New here, Question about Exmark/Scag

[MPD]

I plan on purchasing either a Scag or Exmark walk behind. Either new or used.

My question is, new or used, which one is better, and better to start off with? I hope to by a hydro, basically because the belt driven ones don't sound durable. But what is a free flowing deck, and a fixed deck?

I like the Toro W/B's, but cannot get a catalog on them. Are they good?

[Joey bag a' donuts]

Im pro exmark. Though I've never used anything else.

[out4now]

How would a catalog help you to know if they are good or not? :confused: Go and demo the mowers. New or Used? Do the best you can affoard. Go for the hydros if you can or maybe look at the Quick 36 if that is closer to your budget. How big of one did you want? Both Exmark and Scag are good names. What type of properties will you be doing?

[METRO 36]

a floating deck is not attached solid to your mower it is attached by chain's,etc. So it kinda float's along and is suppose to leave a better cut (opions vary some get along fine with a fixed deck other's dont)less scalping no high point's on uneven terrain,etc. a fixed deck is bolted or welded solid to the frame and doe's not flex like a floating deck, it's is easier to scalp and leave high point's in the grass in really rough terrain because the deck is not following the terrain, I run a metro 36 exmark and i love it got a good deal on it, it cost me 2100.00 after taxe's got it during the fall month's it was the last one and they wanted to get rid of it so i got a good deal, I have a belt drive which works fine for me but i had already planned to get a zero turn rider this year so i decided to go with a belt drive because it was cheaper and id be getting a rider then i would keep it for back up and back yard's.but if i dont get my rider this year il be kickin myself. Id go with a hydro if you can afford it, they make life a little easier, but it's exmark for me.

[METRO 36]

what size lawn's can you justify a walkbehind

[grass_cuttin_fool]

I dont own an Exmark but I own a Scag, Scag is a great mower, but the pistol grip controls are not for me.If you get an Emark consider the ECS grips. Or atleast demo a pistol grip for a few days to see if they are really for you

wayne

[MPD]

Sorry if I was not clear.

I'd like to get a catalog for a Toro to check out the specs etc. Any Toro owners?

[out4now]

I got literature from exmark a long time ago by Subscribing to Turf magazine ( a sponsor here) and having it sent to me. You should sign up, circle the number of the product that interests you on the card and they mail it straight to you. Let me see if I can dig up some specs for you online. http://www.exmark.com/turftracerhpspecs.htm
http://www.exmark.com/vikingspecs.htm
http://www.exmark.com/metrospecs.htm
Doesn't look like Scag has as detailed info on their site but dealer should have it.

[MPD]

Thanks Out4Now!

[out4now]

No problem. Here's a pretty comprhensive list of Turf's advertisers although they get new ones all the time http://www.turfmagazine.com/linkstoadv.html browse away.

[grass_cuttin_fool]

Sorry if I was not clear.

I'd like to get a catalog for a Toro to check out the specs etc. Any Toro owners?
I have a toro and Im well pleased with it, as far as a catologue for specs, you can always go to toro.com and get the specs for a mower

wayne

[J&R Landscaping]

Toro's T-Bar drive system is the best and easiest drive system to contol IMO. Toro has a good warranty and the Turbo Force deck is awsome. Scag and Exmark are also good mowers but if you don't want pistol grips, the Toro T-Bar system is the way to go.
What dealers are in your area? How do you like them and how are they for parts and service. Theese will be big keys about what mower you purchase!
Keep us informed!!

[LB1234]

We own two Scag 48" WB hydros with 17 kawi's. One has the 'regular' deck that we set up for bagging/side discharging, the other has the advantage deck with the mulching system. The bagger is a 2000 and the mulcher is an 2001, both bought new.

We love em. Easy to maintain, extremely reliable, can't say enough about the engines, never a problem cold starting. Both leave good cuts...although the mulcher can't be run at top speed in the wet heavy spring growth. We have jungle jims attached to each for the larger properties.

Only problem we had was the '01 mulcher had a bad hydro pump. Had to have it replaced. Cost about 600 bucks, that was two years ago (2004). Otherwise, been going 11 years between the two of them. We make sure to keep up with all the general maintenance, especially greasing the spindles.

As for the pistol grips, yes it can be a problem...carpel-tunnel or whatever the hell its called. Have demoed the T-bar (or whatever its called) from Exmark/Toro, was very nice. Although it was belt driven. Didn't think I would like it pulling me around on a sulky.

You can't really go wrong with either brand. Your dealer should dictate what you should be...meaning go with the dealer you like and get get you up and running when you do have downtime so your schedule doesn't slip up that much.

any specific questions on the Scag feel free to PM me.

[Copper Moon]

I would just go with the Dixie Chopper "run behind" mower. It's cheaper than the scag, has a 50" cut, hydro and 10 more horsepower, and thats just a few things that are better. Its way better designed and way more durable.

[daveintoledo]

you will get all different answers depending on what these guys use, same argument about chevy, ford, dodge... its all persoan opinion...

demo the mowers and see what you like best

[grass_cuttin_fool]

.

As for the pistol grips, yes it can be a problem...carpel-tunnel or whatever the hell its called. Have demoed the T-bar (or whatever its called) from Exmark/Toro, was very nice. Although it was belt driven. Didn't think I would like it pulling me around on a sulky.

You can't really go wrong with either brand. Your dealer should dictate what you should be...meaning go with the dealer you like and get get you up and running when you do have downtime so your schedule doesn't slip up that much.

any specific questions on the Scag feel free to PM me.

The T-Bar I have has pulled me for 250 hours. I have a velke on both, my scag and toro. You have to watch the pistol grips in a turn so they dont get you, the T-bar all of the controls are mounted on top and there are no handles to avoid in turns.

wayne

[Scag413]

I am a Scag man myself, but Exmark makes a great mower. You can't go wrong with either one. I do agree that the pistol grips are certianly more tireing than the ECS. Like I said though, I would have to say GO SCAG!

[LB1234]

The T-Bar I have has pulled me for 250 hours. I have a velke on both, my scag and toro. You have to watch the pistol grips in a turn so they dont get you, the T-bar all of the controls are mounted on top and there are no handles to avoid in turns.

wayne


Thanks :waving:


Yep, my pistol grips caught into my button down flannel shirt once while making a tight turn. Mower kept going in a circle one way, I went the other right off the machine. VERY embarassing :o

[CHRIS MELROSE]

you will get all different answers depending on what these guys use, same argument about chevy, ford, dodge... its all persoan opinion...

demo the mowers and see what you like best

The Toro T-bar is physically easier to run, which is a straight and valuable answer to why people would recommend it. Ford and Chevy make vehicles with four tires and a steering wheel...what's really different?, other than colors and he said she said one lasts longer than the other.

[HenryB]

Scag has got to come up with something better than pistol grips, if they want to stay in the top three. Even lesco has a new system and they specialize in fertilizer.

[ed2hess]

Scag has got to come up with something better than pistol grips, if they want to stay in the top three. Even lesco has a new system and they specialize in fertilizer.
I don't understand the problem we have used them for years? If you have the machine tracking properly the only time you need to exert force is when turning? I think these are a lot safer, especially on hydro.