Walk behind purchase?

[bmrdude]

Ok, I realize there are many walk behinds to buy, however I'm looking at these brands: Toro, Scag, Exmark, John Deere. They are sold locally. Since this is all new to me, what are your suggestions regarding: gear drive vs. hydro, floating vs. non-floating deck, etc......... This is only going to be a part time business for me (one or two days a week). Any input would be appreciated.

[grassdaddy]

I bought a 17/48 gear drive,non floating, scag.It has been a reliable machine,HOWEVER,if i had it to do over i would have bought an exmark turf tracer 23/52.now that hustler has decided to get in the game,i'd wait and look at their 23/54.

[PaulJ]

Well,
I haven't operated any of the machines your looking at, but I have been pouring over every bit of info I can get on Walkbehind mowers for my next purchase.
You didn't mention what size your looking for. I'm looking into 48" hydro, but that's just what will fit me best.

First I have ruled out Toro and John Deere because I don't like stamped decks. Deep welded decks are the way I want to go. Also I am 90% sure i will go with a floating deck. With a 48" I could go either way. If its a 36" I would say fixed is ok, if a 52" or larger I would definitely go floating. Again that's just me.
Exmark, and Scag are both on my final list, along with Hustler and Snapper. A lot will come down to a demo as each one I am looking at has a different control system. The dealers attitude will play a big factor as well.
If It is going to be your primary mower, and you can afford it, I would definitely go hydro. My primary is a gear drive and I wish for a hydro every day.
I think that most of the commercial companies out there make quality well built machines. The differences come down to the little things. Trying to find one that combines most of the features I like in one machine has been tough.
You just have to try them all, talk to the dealers, do some searches on here, then go with your gut.:D :dizzy:

Happy Cutting

[rodfather]

If that's all you got locally, go with the eXmark. Steering on the Toro WB's is a little tricky and Scag tends to be a bit dicey in price.

Dig a little deeper and see if Ferris or Hustler is available too. They're great machines IMHO.

Buy hydro if you can afford it...you won't regret it.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by PaulJ
I'm looking into 48" hydro, but that's just what will fit me best.

First I have ruled out Toro and John Deere because I don't like stamped decks. Deep welded decks are the way I want to go. Also I am 90% sure i will go with a floating deck. With a 48" I could go either way. Happy Cutting

Take a look at the Hustler. Super heavy welded steel deck. The front is also a boxed construction, with over an inch deep box of heavy steel. Baffling is great and running doubles automatically keep the deck clean. Also, a little know fact is, the hustler deck is made to withstand throwing a 1x6" steel bar under the deck while running at full speed and not denting the deck. And, they also run over steel balls in the deck and the deck will push then down into the ground and not "launch" them up and out the chute. These are "OSHA" tests that Hustler "chooses" to meet, which many other makers don't. Remember listening to guy's throw stones into windows.......This is why the Hustler deck is made to throw objects down and not launch them.......
Pete

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by Switchless@aol.com
Also, a little know fact is, the hustler deck is made to withstand throwing a 1x6" steel bar under the deck while running at full speed and not denting the deck. And, they also run over steel balls in the deck and the deck will push then down into the ground and not "launch" them up and out the chute. These are "OSHA" tests that Hustler "chooses" to meet, which many other makers don't. Remember listening to guy's throw stones into windows.......This is why the Hustler deck is made to throw objects down and not launch them.......
Pete

The test is "ANSI" not "OSHA" and the only one that doesn't do it is DC.

http://www.ansi.org/

OSHA checks for workplace safety. ANSI checks for equipment safety.


This is why the Hustler deck is made to throw objects down and not launch them.......

BS

[MacLawnCo]

Originally posted by rodfather
Steering on the Toro WB's is a little tricky

HOLD ON, what? Can you run a ZTR? If so, then you can run a T-bar.. Forward to go forward, pull back to stop. Kinda simple if you ask me.

