best commercial ztr for residential use for @5k

[bunzi]

I am going to buy a commercial ztr for home use (who knows maybe my 14 yr old son will get ambitious and cut a few neighbor's yards). I have poured through countless threads and have asked numerous landscapers opinions, and have narrowed it down (I think) to 48 inch Exmark CT, 48 inch Ferris IS1500, 48 inch Toro Z400, or a Hustler (forget the model and deck size that was in this range). I would appreciate any and all points to consider as well as any areas you feel each is strong or weak in. Finally if it were your money and you were buying for my purpose, what would you get?

Thanks

[cedarcroft]

take the 5 grand and hire a professional.

[bunzi]

take the 5 grand and hire a professional.


Thanks for the advice...i had never thought of that. Anybody else here not a comedian like funny-boy here?

[QualityLawnCare4u]

Bunzi, two things to consider. First, demo all the mowers mentioned and pick the one you like. Second, dealer support, if you dont have this I dont care what kind of mower you have. With that being said, of the mowers you mentioned I would look real hard at the Hustler. I have heard alot of rave reviews about them.

[bunzi]

Bunzi, two things to consider. First, demo all the mowers mentioned and pick the one you like. Second, dealer support, if you dont have this I dont care what kind of mower you have. With that being said, of the mowers you mentioned I would look real hard at the Hustler. I have heard alot of rave reviews about them.
Thanks Quality.
The Toro dealer is no more than 3 miles from my home. The emark and ferris is about 30 miles and I have not located a Hustler dealer yet, but suspect there will be one at about the same distance as the exmark and ferris. Do you know if there is a Hustler in that range with about a 48 nch deck?

thanks again

[TURF DOCTOR]

Dealer support find a dealer you like,ask yourself what is ever1else running what brand.

[QualityLawnCare4u]

Thanks Quality.
The Toro dealer is no more than 3 miles from my home. The emark and ferris is about 30 miles and I have not located a Hustler dealer yet, but suspect there will be one at about the same distance as the exmark and ferris. Do you know if there is a Hustler in that range with about a 48 nch deck?

thanks again

To be honest, I have never priced any Husters. However, there has been alot of discussion on here about it. Use the searh feature at the top of the page and get ready for hours of reading on Hustlers. I personally like Deere myself. Their cheapest commercial is the 717 and it is around 5800 to 5900 last time I priced and I liked mine big time! Our toro dealer is so horrible I will not even go in his shop. I think their cheapest commercial is around 6100 (or here anyway) That is one with a 44 inch deck and a 17 Kaw.

[Lazer_Z]

bunzi,Do you want a "commercial" machine or a "homeowner" commercial?

I'll give you an example. eXmark LCT4818BV
Lazer Z CT with a 48" deck and an 18HP Briggs&Stratton Vanguard Engine.

LHP4819KA,LHP4820KC or LHP4823KA

The above are Lazer Z HP's all with a 48" deck and HP ratings from 19 to 23 in Kohler and Kawasaki V twin's

Can you see the difference?

I know you will see it in the price but the extra HP and overall better build of the HP's would be worth the extra $$$$$ put out.

Rob

[TURF DOCTOR]

Home owner it will probally have less than 100hrs per year.

[Lazer_Z]

Home owner it will probably have less than 100hrs per year.
You have a good point but, some home owners still want the best for their yards.

[QualityLawnCare4u]

I know that Hustler makes a fasttrack and a mini z that is supposed to be CLOSE to commercial but is still considered residentual. I believe the fastrack was somewhere in the 4s though and was well received. You might have to bump your price up to the 5500-5900 range to get what you want though. Remember, you get what you pay for!

[bunzi]

Lazer Z,

Not really sure to be honest. Like the Turf doctor below us said, I will be mowing about 3-4 acres each week, and plan at this time to only cut my yard. I would like to have this be the last mower I buy, so a friend of mine suggested getting a commercial mower vs the residential models. Would you suggest one of the "hybrid models" for my use, or would you go for the true commercial? I have been quoted in my area 5800 for a 48in. lazer ct, 5300 for a ferris is1500 48 in., and 5000 for the 48 in. toro z400. Like I said, I have not ben quoted on the hustler or any of the hybrids types that you spoke of. If you recommend that type for my use, I will certainly begin seeking quotes on these models. Let me know your thoughts.

