Need your opinion Before I purchase Two machine

[MadLawn]

Please help me what is your opinion which better of U turn machine for large yard?

-Gravely™
-eXmark™
-Scag ™


if it other please add and I would be happy to hear your opinion.

Want to buy two more Because I just purchase 1989 Chevy Truck with very low mile. It so nice truck. But What a dumb guy sell me for $1300.00 Wow is it cheap. No paint faint all good shape and inside too. I am going to hired two more guy to driving this truck and work work work for me.

--Charles

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Well cool cool cool.

Kinda hard, it's like ford vrs chevy vrs dodge.

You have Gravely mower gif's plastered on you web site.

[Gary LA]

Ferris 52' dual hydros w sulky runs at 9mph. if you tweek your idler/governor tension springs just about 1/8th more you jump to 11mph.
nothing out monuevers them and you can fit more on your trailers!;)

[John DiMartino]

If it was me,given your choices,Exmark,no doubt about it.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by Gary LA
Ferris 52' dual hydros w sulky runs at 9mph. if you tweek your idler/governor tension springs just about 1/8th more you jump to 11mph.
nothing out monuevers them and you can fit more on your trailers!;)

9 mph is news to me. Brochure says 8mph.

My Exmarks ran right with the Ferris at 7 mph. And I reved the Ferris wb's up.

1/8th more you will blow your engine!!! More like a 1/2 a milimeter.

Fit more on trailer, NOT 3-52" on a 16' no matter what.

Get your calculator out. 52 x 4 = 208" that's side ways. 16'=192"

Length wise still 3!!!

[KirbysLawn]

Only 3? I like Great Dane or Hustler, not on the list. Of the 3 you list Exmark would be my choice, still 3rd overall.

[Gary LA]

Who said anything about 16' if you have a 16'your right not much going to fit.
I can put my 36 next to my 52 on the trailor.
I have a 36,2-52"- a 22"- 4 weedeaters , 4 leaf blowers-I could probably fit even more if I felt like it.
Your ruler needs to get a stretch
1/8th is what I said it's also what I ment.
If you adjust one you have to adjust the other (ie.1/16th for the governor-one for the idle).
This lawngodfather strikes me as a bit of a character.:rolleyes:

[cajuncutter]

hey I can get 3 54 inch mowers on a 16' trailer..with 1 1/2 inches to spare:D ..hustler shortcuts that is..I can imagine you could get 3 surfers on with more room to spare:blob2:

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by Gary LA
Who said anything about 16' if you have a 16'your right not much going to fit.
I can put my 36 next to my 52 on the trailor.
I have a 36,2-52"- a 22"- 4 weedeaters , 4 leaf blowers-I could probably fit even more if I felt like it.
Your ruler needs to get a stretch
1/8th is what I said it's also what I ment.
If you adjust one you have to adjust the other (ie.1/16th for the governor-one for the idle).
This lawngodfather strikes me as a bit of a character.:rolleyes:

I can fit 2-52" and 1-36" on a 12' trailer, but you did not say what size.

1/8th of what? An 1/8th of an inch is close to 3 centimeters. Kaw does not give you much adj. in that area. You must bend the gov. spring, but if you are near 3600 rpm's then you can't adj. it much more. You chance blowing your engine.

At 3600+rpm's the Ferris dual drive hydro is running at 8 mph. Their spec's not mine.

1/8th from a 1/16th is a big difference.

BTW did you get your speeds from a radar gun or just guessing?

I tried to get one of mine to go 10mph and could not safely. Ran it next to a ZTR I know that goes 10.5mph and the ZTR pulled away quickly.

Exmark claims their WB's go 6.2mph and they ran right next to the Ferris WB's. Ferris claim theirs will run 8mph. Lesco claims their hydro WB's go 8mph. Now if I never did anything to my Exmark WB's and they go 6.2mph and put all 3 side by side like I have, and none pull away, then what conclusion do you come too?

[skyphoto]

I think you could get 5 or 6 - 52" mowers on an 8' trailer.....If you stack them! hehehe

Ummmmmmm Be truthful now how often do you guys run wide open while mowing? I have a Hopper 721D G2 & can run 9 MPH but I would estimate only 10-15% of my mowing can be done at that speed because of slopes trees etc.

