2001 Exmark Lazer 27hp

[TLS]

Finally picked up my new mower on Wednesday. A 2001 Lazer 60" with a 27hp Kawasaki V-twin. WOW what a machine. This thing is VERY well engineered. Not to down Dixie Choppers (previous machine), but, there is just no comparison. All welds on the Lazer are smooth, none of the sloppy, rough type welds like on the Dixie's. The dampened sticks are much easier to use than I thought. The only things wrong so far are...The throttle control lever is too loose, it will not stay at full throttle (slides up to about 3/4) I know how to fix, but, dealer will fix for free tomorrow. And the only other thing is the rougher ride! I only have the standard seat. It bucks you up and down so hard that my calf hit the PTO switch off! I really like the power and quietness of this machine. The cut is definately better. I haven't got the Lazer to scalp or gouge anywhere. Plus I can trim close on the discharge side. Also pull right up to a tree between the casters, and its very close. The 1/4" cut height adjustments are teriffic. No more 5/8" front pitch only, deck lifts! Like I said, the Dixie served me very well for 3 seasons, and was relatively trouble free, however, the well laid out planning and engineering of the Lazer is incomparable. I do miss the 15mph on the Dixie, but 10mph is as close as it gets. The Lazer has 18 grease fittings vs. Dixies 12. This with the Lazers sealed non greasable spindles, caster, and wheel bearings.

Anyone buying a machine that has narrowed it down to Dixie and Lazer, go with the Lazer with the new 27LC Kawi and a 60" or 72" deck. Just look them over real good and you can see a difference.

[little green guy]

I think i am going to get the 26 hp feul injected eps 60" lazer this winter. How much did you pay for that mower?

[TLS]

little green guy,

I paid $8495.00 the 72" was $500.00 more. The 26 EFI Kohler was 8995.00. The EFI one came with the deck foot lift $45.00 and susp. seat $495.99 already installed. But I fugured the Kawi LC was a much better engine than the Kohler ever was. (I don't mean to down the 26 EFI, but this Kawi is a real nice engine, for less net $.)

[tlcgrounds]

Hey dixie maybe it time to change your namr to Lazer 1. I'm glad you got into a lazer. I've owned four. Wiat until you get a mulching sytem on one. It will return its money 100 times. But I have to ask where you are located. I bought to new 60" units this year and I was curious about the 2001's and they can't get any info on them. I've got a 22 LC and I love the way it sounds. I'll tell you a few secrets. The book recomends replacing the air filter not cleaning it. If I did that I would have to replace one every week. I take it out and clean it peridically and wipe out the canister holder to before reinserting the filter. and when you are trailering or about to turn the unit off. If the radiator is still running, wait for the radiator to turn off before shutting the unit off. I believe that if you do this the engine will cool faster then if just shut off when its hot and the engine won't wear as fast. Just one question? Did you get the 60" or 72". I think I'll get the 72" nezt year.

[Runner]

You can't go wrong with the 26 hp. EFI on the EPS unit. If you're thinking about getting a Lazer of ANY sort, the deluxe seat is REAL nice, and don't even CONSIDER not having the foot assisted decklift. I couldn't even imagine running one if these machines without it. Being that the 26 EFI is rated at closer to 29 hp., it has much quicker and smoother throttle response, (also better intake whiule running on slopes) and there is no choke and carb to mess with, I think the EPS is an all around better buy. But they are ALL nice!

[toddman35]

just wondering if exmark changed any styling on the new ztrs? i saw exmark changed their walk behinds. has anyone used them?

[Mr.Ziffel]

How does that 27HP Kawasaki start and idle in the cold? I've got a Mule with the 617cc LC and I was told at the time and it's proved to be true that it's very cold blooded. Hard to start and get warmed up, but when it's up and going, it's a real runner. I'm looking at a new Toro this winter and like the idea of the Kawasaki over the Kohler. Anyone have any ideas on cold starting these things? Not a big problem but you need to factor in some time to get going. Thanks, WillM.

[Cutter1]

My Laser has the greaseless spindles. I was just wondering where the 12 fittings are on this machine?? I thought all the new ones where like mine. Toddman, I tried the new walkbehind, its real nice!! Easy to use and easier on you, in my opinion.

