Your favorites? A poll.

[JimK]

This is Jim at TURF. I'm interested in finding out what manufacturers are considered the BEST ... equipment-wise, service-wise, or whatever. Might make some interesting reading in the magazine. Quick note here: several weeks ago, you challenged magazines to start doing "consumer reports" type equipment reviews. The challenge was that magazines won't do it 'cause it might make an advertiser mad. Well, look forward to the 2001 issues of TURF. We're on the road to doing just that. BUT, it can't happen very fast because we have to make sure that the "evaluations" are done over a reasonable amount of time. Several of you folks have volunteered to participate. You'll be contacted. And if there are more of you, please e-mail me at jimmrp@yahoo.com.
We're not chicken%%%% about this issue. We've tried to figure out how to do it right ... and we've rec'd a lot of good ideas about how to do it.

[leeslawncare]

Well Jim...First of all i think this site is the best site for this biz.second got to cut it with something so i use snappers an john deeres.Third would have to be Lesco. I think they have some of the best prouducts i've seen an some of there equ is very good ,except for the viper ! right guys?Redmaxx in my opion has the best blowers on the market an i'am even looking into trying out their trimmers as well.I know this will be a hot topic so i'll be looking forward to seeing some other post as well thanks jim for asking for our adivse on this !!!

[Runner]

I think you are going to find several who, like me, are very fond of what Exmark has done the last few years. If you'd like, E mail me and I can provide you with my dealer's name who sells Exmark, Gravely, AND Scag, and he sells a TON of them. I'm sure he would be pleased that you called, and he could help you with even more who have each. This guy is a four star dealer specializing in serving the commercial industry and takes EXCELLENT care of all his customers. Anyway, good luck with it!

[JimK]

Hey thanks, Runner. It would be great to know who this dealer is. If he's that good ... we should probably do a story on him in the magazine ... to help other dealers know what an EXCELLENT dealer does.

Not to say other dealers are screwing up. But -- in all businesses -- there are a few that REALLY do the right stuff.

Let me know your e-mail address and we'll communicate.

Thanks again,

Jim at TURF

[Chuck Sinclair]

Originally posted by JimK
This is Jim at TURF. I'm interested in finding out what manufacturers are considered the BEST ... equipment-wise, service-wise, or whatever.

Jim,

Here in the west (California) i like.

Equipment:

Honda for 21" mowers
Exmark for anthing larger
Echo Blowers
Honda weed wacker
Stil hedge trimmers

and last but not least FORD Trucks.

DEALER:

Bliss power lawn equipment they put the commercial guys first if i take a pice of equipment in for repair they ask do you have a backup if i say no they loan me one or repair on the spot. now that's service.

P.S. Why can't i seem to get your magazine i have filled in the online form twice.

[Edited by sinclac on 10-18-2000 at 11:20 PM]

[HOMER]

Hello JimK, Homer here.


Throw me in for Dixie Choppers as being one of the fastest, most durable machines on the market. Quality of cut is second to none, not even Exmark. The OCDC feature is an excellent safety device that I feel all commercial mowers should have. As far as scalping is concerned, I have a 72" that will roll over any berm, hill, or mound and not scalp. The foot operated deck height adjustment feature frees both hands up to control the awesome speed and power of this machine as well. Safety first, performance second.......Choppers got it goin' on!

Homers opinion!

[Charles]

I think Kubota has the best 4 cylinder and up tractors. I have one and it has been a great workhorse. Very durable and reliable and alot of power.

[crew]

I have several older Toro wb's and one brand new one. The old ones are unstoppable and the cut quality rivals my lazer 60's. The new one with the sfs deck is marginal. 2.5 more horsepower and it cannot keep up with the old timers.
I have Echo, Tanaka, and Shindaiwa blowers and the shindaiwas are far superior to others.
I have Tanaka and Shindaiwa trimmers and, again, the Shindaiwas are lighter, start faster, easier to reload and in every way superior.
My dealer(exmark, toro, shindaiwa,tanaka...) has switched to commercial equipment only and is very responsive to pro needs.For example, he keeps demos of everything he sells and GUARANTEES a loaner if we break down.
Hope this helps.

[RYAN]

This is simple

Small mowers: Honda
Larger mowers: Exmark for sure
BacKpack blowers: Stihl
Trimmers: Redmax or Shindawai
Edgers: I use Mclane and it is good, I'm not sure about the best.