I realize faster means more coverage but quality of the cut is sacrificed as your speed is increased no matter what the machine used. I guess what Im saying is I dont care if the machine will do 9 or 19 MPH cause I aint gonna go fater than I feel comfy with and 9mph on a sulky aint gonna happen with me!

PEACE!:)

[brentsawyer]

Who gives a s___, unless you mow flat out at all times and want to lay the grass down in the yard. I mow about 2/3 speed with all my Scag and Lesco mowers and sharpen my blades daily and that is max speed I can do, so I really could care less if my mowers goes 20mph, I won't use it. You don't buy your trucks like this I hope, test driving a full size at 100+mph down the highway sounds a little ridiculous to me and making a purchase decision on these grounds is stUUUUUUUUUpid. So don't base your mower purchasing on topped out speed.

[John DiMartino]

Top speed isnt the most important issue with a mower,but I do consider it to be important.If the mower can cut clean at top speed,and you have smooth enough ground,then I say use it.I can mow at 6-8 mph with my Dixie,and leave a perfect cut,I mow next to a guy with 48"wb's that is mowing at about 4-5 mph,and mine is cutting,and striping better.i dont know if it is because his blades are dull,or the deck is plugged,I dont know,and i dont care all i know is i can finish my 5 acre job in the same tim it takes him to do his 2 acre job,and mine looks better while mowing twice his speed.This translates into me making twice the money per hr he is,and having the job turn out better.Speed is good,id the mower can cut cleanly at the higher speed.I sharpen my blades,every 4-6 cutting hrs,so this helps too,most guys around here sharpen them ecery 2 weeks ,need it or not,LOL.

[King City Lawns]

I agree with John on this one. I have an account that is around 16 acres wide open ground for the most part. There are some trees, maybe 15. all are within 20 yards of each other. I would not trade my 725 grasshopper for any mower out there on this job. The speed is very helpful on large jobs of this nature. My grasshopper has no problem with quality at top speed on accounts that are always mowed regularly. So speed with quality canbe a very good thing.

[Gary LA]

I've seen x-marks and frankly I am not in the least bit impressed.
If I used there brand ,I would never get done with my work.
A kaw FC540V single cylinder has a very large bore.
Very easy To make run full speeds+you adjust you hydros out a bit and watch your ars go!
I have to replace my engines frequently anyway I consider them to be a 2yr max life and then bury it in the back fourty!

It can be alittle rough on the legs for me(I always stand)but thats ok I can deal with it . the accessability with w/b is unsurpassed.
I don't have to slow down for much of anything that gets in my way.

Any body interested in 500lbs of used blades?:cool:

[Gary LA]

I don't know how to scan pics or anything like that or I would show yous guys some of my high speed high quality stripe'n and the equip. that does it.

I think we were supposed to be helping with a question?

Scags are ok real durable.
I watched one fall off the back of a trailer moving at about 50mph,it flip flopped bent the grips but still ranand still is running.

[cajuncutter]

Take the blades to your local metal salvage yard..you might get enough to buy a new set to start your next collection:D

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by Gary LA
I've seen x-marks and frankly I am not in the least bit impressed.
If I used there brand ,I would never get done with my work.
A kaw FC540V single cylinder has a very large bore.
Very easy To make run full speeds+you adjust you hydros out a bit and watch your ars go!
I have to replace my engines frequently anyway I consider them to be a 2yr max life and then bury it in the back fourty!



Dude you can't be too far from me. I would love to see this.

The FC540V isn't that the single cyclinder 17hp engine Kaw made? Formerly known as "No guts No glory".

Like I said I would love to see this.

We use the Speed of the mowers any where and every where it can be done

I think we were supposed to be helping with a question?

All the anwers are there; FORD vrs Chevy vrs Dodge. Personal prefferance.

[Gary LA]

The FC540V is a single cylinder 18horse.
Man how long you been in business 2yrs maybe 3?
I seen your pics It looks like your equipment has never left the trailer.
I really don't think you know the first thing about doing your own repair work, it would ruin you warranties on all that nice new stuff you got there!
I have never heard the "no guts no glory" qoute except on maybe a John wayne movie or two.

The question was about mowers,not your Fix Or Repair Daily preferences.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

I keep my equipment in tip top shape.

