Choices....

[FrankenScagMachines]

I'm CONSIDERING selling both of my Scags and POSSIBLY buying a 48" or 52" hydro w/b or stand on. My Scag w/b fits everywhere and the size is perfect, but it needs more power and ground speed (why I bought the rider) but owning two machines is costly when you can't really justify them. They're both great machines but a 52" Stand on would be just as effecient as the 61 rider I have and would go about everywhere the w/b does, so it only makes sense to think about getting one. I bet I might get $6,000 selling both Scags together on ebay?
If I got a walk behind, it would need floating deck, hydro and something other than pistol grips, and need to go fast with a sulky. I honestly like the Hustler but it's definately not the cheapest. I'd like something that is easy, precise, and comfortable to control at high speeds with a sulky (in other words, not pistol grips. The Hustler I used was good here, haven't tried ECS). Here's some of the machines in the line-up that I've priced (new) and might like to have:

Hustler walk behinds, hydro floating deck:
48" 17hp recoil start Kawi twin $5595 (8mph)
54" 17hp recoil start Kawi twin $5795 (8mph)

eXmark walk behinds, hydro floating deck:
48" 17hp TTHP ECS recoil start Kawi twin $5099 (6.2mph)
52" 17hp TTHP ECS recoil start Kawi twin $5299 (6.2mph)

Great Dane walk behinds, hydro fixed deck (not too "keen" on):
48" 17hp Kawi twin recoil start Scamper walk behind loop controls $3795 (7mph hey it's cheap anyway and looks simple)
52" 22hp Kohler electric start Gateway (folding deck for gates) with pistol grips $4795 (7mph)

Great Dane Super Surfer stand on hydro floating deck:
48" 17hp Kawi twin electric start $4995 (8.5mph)
52" 17hp Kawi twin electric start $5095 (8.5mph)
52" 23hp Kawi twin electric start $5495 (8.5mph)

Not having tried the eXmark ECS, right now I like the looks of the Hustler or GD SS because they're fast and easy to control at higher speeds. A regular pistol grip isn't like a Hustler as you cannot speed up and slow down at will without reaching up and grabbing the lever. I've found you could cut some time speeding up for bursts between obstacles! LOL Duh, but hey you cannot do that with pistol grips. Before I wasn't sure I liked the Hustler H-bar but I could easily get used to it. I know eXmark has all the praise on here but no one seems to be running the Hustler or GD SS to comment on them. I'm still looking to see if I could find a used machine to save money, but if I decided to do this and went with new ones I think it would be down to Hustler and SS as they are in a "similar" class and price range. The Gateway would definately be most versatile but it has the hated fixed deck and pistol grips, as well as the fact that it would be harder to get used to maneuvering, and would stripe funny.
Any thoughts on the Hustler (other than Pete hehe) or GD SS in these size ranges?
Thanks,
Eric

[yardman1]

If you can not justify both mowers then why did you buy that 61" scag? Just curious why with only ten accounts.

[fblandscape]

IF you go with the 52" Super Surfer get either the 23HP Kawi, or the 22HP Kohler. IMHO 17HP is not enough for what you are asking the machine to do.

[Turfdude]

BHB

I dunno bout the GD SS, but I do love my 2 48 standers. Great visibility, easy to maneuver, little trailer space. With a good operator no problem w/ tearing turf on turns or hills (this will take some practice!) Personally I hate the look of the extra lines of a sulky. As everyone will suggest - DEMO, DEMO, DEMO!!

[nelbuts]

sorry but they are not worth $6000

At best you could get a $1000 - $1500 for the rider and $500 - $700 for the WB

I have owned Scags for 19 years and I think this would be a good price where I live.

You have to look at them objectively and see that while in fair shape they are a little on the rough side.

Just MHO

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by FrankenScagMachines
I'm CONSIDERING
Hustler walk behinds, hydro floating deck:
48" 17hp recoil start Kawi twin $5595 (8mph)
54" 17hp recoil start Kawi twin $5795 (8mph)

Eric

Eric, the only problem is your pricing. You should be able to buy the 17hp 48 for $1,000 Less than the price you are getting quoted. You should have no problem paying about $4,595 for the 17/48 Hustler. Shame on the dealer who is raping you.
Call Hustler and find the rep for that area and talk to him.
Pete

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by yardman1
If you can not justify both mowers then why did you buy that 61" scag? Just curious why with only ten accounts.

11 accounts, gotta keep up........;)

He wants to be productive and efficient, cause that's all he reads about. You got to make money first, then trim the fat.

Make money with what you have now, if you go and buy another mower, you are a moron, even if you sell what you have to buy them.

Now it is time to learn from all your mistakes.