Is there a website where I can subscribe to your magazine
Thanks, Ryan

[Eric ELM]

Ryan, upper right corner is the link to Turf.

I am with Homer on this one. I have had 4 great Dixie Choppers and still have 2 of them, one a XW2400 60" 22 HP Kohler with almost 3,200 hours and I have had very little problems with it. The biggerst problem I've had with it is the intake manifold gasket, which was a Kohler problem. My other one is a 2001 XWD2600 26 HP Yanmar diesel 60" Chopper which has 282 hours on it now and I've had nothing but great luck with it also.

My Dealer has to be the best on in the business. He sells Dixie Choppers and Exmarks and uses Dixie Choppers in his huge Lawn Business. He runs about 35 of them the last I chatted with him about this. He has some old chain drive Dixie Choppers with over 15,000 hours on them he still uses. He always has parts if needed and I find if I use what the dealer uses, he will stock parts so he has them if needed. He and I use all Shindaiwa Equipment except for the EB6200 Red Max Blowers.

If you need any help with this test, I will try to help you. Eric@elmlawnsite.com is my email, http://www.elmlawnsite.com shows my machines and what they and I can do together. :) Good luck on this test and I'm glad to see you do this.

[Evan528]

sinclac, I subscribed to turf 3 times. My last time was 3 months ago and was pleasantly surprised today to find the latest copy in my mailbox.... now if only the other 3 or 4 i subscibed to months ago would send them.......

[SLC1]

Hey Jim how are you doing this is a list of my favorties.
1) Riding mowers: Excel Hustler
2) Walk Behind Mowers: Exmark
3) Handheld power equipment: Echo
4) Tractors: Ford
5) Trucks: Chevy

[Scraper]

Jim...It's great to see that we might see some type of "Consumer Report" sometime in the future! Every LCO and equipment dealer has their own opinions and it tends to get very confusing as aren't we all looking for that piece of equipment that is going to do the best job in its class? I myself have been using Tanaka products (i.e. line trimmers, edgers, blowers and hedge trimers) and think Tanaka makes a pretty solid piece of equipment. Personally I like and use Scag mowers. I think, at least for the Walk Behinds, that they have a superior cut and are solidly built. The Metalcraft Company (Scag) has been very helpful in handling a recent problem I've had and bravo to them for helping me out in a very quick time!

Scraper aka Glen

P.S. I do believe Turf has one of the best trade publications out there and look forward to each and every issue as Turf really cuts through the B.S., as it is now, and gets right to the chase!! Thanks!!!

[Runner]

Jim, My E mail is available through my profiles icon at the bottom of this icon, but here it is also. Runnin4@hotmail.com Also, I was rather flattered to see one of my postings printed in Turf Magazine. I promise I won't get TOO big of head! Thanks.

[landscaper3]

Jim its good to see you here. Its always a plus when a magazine wants our points of views and we all apreciate it. As far as equipment used you may want to do it a few ways like, Best speed or productivity, Best Bagging capabilities, So on and so on. Up here in the North (Maine) We are unable to mow at high speeds and 75% of mowers sold in Maine are bagging type mowers. As with the south they use side discharge mowers. Our area most contracters use Walker brand mowers for there bagging capabilities and fall cleanups. Toro walk behinds are hot sellers as is Exmark walk behinds. As for my vote Walker mowers are the hot sellers up here and our distributer G.O Hayes n sons is the best, he will even open his shop on a sunday to give you the part so youll be mowing on monday. Thats what I call dedication to his consumers. Thank you and hope to here from you more often here.

[dmk395]

While Husquavran chainsaws are definately the best I must say that there 155bt backpack blower is awesome too.

[little green guy]

I don't think you can realy say there's a best riding mower or a best walkbehind because everybody favors a certian machine that is most useful in there operation. No two companies are exactly the same, thats why there are so many different machines out there. the dealer also has alot to do with the equipment that someone runs. There deffinitly are companies that have a better reputaion and there are companies that are known for poor quality. Everyone has different evperienes with their equipment and dealers though.

