Newbie

[jro2625]

What would be a "practical" commercial mower for personal use. Looking at 48" or 52" decks only. Want the best bang for the buck or does it matter. Do they all hover around the same price?

[MudslinginFX4]

Well this is a question where the answer is mostly a matter of opinion. I would look around at your local dealers and find out about the different features the mowers have. Also, I would decide on a dealer that you really like and that will help you down the road on service and parts for your mower. There are many different mowers out there, and if you want my opinion I would buy either a Toro, Exmark, or Scag.... thats JMO. Like I say, there are many different brands and its all an opinion and also a budget that you might want to meet. Are you looking for a walk behind or a rider? Hydro or gear drive?

[jro2625]

I am looking at zero turns I've probably narrowed to exmark, kubota, and snapper but am welcome to the professional opinion. I know a commercial is not practical but if your gonna drop 3-4k on a regular mower, why not spend a few more and it last forever. Also what manufacturing design is most important to look for i.e. transmission design, pto clutch, spindles, etc.

[soilsample]

I was in your position a couple of weeks ago.....

After some serious research, I narrowed down the choice to:

Hustler Fastrack - Honda powered
Dixie Chopper Silver Eagle
Bad Boy pup.

All appeared to be very good quality mowers.
I had the best price on the Hustler, but the Dixie Chopper dealer is closer to my home so I bought the

Dixie Chopper Silver Eagle.

WOW - what an awesome machine for a homeowner!
24" rear tires.... independent hydro pumps/motors. Large Fuel capacity, operator controlled discharge chute........
Price was under $6000 out the door.

Well worth the money!

Do yourself a favor and keep shopping. Make sure you don't spend big bucks and wind up buying a machine with a "stamped" deck.

[jro2625]

what is a "stamped" deck? Are they good, bad, ugly? Or is the gauge level the only thing to look at?

[soilsample]

is constructed by taking a sheet of steel (usually thin steel)..... and pressing it between two molds which stretch and bend the steel into the shape of the deck as you see it.

Most homeowner mowers (Lowe's , Home Depot) have stamped decks. These decks are ordinarily shallow and don't produce the vacuum that a deep "fabricated" deck can produce. They (stamped decks) also are ordinarily much less durable. I've seen gauge wheels break off.... spindles rust out and fall through the deck....

Bottom line is if you want a mower that will last for a LONG TIME.... spend the extra $1500 and keep out of Home Depot.

DISCLAIMER: I'm not a professional. Just a homeowner who tried to educate myself on this topic before making a $6k purchase.

[BigDave]

soilsample, sounds like you stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night. :)

If you're not a TV watcher, that is to say that it sounds like you really learned your stuff.

[soilsample]

I'm not a doctor...... I just play one on TV!


And I ate at Subway lastnight :p

[jro2625]

OK are there commercial mowers with stamped decks? If so should i stay away and how do i find a mower without a stamped deck

[soilsample]

Most commercial mowers have some sort of fabricated deck. Some are assembled with bolts/nuts.... others welded. However some of the "homeowner" models offered by the commercial manufacturers have stamped decks.

You should look at the websites for whatever product you are interested in to try and determine what type they offer. I may be wrong, but I believe the Simplicity/snapper, cub cadet and several other mfgs who offer a bigger line of homeowner models use some type of stamped deck on some of their more expensive models also.

Beware..... the dealers will try to sell you a $3500 - 4000 ZTR that has an inferior deck. They will say "you'll never wear it out". This may be true, but they probably won't produce the blade tip speed and suction to give a superior quality of cut like a deep deck will.

Blade tip speed and lift (vacuum) are VERY important if you want to have a good quality of cut in ONE PASS without leaving behind stragglers.

[dcondon]

stamped decks are not as strong as a fabricated deck. We have three cub cadet commercial Tanks. Very very pleased with them. Same thing as a Lesco

[jro2625]

Thanks for the info i was looking really hard at the cub cadet homeowner ztr's especially the 22hp 48". Anyone know anything about this one? Junk? Ok? Otherwise i will stay completely away from homeowner models.

[dcondon]

our dealer sells lot's of 48" fabricated decks. I have looked at both........It depends on how much you will use it. I would go with a mower that will give you a great cut and hold up. That's a cub TANK, ask your dealer!!!

[lawnmowermannh]

I like scag commercial mowers. There very strong machines. The thing is all commercial grade companies claim to be the best. So if I were you. Try them out before you buy and get the one your comfortable with. Most dealers will be happy to lend out, especially if it means a sale. I heard good things about Exmark ZTRs If you get a 52 inch mower get at least 23 horse power you will have plenty of power in reserve to operate a belt driven bagger and not stress the engine.
good luck!!!

[lawnmowermannh]

Just one other thing. A good ZTR will probably run between 6-7k
again good luck.

[jro2625]

thx for all the info it will help tremendously