Hydro or Belt driven

[A.J.'s Lawn Service]

What is the differenc between Hydro and Belt Driven?
Which one proforms better and which one do you like better?

Also What is the best walk behind that has the best price, if you know what is the price?:blob4:

[rkbrown]

For me, with the flat land around here, belt drive is just fine. Hydro performs better and you don't have to worry about slipping belts in wet conditions, but is much more expensive. When hydros do break they are more expensive to repair. So, its a tradeoff. Hydros perform better and are more reliable (longer lasting), but are more expensive initially and to repair. If you are going to use a sulky, I would go with hydro.

I am looking at an Exmark 32" WB (gates around here are 34-35"). It is fixed deck, belt driven and is right at $2,000.

[tailoredlook]

belt drive is easier and cheaper if you're doing flat land. if belt breaks about $45 to replace and 15 mins labor. $1000 and hours of labor if pump breaks. 48" scag belt drive about $3000.

[Dennis E.]

With the properties I have and the rain we get which = wet turf.
Hydro is the way to go. I've had numerous belt driven units and got fed up with slipping,belts jumping/breaking. A belt driven on a berm on a retention pond or on a slight slope is totally worthless when the grass is wet or it's raining.
The extra money spent on a hydro unit is money well spent IMO.
Keep the oil/hydro filter changed per the manual and it should be problem free.

[A.J.'s Lawn Service]

But about how much more are hydros

[Dennis E.]

Lesco 36 with the 15 Kaw. twin. Got some extra blades and other goodies when I bought it. (Freebies)
$3200. plus tax.

[A.J.'s Lawn Service]

Dose anybody know how much a 32 or 36 exmark is

how much better is the hydro for sulky use?:blob4:

[A.J.'s Lawn Service]

i mostly work on flat land:blob4:

[Dennis E.]

"flat land".
LMAO!!! Yup ,thats Florida!
The hydro should work fine with a sulke. Why though?
Get a stand-up velke. Thats what I use. The backside does not get beat as bad when you are standing up.:p
My little 36 can fly using the velke. That twin Kaw sure is nice though. GOBS of power.

[marley]

WET BELTS EQUAL FRUSTRATION.

[KerryB]

I am picking up my new Exmark Metro, belt driven 36" with a 15hp Kohler. It was $2,099.00.

[MikeLT1Z28]

we get our 36 belt drive metro's here for 1999, i love mine.

also have another mower that is hydro and it seems to be better at pulling a sulky. don't cut in the rain or extreme wet so i've never had the slipping belt problem on the exmark.