My prefrences are:

ztrs- exmark
hyrdo walkbehinds- scag
backpacks- redmax
trimmers- redmax
push blowers- giant vac
engines- kawi
hedge trimmers- echo
chiansaws- stihl

[Acute Cut]

Jim:
I would LOVE to be part of this evaluation. I know exmark and Scag. I can say good and bad about either. Although i only run Exmark, i am unbiased to any mower. I want someone to bring some machines out here for a week or two and test them on the kind of lawns i do. Forget the 3 acre flat and georgous golf course type lawns in the midwest and down south. Come up here where there are REAL hills, wet ground, real grass (Thicker than many others), and a myriad of other obstacles that others dont face in many other parts of the country.

No offense to your terrain guys of lawnsite, but i have rarely been to an area that is as difficult to work on as the area here.

There is a ski mountain near by. People say that if you can "Ski baker then you can ski anywhere".

That is how i feel about these machines. If they can excel here then they can take on any other terrain easily.

Dealer wise: Most of us have great dealers. We love them for all the great business they do for us. I can tell you 50 stories why my dealer is the best. Most of us can. And in that view, any of us would love for you to do an article on "Our" dealer. Our brownie points would sky rocket and so would our dealers business i am sure. What kind of thanks is that from us to our dealers. Heck, call me and ill tell you 50 great things about "My" dealer. (Had to put my hand up too i suppose for the above reasons just like everyone else)

EMAIL ADDRESS: Lomers1@excite.com

Ask my opinion, i would LOVE to tell you it.

Best wishes to you on your article Jim,
Acute Cut Lawn Care
Bellingham, WA

[scottlawns]

GREATDANE!!! i think they are fast and easy to control,and the dealer here in MN is midwest specialty in Blaine,they go out of there way for who ever they can,they deliver stuff the same day if you cant get up there and they are just a great bunch of guys,

thanks scott

[Scag48]

I totally agree with Acute Cut. Up here in WA, nobody but Bill Gates has a lawn bigger than 4 acres. I mean a REAL lawn. Okay, I stretched the truth, there are a few out there but there are quite a few places were there are hills and there are other objects. Thick grass HAS to be the biggest thing that drives me nuts. I don't great as much rain as Acute does but we've got some thick lawns. Hills is another thing. I live in a valley. A big lake right in the middle that is 55 miles long. Of course my tiny town sits right at the end of it and goes maybe 10 miles up lake. Anyway, there are houses up the slopes of these mountains or whatever and I would like a mower that will hold hills really well.

As for equipment. I don't own an Exmark but when I'm up in Acute Cut's area, I see them everywhere. I'd see more when I'm at home but as most of you know there are just lowballers here. Except for one guy I know. I would probably buy an Exmark for a mower when the time comes for 2 reasons: 1. I beleive that they will do everything that I want them to do and 2.Thats the only real commercial mower dealer in about 100 miles. I'd buy a Toro but I don't have a dealer:(. I will know cast my votes.

Mowers:Toro or Exmark
Trimmers:Stihl
Blowers:Stihl
Edgers:(I have no clue)
Chainsaws:Stihl
Skidsteers:Bobcat all the way
Tractors:John Deere
Mini Excavators:Bobcat

[T.C.O.B.]

My Equipment works harder than I do, Day after Day!

Red Max Blowers
Shindawa Hedge Trimmers
Stihl Weedeaters
Tanaka Edgers
The Kohler motors - on my Mowers (last year I put Kawasaki, in it's place, replaced it with a kohler this summer!!!!!!)

Last but not least, I drove a 1985 Chevy pick-up until this year because I wanted equipment that would make me money..............My Dixie Choppers!

Everything else is just a riding mower!

[KirbysLawn]

My opinions:

ZTR Mower: Great Dane Chariot
Walk behind: Great Dane Scamper
21" Mower: Honda
Blower: Stihl
Trimmer: Stihl
Edger: Stihl
Truck: Ford PDS
Trailer: Haulmark (Thanks Eric, I forgot)

Ray


[Edited by KirbysLawn on 10-19-2000 at 05:50 AM]

[eskals]

Ford Trucks. Sure would like a PSD.
Haulmark trailers.
Stihl Chainsaws.
Honda
Mobil 1

Eric

[Skookum]

Jim,

I agree with a few other comments that it would be totally hard to say "The Best". Every manufacturer seems to increase it's standing every new model, or at least they try. We buy them under that assumption as well, only to find they do or do not do what we expect. What one does on one property another one will not and visa versa.

I think the biggest problem in judging any model of mowing equipment on such a broad span is the fact that we all as operators are as different as the machines. We as professionals, can usually use what we have or what is available to achieve the desired outcome. After awhile, is it us or the machines that are the best. I think it is the combination of Man and Machine that make it "Work Best".