[toddman35]

the new exmark has 18 grease fittings. the dixie has only 12

[Eric ELM]

It depends on which Dixie Chopper model your talking about. My 2001 XWD2600 has 18 grease fittings and the gas models have always had 13 grease fittings since 1993 and maybe before that. Sounds like you have been missing one Dixie 1. If the 2001 gas models have also added one to the foot lift like the diesel, they should have 14 grease fittings. I haven't checked one out to see.

[jaybee]

I have ordered this same 27 hp Kawi for spring delivery.As for starting in cold weather I am fortunate to have a heated garage for those cool fall mornings. My two walkbehinds have kawi engines and that heated garage is doing the trick. I ordered this machine sight unseen as my dealer also is very small and had very little information, much less a demo. How big is your dealer Dixie 1? I love the Lazer I have and it has been trouble free. Just want to upgrade and keep my equipment new. As for speed, I haven't got a single lawn that I could go 15 mph. My lawn are nothing more than mowed cow pastures, so speed is not a factor.

[Mr.Ziffel]

Jaybee, would you please post how much this machine is in your area? I was just quoted $9469 for the same thing and $9699 for the Toro version. The Kohler equipped machines were cheaper but not a lot. I'm stuck up here in a backwards corner of the world and am so desperate for a good deal I'm thinking of Alamia.

Dixie1, does your machine have the new deck jack on it? If so what do you think of it?
Will M.

[mikeslawncare]

I just bought a 60" and a 72" 27HP Lazer Z last wednesday. Traded in my 60" 22HP and 72" 26EFI. What a difference in power! Also the Kawi is a lot quieter than the Kohler. The 27HP Kawi isn't nearly as cold blooded as the old 22HP. Got the suspension seats on both of them, I don't see how anyone could run these without them. Had a demo 27HP without the seat for three hours and my back was killing me. The Kawasaki motors just seem to be so much better designed than the Kohlers and you don't get a blast of hot air every time you back up. Fuel consumption has been running about 1.5 gal./hr. A little more than the 22 kawi or the 26EFI which averaged about 1.2 gal./hr. I also couldn't imagine using these without the foot-assist deck lift, best $40 you could spend.

[TLS]

To Everyone:

The 27 Kawi seems fine in the cold mornings. 34 deg this morning and full choke to start and half for 30 sec. I let it warm up for 3-5min before mowing. And wait 1-2 min when done. (always did that on all equipment) The old 25 Kohler Dixie was a bear in the mornings. The fan on the 27's is on all the time, the minute the ignition starts. The susp seat is next. They should make it standard on all units! Cutter1, mine has the new spindles too, but the manual lists 18 zerk fittings, but they are 40 or 200 hr intervals. So no more morning bouts with the old grease gun! I clean all filters bi-weekly with a blow gun. More often when dusty.

All dealers should have the new 7 page 2001 brochures. I got one there and a week later I got another in the mail. Havent seen the new diesels yet. They look more complicated with the double belt mule drive to clear the oil pan sumps.

[jaybee]

My price on the 27 Kawi with a 60 inch deck was $8625 plus tax. Add $50 for the foot deck lift. I passed on the seat as I have no problem with the regular seat on my current Lazer. This will be my third major purchase from this dealer and I'm very happy with the service.

[John DiMartino]

Tom,good luck with the new Exmark,you're making me jealous-nice machine.I especially like the 1/4" height adjustments too-I sure miss that with my new DC.

[TLS]

I was just talking to Warren and Art Evans today at my dealers Fall Demo Days (Passmore Service Center, Bechtelsville, PA). They both flew out just to be at the Demo Days. Thats pretty impressive. I talked to Warren about why I went to Exmark. He was very interested in what I said about why I switched. He wants to talk to me sometime soon again. He was really lookin over my new Lazer and I could see the gears turning in his head! He said that he doesn't want to talk to repeat Dixie customers that may have a problem or two, but rather people like me that were died-in-the-wool Dixie lovers who bought another manufactures mower. They have some new ideas that he was explaining, but in my opinion, the whole line needs a total re-engineering from the ground up. They need to do away with the trial and error method of engineering.

[little green guy]

The price quote I got on the 60" eps was about 8300.00. The quote I got on the 22 kawi liquid cooled was about the same. For that price I think I am going to have to get the 60" eps.