I'll have to leave the rest alone.

[65hoss]

Originally posted by Gary LA

I seen your pics It looks like your equipment has never left the trailer.


I have no idea what pics your referring to, but they are not the same ones I've seen.


Originally posted by Gary LA
have to replace my engines frequently anyway I consider them to be a 2yr max life
and then bury it in the back fourty!
Your talking about someone else not knowing about maintenance and your only getting 2 yrs out of your motors?

Originally posted by Gary LA
I've seen x-marks and frankly I am not in the least bit impressed.
If I used there brand ,I would never get done with my work.

Since you can't seem to get more than 2 years from a motor, you opinion on eXmarks is useless.

[KirbysLawn]

Originally posted by Gary LA
I have to replace my engines frequently anyway I consider them to be a 2yr max life and then bury it in the back fourty!

Are you serious?http://unionturf.com/SHOCKED.gif My Great Danes are 3 years old and run like new, according to your profile you mow 40 lawns a week and go thru a motor every two years? Time to update your maintenence program....

[Gary LA]

Hey I'm happy you do so well with your engines.
You probably have but a hand full of lawns anyway.
40 lawns, but they aren't all little ones or I wouldn't need mowers that can cut at 9mph(a couple running continuosly).
They are 52" decks at that.

I have been in business for 10yrs. I've had plent of time to accumulate some area.

I imagine since you use the x that you just buy new mowers every year because thats about all there good for-one year.You can give me your mower and I'll sell it for fifty bucks or so ,that is if someone up here will pay that.

Take a look in the paper, sure is alot of them x-mark things for sale at the end of each year.

The pics I seen was nothing but fresh paint.

[65hoss]

You make some really dumb assumptions. You see many mowers for sale because many people buy and then find out its hot hard work, so they sell. More eXmark mowers out there because they sell more than any others. Only stands to reason they would have the most being sold used also.

40 lawns per week?? hahahahahahaaaaahaaaa What a joke! If you going thru motors on only 40 per week, you need to learn to change oil, clean and change air filters, and sharpen blades.

I bought both of my exmarks in 2000, and they operate just like the day I got them. I don't do this part time either. I do this year round as my LIFE!

By the way, what is this great brand you use that gives you so much great service that you wear it out after 2 seasons?

[Gary LA]

I use ferris equipment
they are still around-its the engines that arent.

In my opinion you guys are like little kids your abit too literal.

I can sell a 2yr old engine for $400 not spend a dime on maintenance and have a new engine every other year.

I used to maintain them much more extensively but I like to drink and smoke when I get home,not sit on my hands and knees servicing my mowers.

I don't have to do anything but mow and push snow otherwise I wouldn't have the time to sit here on my ars and banter back and forth with you people in some kind of pissing match.

I guess you could say I'm a lifer too.

I also drive around all day mowing grass watching other co.s at work-- non of them are using your allmighty x machines,the occassional rider for those who are afraid to walk.

[Scraper]

Boy...this guy really knows how to make friends, eh? :confused:

Sounds like some other which have come and gone in the past. Must be nice to be a pro.

[Gary LA]

I've been around long enough to know when someone else hasn't.

I'm not here to make friends I don't really need pin pals,I got plenty of family to keep me busy in that area.

All I wanted was a little input myself-- instead I get a bunch of harrasment from a couple of yahoos who think they are the allmighty pro mower gods!

people point fingers at fools when the should first look to themelves.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by Gary LA
people point fingers at fools when the should first look to themelves.

He's starting to realize he is a fool.

Sell your used engine off your Ferris DD 52" to others?

I read the 40 accounts per a week in your profile. Do you realize that you are blowing smoke up our azzes.

I've been around long enough to know when someone else hasn't.

I've been pretty quick to point out bogus info, so I guess we are getting pretty good at getting the BS straitend out.

I like to drink and smoke

An alcaholic and a drug addict, thanks for telling us that. Now we know were these delusions are coming from.

I seen your pics It looks like your equipment has never left the trailer.

Oh they rarily ever just sit on the trailer. I take care of my stuff.

BTW look at this link. http://www.kawpowr.com/fc540v_specs.html

FC540V is a single cylinder 18horse. 17HP!!!! haa haa

All I wanted was a little input myself-- instead I get a bunch of harrasment from a couple of yahoos who think they are the allmighty pro mower gods!

