Super Z Demo Results

[Simone Lawn Service]

I demoed a Super Z this Wed. (just to be fair) after demoing a Lazer Z a few weeks ago. Here are some of the pros and cons that I noticed. Keep in mind I am comparing to the Lazer Z.

Pros-
Standard suspension seat
Simple design
No tools needed to adust belts-all on chains
Anti-scalp wheels at the back of mower-like kind of a wheelie bar
Very fast
Excellent warranty
Oil cooler for hydralics
Very big hydro pumps
Nice cut
Bagging system is supposed to be super fast to hook/unhook
No flipping switches from one fuel tank to the other

Cons-
I thought the regular Exmark seat was actually more comfortable (Yes, I demoed on the same properties)
Speed seemed almost unusable to me-really too fast to be flying around a parking lot-good chance of getting hit by a car.
Seemed to be less leg room than the Lazer Z
Position of the steering levers was not as comfortable as the Lazer (and yes I did adjust them)
BIG chip of paint was missing on one of the front casters. Even if it had been hit, it only had 11 hrs. on it. The exmark had 200 hrs. on it and still looked nice and red.
The 24hp Honda was the big let down. Did a "Nice" job, but just couldn't compare with the 27hp kohler of the Lazer Z. The Honda fell flat on it's face when engaging the PTO and had a few clumps in the thick stuff. The Honda (as someone else also mentioned) backfired when shutting down, unless I let it idle for several minutes after cutting.

The Hustler did a nice job, and I wished I would have had the oppurtunity to demo a larger hp Kaw or Kohler. However, it just seemed to be lacking something. The best way I can describe the feeling I got is that (IMO) the Exmark was just more "refined". That's the only way I can think of to put it.

[John Gamba]

Originally posted by Simone Lawn Service
I demoed a Super Z this Wed. (just to be fair) after demoing a Lazer Z a few weeks ago. Here are some of the pros and cons that I noticed. Keep in mind I am comparing to the Lazer Z.

Pros-
Standard suspension seat
Simple design
No tools needed to adust belts-all on chains
Anti-scalp wheels at the back of mower-like kind of a wheelie bar
Very fast
Excellent warranty
Oil cooler for hydralics
Very big hydro pumps
Nice cut
Bagging system is supposed to be super fast to hook/unhook
No flipping switches from one fuel tank to the other

Cons-
I thought the regular Exmark seat was actually more comfortable (Yes, I demoed on the same properties)
Speed seemed almost unusable to me-really too fast to be flying around a parking lot-good chance of getting hit by a car.
Seemed to be less leg room than the Lazer Z
Position of the steering levers was not as comfortable as the Lazer (and yes I did adjust them)
BIG chip of paint was missing on one of the front casters. Even if it had been hit, it only had 11 hrs. on it. The exmark had 200 hrs. on it and still looked nice and red.
The 24hp Honda was the big let down. Did a "Nice" job, but just couldn't compare with the 27hp kohler of the Lazer Z. The Honda fell flat on it's face when engaging the PTO and had a few clumps in the thick stuff. The Honda (as someone else also mentioned) backfired when shutting down, unless I let it idle for several minutes after cutting.

The Hustler did a nice job, and I wished I would have had the oppurtunity to demo a larger hp Kaw or Kohler. However, it just seemed to be lacking something. The best way I can describe the feeling I got is that (IMO) the Exmark was just more "refined". That's the only way I can think of to put it.
My thoughts exactly.
John

[John Gamba]

Oh i forgot to put this in. I demoed one for sale with 100 hours on it ,And thought the same things.
John

[dvmcmrhp52]

I was going to check out a dealer today just to check them and their products out.They are not open on a saturday????????
Won't be doing any business with them.

[rkbrown]

Most dealers here are only open till noon on Saturdays.

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by Simone Lawn Service
The best way I can describe the feeling I got is that (IMO) the Exmark was just more "refined". That's the only way I can think of to put it.

One thing is for sure, the Exmark should in every way be more refined, after all they've been making them for years before Hustler started their ZTR's. And, as you say you, comparing a 24 hp machine and a 27 hp machine is not much of a comparison.
I too, have my issues with Hustler and their machines, but in all fairness, pointing out the Hustler's low amount of "punch" is pointless since it "does" have over 10% less horsepower.
Pete

[John Gamba]

Hi pete :waving:

[DLS1]

Hey John, as soon as Hustler puts a quote from me on their web site about how great the Super Mini Z is then I too will start posting showing my island with my Hustler banner. No wait make that an EXCEL banner.

