Early season specials

[dmk395]

Hi,
Since its early season a myriad of dealers offer early season specials. I am thinking of purchasing either a 48" Encore or 48" Exmark, both belt drive mowers. The Encore is about 200bucks cheaper, which one would u buy?

[65hoss]

If the encore was $1500 cheaper, I wouldn't buy it. I have both types and encore will never happen again. Young, stupid mistake.

Will only buy exmark in the future.

[kutnkru]

We have been exclusive users of Exmark since we traded in our Scag's the first winter after we entered into the Landscape Management business five years ago.

Heck we outlasted our dealer ,,, LOL. Seriously though, I think for the money in belt drives that Exmark is the best bang for the buck.

Kris

[65hoss]

Has anyone noticed the interest in encore mowers lately? I know we talk about other mowers often, but encore just didn't come up much until lately.

Just a thought.

[kutnkru]

I think that the sticker price is obviously raising some eyebrows about a potentially inexpensive way to get your foot thru the door until you can afford to upgrade.

Personally, if I was just starting out again I would start out with High-End Residential clients and run a 36" wb until I could afford or justify a larger deck mower.

I would also limit my choice for units to a Bobcat or Exmark machine for weight purposes and save the expense of larger units to use as operating capital.

Just my .04
Kris

[kutnkru]

Landscaper Supply

This outfit also has an introductory offer to new contractors. You can purchase a 36/48/52 wb,line trimmer,and bp blower starting from about $2400.

Kris

[Eric Green]

Hey Kris, are they national or just in your area?

[Scape Sculptor]

ExMark all the way...get a 48", don't bother with the 36"...unless you really need it. They are only $100 diff.

[kutnkru]

Near NY City. They are downstate from us.

http://landscapersupply.com/

Kris

[Runner]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by kutnkru
[B]Landscaper Supply

This outfit also has an introductory offer to new contractors. You can purchase a 36/48/52 wb,line trimmer,and bp blower starting from about $2400.

Kris


Again, you only get what you pay for. What, on God's green earth do you do if one of these machines needs work? Send it in so they can work on it? Do they "mail" you a backup machine?
dmk, If you're able to buy an Exmark fo only $200. more than the "encore", then I'd say go for it! Look at the construction and what you are getting! This includes the brand of bearings, and other hidden components. Go with the quality!!!

[kutnkru]

If you noticed I did answer his question, my choice is Exmark.

Obviously they would not have dealer support. I was just trying to make a point that if you have limited funds to start out, that there are other alternatives to a $2500 wb $300 trimmer and $400 blower +,,,+,,,+.

I know that some people on here think there is no way they can afford to start, so it was just an alternative. I was not trying to divulge bad information or misdirect him. That was all.

Kris

[Eric Green]

Much thanks on the reply,yeah I took a gander at the site today and his exact thoughts are the same that crossed my mind!! I'm always looking for a deal but not so low that I don't get into some untrustworthy epuipment.
Can't make bread with no dough!! I already have snapper and a bobcat w/b, but I'm looking to add a second crew.

[Mowman]

If I was buying a WB it would be an Exmark Turf Tracer HP with the 52" and largest engine offered. That's what I was going to buy before I bought my Walker. After careful thought I went with the ZTR so I could go for the bigger jobs that are out there.
I looked at the Encore and thought they were built very cheap. That was just my opinion of that brand. You have to buy what you think will work for you and your business.
Good Luck,
Mowman

[TGCummings]

Bought my first commercial WB this last year, and it was an Exmark 36" Turf Tracer HP. I have no complaints whatsoever, and the machine has been a godsend. I had to go with a 36 because of the size of the lawns (& gates!) I currently service.

I've never used an Encore, but there is one man's opinion on the Exmark side if that helps. ;)

-TGC

[Kent Lawns]

Encore or Exmark....Hmmm.

It's a blantant insult to the achievements of what Exmark has accomplished in the last 15 years.

Not one aspect of one machine that Encore makes compares to Exmark.

You cannot afford to run Encore if you're in the business to make a living. $200 more upfront, please, you'll be money ahead after that 1st year of operation every time with the Exmark.