Prices I got today...whatcha think?

[Grits]

The following are belt drives:

Ferris 36/15 Kaw: $2850
Toro 36/15 Kaw T-Bar: $2976
Exmark 36/13 Kaw w/ ECS: $2800
Husqvarna: 36/13: $2395
Bunton 36/15 with Z-controls: $2850

So many choices, it's hard to decide.
The most personable dealer with the nicest shop was the Exmark dealer. The Toro and Husqvarna dealer were tied for second in the personable category, shops were kind of OK with the Toro dealer having a little bit better shop. The Bunton dealer wasn't very friendly, kind of rushed me out of the store, but I really thought the Z-controls were nice. But, unfortunately, since he seemed like he didn't have time for me, I think the Bunton is out of the question. The Toro guytook out back and he demo'd his 36 that he let's people borrow, I was very impressed with it and the T-Bar. I really like the Toro but it is the most expensive and the dealers shop was a little seedy. But the dealer seemed OK. The Exmark dealer's shop was very spacious and clean and he had a ton of equipment in stock. He showed me his parts room and it had quite a few repair parts in it. He showed me his repair shop and it is very nice with laptop computers at the work stations. It was very professional in appearance,unlike most shops that I visited that had dirt neck looking mechanics working on equipment outside and/or in the dirt. I am not saying that they are not good mechanics, they just don't look very professional. How are the ECS controls on the Exmarks? I was messing with one on the floor (hydro I think) and it seemed hard to squeeze. I sure wish the exmark dealer sold Toro, it would be an easy choice then. So please help me decide which mower to get! All of this is too much for my simple brain to comprehend...please make my decision for me! It's driving me mad:hammerhead:

[mcwlandscaping]

in my area, that exmark would be $2600 just to let you know, i assume you are talking about the metro

[Grits]

Oh yeah, I liked the Husqvarna too. The controls seemed decent. Any comments on this mower?

[fulano]

The ecs controls on my 36" tthp exmark are hard to squeeze as well. It is easier the higher up you grip.

[Grits]

in my area, that exmark would be $2600 just to let you know, i assume you are talking about the metro

Yes I am talking about the metro. Well the thing is, at first he quoted $2400, I said "is that with the ECS controls", then he said $2800. I don't know if he seized an oppurtunity to up the price at that point. I would hate to think so because he was such a nice old man. But it is hard for me to trust anybody selling anything.

[topsites]

Yes I am talking about the metro. Well the thing is, at first he quoted $2400, I said "is that with the ECS controls", then he said $2800. I don't know if he seized an oppurtunity to up the price at that point. I would hate to think so because he was such a nice old man. But it is hard for me to trust anybody selling anything.

I would have left at once, my dealer recently sold the shop to some young entrepreneurs who, when I walked in they must've thought I was made of money or something... Off I was, to never return. Yes, I hated to see it, too.

If you're just starting out, get a used Wb. They're a lot cheaper so you'll be out less if you don't make it (over half of all new businesses never do, yours is but a statistic in all of that, do not assume what may happen). It will also give you the opportunity to learn how to do maintenance and repairs (read the thread of the newcomer who thought his stuff was under warranty and the dealership slipped him a 500-dollar repair bill for something which, had it been me, I could've done in an afternoon myself for a lot less). Last but not least, the older mower has less power which means when (yes, when) you hit something or run it into the ditch, you will do less damage to not only whatever you hit, but the mower as well.

I didn't buy a new one until my 4th year and by that time, I had a national toro account.
But I didn't have squat when I started, except 5 thousand dollars cash.
Which I saved over 3-4 years by slaving away at a job, I washed dishes in a busy restaurant night after night and never went out, never did nothing but put money aside.
This is how I made it, dig your own way but learn to walk before you run, I was told.

[PMLAWN]

If you are buying a mower to make money with than buy a Hydro. If you are solo than in 3 months when you realize the mistake you made, go and buy the hydro and the belt will sit. And do not say I can not afford a hydro. Mowers do not "cost" money, they make money, Make the most you can!

[Grits]

If you are buying a mower to make money with than buy a Hydro. If you are solo than in 3 months when you realize the mistake you made, go and buy the hydro and the belt will sit. And do not say I can not afford a hydro. Mowers do not "cost" money, they make money, Make the most you can!

IT's not that I can't afford a hydro....but, my wife thinks I can not afford a hydro!:)

[DRM Ventures]

The Toro would be $2400 here.... You can make money with the belt drive..... I have for years......

D

[Grits]

Why are they more expensive here? Or do I have "sucker" written across my forehead? I really do not want to get taken. I really would like a NEW mower, any suggestions on getting the price down or are they just more in the Pensacola/Gulf Breeze, Florida area?

