How do Dixie Choppers rate

[mlc4163]

Have a new Dixie Chopper dealer in the area and I've been looking at getting a new 60" or maybe a 72" ZT.
My other options are Scag, Exmark, Toro, and Kubota. Should I even be looking to the D.C. ?
Not trying to start a pissing match but really looking for good info on D.C.
It's 6/20/02, and I want current info (all ready ran a couple searches but all seamed dated)
Mike

[dodgeman]

I am in no means an expert in this but.... I looked at just about everything out there and I just bought my first mower last night. An Exmark Lazer Z. If you have not tried one yu have to they are amazing. I did look into the Dixie Chopper and what I have been told is that they work well but getting parts sometimes can be a problem. That was told to me by a dealer. And if you are down then you aren't making money.

Good luck in your decision

Pete

[HOWARD JONES]

I don't own a Dixie, but the dealer will tell you they last longer due to great filters, both on the engine and drive system: also, the drive pumps/motors are totally separate from one side to the other, which means if one gets trashed it won't contaminate the other side. From your previous searches, you probably saw longevity up to 4000 hours, I believe it's all due to the filters and coolers, etc I described. Beyond the longevity, you can see the design is quite unique - probably need to demo several brands if possible to see which one you like - also compare prices and how many hours you will use it. Also, I have seen claims that these ride better due to the "balloon" tires they use - might be a consideration for you.

[Vibe Ray]

eXmarks and DC's are the best around and the best you can get! Scag an TORO are right after them and nice as well, don't know about Kubotas.....gotta go!

[WREBELMACHINE]

I have used just about everything and have used dixie choppers for the last 10 years and they are one of the best on the market!

[AltaLawnCare]

DEMO..

You'll have to try 'em out, see how the features operate. Saftey features, deck height adjustment, dealer support ..all important.

I went with the Exmark over DC mainly because of 3 reasons :

Ease of deck height adjustment - I change height alot!

Electric PTO,, I have to jump off and pick up trash occasionally. With electric PTO, you just disengage the blades and set the brake - You can't do that on one with a manual PTO.

Dealer is closer and commercial oriented.

You can add filters to the Exmark, if you really want to - but I don't think getting around 2,000 hours should be a problem.
;)

Some plusses on the DC are great rear tires - good traction, ride, and looks. And smooth hydralics.

[gorrell]

I'm like wrebelmachine, I've been in this business for over 16 years and have tried all the good machines out there. Bobcat, Bunton, Exmark, Grasshopper, and Scag. I've finally settled on Dixie Chopper as my mower of choice(I do own a Hustler Shortcut as well). I've got 3 S'burb'n Turb'ns and a flex-deck equipped flatlander. The DC's give tremendous performance with almost no downtime. My biggest downtime problem is tire related and that's not DC's fault, just the places that we mow. Try a Dixie Chopper, it might not be what you want but then again it just might..............Lynn

[Richard Martin]

I'm into my second year on my XW2500 Dixie and I do love this mower. The cut is second to none and it stripes great. In over 300 hours there have been no breakdowns. The factory equiped OCDC is a great feature too. It allows me to get right in next to beds that wouldn't be possible with any other machine.

[John DiMartino]

I have a dixie chopper its on its 3rd year now,and its been a good mower for the last 2 yrs,it had some teething troubles the first year,but they are behind it now.I would recommend you demo one,and the exmark as well.In all honesty i i were to buy tomorrow id walk right past all those mowers to get to a Hustler super Z,it hands down outcuts the others,and blows them away as far as speed,build quality,and features.If you have a Hustler dealer in the area,you owe it to yourself to try one,but try it after everything else,this way you will feel the difference.I thought my dixie was fast,and cut good,until I demo'd the super Z,it is on nice machine.

[Brickman]

Are all Dixies mid mount deck machines? The pic I saw was.
If so that would be reason enough for me to NOT buy one. I hate mid mount.

[WREBELMACHINE]

Are you sure about blowing the others away with the hustler?

[John DiMartino]

WREBEL, I m positive about the Hustler blowing away the others.I had my dixie next to the hustler I mean mine was a yr older than the hustler but only had 175 hrs on it,my Dixie was simply outpowered,and he cut is that much better,IMO.Maybe the nex dixie's silver deck is much better than mine which was used up to this yr,I dont know for sure,but compared to the 2000-2001's deck,it does blow the dixie away,not that my dixie cuts bad,it cuts great,or so i thought until i demo'd the Hustler.The difference really shows up in thick grass when mowing at high speeds,the Hustler tears it up,clean in one pass,the dixie does a repsectable job,but its just not as good at high speed mowing.