If you wouldn't have posted bogus info, this wouldn't have happened.

Now why do you keep replacing that 17hp pos engine, why not put the Kaw. 17hp v twin on. That would be a much clearer and better choice engine. Heck you could even put a 23hp on.

[KirbysLawn]

Originally posted by Gary LA
All I wanted was a little input myself-- instead I get a bunch of harrasment from a couple of yahoos who think they are the allmighty pro mower gods!

Never saw you ask for input. Mower gods? Seems that is you who thinks you are, seems all are bad except for the ones you buy. You got input (or harassment as you call it) from people who disagree with you, get over it, that's life. Have you ever used an Exmark or Great Dane?

I have to replace my engines frequently anyway I consider them to be a 2yr max life and then bury it in the back fourty!..................In my opinion you guys are like little kids your abit too literal......not spend a dime on maintenance and have a new engine every other year

You should have said at the begining "I'm too lazy to maintain my equipment so I run them in the ground then buy new motors", would have been much clearer, not bashing others for not knowing how to maintain their equipment.:rolleyes: You don't spend a dime on maintenance? But you buy new engines every 2 years for your fleet of how many mowers for the 40 lawns you mow? Oh brother.........Do you maintain your car like that also?

If you need any help from us yahoos getting your lawn photos posted just ask, maybe we can help.
http://unionturf.com/all_coholic.gif

[Gary LA]

oops

[Gary LA]

All my stuff is old.
last mower I bought was 2yrs ago
getting a bit personal arent you?
I dont replace anything but weedeaters and eng.
5 mowers
4 weedeaters
4 leaf blowers
3 plow trucks
2 work trucks
i'm sure I spend less a year than you do on maint.
to busy arguing and defending myself to worry about pics,besides they said I cant put pics.

[Gary LA]

The kaw you show is only 535 disp.
My kaw is a Fc540v-AS13 larger displacement.
I own the 17hp twin kaw.its bigger than it also.

My 40+ lawns are more than enough for me.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by Gary LA


I don't have to do anything but mow and push snow otherwise I wouldn't have the time to sit here on my ars and banter back and forth with you people in some kind of pissing match.

I guess you could say I'm a lifer too.

I also drive around all day mowing grass watching other co.s at work-- non of them are using your allmighty x machines,the occassional rider for those who are afraid to walk.

Who's afraid to walk? I buy velke's and ZTR's for the INCREASE in productivity. More grass cut in a day, more money to deposit in the bank.

You drive around all day and watch or mow which is it?

Push snow, where not around the midwest?

You can't arguee some thing you did not specify. Just like it got no where like it has.

Those 40 lawns must take you a long long time to do every week at 11mph.

I do one place that has over 30 one acre lawns in 6 hours or less on a bad day with 2 mowers.I have to replace my engines frequently anyway I consider them to be a 2yr max life and then bury it in the back fourty!..................In my opinion you guys are like little kids your abit too literal......not spend a dime on maintenance and have a new engine every other year

My engines run just fine with several thousand hours on them with very little maintenance money spent on them. Keep them clean, oil, oil filters, air filters maby once a year, and a coil in one covered by warrenty.

I thought you said you sell them for $400 not bury them in the back 40. If you wouldn't keep buying those single cylinder out of production 17hp engines, maby you wouldn't have to do that any more.

We are not picking a fight with you, just trying to see what this is about. If it doen't make sence we ask questions.

[Gary LA]

Yes I have used a great dane for about a day
It wasnt what I would buy not monueverable enough in my opinion.

Ex-mark is just like a half a dozen other mowers on the market except maybe a thinner guage steel deck.

[Aaron Klemme]

I run a few scag's. I'm not impressesed with the finish cut of a stock one. You tweek the motor a bit....walah. It still is not the top cut but alot better. But back to the point, I will put any of my scags side to side with ANY mower out there and I gaurantee that it will kick ass and cut grass longer than the rest. They are just built like a brick s___ house.

[Gary LA]

1st I said bury then I said getting rid of for small price because your so literal. I didnt realize you were such a serious guy.

And yes my 40 lawns do keep me very busy I don't employ but a couple other guys no need to be so big in my opinion.
You ever heard of the K.I.S.S. method?

