I need mower type advise from the pro's, for residental use only

[fishinpa]

I know this is a commercial LCO forum, but I though "What better place for mower advise"? Please keep i mind I have a hare over a 1/2 acre and will probably be sneaking over to my neighbors who has a 3/4 acre lot. I'm not looking to start a war I'm just looking for sound advice.

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I'm in NE PA and have a little over 1/2 acre. Pretty hill but nothing any WB or ZTR would have any difficulty with.

It currently takes me about 1.5 to 1.75hrs to cut with a 21" lawn boy that doesn't pull as fast as I can walk. Although that's not too terribly long I have a budging disc in my back and that time does not include the 'ol trim & blow. I'm pretty hurting by the end of it all.

I'm currently waiting to see what Hustler's spring specials are going to be (thinking 2995.00 for the 36 mini-z), but can save about $500.00 and get a loaded 34" to 44" Gravely with the upgraded Koehler motor, lights, etc. I like the idea of the Quick 36 but I'm not sure about turning it on the hills with only one hydro. PS: I've never run a WB or ZTR before but can drive or operate about anything I can get my hands on.

Will I regret getting a 34" to 36" instead of a 40" to 44"? I don't have any gates to be concerned about.

MAX budget is about 3400.00 but wonder if anyone has some enlightening experience to share with me. I already have a good spreader, trimmer, backpack blower & all that so the mower is the only budget concern this year.

Thoughts???

[mulcahy mowing]

you could get a 48 exmark metro with a velky

[mkwl]

Well, in my opinion, for 1/2 acre, a ZTR is going to be WAY too big, and cumbersome. I would say that a good 32" or 36" WB mower would be the best for a yard your size. I would recommend a Toro Proline mower, a Bob-Cat would be pretty expensive, a Toro Proline would last you FOREVER if properly cared for. My 36" Toro Proline belt drive WB mower is built like a tank, gives a super quality of cut, and lays down an awesome stripe!!! As for belt drive vs. hydro, in my opinion, hydro is more maintenance, hydro has more costly repairs to make, and hydro is also a lot more expensive. Overall, a 32" or 36" Toro Proline should serve you very well!!!:usflag: Hope this helps!:waving:

[mike lane lawn care]

a simplicity regent is a nice machine that will last and last for a homeowner. probaly the 38" with the 20HP V-twin engine. I had one and used it semi- commercialy for a few years, it was buit like a tank, and the new ones are even better. ww.simplicitymfg.com (the website is not updated with the new models yet, but look at the broadmoor, the new regent is a smaller version of that)

Or if you want a good ZTR then an ariens would be the way to go www.ariens.com

[Lazer_Z]

Well, in my opinion, for 1/2 acre, a ZTR is going to be WAY too big, and cumbersome. I would say that a good 32" or 36" WB mower would be the best for a yard your size. I would recommend a Toro Proline mower, a Bob-Cat would be pretty expensive, a Toro Proline would last you FOREVER if properly cared for. My 36" Toro Proline belt drive WB mower is built like a tank, gives a super quality of cut, and lays down an awesome stripe!!! As for belt drive vs. hydro, in my opinion, hydro is more maintenance, hydro has more costly repairs to make, and hydro is also a lot more expensive. Overall, a 32" or 36" Toro Proline should serve you very well!!!:usflag: Hope this helps!:waving:
mkwl, I'm sorry but your bob-cat is not the solution for everyone maybe he does not have a dealer that carries bob-cat & the toro and my metro ARE THE SAME THING. So in reality your pluging eXmark as well as bob-cat. I'll get off of my soap box now and give my suggestion, belt drives are a huge PITA but, if your only going to use it for your own property and your neighbors now and then I'd say a good 48" with a velky. With the 48" you will cut more grass and with the velky you will get done sooner. Good luck.

Rob

[fishinpa]

I understand why this got moved I just thought the moderator would understand why I had put it in the Commercial Mowing forum. It'll never get seen over here.

I appreciate the 4 responces I've gotten so far. I'm more seriously considering looking into the walk behind now, for the weight differences if for no other reason. I don't want a lawn full of ruts.

[NickN]

The little Hustler mini z is a good choice for your lawn.It's a nice mower and with you only mowing your own lot,it should last you quite some time.I mow 1/2 acre lots with a Toro 44".It's not overkill simply because most 1/2 acre lots have more obstacles than 1 acres and up.That's where the zero turn will come in handy.
I have a friend with one of the mini z's.It cuts quite well and he's had no troubles.He cuts 8 lawns per week with his.

[nmurph]

talk about overkill. a mini z on 1/2 acre is waaaaaaay too much. a hustler mini fasttrak is just right for your yard. a 17/42 should run you about $3300. it has the best warranty and factory support. do a search on this site for user comments.

[NickN]

My mistake.It's the mini fasttrack that my friend has.I can't keep up with all the different names these days.

[grass_cuttin_fool]

I would think maybe a walkbehind with a velke may be the way to go. I have a friend that has some back troubles and it really hurts him to use his rider at times and I let him use my walkbehind to mow his yard and it works out for him. I would be a little concerned on the hills with a narrow wheelbased Z.I have a scag with a 48'' deck and I dont think it holds a hill like it should. Maybe your dealer could let you demo both a z and a walk and see which works best for your properties.

wayne

[JustaHomeOwner]

all very good advice, nice to see people being helpful without it turning into a pissin' match.

Since you all did such a nice job with that, what would you suggest I get to mow 4 acres of flat yard, few trees, with alot of wide open spaces? Being a typical guy, I get caught up looking at machines that are more than I need. I realize it is not an enormous yard, but I want to get in and get out, with a nice quality cut to impress the neighbors.... You opinions are welcomed!

[fishinpa]

talk about overkill. a mini z on 1/2 acre is waaaaaaay too much. a hustler mini fasttrak is just right for your yard. a 17/42 should run you about $3300. it has the best warranty and factory support. do a search on this site for user comments.


I meant Mini FasTrack... my bad.

[grass_cuttin_fool]

all very good advice, nice to see people being helpful without it turning into a pissin' match.

Since you all did such a nice job with that, what would you suggest I get to mow 4 acres of flat yard, few trees, with alot of wide open spaces? Being a typical guy, I get caught up looking at machines that are more than I need. I realize it is not an enormous yard, but I want to get in and get out, with a nice quality cut to impress the neighbors.... You opinions are welcomed!
Trying not to be to biased here, I have a scag tiger cub, for the money, its hard to beat. Also if you have a LESCO fert dealer in your area I hear good reviews on their mowers (manufactured by cub cadet) and about 1000 less. Check out the dealers in your area, dealer support is a major factor when selecting a mower. The mowers themselves are all good or they wouldnt be in buisness. Just remember all mowers have problems at times and that is where the dealer comes in to play

wayne

[fishinpa]

a simplicity regent is a nice machine that will last and last for a homeowner. probaly the 38" with the 20HP V-twin engine. I had one and used it semi- commercialy for a few years, it was buit like a tank, and the new ones are even better. ww.simplicitymfg.com (the website is not updated with the new models yet, but look at the broadmoor, the new regent is a smaller version of that)

Or if you want a good ZTR then an ariens would be the way to go www.ariens.com


I definitely DO NOT want a tractor. I like "neatness" too much. My Lawn Boy may be old but actually stripes nicely. I borrowed my neighbor’s tractor one last year and thought the turning radius was terrible. I also noticed when you try to make a tight turn, the deck leans and can scalp the lawn on one side. I want to be able to go one direction, turn around and come right back the same way. Thanks anyway.

The Ariens model are essentially the same as the Gravely, and these are still in the running. Thanks.

[JustaHomeOwner]

Trying not to be to biased here, I have a scag tiger cub, for the money, its hard to beat. Also if you have a LESCO fert dealer in your area I hear good reviews on their mowers (manufactured by cub cadet) and about 1000 less. Check out the dealers in your area, dealer support is a major factor when selecting a mower. The mowers themselves are all good or they wouldnt be in buisness. Just remember all mowers have problems at times and that is where the dealer comes in to play

wayne


Yeah, what about LESCO? I have heard them mentioned here and there, but not with much input. Are they frowned on by the professionals? I just dont want to find out the negatives AFTER a pruchase is made.

[Lazer_Z]

Yeah, what about LESCO? I have heard them mentioned here and there, but not with much input.Are they frowned on by the professionals? I just dont want to find out the negatives AFTER a purchase is made.
To answer what I have put in bold in one word NO. I don't see many where I am I do know where a dealer is and did get to "test" a lesco Z out and it was built just like any other Z on the market. They are less expensive compared to say an eXmark,Toro,Scag or Hustler but the are not built like the homeowner Z's. If you can find a dealer in your area check them out. As far as size I'd say that's up to you and the layout of your property like # of trees and things like that. If I were to take a stab at size I'd say maybe a 48". Good luck with your search.