[TLS]

little green guy,

You must not be getting a 2001 then. The LC are 27 hp not 22. What were you quoted on a 27LC vs. the 26eps? Not to nock on Kohlers, but they ARE a KOHLER underneath all that new found torque and crispness that comes with EFI. I believe that a LC will outlast a aircooled, twofold at least. Just add $540 to the LC Kawi for the good seat and foot lift.

Just food for thought.

[little green guy]

I didn't get a quote on a 27 hp lc, just the 22 lc and the efi. I they might only be 2000's but it realy dosn't matter to me if they are 2000 or 2001. I'll get a better deal on a 2000 so I could care less as long as thier not changed to much. As far as the kohler vs Kawi, i got to think about that one, I realy like kawi's and realy hate kohlers but i do like the efi, I don't know, it's a tuff desision and i am not good at making desicions to begin with. Oh well bye guys.

[Eric ELM]

You didn't respond to my telling you that you must have been not greasing one fitting on your previous DC. The XW's and XF's have had 13 grease fittings since 1993 or before. Since the 2001's and maybe before now have a fitting on the foot lift shaft, they may have 14. My new diesel has 18.

[TLS]

Eric,

Oh... thats whats wrong with Dixie's everyone, we just forgot to grease that secret fitting. LOL What I was getting at Eric is that I no longer have to grease anything on a daily basis on the Lazer. Over greasing causes more harm than good. Oh yeah, I forgot about that foot lift fitting, although all it did was leak grease on top of the deck!

[Eric ELM]

You wrote: I no longer have to grease anything on a daily basis on the Lazer. Over greasing causes more harm than good. Oh yeah, I forgot about that foot lift fitting, although all it did was leak grease on top of the deck!

If you greased the DC on a daily basis, you were probably over greasing. The book recommends greasing every 50 hours, but I grease every 25 to make sure. If yours had a fitting on the foot lift shaft, yours had 14 fittings then. Just trying to get this fitting count straight. :)

[Mr.Ziffel]

Dixie1, you may not have seen my question on the deck jack. Did you get it? I was talking to the dealer today and he told me that was the most exciting thing he saw on the new Toros/Exmarks. For those not familiar, it's a permanently attached lift which is bolted to the front part of the mower. You lock the bars into place and drive it forward and it rocks itself up into a lifted position for easy access to change blades or clean the deck. Definitely what I've been looking for with the wet, thick grass we have out here [north of Seattle]. Since I haven't seen it, I'm going on the dealers verbal description so if anyone has corrections or clarifications let me know. Thanks.
Will

[TLS]

Eric,

You are right, I forgot about the belt tensioner rod mounting pad fitting. 14 it is!! All in favor say "I".

Mr. Ziffel,

I think what you are talking about is a Jungle Jims tool that they offer that does the same thing. I just use a chain hoist and lift it up. Previously, I ran the right side caster wheel up the edge of my gate on my trailer.

[TLS]

Eric,

Oh yeah, Warren Evans says "HI". I told him you sell more Dixies online than some dealers sell all year! Now you need to ask for commission! $$$!

[Mr.Ziffel]

Yep, that's what I said when the dealer told me about it. Nope, he said, it's attached to the machine--you just drop it down drive forward and you're up in the air! Sounds pretty slick to me as I often have to clean under the deck twice a day in the wet, thick slop we cut here.
Will M.

[toddman35]

that would be nice to have on any machine, an onboard jack to lift equitment. i wonder y the manufacturors didnt think of it sooner. dixie1 where did you get the catalog in the mail? i checked the exmark webpage, and they still have the 2000 stuff on there?

[TLS]

toddman35,

I just went to the part on their webpage to request product literature and specified in the comments area that I wanted info on their new lineup, not the same old catalog that I have 4 of. Then 2 days later I went to the dealer and he had a whole stack of them. Funny thing is, both contained the same info, but one was printed on heaveir stock paper than the other. From what I heard, the factory is having a hard time keeping up with demand for the 27LC 60" & 72"'ers. My dealer got one of each, I bought one and the other (72")is already sold!

[toddman35]

thanks, ill try that, do u think they have the new diesel brochures? ill try it and if i dont get it, then i guess no. once again thank you.