Work with what you have.:sleeping:

[little green guy]

Those 2 mowers arn't worth 6 grand. Maybe 3 grand for both. I agree with LGF use what you have for now and make some money then go get something new but 11 accounts can't realy justify it.l

[grassdaddy]

Just thought I'D throw this out-Land Pride zr20/52,20hp honda,100% hustler made 4850 or 0down 99.00mo.I'll never buy another w/b.Most of people here don't even have a 21 or a w/b,just a ztr-it must be nice.:(

[DLCS]

Bushy,

Good Lord man, stop buying mowers and get to work getting customers. LGF gave you some good advice. How about you get some more accounts to justify those mowers. Oh, $6 grand for those Scags, I wouldn't bet on it. LMAO

[geogunn]

bushhogbaby--of all the master manipulators that post here I woudda never thought you woudda over extended yourself with mowing capacity. and capacity costs you money!

I have considered your dilema and although my business sense tells me to cast you "best wishes", I just have trouble seeing a babe such as yourself sink beneath the waves.

I'll tell you what! I'll help you out. I'l trade you a dram machine for all the frankenequipment that you have. I will only need $1K to boot! yes for the low price I have quoted, I will grace you with the GEO LESCO (not METRO), 48-belt with the 14 KAW.

I know it aint a fair deal to me but when I am old and gray, you can remember me and pay me back.

now...when do you wanna come get that LESCO? OH! and by the way, please bring the $1K in cash, unmarked bills!:D

GEO

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by FrankenScagMachines
I bet I might get $6,000 selling both Scags together on ebay? If you are lucky you would get $1500 to $2000 for both.

If you want to bet, I'll put up a Lazer you wont get $6000 for both of those.

need floating deck, hydro and something other than pistol grips, and need to go fast with a sulky

"NEED".... you don't need any of that.

You have a hydro, you have a rider also.

What's wrong with pistol grips? Nothing.

A regular pistol grip isn't like a Hustler as you cannot speed up and slow down at will without reaching up and grabbing the lever. I've found you could cut some time speeding up for bursts between obstacles! LOL Duh, but hey you cannot do that with pistol grips. BS!!!

You have not learned how to use the mower yet.

I think I have lost whatever respect that I had left for you entirely.

You have been through more mowers for a solo kid operation in the last year, than anyone on this entire site.

Toro 32" POS made into a WB

John Deere 30 something inch

Burnt Scag STHM

Scag 52" WB

Scag Sthm you paid $2,XXX for.

5 mowers and still only servicing 11 accounts.

[FrankenScagMachines]

I'll just say this- I've never lost money on ANY deal I have EVER made. I've always come out quite a bit ahead. Now it's time I retire for the night so I can be fresh in the morning when the feller comes for the Wheel Horse that I'm making $135 off of. Yup, gave $40 for it and he is paying 175, coming from NC (it's worth about $75). That JD 38" w/b I paid 125 for the original BHB Scag STHM, sunk $80 into road tripping to get the JD ($210 or so?) then a guy drove 14 hrs from NY for the JD for $525 (worth $200 probably). I do that sort of thing all the time with smaller stuff like engines and other parts both locally and on the net. Great way to make money and I enjoy it actually. I don't consider it ripping people off because they know what this stuff needs when they buy it and they don't pay for it till they come get it. I didn't say both mowers were worth $6k I said I wouldn't be surprised if I got $6k for both. One dealer said he'd give me 800 trade in on the w/b and 4k for the rider. I have several offers to buy the w/b for $1k and I would bet I would have little trouble selling the rider for at least $3500 if not more like $4k. If I do decide to sell these I will let you all know how much I get for them and you might be surprised. Most people that know me say I have the Midas touch.
Unless I could demo a stand on I am convinced a w/b is still what I need most. Pete, the Scags are right in line with prices on the Hustler for floating deck hydros same engine and deck too! Just high prices here i guess.

LGF go ahead and have them ship the Lazer, I'll be waiting :D

[Scag48]

I'm sorry to break the news to you buddy, but use what you have. You have two productive mowers, use them. I service 20 accounts with a 36" for gods sake, and you're doin 11 with a 60" rider and a 52" w/b. You don't NEED new equipment, you want it. Use what you got, save some money, buy something later. Get more accounts, stay out of trouble, pay your car insurance, don't wreck the car, have fun in life, get yourself a woman and spend your $$$ on her. Peace out.

[Auroris]

BHB - would you be interested in the idea of opening a repair shop or dealership?

Just a thought. Maybe it's the route to take if you love mowers.

