ZTR Opinions Please!

[vtx1300]

Hey - what a great site!

I have a new yard that is around 1.5 acre in total size but grass/yard size is only around .6 -.7 acre.

For me ... it's a big yard and I need to move away from my little Honda Harmony and buy a ZTR before the grass starts growing!

So, I've said my budget is $2500-$3300 approx. I have been really impressed with the Gravelys. After going to look at the Gravelys - again - they had the Ariens out there. (I was a former Ariens home owner lawn mowever back in the early '80s and it was great - so, I have good memories of that brand).

So, now I'm considering the Ariens ... and I really don't want to spend too much more than the budget listed.

The ARIENS ZOOM 1540 (http://www.ariens.com/lawn_products/zooms/zoom_1540/) is what I am really considering. The other option that shoots me above the $3K mark is the ZOOM 1740.

I want a 40" deck because I have quite a few trees -- and don't want to get too big a deck. Plus, I want to be able to transport this in my pickup as well and I think this size will be ok.

So... in your opinions -- would this be a good machine?

Should I really consider the Toro Timecutter Z?

Those look like the only two that are close in that price range.

Reason for the ARIENS - on my list is it has a welded deck, has a KOHLER engine ...

Thoughts, opinions ... guidance - really wanted!! :)

TIA.

[Advance The Man]

I looked at the Toro Z at Home Depot and felt it was just okay. It was a 17hp with 42" cut for 2999. Definitely mid-homeowner grade. The Arien I test drove was 2148, so it was larger than the 1740, but I did see the 1740 there. I felt the Ariens is a superior looking mower than the Toro Z (i.e. not the Toro ZX). The test ride of the Ariens was very smooth. If you are seriously considering the Toro Z, you should consider the Cub Cadet for the same amount, but with a 22 hp and a 52" cut. It is a stamped deck and similar quality (my opinion) as the Toro Z. This sells at both Lowes and Tractor Supply. Good luck in your search and staying in your price range!

[rbeitz]

Ariens and Gravely are the same company and I believe that their homeowner models are identical. There were some recent threads on the Ariens and cub cadet models in the $3K price range. My opinion is the Ariens/Gravely is probably the best you can buy for that price range. The general consensus is the cub cadet and toro timecutter is on the very low end of the homeowner models.

If you were to jump up to the 4-5K range then the Hustler Fastrak would win hands down. I believe in spending more up front for the quality and longevity.

[vtx1300]

Thanks for your thoughts.

You both are thinking similar to how I am thinking.

The #3 Toro - #2 Ariens/Gravely Homeowner s - #1 Hustler ... kind of how I was ordering them in terms of just pure quality etc. But, once I put the $$s in the equation, to me the ARIENS/Gravely (s) start looking pretty nice for the cost.

The Hustler/Mini Fastrack I was considering start at around $3900 and that is about $1000 more than I want to spend ...

And, for what I'm doing -- not sure I think the $1K is worth it ... but - comparing the ARIENS and TORO ... there might be $200-$300 difference -- and I can see differences there with engine/deck ...

Maybe should go look at the Hustlers just to make sure. Geesh - I know - being a stinking man - that I will want the Hustler!

Thanks again!!

[Advance The Man]

If you haven't already check this thread (http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=97524) out. I had started it last week when I was researching. I got a really low quotes on the Hustler Mini-Fastrak 17/42 for $3295 (Kohler) and a 16/42 with a Honda for $3600. One really important thing that I hated about the Cub and would probably be the same on the low-end Toro is the PTO (blade) disengages when in reverse. This was a deal kill for me. If I were you and you could get a similar deal (17/42 for 3295) I would get the Mini Fastract over the Ariens.

Thanks for your thoughts.

You both are thinking similar to how I am thinking.

The #3 Toro - #2 Ariens/Gravely Homeowner s - #1 Hustler ... kind of how I was ordering them in terms of just pure quality etc. But, once I put the $$s in the equation, to me the ARIENS/Gravely (s) start looking pretty nice for the cost.

The Hustler/Mini Fastrack I was considering start at around $3900 and that is about $1000 more than I want to spend ...

And, for what I'm doing -- not sure I think the $1K is worth it ... but - comparing the ARIENS and TORO ... there might be $200-$300 difference -- and I can see differences there with engine/deck ...

Maybe should go look at the Hustlers just to make sure. Geesh - I know - being a stinking man - that I will want the Hustler!

Thanks again!!

[vtx1300]

Well, that price isn't too bad! One of the local dealers here told me starting @ $3900 or approx -- that's without haggling ... just over phone.

Interesting... I will have to go look at a Hustler. I have a friend who used to be in the distribution business and he's seeing what he can find out for me too. He thinks a Scag or Hustler are the best -- in his opinion.

