Bunton walk behinds

[gil692]

I stopped at a local bunton dealer 2 miles from house. He has a 48&quot; belt drive with less than 50 hours that he took back for trade on another mower. he wants 2000 out the door serviced and tested. He says it lists for 3500. Anybody used bunton WB's or any Bunton stuff? Is this a good deal or what, again I ask for your help. I posted earlier with mower overload and you guys told me that a walk behind maybe the ticket.<br>You all have been at this longer than me so I am open to advice.<p>----------<br>gil692<p><p><font size="1">Edited by: gil692

[geogunn]

I've never run a bunton mower so I can't offer advice on the quality/longevity of the machine.<p>I have heard, however, that they are a rugged machine.<p>my comment is that the list price of the new bunton is not a good comparison by which to price a used machine. $3500 depreciating to $2000 in 50 hours. ask the dealer what the machine will retail for in another 50 hours if you buy it.<p>I'm pretty sure that the bunton is no more rugged than the 48 lesco belt and they sell that machine, on promotion for $2200 with a two year commercial use warranty.<p>you're headed in the right direction choosing a walk behind but the numbers dont sound right on this one.

[Lazer]

I have owned Buntons 15 years ago.<p>Buntons were the original walk-behind with independent wheel drive as we know them. First came out in the mid-50's, they were always the &quot;Cadillac&quot; of the walk-behind's with very rugged constuction. They always had the most engine and deck options.<p>They lost favor with commercial cutters in the early and mid-80's when other mowers offered lower prices and/or more features.<p>Todays Bunton isn't much different than other entry-level walk-behinds and you probably can't go wrong for $2000.<p>Does it have an hour meter on it? Most 48&quot; belt-drives don't. What engine? And why did the guy trade in a mower at 50 hours?<p>

[Evan528]

are bunton belt drives really 3500 for a 48incher? No wander i dont see any news ones being used.... wheneveri see buntons being used there about 10-15 yrs old!

[fdew]

Here is a add for what may be the lowest price 48 in belt drive. At least it gives you something to compare to.<p>48 in 7 guage deck. Kawasaki. Price: $2,199.99 Is it any good? I don't know.<p>http://www.mowersdirect.com/Gear_Drive_Walkbehind_Mowers143.html<br>

[TheLawnRanger]

wb vrs. 21&quot; pusher<p>PUSHER wins!!!<p>there easyer on the wallet! 30 too 1 LOL.<br>there easyer to operate.<br>they dont scalp!<br>there easer to load and unload<br>they dont use that much gas<br>easy to work on<br>easy to change blades!height!<br>change from bagger to side shoot in 2 seconds<br>try that with a wb LOL.<br>they CUT BETTER!!!!!<br>there better period! so i woulnt buy one!<br>when i could buy 30-40 lawnboys to one wb!<br>

[thelawnguy]

Big Wheel vs. Crown Vic<p>Big Wheel wins!<br>Easier on the wallet 100 to 1 LOL<br>Easier to operate<br>They dont crash<br>Easier to park<br>Easier on gas<br>No maintenance<br>Easier to change seat position<br>Do a 360 in 3 feet of driveway<br>No license reg or ins necessary<br>Why buy a Crown Vic when you can buy 100 big wheels for the neighborhood instead?

[Kent Lawns]

And you can make a whopping 1/3 as much as a Commercial Walk-Behind.<p>I think the reason some are in this business is to make money; obviously you have other reasons

[trimmasters]

LMAO, Thanks Lawnguy

[trimmasters]

so lets say it takes to lawn boys to be as productive as one walkbehind (probley more like three but will say 2) so the second mower dosent just run itself, min wage labor with taxes would be atleast $10 an hour. so if you mow 6 hours per day, 5 days per week, 30 weeks per season, the damn lawn boy cost you $9,000.00 per year!!!! now try this with a ZRT. one 52&quot; zrt = about atleast 6 lawn boys. At same amount of mowing time the lawnboys then cost you $64,000 dollars.<p>Just my thoughts :)<br>John W Bell

[KirbysLawn]

Hey Thelawnranger, are you serious???<p>You are making very broad statements about a type of mower that you evidently had a bad experience with. I have seen several post of yours bashing commercial mowers and recommending 21&quot; push mowers and can't believe anyone planning to build a lawn business would recommend using 21&quot; mowers!<p>How do you get any work done and what size lawns do you mow? When you used a commercial mower were you using it on hills or flat ground? Common since will tell you that you can't use a 4-5' wide mower over ground with a 6&quot; hump or real uneven ground.<p>Below are photos of lawns I mow with 52&quot; mowers, where are the scalps? The first lawn even has a hill and an area at the top that could be easily scalped, but it's not.<p>http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=681893&a=4967155&p=19958874&Sequence=0<p>http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=681893&a=4967155&p=19958883&Sequence=0<p>The top lawn can be mowed, edged, trimmed, and blow off in 20 min and pays $140.00 a month. Jobs like this and good mowers are how I pay my bills and grow. If I was using a 21&quot; mower I would have been out of business long ago.<p>Ray