Don't do it tomorrow though, sleep on it a couple of years, ya know. ;)

[FrankenScagMachines]

Ok heres the deal:
Mom has to go with me until I get my license. She alloted a certain amount of time per week to do this. We never got to that alloted time but it's still pinching her more then she thought to do it all. In the spring it was really hurting with the w/b as it didn't have enough power to do what I wanted (doubles through heavy growth at 5mph) and so I either ran doubles and went slow, still double cutting a bit, or I ran singles and double or triple cut. That took alot of time and she just didn't have that kind of time. So I was looking for something with more power and speed and found a good deal on the rider, but only got it in time for the last week of hard spring growth. I could probably do everything OK with the w/b now, as the growth slowed down and I lost a couple jobs (not related to quality, customers had other reasons) so the rider is getting used but it's too large to fit in some areas and other areas it fits OK but it would be nice to have true zero turn capability and shorter length maybe. now it's costing me a bit more to own two machines than just one and I can't keep the rider busy enough obviously. I know things will be much much better in a month when i get my license as I won't be in as much of a hurry to get things done as mom won't have to wait on me. So I could sell just the rider and I'd be OK with the w/b this year for what properties I have, I could upgrade engine sometime and take care of that, but I'd still not have the ground speed I would want (this one doesn't go real fast, maybe about 6mph). Next spring I'd be coming across the same problems of taking more time double cutting and at the same time I'd be trying to add more work. I thought that with this rider I'd try for large residentials and some commercials, preferably 1/2 acre and larger lots where the 61" rider can be utilized, but keep the w/b for small and steep areas. So if I sold the rider now I could do OK with the w/b but next spring I'd be looking for some sort of upgrade again. I'd prefer not to finance and if I sold it now I'd use that money for a truck. So if I sold it, bought a truck then needed to upgrade next spring (when prices are high) I'd have to finance. It doesn't make sense to keep it now but it doesn't make sense to sell it just to buy another next spring. So thats why I got to thinking I could sell both and buy something that would fit where the w/b does but is as productive as the rider, and would only be one machine to maintain and store instead of two. I am not unhappy with these, I just feel like I need to find something that makes more money instead of costing money. I'd be fine with another 52" w/b if it was hydro, floating deck, faster, and had more power, and possibly better controls.

Scag48 how big are most of yours? I have some 5k sq. ft. and some 1 acre. On the 5k sf ones the w/b is perfect but on the one acre ones it was sucking my time up with double cutting or going slower with doubles on (and I still had to double cut some with doubles). The rider has plenty of power to spin doubles and has enough speed to do the job. It does a great job and I can fit it on some pretty small lawns if they're open. I could almost get rid of the w/b but I think I'd better keep a w/b around don't you?

Auroris that may be in the works! LOL.....

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by FrankenScagMachines
now it's costing me a bit more to own two machines than just one and I can't keep the rider busy enough obviously.

Blah Blah Blah, there ya go thinking out loud and you went in another circle.

It's costing you? costing you what? You have, NO zip zero bills.

The name should have been Junkhogboy. You insist on buying others junk you end up with what......maybe junk duh...

And you paid what $2300 or $2600 for that STHM rider and now you got some idiot to give you $4000 for an out of date 10 year old mower. Not a chance in he!!

This is past the point of ridiculous.

All this about productive, efficient, and profitable and you are a 15 year old kid being driven around by mommy still.

[a1 lawncare]

does this bring back memories of "lawnboy 82" entirely too much free time

[FrankenScagMachines]

Yeah it costs me. It uses blades, oil, belts, filters, etc. just like any other machine. It's not junk at all, it's in great shape. And I don't know how you can say it's out of date since the only thing they changed is the engine and deck (1 more horsepower and this deck has been modified to work like an Advantage anyway). What's ridiculous is that you feel the need to control my life and finances or publicly ridicule me constantly. Who was it who said if you have nothing good to say don't say anything at all. I sincerely hope you do not have kids, for their sake. I just don't see you as being "parent material". I don't see you as being a successful business owner either if you treat your customers anything like you treat me and everyone else on lawnsite.

a1 who is lawnboy82?

[a1 lawncare]

and be prepared to do some wild reading, often entertaining also.

ps i think its great to have the drive and ambition you have, but don't let pipe dreams cloud your view. pick some goals and stick with them, 99.9% of the people here, on lawnsite, are trying to give you some good advice, your going to have to distinguish between "wants and needs" . hope that makes sense

[nelbuts]

Tell you what BHB when you sell them for $6000 hell will freeeze over. I am telling you that your WB looks like a used mower with junk on it and I would not buy it for over $800. At one time I had five. The rider is an old style that Scag stopped production on over six years ago! The mower cost about $5200 then so you do the math. I understand your limitations with the mom and all but for God's sake I use to do 17 per day with a 36" Scag walking the darn yards. You don't need a different mower you need accounts! As far as this double cutting, get a life. Make sure blades are sharp and change them every ten yards. Lose the doubles as they rob you of power.