I currently "Work Best" with:
21" Walk Behinds - Toro, Snapper
Medium Walk Behind - Troybuilt
Large Walk Behind - Toro
ZTR - Toro
Trimmers - Ryobi
Hand Blower - Homelight
Back Pack Blower - Homelight
Sickle Bar Mower - Troybuilt
Edger - Craftsman
Small Tiller - Craftsman
Pruner - Ryobi
Hedge Trimmers - Weedeater
Small vaccum - Ryobi
Medium vac,chipper,blower - Craftsman
Large vaccum - Cyclone Rake
Small Sprayers - Solo
Backpack Sprayers - Solo
Skid Sprayer - Westheffer
Trucks - Ford, Chevy
SnowPlow - Western
Winch - Ramsey

[jrblawncare]

Jim,nice to see you here & a great idea...other help feel free to contact Me.ZTR mowers-Exmark...Small mowers 21"-Lawnboy...chainsaws-Stihl...backpack blower-Stihl BR400..line trimmers-Shindawa...hedge trimmer-own a Homelite can't seem to kill it.Next will be Stihl....Big Tiller-Troybuilt older model,not sure of the newer ones they look cheap...small tiller{My tiller on a stick}Mantis.Trailer for the money-Gatormade....Web.site-LAWNSITE.COM...Also have a great Dealer in Central Equipment in Lexington,KY...ThanksJOHN

[scottb]

Im going to put it this way. Around my area I go by Dealer support. So Sharpes Lawn Equipment in Statesville NC Toro,Bobcat dealer great bunch of guys. And Motor Mower Service in Kanapolis NC Exmark Snapper Dealer. Both of these dealers are great and will bend over backwards to help you.

As for my personal favotrites
Walkbehind - Toro (tbar)
ZTR - Exmark
Trimmers - Echo
21" -(none)
Chainsaw - Husky or Stihl
Truck -Ford SD V10
Tractor -Massey Fergson

[MOW ED]

I wish that I could afford to have a different mower for each and every cutting situation that I encounter. I have to balance what is needed over what I really would like.

My Toro 44"SFS 15hp Hydro cuts great in the rain and on wet grass.

My Walker 26EFI GHS 42" is the best for bagging grass, spring cleanups and fall leaf collection. The deck is great because the trim edge is on both sides of the deck which cuts my string trimming time down.

My Lawnboy 2cycle 4.5hp is the best for doing steep hillsides.

I have a Husky backpack blower that has been bulletproof since 1996.

These are a few of the areas that my equipment is the best.

Obviously I am not the fastest guy out there and most of my properties are small. I would like to suggest to you to evaluate these mowers in different "situations". Grass type, moisture, height of cut, hills, flat, vacuuming ability along with many more are some suggestions of the variables you may want to consider.
Thanks for the opportunity.

[Richard Martin]

In the gear-drive 36" class I like the Exmark Metro 36.

I have put close to 300 hours on this machine since I bought it this year and it has worked <i>almost</i> flawlessly.

When I first bought the machine there were a few minor glitches however.

Within the first week of purchase the mower needed to go back to the dealer because neither of the front caster grease fittings would take grease. The dealer replaced the fittings and had the mower back to me the next day.

Within two weeks the Kawasaki 12.5 hp engine that came with the mower developed an oil leak at the base gasket. It took five trips to two different dealers and one half-hour long distance phone call to Exmark to get this problem fixed.

Since the initial break-in period the only things that have had to be repaired have been loose fasteners. One of the bolts that fasten the mower deck to the mower frame kept coming loose. I replaced the standard nut with a Nylock nut and it hasn't come loose since. Also the wires that attach to the transmission safety interlock are attached with flat head screws and one of them had to be tightened.

The mower delivers an excellant cut on dry turf grass and weeds and disperses the clippings very evenly. Even in very tall (over 6") grass it was difficult to get the mower to throw clumps of grass.

In wet conditions the mower did not perform as well as some of my other gear drive mowers. The right hand wheel drive belt got wet very fast which made left hand turns almost impossible.

I have installed the Exmark mulching kit this fall for mulching leaves. The blades that come with the kit are excellant for mulching grass but are useless for mulching leaves. I highly recommend the use of Gator Mulchers for leaf mulching.