BTW, the ARIENS didn't release the PTO in reverse ... it kept on running. I want that feature -- where it stays on too.

Thanks Advance!

[vtx1300]

BTW, yeah - I saw your thread. I'm going to re-read it again... I just saw the larger sizes and more $$s so just scanned it. Thanks.

If you haven't already check this thread (http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=97524) out. I had started it last week when I was researching. I got a really low quotes on the Hustler Mini-Fastrak 17/42 for $3295 (Kohler) and a 16/42 with a Honda for $3600. .....

[rbeitz]

"Interesting... I will have to go look at a Hustler. I have a friend who used to be in the distribution business and he's seeing what he can find out for me too. He thinks a Scag or Hustler are the best -- in his opinion."

Well when you start talking about the Scag then you are jumping from homeowner models to straight commercial. There is a difference but then so is the price. The smallest Scag (Tiger Cub) starts right at $6K and goes up from there. Same with the Hustler commercial models. The Hustler fastrack is considered a residential model but it is still built very well.

[vtx1300]

Hey Rob - well, the $6K is WAY too much for me. That was just my buddy's thought and what HE would WANT. I'd probably WANT it too ... but I gotta remember ... this is just for cutting my stinking grass and doing it in a timely fashion. So, the Ariens .. maybe the Hustler might end up in my garage! :)

Well when you start talking about the Scag then you are jumping from homeowners to straight commercial. There is a difference but then so is the price. The smallest Scag (Tiger Cub) starts right at $6K and goes up from there. Same with the Hustler commercials. The Hustler fastrack is considered a residential but it is still built very well.

[vtx1300]

If you haven't already check this thread (http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=97524) out. I had started it last week when I was researching. I got a really low quotes on the Hustler Mini-Fastrak 17/42 for $3295 (Kohler) and a 16/42 with a Honda for $3600. One really important thing that I hated about the Cub and would probably be the same on the low-end Toro is the PTO (blade) disengages when in reverse. This was a deal kill for me. If I were you and you could get a similar deal (17/42 for 3295) I would get the Mini Fastract over the Ariens.

Advance -- saw your pics of your Hustler ... nice!

How did you get those quotes on the Mini-Fastrak for $3295 ?? For that cost, I'd consider doing that so just curious who you talked to on that -- if you can give me that info...

Thanks.

[Advance The Man]

www.bigtractorsupply.com owner emailed me. Didn't end up buying from him, but very nice guy. They're in Lawtey, Florida - about 45 minutes south of Jacksonville.

Advance -- saw your pics of your Hustler ... nice!

How did you get those quotes on the Mini-Fastrak for $3295 ?? For that cost, I'd consider doing that so just curious who you talked to on that -- if you can give me that info...

Thanks.

[vtx1300]

Thanks Advance.

I went and test drove a Hustler Mini Fastrack 42" -- nice ride. Really liked it - the one I drove had the Honda engine and I wouldn't buy it just b/c of the extra $$s involved... but I would like to have it!

And, the Hustler is a great machine. Liked the way it is built - seems a bit heavier duty than the Ariens ...

However, price range is different ...


Ariens - 1540 - 15 hp Kohler, 40" deck - $2,799
Ariens - 1740 - 17 hp Kohler, 40" deck - $3,199
Hustler - 17 hp Kohler, 42" deck - $3,795


So, there's $600 to $1,000 difference between the Hustler and the two Ariens. I gain 2" in deck space ... that probably would be nice. However, not sure it is that much $$s nice.

The build quality is nice on the Hustler - and if same price, I'd take the Hustler. Things that I noticed were:


The frame might have been a bit more sturdier
Front wheels-pins or whatever they are called seemed heavier duty on the H
I liked the way the parking brake is engaged on the Hustler with putting the arms out better than the Ariens hand brake


Anyway, I like the Ariens as well - but those were the things that I felt might be better on the Hustler.

The Ariens guy told me that the transmission/hydra stuff is the same on both pieces.

anyway, that is where I'm at now... those two are in my sights but still leaning towards Ariens. Might check a few other shops and see other models. Looked at Toro and Snapper and their HO models weren't built with the same quality as I could tell.

[Advance The Man]

If it were the upgraded Fastrac, it would be worth it. They have -$700 off msrp promo on the Fastrac's right now, but that still is $4399 for a 16 hp Honda with a 44" deck. However, your dealer isn't coming off retail at all? Like I said earlier, a local dealer offered the one you refer to for $500 less! I didn't use that dealer, b/c I had a dealer closer match the price and was able to get an extended 2 year warranty on the engine. In the end, my 20/52 retail was $5699. That would be $4999 (after -$700 promo), but I ended up paying $4850 (-$850 off retail). My point is, I can't imagine I luckily ran into two dealers that were willing to deal. These were the only two I spoke with. Maybe you can check out others. Use the internet/email. It's easier IMO to get deals that way. I've done that with vehicle purchases.

fyi, the mini has a 3 year warranty, the Fastrac has a 4 year warranty. I think the Ariens has a 2 year, but verify that.