[Lazer_Z]

bunzi,Listen to theses guys they know what the are talking about. And Danny aka Quality is right you may well have to bump up your budget a bit.

Good Luck

Rob

[Lazer_Z]

bunzi, The LZHP machines are tried and true "Professional" riders. Did you ever consider a Hydro Walk Behind and a sit down velky? It would most likely be a "cheaper" form of a rider.

Let me know if you have any more questions on the eXmark line up I have a master product catalog in front of me.

Rob

[bunzi]

Rob,

Not sure what a velky is. I really wanted some type of rider vs one that I would have to walk behind or stand on. If you can tell me more about the velky I would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Dale

[Lazer_Z]

I don't have any pics but, eXmark and I think another company make a seat the attaches to the back of the mower and it's just like having a rider the only difference is the deck and everything else is out front.

Tell ya what if you want to learn a ton of info in a short amount of time do 2 things visit as many mower manufactures web sites as you can and do a search here on LS you will be busy for days on end. The first places I can think of are exmark.com , toro.com , ferris.com , gravely.com and johndeere.com these are just a few. You could also go to wrightmfg.com and look at the sentaur (sp)? it's a rider that you can sit or stand on.

Hope this helps

Rob

bunzi, you made my brain hurt thinking up all the info I gave you lol :dizzy: :D

[jasonnau]

Thanks for the advice...i had never thought of that. Anybody else here not a comedian like funny-boy here?
Say your yard is $35.00 per cut. 30 cuts per year. $1050.00 per year. Four years later, you've still only spent $4200.00. You, didn't have to lift a finger, pay for gas, trimmer line, servicing the equipment, nothing!!! Plus, you probably didn't even miss the $140.00 per month. No loans, credit card bills, or at best case, $4860.00 in your bank account. It's not really that funny. Of course you could have a monster size yard, but, it's still worth doing the math.

[jasonnau]

I should have kept reading first. 3-4 acres, That's a good amount, still might be worth getting quotes on first.

[zgman]

You definately want a rider with the amount of yard you will be cutting. Given the choices, I'd opt for the Toro but see if you can move up to the 52" deck with the Kawi engine. Dealer support is also important as mentioned earlier.

[Cutter LLC]

Okay, bump your budget and buy 1 mower that will last the rest of your life. I was at the dealer today, and some home owner, much like you, bought a 72" hustler super z with a 27 liquid cooled Kawi. Sweet machine to say the least. He is cutting six acres a week, and will never have to buy a mower again. I think he paid around 8,500 but if this is way out of your budget, may I suggest my exact model a super mini z 25 hp Kawi and 52" deck. This mower would serve you well and would be in 6k to 7k range. Demo, demo, demo.

[bunzi]

Cutter,

What do you think of the other Hustler models? Do you have any idea what the fasttrack or the mini z cost? How long have you owned the super mini z and have you had any problems? Their waranty is pretty good as well. One last question, is a 42 or 44 inch deck too small for my use?

[jasonnau]

You definately want a rider with the amount of yard you will be cutting. Given the choices, I'd opt for the Toro but see if you can move up to the 52" deck with the Kawi engine. Dealer support is also important as mentioned earlier.

That's debateable here in Kentucky. If you have some pretty high swails or hills in your yard, you might want something like a tracer with a velke. Not to say that's the best mower, that's just what I use. A lot of my customers have hillsides that would be a little dangerous for a lazer or a Z. Working for other companies, I've found myself on the "slide" a couple of times trying to get hillsides cut. They don't make the new riders with roll bars for nothing.

[jasonnau]

I had to say something just to make this posting my 100th. Why not get a 60" if your going to get a 52? It's not really that much of a price difference.

[MarcSmith]

Dont forget about the other incedital stuff. Edger, weedy, and blower, theres another grand hitting you in the face.... Be on the lookout for a landscaper who is going out of business, they are out there... sometimes with low hour machines....

