XS VS. Laser Z-Which is the mower of choice?

[gunpowder]

I work for a non-profit that sells their Exmark every year if possible. I currently have a '05 Laser Z 28hp KAW 60" for sale. I couldn't get it sold last year and apparently the dealer's sales were off as well due to the market.

Hopefully this year I can sell it since it only has 93 hours and still a GEM IMO. I like shiny red too ;)

I am looking at the '07 XS and the '07 Laser Z and need to buy what is marketable to ensure best chance of resale next year. My current 27HP KAW boggs down some when I bail hay so I was looking at the BVG's although I am sure they will be noisier being air cooled. Either choice has the KAW's (28 & 29 as well).

These mowers keep getting higher in price and I think I may have passed the max that a buyer is able to pay to get a used machine verses zero % financing from Exmark unless I wholesale my mower through the bottom which I can't do.

My question is: I assumed everyone would move to the XS when they came out but I see the LaZer Z is still popular. Is it the cost return factor? What is the trend?

[gunpowder]

ALSO: 60" or 66" ?

I have a few tight spots that are less than 66" on a few trails. I also have a chainsaw thought :)

[TAZ]

If you go with the XS I would go with the 66 because there is very little trim edge on the XS with a 60.

Personally I would go with the Z unless you really need the added speed. The XS is a big heavy piece of equip (not that the z isn't) and it's best suited on acreage.

I had the 31 briggs on mine and I was amased at the power. It ran smooth and I never had any issues with it.

-TAZ

[gunpowder]

The faster the better though. I am the only employee and have all the office non-profit stuff, educational stuff, and 317 acres of nature with 5 miles of trails and maybe 10+ acres around the buildings, lane, road frontage.

My price for a 35HP 66" XS is between $9K & $9,500. about $1K more than a 31 66" Z

[tacoma200]

Sounds like you have heavy enough work to justify the XS with its larger pumps, weight, engine size etc. That's some good prices!. I may go non profit, I'm pretty close now.

[AFD]

Just got two 35hp 66 today. Traded two lazers with 28efi that was 60 inch cuts. I couldn't believe the speed and the power the 35 has. Cuts as good or better then the 28 did. I would go with the 35 hp hands down!

[jtkplc]

I agree, 35hp 66" XS.

[Gruneich Lawn Care, Inc.]

What did you guys end up paying for your 35/66s?

[chem1]

gunpowder,
I am looking for a good used exmark, let me know if yours is still for sale.

[YB Legal]

we have two 31/66 xs, they are way sweet. one with a mulch kit to do around flower beds, parking lots and islands. the other without for the open areas. if you can still find the 31 you will probabaly save some money, i think the 35 was about $500 more. i hav ehad no problems cutting with the 31. i like the fact that they cut just like a regular z until you crack open the sticks and it hauls. if you can get a 35/66 for 9500 i would jump on that. best part is when you buy with that bid assiat program with non-profit contracts you just bought a $12,000 mower for $9500. you can run the mower for a couple of years and still sell it and get your money back. just some food for thought.

[DieselXP]

Am I missing something, is the xs not a 25 hp kubota diesel?

[tacoma200]

The XS has several engine options.
LXS29LKA605
29 KAW
60" Triton (152 cm)
LXS29LKA665
29 KAW
66" Triton (168 cm)
LXS29LKA725
29 KAW
72" Triton (183 cm)
LXS35BV605
35 BVG
60" Triton (152 cm)
LXS35BV665
35 BVG
66" Triton (168 cm)
LXS35BV725
35 BVG
72" Triton (183 cm)
LXS25KD605
25 KUB
60" Triton (152 cm)
LXS25KD665
25 KUB
66" Triton (168 cm)
LXS25KD725
25 KUB
72" Triton (183 cm)

[gunpowder]

gunpowder,
I am looking for a good used exmark, let me know if yours is still for sale.

chem1: Your profile doesn't allow private messages but it is still 4-sale. I think it is still <100 hrs and $7,999. but in active use till sold.

[chem1]

gunpowder,
Thanks for your reply, but I recently picked up a Toro Z-Master with a 27 hp Liquid cooled kawi. Not an Exmark, but I am very pleased with it so far!