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by Gary LA
they said I cant put pics.

Who said that?

I did not see that posted anywhere.
You ever heard of the K.I.S.S. method?
Sure I have, that's why I'm laughing at you.

Give me that wasted money, not Kaw.

5 mowers
4 weedeaters
4 leaf blowers
3 plow trucks
2 work trucks

Does that mean maby 5 guys?

I never realy said which brand or what did better, nor did I slander any mower, just that what you posted was way out in left field, or in your case the back 40.

Give us some cold hard facts, like I and others have posted.

OK I guess it's time for the Lawn Site cuttin' rodeo.

[Gary LA]

I could not figure out how to show pics so I emailed the admin and they said no pics because of brand names and no compete or something like that.

fact is I agree with the scag owner about tweeking I said 1/8th and I ment it (repeat to Lawngodfather)
Cold hard facts are that it works and I do to mow at 9mph anywhere and everywhere possible.
you can even modify your jet in the carb w a little drill bit if you feel like it.

I never said I was mowing at 11mph , I said you can make it go that fast.
now who is jumping to assumptions and conclusions.

[65hoss]

Originally posted by Gary LA
And yes my 40 lawns do keep me very busy I don't employ but a couple other guys no need to be so big in my opinion.

If you only have 40 lawns, why in the heck do you need 2 other workers? That is 3 people for 40 lawns. I guess if all your looking for is beer and cigarette money you probably have that covered. 40 properties with 3 people, you should be back home in plenty of time to do maintenance on you machines.

[Gary LA]

You did say that the ferris had a top speed of only 7mph.
And that the brochure said 7mph.
The brochure I have says 9mph
You went on to say you had to tweek the ferris to make it go 7

Might not be slander but in a round about way your being insulting to me and my brand of choice,thaats how I see it!
I have alot of friends around here that mow grass and all of them are impressed with the top speed and manueverability. of this machine.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

I tweak all my mowers to the highest recommened RPM's by the MFG's. But I did most my comairing when they were all still new before I made any adjustments. Still don't belive you can get 3 mph more out of one.

Last I recall Ferris was a sponsors, even says so on the sponsor page.

BTW a FC540V is still a single cylinder 17horse. No one not even the MFG I contacted ever heard of the one you posted

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by LAWNGODFATHER
At 3600+rpm's the Ferris dual drive hydro is running at 8 mph. Their spec's not mine.

BTW did you get your speeds from a radar gun or just guessing?

I tried to get one of mine to go 10mph and could not safely. Ran it next to a ZTR I know that goes 10.5mph and the ZTR pulled away quickly.

Exmark claims their WB's go 6.2mph and they ran right next to the Ferris WB's. Ferris claim theirs will run 8mph. Lesco claims their hydro WB's go 8mph. Now if I never did anything to my Exmark WB's and they go 6.2mph and put all 3 side by side like I have, and none pull away, then what conclusion do you come too?

9 mph is news to me. Brochure says 8mph.

My Exmarks ran right with the Ferris at 7 mph. And I reved the Ferris wb's up.

My exact words. Make sure you read the word "CLAIM"

I know for a fact that the Ferris WB's i had did not do the 8mph the MFG claimed. I am just guessing at the 7mph as that Exmark claims their WB goes 6.2mph

[Gary LA]

Your manufacturer is wrong because I own one and I'm getting ready to replace it with an identical one very soon from a place in kcmo called wholesale small engines off of 12th street downtown for$650.

They did try to get me to upgrade to the twin but I wanted the original eng. I like it better.

All I know is they said no to pics or atleast didnt want to teach me how.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Send them to me or anyone else on this thread, I know I will post them.

Lawngodfather@aol.com

[Gary LA]

In "MY computer"on the desk top,- I have a folder with all my pics but I dont Know how to move them to the area I'm typing in now.

I tried to do the cut and paste thing its not working,I tried to move to web but it asks for an http,I tried the icon above on reply menu and did not understand that at all.

I mow grass not sit behind the comp. all day
this week is probably the most I've typed in years.

[65hoss]

You can't post straight from the pc. You have to store them on the net first.

[KirbysLawn]

Who cares.....

[jack D.]

Originally posted by Gary LA
instead I get a bunch of harrasment from a couple of yahoos who think they are the allmighty pro mower gods!