[yardsmith]

Bill, you remind me of Rush Limbaugh-<br>Exploit absurdity by being absurd in the same fashion. Laughed my butt off........:)<p>----------<br>Smitty ô¿ô<br>

[FIREMAN]

First i'm not knocking a bunton.....but bunton is now owned by textron aren'y they?. i'm pretty sure they are so textron owns bunton and bobcat look at their machines i think you'll see many similarities. Bobcats have always been good machines in my opinion. But I also think 3,000 for a new belt drive wb is a bit steep, shop the price, you may do better.

[TheLawnRanger]

like i said b4!<br>i have a condtion which im on medication<br>i started mowing lawns and talking to my custerms and brigtening there day! always<br>leaving them with a smile.<br>and now god blesses me b/c i dont need the medication b/c mowing helps me relax! and get<br>rid of stress!!!!!<br>mowing with a wb is stress!!!!!<br>they are very daneruos!<br>with my lb i can do the best i can do without the worrie!!!<p>sounds like you all are to worryied about the<br>things in this life that are worldly and not<br>of god. you cant take your money with you.<br>yes you need some $ but isnt your falimly and<br>doing the commandment of god more imporant!<br>i think so! but too each his own.<br> but there is a god.we will be judged!<br>and of all a 21&quot; is better then a wb!!!!!!!<br>please dont be affended by the turth.<br>it seems to me that you have. im sry but im <br>happy with mowing with a 21&quot; <br>i cut 40/130 lot i cut about 15 per week<br>at 20$ per cut the 300$ is more then i make at my full time job! i take the $ and open a trust fund so my childern can go to school some day! and but some for when i get old.<br>and i try to pay some priclpe on the house.<br>i spend $ on the basics of life! we are happy<br>god gives and bless my falimly everyday!<br>stop worring and but your trust in god he will provide! you cant do it your self. if you think you can you will fail. i stive with<br>my 21&quot; and make enuff $ for us there are more improant things to do like play with my kids and talk with my wife and go to church!<br>im happy r u? ~mark~

[geogunn]

hmmmmm....<p>thelawnranger, looks like you might have doubled up on the meds and mowing today....<p>GEO

[KirbysLawn]

UUUUhhhhhh.....ok.

[GrassRoots Lawn Care]

LawnRanger, if mowing helps you relax and you enjoy your job working with a 21&quot; then keep doing it. You like you job and the work. That's all the should matter.<p>LawnGuy.... still Laughing my ass off. :-)<p>----------<br>Mike Reynolds,<br>GrassRoots Lawn Care, Florida

[Greenkeepers]

Boy oh boy!!<p>1st- Fireman you are correct. Bunton is made by Textron.. The same co. who makes bobcat,ryan,bunton.<p>Ranger-<br>Where are you buying $100 lawn-boys. If you can buy 30-40 for the price of one wb. My commercial lawn boy cost $630.. You must be using used homeowner models. <br>I like lawn-boys but I'd never trade my wb's or my ztr for them. I never realized how much more I could have done if I would have bought a wb a long time ago.. <p>Only my 2 cents<p>Mike<br>Greenkeepers<p>Oh yeah- I guarantee I can get that lb of yours to scalp the hell out of something that a wb wont......<p><br>

[trimmasters]

Lawnranger, Where in the Bible does it say if you use a walkbehind mower you will not go to Heaven? did I miss that verse?

[KirbysLawn]

It's raining so I have time to reply.<p>LawnRanger, you say: &quot;sounds like you all are to worryied about the things in this life that are worldly and not of god. you cant take your money with you. yes you need some $ but isnt your falimly and doing the commandment of god more imporant!&quot;<p>What are you talking about???? Do you use &quot;Godly&quot; Lawn Boy 21&quot; push mowers? We are not using porno walk behind mowers, we are running businesses that need to make a profit to survive. Worldly, I don't think so. I am a born again Christian and run my business accordingly.<p>This may shock you but thanks to those DREADFUL large mowers I am able to finish my jobs sooner, mow more, get home sooner, send my children to Christian school, tithe, provide support for 2 missionaries, and so on. Thanks to my large mowers my children are able to attend Christian camp at the Wilds, that is where they are this week.<p>What commandments of God are we breaking by running a profitable businesses? PLEASE EXPLAIN. I witness to my customers, invite them to church, have links to the plan of salvation on my web site, and I tithe.<p>I'm glad you like your 21&quot; Lawn Boy. The point is that new guys are starting post here asking advice from professionals and you sound like you are doing it as a hobby, no offense. The reason I responded is that I think you are giving BAD advice for people who are looking to start a business and a career. There is nothing wrong or ungodly about charging people for a service and making a profit while doing it.<p>Ray