If you need mulching get a couple of star edger blades and put them on with a spacer between each blade. I have yet to see any of your accounts pictured that merit thick heavy grass so slow down. I have always cut on the number 3 and if it is really thick slow it down to 2.

I am sure having remembered what it was like at 16 that you "will not" take any advice posted here so good luck.

[MacLawnCo]

Eric, i feel really bad for you...

[The Lawn Boy Pro]

Originally posted by Scag48
I'm sorry to break the news to you buddy, but use what you have. You have two productive mowers, use them. I service 20 accounts with a 36" for gods sake, and you're doin 11 with a 60" rider and a 52" w/b. You don't NEED new equipment, you want it. Use what you got, save some money, buy something later. Get more accounts, stay out of trouble, pay your car insurance, don't wreck the car, have fun in life, get yourself a woman and spend your $$$ on her. Peace out.
I agree (especially on that woman stuff at the end there! :D ) Hey Eric, You know I have the Encore (and I know everyone thinks they suck) but you have to live with what u got. God has given you WAY WAY more than you need to run a productive biz with 11 accounts (pls. the side jobs, if any)! Be content already! I can honestly say I've learned this one already: If you go out spending all your money on stuff Stuff STUFF now, mark my words, there wont be any STUFF to look at later. You'll have to sell it all just to make up for all the stuff you "charged".

[kppurn]

Originally posted by LAWNGODFATHER


He wants to be productive and efficient, cause that's all he reads about. You got to make money first, then trim the fat.

Make money with what you have now, if you go and buy another mower, you are a moron, even if you sell what you have to buy them.

Work with what you have.:sleeping:

As much as you don't want to listen to this advice, it's in your best interest. Sell that rider and do as much as you can with the 52". Work your tail off and save as much money as you can. Strive to get as many accounts (profitable) as you can this season and then take a good look at things this winter. Look at your financial situation and the type of accounts you have and then decide what you really "need" as far as equipment and a truck.
You can go through all the equipment made on earth but that isn't going to make your business. Get those accounts first and save your money. Then make a well thought out decision as to what you need. Just trying to help bud.

[DLCS]

Originally posted by FrankenScagMachines
Yeah it costs me. It uses blades, oil, belts, filters, etc. just like any other machine. It's not junk at all, it's in great shape. And I don't know how you can say it's out of date since the only thing they changed is the engine and deck (1 more horsepower and this deck has been modified to work like an Advantage anyway). What's ridiculous is that you feel the need to control my life and finances or publicly ridicule me constantly. Who was it who said if you have nothing good to say don't say anything at all. I sincerely hope you do not have kids, for their sake. I just don't see you as being "parent material". I don't see you as being a successful business owner either if you treat your customers anything like you treat me and everyone else on lawnsite.

a1 who is lawnboy82?


How many blades, belts,oil, and filters could you possibly go through with 11 acounts? Modified how with that piece of tin for a baffle? I wouldn't knock LGF seeing how he makes a living with his business and you still live at home with no bills. Man, one of these days you will wake up and see the real world.

[DLCS]

I think Junkhogboy is related to Lawnboy82.:p

[mag360]

Eric---Have you considered getting a tiger cub if you do get a new mower? $6000, more productive than a walk behind, takes hills better than a super surfer, and you've got a foot pedal to raise the deck as needed(that is the main thing that scares me about surfers---there is no way to lift the deck while you are mowing)

[The Lawn Boy Pro]

Originally posted by KLC99
Eric---Have you considered getting a tiger cub if you do get a new mower? $6000, more productive than a walk behind, takes hills better than a super surfer, and you've got a foot pedal to raise the deck as needed(that is the main thing that scares me about surfers---there is no way to lift the deck while you are mowing)
Same thing scares me too- I knew a guy that used to go to our church (now in college) and he mowed the church lawn. He had a G.D. Super Surf. and every time he put that thing on the trailer and took it off, everyone watched real close-like they WANTED to see him fall off it. It scared the **** out of everyone all the time! They seem like they have a VERY high center of gravity to me.

BTW, I searched for "lawnboy82" man, like ALL his threads sounded like he was at college hiding behind a computer screen trying to be "Mr. Bigshot" attempting to run lawnsite with his 10 W/B's, 10 ZTR's, 50 of these, couple hundred trimmers, etc. What a FREAK! (Glad he got banned)

[John Gamba]

Listen To LGF But If You Dont Do What CHIP KLC 99 Said.
John.

