New in the Business

[jhawk71]

Well guys Im new in the business and i was wondering about getting a new mower. I have quite a few customers and was looking at a 36" because of gates. My cousin has his own business and said to me that i should get a Scag belt drive for starting out. Whatdo you guys think of this? If you dont what should i go with?

Thanx

[lasher66]

When I started out, I used a 36" Bunton belt drive for 35 accounts for 2 years and I was totally happy with it. Then when you start making good money you can start investing in better equipment. It all depends on how much you have to invest at the start of your business and how many accounts you will have. Its not worth spending 7K on a scag rider if you are only going to cut 20 residential lots, wait till you build up your business then start investing. Thats my opinion anyways.

Lasher66

[AK Lawn]

SEARCH! there is numerous threads on this topic, personally i have a 36" deere hydro, and would not trade it for the world, but for hydro you pay the price, my next will be a belt drive to save $
AK Lawn

[jhawk71]

My local scag dealer is offering it to me for 2499 thats a scag 36" belt drive with the advantage deck

[AK Lawn]

i tink i remember someone saying you can get a toro belt 36 for 1900$ or less and have heard of other companies selling for that price, check into that, once again do a search!
AK Lawn

[proline32]

toro's are going for around $2499.00 right now at a lot of places for a 36" with 12.5 Kawasaki.

[CLM1103]

Jhawk...I use the Scag 36 13 HP with advantage deck not because of gates but because of small yards that I do. I have the belt drive and use Jungle Wheels. I get an excellent cut and have not had any problems of any kind. I start mowing early while grass is still wet and have had no problems with belt slippage even on steep grades.

[jhawk71]

Clm1103 How long have You had yours? How much did you pay? Also i was wondering about how steep of grades can it do because i have a customer that has a pretty steep hill and right now i cut it from side to side but i wanted to cut it up and down instead because it would look nicer.

[CLM1103]

Jhawk 71...I cut grades that are about 30 to 35 degrees. I don't go up and down because there are very deep lakes at bottom. I have had my Scag about a year now..

[jhawk71]

Thanx how much did you pay for yours?

[65hoss]

Let me be the first to say:

Find an eXmark dealer and check them out.
Best cut, best factory support in the biz, best mulching kit, etc.

[Oliver1850]

I agree with your approach, the 36" is great for starting out. Once you build up the resources, upgrade to a zero turn, preferably 52".

The Scag brand is excellent overall. The factory support is tops in the industry and part for part, the Scag's are bullet proof.

I have also heard good things about the Toro brand, though I do not own any.

No matter which brand you choose, you can't go wrong.

[heygrassman]

Find an eXmark dealer and check them out. Best cut, best factory support in the biz, best mulching kit, etc.

Starting out here, bought a Exmark Metro 36" belt and I have to admit the support with Terry and Dustin on this site has been priceless. I have no comparison on cut, etc. Got mine for $1700 +tax it was a yr old and was in gr8 shape.

Good Luck!!

Jeff