Take a look at a "tractor" type machine as well that way you can get other implements, like a snow blade, tillers, chippers....

[Smalltimer1]

Take a look at a "tractor" type machine as well that way you can get other implements, like a snow blade, tillers, chippers....

Exactly. You can find a used Simplicity Power Max or Allis 620 in great shape for under $5k with a 60" mower deck, loader, and 3 pt. hitch with front, mid and rear PTO. It's also possible to have a tiller within this price line.

[Cutter LLC]

Cutter,

What do you think of the other Hustler models? Do you have any idea what the fast track or the mini z cost? How long have you owned the super mini z and have you had any problems? Their warranty is pretty good as well. One last question, is a 42 or 44 inch deck too small for my use?


I Know that the mini is just a little cheaper than the super mini z not worth not getting the super. My smz is an 03 but not as many hours as some commercial users. I love this machine. No problems unless operator error. However, I would step up to the full size unit in your situation. I do 1/4 to 3/4 acre properties where the smaller foot print benefits me. I would love to cut 5-6 open acres, but would use a 60" (no scalping) super z. The super buys a lot more than just ground speed. Larger pumps, wheel motors, better filtration, and suspension seat.

As far as the fas-track, I am of the "might as well" belief, or "buy once". There have been many lco as well as home owners satisfied with their fas-track. I think they are under 5k, but it would be a snail for me (I'm spoiled with my smz). 42" or 44" deck to small, yep. I would go at least with a 20/52 fas-track, but would recommend really a full size super z with the liquid cooled engine. Warranty is excellent, as well as feel, accessibility to components, and performance. I don't have any experience with anything but the smz and the full size super (I am demoing while custom tires come in and rear fin is fixed). I still love my smz though great for tight spots.

All of this is pointless if dealer support is not up to par btw.

Cutter

[bunzi]

Quality,

Nobody has commented on the Ferris models. What do you think of them? If I were to buy Toro, Hustler, or Exmark models they would all be "estate models" and therefore hybrid models from what I gather. The Ferris however seems ot be a full commercial model and is pretty near my range. Tell me what you know about them.

Thanks,
Dale

[QualityLawnCare4u]

Bunzi, The only Ferris I demoed was in the dealer parking lot, would not let me take it to mow with. Was so rude I refused to buy one. However, we have a large LCO company that runs them and really likes them, no major problems at all, or last time I talked to them they were very happy after owning for 2 years. If I remember correctly, their cheapest mower was in the 6000 + range. I have heard of folks on here getting them though for in the upper 5 grand range. I would have really liked to demoed the IS series since my yards are so bumpy will beat the tar out of you. I heard that if you ever try the IS ferris you would never go back to any other type of suspension.

[026TB4U]

Quality,

Nobody has commented on the Ferris models. What do you think of them? If I were to buy Toro, Hustler, or Exmark models they would all be "estate models" and therefore hybrid models from what I gather. The Ferris however seems ot be a full commercial model and is pretty near my range. Tell me what you know about them.

Thanks,
Dale

I was just recently in the same boat as you. I needed a 48" mower for my various properties as well as doing around trees and along fences on a 20 acre farm. I wanted something tough that could take a beating. I ended up getting the Ferris 1500Z 21HP/48".

I only have about 15 hours on it but I can highly recommend it. It is one tough compact mower. I also was looking at Exmark and Hustler but for a comparable machine, they were thousands more. A fastrak is a light commercial mower and I learned from this site that it's hydraulics are only rated for a certain amount of hours. After that, it's possibly rebuild time.

I also drove a Dixie Chopper and a Gravely. No comparison to the Ferris and either was still about $500 more than the 1500Z. But again, no suspension making for a terrible ride. The Dixie was much worse than the Gravely imo.