[lawnkid]

Eric,

As a friend lemme tell you that you are going to burn out like a lot of people do because they spend more money than they have. Last year, I made $30,483 in sales, but I spent about $2,500 in maintaining my stuff. I am not lying about this figure either. This year I just purcahsed another used Scag. Sure I could buy a new truck and a new trailer and a new rider and leaf vac and etc. but I don't because it's not practical for what I do and you have only 11 accounts and you have 2 machines but only one operator. To me that's not being productive because you are still paying for the other machine's time even though you aren't using it. You should have thought this over b4 buying the rider. Now you're in a deep hole and you can't figure out a way to get out. Another suggestion liek someone else mentioned earlier in the thread, open a small engines garage and work on mowers cause you seem to be good at that. I mean sorry to pick you apart but let's be realistic here. I know I made a bad mistake buying my first Scag which I feel is a lemon because it is underpowered but I have the money to be able to purchase more equipment while still makiing a profit. I know last year how I kept saying I wanted a rider and a enclosed trailer and all this ****, well I never bought any of it because I sat down and thought about it and it just isn't worth the money for how big my company is. Stay small, drop some big accounts and find some small easy ones to do for now until you start turning a profit. Then, move onto larger accounts. Also, I would sell both pieces of equipment and get a small used 36" belt and start from scratch with some small accounts. Like stated many times b4, you are only 15 like me, you have plenty of time for expensive equipment and larger accounts. One more thing, ask your parents for advice, that's what they are there for, to help you succeed. Anyways, hope you get that thing sorted out.

[brucec32]

Try not to get caught up in the "new toy" phenomena that many in the biz do, including myself. You don't have much work to do, from what I'm reading here.

Your costs aren't spread over many lawns, so it'd be hard to upgrade and make more money unless the new mower allows you to do enough extra work in the same time to pay for itself. Again, hard to do on only 11 lawns. With interest rates at an all-time low, having an extra $5000 or so in equipment in your inventory isn't that huge of a cost, and has lots of advantages(as a backup or used for specialized tasks to make you more efficient) that can make it pay, but only if compared to $50,000 a year of revenue in the big picture. A nice piece of used equipment bought at a good price can actually be almost free to operate, but new stuff usually takes a sudden hit once you use it, so you'd better keep it busy to make it pay. Working part time, that might not be a good idea. You can run the numbers if you want, factoring in all your costs and comparing them to the revenue they add.

I agree with another poster that your interests and attributes seem lie in designing, working on, and even selling mowers, not necessarily mowing lawns. You should continue to do what you're doing to gain practical experience, earn some cash, and just for the enjoyment of it, but you really should resist the urge to buy a lot of expensive equipment if it's really just to satisfy your mechanical interests in the equipment. You'd be better off to spend the money on a college fund so that you'll be bringing in $100,000 /year as an engineer designing and working on them, or even managing a dealership, rather than half that mowing lawns.

[proenterprises]

Eric

I would kill for the machines you have, if you look at my sig-i am only running a 26" walkbehind. I think you should just stay where you are and not throw any more money into your mowing opperation, especially since you dont even know how long you will even be on your lawn adventure. Just use what you have...you only have 11 acts. Keep on what your runin.

[FrankenScagMachines]

Here's the latest news- a dealer has an Exmark Turf Tracer 60" with ECS and a 19hp Kawi electric start and a sulky for $3995, it has 300 hours. Sounds like he will trade me even for my rider. That would be just as productive but more maneuverable. I may be able to get rid of my 52" that way and be down to one machine like I wanted. It would be the ultimate in versatility, outfront performance, hillside performance, etc.

Bruce32 hit the nail on the head i guess.... mowing is a fun pastime that helps to pay for my hobby of collecting mowers LOL.... I like to buy something and be happy then get discontent with it and sell it. I can make a bit of money doing that actually.... I thought about trading the rider for that TT and then selling the TT for $4k, making a nice $1400 on the whole deal. But I'd probably end up liking it so much that I'd keep it. Hey why not, I'm young and don't have to pay bills might as well invest now and have the equipment later even if i don't totally need it now. Why go to a 36" w/b? Thats a total step backward.... I'd be spending twice as much time a week as I currently am... The way I see it, since i'm part time and time is short, productivity is a necessity. If I get great deals on machines why not get them? Everyone is always making a big fuss about only buying new but I'd rather buy a used one and save alot of money. They are very reliable (haven't had a single problem with either of my Scags). Also it depends on the size of lawns too, I mean LandscapeEscape I assume isn't doing very large lawns if his large mower is 26". My smallest is 5k sq.ft. (2 of those) and the rest are 10k s.f. and up. I can currently get my 61" rider on all but one. A 60" TT would fit on all but one as well (the one has a gate) but would be easier to put on those properties and it's just as fast as the rider.

