21" mower high dollar or low dollar???

[helodude]

I've been pondering this for several years approx. 10 to be exact. In the late 80's for a commercial 21", you paid around 650.00 to 900.00 per mower. You generally got a 5HP, self-propelled, rear bag. Back in those days I bought Snapper, Toro 2-cycle, the old Jac 2-cycle, Bobcat. No matter what I purchased I got 2 seasons before major work. For several years now, I've purchased the harry-homeowner machine, it's now got a 5HP, self-propelled and rear bagger. I've noticed it lasts about the same but I only pay for 250.00 for it. Depending on how it looks at the end of the season, I've sold them off at the yard sale. What I want to know was anyone else done this? Or thought about this? Or does this make me look like a fly-by night operation, because I've changed my colors?

[TLS]

Dude,

It goes back to the old addage that you make too good of a machine, it will not need replacement. You cheapen different parts and at least you sell the owner parts. You really cheapen them up, and you get repeat sales in a shorter time frame. Yeah, I'll pay $1200.00 for a trim mower if it is the last one that I'll have to buy (and be maintenance free!). My neighbor was in the biz and used to buy $99.00 K-Mart specials, and throw them out every year or two.

I personally have used LawnBoy's for 18 years (original still mowing for my Dad) and have had no problems. The cut could be a lot better, but they just run and run. Side discharge push. Never needed a bagger or self propelled.

[Runner]

I'm running the same 2 Snapper 19" 2 cycles that I bought back in 1984. A lady at the dealer told these mowers would never last for commercial work. I knew better, because the service I worked for previously used them. His used to run everyday for 9-10 hrs. a day. At the time I bought them, they were about the lightest trim mower you could buy. I also liked the high, solid mount handle. I paid about 300 bucks apiece at that time.

[Keith]

It depends. As of right now I have no use for a 21". If the 36" won't cut it a trimmer will. If I did find the need to buy a 21" and I needed it over an hour or so a week I would probably buy a good one.

We had two cycle Toros that were top notch and a few that were not. I would really have to evaluate all of them before making a decision.

[Vandora Lawn & Landscape]

I'm a fan of the John Deere 21" Mowers. Beautiful Cut.

[lawrence stone]

The best 21" mower is 32" wide.

[johnnyjay]

I started my business the end of May this year. I bought a 36" Exmark WB and a 21" Toro push with no bagger. (Approx $400). I have used the Toro less than 2 hours all summer. What the 36" won't cut the Weedeater will. It takes more time to unload the 21" and reload it on the trailer.

[tpirobert]

I too have pondered the trim mower question. Having used commercial Toro and Snapper units...I now use a $400 Yardman mow/bag/side discharge unit. The best thing about a 21" mower is never using it! I have 2 yards that need the 21" and their good accounts...otherwise I'd drop them. Kind of like digging a ditch with a shovel while the backhoe sits on the trailer. After 10 plus years experience I buy "top line" home owner models, but if you need it on every yard get commercial. That's my two cents.

[bob]

I've been using a John Deere 14sb 21" mower as a trim mower. I only run it about 1 hour a week. It will probably last forever. I think the cost is between $700-$800, depending on the model. The commercial model is close to $1000.

[Dean Williams]

John deere all the way,i have 2 that are 9yrs old with kaw. motors 5.5hp. We mow large townhouse complexes where u have to use a 21 in. to mow the front of the houses, there is anywhere between 150-250 houses in each one.Oil changes do make a big difference.They get run appro. 20-30 hrs. wk
Did have one problem had a crank bend,somehow a rock just jumped up and an employee hit it and didnt know it ,so i was told. replacement motor $ 400. i guess thats expected from todays work force.Other than that very good luck we have 4 of them to date .

[lawnboy11]

The 21"ers are necessary on small properties sometimes, for gates, small strips a 36" would scalp, etc. I use toro commercial self propelled, about 1000 from dealer, but very powerful and fast. I like commercial lawnboys too, push, since they are lighter, but go commercial. Don't worry too much about cost, make your clients pay!!!!

[guntruck]

We run a 32" scag w/b for our gated yards and trim mower, no problems as of yet and can still get excellent stripes on gated yards!!! We dont even own a 21", i suppose one day maybe. =)

[BUSHMASTER]

Toro 21" commcial trim mower with the 4.5 hp 2 cycle suz.,yea it's $895.00 pltx but you buy it ,fuel it up, clean the filter clean , grease the trans and the wheel every oncea nd a whoile and forget about it,mine is in its 3erd season and show no sign of going out to pasture.and those cheapy ones, well i be suprised to find one that cuts as fast or as good aas this one, it'll be around fo a while
plus in 5 more years i'll spend $300-400 for a new engine.

[Nathan]

I have always felt a 21 is as important as having a blower on your trailer, even if you only use it on a few accounts you will be glad you have it. My favorite is the honda hydrostatic 216. If you have not used a hydro 21 you don't know what you are missing. No it doesn't compare to a hydro walk behind, but when you need it it's great. They have continually improved weak points and I can see getting 10 years easy out of one. We had ones last 6years of long everyday use with minimal repair, keep oil in it and it could run forever. If you want to be a professional in the customers eye use professional equipment and do a professional job.

[Toddppm]

Go commercial, we blew up 2 new murrays 21" self propelled this year , both within 2 months. Only used them on maybe 8 or 9 yards a week.

[helodude]

Well I can see the debate continues. I picked up a 21" Exmark comm. today. I got a really good deal on it.

[toddman35]

what kind of deal did you get on that new exmark, i was looking for a 21" mower, and have had a commercial john deere for 10 years, only big thing, is the gear box went out, but back to the exmark, how much are they new? thanks.

[Cutter1]

I have four 21 TOro Proline. THey run great. My dealer sells them for around $900. There is another guy who deals Toro out of his house too, he sells me Proline's for $730. My dealer can't tell the difference, he sells me so much stuff, he can't remember what I bought there or didn't buy there!!! They never need worked on, besides an occasional run in with a rock :)

[turfman99]

Got to go with Cutter and Bushmaster on this one. Toro commercial is the only way to go. Lowest operating cost of any wb. Stone makes a good point also. The less you use a 21, the more money you will make.

[helodude]

Picked it up $50.00, A small engine shop said it needed a new motor. The flywheel key was sheared, they did not take it apart, troubleshot from the counter. Their lost my gain. When I priced them out I could pick one up for 799.00, but I could not pass-up this deal. I mainly use the 21" for comm. properites grass islands.

[eslawns]

I have 2 of these small guys, both from Home Cheapo. One is made by (don't laugh :) ) Murray, the other by Ariens. I got the Murray a few seasons ago when my Ariens was stolen. I was using it to vacuum leaves. It only has one speed: SLOW! But it does a great job and since I got it in the Fall, it was less than $200. The other is the same swivel front wheel Ariens that HD sells for less than $400. It has 0-4 mph speeds and is effortless to use. Only problem? They don't sell it with a Kawi engine. I have used John Deere and my old partner used a Toro, I prefer the Ariens to both of these, just wish they'd put a Kawi on there.

[Keith]

Originally posted by helodude
Picked it up $50.00, A small engine shop said it needed a new motor. The flywheel key was sheared, they did not take it apart, troubleshot from the counter. Their lost my gain. When I priced them out I could pick one up for 799.00, but I could not pass-up this deal. I mainly use the 21" for comm. properites grass islands.


You have gotta be kidding me :) Wow.

[The Lawn Genie]

For a 21" Toro Proline is the only way to go.