[lugnut#6]

don't tell the dealer you live in gulf breeze....he'll think your rich:)

our exmark dealer says they have some sort of new incentive that started last friday.0 down till next march i think.

Popps ferry sales and service 228-385-2400.if ya wanna call em for a quote.
they are about 2 hours or less from you in biloxi,ms.

btw....surf up?

[Grits]

don't tell the dealer you live in gulf breeze....he'll think your rich:)

our exmark dealer says they have some sort of new incentive that started last friday.0 down till next march i think.

Popps ferry sales and service 228-385-2400.if ya wanna call em for a quote.
they are about 2 hours or less from you in biloxi,ms.

btw....surf up?

That whole being rich to live in Gulf Breeze thing is a huge misconception!:(
The exmark dealer over here told me about that too. Thanks for the #, I'll call them and see what they can do.

I don't know what's up with the surf. I've been too busy lately to even go near the water. That's very unusual for me. I usually fish at least a few times per week. Too many "irons in the fire" right now. Oh well. Thanks again!

[ENDURO]

Spend the money, get the hydro. Have you looked at the Quick 36? I believe it's a single hydro and only $2600 !! I made the mistake of buying a belt drive this year and wish I got a hydro. The belt drive is very tiring and does not really have a reverse. If you do your research on here, you will see that 95% will say get a hydro. There are a few die hard tough guys who can handle a belt drive, but why waste the energy?

[Grits]

Spend the money, get the hydro. Have you looked at the Quick 36? I believe it's a single hydro and only $2600 !! I made the mistake of buying a belt drive this year and wish I got a hydro. The belt drive is very tiring and does not really have a reverse. If you do your research on here, you will see that 95% will say get a hydro. There are a few die hard tough guys who can handle a belt drive, but why waste the energy?

Yeah, I looked at the Q36, cool mower, I thought about getting it. Not now though. I am not going to get a hydro right now. I'll do the belt thing first. Maybe it'll make me appreciate the hydro more when I get one. My wife thinks $2500 is too much to spend on "just a lawn mower". She obviously doesn't get it...but if I spend the money on the hydro, I won't get "it" either!

[The mayor]

I have the toro...but in 48". Even know it doesn't get used much anymore. It served me well for years. I like the tbar. just my 2 cents. good luck on your choice I am sure all are decent.

[Grits]

I was really liking the Toro too. Bunton had some nice controls too.....Z-controls. I didn't demo it but played with it on the floor....just like a Z, only smaller.

[ENDURO]

I like what someone else on here quoted. " The mower doesn't cost you money, It makes you money". My mower payment through eXmark is only $49/month for 2 years. That is peanuts when you realize that only one $40 a week lawn brings in $160/month. That's enough for the mower payment, liability insurance, and some gas. Mowers do make you money, so why not get one that can make you the most money. Just my 3 cents....

[jazak]

Around here thats about going prices.

[Brendan Smith]

...but if I spend the money on the hydro, I won't get "it" either!
i know the feeling. my controls 80% of the money and 100% of the...um..."it"
:dizzy: :cry:

[NothingLess]

Why are they more expensive here? Or do I have "sucker" written across my forehead? I really do not want to get taken. I really would like a NEW mower, any suggestions on getting the price down or are they just more in the Pensacola/Gulf Breeze, Florida area?


out of curiousity what places did you go to... since i am in the p cola area... and also lookin for a dealer to possible do some good business with...


but i would imagine it is like anywhere else around this town...some will treat u fair others will try to make the most out of it then u have the ones that dont pay u but a glance of attention...

[Grits]

out of curiousity what places did you go to... since i am in the p cola area... and also lookin for a dealer to possible do some good business with...


but i would imagine it is like anywhere else around this town...some will treat u fair others will try to make the most out of it then u have the ones that dont pay u but a glance of attention...

I thought Jim at Seville Lawn was cool. Older guy. Nice shop. Exmark dealer. Shindaiwa (I think) a some more brands. Can't remember exactly...it's been a little while since I was there and when I was shopping around i went to ALL of them. The Toro dealer has a shop off Hwy 29 near Car City and a shop in West P'Cola. I went to both and got 2 TOTALLY different prices. That threw up red flags with me. I ended up buying from AA Lawn over in Navarre off of Hwy 87. Mainly because they seemd cool and they are a little closer to my house....and I feel like I got a good deal. I went to The Bunton/Bobcat dealer (West Fl Turf (I think)) he seemed like a prick and it seemed like he was blowing me off so I didn't buy from him. Shop around...there are plenty of dealers around the P'Cola area.