[The Lawn Boy Pro]

Originally posted by FrankenScagMachines
.... I like to buy something and be happy then get discontent with it and sell it. ... Hey why not, I'm young and don't have to pay bills might as well invest now and have the equipment later even if i don't totally need it now...
Honestly Eric, You buy stuff like its toilet paper. At the rate you're going, you wil NEVER be content with a machine!

And you're right, you ARE young, and dont have to pay bills-You know how stupid that just made you sound? No offense, but, I dont think this is the business for you if you keep doing this. Why dont you start a small engine repair shop or something (as long as you dont strip anymore 21" toro w/b's of engines and replace 'em with 2cyc. Lawn Boy engines!) Man, that thing looks like what santa claus uses for heavens sake!

[jsaunders]

19 hp for a 60'' sounds alittle low in power-BUT you are young , and no bills and you know how much time and money you have into the machines. You wheel and deal all of the time so if you know it's a deal for you do it! I would trade the rider for the TT as it would make you happy for now:rolleyes: But keep the other scag in case of trouble. If you can "make" a $1400 equipement jump in your favor why not do it !!!
This may piss people off but you control what happens in YOUR business- do what you want - but atleast sleep on it before you jump.
Have you looked at the Ferris DD floating w/b? Keep it up Joel

[FrankenScagMachines]

It matches my blower ;)

The blower was originally red but one half of the housing is green, I guess replaced with part of a Lesco or JD blower?

[FrankenScagMachines]

No ferris dealer here. I thought about selling the rider or trading it for the TT then selling the TT and putting a bigger engine on my Scag but then I'd need a bigger one next spring and would about have to buy new or pay big bucks for a used one. I'm not big on brand new machines if you haven't noticed. I'd definately try out the TT first at full speed with the sulky before making the deal.

[grassdaddy]

If you can't beat em,join em!You can finally be in the "CLICK"!!:dizzy:

[FrankenScagMachines]

LOL Yeah won't John be happy hehe..... here is the blower pic i was looking for LBP.

[The Lawn Boy Pro]

nice, REAL nice:rolleyes: Is that duct tape I see by the "stick"?

[dcondon]

Why would you want to go to W/B.......... You can put a ZTR where you can a W/B.

[FrankenScagMachines]

More versatile. Also, the rider isn't really a ZTR so it is not as maneuverable as the w/b and sulky.

Yes LBP it isn't going to win a beauty contest but it is reliable and works great. I found some black duct tape so I'm going to re-wrap it.

[The Lawn Boy Pro]

Hey I'm not trying to start a fight here. On the other hand, doesnt it kinda make sense to keep your equip. looking nice so you dont look like you just pulled it out of the junk yard? Nothing wrong with temporary fixes by the way, but IMAGE is practically everything in this biz. (That includes ur sweet stripes, Gambas too!!!!! )
A few cans of spray paint is well worth the few bucks every year.

[FrankenScagMachines]

I'm getting compliments on my stripes now :D thanks :cool:

[The Lawn Boy Pro]

Ya, maybe you should KEEP THE MACHINE THAT STRIPES THE STRIPES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[FrankenScagMachines]

and the eXmark wouldn't? C'mon what do you think John Gamba uses? LOL

[Shady Brook]

Wow, I have to get in contact with the dealer that will trade you straight up Exmark TT for the old Scag rider. "There's a Sucker born every minute" the old saying goes and either it is that dealer, or it is anyone who would believe he would make that trade.

In business it is vital to try to learn from the experience of others. Learn as much as you can from those who are successful and you can avoid a large amount of financial loss and frustration from the mistakes they made. There is a great deal of post on this thread that show wisdom and concern for you, think about what has been written before taking action. I make my best decisions if I wait several days.

I hope you the best.

Jay

[HarryD]

When Eric turns 18 LOOK OUT. at least hes not shooting coke or smoking crack. there could be worse things he could be doing ;) . who's cares what all these other guys say just do what makes you happy. if you found yourself a girlfriend we wouldn't be having this discussion. you would be to busy ;)

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by FrankenScagMachines
and the eXmark wouldn't? C'mon what do you think John Gamba uses? LOL He means the TORO rider you made into a WB.

Hey guys, did he just make another circle?

Is that #4 or #5 for this thread?

And LB82/Mathew Lang/and more names.

ROTHFLMAO.....could Eric be related?

[John Gamba]

Eric The TT Will Be Underpowered. I'm Not Sure about Doubles on a try deck Never Mined Its only a 19HP.
John.

[Turfdude]

BHB,

LGF has made some very valid replies. You ONLY have a few accounts. Your equipment is more than adequate to service them. You don't NEED more equipment, you'd LIKE to have newer, prettier equipment. He is a successful businessman. THat is why he is trying to tell you that unless you really NEED something, don't purchase it! It'll only cut into your profits. Hell I've got enough cash for a new rider plus a lot more , but I'm still saving as we're puting up a building and this is more important. Listen to what others who have been there, done that have to say. We just may save you from making similar mistaes we made over the years.

[The Lawn Boy Pro]

Eric, lets put this in perspective. YOU have 11 accounts, I have exactly 48 pls. side jobs, spring/fall cleanouts, etc. THAT "piece of junk" pictured below called an "ENCORE PRO LINE" that does those 48+ lawns (being 3000-15000 sq. ft. each for a minimum price a week of 45 bucks).
If I can do all my lawns with this machine, I think you can do all of yours with one of your scags. You dont NEED both of the scags you have now MUCH MUCH Less!!!!!! Listen to LGF, hes trying to give you a little incentive here to THE REAL WORLD.

BTW, why would YOU want an EXMARK when it seems like in every stinkin post you make you're telling everyone they should have a Scag?!?!?!?!?!:confused:

[kris]

Originally posted by HarryD
When Eric turns 18 LOOK OUT. at least hes not shooting coke or smoking crack. there could be worse things he could be doing ;) . who's cares what all these other guys say just do what makes you happy. )

I agree ... I don’t keep up with the threads in this section and I'm sure Eric gets carried away sometimes.... but... I think he is a great kid and I’ve said it before ... he will be very successful one day if he chooses too. Right now it's tough to spend his time getting accounts because his mom drives him around ...so what does he do..he spends his time modifying machines and wheeling and dealing. Once he starts driving I think you will see he has less time for that, as he will be out hustling work and doing more accounts

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by The Lawn Boy Pro
Eric, lets put this in perspective. YOU have 11 accounts, I have exactly 48 pls. side jobs, spring/fall cleanouts, etc. THAT "piece of junk" pictured below called an "ENCORE PRO LINE" that does those 48+ lawns (being 3000-15000 sq. ft. each for a minimum price a week of 45 bucks).


Jeepers, you guy's are trying "way" too hard. Eric's not even 17 yet. Wait til he growns up......Or discovers "cars and girls". Heck, he might be out the lawn business by 21;)

[mag360]

Originally posted by The Lawn Boy Pro
Eric, lets put this in perspective. YOU have 11 accounts, I have exactly 48 pls. side jobs, spring/fall cleanouts, etc. THAT "piece of junk" pictured below called an "ENCORE PRO LINE" that does those 48+ lawns (being 3000-15000 sq. ft. each for a minimum price a week of 45 bucks).


48 ACCOUNTS!!!!

Didn't you have like 5 at the start of the season!!!!!! :eek: :eek:

[bastalker]

I have to agree with the majority there eric... Be content with what you have for now!! Once you get your licence then you can go nuts.
Maybe try thinking about your mom every once in awhile, instead of yourself.
Buy something nice for your mom, instead of a mower..

[thartz]

BHB; you're a bright kid and that being said stop and think because you are clouding yourself up with the reasons you want a new mower.The first thing you need to do (when it is time) is hire a top notch accountant.You will be this person's best client since it will take him/her about 12 hrs. a week to figure out how to depreciate,cost account etc. for all the machines you buy and trade.You'll need to pick up 30 more accounts to offset your accounting expenses.For 11 accounts you have more than enough equipment.Save your money for college.

[The Lawn Boy Pro]

Originally posted by KLC99
48 ACCOUNTS!!!!

Didn't you have like 5 at the start of the season!!!!!! :eek: :eek:
Yup, sure did! I handed out 500 fliers by myself (and talked to people individually, for that "personal touch"). Worked pretty darn well if you ask me!!:D :D


BTW, I'm only 16.

[lawnkid]

Lawn Boy Pro,
how are you able to do that many accounts around school and all? Do you play sports? Do you have a truck and trailer? What size lawns do you mow? Just curious

[The Lawn Boy Pro]

I'm a 16 yr. old homeschooler. We have a "homesat" which is a satilite system that links us to a college called "Bob Jones University" in South Carolina. I watch all of my classes live being broadcasted to other schools with the system all over the nation or schools that cannot/do not have a teacher for a specific subject.

I have my own truck (Dodge Dakota '87 with 44,000 miles on it) and trailer (10x6 open landscape trailer), I can drive alone (Michigan Level 2 licence-Allowed to drive alone without an adult except 12AM-5AM)

I do school starting at 6:00AM till 10AM or so, then go get stuff ready for the day, and go mow till about 5:00PM. I have ice hockey practice from 7-9PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Most of the lawns I do are 3000-15000 sq. ft. lots. Most have a bunch of trees/swampy areas though.