[bob]

First of all, welcome to Lawnsite. Use the search feature on this forum. You'll find tons of info on topics like this one.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by LAWNGODFATHER
The test is "ANSI" not "OSHA" and the only one that doesn't do it is DC.http://www.ansi.org/OSHA checks for workplace safety. ANSI checks for equipment safety.BS

Thanks buppy......

[Lawnagent007]

I have been running a toro 36" hydro with a floating deck for 4 years. Have had 0 problems with this mower and the t-bar steering is what sold me on this one. The t-bar steering will also cause less fatigue to your hands vs pistol grip after a long day at the office.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by Switchless@aol.com
This is why the Hustler deck is made to throw objects down and not launch them.......
Pete

You missed my "BS" comment.............

If it shoots down, out, up, left, or right it will still "fly"

That is the biggest load of bull malarky I have ever heard.

Now where is this claim stated? I would like to "see" it. Show me, I am from the "show me" state.

[lawncare3]

I have never used any of the above but, If you want to be in "the crowd" I say go with red.

[sheppard]

Dear BRMDude,

Have a 36" belt drive WB. Started with it and have been happy since I bought it. Perfect for going through back yard fences, small slopes, and small yards.

If I had to do it over again I'd have gotten an adjustable deck in stead of a fixed deck. In my area I have a lot of both St. Augustine (4") as well as Centipede (2").

As long as you go with a Kaw/ engine you can't go wrong w/ Snapper.

Cordially,
S.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by LAWNGODFATHER
You missed my "BS" comment.............If it shoots down, out, up, left, or right it will still "fly"That is the biggest load of bull malarky I have ever heard.Now where is this claim stated? I would like to "see" it. Show me, I am from the "show me" state.

Hey, I'm not the one that does the testing....... Ask them........FWIW, since I'm a tad older, as time goes on, I've noticed the "show me" theory seems to be less and less a good way to judge things.....:confused:

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Show me where they claim this???????????

I wanna see it.....

[lawncare3]

Originally posted by sheppard
Dear BRMDude,

As long as you go with a Kaw/ engine you can't go wrong w/ Snapper.

Cordially,
S.

I agree but, their hard starting in cold weather. I LOVE my snapper.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by LAWNGODFATHER
Show me where they claim this???????????
I wanna see it.....

Mikey poo,
Don't shoot the messenger. I'm only saying what the ANSI, or whatever they are, is suggesting the testing is supposed to be. I can say, my friend's Ferris threw a stone the size of a hardball 50FT and whacked me right in the shoulder. I saw it fly out of the chute... Scary.... couldn't get out of the way fast enough. Then again, my Hustler has done a number on tennis balls and they usually just get chopped up and not thrown out the side....Again, just some things I've noticed.........
Doctorinvert......

[LAWNGODFATHER]

That is sure a lot different then what you were claiming....

Matter of fact that's a whole different ball game. Now it's what you claim, before you were saying Hustler was advertising this, and I know for sure they are not.

I've chopped up tennis balls and I've made em fly, nothing like what you were trying to say.

ANY MOWER will shoot something out of it, proven fact!!!!!

[Scag48]

Exmark, 'nuf said.

[MTR]

eXmark all for one, one for all.....

52"Lazer HP then 36" Metro fixed....and a 21" Toro or Lawnboy.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by LAWNGODFATHER
That is sure a lot different then what you were claiming....

Matter of fact that's a whole different ball game. Now it's what you claim, before you were saying Hustler was advertising this, and I know for sure they are not.

I've chopped up tennis balls and I've made em fly, nothing like what you were trying to say.

ANY MOWER will shoot something out of it, proven fact!!!!!

Mikey,
You're trying way too hard... relax:confused: My orginal statement still stands, about the steel balls and stuff. Please note though, this is only what I've been told, and is "supposedly" the way the tests are done. And, like you say, this is a standard test............Whether or not everyone does them and passes, is something I know nothing about.......
Pete

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Whatever dude....................:sleeping: