Exmark 44

[Wade]

Hello Folks,

I have narrowed down my search for a ztr and have settled on Exmark. My only dilemma is which model. The Lazer Z HP with 44" cut has a 17 hp Kawasaki and sells for $5,500. The 48" cut has a 18 hp Kohler Command and sells for $5,800. I am wondering if the extra 4 inches makes the machine that much more productive, and also wonder about performance differences between the two engines. Thanks for any input. Wade

[cutting edge]

I had the same dilemma about a year ago. I went with the 48". There are times when I wish that I had gone with the 52".
Are those new prices? If they are then you have found yourself a deal.

[Greenkeepers]

I got a 48" last year. I thought that it did an excellent job. For that price you should buy 2 of them.............

[Wade]

I have called a bunch of dealers and found the best price about 10 minutes from home. The prices are for new mowers. Wade

[65hoss]

Definately go bigger than the 44". You will be weed wackin' alot if you don't. I have the 52" with kawi, and am getting very tired of all the kawi problems lately. And kawi SUCKS when it comes to customer service. I think I will go with the kohlers next time.

The prices you have quoted are good. How is the service at that dealer?

[Vibe Ray]

I'm getting the 44" in about a week. I would get the higher horsepower engines for those models.
(44"-19 Kawi;48"-21 Kawi)
I know it doesn't have any deck sticking out past the mower, but it's the best for my current needs.

[Wade]

6hoss,

I have checked with several people about the dealer I am about to do business with. Have heard nothing but good things. I am not sure if I want to go ahead and get the mulching kit or perhaps just mulching blades? Thanks for your earlier input. Wade

[65hoss]

Wade,
I have the ultra vac on mine now with gator blades. I have a couple of lawns I cut last week with the gators side discharging and it did really well. I have the mulching kit on my exmark 36" and it is AWESOME. I will be putting one on the Lazer HP as soon as cleanups are done.

[Strawbridge Lawn]

Sounds familiar. I had the same issue, but have decided to go with the 48 with a 21 Kaw and an ultra-vac. My dealer has a used one with 7 hours that he will sell for
7K tax included, with the ultra-vac. I am just waiting for Mr IRS to provide some funding (hope).
You need to look hard at the properties you are or are intend to be cutting to see the largest deck that will accomadate the majority including gates. Switching mowers takes a little time and time is money. I will have to switch on several properties this year.

[TLS]

Wade,

I will assume that your biggest yard is less than 1/4 acre. If they are larger than that, you should seriously consider a 52" Lazer HP. They are faster, have a 23hp Kawi, and have more of a trimside deck offset. Your just kidding yourself if you think that the 44 is the cats meow. It will not be much more productive than a 48" walkbehind! Is there a reason that you want the 44"? Do you have 47" gates to go through? Make price secondary, and your needs and FUTURE needs of the business primary.

Good luck, and dont take this suggestion the wrong way, I'm just trying to help you out!

[RyanCanMow]

Wade, the Lazer Z HP 48" is a great choice, I dont' know what I would do without it. Thank the good Lord He provided one for us this past season. The 48" is a great deck size for us because we can just barely get through most residential wooden gates. I guess just see what will best fit your needs. Great prices though!! Go for it!

[65hoss]

I agree Wade. You really should reconsider the 44". The 4" to the 48" isn't much, but the offset is worth the difference. I can run my 52" down beside fences or anything and there is very little left to trim.

[Cutter1]

I agree with Hoss. I looked at a 44 for my 2nd Laser. I wouldn't get it. The left side of the deck runs directly under the wheel making impossible to get close to things, therefor more work trimming. I have the 52 Laser with the 23 kaw. If I were to get a 48, I would get the most power available which is the 21 Kaw.

[River Hill]

How is the trimming on a 48 compared to the 52?

[Wade]

Thanks fellas for the suggestions. I definately won't be getting the 44". The 48" cut with the 21 KAW can be had for about $6,000. To throw another ringer in the fire, I had a dealer call me back about a 48" Ferris ZTR with the 21 KAW. His price for that unit is around $5,700. I am not familiar at all with the Ferris but have heard it's a fine machine. Dixie 1, you are right, a few hundred dollars shouldn't sway me away from what I really need, so for sure I am forgetting about the 44". Thanks. Wade

[LJ lawn]

i bought the TORO 44 z which is basically exactly the same except the decks are different.it has the 20hp kohler.one of the reasons i purchased it was because it was smaller.fits through gates,more room on the trailer,and i can hook up a track-vac unit when i need to.i don't mind making an extra pass on a large lawn or spending the extra couple of minutes to do it. i would have to say if you cut mostly small to medium sized residentials it would be the way to go.