[lakegastonla]

Hey lawnranger, maybe in the other post, I said some things that were a bit mean spirited and I apoligize for that, because it would appear that you have a condition of sorts. I will delete them right away. You say that mowing lawns helps to calm your nerves and ease your condition, and I think that is great. However, you mention your family in the next breath and mention how important it is for you to save money to send your children to school. This is admirable and I applaud you. However, let's be realistic...NO 21 inch mower will do the job that a quality walk behind will. First of all, the most important thing is BLADE TIP SPEED which tells you how many rpm's your mower blades are turning. Most walk behinds are in the 18,000 to 18,500 range while the smaller 21 inchers are n the 12,000 range. This gives a cleaner, more even cut beyond compare! Second, the obvious gains in productivity speak for themselves. Third, increased productivity with superior quality means you can charge a premium and get LOTS more done in the same ammount of time. Bottom line..those precious children will have a much larger cushion to fall back on when tuition time rolls around. I understand that commercial equipment is harder to operate than homeowner equipment.(which lawn boy most CERTIANLLY is) But , like most things there is a learning curve involved. Come on, man you dropped a PRODUCTIVE commercial machine for a homeowner 21 inch disposable mower anyone can buy at LOWE'S!! A little patience would have carried you through, and made you a lot of money. Instead you took the easy way out. I know you have taken a beating in the last week on this forum, and I apologize for the part I took in it. But most of these guys know their s@#$ and are truly trying to help you. Open your eyes and see the light here! <br><p><font size="1">Edited by: lakegastonla

[jrblawncare]

All of the above is great...this is what makes the world-go-round and this site so great...many different thoughts...You go with that 21&quot; if it makes you happy!!<p>----------<br>John <br>

[gil692]

I went to the mowersdirect.com web page and the prices were as you say. cheapest I have seen. The mowers look like older scag mowers and the spec sheets show quality. I e-mailed the company and they replied next morning. Shipping is free warranty is one year and 2. and several other things. When delivered it is ready to go. gas it and go. Once run it is YOURS. I am thinking REAL HARD on one of thiers. For the price of a 61 inch scag hydro WB you can BY a 61 inch ZTR painted any color you want. If any body has bought anything from them let me know. thanks<p>----------<br>gil692<br>

[Evan528]

its all assembled when you get it? what, does the U.P.S guy roll it of a ramp off his truck and push it too your front door?

[Scraper]

Haha...mowersdirect.com. Don't even waste you're time on those Landscaper's Supply pieces of crap. Heck...did you look at the pictures? They can't even put a pic of the corresponding mower...they have the 61&quot; deck size for all pics. I really hope you're not considering one of those Gil! :)<p>Oh yeah...and Lawn Ranger...Which commandment might you be talking about? Leave GOD out of this forum!<br><p><font size="1">Edited by: Scraper

[KirbysLawn]

Gil692, I know some of us have got off the subjuct that you requested, sorry...I couldn't help it. :) I would highly reccomend trying your mower before you buy it. I looked at several mowers before buying mine, didn't care for the style ZTR like the ones at mower direct because the handles are high and require 2 hands to operate all of the time.<p>Both of my Great Dane mowers are mowing machines! Both can be operated with one hand for those times when you have an itch, need to make an adjustment...to your hearing protection, or what ever. The handles on the Scamper (the walkbehind) are very easy on your hands. <p>This photo is of the scamper, both handles are together and simply push forward to go: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=681893&a=4967148&p=23467291&Sequence=0<p>This photo is the Chariot, note how the handles are in the lap area which is easy on the arms, and this mower flies! Try to test one out, if you live near by come over and try mine. Whitley's here in Monroe sell the new Chariot with 25HP Kohler for $6900.00. http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=681893&a=4967148&p=23467289&Sequence=0<p>Ray<p><p>----------<br>Ray Kirby - Kirby's Cuttin' Edge Lawn Maintenance<br>Home Page (http://www.kirbycuttin.com), My Truck (http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=681893&a=4967153), Lawn Photos (http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=681893&a=4967155)<br><p><font size="1">Edited by: KirbysLawn

[lakegastonla]

Hi Kirby!! What's the going price on the scamper?? It is a nice liiking machine. I think they sell more of the stand-ons but the scamper is nice, too!!

