Belt drive WB

[Philfromflorida]

Hello everyone,
This is a great forum! I've learned a lot since joining/reading. I don't own a lawn business. I joined to learn something about quality commercial equipment. It takes me about 1 hour to mow my yard with a Murray 6.5 hp 22" push mower. I just can't take it any more. I want a larger commercial machine. I've looked at Scag and Exmark belt drives. Both are nice. I've also looked at Exmark hydro drives (Viking model). Money isn't that much of an issue with me, although I'm not thrilled with spending another $1,300 for a hydro. I just want something that will last years and years and that is user friendly. I understand that belt drives take a little more effort to back up than hydros. Dealer quoted me $3400 for 48" Scag belt with 16hp Kaw engine. Another dealer quoted me $3,100 for Exmark Metro with 15 hp Kaw engine and $4,700 for the Viking. I'm guessing the Viking is overkill for my yard? But, 48" is the size I want. I want a quick cut with a quality machine. I will need to back up an average amount of times per cut. Are the belt drives difficult to operate over the hydros? The choices are either one of the two mentioned belt drives or the Viking hydro. I saw the commercial equipment that Sears offers and I think it is built by Bobcat (36" deck and 13.5 hp Briggs engine) but I think Scag and Exmark are much better quality choices. I have two dealers within 5 miles of where I live with the closest being about 1.5 miles away (Exmark) Also I suppose I'll be helping out some of my neighbors with their lawns too. What do you guys think? BTW, I absolutely respect what you guys do. It isn't an easy business from what I've seen with sometimes tough working conditions. I actually like cutting my lawn and doing yard work, but I don't think I could do it for a living. My hat is off to you all.
Phil.

[CFB]

Might want to look at Quick36

[mngrassguy]

Exmark would be my choice. Belt drives work just fine.

[All_Toro_4ME]

Phil: Before I bought my hydro wb this year, I had the Toro T-Bar wb (belt) model. Its true they do not have reverse, but they have reverse assist. It is more for helping you get the unit on the trailer when loading and unloading. You have to take it out of the current gear that its in, and move the gear bar over to the reverse assist position. Then put the unit back in gear and proceed. If you want to go faster, you need to stop the unit and put it in a higher gear. Very very time consuming if your mowing and want to get in and out of the job quick. When I got the hydro wb, I have never looked back. I never knew how convenient reverse would be until you have and need it. You just move your throttle to the rabbit position for your speed, and move your driving sticks forward. The further you push them forward, faster the unit goes. If you want to go in reverse, just move them back. It can be tricky with a belt drive when you need to turn around because you dont have reverse, and it takes some practice so that you dont turf the yard (aka tear the grass) For your budget and price range, you might look into the Quick Dually as someone else suggested. Largest deck they have is 44'', but I believe it goes up to 7.5mph, so you would definately have production on your side. their website is http://betteroutdoorproducts.com/ if you want to check them out.

[subs1000w]

i just picked up a nice emark tthp 48 hydro for 2200 thats only a few years old thats what i would suggest to you and if its only going to be used for your house it will litteraly last forever i still have my old 48 metro belt as a backup but man it sucks to use now that im spoiled with the hydro mainly for reverse but also 4th gear seamed to slow but 5th was way to fast with the hydro i can have my cake and eat it to

[Mowbizz]

Hello everyone,
This is a great forum! I've learned a lot since joining/reading. I don't own a lawn business. I joined to learn something about quality commercial equipment. It takes me about 1 hour to mow my yard with a Murray 6.5 hp 22" push mower. I just can't take it any more. I want a larger commercial machine. I've looked at Scag and Exmark belt drives. Both are nice. I've also looked at Exmark hydro drives (Viking model). Money isn't that much of an issue with me, although I'm not thrilled with spending another $1,300 for a hydro. I just want something that will last years and years and that is user friendly. I understand that belt drives take a little more effort to back up than hydros. Dealer quoted me $3400 for 48" Scag belt with 16hp Kaw engine. Another dealer quoted me $3,100 for Exmark Metro with 15 hp Kaw engine and $4,700 for the Viking. I'm guessing the Viking is overkill for my yard? But, 48" is the size I want. I want a quick cut with a quality machine. I will need to back up an average amount of times per cut. Are the belt drives difficult to operate over the hydros? The choices are either one of the two mentioned belt drives or the Viking hydro. I saw the commercial equipment that Sears offers and I think it is built by Bobcat (36" deck and 13.5 hp Briggs engine) but I think Scag and Exmark are much better quality choices. I have two dealers within 5 miles of where I live with the closest being about 1.5 miles away (Exmark) Also I suppose I'll be helping out some of my neighbors with their lawns too. What do you guys think? BTW, I absolutely respect what you guys do. It isn't an easy business from what I've seen with sometimes tough working conditions. I actually like cutting my lawn and doing yard work, but I don't think I could do it for a living. My hat is off to you all.
Phil.

I have an Exmark ZTR Hydro of course and a Toro 15 HP KAW Belt drive walk behind. I never use the Toro at all for any of the properties I do, but when I used it today (picked up a "one time" overgrown yard with a gated back yard)
and took the Toro off the trailer for this...I HATE IT! This guys back yard was full of junk I had to go around and I had to use the reverse assist...what a pain! I'm going to sell this next season and get a Quick 36...maybe even the Dually....a pain getting it on and off the trailer too...But...for your scenario it may be ok...

[dura to the max]

both are great machines (the scag and exmark) ive had both and will swear by either one. first glance i would say the exmark just b/c of the money. i would check out local dealer support though, anyone can sell you a mower, but not all dealers will stand behind it. that said if your not in the business getting same or next day service isnt the issue for you that it is for me.

ive run a belt drive w/b many hundreds of hours and would not have bought a hydro now had i not gotten such a good deal on it.

as was also mentione the quick 44" is a great option as well. use the search option to research the quick mowers. ive heard nothing but good about them.

[DA Quality Lawn & YS]

Thanks for the complements to those in the industry, Phil.
You said it takes 1 hour to mow your lawn with a 21" pusher - that would give you like a 1/4 to 1/3 acre lot. I call that great exercise, especially for someone who loves to be outdoors. I have a Quick 36 but NEVER use it on my own 1/4 acre lawn, I always use the MTD 21" special I have in the corner of the garage for my own lawn.

My vote - unless you can't get around well or have concrete reasons for the bigger mower, stay with the 21.

[ed2hess]

I think the belt drive Scag with the kaw would be fine. We have run Scag belt drive units and they are bullet proof. And I sure like how easy Kaw engines start. Backing up isn't pretty but not too bad.

[hole in one lco]

well ill put it this way iv ran belts 13 year and never used revers so i don't think you need it.

[freshprince94]

I would go hydro if you could afford it, I use a belt drive w.b at my job and it doesn't reverse in tight areas where we can't turn, so that equals more weedeating. eXmark is a great brand, Viking would be fine for you. Get a sulky though, makes life a lot easier.

[dura to the max]

but why pay an extra 1300 or more if you're only going to use it on one lawn? ive used belt drives many hours and it's all in what you get used to. learn the machine and its limitations and you should be fine.

[J.A.G LAWNCARE]

one hour is nice for mowing your own lawn ,your away from the wife .........bigger mower take more room in the garage ,need a trailer to move and cost $200 each time in for service .............just mow front one night back the next............

[lawns Etc]

I have Bobcat 36s and all belt drive I am very comfortable backing up I just pull both levers and drag it a little I bought a Lesco hydro and couldnt get used to it so it was sold quickly. I have confidence in the belt drives cheap to run and repair.

[dura to the max]

I have Bobcat 36s and all belt drive I am very comfortable backing up I just pull both levers and drag it a little I bought a Lesco hydro and couldnt get used to it so it was sold quickly. I have confidence in the belt drives cheap to run and repair.

i agree, and i think maintenance is easier

[mowisme]

I use a older Scag WB (belt) and it has been bullet Proof. Very easy to use once get use to the levers. Reverse is a 'pain' at times as it is just assist. Pending on ground surface..flat or bumpy..ect. BUT, as mentioned..rarely use reverse. I also use a stander Hydro..For commercial use all day I'd go Hydro- Home use I would use the Scag in Heart beat. Awsome cut for a older mower, and with the metal catcher, it picks up every leaf. Hydro is more wrist friendly but it boils down to how much it's going to be used- How much you can/want to spend..and spend to maintain. IF money isn't a concern,now or down the road-then go hydro and be prepared to shell out more when repairs are needed..And they will be..but not often if used only at home. Hydro repair means less appt to be done at home as a belt drive, and more appt to needed to be done in a shop. Space for storage is a concern..although most are about same size. Standers are shorter which is a 'plus' in a couple ways- getting in tight corners-trailer manuverbility,ect.. Ditto using sulky on Belt Drive- Use mine always- I weigh #215 and my mower is a 14.5 hp/36". whew..I'm done! Geno

[Philfromflorida]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Yes, I've thought about just keeping my old push mower but the heat and humidity is just getting to be too much (Central Florida). I know I'll still be using the old mower for trim work so more than likely the belt drive would be fine. However, I like the idea of infinite speeds and a quick reverse. I've looked at the quality of the Home Depot and Lowes mower brands and they are not the same as Scag, Exmark, Toro. Their "commercial" units just don't seem to be the quality I'm looking for for the price they want. I'm looking for a 48" cut machine that's smooth to operate and user friendly. I want to be able to get up close to bushes and hedge lines. The Walk Behind just seems to be the best compromise. So I ask myself how much am I willing to spend for the perfect machine? I have to be honest and say I like the hydros over the belt drives. Do you really think I'll have more upkeep costs over the belt drive over the life of the mower? I took this forum's advice and looked at the quick 36/44 machines. I just wonder who I take it to for repair work or warranty? How does that work? Yes, they seem to be quality machines. I have a Exmark dealer 1.5 miles from my house and they have been in business many years (they sell John Deer too). They seem honest and more than willing to take a few minutes out of their schedule to show me their products and give me a brochure. Exmark Viking $4700 vs Scag hydro $5400. 48" Exmark Metro $3100 vs Scag SW belt $3400. I justify the cost of one of these machines in some part by figuring that a lawn company would probably charge me $100/month over 7 or 8 months that grass grows steadily around here and the time I'll save and the satisfaction I'll get by doing it myself with one of these machines. I do like the ECW handles on the Exmark and they seem to be more user friendly. I'll be buying one soon and I'll post which one I choose. Thanks again for the responses. Phil.