LMAO! This is quite often the case on LS but unfortunately for you LGF doesn't qualify for that title.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by jack D.


LMAO! This is quite often the case on LS but unfortunately for you LGF doesn't qualify for that title.

I have search your so called posts of knowladge, we will leave it at that as there is not much there.

[MikeLT1Z28]

people aren't lazy or affraid to walk, they buy a rider for productivity. 40 yards a week divided by 5 employess pay equals no profitability to buy those engines every two years.

you guys are talking about 7 and 9 mph on a walk behind, obviously he likes to run/jog at 9 mph all over properties chasing his WB because he isn't afraid of walking, so we know he doesn't ride a sulky.

and as far as eXmark being a bad brand according to you, i'll buy all of them you have or get for 50 dollars each. reselling them or keeping them would benefit me financially.

on the subject again of eXmark and getting stuff repaired, eXmark, like most all others, isn't in the business of building motors. so your ferris stuff with Kawasaki's are built by the same Kawasaki that eXmark and everyone else uses.



Mike
MPC Lawnworks (thanks Hoss)

[luv of green]

I think the point here is somebody w/out naming names is cheating uncle sam and pride for himself. We would all be out of business if we could have all that equipment ,guys to operate it, and only do 40 lawns a week? come on, this is a ridicoulis lie.if you cant baby a kaw. engine for at least 1200 hrs. stay the heck away from my garage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Gary LA]

I said I have at most 3 employee's Not 5.

And I do use a sulky on 1 of my mowers.The other is for my employees to use.

they also are still trimming while I finish mowing, or is this a concept only familiar to me?

You talk like 40 properties is not alot.
I am sorry that you under bid your so much you can't seem to make it work for you. perhaps you should raise you prices to better your position, then you could afford faster mowers and new engines.

I have no idea what you mean about cheating the gov., they get plenty from me every year!

And I sell engines that are still running its simply easier in my opinion to replace them before they become a problem down the road.

Kaw's are awsome eng.s they do last along time if you"Baby them"as you say.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

How many sq/ft or acres are your accounts?

What's that trimming thing again?

[Gary LA]

I don't know how many acres I mow but I can say that I'm mowing them at 9mph, 7 hrs. a day 5 days sometimes 4 depending on the weather,my boys are also mowing but the way I set up my lawns they always finish 1st so that I don't have to trim.

Trimming sucks.Unfortunately It is also hard to teach good trim work to the help so sometimes I have to anyway.

You do the math you seem to be better at it than I.

But remember I am an alcoholic drug abuser. I have no idea what I'm talking about.

Peace Out, I have to go get ready to do snow removal all night long.;)

[MikeLT1Z28]

sounds like the only snow job you need to clear up is the one you started here.

as far as 40 not being a lot, full time with employees it isn't. now if it's 40 golf courses with 3 guys (sorry, i saw the 5 in another part of the thread).

i don't underbid anything, my business is fine. are you saying that my financial situation shouldn't be improved by buying your 50 buck eXmarks? so people should have caps on how much money they have? not likely....

[Gary LA]

Just for you i logged back in.

what I said was I would put my ferris up against a xmark title for title and then I would take it from you and sell it for 50bucks if I could even get that for it.

As for your financial situation that is your problem not mine.
I really dont have a problem with the x except it is much easier to destroy if I was using it, and it is pretty slow.

I think most new comers buy them because they are cheap and easy to maintain if your into all that extra work.

If you havent had to do anything to yours yet ,-count your blessings.

take a look at all the parts on your mower individually, see how many of them are actually interchangable with other cheaper brand mowers of similar quality.

Let me repeat myself----40 is enough for me and my emps.

It's kinda like chevy,gmc,pontiac,buick. lots of parts available.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Ok we will use 3 acres an hour to make it more realistic.

X 2 mowers running for 5 hours a day for 4 days a week.

120 acres a week.

40 three acres lawns.

Your raking in that dough at $117,000 a year gross. Got that from the other numbers you posted. That's if you are billing for all the hours worked including drive time.

Am I close?

Since you haven't bought a new mower in a few years, then I know exactly what Ferris models you have. And I had 3 of them with the 17hp single kaw.

