Walk behinds

[MrUPS]

Just had a couple of questions maybe somebody could help a new guy in the buisness just starting out.
First of all I live in New Hampshire and wow has it been hot the last couple of days! It was in the upper 90s this afternoon while I was out doing my clean ups. Ok now down to buisness!!
I am looking to buy a 48" walk-behind, belt driven. Like anyone else I would like to get the best deal possible.
I have had a couple different quotes from dealers around, 2600 for a Husqvarna 15 HsP Kohler engine. Or a Bobcat 17 HsP Kawisawki engine for 2900.
Do these sound like good prices? Can they go lower? Which mower is better or is their another brand I should go with. I now a lot of people swear by John Deer but they are a little expensive.

Thanks for your help
Rob

[Turf Technologies]

First off why belt driven? (wait until its wet and the belt slips every 1 min, and you cant back up) Look into a hydro.

Lesco WBs are one of the best you can buy, they pattern and cut nice, mulch well too. But what you should do is go to the diffrent dealers and get on each brand and take a little test spin see what you think.Also form what many post here so how there service is when it comes to repairs.

Best to you Rob!

[BRIAN GALLO]

I have all belt drive mowers, and yes they will slip the belts, but I only have that problem if I'm trying to cut while its raining. Otherwise they are fine. Everyone keeps telling me to go hydro which does have advantages. Keep this in mind with belt drives though - inexpensive to repair and are usually lighter in weight than a comparable hydro. Try to demo to see what kind of controls you prefer.

[AK Lawn]

All of my Equip. is hydro(7 machines) and i love them, but on the other hand have never even used a belt driven, one thing is for sure, the hydro is almost double the $, but are more user friendly, from what i have heard, also one of my pieces is a Deere and love it, it has been great without any prob. and has 600 hours, good luck with you search
AK Lawn

[MrUPS]

Thanks guys for the comments. I think if I had the money I would maybe go for a hydro but I think I would rather go with the cheaper belt driven, How about the Prices for those mowers are they good or should I stay clear. What have you guys paid for your mowers.
Thanks
Rob

[SMB]

Our 15 HP Bob-Cat 48" belt drive (fixed deck) was 2600 with jungle wheels. Our dealer did give us a break.
Bob-Cat makes a floating deck, which I would rather have.

[rjburns]

mrUPs, Just wondering if you formerly worked at UPS?

[65hoss]

Find an eXmark dealer around and get the best cut in a w/b out there. Great company and they are on this forum to ask questions and help with anything should you have any problems. The others you mentioned are not this accessible for help.

[Scotlawncare]

I currently run an Exmark 48" metro which is belt driven. It has a 15hp kohler and I love it. the mower is awsome at mulching. In starts easy in cooler weather. Plus like Hoss said, Exmark has the BEST customer service out there. If you have a local dealer demo one, you will not be disapointed. I have yet to have a belt issue with slipage. One thing i can say is run Mobil 1 synthetic 10w30 in it and always shut off the fuel when you trailer it. No grease spindel barings. great warranty, 3 yrs on spindels.

check out Exmarks portion of this site and see their customer service skills then decide.

Scot

[Lawn Man 5]

I have a 48in belt drive Husqvarna With a 15 horse Kohler I paid 2500 for the mower, and 259.00 for the bagger.

[ADLAWNCUTTERS]

take a look a scag mowers. i have one36 inch that is from 1987 and it's still working fine.never once had a problem with kawi motors.i like the belt controls

[TJLC]

I have personally used both belt and hydro w/b's. Night and day difference, IMHO. As said, the hydro is so much easier to operate, also IMHO. Yes the hydro will cost you more but once you use it you will realize why. Good luck and demo.

[Doc Pete]

FWIW,
As a "one man show" I'll add my two cents. I stayed with belt drives cause I couldn't see buying another Pistol grip nightmare. However, a few years back a bought a Hustler Hydro WB. Well, it as been worth the changing to a Hydro, the Hustler in particular. With no other change other than to the Hustler Hydro from a belt drive I'm making $15 dollars more per hour. Also, I don't get tired hands, arms, shoulder, or legs. I can easily walk 6/7 lawns after my regular job and not be tired.
I'd strongly recommend taking a loan to get the Hustler over a belt drive or "any other" pistol grip hydro. Furthermore, with the Hustler, you will make up the price difference the first year. No other machine will let you use it with one hand, run in reverse as easily as forward, and automatically zero turns, since the Hustler system connects the two hydro pumps together.
I realize there's not much talk about the Hustler, but you need to remember "most" landscape companies don't have the owners using the WB's themselves. And, with the tunnel vision that comes through this forum, it seems if your machine isn't "red or orange" its not good.;)
Pete

[scott's turf]

MrUPS, where in NH are you located. I can tell you of some shops you might want to check out. Depending on your hands on ability it may be worth buying a used machine like myself.

[MrUPS]

Thanks guys,

I do work for ups, I have been there just about three years now.

Sorry I havn't replied sooner but I've been real busy around here.

I ended up buying a mower pretty good deal I think, Bobcat 48"

Wb with 17 Kawis on it, It cuts wonderfully, we paid 2800 for it.

I wish I could have spent more time to shop around but the

mowing season came awfully fast this year.

I live in the southwest corner of Nh around the keene area.

Thanks for everybodys input.

Rob

[dfor]

Sorry I didn't see this post earlier. I have a 2 year old Bunton (same as Bobcat, made by Textron). One thing I can say about their parts, OEM parts are EXPENSIVE. The belts for it at the dealer go about $40. I get mine at Lesco or the local Napa. 4 caster bushings were about $30. What a ripoff. Blades are only about $8, reasonably priced. I've been pretty happy with the mower overall. It's a 54" hydro.

[2tall]

Check out Ferris Single Drives. They are not much more than a belt drive.