[bunzi]

02 and Quality,

Thanks for the advice. I have one more question for all of you as you have been so helpful. I just came across a Toro 74178 which is the Z100 series. It is a used 52 inch commercial ZTR with a 20 horse Kohlers engine. The guy selling it has 500 hours on it and is asking 3500 or best offer. I think he will take 3k if offered. I have not seen it yet, so can only go by his description. My questions are:
1) Should I go this route and save $2500, or go new and know my mower?
2) Is 500 hours a lot, and is the price worth the machine?
3) Wehn looking it over what should/can I look for to identify whether it would be a good by or not (ie, what are signs of wear on parts or items that could be high cost maintenance in the future)?

ANy help you all can give me in this area will also help tremendously!

Thanks,
Dale

[QualityLawnCare4u]

Bunzi, I would take a used commercial over a new residentual anyday IF it has been taken well care of. It might be worth spending a few bucks and have a dealer go over the mower real good. 3500 is not bad for a 500 hour commercial but Im not real familiar with the z100 series. If you could get him down to 3000 that is not bad for a toro if its a commercial and 500 hours is not that much at all if it has been taken care of. Once again though, I would try to bump my budget up close to 6000 and get a brand new one under warranty and you will have something to last you for 20 plus years.

[QualityLawnCare4u]

BTW, I meant to ask, have you checked out lawnsite equipment marketplace?

[bunzi]

No,
What is that?

Dale

[QualityLawnCare4u]

No,
What is that?

Dale
Dale, on the home page (or bottom of this page where is says forum jump) scan down the list untill you get almost to the bottom. You will see a forum called "lawnsite equipment marketplace" This is where you find equipment for sale from mowers to vehicles (and maybe an occassional wife :D )

[MarcSmith]

500 hours is not much hours.....you can easily get 3000 hours out of well maintained machine. When you look the machine over its like looking over a car. look for oil leaks, big dents in the deck, dented rims, ect. look for signs of abuse. look a the engine oil, clean, look at the hydro oil, do the hydros make any wierd noises. turn on the blades. any rattles. get under the machine and try to wiggle the blades. any play up down right left. Look at belts. a broken drive belt will set you back 50-60 bucks....

Id have no problem about that machine. Also, make sure the hour meter works.....mowers are a very harsh environment and theyhave been known to fail.....which means you could have more hours... in any case you'll probaly only end up putting 75-100 hours on the machine each year wich would put you at 15 years until you hit the 2k mark....

Use the extra money to buy good quality string trimmer, edger, blower, and even a small utility trailer or a grass catch system for th emachine and you'll still end up around 6k spent

[bunzi]

Marc,
Thanks man, great recommendations! You guys are all great guys. It is sites like this that make the internet such a valuable tool. I am going to see the used Toro this weekend and may have more questions then. Thanks for all of the great input.

Dale

[Lazer_Z]

Dale, I just wanted to say good luck and let us know what you ended up doing.

And from what you said you got the answerers you were looking for and might I add thats what Lawn Site is all about even thought your only a home owner j/k.

Rob

[bunzi]

Guys,

Why can't I respond to ads in the equipment section of this website? I think there is a pretty good deal that I would like to respond to but cannot as it will not let me. WHat do I need to do?

Dale

[Advance The Man]

I think after thirty days you can Private Msg and respond to ads.

Guys,

Why can't I respond to ads in the equipment section of this website? I think there is a pretty good deal that I would like to respond to but cannot as it will not let me. WHat do I need to do?

Dale

[bunzi]

Well just wanted to let you all know that I was not impressed with the used Toro mower at all and basically did not get good vibes from the seller (ie. I did not trust him), so I backed out and bought a IS1500 Ferris instead. I have used it twice so far and really like it. I wish I could have gone up to the 52 inch model instead as I have found that trimming around objects is more difficult since the deck is about the same width as the tire spread, but like it none the less. My next questions is what kind of trimmer to get (that also died this week). I have had recommendations of Echo. Sthil, Redmax, and Shindaiwa...any suggestions and models?

[MarcSmith]

Trimmer brands are like the Ford-vs-Chevy argument....More or less.

I have used Robin, Shindiawa, Echo and Stihl. All have done exceptional work and are competent. I would make sure you get a trimmer that is able to take a brush blade as they have come in handy on several occassions. and I do have a preference for the Echo version of the Tap-n-go head....