See I can't post what I know about those mowers because I got rid of mine for the same reasons you dislike exmark.

Quit posting about a mower you know nothing about. You never owned one and have no knowlage of that brand of mower.

Like what was said before your info on exmarks is useless and untrue why don't we just add all brands of mowers.

BTW email me a pic of the spec # on the side of that so called 18hp KAW.

[Gary LA]

In a perfect world you are almost right.

however you and I both know that it doesn't quit work out that way.

you also left out some fatal variables,2 emps. at 10$ per hr(if they deserve that much),drive time between props. and the rising ,never the same from day to day gas prices.

It really does make one mad to think of what they should make as apposed to what the real world offers.

you just made me increase my prices and decrease my paying wage!(hahahaha) My emps. are going to hate this sight.

I hope you know I'm just kidding about the last stuff.(trying to be more clear)

[LAWNGODFATHER]

So it's less, I gather?

[Gary LA]

that would be great, but like I said earlier I had problems getting a decent interest rates on home loans.

Its a bit less but it supports me and all my vices just fine.
I can do just about anything I want(with in reason).

I dont have a wife and kids either, I am a die hard batchelor!

I love what the lawn bus. has aloud me to do.:cool:

so far the weather here is not benificial yet so I think I will begin My drunk'n revelry.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Have a drink on me.


http://www.budlight.com/images/age_check_01.jpg

[MikeLT1Z28]

Originally posted by Gary LA
[B]Just for you i logged back in.

what I said was I would put my ferris up against a xmark title for title and then I would take it from you and sell it for 50bucks if I could even get that for it.

not even close in my opinion, i guess they are ok if you like suspension on a mower.

for your financial situation that is your problem not mine.
I really dont have a problem with the x except it is much easier to destroy if I was using it, and it is pretty slow.

well, if you manage to blow up a motor every other year only doing 40 yards,i can see where you would call it easy to destroy. 9 mph isn't slow to me, seems on par with other 52" Z's.


i think most new comers buy them because they are cheap and easy to maintain if your into all that extra work.

cheap? not really.. affordable, but not cheap by any means.

If you havent had to do anything to yours yet ,-count your blessings.

i wouldn't hold my breath on saying that.. like i said, eXmark has no outstanding design flaws. the few troubles i have heard anyone mention were all isolated events.

take a look at all the parts on your mower individually, see how many of them are actually interchangable with other cheaper brand mowers of similar quality.

why the hell would i want to put a part on my mower off of a CHEAPER mower???


Let me repeat myself----40 is enough for me and my emps.

that's fine, no one said 40 wasn't enough, they said you should have plenty of time for other things during the rest of the week when you are done.

It's kinda like chevy,gmc,pontiac,buick. lots of parts available.

not sure what that has to do with anything, but anyway.

[Gary LA]

I dont know what your trying to say the suspension design is the same, -what do you have a floating deck or something -I dont remember that being a x brand feature.

I have rollers and me making sure I dont cause any problems.

You keep saying I blow mower eng..

what I said was I change them out every other year.
When I sell them they still run or I would have to literally "Bury them in the back 40."

you should pay more attention to what is written before opening up your can of wup-ars.

I can say that I run up there with the riders- at least most.

I never said I didnt have time,what I said was"I would rather be drinking or smoking than sitting on my hands and knees servicing mowers.

thats were that alcoholic thing came in.

Parts that are readily available by design are always cheaper.

they also fail more often.

thats what I ment by the truck ,car same brand thing.

[MikeLT1Z28]

ok, first off, i haven't begun to open a can of wup arse as you say. we are all hear to learn from each other and help each other. opinions are fine but slamming one of the most commonly used (not to mention reliable) products is a bit absurd.

go here... http://www.exmark.com/TurfTracer.htm look down a few paragraphs where it says in bold letters the best mowing system on the market today. that should clear up and doubt about the type of decks they offer.

i mentioned the suspension thinking you had a ztr, my mistake.

ok, so you don't blow up motors, you have already said you don't maintain them. if they aren't bad after 2 seasons then why are you selling them? sounds like you'd spend less money just changing the oil to me. who wants to buy a non maintained piece of equipment. out to screw the brother LCO?

if you drink and smoke that is fine, that is your choice. there are many great support programs out there to help with both.

gotcha on the parts quality thing.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by Gary LA
I dont know what your trying to say the suspension design is the same, -what do you have a floating deck or something -I dont remember that being a x brand feature.

Go to www.exmark.com

Dude you haven't seen an Exmark in at least 10 years then.

http://www.exmark.com/images/largeTurfTracer.jpg

Minus the "ECS" thease models have been out for over 10 years.

What is that thing in front of the engine platform? Could that be a floating deck?

Now it really goes to show that your info about Exmark is completely and totaly useless.

Now can you see why we are picking at you?

Your info on exmark is as outdated as you.

[MikeLT1Z28]

for that matter you don't even have to get that big of a mower, the metro 36 HP offers the floating deck too.

http://www.exmark.com/images/largeMetroHP.jpg

[Gary LA]

Thats a real nice pic,but you cant take a fence post at 9mph without doing major repairs to it, let alone a curb.
if your going 6.5mph thats all fine and well but you truly have to pay more attention to what your doing for safety purposes.

If you have novice emp. your going to be doing alot of extra repair to your equip. and lawns..
those are High maint. units and I dont want to devote the time to them.

I did not realize that they had floaters these days though ,you got me there.

nice intake/muffler setup , I can give em that.

ztr yes by the way my ferris is just that.

did someone say something about suspension?
http://www.ferrisindustries.com/is.htm

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Did you know that Ferris also sells floating deck too?

but you cant take a fence post at 9mph without doing major repairs to it, let alone a curb.

More useless info. Without ever trying one, your humble opinion does not count.

HELL yes they can take running in to stuff. But we don't run into to stuff since none of my employees drink on the job. What are all your employees drunk on the job with you? Don't they have eyes?
Don't you think if your employees were paying attention in the first place they wouldn't run into fence posts and curbs?

Tell you the truth the Ferris I used to have got torn up real easy after I sold them.

BTW from someone who has tried much of the selection of mowers, the exmarks have had the least maintenace I have had to do. The Ferris had the most, but then again you don't do any at all any ways.

BTW I said my Exmarks went aprox. as MFG claimed when I bought them, but no way do they do 9mph nor do I belive yours do also. Maby closer to 7.5mph to 8mph.

OK my waders are at kneck level now, please don't make me drown.

[Gary LA]

you dont read very well, or pay attention anyway. You replied to great dane thread so then you know it was me that ran into the fence post!!!!

however you are the one affraid to go fasssstttt..

once again you are putting words in my mouth, my employees don't drink on the job, they may be hungover but not legal over the limit for operating a lawnmower.

You got rid of your ferriss's, and your production fell....

MFG stats will always be lower than what is capable.
They are not going to tell you to get more productivey out of your engine

they have spec. for there engines due to warrenty concerns...

MY SPEED IS 9 MPH I RUN CIRCLES AROUND YOUR ARSS...

oh yeah about the waders lay off the cabbage and the beans...

:cool:

[Gary LA]

I'M GETTING HAPPY NOW , i'M THINKING THAT ONE OF YOU IS GOING TO START PREACHING AA/NA TO ME SOON.

While your up praying I'll be laughing at your insulence,your cander and lack there of.

you seen the site it speaks for itself.
I may not have a floating deck, but I'm a skilled operator so its not necessary for me to have it.

Hey keep your chin up ,some day you will get a ferris(again).

Besides its fun when a client pisses you off -to scalp their yard because you have the skill to do so.(i.e. no floating deck).

[customcut]

This arguement is gettin old. You guys really need to get some new material in order to maintain your level of cheap entertainment.And just one question What the heck does a farris have to do with a poll that names ex-mark,gravley and scags......oh and one more thing you guys feel free to say a prayer for me anytime. Lord knows my family and I could sure use it..........Have a great day ,Kenny:cool:

[KJC Landscaping]

Gary LA
you dont read very well, or pay attention anyway. You replied to great dane thread so then you know it was me that ran into the fence post!!!!

Gary LA
I may not have a floating deck, but I'm a skilled operator so its not necessary for me to have it.

[olabob]

EXMARK

[big james]

Somebody please explain to me why running into a fence post at 9 mph should even be discussed on this site? I don't even want to own a mower that could take that kind of abuse .I guess he needs that suspension for his pickled liver :D :rolleyes: