homeowner z picks, HELP!

[Riddler]

Really like the Exmark Lazer CT, but it may just be out of my price league. What's the lowest price I could expect to get the 18/44 Lazer CT for? Would it be overkill for my 1+ acre? Currently using Husqvarna tractor, but takes forever because I have so much to cut around.

Looked at new Simplicity 18/44 Consumer Z for $3999. It has a Kohler single cylinder. Appeared to be well built. I know they have a good rep too. Anybody seen a better price than this?

Also looking at the Cub Cadet 20/44 for $4,000. It has a Briggs twin cylinder. Don't know a whole lot about Cub Cadet.

Exmark Lazer CT worth the extra?

If Exmark is out of my league, would you go with the Simplicity or Cub Cadet as they are essentially priced the same? Which one has the better motor? Any major advantages to the twin cylinder Briggs over the single cylinder Kohler?

[amrupp]

Do you have to buy new? I was in your exact situation a couple years back. 1+ acre, $4000 maximum price range, was mowing with lawn tractor and wanted to upgrade to ZTR.

All the consumer level ZTRs (Timecutter, Ariens Zoom, Cub Cadet) seemed to be too cheap of an imitation of a true commercial quality ZTR. I know you get what you pay for, but these residential level machines just didn't seem to have the quality I was looking for. I was just about to go with the Hustler FasTrack (20/52), when I came across a used Exmark Lazer Z HP, 48" with 19 HP Kawasaki. This beauty had only 101 hours on it and ran like a charm. I bought it for $3,600 and have been happy as a pig in poop ever since.

I know many folks think buying used means trouble. If you have a good dealer in your area, check it out. There's a good chance you'll find a higher level machine than you can afford to buy new.

[John Gamba]

Try the simplicity! I here they have a high blade speed.

John

[dvmcmrhp52]

Originally posted by Riddler
Really like the Exmark Lazer CT, but it may just be out of my price league. What's the lowest price I could expect to get the 18/44 Lazer CT for? Would it be overkill for my 1+ acre? Currently using Husqvarna tractor, but takes forever because I have so much to cut around.

Looked at new Simplicity 18/44 Consumer Z for $3999. It has a Kohler single cylinder. Appeared to be well built. I know they have a good rep too. Anybody seen a better price than this?

Also looking at the Cub Cadet 20/44 for $4,000. It has a Briggs twin cylinder. Don't know a whole lot about Cub Cadet.

Exmark Lazer CT worth the extra?

If Exmark is out of my league, would you go with the Simplicity or Cub Cadet as they are essentially priced the same? Which one has the better motor? Any major advantages to the twin cylinder Briggs over the single cylinder Kohler?



If you are going to spend $4000 on a mower does it really matter if you spend an extra $500?(CT can be had for about $4500)
I'd stay away from the cub,the hydros are questionable in my mind,deck belts get chewed up............

[mowhigh]

For 1+ acres, you could easily get by with one of Country Clipper's JAZee models. All have heavy duty fabricated decks (that flip-up for easy cleaning), Kohler/Kawi engines (avoid B&S) 19,000 fpm blade tip speed and available single joystick controls. The JAZeeOne starts under $3200. I assumed I would have to go with their fully-commercial (Charger or Zeton) for my rough terrain, until I demoed the 19/48 JAZee. It handled the 3-4' tall section that I had stopped mowing 2 years ago. Definitely encourage you to check out www.countryclipper.com
Good luck!

[Riddler]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Amrupp, sounds like you got a heck of a deal. Hadn't really given the used mower a lot of thought, but if I could find something like that I sure would.

John, do you know what the blade speed is on the Simplicity? It doesn't say in the brochure I have or on their website.

dvm.......52, thanks for your opinion. Believe I'll stay away from the Cub. I've seen some other posts to stay away from the Cub/Briggs.

mowhigh, I'll have to check out the country clipper web & see where the closest dealer is.

[John Gamba]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Riddler
[B]Thanks for the replies guys.


John, do you know what the blade speed is on the Simplicity? It doesn't say in the brochure I have or on their website.



