What is the best Z mower

[Robert Burnham]

I have run walker mowers for nine years and am finding that as properties get bigger I need something faster and able to cut without bagging. I have tried side discharge decks for the walkers, but they leave visable windrows of grass, especially in thick damp grass or leaves. My question is what have you found to be the best Z mowers for cut and overall reliability? I am looking for a 52" Z, so whats the best, Scag Turf Tiger - BobcatZT-200 - Toro Z master - Exmark - etc.?

[Getmow]

Here we go again....check the search function so Eric won't have to delete all of Lazer's posts.

[Runner]

Hey everybody! Let's take a vote - then recount them again!

[Evan528]

demo a z master! Better yet... demo it in wet grass....

[beck]

I was considering a walker. I admit it would be nice for bagging and for fall cleanups, but i am also bidding on cutting my neighbourhood park(10 acres) and one other common ground piece at about 15 acres. this might make me rethink

[Keith]

Originally posted by Robert Burnham
My question is what have you found to be the best Z mowers for cut and overall reliability?

Have you seen the one they have at Sears? Well it's not that one for sure :D


Other than that advice...take your pick. You will get conflicting opinions about which is best. That tells you that there are many good machines on the market. If you want my opinion, I would say Exmark.


[Edited by Keith on 11-10-2000 at 01:17 AM]

[Cutter1]

I have a 52 Laser. Tried everything befor I bought a Exmark, now I would never change!!

[65hoss]

uuuhhh, what's that one called???


Oh, yes! Exmark Lazar

[Ricky]

I had this question back in May, I went with a Dixie Chopper. I am convinced it was worth the extra money. I am very satisfied. The faster mowing speed will allow you to cut more grass per hour. The dependability and longevity makes it cheaper to own over the years. Time will tell. My second choice would be the Exmark in my area.

[bob]

Robert, Why do you want a 52", when there's 60" - 72" decks available?

[John DiMartino]

If your propertys are getting bigger,do not buy a 52",get a 60",it is the best compromise.If they are real big get a 72,as long as it will fit on most of them,and your knolls arent to bad,the 72" scalps a little easier than a 60,it shouldnt be a problem if your careful.I have a 2000Dixie Chopper,xw2500 60" cut.It is fast,but I will not buy another one,I will buy a Toro or Exmark if I buy another new one,I will probably buy used next time,since I have much better luck with used equipment that I have went over than brand new out if the crate ZTR.Try to avoid Kohler engines while you are at it,especially the 25HP.Most manufacturers are now putting in Kawi's where 3 yrs ago it was almost all kohler for ZTR's.Kawi's dont cost much more,have more torque than the Commands and have proven to be much less troublesome.I know Eric@ELM will tell you how great his kohler is-but he bought a new Yanmar diesel this year-instead of another kohler-I hate mime-some have had good luck,its a gamble with kohler-you might get a great one-you might get a dud.

[Five Star Lawn Care LLC]

about 20 people at least have came to lawnsite with the exact same question. If u do big properties dont settle for a 52. go with a 60 inch dixie or bunton.

[KirbysLawn]

Grrat Dane Chariot.

[jcoat]

From past experiences with this forum, it's pretty darn difficult to find the best mower. A lot depends on the application... From what I've read since early this year, Exmark is fastest; Walker is best for vacuuming (You know!); from ELM's site, DCs appear to do real well for striping and speed (depending on maintenance and technique); Grasshoppers seem to be pretty quick and have large decks... the list could go on and on... it all boils down to care, maintenance, technique and luck (with engines, spindles, etc.). You'll find all kinds on this forum... in the end, once you have it down to 2-3 models it's best to search the site and f nothing, then ask... hope I helped!

[Robert Burnham]

Do the larger decks tend to pill up the grass if it is damp or does it matter with z's, that is why I was considering a 52" deck. Here in CO, few people run Z mowers, mostly Walkers. I have no experience with Z's - so I really appreciate all your comments. thanks

[MIDSOUTH]

scag turf tiger

[toddman35]

toro z master or exmark lazer z

[LJ lawn]

i would suggest checking out http://www.yetmans.mb.ca/ this website has a lot of direct links to the many different manufactures out there.there are LOTS of different mowers out there.i don't hear anyone talking about BUNTON,BOBCAT,SCHWEISS,DYNA-MOW (awsome machine!!)GRASSHOPPER has a new Z ,and the list goes on.i would also suggest getting a subscription to TURF or PRO magazine.there are lots of great machines out there but i'd have to go with whatever is common in your area to get parts/dealer backup.

[Scag48]

Okay, I'm gonna put in my info. I have never driven a ZTR, probably will never own one but I'd say Exmark is your best bet. So many guys say that Exmark is the best. There are other brands out there that are good also but Exmark has some really nice mowers. They just came out with their new 2001 lineup. I suggest you check out their website at http://www.exmark.com and look at their new ZTR's. The Lazer EPS, Lazer XP with 27 HP Daihatsu diesel or 31 HP gas. I agree with bob. Why would you want to buy a 52" deck if there are 60" and 72" decks out there? You said on your last post that you have no experience with Z's. What do you call a Walker? They are all Z's if they spin a 360. Just a little tid-bit of info. If you consider a Z as like an Exmark Lazer, Scag Turf Tiger, ect., I kinda see what you mean. Good luck.:)

[Ricky]

Dixie Chopper advertises that they are the "Worlds Fastest Mower"
The XWD 2600 will run @ 12 mph, the Flatlander @ 13 mph, the twin @ 15 mph. They will mow at full speed.

[Rodg]

I run a walker right now, but am seriously thinking about a Lazer 52". I would say go with the 52 if you are going to be putting it on some smaller lawns or hilly areas besides your big areas. I know for a fact the bigger the deck, the harder it is not leave a few scalps here and there! (Unless you go with a reeeeel mower!) The walker is a great mower in tight places and not bad at picking up grass/leaves/etc. but it is slow! From what I have read in this forum and talking to the regional rep for ExMark-they are not only fast, but they are built like a tank both inside and out!

[MJB]

ROBERT,
Check out what dealers are closest. I use a Walker and a Exmark Lazer Z 60". I picked the Lazer Z because it can mulch with a mulching kit unlike anything else out there.
Or you can side discharge with gator blades and hide the grass better than a walker side discharge. The extra speed makes it possible to go over a lawn twice if needed to hide
all the clippins. We always crisscross and make a checkerboard. Looks great. DEMO< DEMO< DEMO . DO NOT takes any dealers word until you've seen it in action yourself.

[awm]

Exmark,dixie,toro and others impressive but
lurking in the back of my mind is the scag
turf tiger a tough looking machine. Im shopping
too.BY THE WAY.Whats wrong with rehashing subjects
on forum.The archives are a valuable resource
but there is always new info to be had.
Back later,I got cut this scag off,headache
an all.

[Bluegrass Lawn Service]

This past season aroun June in Southern Indiana I was mowing at a local bank, real nice lawn when a an exmark rep went driving by with a new exmark on his trailer. He turned around and came back and I started talking about his new mower. I thought I was interested in one. So I asked him to put it out on the lawn and lets compare them. I mowed half with my dixie and I mowed the other half with his exmark. Now I must confess I run double blades. The grass discharged by his mower was lying there on the lawn while there were no grass clippings left by my mower. He didn't know what to say, then I told him about the blades. He was still amazed at the Dixie Chopper. I believe for the money you can't beat a 2502 60" cut dixie just the painted model. No bells and whistles It's just a mower that mowes grass. Also pushes snow well to.

[Mowman]

BOB,
I'M RUNNING A WALKER MT-54 SD AND AM VERY HAPPY. I JUST PUT ON A SET OF GATOR BLADES AND AM VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE CUT I'M NOW GETTING WITH THE WALKER. IT'S NOT THE FASTEST MOWER OUT THERE AT 5.5MPH 6.5MPH WITH SPEED UP KIT. I'VE ALSO FOUND THAT IF THE PROPERTY IS ROUGH YOU CAN'T RUN THOSE HIGH SPEEDS ANYWAY. WALKER ALSO MAKES A 52" MULCHING DECK. I LIKE THE SIDE DISCHARGE DECK MYSELF. I DON'T BELIEVE YOU CAN RUN AT 8MPH AND MULCH ANYWAY. MAYBE IT CAN BE DONE, BUT I HAVE YET TO SEE ANYONE DO IT. GOOD LUCK ON YOUR CHOICE OF MOWER.
Mowman

[MJB]

Bluegrass,
The Exmark dealer reps or most any company reps don't know much about mowing techniques ect. When I demoed my Exmark they brought it out with dull high lift blades which just shoot the grass out but don't mulch it.
But I bought it because the cut was very clean in 6 inches of wet grass. I put on the proper double blade setup for those conditions and the grass dissapears. Love those Gators. The cuts are very simular with the DC. I guess it comes down to preference, dealer convenience. I still lean toward the Exmark as being the more dependable machine. Either way you cut a lot of grass with both machines, and have very happy customers.

[Lawnworks]

I had a 48 and considered getting a 52, but I ended up getting a 60. The 60 gives a great cut. In fact, it is probably better than a 48 or 52 because of the wider wheel base, and in some cases larger wheels. The mower will leave less tracks and will give a more even cut. I personally liked the DC better than an Exmark. Plus, my exmark dealers are freakin gay.

[MJB]

I guess we are lucky our Exmark dealer is the John Deere dealer and we get great service. No funny stuff:-) They even give you a loaner if you break down, but we've never needed one yet.

[Lawnworks]

The eXmark dealer in my area is a Yankee, and some of yall know how they are.

[BadAndy]

no, how are they, Lawnworks?

[pace lawn care]

Husqvarna. Though I've never run a Exmark, I have a Dixie and a John Deere. Husqvarna, unlike the Dixie is as smooth a silk to steer. They have some new options for 2001 that should make them the best cut on the market.

[TLS]

Robert,

Exmark has 2 options for a 52". They have the fullsize Lazer with horizontal shaft engines. And they have the Lazer HP's with the Vertical shaft 23hp Kawi. The HP's have smaller gas tanks, but seem to have a lower center of gravity. If you really want a 52 then go with these. If you would consider a 60", you will have many more choices of engines. All depends on what you want to spend. With Exmark you DO get what you pay for. Other brands you are sometimes simply buying a name.

Let us know how you make out.