Rob

[NickN]

For four acres,I'd look at a 60" deck or larger to cut your time down to an hour or so.

[6'7 330]

I was just at Lesco,I noticed they have a 48 inch belt drive for 2599.That would be a perfectly good mower for your size lawn.Perform routine maintainence regularly and it will last you for year's, and your mowing time will be cut down to a 1/4 or less then with your 21-inch mower.

[Smalltimer1]

I definitely DO NOT want a tractor. I like "neatness" too much. My Lawn Boy may be old but actually stripes nicely. I borrowed my neighbor’s tractor one last year and thought the turning radius was terrible. I also noticed when you try to make a tight turn, the deck leans and can scalp the lawn on one side. I want to be able to go one direction, turn around and come right back the same way. Thanks anyway.

That lawn tractor wasn't set up right or something was out of adjustment. I exclusively use garden tractors in my operation and scalping is non-existant. Must have been a Crapsman or some other cheap brand to have frame flex like that. Also I can lay some nice stripes with the GT-235 when I have it set up for it.

I do not like ZTR's myself because 1) they ride rougher than a 2 horse wagon, 2) all they can do is mow, and 3) they are much noisier than a garden tractor.

In fact as you can see in my sig, I sold my Snapper 36 WB because it was sitting in a shed at the farm doing me no good because I had no other place to keep it, and between the GT-235 and 300 they have the mowing and ground breaking jobs covered.

Not trying to change your mind, just trying to give you some other opinions.

[fishinpa]

Not trying to change your mind, just trying to give you some other opinions.

Thanks Smalltimer1, and by the way it waws a crapsman.

[fishinpa]

I've been up to the Lesco dealer and got the impression they didn't want to OR possibly we not allowed to deal with someone who does not have a commercial account?

Do and/or can they sell directly to the public?

[steve45]

Fishinpa, another thing you might consider:

You can buy a lot more mower for the money if you buy used. This is what I did. It took about 4 months of searching Ebay, newspapers online, and ThriftyNickel online to find what I wanted within a reasonable driving radius. I finally found what I wanted 400 miles away in the ThriftyNickel. You might find what you need on this site, too. If you can pick up a used mower with a few hundred hours on it, it will probably last you a lifetime.

After looking at ads for used equipment, I figured that a typical commercial mower would probably run 2000-2500 hours before it needed an engine. It might need hydro work before then. I figured that if I bought a unit with half that time on it, I could do a LOT of my own mowing before it wore out. I bought a Scag with just under 1200 hours for about 1/2 the price of a new one. It needed a few minor things, but it was used in a 2-man operation and seemed to be well cared for. It is my intent to use it until I'm too old to mow my own grass.

[fishinpa]

Fishinpa, another thing you might consider:

You can buy a lot more mower for the money if you buy used.

Funny you should mention this as I'm not too vain the buy used.

Today I found an Exmark Viking 48"/15Hp Kawi. Hydro with ESC with just under 800 hrs on it. It's a 30 day warranty only, and they really didn't want to give me that.

$2500.00 is what they are asking and there's no sulky or any "extras" they are willing to sweeten the deal with. They don't seem willing to budge on the price either.

Anyone care to give their $0.02 on this pricing?

[fishinpa]

[QUOTE=6'7 330]I was just at Lesco,I noticed they have a 48 inch belt drive for 2599.[\QUOTE]

Well I've decided....

I'm going to pick up the Mini FasTrack 36" this weekend. For 3100.00 new, I can't pass it up!

Thanks "All"!

[fishinpa]

I was just at Lesco,I noticed they have a 48 inch belt drive for 2599.

Well I've decided....

I'm going to pick up the Mini FasTrack 36" this weekend. For 3100.00 new, I can't pass it up!

Thanks "All"!

[nmurph]

hey pa,
one thing to consider is that the 36" the deck only extends .5" beyond the track of the mower. with the 42", the deck extends 4" beyond the edge of the tires. i'm not an lco, so absolute productivity is less important. the 6" of additional width is not that important when mowing in a straight line. however, that extra trim width is really nice when you are trying to trim the inside radius of curbing around a flower bed. i know it's a few $ more, but unless you have lots of spaces where a 42" won't fit, to me it is money well spent.
welcome to the Hustler family.

[fishinpa]

hey pa,
one thing to consider is that the 36" the deck only extends .5" beyond the track of the mower. with the 42", the deck extends 4" beyond the edge of the tires.

