My first eXmark

[rockstate]

I bought my eXmark today, 48" TT HP, first eXmark ever. I was wondering what kind of blades i should start out with for the moist spring grass ?

[Cut 2 Please]

I bought a new TTHP 48" 17hp 12/29/03 and love it. I got the mulch kit on it and swap between the blades that came w/the mulch kit and gator blades. The gators seem to do a little better in the leaves. They don't seem to have as much blow out. Really there is not that much differance in the 2 blades. Both work really well.

[John Gamba]

You go rockstate!!!

[65hoss]

If you are side discharging the eXmark excaliber blades are the best I've used.

[rockstate]

Thanks a lot to everyone on here, you guys are the ones that led me to my decision, especially reading John Gambas posts thanks a lot. Steve

[eXmark]

Rock,

For side discharge in wet conditions "notched-airfoil" Excalibur. Some version of the notched airfoil is standard on all units when they leave the factory. Once things dry out you can run the "solid" airfoils for a little cleaner more manicured cut.

If mulching I'd stick with the factory mulch blades that come with the kit but mulching in wet conditions is going to be difficult at best.

Thanks

Terry

[rockstate]

yeah i just picked it up today this thing is incredible, i cant wait to use it. thanks a lot steve

[SIRCAESAR]

Hi Guys, Like Rockstate I am looking to do the same thing, congratulations on the exmark rockstate, I am right behind you. Thanks to all of you, I have narrowed my decision down to Exmark. However I have multiple questions to ask of you.. I want to get either the Exmark Metro or Exmark Turf Tracer, which is the better machine and why, what does either have over the other? My next dilemma is this. I know some of you have already responded to this post I put up in the main section of Lawnsite so this is for those opinions I did not get and of course I would like to hear what Exmark(manufacturer has to say about this) .. my local exmark dealer, is having a sale on an Exmark 36" metro walkbehind. he is letting it go for $2199 brand new, however it has a fixed deck, his regular 36" metro floating deck is $3299, his 48" is only $200 more for $3499, so far I have gotten mixed reviews for fix versus floating decks.. the guy told me the floating decks will not scalp when you go over hills, but the fixed decks are more prone to scalping and don't handle well on hills.. however its $1000 cheaper. is it worth me paying the extra $1000 for the floating deck, or should i put my money in some other lawn equipment? last but not least should I get the hydro version or regular below are my three different questions

Exmark Metro or Turf Tracer?
Fixed or Floating Deck?
hydro version or regular pulley

[jajwrigh]

I just bought a Metro 36" 12.5hp for $2250! Jump on the good deals now!

[eXmark]

SirCeaser,

Both the Metro and Turf Tracer HP are good machines. The Turf Tracer HP however is really in a different class. Here's why.

The Turf Tracer HP is a Hydro. Hyrdro will spoil you because the speed is infinitely adjustable, there's not drive belts to slip in wet conditions, instant forward and instant reverse. The Gear drive on the other hand requires more adjustments to the drive system, requires more maintenance and can loose much of it's drive in wet conditions. The hydro is like having an automatic, power steering and power brakes so you drive it. The gear drive is more comparable to a truck with manual shift, no power brakes and no power steering. One you drive the other you manhandle. The Turf Tracer HP with the hydro will leave you less fatigued at the end of the day as well.

The Metro has a fixed deck and the Turf Tracer HP has a floating deck. The floating deck on the Turf Tracer HP can help prevent scalping on uneven terrain. This is becoming more important with some many of the new developments adding more and steeper hills to the landscapes. The floating deck is also much easier to change the cutting height and requires less belt adjustment.

I hope this helps. If you have any other questions please feel free to post them here or call me at 1-800-667-5296.

Thanks

Terry

[ElephantNest]

Originally posted by jajwrigh
I just bought a Metro 36" 12.5hp for $2250! Jump on the good deals now!

Wow! 36" Metro with 15hp go for $1999.00 here new.

[SIRCAESAR]

Thanks a Lot Exmark, My final questions is this, what does the 36" walk behind Turf Tracer Hydro retail for?

[eXmark]

SirCeaser,

MSRP on the 36" TTHP is around $4700. I'd recommend a demo at your local Exmark dealer for a good comparison.

Thanks

Terry

[wherebluegrassgrows]

I use a 52 hydro viking now. I've used this exmark for the past 4 yrs. I am looking to replace this machine with a 52 lazer Z . I've found the more I do in a day the more my hands cramp from the pistol style grips. My question is how much more efficient is the lazer Z ? And in your opinion do you think this would help to remedy some of my hand cramping?
Also could I get an MSRP on a 52" Lazer Z 20hp?
Thanks.

[eXmark]

Blue,

Tough call really. Will it help reduce hand fatigue........It should. I think most operators will tell you that they have less hand and forearm fatigue with a Z than they do with the pistol grips.

As far as productivity is concerned it really depends upon the properties. If you have heavily landscaped, small properties with a great deal of shrubbery the walk behind is probably quicker. On the other hand if the shrubbery is limited or if the property is long enough to use the speed of the Z then it would have the advantage. On average we feel that overall the Z is more productive.

Thanks

Terry