advice on price of mowers

[sue]

we are looking for a riding ZTR. how do we shop for the best prices yet a quality mower. we have been quoted alot higher prices than what we read in the forum. any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks sue

[Eric ELM]

Sue, this time of the year a lot of dealers have what the call around here, An Open House and run specials on their products. Call around to all the dealers and see if they are doing this where you live. The mower companies have their sales Reps. there and offer discounts for the day too. I hope this helps.<br> <p>----------<br>&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.townserver.com/elm/&quot;&gt;Eric@ELM&lt;/a&gt;<br>

[sue]

thanks for your advice.we were considering a walker, really like the toro's and exmark. dealer prices around here seem so much higher than what we see alot of others getting them for.

[sue]

sorry don,t mean to keep bothering you. but have been checking into the Toro Zmaster Z350 series out front ztr. they say they weigh 1200lbs w/hopper, this seems like alot of weight to put on a lwan wouldn't it sink? thanks

[JasonPC]

Sue,<p>If the ground is soft or wet or both, yes it could sink down and leave marks. But if the ground's pretty dry and it hasn't just rained, it's probably fine.<p>-Nicole

[sue]

the grounds here are wet most of the time, so i guess this model wouldn't be good to buy?

[Eric ELM]

Sue, if the tires are wide, they will float over soft ground pretty good. You mentioned Exmark, I have some prices here. 48 inch Lazer HP 19HP Kaw. for $5995 and the 60 inch Lazer ZTR 25HP Kohler for $7595. 60&quot; Deluxe Chopper with 25HP Kohler, $8895.<br><p>----------<br>&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.townserver.com/elm/&quot;&gt;Eric@ELM&lt;/a&gt;<br>

[gorrell]

Sue, unless you absolutely need a machine to bag grass there are a lot of machines out there that will out perform a Walker. They are very good for bagging and mulching leaves, but I believe the handwriting is on the wall for bagging clippings. MHO, Lynn

[fdew]

Here is a web site with prices for Ferris<br>http://www.pacelink.com/pace/catalog/frcat.html<p>Frank

[sue]

thanks for all the advice it has helped. does anyone know how much it is for exmark 44&quot; 17 horse. does anyone know how much it is w/ bagger attachment? sue

[gene gls]

Hi Sue: If you are interested in a machine that will collect or discharge check out the Hustler Uppercut with the Bac-vac unit. The Bac-vac unit can be removed very easy and you have a rear discharge unit that cuts the gass up very fine as a mulching unit would. Their web page is www.excelhustler.com...

[yardsmith]

While you're out checking Ztr's, be sure & check out the Ransomes/Textron Bobcat ZT200. If you like the lazer, you'll like this also. It does have a few advantages over Exmark's drive pulley system which would add to lenghthened life of the unit. Bunton has the sister model. Ask for a demo before you decide to buy. They also make a nice Trac-Vac for most of these mowers to bag clippings, leaves, etc.<p>----------<br>Smitty ô¿ô<br>

[sue]

Thanks for all the advice it helps alot. we own a 36&quot; bobcat walk behind w/pro sled. it's a great machine. but would like a rider, w/grass catcher. too much grass around here to mulch. again thanks alot<br>sue

[TPC]

I cant believe that no one has mentioned a dixie chopper.I own one and its awsome,it cuts my time in close to half.The way the drive sytem is very strong and durable.mine weighs in at 935 lbs.it does well under wet conditions too.They arent cheap but they are WELL worth the cost in the long run.check out dixiechopper.com <br>it may help you chose the right one for your needs. HOPE I HELPED

[accuratelawn]

Sue,<br>If you purchase a ZTR, don't buy anything less than 48. You have the 36 walk for the small areas.<br>I have a 60&quot; Lazer with a bag that hangs on the side for WHEN I have to catch clippings.<br>The bagging system for the Lazer HP is $1600. The bag on the side $350.<br>Good luck! <br>For the best price shop around and demo!

[manr]

Sue don't buy anything but a WALKER I've had one now for the past 5 years, trading every 2 years, I put on about 700 hrs a year no problems with the mower, maybe an ocassional bearing or so but nothing major. You should be able to buy one for around $7500.00 for a 16hp GHS 42&quot; deck or About $8500.00 for a 20hp GHS 48&quot; deck.<p>If you or anybody else out there is paying more than these prices for a Walker Mower your getting took.

[sue]

Thanks for all the advice, most of them that we have looked at we like. but does anyone know the price on the hustler short cut w/ the back vac? if i could afford it we would buy one of each. LOL!

[jeffie]

Sue,<br>The cost of an Excel Shortcut with an Uppercut deck and Bac-Pac is around 8,000. I demoed a unit and was very impressed with the quality of cut as well as the versitility of the unit. The units also have the ability to be set at different speed settings for inexperienced users.

[sue]

This has been a big decision, and they all are real nice machines. but we use our mowers for residential, so we were sold on a walker. the factory is right here in colorado, alot of the other machines are nice but no dealers close to us. thanks alot for all the advice.<br>this forum has really helped alot.

[MOW ED]

How did you set it up?<br>Engine? - deck size? - extras?<br>I have a Walker and love it, the company is excellent. Its a great high profile property mower. Be Careful with Kohler. My next Walker will be a Kubota. Good Luck.

[sue]

we ordered MCGHS 42&quot; 16hp kohler magnum. <br>we only do residential, and this would be a good size for us. plus the bagging system is excellent. i was impressed how they could cut through wet grass, and how good the lawn looked afterwards. no clogging or cow paddys left on the lawn.