What mower should I get? I know, but I really need opinions.

[Cuttinitclose]

I am looking for a ZTR. I was looking at a John Deere Z510A. I know its a residential model but it has a 7 iron deck, 22HP Kohler, and Parker transaxles very similar to the 800 series. Or would you suggest a used 717A. I have to have a 48" deck because of the size of our garage.

I have also considerd a Exmark Quest or USED Laser Z and a Bad Boy PUP. I would really like a new or used Deere because of the dealer and currently have a John Deere Credit Account. I don't want a machine with over 250 hours even if it is commercial. I cannot afford a new commercial mower. I probally won't purchase till late fall or early spring so I have time to save and decide.

[michaelee2]

I would suggest a low hour commercial. Look around they are out there. I saw alot of low hour machines when I was looking back in the spring. Keep an eye on Craigslist. Right now with the economy the way it is alot of people selling off stuff like this.

[Cuttinitclose]

Oh, I forgot 1 thing. I DO NOT DO Craigslist or eBay. Dealer or someone I know only.

[birdman0494]

Ive seen real old 717 or 727 which were reallll old and still kicking good i mean they were probably like 5-7 years with mininum 1000 hours and you should really try craigslist

[danddlc]

i started with a residential cub cadet rzt50.it worked awesome to get started without the big price tag.i actually still have it and i am going to be selling it pretty soon.it has approx 125 hours on it.i kept it as a backup to my lazer and i am getting another lazer for my backup,so i really don`t need it anymore.let me know if your intrested.

[freshprince94]

Based on what you said, I'd look for a used Deere 717.

[shawn d]

Craigslist is the only way to go, can't count how many deals I have gotten on there- Not to mention accounts :weightlifter:

[KCfireman]

Go with the 717A. Used to have one. One helluva mower.

[Lloyd at work]

I did HEAVY research when I made the option to purchase a new mower (I don't agree with buying a used zero turn for your first or only mower, that is defiantly something I will look into for a backup now that I have a new one)I would defiantly go with the exmark quest (There is 2 options for the quest and you should get the one with the 23hp kohler engine). Out of all the high end residential mowers/low end commercial mowers the Quest beats them all, It came down to 3 mowers- a exmark quest, john deere (i think it was a 545 or something like that and hustler z and the exmark quest beat them all (The deck on the quest is only 10 gauge but it's 2" thick steel where the hustler z is 7 gauge but it's only 1 1/4 " thick deck plus the quest has 2 pumps into 1 and the blade speed is 8500 rpm where the hustler is 82??. The Hustler does feel alittle more "meaner" when you test them (I guess the frame is probably built for better feel?) and the warranty on the quest is 3 years as to the hustler is only 1 year, I would defiantly pick between the quest or the hustler and stay away from the john deere (I know alot of people on here use the john deere but review wise the deere doesn't even come close to the quest or hustler). I can't really give you a detailed personnel review of the quest because mine only has 17 hours on it.(It was a great 17 hours because everything I mowed was shin deep and soaking wet and the quest did great).... I picked up way more accounts to start then I planned on so I went ahead a purchased a official commercial mower (56" exmark lazer).

[Cuttinitclose]

Based on what you said, I'd look for a used Deere 717.

I have thought of that, the dealer had a leftover brochure to have me look at
Go with the 717A. Used to have one. One helluva mower. I will think about one after all I want a Deere.

I did HEAVY research when I made the option to purchase a new mower (I don't agree with buying a used zero turn for your first or only mower, that is defiantly something I will look into for a backup now that I have a new one)I would defiantly go with the exmark quest (There is 2 options for the quest and you should get the one with the 23hp kohler engine). Out of all the high end residential mowers/low end commercial mowers the Quest beats them all, It came down to 3 mowers- a exmark quest, john deere (i think it was a 545 or something like that and hustler z and the exmark quest beat them all (The deck on the quest is only 10 gauge but it's 2" thick steel where the hustler z is 7 gauge but it's only 1 1/4 " thick deck plus the quest has 2 pumps into 1 and the blade speed is 8500 rpm where the hustler is 82??. The Hustler does feel alittle more "meaner" when you test them (I guess the frame is probably built for better feel?) and the warranty on the quest is 3 years as to the hustler is only 1 year, I would defiantly pick between the quest or the hustler and stay away from the john deere (I know alot of people on here use the john deere but review wise the deere doesn't even come close to the quest or hustler). I can't really give you a detailed personnel review of the quest because mine only has 17 hours on it.(It was a great 17 hours because everything I mowed was shin deep and soaking wet and the quest did great).... I picked up way more accounts to start then I planned on so I went ahead a purchased a official commercial mower (56" exmark lazer).
I have thought a about a Quest or used Lazer.

[Cuttinitclose]

Just found a: 2005 JD 717A, 160hrs, 19hp Kaw, $4,500.
2006 JD 717A, 240hrs, 19hp Kaw, $4,600.
Either one a good deal? 05 IMO is the better buy but, IDK.

[Miket163]

Get a 48" Grasshopper...killer mowers

[GreenAcresLandscaping]

Just found a: 2005 JD 717A, 160hrs, 19hp Kaw, $4,500.
2006 JD 717A, 240hrs, 19hp Kaw, $4,600.
Either one a good deal? 05 IMO is the better buy but, IDK.

That seems a little high. Deeres are expensive used. I thought i wanted a deere too, until i compared them with other brands in the same class. They are way more money. A dealer near me has a Exmark Lazer 48" 18hp Kawi with 150 hours for 3500. I almost bought a used Dixie Chopper 50" Silver Eagle 20hp kohler and 300 hours for 3500. I drove 2 hours to the dealership with my trailer and it was sold.:cry:
Around here i have only ever seen 1 LCO run deeres and thats because they are a multi million dollar farm who has 1 mowing crew so they get a huge discount because they buy new tractors everyother year and get the green fleet discount.