[Guido]

Hey Lawnranger, any discussion that has to do with commercial Lawncare (and ESPECIALLY the mowers that go along with it) you should not clutter with your 22&quot; &quot;god's gift&quot; lawnmower company Bull$hit. In my opinion your discouraging the guys that have those little 22&quot;'s but want to get bigger and become a real lawn maintenance biz. Thats great that your happy with your old fleet of LAwnboys, BUT YOU SOUND LIKE A FOOL SAYING HOW MUCH A 22&quot; IS BETTER THAN A 48&quot; MOWER ALL CAUSE YOUR NOT MAN ENOUGH TO RUN THE MACHINE!!!!! <p>People have turned your stupid theories upside down time and time again!!<p>You say &quot; the big mowers scalp&quot; Give me your LB for 2 minutes and I'll burn some grass if I pretend I can't run it.<p>I had an exmark that I changes from discharge to bagger in less then 5 seconds (all you have to do is take the bag off!)<p>Thats great that your happy with your &quot;GRASS CUTTIN'&quot; business and your bible studies are obviously going better than mine if God is giving you buisiness tips, but don't bring guys that are eager to learn and take over this business someday down to that level with you. Stop being so ignorant about your stupid little 22&quot; mower<p>And one more thing, if you don't want to expand your business at all, and your not trying to make money, and all you do here is argue (wich defeats the purpose you say you mow for anyway) WHY ARE YOU HERE? Just wondering, not trying to be mean but it seems like your just bringing down spirits. <p>----------<br>&lt;a href=&quot;http://communities.msn.com/guidosequipmentpics/&quot;&gt;&quot;Guido&quot;&lt;/a&gt;<br>David M. Famiglietti

[KirbysLawn]

Just in case Thegr8ONE is here and wondering why I'm here and not mowing, it's raining again, YEA!! (Just kidding GR8ONE!!) And also last night I almost put my eye out running into a limb, spent most of the night in the ER.<p>I talked to Chad Whitley today, he has a demo 48&quot; Scamper, 14 HP KAW, duel hydro, just like new with warranty for $3500.00. A new one is $4000.00. His number is 704-764-3910. FWIW, I do not work for Whitley or Great Dane. ;)<p>Ray<br><p><font size="1">Edited by: KirbysLawn

[AB Lawn Care]

Ok this topic has gone way off,but I will answer the intended question.I have heard good things about bob-cat Ransomes Bunton.They are all about the same mower.I think they are a little pricy$$$$ like others have said.Cutntrim one of the other canadians on this fourm owns a fleet of them.Ask him!He should know.They seem to have a good cut as well.Hope this helps.<p>Now as far as this whole lawnranger thing goes here is my 2 cents.If you are happy pushing a lawn boy great.But I don't think you gave your lesco enought time!It took me close to a month to get on to my scag walk-behind.At times I got really mad becouse I dont like flying onto a 4 lane highway holding onto a walkbehind.But now I never loose control of it and rarely scalp.It doesnt matter what mower you use it will take time to learn to drive it and to learn its limits.Just like a car!Rember the first time your drove?A little tricky eh.And after you have driven for 10 years with no problems and decide to buy a standerd car it is like starting out agian.The car is totally different from an auto.Just like a lesco is totally differnt from a lawnboy!Get what i'm saying???I'm glad you are happy with your lawnboy,but when you say that no one should own one and all of us would be better off with lawnboys.You can understand why we feel we need to reply.<p>I hope all of this helped! <p>----------<br>from:Adam<br>AB Lawn Care

[lakegastonla]

The Bunton's are the same as the Ransomes/Bobcats. Very SOLID mower, and two grand sounds like a deal for a mower with only 50 hrs.!! Go for it, and the warranty should be the same as a crate new mower!!<br>Good luck and MOW ON BIG DADDY!!!

[ashlandscaping]

Buttons are great machines. If it is a 1 year or older it is still the button design with the large rear tires and so forth. If it is last fall or this season it is a bobcat mower made at the bobcat plant. I have owned all brands and kept the buttons still own some, BUT the prices on the parts just went to the roof. Same goes for the bobcats. Textron is doing the rape idea and doing a GOOD job on it. As far as price its a little high I could buy a old style large rears 52 inch deck kaw motor for $ 2200.00 plus tax brand new. try to get him down on price

[Dave]

if the lesco is the same as a mtd pro walkbehind,there is no comparrisionto the bunton,the mtd-lesco I saw had a twin cylinder briggs on it and to tell you the truth it looked like junk

[gil692]

Well this bunton is 14 hp kohler 48 inchj deck. the paint is not even scratched that is how much the previous guy used it. Only problem I have now is getting the dealer to deliver it. July 4th Ill give some slack but if not here buy friday guess Ill have to look elsewhere. If can not deliver in a reasonable time guess he will be slow in everything else, if the else is needed.<p>If no Bunton guess Ill have to go the lawnboy 21 incher route. (NOT)