Equipment Suggestions

[grassman1]

I am starting a new lawn care service this year and need some advice on purchasing a mower. I have 2 small commercial accounts set-up and a small residential. Initially I would like to have 8-10 residentials to go along with the 2 commercials. Right now I don't have anything larger than 1 acre and don't anticipate anything larger. I have been out shopping and obviously no dealer will give me a fair comparison on various equipment that they don't carry. I'm looking at purchasing a 50"-52' zero turn. The trailer I have is a 8' x 5'. I don't have unlimited funds and would like to keep it at or below $6000. Right now I'm looking at a Dixon Kodiak or a Hustler Mini Z. I would like to purchase new for the warranty.Any guidance would be appreciated.

[PR Fect]

Grassman, do not overlook the Exmark CT if you have a dealer near you. We paid around 5k for ours and love it. It saves time, saved us money, and gives a great cut. It probably would not take the pounding of a everyday full time operation, but it sounds like you do not have that. PR

[baddboygeorge]

Go with a 48 inch cub you wont go wrong trust me i have been using scag since the 80's an i have tried em all .Scag is the best!!

[NEPSJay]

With that number of accounts, i wouldnt monkey with a Z. I'd go with a 48" or so walk behind. Sounds like your puttin the carriage before the horse with a purchase like that. Save your money and build your clientele first. Just my $.02

[K&L Landscaping]

With that number of accounts, i wouldnt monkey with a Z. I'd go with a 48" or so walk behind. Sounds like your puttin the carriage before the horse with a purchase like that. Save your money and build your clientele first. Just my $.02
Right on the money NEPSJay! I would get a John Deere 7H17 WB (48" deck with 17hp engine). If you do get a walk behind make sure it is a hydro and not belt driven. Belt drives are not nearly as easy to operate, are more time consuming and when it rains you might as well head for the trailer with the belt drives. Trust me, you will not like a belt drive unit and anyone who does this for a living will tell you the same thing.

[beautifullawns]

Get what ever has the best dealer support. If somthing breaks you will need it.

[Rhett]

Haven't had expierence with Dixon in a long time and hear that they have come along way. My preference between the two would be the Hustler. That being said I agree that the place to start would be with a commercial walk behind. If you have gates a 36 if not 48 or 52. You can always add a Z later if your accounts dictate it.

[grassman1]

Thanks for all the advice. On the lines of a 36", has anyone any experiance with a cub 48 z wing? There is a local dealer who suggested that mower. He states that it is a commercial mower with a 48" deck that will rotate to get through 36" gates. Kind of the best of both worlds???

[Jake's Lawn Service]

I have an exmark Lazer Z CT also. It is a great machine and not too expensive either. I have never had a problem with it yet.
Jake

[grassman1]

Thanks for your input. I was originally planned to start with a 36" WB but as I shopped around the Z's looked like a better way to go. Thanks for putting $2400 in pocket without even the cost of a drop of gas! Do you have any suggestions on a good WB? I was thinking of an Exmark Turf Tracer HP.

[J&R Landscaping]

What dealers are in your local area?

[grassman1]

J&R Landscaping
Exmark, Hustler Gravely, Cub, Dixon, Toro. My best choice for service would be with the Cub Cadet dealer, he's closer to home and I know personally. Should that be my major concern? Or choice of mower ?
Thanks!

[rodneyskip]

Right on the money NEPSJay! I would get a John Deere 7H17 WB (48" deck with 17hp engine). If you do get a walk behind make sure it is a hydro and not belt driven. Belt drives are not nearly as easy to operate, are more time consuming and when it rains you might as well head for the trailer with the belt drives. Trust me, you will not like a belt drive unit and anyone who does this for a living will tell you the same thing.

K&L Do you have a 7H17? Are you happy with it? Do you think that a 657A is worth the extra money?

[Rottman]

Grassman, I don't know if you are interested or not, but I have a John Deere 657 quik trak for sale for $3800.00, 125 hrs, 23 hp, 54" deck 3 sets of blades. It is a stand up model Z. If interested give me a call #937-829-3814 (after 4pm please) I live in Huber Heights. Mike

[K&L Landscaping]

K&L Do you have a 7H17? Are you happy with it? Do you think that a 657A is worth the extra money?
I have a 7H17 and a 7H19 and they are real work horses!! I don't like the stand-on mowers simply because they are not practical in my area. If you have very flat terrain I'm sure they would be great but not here in the mountains. They refuse to hold a slope!

[NEPSJay]

Thanks for your input. I was originally planned to start with a 36" WB but as I shopped around the Z's looked like a better way to go. Thanks for putting $2400 in pocket without even the cost of a drop of gas! Do you have any suggestions on a good WB? I was thinking of an Exmark Turf Tracer HP.

excellent mower, floating deck hydro by one of the best companies out there.

[rodneyskip]

I have a 7H17 and a 7H19 and they are real work horses!! I don't like the stand-on mowers simply because they are not practical in my area. If you have very flat terrain I'm sure they would be great but not here in the mountains. They refuse to hold a slope!

Do you have a velke for these? OR do you walk? Do you think a stander would be more efficient if it were flat?

Thanks !

[J&R Landscaping]

J&R Landscaping
Exmark, Hustler Gravely, Cub, Dixon, Toro. My best choice for service would be with the Cub Cadet dealer, he's closer to home and I know personally. Should that be my major concern? Or choice of mower ?
Thanks!
I would say that is a plus! When the machine needs parts or a service that you can't perform, it will help you if you get a dealer that is known for good service and support! Some dealers will give you a loaner machine while yours is in the shop...
How do the other dealers compare to the cub cadet dealer as far as service is concerned? Also, How do the prices compare? All of those brands are quality commercial products, Prices and dealer support would be my focus!

If you are going to be going for a walk behind or even a Z, TORO is a great way to go. The T-BAR drive system on the walkbehinds is the best in the industry IMO! The Z riders with the TURBO FORCE DECKS are practically bullet proof! Toro also makes smaller z riders if your budget is smaller. The warranty on the TORO mowers is a good one! They are a brand I definitly consider!!!!!

[CC Lawncare]

I, like most guys in this business, have my strong opinion on which mower is best overall but I don't think that should be your focus if you are just starting up and are most likely not going to have a back-up machine if you mower does breakdown. I would tell you to be up front with any/all dealers in your area about your need for fast repairs and a demo machine to use while you are waiting for repairs. If you can locate a good dealer that really wants to get/keep your commercial business, you will immediately have a huge edge on anybody else that relies on just one machine in this business.
ALL brands break...trust me!

[mow2nd]

Whatever you buy keep it dry........Cargo trailer is the way to go, flat trailers suck, your stuff will get stolen and WET. Think long-Term, Trust me

[CC Lawncare]

I agree with Mow2nd about going the enclosed route. It's really nice when it is raining and you can go for the shelter of the trailer...wait a bit ... and come back out to mow.:headphones: :headphones: In an open trailer, you are wet and then your equipment get filthy from the dirty water on the road as you travel. You have to sit in slop at the next site......:mad: :mad: