the better motor because I would like have enough yard to max it out.

I am leaning at throwing some extra money at this and going with the Hustler Raptor SD just because it does have a better motor.

Posted: 8/14/2016 8:41:22 PM EDT

[#7]

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Quoted:

You can get a Kawa powered Scag.

OP..."too much mower"? Really?

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I just bought a Dixie Chopper. The Kawasaki motor was the deciding factor between it and a Kohler-powered Scag.

If a Kawasaki motor and welded/fabricated deck are an option, that should be your choice.

You can get a Kawa powered Scag.

OP..."too much mower"? Really?

Not in the $5k range.

Posted: 8/20/2016 11:07:09 AM EDT

[#8]

Well, so I pulled the trigger.
I found a "New Old Stock", early 2016 Hustler Raptor SD 48" with a Kawasaki engine in stock for $3899.

It was a bit more than I had originally wanted to pay but after feedback here and online reviews I ponied up the extra cash especially when I could get that engine.

I bought it this morning at 8am and was breaking it in by 9:30am.

Man this thing is a beast, it cuts like both I have ever used.

Very happy so far.

Posted: 8/20/2016 11:19:50 AM EDT

[#9]

Scag or Bust.

I shopped 3 different Scag dealers, each one said that they have see less maintenance issues with the Kohler engines than the Kawasaki's. That being said, Scag has one of the best warranties in the industry. I love this thing and was looking forward to mowing today, but it has been raining all night and morning so I probably won't be able to mow until next weekend.

I keep my Bermuda cut at 3" while it is still rooting and snuffin' out some weeds. I was gonna drop it to 2.5" today and I would have gotten some nice stripes out of it.

Posted: 8/20/2016 12:44:04 PM EDT

[#10]

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Quoted:
I am researching ZTR mowers as well. My 16 year old Craftsman is dying. Looked at $4-5K mowers.

Hustler has the Raptor SD with dual 2800 Hydro. Bad boy around the same. Exmark I have to step up closer to 5K.

The big box mowers are low grade. Most are.sealed hydro systems and not serviceable. Local dealers said mowers sold at box stores they will not work on. Box stores send a guy out.

I am leaning towards a Hustler Raptor SD in 48/54" cut. Overkill for a 1.2 acre lot but hopefully I get 10-15 years out of it.

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I bought a new 52" Bobcat Pro with a Kawasaki 19hp motor about 13 years ago in that price range. It has been a fantastic and trouble free mower which I use to cut about 4 acres. I don't think prices on them have gone up much in that time either.

Posted: 8/20/2016 1:13:31 PM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:

Scag or Bust.

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/q87/p720x720/13925447_154448214987458_5200242579337472874_o.jpg

I shopped 3 different Scag dealers, each one said that they have see less maintenance issues with the Kohler engines than the Kawasaki's. That being said, Scag has one of the best warranties in the industry. I love this thing and was looking forward to mowing today, but it has been raining all night and morning so I probably won't be able to mow until next weekend.

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14068347_163300760768870_8276086708071825698_o.jpg

I keep my Bermuda cut at 3" while it is still rooting and snuffin' out some weeds. I was gonna drop it to 2.5" today and I would have gotten some nice stripes out of it.

View Quote

I looked at Skags but they were another $1500-$2000 to get into the base models

Posted: 8/20/2016 1:25:08 PM EDT

[#12]

Im a fan of husky stuff. However their customer service is the worst. I had trouble starting new leaf blower. I called their tech support amd told them its user error and i just need help starting it. Some indian lady told me it was broke and to take it back. I watched youtube vid i had the cutoff switch in the wrong position, it wasnt marked and the instructions said up position.

Posted: 8/20/2016 1:47:15 PM EDT

[#13]

Quote History

Quoted:
Scag or Bust.
https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/q87/p720x720/13925447_154448214987458_5200242579337472874_o.jpg

I shopped 3 different Scag dealers, each one said that they have see less maintenance issues with the Kohler engines than the Kawasaki's. That being said, Scag has one of the best warranties in the industry. I love this thing and was looking forward to mowing today, but it has been raining all night and morning so I probably won't be able to mow until next weekend.

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14068347_163300760768870_8276086708071825698_o.jpg
I keep my Bermuda cut at 3" while it is still rooting and snuffin' out some weeds. I was gonna drop it to 2.5" today and I would have gotten some nice stripes out of it.

View Quote

Id cut that yard with a pushmower. What is that 3/4 acre of grass?

Posted: 8/20/2016 2:01:28 PM EDT

[#14]

I have been though many and have to say kabota is the best

Posted: 8/20/2016 2:02:58 PM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:

Id cut that yard with a pushmower. What is that 3/4 acre of grass?

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Scag or Bust.
https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/q87/p720x720/13925447_154448214987458_5200242579337472874_o.jpg

I shopped 3 different Scag dealers, each one said that they have see less maintenance issues with the Kohler engines than the Kawasaki's. That being said, Scag has one of the best warranties in the industry. I love this thing and was looking forward to mowing today, but it has been raining all night and morning so I probably won't be able to mow until next weekend.

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14068347_163300760768870_8276086708071825698_o.jpg
I keep my Bermuda cut at 3" while it is still rooting and snuffin' out some weeds. I was gonna drop it to 2.5" today and I would have gotten some nice stripes out of it.

Id cut that yard with a pushmower. What is that 3/4 acre of grass?

2.5! Your more than welcome to come push now if you want though!

Posted: 8/21/2016 5:43:06 PM EDT

[#16]

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Quoted:
I have been though many and have to say kabota is the best

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the chinese "Kabota" machines are just clones.

get the real deal "Kubota".

ar-jedi

Posted: 8/21/2016 7:39:50 PM EDT

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:

Well, so I pulled the trigger.I found a "New Old Stock", early 2016 Hustler Raptor SD 48" with a Kawasaki engine in stock for $3899.

It was a bit more than I had originally wanted to pay but after feedback here and online reviews I ponied up the extra cash especially when I could get that engine.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i112/noharmnofal/Mobile%20Uploads/D7ECBB51-1A02-4FFE-B0ED-45FF7AB4AD43.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i112/noharmnofal/Mobile%20Uploads/52C85231-ECC1-4D45-B7A6-F624E459B5EF.jpg

I bought it this morning at 8am and was breaking it in by 9:30am.

Man this thing is a beast, it cuts like both I have ever used.

Very happy so far.

View Quote

Nice! I'm waiting to hear back from the sales guy to set up a demo on an X-One. Will be picking one up later this year or first thing in the spring.