[FrankenScagMachines]

Interesting responses...

This dealer also has a Bush Hog brand 60" front deck ZTR with 444 hrs for just a few hundred extra. That would be about an acre an hour more productive than the w/b but I don't think parts would be fun to get... just thought I'd throw that in there to rile you all up again haha.... this is kinda fun.

LBP I put out 700 fliers this spring at just the right time and only got 3 customers from that. The rest were from a paper ad.

If I decided to get the TT I'd probably sell my little Scag too and then only take on accounts I could use that on, which I was already planning on doing (bigger places). I could use a 60" w/b on all of my accounts but one right now anyway, just somtimes don't use the rider because it's not as maneuverable as a w/b. I can do that one lawn with the 32" homemade w/b, it will finally see alittle use LOL. I don't know why you guys make such a big deal. It should be pretty obvious I wouldn't be doing this cause I need it, you already know me enough to know that I do it cause I want to. It's been a while since I've seen a 60" TT and sulky with 300 hrs go for $2600 (what i paid for the Scag rider) I think thats a pretty good deal since MSRP on that in 2000 was $6700.

What would that TT be worth? $4500? $4000?

[Lawn Tek]

B H B or F S M ? Trade you this hunk of junk for those Frankenskags how much boot you want ?

Your mom wolud look cool driving that big diesel :)

[rvsuper]

Lawn Tek I like the sign on your gate...Follow me to a beautiful lawn!

[The Lawn Boy Pro]

Originally posted by FrankenScagMachines
Interesting responses...

...LBP I put out 700 fliers this spring at just the right time and only got 3 customers from that. The rest were from a paper ad...
Yes, I have tried just stickin them in the door too- I got my 5 beginning coustomers that way. But then I tried actually meeting people. They seemed to like it a WHOLE lot more!:D

[FrankenScagMachines]

It's a deal Kerry LOL. My mom doesn't do the driving though, I have my permit (license in a month) she cross-stitches, reads, naps and talks on her cell to people she doesn't talk to often but for long periods of time (old friends, relatives).

[rvsuper]

Don't buy any of the machines you are talking about, and get this one: (which was probably made by you LOL)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2326153165&category=22654

[The Lawn Boy Pro]

Originally posted by rvsuperintendant
Don't buy any of the machines you are talking about, and get this one: (which was probably made by you LOL)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2326153165&category=22654

Ya, he made it:D

[The Lawn Boy Pro]

Originally posted by Lawn Tek
B H B or F S M ? Trade you this hunk of junk for those Frankenskags how much boot you want ?

Your mom wolud look cool driving that big diesel :)
Man! That is one beautiful rig u got goin there! Nice and shiny! Them are the rigs that other LCO's stop to droooool over!!!!!!:blob2: :blob2: :blob2: :blob2: :blob2: :blob2:

[mag360]

In my neck of town the coloring and lettering on that trailer would be considered overkill---beautiful truck though

[FrankenScagMachines]

Yep looks like mine! I would've done something better with the handlebars and controls though.... I need to redo the front end on mine, it works but it's just not quite right. I kind of want to make individual wheel brakes (not clutches just brakes) for it to help steer, like a bar that presses against the tire when you squeeze the lever. It has the blade clutch and shifter lever on the handlebars they look normal. It has one grip to squeeze to clutch a bit, makes turning easier and shifting/stopping. No brake on the blade or the transmission. It's a heavily built light use machine (built to withstand abuse but not meant for lots of use).

[LAWNGODFATHER]

For a while back in the earily '70 Snapper used to make a WB out of their Comet which looked similar to one in pic on ebay.

I have a question you say Exmark 60" ECS with a 19hp Kawi on it, When did they put a 19hp on a 60" WB? I do believe it was never made.

And if you have a dealer willing to even swap you POS STHM, I have some mowers I would like to even trade for brand new ones.

What dealer in his right mind would even trade a less than 3 year old mower for a 10 year old mower that has almost no resale value? Think about it all you want, I think you don't want to tell anyone that you are putting out another $4,000 on top of that STHM for that Turf Tracer cause you don't want to hear about it.

[Just Turned Pro]

Up until now, I have just bypassed his thread, but tonight for some strange reason I clicked on it.... DOH! When will I learn, what a waste of time.

[FrankenScagMachines]

I went up and looked at it. It is indeed a 19hp Kawi but contrary to what he told me it doesn't have ECS, just pistol grips. Has a Velke X2 sulky. Nice smooth machine. To get it I'd have to pay off this loan and get another one. I think I'm gonna sell the rider and make do with the 52 w/b this year and get a truck then next spring maybe look for another machine.