Another problem with the mulching kit is leaf blowout. It is severe with the mulching kit installed. Because of the amount of air being blown out of the front of the deck the mower would just scatter leaves everywhere before they even got a chance to get under the deck to be mulched.

I have devised an additional baffle for the mower that virtually eliminates leaf blowout.

[southside]

Trucks:- Mitsubishi,Isuzu and International
Mowers:- Walker
2 stroke:- Stihl
Tractors:- Deutz,Kubota,Massey Ferguson

Karl

[sunrise]

Rider-Exmark
Walk behind- Scag
Push mower- Honda
Trimmer- Shindawa
Edger- Lesco
Blower- Stihl
Truck-Ford Super Duty

[Yardmaster]

Lets see a discussion about features and components of equipment. Things to look for when buying a piece of equipment. There are quite a few things I wish I would have known before I bought my first mower. For example My eaglestar which I believe is made by exmark has stop collars on the top of the front caster wheels to hold them on. Not a good idea as far as Im concerned. Since the set srcew loosens up all of the time. Which caused the front cater to fall underneath the deck while in operation. Which caused the deck to be ruined. (Imagine That)Now I look for the mowers with good pins on the front casters.
Another example is that I find the 48" fixed deck to be too large for my smaller bermuda grass lawns. A little smaller is better in this case. What kind of mechanical problems do you see. (Not necessarily brand related but just mechanical)
You can add brand names if you wish.

[Toroguy]

It is hard to say that the equipment I have experience with is the best because I have not had the chance to use the other brands on a long term basis. I have been impressed with eXmark, they have followed up twice with me to ensure their equipment is satisfactory. The dealer I purchased the walk behind from is A-1 Power in Corcoran, MN. They have also been very knowledgable and helpful regarding their products and service.

I have also had great performance from a shindaiwa trimmer. It, like the eXmark W/B, had an endorsement from the great folks at LawnSite.

[jeffex]

Hey Jim!! How about a NASCAR style lawn crew
contest. TURF mag. could put on competitions to
products and tighten thier grip as the publication
to go to for turf pros. The competition could be set
up with standardized mock-lawns. Equal mowing areas
with plywood sidewalks laid for edging and mulched
areas for trimming. Teams of 3 or 4 could start with
trimmers empty to see how fast they can load line.
Mowers could vary depending on the size of area to mow.
The contests would be judged on time with secs. taken off\
for penalties{ie. missed blades of grass or unsafe practices.
Could be fun way for manufacturers to show off thier equipment and brag about whos the best. Every one wants to
go with a winner

[Highpoint]

Sthil BR400 Backpack blowers are the absolute cream of the crop!!!! I have used Echo and Redmax. I put both on the sidelines and ended up selling them at auction for $20.00. For about $400.00 you can have a powerful, comfortable and user friendly machine. I own 5 and will buy another in a few weeks. On the other hand though. The Redmax hand held blower is my pick over the Stihl and Echo. Perhaps there is another brand out there better that I have not tried but till that day comes.

[1stclasslawns]

Jim thanks for your intrest in us here at lawnsite.com.
I use and like the Great Dane chariot. I live in the beautiful ozark mountians where we grow flint rocks as well as or better then grass!
For weedeaters, blowers, and such echo, stihl, or shindiwa. I think youll find whatever you want to use in there, I've ran them all and cant relly find a favoriate. I own mostly echo, just because of the service. I will however be purchesing some shindiawa products also.
I have had around 30 lawns this year several apartment buildings. this aera has just in the last few years taken on the lawn aperience other then yards.
You may contact me at naturalawn@hotmail.com
Jim Creager.

[Mark]

Rider-toro-z master,and scag turf tiger. Walkbehind scag and first choice is my snapper 52, Blower ECHO PB 601 535-CFM at tube end.Trimmers ECHO, Hedge trimmers ECHO,21 walkbehind Toro Proline 2 cycle and snapper with Robin 2 cycle.Trailer tandom 16ft Hogwiled Truck I run two both chevys 350s Dealer i have gives me 24hr turnaround or loaner, 15% discount on all purchases, If your broke down in the field, cell-phone call will get someone to you usually real quick. I just purchased the new 601 blower yesterday sale price 399.00 paid 348.00 ,He has a very large business he runs many crews as Erics dealer, very thankful to have him close. Thanks Marks Mowing Service