:D :D :D :D

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by DLS1
Hey John, as soon as Hustler puts a quote from me on their web site about how great the Super Mini Z is then I too will start posting showing my island with my Hustler banner. No wait make that an EXCEL banner. :D :D :D :D

I don't know if you are joking, but I am looking for feedback on the Mini Z. How is it. I can take it if it sucks.........

[DLS1]

Hey Switchless, I was joking for sure with John about him having a quote from him on the Exmark site about how great Exmark is which it is a good mower but I like Hustler better.

Do a search on the Hustler forum for Mini Z and their is lots of info about it and I did buy a Super mini Z this year and it is great.
I assume it is the same quality as your Hustler walkbehinds. The Super Mini Z has the built in springs in the seat that you can adjust for a comfortable ride.

[John Gamba]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by DLS1
[B]Hey John, as soon as Hustler puts a quote from me on their web site about how great the Super Mini Z is then I too will start posting showing my island with my Hustler banner. No wait make that an EXCEL banner.

They will always copy a winner.:D :D :D :D
But wait!! Husqvarna Beet you to it-----News flash BANNER planted on Mckinley!!!!. Power equipment trade,Sept 2003.
always go with the original, Nobody does it better!
John

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by John Gamba
[QUOTE]Originally posted by DLS1
[B] They will always copy a winner.:D :D :D :D
But wait!! Husqvarna Beet you to it-----News flash BANNER planted on Mckinley!!!!. Power equipment trade,Sept 2003.
always go with the original, Nobody does it better!
John

But really John, I expect Exmark to be better in some ways. They do have the experience and Hustler is still listening to certain people that aren't really mower guy's.
Look at Hussy's new SWB's. My machine is just unreal. I've already done a few cleanups, and with doubles I just mow the lawn keeping the chute in one direction and charge the customer for a cut and blow, all at one shot. Also, don't know exactly why but the SWB cuts better than the standard WB. I think it's because there is "basically" zero rpm drop in blade speed, even with doubles.
Pete

[John Gamba]

Pete
Just kidding around. I also love doubles, hay give meg-mo a try they really create a vacuum.
John

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by John Gamba
Pete
Just kidding around. I also love doubles, John

Hey, even thought they ain't self balancing, I may still try a set if they vacuum better.......Also, if I can get 3X the life, it's still worth buying them, too.
Pete

[John Gamba]

Here is a pic of grass out of the bagger. They did chop up the grass more. They did really Do good in very wet grass that i bagged i was going slow but it bagged it . It left a great looking finish. But they don't like strong weeds.
John

[Keith]

Here was my decision on the Lazer vs. the Super Z. Just have both ;)

[dvmcmrhp52]

That's not fair!:p

[Keith]

Well, I would have never ended up with the Super if I had not had so many problems with the Lazer over the summer :o Chances are, if the Lazer had been taken care of in a timely manner, there would have been an identical EPS sitting next to that one by next spring. I have nothing against the Lazer itself, it's a great mower. But if I had to make a decision on one to keep, it would be the Hustler. Alot of things would make me go that way, the main being the dealer support. As far as cut quality on the grass I cut, its a draw. Take your pick :)

And John, in all fairness, you actually told me that I might be wise to consider the Super Z. See the post here (http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?threadid=40920) I don't forget that stuff ;) John and others here seem to have been more instrumental in getting my Lazer attention while down than anyone at the corporate level. Thanks :)

[Doc Pete]

Originally posted by Keith
. Alot of things would make me go that way, the main being the dealer support. As far as cut quality on the grass I cut, its a draw. Take your pick :)

I think it may be time for us to acknowledge some machines may cut certain types of grass better than others.
I realize after watching a big LCO cut grass with a DC and a lazer Z, both of them cut well on short grass and both suck on high wet grass. However, I've yet to see a mower do a good job on high, wet thick grass, without some sort of clumping.
Also, it really sounds as though with "most" machine being so well made, it comes down to the Chevy/Ford/Dodge thing. Likewise, operator size and weigh can make one machine better or worse, from their perspective.
Pete