toro z's vs exmark v's

[dlandscaping]

i am planning on purchasing a new Z with a collection system this fall and i am going to demo both exmark and toro ztrs these are the big time dealers around my area there is a smal skag/toro dealer and a johndeere/scag/great dane dealer a few miles away. i was just wondering on peoples input on these riders i am lookin at the 44 toro and was wondering if anyone has one, HOW MUCH THEY PAID FOR THE MACHINE and if they have had any problems the same with the exmark ztr (44 or 48 inch deck)

[Evan528]

I own a 62 inch toro z master. Love the machine for the most part. Are you going to only strictly bag lawns? The only diffrence between the exmark and the toro are the decks. The exmark deck has a slight edge over the toro in mulching ability while the toro is superior in wet grass. My advice would be too get a 60 or a 62 inch deck. I feel like getting small 44 inch deck defeats the purpose of a ztr... wich is gained productividy.

[bruces]

I have a 52" Toro Zmaster 100 that I've run for 22 hours so far and I'm very pleased (19hp Kaw). I paid 5,999 plus sales tax.

I don't have bagging or mulch system yet.

[leaflawnandlimb]

If your going to be bagging look more towards the exmark w/ the ultra-vac.

[RB]

I just sold a Toro 44" 17kaw w/30 hours on it -- Hated it. The 44" was way too unstable on even "slight" grades. I even had a problem turfing flat lalwns early in the morning.

I bet you didn't test drive this machine yet. And I bet you never owned a Exmark, because if you did you wouldn't be posting your qeustion.

I think Toro is a good company but their 44" machine is far from a productive mower -- and that is why you are buying a ztr mower.

In my opinion I would stick to a wb for anything 48" and smaller.

If you have a 48" wb, spend the extra digits and get a 52" ztr -- and don't buy a Toro.

Just my 2 cents.

RB

[EJK2352]

I have an Exmark Lazer HP 52" w/ the Ultravac bagger. I bought it last fall and have had zero problems. I really like the way it bags w/ the Ultravac, it's excellent for fall leaf clean-up!!! I have used Peco & Easy Rake vacs on Lazers in the past and they don't even compare to the Ultravac. I don't think Toro has a spindle driven vac for their Z's yet, but I heard they are working on one.
:) ;) :) ED

[Guardian]

Theres NO problem w/ lazer 44's. I have run one for a year & half ...and run it hard. It is a very forgiving mower. Other than routine maintenance, I've replaced the hydro belt and a pulley. Thats all! (800 hrs). As far as the advise to get a wb instead, up to you. Between my 44 lazer & wb, I guarentee I am more productive with alot of less wear on ME. It also does a great job in wet conditions (nothing but rain here for the past 2 months)

[65hoss]

Toro doesn't have a bagging system yet. I have the 52" HP with ultravac and I love it for leaves and spring cleanups. Personally I wouldn't look at less than the 52". Only because the speed is greater than the 44" and 48".

[dhicks]

First of all... Try a Hustler Super Z. I have a Toro Z 255 w/ 62" deck. From day one, the Toro has never cut very well. I have to mow and remow and sometime mow it again before I can get a clean cut.

The deck is level, clean and the tire pressure are set to MFG recommendations while the engine RPMs are over clocked. New blades, sharp blades nothing will make this deck cut.

So if you can't demo a Hustler go with the eXmark.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Here is what I use

Exmark Lazer 60"
Peco vac

We use to pick up leaves. but I have seen how well it will do bagging grass and it will out perfom any other bagging system out there.

You can also dump from the seat

www.Lawnvac.com Peco Vac web site

As far as price it varies to much for different areas

LGF:blob1:

[HOWARD JONES]

I paid $7050 for a 62" Zmaster Z255, another dealer quoted me $8500 for the exact same machine. The first guy quoted me $5400 for the 44" Z100, no options. I agree with Evans on his comparisons and this is the first year for the new design Toro; this is why they do/did not have collection systems when I bought.

[DanG]

I have a 52" Z-master compact with an easy rake bagger that goes on it.
It does do a nice a job as far as bagging leaves and also grass clippings.
Also with this system with a seperate pony motor you aren't limited to just what your mower can run over.

I use it to pick up leaves and stuff that I rake out of beds by taking off the hose from the mower dischage shute.
I also use the motor by itself with a bracket i made up to load my truck curb side if i'm using my hustler ( which is rarely):cool:

[awm]

one difference is the spindles . the torro having grease zerts an requiring daily grease ,according to my dealer. the exmark has a sealed bearing.ive always preferred the greaseable but must admit it would be nice to just forget that part of maintenance.
latertm

[jrodgers]

I bought a Toro Z Master 52 a couple of months ago and I am not really that impressed. I am sorry that I didnt demo anything else but just went on the input I got from other people. I think that in my situation I would be better off with my 52 wb on some days, although other days the opposite. I think it all depends on your lawns, if they are not wide open your better off with a wb it is faster and you dont get so fat!!!!!