ZTR Time

[cgreen454]

OK guys, the first fulltime season ended when the snow came. Overall a great season, better than expected in many ways. I ran a 44" Toro WB which I would give a 6 out of 10. To be more sepecific, a 1 in heavy conditions, and an 8 the rest of the time. Up here, people fertilize like it's free, that combined with plentiful rain make for pretty consistent heavy conditions. So, why all the background...it's time for an upgrade...ZTR time.

After some poking around I have found two used ZTR's which deserve some attention. The options:

(1) 2004 Exmark Lazer Z, 52", 27hp Kohler, 300 hours, no bagger, $5700

(2) 2004 Ferris 1000z, 48", 21hp Kohler, 20 hours, FastVac bagger, $5800

For almost all my accounts, and for most accounts I target, bagging is a necessity. With the heavy conditions I described earlier, getting all those clippings in the bag is a big deal, the kind of thing that makes a bad day, really bad. Forgetting about very wet conditions, which mower performs better in heavy conditions, the Lazer Z or the 1000z?

So, the questions are, which performs better in heavy conditions, and which is a better value?

Sorry for the long post, just trying to avoid the Exmark/Ferris pi$$ing contest by being very specific with my needs.

Thanks for listening...

[jtkplc]

Right away I noticed the Exmark has a higher HP to deck width ration. In heavy conditions it seems like you would want the extra power, especially for bagging. I would be afraid that the 21HP on the 48" deck of the Ferris wouldn't be enough power for heavy, thick grass.

Also, my confidence would be more in the Exmark for a quality cut in heavy conditions.

[J&R Landscaping]

The ferris guys will say ferris and the exmark guys will say exmark.

Anyway I would say the Exmark because of the high horse power. You can always add a bagger to the machine. You can't add horse power to the ferris without making a costly engine change!!

[cgreen454]

Thanks for the responses.

Most people around here seem to agree that Exmark is the better mower, and the additional HP is nice. Dishing out an additional 1500-2000 for an UltraVac though hurts.

Have people had problems with Ferris mowers buzzing through the deep stuff...and getting it in the bags.

Thanks...

[jtkplc]

Thanks for the responses.

Most people around here seem to agree that Exmark is the better mower, and the additional HP is nice. Dishing out an additional 1500-2000 for an UltraVac though hurts.

Have people had problems with Ferris mowers buzzing through the deep stuff...and getting it in the bags.

Thanks...

I take it that mulching instead of bagging isn't an option? Or is the grass too thick to even mulch?

[FinerCutslawnCare]

Good desicion on your part going with the exmark....