Helpful hints for buying a Lazer Z

[Tomslawncare1]

I'm buying a new Lazer in the spring. Any suggestions as to which motor or added options? I'd like to go with a 60 inch deck. I'm not sure if I'll go with the Ultra vac or go with a Trac-vac unit. I have a trailer width concern. I have an open trailer that I've self enclosed and my interior width is only 72". I think the Trac vac will not be as wide as the ultra vac. Does anyone use the ultra vac and have to disconnect the discharge shoot before trailering? Is it a pain in the neck or managable?

[TLS]

Hey Tom,

You have to get the 27hp LC Kawasaki, dont kid yourself, you know you want it!!. I have one and I love it. Also get the Suspension seat. Its costly, but, I was physically unable to use the Lazer with the stock seat. Your back will thank you. This seat is as comfortable as my recliner. Also get the foot deck lift. Keep in mind that the Trac-Vac has a seperate engine (noise) to maintain, and take offs and removals will be more of a hassel. I, personally will go with the Ultra-Vac when it comes out for the 60's and 72's. (anybody know when???)

[Edited by dixie1 on 11-21-2000 at 02:49 AM]

[Runner]

Tom's right. If you feel that you really MUST have a vac unit, then go with the Ultra Vac. For the under 5 minutes it takes to hook it up, and really, when you first get to the job, you're better of just cutting it first, THEN vacuuming. Personally, I don't use one, don't see enough need for one as we actually pick up very little leaf dust. (and that's from ALOT of leaves!) I do, however, have a side bagger that I use on a couple of jobs that have narrow medians betwwen the parking lot and the road. This saves that bit of cleanup, and is much more safer. Also, if you DO make a purchase, DEFINITELY go atleast with the deck lift assist. Once you have it, you'll see why. It gets used WAY too much! I couldn't see running one of these machines without one.

[Lazer Man]

I think you are making the right move, the 26efi is a good engine. We have a 2 year old 25hp Kohler and have had no problem with it, we also have a 1 year old 26efi with no problems. The 27LC Kawasaki I think is a quieter motor but you have to be diligant about keeping the radiator cleaned out, we had a John Deere 20hp Kawasaki in it and once it overheated and we started having problems with it. It is a good engine and would not overlook getting one. Now about the grass catchers, we don't use them on our Lazers since we also have a Walker but with a 60 inch deck using the Ultra Vac you'd be dumping alot. Also using a Trac Vac would cut way down on the manuverabilty of the Lazer. We generally don't pick up clippings unless we have to.

[toddman35]

Have you looked at the 2001 60" with the A/C 23 hp kawasaki? they have more torque than the 25hp kohler, I would try to stay away from the kohler engines, but i have heard good things about the 26 efi. Hope this helps.

[Runner]

That's what I ran all this year was 26 EFI and if I was going to buy another mower, that's what it would be. Hands down.

[Cutter1]

TOm the ultra vac adds about 14 inches. I have one for my laser, no cutting needed before you bag it, just run it all over and it bags it up. It packs real tight too. Mine holds 8 bushels and the new ones are going to hold 12. They come out in Jan. so they will be available for spring. It bags grass very well also. Overall I am very happy with my unit, it makes leaves a whole easier. It takes about 1 minute to take the unit off, once you get the hang of it. You don't have to take the whole thing off either, just the vac itself and the tube. I leave the back "hood" on all the time, whether I am bagging or not. Its not in the way, so its less to deal with.

[Mike Felices]

The new Ultra-Vac units for the 60" & 72" Lazer's are coming out in the spring of 2001. I've already checked with my dealer about this.

[Lazer]

The 27hp Kaw LC is the best gas option for the 60".
(23KAW-AC isn't available on the full-size Lazer)

The Ultra-Vac is obviously better than Trac-Vac or Bluebird, but it won't fit on a 72" (inside width) trailer.

[MJB]

Tom, I bought the Lazer 60" with the LC 22hp Kaw and love it. I have not had any power problems and I mulch with the kit. The deck lift, and seat are definately worth it.