[Mark]

Mike if you want to see what the dixies can do check out Eric's website he used the choppers for many yrs. Do a search on the Dixies and youll see Erics address. Marks Mowing Service..........

[johnhenry]

i have a XW2500 dc and I love it. There cut and ride is one of the best. I use to be a ferris man but I find myself using the dc more than the ferris unless its really hilly. But If I was going to buy a new one. Take in and consider what John said about the hustler. If a hustler dealer would have been in my area I might have bought a hustler.I test dorve one in florida it was great. But to make a long story short. Yes dc are great. They are kinda of like a harley its a cult thing but ooooo are they sweet.If ztr were a bike the dixie would be the harley

[MONTE]

I had a dealer stop at a job site today and wanted to demo a super z to me it is a good mower I demoed one earlier this year. I think what wrebelmachine was saying is that the hustler is fast but it is not the fastest. And I don't know if my mower is the fastest or not but it was faster than the hustler that raced me today!

[P&J Lawncare]

I am with John also the super z is the BEST that I have ever used, the exmark is a close second (both have great cut quality) but the super z is more heavy duty and the speed is incredible.

[ADMowing]

I don't know if its the way the guys drive the DCs or the machine itself, but they seem to tear up turf here in Florida, especially if the grass is the least bit wet. Saw two guys doing it this past Wednesday. The neighbor was sitting out in his yard on a stump just shaking his head.

Our Bunton Twister does not do this. But, like I said, it could be the way it is driven.

In another location altogether, we saw lots of ruts on a lawn we were quoting. Asked the guy what machine they were using on his lawn and he said a Dixie Chopper. Our Bunton never did this on the same lawn. We've been doing the same lawn for 2 years now.

Just wondering.... anyone else in Florida hear of this problem with DCs??? Used to be a big name here in this area, but we don't see as many around anymore. It may just be a problem with the way the wheels are set and the Florida turf.

Exmark is the big name here now along with Great Dane and Grasshopper. I'm not even too sure I like the look of the new Buntons, but I was told by lots of you on LS about Steiner -- which looks exactly like it has the durability of our Twister.

In Ohio, the turf thing may not be an issue. I agree with others that you should definitely demo the machine.

:)

[awm]

i havnt really checked all the z s out there but just realized some have the scalping wheel right where i like to do my most careful trim wk on my lazer. the 52 i have has the trim scalping wheel far enought inward to allow
me to do delicate trim wk better i believe.
this a feature i would not want to do with out

[GRASS PRO]

Dixie Chopper is really popular in this area. I did not buy one but I would have no problem buying one.

[gorrell]

Mike, Mr. Dimartino has a real problem with dixie choppers as you can read from his comments. I think he's had a bad experience in the past and can't seem to get over it. Dixie Chopper is the most copied machine in the commercial market and that is why there are more ztr's out there now than you can shake a stick at. Believe me, as I stated before, I've tried all the good ones(or most anyway) and the Dixie Chopper is very, very, very, hard to top............Lynn

[John DiMartino]

Mrs Gorrell ,I have a problem with Dixie choppers? I said mine does a fine job,until high speeds with thick grass,this is the truth,saying it cuts it clean would be a lie,the Hustler does,.I had brand new OEM razor sharp blades on my dixie before PJ came with the Hustler,and the deck was clean,pitched correct,belts tight,and rpms were set at 3800,this was a fair a test as i could put together.I also said my mower has been a good mower for the last 2 yrs,but had some teething trouble,this is true.I have said in the past that others have had better luck with Dixies,I know mine wasnt the average one,but i also said this ,and didnt imply that mine was the normal DC,but i think the members of LS have a right to know the truth if and when a mower has a lot of problems.How is any of this negative/unfair posting about the Dixie?,I and many others feel that both Exmark,and Hustler make superior mowers.Stooping to the level you did by implying that I am bitter,and posting as such,is an act of desperation,and an insult to my inteligence. You act as if i personally insulted you becasue i feel the Hustler blows the Dixie away,The Hustler cuts better,is faster,and is better built,end of story.I dare anyone to compare both side by side,abnd come away saying the dixie cut better,faster,and is better built,and engineered.Like I said,i feel the dixie is a good choice,at the time i bought mine I felt it was the best,but times have changed,and Dixie hasnt kept up with the competition,which is fine,but lets not act as if the Dixie still has the best cut,highest speed,and best build.I alsway try to help everone here ,and if i was a new member and ready to buy a Diie,or Exmark,I would hope a member would tell me about the super Z,if i didnt know,Id be passing up the best mower out there ,and not even know it.

[TLS]

Originally posted by John DiMartino
Dixie hasnt kept up with the competition

'Nuff said.

They ARE trying though! :rolleyes:

Yoda says......"Try not,.....DO!"

I couldn't be more happier with my LC Lazer. I am a DC convert, and the Lazer is just the better engineered machine.

If there were a Hustler dealer close to me, they and whoever else builds a superior macnine will be seriously considered when it comes time to replace the Lazer.

[gorrell]

"Mrs" Martino, you have a right to your opinion as do I. Nuff said..........Lynn

[mlc4163]

Sorry it took so long to get back.
Looks like a lot of debating. I actually have Exmark, DC, and Hustler within about 5 miles of each other. Found the Hustler by accident while checking on wide area mowing concepts.
I guess its a test drive on each to see which feels and performs the best for me.
Hope this isn't so far back in the forum that my thanks gets lost.
I'll post a quick summery after the test runs.
Mike

[Nick]

Hey John DiMArtino I remember you posting before that you set your deck pitch to 3/8" to help combat bowout. This is a no no. As the pitch increases from the optimum 1/4" less of the blades cutting surface comes into contact with the grass resulting in a rugged looking cut. Keep it from 0-1/4" and you will get a clean cut even at high speeds. Mine cuts great at full speed. In this pick I was going max on an xw2300 and I was taking of a good 5". Post some picks of hustlers cut so that we can all compare.
:dizzy:

[Nick]

by now

[mowerconsultant]

Nick,
Lets take off your double blades and striping kit and compare it to the Hustlers cut.


Later
Pj

[P&J Lawncare]

P.J. I think thats it's time for you to make a road trip to Toledo so you can take some pictures of my super z laying some lines, I am sure that my super z lays lines with the best of them. I was going to buy a digital camera this fall but maybe it is time for one now. :blob3: :blob4: :blob4:

[HOMER]

I haven't had any problems getting parts for my Choppers. A good dealer can remedy that problem.

I can't see where any machine out there is faster at deck height adjustments, especially a Lazer. No way can anyone raise a deck faster than a Chopper.

I've had pretty good luck with mine so I'll give them a good rating......and yes I would and probably will buy another one, once you get used to that OCDC you'll never feel safe running another mower.

I also have a 96 model Scag 48" Super Z. Been in the shop twice in 1289 hours..........one was a head gasket and the other a clutch.........udder than that it too has been a good machine and gets used regularly.......not as much as the Choppers of course since it's set up to bag.

No winning this argument.:rolleyes:

Good luck on your purchase.

I would like to add a comment about all the manufacturers out there. They all build mowers in the northern or midwestern states. That means (to me anyway) that all the mowers are engineered for Kentucky Bluegrass, Rye, Fescue.........none are really made to cut the grass we have down here in the south. The Choppers do well down here because of the blade tip speed. My 48" Scag doesn't cut bahai worth a **** and neither do any of the smaller deck mowers my friends have. The Choppers I have (50" and 72") cut it pretty darn good because of the tip speed. I guess if all our grass was thick as other areas of the country and grew as tall (don't mention Bermuda) you might be able to do a side by side comparison.......Until we can grow it in the deep south we're stuck with the crappy grass (except St. Augustine) and have to deal with it on a daily basis.

I'm all out of words. Hopefully somebody gets my point.

[johnhenry]

Now homer are you telling me the south has crappy grass. Boy you are working way to hard. get some sleep and take two advil and call me in the morning.By the way guys. Hearing the dixie first crank up in the morning ooooo what a sound

[Nick]

Mower consultant Eric Erickson already showed us how a chopper stripes with out a kit. Taking my doubles off is like telling you to run gator blades instead of your stock blades.

[mlc4163]

Udate on my original question and your feedback.

Ask my Turf crew chief to check out the D.C.'s the other day. He was VERY much impressed. Said he tried a newer mode with a 30hp Ingersole motor? Dealer offered to loan for a half day or so to get a really good feel of the mower. Will try in a week or so. Anyway I ask the chief about his first impressions: "That thing SCREAAAAAMMMMED", and " the controls were super smooth" were the ones that stuck out in my head. I've also located a Hustler dealer that I will try a similar comparison.
Mike
P.S. Crew chief lives on a Scag and John Deer F series.