36" vs. 48" walk behind

[Tracker]

I typically mow residential lawns that are no larger than 1/2 to 3/4 acre and gates are not an issue. Would you recommend a 36" or 48" walk behind? What are the advantages or disadvantages of each - - - other than the obvious width difference? Thanks for your input.

[Premo Services]

Whats that saying, "wider is better" ? If gates are not a
problem,I would definetly go with the 48 in, for the increased stability on hills, also on 3/4 acre lots you will notice better productivity with it.

[Double D]

If the lots are mostly level go with the bigger unit. If there is a good bit of slope to some of the lots, you may want to consider the smaller unit.

[65hoss]

GET THE 48"!!!! Productivity is greatly increased over the 36". You will also get a smoother cut over the entire surface. The wider the cut, the more natural and level it looks. If I never had to worry about any gates, I would sell the 36" tomorrow. They are great mowers, but the time you loose is huge over other sizes.

[mdb landscaping]

like said before. if the gates arent a problem i think 48 inches is the only way to go. maybe you even should consider a 52 inch.

[crazygator]

Go with the 48 or larger. Not only will you have a better or higher HP option, but your productivity will go up as well. Which means more lawns in less time. By the way, what machines are you looking at, and have you demo'd the Hustler walkbehind? Really cool machine. I'll have mine soon!

[Tracker]

I'm mainly considering Exmark . I would like to look at Hustler but there are no dealers within reasonable distance. Any others that I should consider? How is the Scag WB ? - - - there are some complaints about their riders in this forum.

[sheppard]

If you are starting out I'de strongly recommens a 36' WB. It does the job well. If you have lots of fenced in back yards then it is a must. Getting a well known manf. is important for resale when your business demands it. As soon as you can cost justify it get either a Wright Stander or a Snapper ZTR (of course this depends on the strength of the local dealership).

Cordially,
Sheppard

[Esby]

Sheppard......I'm not going to rip on Snapper mowers in general, but in this forum I think the general thought on snappers ZTR's is not that good. I DONT have any experiece with the ZTR's made by them, but I have used other mowers by Snapper and they haven't been what I would call commercial.

Anyways...if your local dealer sells Exmark then that is great. Exmark is a brand known by many to hold up to the toughest conditions and still give a great cut. If that dealer is close....distance should be an issue for service and everything else....then go with a 48"Exmark. I have one and love it....although my new Lazer is easier to drive and more fun, the Exmark walkbehind is a great choice.

[sheppard]

Dear Espy, thanks for the comment. I'd get an Exmark too if the dealership here did not have such a bad reputation. Of all the dealerships in the Tallahassee area, the Snapper is the most stable and has the best bargain- they are definitley customer focussed. My first recommendation was a 'Stander'. Have read the negative comments some weeks back on Snapper- ot prompted all the loyal Snapper users to chime in and come to its defense. Did a search and was plesantly surprized at the comments on Snapper. Don't get me wrong, everything being equal I'd pick 2 or 3 other manufacturers over Snapper.

Cordially,
Sheppard

[Evan528]

I Definitly go with a new exmark 48 inch mower. If you have small gates you should have no problem finding an old used 36 inch bobcat or exmark for 7-800 bucks!

[TJLC]

I don't know if it was mentioned above or not but no matter what size you choose, 36 or 48, go with a hydro. You won't be sorry. It is worth the extra cost. I own both 36 and 48 Exmark hydro's. I only use the 36 as a backup, I prefer the 48 with the velkie.

[chuck bow]

I have 2 scag hydro walk behinds with velkes one being a sacg ultimate 48 inch cut and other standard 52 inch hydro and i am very pleased with both and customer service is outstanding in this area gates arent a issue here tho