One thing to consider is weight. If you go with the Kohler 26hp efi
you probably will have a lighter machine, than if you go Liquid cooled. I would compare the weight difference if this is an issue for you. Either way you'll love it.

Personally I like the looks of the Liquid cooled machines much better than the others. Because of the engine cover.
The radiators are on top do they don't get that dirty.

[Keith]

I heard the 23 AC Kawasaki would be available in the spring.

[Tomslawncare1]

Cutter, What about my concern about the inside width of my trailer? I only have 72" of width. Do I need to take that guard off that is installed on the discharge shoot every time I want to trailer the machine or does it bend up somehow? I have not seen the unit yet.

[Lazer Man]

I do have one bad thing to say about the Lazer, the foot lift assist, I don't know how tall you guys are I'm 6'3" and with the steering arms pulled I can't lift my leg high enough to operate the assist. Anyone else out there having this problem?

[Lazer]

Yeah, 10-4 on that, Lazer Man.

I'm 6'2" here and need to do my morning stretches before using that foot assist. But my 5'8" foreman loves it!

[Premo Services]

Originally posted by Tomslawncare1
Cutter, What about my concern about the inside width of my trailer? I only have 72" of width. Do I need to take that guard off that is installed on the discharge shoot every time I want to trailer the machine or does it bend up somehow? I have not seen the unit yet.

If you go with the 60 inch lazer I don`t think it will fit,it adds about 14 inches,I have a 72in trailer and have to take the ultra vac blower unit off and it only takes a couple minutes to take it off. There is a bolt that holds unit to deck loosen it up take unit off, and remove tube to bagger.

[Edited by mow money on 11-23-2000 at 02:47 AM]

[Hardy Enterprises]

I have a 72" Lazer Z EPS with the 26hp efi Kohler and so far I have not had any problems with. It is a great machine. As far as the foot lift goes I'm 6'4" and I have not had any problems with the steering lever getting in the way.

Jay

[Tomslawncare1]

Thanks Mow money. Is this bolt that you are refering to a bolt that holds that bar on to the mower. There is some sort of a red protecter bar that attatches to the discharge shoot. Is this what has to come off before trailering? And is that really all it takes is a minute or two to remove it? If so I think I would go with the Ultra Vac vs. the Trac Vac. unit. I don't really want to sacrifice mower deck width to have to use the Ultra Vac. For the two months (Spring & Fall) I would use the Vac system I would rather mow faster for the other 5 months.

[Premo Services]

Tomslawncare1

There is a small hole on right side of your discharge chute.and a bolt and small peice of metal attaches the blower housing to deck,loosen it up and that bar & blower housing, which is all together comes off, pull idler arm remove small belt to deck( do this first),lift unit off, take tube to bag unit off. .If you go with this unit I would recommend tightening this bolt completely, because it moves around too much when you hit bumps(I tried to tighten it enough to where you could just move metal holder and pull it off).I also was kind of skepetical of the easy on and off at first,but only takes a couple minutes to do. :)

[Edited by mow money on 11-25-2000 at 05:35 PM]

[Tomslawncare1]

Thanks again mow. My local dealer has made arrangements for me to demo a 60" deck 27hp Kowi with the Ultra Vac unit on it. I pick it up Monday. I'll let you know how I make out.

[Mike Felices]

They are coming out with a 23hp Kawaski AC with a 60" deck, and the new LC are 23hp Kawasaki w/ 60" or 27hp Kawasaki w/60" or 72". The Ultra-Vac for the 60" and 72" decks are going to hold 13.5 bu. If you go to http://www.exmark.com and pick a machine, then click for literature they will send you a product book for 2001. It a nice pamphlet. I would say screw the Ultra-Vac and just get the mulch kit.

[Bob's Lawn Care]

I just joined yesteday and this thread has helped me answer most of my questions. This spring I will be buying a LaserZ with a 60' deck and I think I will go with the 23hp LC Kaw. motor. I have a price for the Laser Z, does anyone know how much the new Ultra Vac will cost?

[Runner]

I was quoted around $1400. for the full size UltraVac for the 60 in. deck.