hydro or gear driven/exmark

[AutmgRt]

Iam 25 and my buddy and I just getting started in the lawn mowing sevice. I have 1 year and a half till I get my degree in turfgrass management. I've plan on do residental lawns, I planed on using 32" exmark and a 36" exmark with floating deck. and 21". But on the 36" Iam not sure to us hydro or gear. Is it worth the the extra $$$$ to spend. And is this of equitment go to start out with. What sum advice

[Eric ELM]

If I ever get a W/B, it will be hydro. You do not have to worry about the belts getting wet and slipping and I also read that the hydros are faster and better for a sulky device. With that small size of mowers, why do you need a 21"? We now use two 60" ZTR's and a 21" for small areas.

[TJLC]

I have owned both belt and hydro. I traded in the belt on my second hydro.(36" Exmark) I know it's more for the hydro but take it from me, it is well worth it.

[mdb landscaping]

my first mower was a scag 48 inch belt drive. i just bought my first rider, but ive never tried a hydro. i have never had a problem with the belts spinning or not being able to move. maybe the hydros worth it but all i can say is that my mower has worked out great

[tlcgrounds]

I have a 48" metro hp(gear) and a 52 Turf tracer (hydro). If I were you and only buying a 36" I would get a gear drive. The unit is a lot cheaper and I feel that you can manuver the gear drive easier than the hydro. As light as the 36" is I wouldn't waste the money.

[kutnkru]

Hydrostatic trannys will allow you to cut in wet or rainy conditions when the belt drives just slip or have to call it a day.

I think a better question is - Can you afford not to have a Hydro when your out of work??

Hope this helps.
Kris

[Cutter1]

YOu will not regret spending the extra money on a hydro. I have had both belts and hydro's. I will never buy belts again, especially if you plan on using a vekie.

[jimsmowin]

we have a 52" ex. with belt drive. mower is fine as long as you don't mow in the wet. BUY HYDRO, i will never buy another belt mower.

[Esby]

I have a 48" Exmark Metro. Mowed in all conditions, including rainy, wet conditions, never had a belt slip, not even a little bit. Maybe it will someday, but until then I will remain very happy with my belt drive!

[Henry]

I bought my first hydro (36 exmark viking, still have it) 8 years ago. The first day using it said I would never use a belt drive again. The reverse on the gear drives isn't worth the time it takes to shift. I always see guys pulling the mower back anyway. Hydro is almost effortless. Your shoulders will thank you for it. DON"T BE A FOOL!

[tlcgrounds]

If there is anyone who can't manuever a 36 belt drive then they don't need to be out mowing. Besides if it's two wet for the belts on an exmark wb to grip than it TOO WET TO MOW! Unless your mowing pastures or clay fields.

[Evan528]

Get a 48 hydro too use as your main mower. And get a belt drive 32 to use only on gated yards. There is so need for a 32 hydro... there light and you should have no problem for the limited use theyl get. A 48 hydro will be a great al around mower for hills and nice size yards. youll wish you got a 48 if you decide to get a 36 as your biggest mower.