32" or 36"

[corycc]

WB w/ fixed deck, belt drive, probably eXmark. Does the 36" scalp worse than the 32"? Would both mulch about the same? I am not sure which size is better.

[Eric ELM]

With all the anti-scalping devices on mowers now days, I wouldn't think you would have a problem with either unless you are cutting at below normal cutting highths. I had a 38" JD and I've had a 60" JD, I never had problems scalping with either. Bigger is normally better. :)

[TGCummings]

Although I love my 36" Exmark, I often wish I would've bought a 32" instead, simply because I'd be able to use it in more places. A lot of backyard gates around here are between 32" and 36" and I gotta use my 21" on those back properties...

-TGC

[Jason]

I have a 32" Exmark I love it.I can get in all those
gated yards with it, and its so much faster and easier
on you then a 21" mower. I wanted to get a 36" but it
wouldn't have fit through any gates. I wish i would
have bought it a long time ago.

Jason

[LoneStarLawn]

I would just pay a little more for an 36 HP gear driven with anti-scalp rollers and a floating deck and you won't have any problems. (Unless you have small gates as mentioned)

[Chopper Lover]

I would suggest that if it is going to be your only mower you should go with a 36".

If you have a bigger mower also the 32" may get you into ALL the tight spots that the 36" would be found hard to fit.

Just a thought...

Mark

[nso1000k]

Who has a gate that is only 32". I mean what's the use. How practical is it to have a gate with only a 32 inch opening. Why not do away with the gate and just hop the fence. If I can't mow the grass with my 60" lazer I pass on that yard. I have too much to do.

[LJ lawn]

i have an exmark 32 just for the small yards with the gates or hills that i can't use the z's on.i see that dane came out with a hydro 32 last year.they should have made that mower with the flip up side deck a lttle smaller like a 48 that will flip up to 32". gates blow!

[David Gretzmier]

I had a 32" exmark belt. that thing could mow anything and never scalped. I miss it. dave g

[65hoss]

36"

Also, the exmark factory rep told me that you don't need a floating deck on a 36". Because of the narrow wheels they don't usually scalp.

[MowForReal]

The Exmark rep is telling the truth. I have an Exmark 36" and scalping is never an issue. In my opinion is pointless to have a floating deck on a 36" mower. To answer the original question of a 32" versus a 36", I'de go with the 36" because of the engine difference more the size. You can actually mow some serious grass with the 12.5HP, nevertheless a 15HP 36" mower. I don't believe you could get much done with a 32" since it has a much smaller engine. And I'm saying the above in the instance that your main mower broke, and you were left with a backup mower(maybe you have an extra) for a while, you could be somewhat productive with the 36". I have a proslide on my 36" 12.5HP Exmark. It works great.

[Lee Homan]

I was looking at a 36' exmark floating deck with gear drive yesterday at the dealer and noticed it had only one scalp roller, and it was located on the rear left hand side. Got me thinking maybe a 36' floating is not necessary.

[LoneStarLawn]

Hmmm...We have a larger company that works around here that dose not have floating decks on their 36" exmarks and we have had customers of theirs calling us because of their scalping...Yes they <b>usually</b> don't scalp, but from seeing what it has done I wouldn't take a chance..

http://www.lgwhse.com/largeMetroHP_250w.gif
It should have more than one roller as seen in this picture..

[Lee Homan]

Are you sure that is a 36"? I just talked to a tech at exmark this morning and he confirmed the 1 scalp roller on the 36" floating deck.

[TLS]

Every mower can scalp. The 32's and 36's will have the least ability to scalp. Dont bother with a floating deck on a 32 or 36, unless you want easier cutting height changes. The float feature doesn't come into play on such a small deck. Go with a fixed deck.

[LoneStarLawn]

In fact I do think that is a pic of a 48" but I swore I saw a 36" with more than one roller...I may be wrong. We don't have a 36" so my opinions should be way less than those experienced with the equipment. My information is coming from other companies in the area as well as unsatisfied customers.

[Edited by LoneStarLawn on 04-04-2001 at 02:43 PM]

[summitgroundskeeping]

I would probably get the 36". I have never had a problem with a 36" scalping as long as I'm not mowing like a crazy scrub. Any way, I can't see spending money on a 32" mower when a 36" is hardly more $$$.