Your absolutely right. I was aware of this earlier and was sooo blown away with the pricing I got that I forgot all about that fact. I have to call the dealer in the morning anyway so I may "shift" my order to the 42".... $$ dependent.

Thanks for the reminder!

[fishinpa]

Changed my mind and got the 42" wiht the Honda motor!

Pick n' 'er up this weekend.:drinkup:

[Guthrie&Co]

OH man i wish i would have told you sooner. killians has a 48inch toro wb brand new for 2,800

[Signature Landscaping1]

Lesco is a must, first off their cost is excellent, second the service in my area is great, and last the quality of the mahcine is excellent! i highly recommend the 48'' gear drive. Buy during the lesco spring expo and get free blades, belts etc.

[fishinpa]

Since my last post there's been a change. We are getting the 42", and I'm pickin' her up tomorrow!

Thanks everybody!

[headleyj]

Well I've decided....

I'm going to pick up the Mini FasTrack 36" this weekend. For 3100.00 new, I can't pass it up!

Thanks "All"!

THis forum is great. I've learned alot about options on mowers, terminology etc. I'm not much on small engines so came here to learn a bit more. I've been lurking here for a month or 2, now doing some heavier research. Don't mean to hijack a thread, but I have a couple questions.

In calling around on the Hustler Mini-Z 36", I'm guessing I'm getting list price which is $4250 (that's with the 16hp Honda). Is it typical to negotiate $1000-1200 off one of these mowers? Can you negotiate more off the higher the $ is? Another example, a 52" mini-z w/ 24hp honda is $7395 - can what could one expect off that?

[nmurph]

hi-jack???????? more like resurrect.....this thread has been dead for more than 2 years...............Fish is now the proud papa of a MFT 16/42(?????).. btw, you should strongly consider the 42 inch mower unless you are limited by gate size. the trim capacity is about 4 inches vs about 1 inch for the 36 incher.......
to answer your question, if you get $1200 off on a $4k mower, you have done better than most. now is probably the hardest time to negotiate. late fall is prime-time....now if you are talking the msrp, less the Hustler promotion pricing, and then the dealer gives you some more off bc his cost is reduced, you might get close. but my experience is that when Hustler gives the dealers a break, they are reluctant to give you additional reductions beyond the Hustler deal. it just gives them a few hundred more $$$ in their piggy bank.....i priced my MFT 17/42 locally and then drove about 90 miles and saved about $500 bc the dealer wanted the sale. people say buy locally and expect better service. but when i buy a machine i generally don't expect to need service during the warranty. if i do, i will be persuasive to the local dealer. in my experience the next time i price equipment or cars or whatever, with them, they will give me their best price. they remember that they have lost money over price. better to make a little them not anything: a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
if you have a problem a Hustler dealer giving you a hard time about warranty work, contact the regional rep or the moderator on the Hustler forum: problem resolved.

Here is where i would start: go to the Hustler forum above and look at the top threads. they list the MSRP and the promo pricing available. this will give you the info you need to know who is shooting straight with you. then get on the ph and call the Hustler dealers nearby. don't be afraid to let them know that you are shopping price. either they will be interested or not. either way you cut to the chase.
good luck!!!

[fishinpa]

NMURPH: That's VERY proud Papa... and you can quote me on that! I've had this thing about 2.5 seasons now and still look forward to getting on it twice a week!

headleyj: I 100% concur with what NMURPH said. I personally don't think you going to be able to get anywhere near 1k off the MSRP, but best of luck to you. With the economy the way it is right now, I wouldn't count anything out though.

Don't be afraid to call around. I talked to two or three dealers and no one would go more that a buck or two off the MSRP & I though, what the hell I call this 1 other dealer. I told him I wanted the machine, had cash & wanted to know if he wanted to move a 'unit'? He realized I was a home owner not some large corporate entity shopping around and decided to 'deal'. Since that purchase I've been back to buy a Redmax blower and string trimmer and some options for the trimmer. I sent my neighbor over and he's bought a walk-behind (Red-Hawk?) and trimmer from also.

I found a dealer who's a truly nice person as well as a retailer. I know he doesn't, but he makes me feel like he goes out of his way for me, and never complains. If you were in the SE PA region, I'd email all his info to you.

As I said, best of luck to you!

[headleyj]

Great advice gents, thank you! Yeah - I guess I didn't look at the dates on this thread - it was a resurrection indeed! Hopefully we'll be able to swing a ZT in the budget - I'll head to the Hustler forums and take a look at pricing. Thanks again !!