Residential Advice From The Experts ?

[alfabetsoop]

I want to "invest" in a ZTR mower after struggling with the 24" turning radius on my Husky tractor. I only cut about 18,000 sq. ft., but there are many beds and many mulched and natural trees to go around. Curently, it takes me 3 hours start to finish with the cutting, trimming, and cleanup (vac, blower etc.).

I can stripe pretty well with the tractor, but I have a lot of short runs to make (25 yds.), if I change direction every week or so. Consequently, with that really wide radius, I'm constantly backing up, going forward, backing up and going forward just to make the turn.

I'm looking at the Ariens residential grade ZTR, probably the EZR 1742 (17 HP, 42" deck). AT $3000 promo price, it seems like a good deal, but I wonder about the quality. I think it's a stamped deck, and the power is "residential". I have an Ariens Pro snowblower that I'm happy with, so I'm OK with Ariens. Do you have any other recommendations in this price range.

Thanks for any feedback.

[Scraper]

Not too many others in your price range unless you were to look for a more "commercial" mower in used condition. I saw Lesco has some homeowner version ZTRs for a couple grand more.

[kutnkru]

It would almost seem that with such a heavily landscaped property that the design of a rear discharge deck such as the Walker or Toro might only be attainable by purchasing a WheelHorse for your budgets limitaions.

Unfortunately that puts you back into the seat of your original dilemma.

You might want to check with the local supplier, and he may know of companies looking to uograde that might have a machine in your price range.

Or you could just start calling them up from the phone book and leaving them messages and then pray.

Good Luck in your venture!
Kris

[BigEd]

Go to your Toro dealer and check out the new Toro Timecutter it is a residential ZTR.The price was good too.

[alfabetsoop]

Guys, thanks for the advice. And I apologize for posting this here; I'm new and never saw the homeowner's forum. I look for advice there.

[jeffyr]

what about a belt drive or hydro walk behind with a 48 inch deck and a sulky ? That would be closer to your price range and 18,000sq ft won't take long at all. Probably under 30 minutes cutting, depending on your ground speed and skill with the mower.

[HOMER]

Alf,

I own an Airens tractor, the decks are the same as the zero turn. I have a gazillion hours on that little mower and have never spent a dime on it. They offer a 5 year warranty on the deck and I think 2 on the drivetrain. I know a LCO that runs one everyday and loves his. For a homeowner I don't think you could go wrong. The quality of cut is excellent too.

[LJ lawn]

why don't you look for a decent used commercial machine? you should be able to find a Walker or other z riders around the $2500 to $4000 dollar range.

[Lawn-Scapes]

18,000 square feet... once a week...

Get yourself a 44-52" commercial walk-behind and walk behind it ... nice cut, maneuverabilty and exercise :)

[grassyfras]

i bought a brnd new exmarkmetro 36" (beltdrive) for $3100 so i think you should get a walkbehinf there great at least look into it maybe demo one

[joshua]

not saying that you need the exercise because i don't know you but i think a w/b would be your best bet. 48" 17hp

[KD'sLawns]

You need to look at the lawn mower reviews. If I remember right some of 1742R that they are selling are having trouble with the belt slipping and the blades are hitting each other and throwing chunks of metal. Look at some of the reviews before you buy any mower.

[awm]

imho you may not be pleased at first with ztr . it will take a while to get the skill needed to make the many turns your yd requires
with out tearing up turf. my advice is get the z then forget the
zero turn until it comes to you. i still use the 3 pt turn a lot.
but after you learn it ,itll be worth the effort. later

[alfabetsoop]

Thanks everyone !

KD, where can I find reviews on-line? I've not had too much success.

[toddco]

I recently switched from a tractor to a commercial walk-behind (wb) 48" mower for my property and am much happier. Because it is much more maneuverable I can finish in half the time. It would be even faster if my lot weren't so bumpy, which limits my ground speed.

The single-wheel velky is very maneuverable and will keep you from walking. If standing/riding is an option you should consider this. I'm much happer with the cut and quality than I had with my tractor.

[alfabetsoop]

I'm now looking at a WB, specifically, the Gravely 150 Pro. It's 36" deck with 14HP Kawasaki for $2169 delivered. The next option is the 50" deck, but it's just too big for my property (not to mention my shed doors).

[Lawn-Scapes]

alfabetsoop,

How large is the shed's opening? You might want to take a look at a Toro Proline 48"... if it'll fit. I think you'll find the "T-bar" control easier to use... less strenuous. I think snapper also uses this design. Good luck!

[TFL]

check out John Deere's new sst it is zero turn and has spin steer which is like a steering wheel yet its half turn lock to lock www. deere.com

[KD'sLawns]

http://ridinglawnmower.activebuyersguid.com/
http://consumersearch.com
http://www.gardenreview.com
http://whatsthebest-lawnmower.com/forum

The last site I think is the best, just go to search messages and typr in the lawn mower manufacturer. This way, you get real peoples opinion of the mowers that they use and feedback for any questions that you may have. Hope this helps you out.

[jdseven]

I just saw an add for a exmark 48" metro wb with a fixed deck and a 15 hp kawasaki twin for $2599 also a 48" floating deck 17 hp kawasaki twin for $3399 both are gear driven. Is this a good price and are these good machines? This add was for dealers in the Mass area.

[alfabetsoop]

TSG, thanks for the advice on the Toro and Snapper. I saw them briefly when I was originally more focused on the ZTR. My shed has double 2 ft. doors, so my Husky tractor with a 42" deck and bagger just fits. This is why I need to go 36" on a WB.

KD, thanks for the review sites !

I spoke with my landscaper who does my lawn fert, and he spoke highly of the Exmark (which he uses). He put me in touch with his supplier, and it looks as though I can get a 36" Metro with a 15HP Kawasaki for $2275. I'm going to look at it tonight.

So, I think I'm down to the Gravely 150 Pro, 36" deck, 14HP Kawasaki for $2169 or; Exmark Metro 36" deck, 15HP Kawasaki for $2275. Unless I see a Toro or Snapper :-)

Comments ?

[alfabetsoop]

JDSEVEN, I know it's not particularly close to you in NB, but I'm visiting Wayne's Small Engine in Bellingham. Have you checked out Westport Lawn and Garden ?

[jdseven]

Alfabetsoup No I have not been to westport lawn and garden. If I get a chance and I am in that area I will check it out as I go to Fall River once in a while.

[sdwally]

Before you buy, check all your options. Scag, John Deere, Snapper, Exmark, Toro, are just a few. I know the price of some machine are high just because of the name, however not only do you need to look at how well the unit performs, but also look at it from a mechanic's stand point. After a few 1000 hours most of the cheaper machines cost more to repair! Don't get me wrong, all machines are good, but some cut corners in durability to be able to sell a lower price. If you are looking a 72" ZTR, check out Scag. We just did demos with about 10 different brands equipped with recycling decks. The units with smaller decks were dropped from consideration due to the fact of the amount of acres we mow(some areas include narrow street medians.) The two finalist were Scag & Exmark. Scag won the demo overall. Both units were diesels, however Scag runs a turboed diesels which is rated at 31. In heavy grass, Scag won hands down. Scag also had better traction on slopes.
My recommendation is to ask your dealers for demo units to try out for a day or two and compare which will give you the best results for the price.