Trimstar question's before demo

[djagusch]

Hi there,

I'm going to my local distributor next Wednesday to look at a 2008 Trimstar 48" Kawi 17hp. My dealer is saying this will run me $4200, they have 6 left at the distributor. If I wait for the 2009 model it will run me $750 more.

Looking into the history of the mower the Trimstar came out in 2006 I believe. Have their been any major changes from 2006 to 2008? All I have noticed is the discharge shoot from metal to plastic.

This mower should have the XR7 deck correct? Also how deep? Will it have the IZT or the ZT2800 hydro's?

When talking to my dealer it sounds like the 2009 will have an easier deck height adjustment and the cruise control won't be in the same location. Also the hydro's will be the ZT2800.

I'll be using the mower maybe 4 hrs a week (mostly ztr I have). I think the deck height adjustment won't be a big deal with the pins. Speaking of the pins is the 2009 having the same pin mounting with a different adjustment or a totally different set up. I have read about a couple horror story's on these but I don't think I'll have a problem with my uses.

The hydro part I'm not worried as much about since I won't be running it that many hours. Only worry is if they do go out how is Hustler going to handle the warranty on a part not built anymore?

Any input would be great. Just trying to become more educated so when I make the trip I get more out of it. I'll get to drive the machine in the warehouse (snow is pretty deep up here) to get the feel of the controls.

Any answers would be great.

[mowerconsultant]

The only change that I am aware of since this generation of TrimStar came out is the rubber chute.
It is of the XR-7 design, it was actually out before we made the XR-7,so it was never called it originally.
Deck depth is about 5"
It will have the IZT hydro's
The new TrimStar will have the ZT 2800's and a totally different deck and deck lift system.
There will not be cruise control lever on the new units, the H-Bar will control the speed, you turn it to where you want it and it stays at that speed, just like the original H-Bar from the original Hydro Walks we made.
The new deck on the TrimStars are going to be 36, 48 and 54 inch, of the FasTrak SD line, they are hung by chains, no pins on these decks.
Warranty will never be a issue, parts are always available, heck, you can still buy parts for 30 + year old machines we made.
For the most part this is a pretty major update of the TrimStar line, but.... it comes with a price... and they are not going to be available for a few months.
If you can get a deal (which I am sure you can) on the current TrimStar, I would go for it, it is a solid, durable and reliable mower.

Pj

[djagusch]

Is the $4200 a deal in your opinion or is there some wiggle room there. My dealer usually gives me a pretty good price.

[mowerconsultant]

MSRP is $5,659.00
I think that is near his cost on that mower.
So its gonna be tight, I think your getting a great price.

Pj

[blackandgold]

Check again with your dealer---I think the TrimStars have all been sold. BTW, 4200 is a very good deal on a 48 TrimStar.

[djagusch]

I'm going to the distributor Thursday now to try out the controls. Been told they have six in the warehouse. I'll let you know what I see then.

Also on a 72" Super Z what is MSRP with a bigger Kawi on it compared to the Kohler EFI?

[mowerconsultant]

I'm going to the distributor Thursday now to try out the controls. Been told they have six in the warehouse. I'll let you know what I see then.

Also on a 72" Super Z what is MSRP with a bigger Kawi on it compared to the Kohler EFI?

Super Z, 31HP Kawasaki / 72" XR-7, SUSP seat. 928911 $12,259
Super Z, 28HP Kohler EFI / 72" XR-7, SUSP seat. 928036 $13,199

[blackandgold]

I work for the MN Distributor. We don't sell many EFI's on any deck. THe 31 Kaw has been our most poplular engine since its introduction last year.

[djagusch]

That is where I'm going in the morning on lookout dr. I was told $10,300 is my price for the Super Z Kawi 72" last night by the dealer.

Also after going through some area's of concern with my dealer I'm leaning more towards the newer model. The deck mounting, adjustment, and upgraded hydro's are what I like out of the new one. I have never used a H bar so tomorrow will be a chance to try it out. I hope it is as slick as my dealer says.

The Super Z is a long shot of getting since I'm so happy with the Scag Turf Tiger I run but the pricing is enticing about 3K different compared to a TT with a 29DFI 72" I'm thinking about getting in July.

By the way I think the pricing I'm getting is low due to the fact I buy with cash/check and do not finance anything. That way he doesn't need to floor plan anything and we just get it picked up so delivery to the dealer is saved also.

[djagusch]

Well that was a fun trip. One building, I would guess over 500 mowers in crates in one room, pretty cool. Tons of parts inventory also. It was good to b/s for 2 hrs about mowers and mowing mid winter.

I liked the Trimstar controls, they needed some adjustment but the service guy said the dealer would go through it before delivery. After talking some more with the service guy there I decided to get that mower. He felt the current deck would work better than the new one for the lawns I have. It has more air flow and depth. So my dealer has ordered the one I tried out. It was the last one since they put it aside for me to check out.

So yes there are no more in that warehouse after mine gets picked up. It sounded like a dealer further south got the rest.

The tech mentioned that in the spring I would want zero pitch on the deck and after we get into the summer to give it about 1/8th to 1/4th inch pitch to reduce blow out. Does that sound right from the guys in the field? I'm just used to running a 1/4" pitch year round.

[MOHUSTLER]

I run 1/4 year round. But im not that picky on my grass here.