My ex dealer was exited about the mower and said it had a high blade speed. I dont have the number, Is this the one with springs in front?
You can email them and they will give it to you.
John

[Riddler]

John,

Yeah, it's the one with the springs in front. Went to see my Exmark and Simplicity dealer today. Same dealer for both. Ironically, didn't think to ask him about the blade speed on the Simplicity. They did not have the 44" model in the store. He said he's been waiting for over 7 weeks for them to come in. He said the Simplicity rep was in the store the other day and advised they couldn't make them fast enough to keep up with the current demand. The rep also said Simplicity had no idea they were going to sell so well. Also found out I could probably pick up a demo model 44" Exmark Lazer CT at the end of this season for around $4,700. He said it might have around 60 hours. Is this a good price? And the really big question is- Should I go with the Simplicity for $4,000 or a slightly used Lazer CT for $4,700? Tough decision. The Lazer CT is really a little overkill for my yard, but I would get a more commercial mower with beefier frame and deeper 7 guage deck. Both mowers have the same 18 hp Kohler motor. What do ya'll think?

[John Gamba]

Originally posted by Riddler
John,

Yeah, it's the one with the springs in front. Went to see my Exmark and Simplicity dealer today. Same dealer for both. Ironically, didn't think to ask him about the blade speed on the Simplicity. They did not have the 44" model in the store. He said he's been waiting for over 7 weeks for them to come in. He said the Simplicity rep was in the store the other day and advised they couldn't make them fast enough to keep up with the current demand. The rep also said Simplicity had no idea they were going to sell so well. Also found out I could probably pick up a demo model 44" Exmark Lazer CT at the end of this season for around $4,700. He said it might have around 60 hours. Is this a good price? And the really big question is- Should I go with the Simplicity for $4,000 or a slightly used Lazer CT for $4,700? Tough decision. The Lazer CT is really a little overkill for my yard, but I would get a more commercial mower with beefier frame and deeper 7 guage deck. Both mowers have the same 18 hp Kohler motor. What do ya'll think?

The ct Will last longer and cut better. It has the trvantage deck that i have used for years. You can put alot more toys on the ct so you will be the coolest home owner on the block. If the prices are that close go with the ct.
Have you looked at hustlers line?????

John

[RufusR]

Facing same decision f/ my 2 acres w/1+ grass yard, ExCT 4818 have a $650 mfg rebate in our area, all Ex dealers have priced $4800-4995....good availability.
I searched f/ Simplicity ZT, found a handful...
1844 priced $3800-3995...5020 priced $4400-4599.
An earlier post indicated the springs were for show on Simplicity consumer ZT, dealers indicate they are less of a shock absorber for better ride than a device for leveling mower in uneven yards.
Plenty of Snapper Fastcut ZTR available if you do not need springs of striping bar behind deck. Generally $100-200 less than same mower from Simplicity.
Appears the Simplicity shortage is demand & the Mfr trying to produce the same mower f/ two dealership networks.
Whatta ya'll think??:rolleyes:

[RufusR]

Facing same decision f/ my 2 acres w/1+ grass yard, ExCT 4818 have a $650 mfg rebate in our area, all Ex dealers have priced $4800-4995....good availability.
I searched f/ Simplicity ZT, found a handful...
1844 priced $3800-3995...5020 priced $4400-4599.
An earlier post indicated the springs were for show on Simplicity consumer ZT, dealers indicate they are less of a shock absorber for better ride than a device for leveling mower in uneven yards.
Plenty of Snapper Fastcut ZTR available if you do not need springs or striping bar behind deck. Generally $100-200 less than same mower from Simplicity.
Appears the Simplicity shortage is demand & the Mfr trying to produce the same mower f/ two dealership networks.
Whatta ya'll think??:rolleyes:

[Riddler]

Ive checked out the Hustler line. Little pricey in my opinion, but warranty appears second to none. Plus the closest dealer is about 45 minutes away here in Virginia. Not to mention, the Hustler guy on this site (forget his screen name) even said to stay away from the Fastrack on hilly terrain. He suggested going with say a Hustler mini z. Well, then you're back up in the $5,500 range.

I guess at this point I'm beginning to agree with a lot of posts out there that just aren't really impressed with the residential z mowers. Guess that's why I keep coming back to the Simplicity with its commercial hydro pumps and wheel motors. My lot is slightly hilly, and I'm very skeptical about the lifespan of a standard IZT hydro transmission. Could go with the Exmark CT, but I would really like to do some striping, and I'd have to buy a separate striping kit. Also the CT does not come with arm rests. Hey, if you're going to be lazy-you mine as well be lazy in comfort. Sure, I understand I can get these as Exmark accessories. But, then that $600 difference is right back up to $1,000 or so. That's a pretty significant difference. Hate to sound so tight, but money is money right?

Hadn't looked at the Snapper Fastcut; think I'll check out their website. I understand Simplicity bought Snapper. Rufus, are you saying Simplicity is making the residential z for Snapper as well? Sorry, little confused.

[turftammer]

Ithink the exmark ct is a good choice for a homeowner but if you don't want to fork out the extra cash, toro has been advertised in my area for $3000,cub $3500,husqvarna $3800,snapper $4200 dont know much about them but have seen alot of homeowners with dixon ztr &have seen used prices on them about $2000 or less

[dondinct]

I've been looking at consumer Z's also. I've tested both of the Simplicity consumer z's and they run well. I really did like the sound and smoothness of the briggs 20hp vanguard. I looked at the Jazee one, the toro el cheapo, and cub cadet in the $4grand and under range. The cub cadet had no springs or shocks for the seat, and to me that implied a very hard ride. I'd really like a smooth sweet ride on a $4K + machine. I've only seen a few post on here about the smoothness of the ride on ztr's... Can anyone tell me what the smoothest riding ztr's are, or what optons make for a smoother ride ?

[sda1416]

The Cub's ride is not that bad, i bought the Z-Force with 20/44 and absolutely love it. I also have a hilly yard and the cub don't miss a lick, and has plenty of power to spare. The Hydro's I've had not problem with, it will spin on a dime, no problem. I didn't want to spend a lot of money, and did shop around, so the Cub is what i went with. Plus, the first year it has a "at home warranty" meaning if something goes wrong, they will come out and fix it here, or pick it up and bring it back no charge. For $3599 You can't beat it, just depends on how much you want to spend.

[DylanG]

I have read elsewhere the Sears ZTR is made by Simplicity. I don't know if that can be confirmed but I believe it's true because they use some of the same marketing graphics as Simplicity and tout the commercial hyrdo units.

I believe all of the Simplicity made units under $5k use a stamped deck. That seems to be their downside.

[dvmcmrhp52]

Originally posted by Riddler
Ive checked out the Hustler line. Little pricey in my opinion, but warranty appears second to none. Plus the closest dealer is about 45 minutes away here in Virginia. Not to mention, the Hustler guy on this site (forget his screen name) even said to stay away from the Fastrack on hilly terrain. He suggested going with say a Hustler mini z. Well, then you're back up in the $5,500 range.

I guess at this point I'm beginning to agree with a lot of posts out there that just aren't really impressed with the residential z mowers. Guess that's why I keep coming back to the Simplicity with its commercial hydro pumps and wheel motors. My lot is slightly hilly, and I'm very skeptical about the lifespan of a standard IZT hydro transmission. Could go with the Exmark CT, but I would really like to do some striping, and I'd have to buy a separate striping kit. Also the CT does not come with arm rests. Hey, if you're going to be lazy-you mine as well be lazy in comfort. Sure, I understand I can get these as Exmark accessories. But, then that $600 difference is right back up to $1,000 or so. That's a pretty significant difference. Hate to sound so tight, but money is money right?

Hadn't looked at the Snapper Fastcut; think I'll check out their website. I understand Simplicity bought Snapper. Rufus, are you saying Simplicity is making the residential z for Snapper as well? Sorry, little confused.



Just for the record,you don't need a striping kit to do "striping"
An exmark CT will stripe just fine,the striping kit is to "enhance" your striping capabilities,it is not neccessary to stipe though.

[vjaj]

The Snapper fastcut is the best I've seen ,quality for the money.

[vjaj]

Snapper Fastcut is best quality for money I've seen."estate size"

[Riddler]

Well, finally made up my mind and broke the bank. My Simplicity 18-44 ZTR will be picked up in a couple of days. Got it for $3879, a really good deal!!! I have found this mower has been really hard to find. Checked with 6 dealers in the local area, and nobody had one. All of them gave me the same story-- that they have had them on order for 6 or 7 weeks, and the Simplicity rep could not advise a delivery date. One said it would probably be August or September. So I finally found one about 2 hours away. For fear of not finding another one for quite some time, I went ahead and got one. Can't wait to cut with that gem. Simplicity sure does look like a quality machine. It's the best I've looked at in the homeowner realm. And from this site, the quality of cut seems to rival many of the much more expensive commercial units. Will now have more time to spend with my 3 year old son in the evenings, instead of cutting grass until dark! I figure it's a small price to pay for that reward.

I found the Snapper Fastcut is essentially the same mower as the Simplicity for @100 less. But, the Snapper does not have the independent suspension front end. Don't really know how much of a difference that's going to make. The Snapper also does not have the full width rear rollers. So it will not give that classis Simplicity striped look that seems to be so popular.

Good luck with the Cub. Didn't look at those at all. I read numerous postings to stay away from the Briggs engine, as the Kohler and Kawasaki are better? Also went with the Simplicity because it had the separate hydro pumps and wheel motors.

Will let everyone know how this Simplicity does in a week or so.

[dondinct]

Well !!! Lets here about the simplicty !!!!!

[Riddler]

Well, I've only cut with her one time. I must say I have no regrets about this mower. The steering on this thing is smooth as silk! No herky, jerky motion, like my neighbors Husquvarna homeowner z. It looked so good when I got it home, I hated to get it dirty by cutting grass. I just could resist hopping on it to play. Never thought I would say cutting grass was fine. If only the seat reclined-Ha Ha.

My slightly hilly terrain was no match for the 18hp Kohler. Don't know the blade tip speed, but you can tell when the PTO is cut on, those things are fast! Normally takes me 2.5 hours to cut on my ex 42" Husquvarna lawn tractor, and I cut that down to 1 hour! That's the goal my friends. More time to spend with my 3 year old son, cause I'll only get one chance for that. I'm feeling a lot better about the $3,879 I shelled out for this gem. I figure it's an investment.

The cut was nice and even, but I was expecting a little more of a striped appearance, but got very little. My grass is a bluegrass/fescue mix, and I cut at 4" all the time. The rollers appear as if they are too high. I haven't measured the height of them, but I'd guess they are maybe at about 1.5"-2" when cutting at 4". Appears to me Simplicity set the roller height to stripe at lower cutting heights. But, I don't want to cut any lower as my yard receives full sun and very susceptible to heat stress. I got on Lawnsite last night and noticed most of the guys rollers are set at about 0.5". I think I could easily have new brackets made to lower the rollers easy enough. Should I do it? Or maybe I just need to cut the same track a few times? Any thoughts?

The ride was really smooth, too. But my yard is in above average shape, so I didn't really expect it to be rough.

I really did my research on these homeowner z mowers, and I truly believe I have got the best one on the market for the money. Was interested in the Hustler also, but think they are a little pricey. For that price I could get a demoed Exmark which is a true commercial mower.

[vjaj]

I purchased the snapper fast cut 20/50 for $4258 ,I like the simplicity too,no dealer near by. I read the blade tip speed is governed by the fed.health/safety people at 18000 and most manufacturers push right up to it. Hope we both have good luck with the snapper and simplicity.

[dondinct]

A question on the simplicity... does the roller ever get hung up on obstacles ? like going over a curb ?

[Smitty58]

I bought the Simplicity z 20/50 a couple of months ago. I have approx 60 hours on it now and it has performed very well for me. The roller does not get hung up ,but the edge of it (discharge side) does occasionally get caught when I am turning right around an obstacle. I added a rubber flap off of the back of the mower the width of the inside of the tires to enhance striping. It stripes real nice. I looked at several before I bought this one, for me it seemed to be the beefiest frame in the $4500 price range ,and Simplicity has a good track record. It has been an excellent purchase so far ,cut my mowing times which means I can take on more yards in the same amount of time. I currently mow 22 yards ,so my Simplicity has made a dramatic difference in time and quality.

[Summett]

Do the Simplicity ZTR's have the Chevron tires and if so do they tend to tear the grass a little when turning? I recently purchased the Snapper 44" ZTR and love it!

Just getting use to it and turning without ripping up the grass takes a little time to get use to. Wondering if changing tires would help at all. Probably just the inexerienced driver! :o

[Smitty58]

Summett - the Snapper and Simplicity are made by the same people. As far as tearing turf when turning ,some is experience and some is conditions. If you are tearing turf ,try doing a 3 point turn, I don't think changing tires is the answer.

[bostonbob]

Quick question - do you need a bagger for this unit (Simplicity Consumer Z)? I am wondering cuz I currently bag with my Deere LT150 and if I do not there are tons of clippings. I am hoping the higher bladetip speed will help cut and disperse. Thoughts?

[GripB]

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The cut was nice and even, but I was expecting a little more of a striped appearance, but got very little. My grass is a bluegrass/fescue mix, and I cut at 4" all the time. The rollers appear as if they are too high. I haven't measured the height of them, but I'd guess they are maybe at about 1.5"-2" when cutting at 4". Appears to me Simplicity set the roller height to stripe at lower cutting heights. But, I don't want to cut any lower as my yard receives full sun and very susceptible to heat stress. I got on Lawnsite last night and noticed most of the guys rollers are set at about 0.5". I think I could easily have new brackets made to lower the rollers easy enough. Should I do it? Or maybe I just need to cut the same track a few times? Any thoughts?"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Riddler,
I'm a homeowner (2 acres) and I recently installed a striping roller on my Exmark Lazer Z HP. I must admit it took a few attempts with different roller height settings, but I found that the roller being 1/2" from the ground works beautifully. Much more than that and you seem to lose the stripe the higher you set it. I also have Kentucky Blue, Fescue and also Rye mix that I cut at 4".
So maybe you can fabricate something to get your roller lower.

Hope this helps. Happy Striping!

[Riddler]

Actually I figured out how to lower the roller to the proper level for my cutting height. I've got it set at about 3/4", and it stripes pretty well. Have gotten a lot of positive comments from the neighbors. May be selling my home soon, and I believe the stripes will add some nice curb appeal! Been wanting to add a piece of rubber to the back to enhance the striping, but I just haven't done it yet, as it stipes pretty good as is.

I have no regrets on purchasing this Simplicity. It's definitely a quality product, and I didn't expect any less from them. Get one, you won't regret it. The steering is real smooth on this machine. I had heard that was an advantage inherent in having the separate hydro pumps and wheel motors.

I do get a little turf tear at times. Seems to be mostly after it has rained recently. Just have to take easy on the turns. I make an extra perimeter cut, so I don't have to do a true zero turn. It helps.

On a different note, I don't have a shed for my mower, so it stays outside underneath my deck on a concrete patio. So, to keep her dry and prevent fade damage from the sun, I bought a nice, large ATV cover, which I keep on my mower when it is not in use. I paid about $45 for it, and it works like a charm. The bottom is fully elasticized, so the wind doesn't blow it off. A little "McGyverism" I call it.

[mowhigh]

Riddler, think twice about that cover. If it traps overnight condensation you're doing more harm than good.

[Riddler]

I haven't observed any condensation on it so far. During the off season, the mower will be in the basement. Thanks for the heads up, Mowhigh. I'll keep an eye on it. Got the cover more to prevent fading.

[robertbick]

Can anyone recommend a place to get a piece of heavy rubber? I want to make a striping kit for my Exmark but do not want to spend $200 for a roller.

[GripB]

Originally posted by robertbick
Can anyone recommend a place to get a piece of heavy rubber? I want to make a striping kit for my Exmark but do not want to spend $200 for a roller.


www.mcmaster.com

Type "rubber" into the search engine.

[copter]

I used A mud flap from PepBoys on my lawn tractor, was easy to cut to fit. $16 for a pair.

[bostonbob]

REPOST - Quick question - do you need a bagger for this unit (Simplicity Consumer Z)? I am wondering cuz I currently bag with my Deere LT150 and if I do not there are tons of clippings. I am hoping the higher bladetip speed will help cut and disperse. Thoughts?

[Lawnboy112]

Go look at www.dixon-ztr.com great mowers. Just my two cents. Good luck,

[k1768]

Originally posted by bostonbob
REPOST - Quick question - do you need a bagger for this unit (Simplicity Consumer Z)? I am wondering cuz I currently bag with my Deere LT150 and if I do not there are tons of clippings. I am hoping the higher bladetip speed will help cut and disperse. Thoughts?

I picked up the simplicity 44" a few weeks ago. The clippings are pretty well dispersed. I have ordered the mulch kit, more to keep the clippings from flying in my face on windy days and to give me the ability to edge on both sides.
I hope to install the kit this week and test.
Overall though, I am VERY happy with it. It does take practice to prevent turf tear, but the cut is superb & I am still amazed at the time saved. 1.6 acres from 3 hours with a 42" tractor to 75-90 mins with the ZTR.

[Elklake]

Riddler:
I have the same stripe roller problem on my new Simplicity ZT 1844- too high to make stripes. How did you adjust yours lower?