What's The Best Walk-Behind?

[Barker's Lawn Care]

I've got 6 yards and a Bunton 36" belt w/b and am ready to upgrade.
I need some input on yazoo/kees. Anyone have one? This winter i can buy a:

-Yazoo/kees
-36" cut"
-hydro
-2001 or 2002
-15hp kaw. v-twin
-$2500

Is this a good deal? Are they dependable? What is good AND bad about Yazoo/Kees?

ALSO what mowers are you using? I've only got $2,500 so it'll have to be a used w/b. I am willing to try another brand, but needs to have the same characteristics as the one above. So if you have a recommendation or what i shouldn't get, PLEASE REPLY.


Thanks!

[Turf Technologies]

Honestly its what you like, what feels good when your using it. How you like its cut and pattern, etc etc etc. Many will tell you go get Exmark or Gravely, but you just need to try them all and make the choice.Also if you like the brand you use stick with it.

[Tony Harrell]

You're the only one that can decide which is best because not everyone has experience on every single mower out there. We can tell you which is worst from personal experiences. If you do a search (OMG I said it!), you'll come up with tremendous information to deal with. Then when you find a good deal, ask us and we'll give you our opinions. I personally like Bob-Cat, but a lot of people here like Exmark. I'll probably try one myself soon.

[mac43rn]

I have had three 36" wb this year.

1. gravely 1536g (piece of s%&t) (long story)

2. gravely 1536H (piece of s*^t 2) another long story

3. exmark 36" tthp (unbelievable machine). I could not be more happy. Take it from me, I really tried to tell myself gravely was just as good; but it just isn't.

I would not wish Gravely on my worst enemy. JMHO

[accuratelawn]

Great Dane Gateway.

[Wayward]

If you get a chance, demo a Hustler. They have a unique control system that you can even run with one hand. Plus they have one of the strongest decks out there.

[GrassMaster84]

I run John Deere walkbehind's (Nothing runs like a deere!!)

My friend although bought a 36" bunton hydro with a kawasaki used 1 yr old with around 300hrs for 1800, so far he's had no problems, and he services around 20 yards...

Good luck with your business :)

Jim :cool: Rosemark Lawn Servicing

[SLS]

I'm with mac43rn.

I just bought a new Exmark Turf Tracer HP (36"/ECS controls/15 hp Kaw) and this machine is simply fantastic.

Demo one if possible. For $2500 you would need to find a decent used one though. A new one runs a tad over $4000. I paid $4400 for mine plus another $200 for the Jungle Wheels sulky.

It all comes down to your preference but do seriously consider dealer support. A reputable dealer, with excellent service, is a really important factor in the decision making process.

Sorry that I can't comment on the Yazoo/Kees as I rarely even see one here in my service area. Surely some other Lawnsite members use them or know someone who does.

Good luck in your search for the "Perfect Walkbehind", Barker! :)

[65hoss]

If you only have 6 customers, you have $2500, and you already have a 36" mower, why would you be considering buying an "upgrade"? Is something wrong with the mower you have? Its real hard paying for a new mower with only 6 customers, so maybe you might want to keep what you have until you need to buy a bigger (52" +) mower.

[scottb]

Originally posted by 65hoss
If you only have 6 customers, you have $2500, and you already have a 36" mower, why would you be considering buying an "upgrade"? Is something wrong with the mower you have? Its real hard paying for a new mower with only 6 customers, so maybe you might want to keep what you have until you need to buy a bigger (52" +) mower.

Im with 65hoss on this one if this is all you have unless you plan to expand keep what you have. Maybe look into upgrading your handheld equipment.

[Barker's Lawn Care]

in reply to:

"If you only have 6 customers, you have $2500, and you already have a 36" mower, why would you be considering buying an "upgrade"? Is something wrong with the mower you have? Its real hard paying for a new mower with only 6 customers, so maybe you might want to keep what you have until you need to buy a bigger (52" +) mower."


I don't know if any of the last two people have ever used a BELT DRIVE (like the one i have now) vs. an HYDRO that i'm upgrading to! Consider that. And a BIGGER mower won't fit on my 4x8 trailer.


"Maybe look into upgrading your handheld equipment."

I have a brand new stihl backpack blower and brand new Shindawa trimmer t-260

[johnhenry]

with only 6 accounts I also agree with what Hoss said. But if your machine is worn out then you can justify it. But I would stay away from yazoo. My two cents worth Hustler is by far the best wb but they start at 4500 so if you have only 2500 I would buy a exmark they have a great quality cut and great dealer support

[Turf Technologies]

Maybe you should consider an Edger?Trimmers shouldnt be used for edging,why its called a trimmer not an edger.

[65hoss]

Hey Barker,
I have a 36" belt drive w/b, a 48" hydro w/b, and a 52" Lazer HP. Thus the reason I suggested what I did.

Most people make the biggest mistakes by not controlling expenses. A new mower for 6 customers blows your expenses out of the water. If your current machine is junk, then yes get a new one. If its not, I just don't see spending $$ for nothing.
Just my opinion though.

[davesgs75]

First I would suggest consider what Hoss said.

But if you are dead set on buying take a look at a Toro walk behind with the T bar steering. I was using a John Deere walkbehind with pistol grip steering before I went with the Toro. Better cut, easier operation, will probaly never have another JD again.

Test them all and find the machine that is right for you.

[scottb]

Originally posted by Barker's Lawn Care
in reply to:


I don't know if any of the last two people have ever used a BELT DRIVE (like the one i have now) vs. an HYDRO that i'm upgrading to! Consider that. And a BIGGER mower won't fit on my 4x8 trailer.


"Maybe look into upgrading your handheld equipment."

I have a brand new stihl backpack blower and brand new Shindawa trimmer t-260

Maybe you should look into a bigger trailer then. Sorry didnt know you had such nice handheld equipment.

[Nelson]

Toro T- Bar :sleeping:

[TGCummings]

Is a 21" Toro Proline. :D

[danlawnser]

Hey Barker,

man all I got to say is save ur money. don't buy on impulse.

[Mowingman]

I had a Kees 36" belt drive WB and it was a great mower. I put a lot of hours on it over 6 years, then sold it to another lco who is still using it. I think it is 9 years old now. Mine had a 14hp Kawasaki, as I recall. It was built like a tank, had plenty of power for tough mowing conditions, and had a nice looking cut. I always ran mine with a mulch kit on it. I would not hesitate to buy another one.:)

[We do 4 U]

I'm with all the rest. You could easily burn yorself out by buying a mower that you don't really need. All your money would be going to a mower instead of your pocket. But it you need a new mower I like toro with t-bar steering and the gator blades. Stay away from John Deere. I had one once upon a time and hated it. It was bulit solid and would fly but it had a horrible cut and hard to control.

Good luck!

[Pro-Cut Lawns]

Thats a good looking rig you got there Barker's. You gonna sell that Bunton if you upgrade your mower or trade it in?

Go with the local dealer who gives you good service. When I started shopping for my ZTR, I bought Exmark because of quality but also because my local dealer is the greatest about service and answering questions. My other option was Dixie Chopper, which I really wanted, but, the dealer is 15 miles away and I don't want that additional down time of driving if I have a problem.

Larry

[Barker's Lawn Care]

Yes i am planning on selling the bunton before i have to replace back tires($50?) another spur gear on transmition,that's why i'm goin with hydro, ($117) (common prob.) and i'll have to replace brake bands very soon, anyone know how much brake bands are?


sell price $1,000 (already have buyer)!!!

[rodfather]

Final answer is...Ferris Hydros.

We are in our 8th year of business. We only run Ferris hydro WB and i guess we have used at least 12 or more.

[Flex-Deck]

Best WB is an eXmark with a Flex-Deck-
http://36-X-Mowing

[Flex-Deck]

Next Best is 36" WB eXmark in transport
http://36-Trans

[mklawnman]

We have a Scag WB 52inch 17Kaw, now i know thats a bit big for ya but take a look at Scag WB, ive seen alot of them out there and they've not had that many problems with the hydro's like the Turf Tigers had. The biggest Landscaping contractor in the area uses Scag WB, they've been using them for years. And they cut great too. The Scag is a tough heavy duty machine. Cant help ya on price of the Scag but it should be resonable to $2700 that your looking at. Just a suggestion
Matt

[Flex-Deck]

Ok mklawnman - here is a 52" eXmark
http://52-Between Post

[Flex-Deck]

Another you may like
http://52-Under Trees

[MATTHEW]

What part of your total income does this 6 lawn business contribute to? Is it just a hobby, or do you rely on the income? If you get a new mower now, you'll see all the profits go to the dealer for a good while. If the income is not an issue, get a new mower. I think Toro's and exmarks are the best. Bob cats are less expensive and provide quality cuts also.

If you do rely on the income, it is the same issue as an old car. It's always cheaper to fix up the old one. Even if you have to buy a new engine, it's worth it in the long run.

The only trouble I can see with belt drives is slippage in wet conditions. You don't mow in the rain, do you?

[Phishook]

If you need a new/used one, go for it. I'd look for an eXmark or GD.

If there's nothing wrong with the Bunton, I'd look into a velky or sulky.

[Barker's Lawn Care]

No i don't rely on the income, just a teenager but it provides extra spending money(about $120 a week!)

[JML]

We run Scags and Lescos. I love our Lesco mowers, for the price you CAN NOT beat them, ours are about 4 years old we about 2000 hours on some of them, no major problems with them. Our Scags are great also but are getting expensive. We used to have Excellent customer service at Lesco but the manager left, service has declined drastically so I don't think i'll buy another Lesco though...

[brucec32]

Aw, what a cute baby trailer! Just kidding, it's funny though. But I'm sure it does the trick for you. Certainly don't go buy a big trailer just for looks.

I would think twice about investing in too much equipment. You're spreading your costs over just a few lawns. I knew a guy who mowed part time for years and seemed to actually LOSE MONEY. He had a lawnmower fetish. He worked about one (short) day a week and had two walk behinds, a reel mower, two trimmers, two blowers, a huge trailer, a huge diesel truck to tow it all, a push blower, and a stick edger.

that said, if you plan to expand or just need a new mower, try the Toro T-bar mowers. They have some of the ease-of-use of hydros (except they don't reverse well) w/o the expense. Exmark also gives a good cut and has a good rep. (toro owns exmark now, btw)