If you can't get the Hustler for substantially less, I wouldn't consider it. You hopefully will have this next mower for 10+ years, pay a few bucks more if it's close to get the Hustler.

[vtx1300]

Advance,

Yes - that's exactly how I'm looking at it... If I could get the Hustler @ $3100-$3200 ... I'd be in on that. Going larger is not an option I don't think ... just because of yard and portability of the mower.

I've had an Ariens mower (push/self-prop) before and had it a long time. I've had a Honda for 12 yrs now ... I want to keep this one a long time - ie, like you say - 10+ yrs if possible. So, tying some $$s into it seems reasonable.

thanks.

If it were the upgraded Fastrac, it would be worth it. They have -$700 off msrp promo on the Fastrac's right now, but that still is $4399 for a 16 hp Honda with a 44" deck. However, your dealer isn't coming off retail at all? Like I said earlier, a local dealer offered the one you refer to for $500 less! I didn't use that dealer, b/c I had a dealer closer match the price and was able to get an extended 2 year warranty on the engine. In the end, my 20/52 retail was $5699. That would be $4999 (after -$700 promo), but I ended up paying $4850 (-$850 off retail). My point is, I can't imagine I luckily ran into two dealers that were willing to deal. These were the only two I spoke with. Maybe you can check out others. Use the internet/email. It's easier IMO to get deals that way. I've done that with vehicle purchases.

fyi, the mini has a 3 year warranty, the Fastrac has a 4 year warranty. I think the Ariens has a 2 year, but verify that.

If you can't get the Hustler for substantially less, I wouldn't consider it. You hopefully will have this next mower for 10+ years, pay a few bucks more if it's close to get the Hustler.

[BarnOwl]

vtx1300,

May I ask why you want to buy a new machine? Surely for that price you get a commercial ZTR with low hours. That's what I did.
If you buy it from a dealer you'll even get a warranty on it and you don't have the initial, big, write-off.

[Advance The Man]

I checked three dealers of commercial mowers, couldn't find any that were for sale. Also, checked classified. Do think it's a good idea, but difficult to find.

vtx1300,

May I ask why you want to buy a new machine? Surely for that price you get a commercial ZTR with low hours. That's what I did.
If you buy it from a dealer you'll even get a warranty on it and you don't have the initial, big, write-off.

[vtx1300]

Barn - you know, I really hadn't considered this. I'll look around for used equip at the dealers on this and see what is around. This might be something to consider ... Thanks for the idea.

One reason I didn't consider this is that I'm not a wrench and would be bad-off if I bought a used piece of equipment and it broke... I don't know how to fix it. But if warranty will be there... I'd probably be ok.

Will look around... thanks.

May I ask why you want to buy a new machine? Surely for that price you get a commercial ZTR with low hours. That's what I did.
If you buy it from a dealer you'll even get a warranty on it and you don't have the initial, big, write-off.

[BarnOwl]

Well, I don't think a well serviced second hand machine from an official dealer will be a burden.
Consider these commercial machines will last thousands of hours. I myself have about a same sort of property like yours. With a good ZTR you will be mowing an average of, say, one hour per week?

Easy calculation I think.

I almost purchased a new "homeowner" ZTR. I was looking at the Simplicity Consumer Z. But when I saw the compact Toro Z commercial, I was convinced. If you put these machines side by side you see a huge difference in build: Heavier frames, better decks and better hydro's.

[vtx1300]

Because I go nuts on this type of stuff and I just research everything to death -- I am almost driving myself crazy!

So, in this thread, I have considered the Ariens, the Hustler... and now I went and looked at a DIXON.

I searched a bit and noticed that not many people talk about the DIXON mowers on the forums or ... maybe I didn't search long enough.

Nevertheless, here's my current scenario...


Ariens 1540/1740 ... $2800/$3200 ... -- pretty much decided it's too "homeowner" type so I think I'm taking it out of the running ...


And will be going with a little heavier built machine like:


Hustler Mini Fastrack 16 42 - Honda 16 Hp (2 cyl) / 42" deck


BUT ... I decided to check out the DIXONs and have these available to me and really the seem at a fairly good price.

What do you pros have to say -- if you can wade thru all of this ??


Dixon Speed ZTR 44" - Briggs/Stratton 20 HP - 2 Cyl ... $3500
Dixon RAM ZTR 44" - Briggs/Stratton 25 HP - 2 Cyl ... $4000
Huster Mini Fastrack 42" - Honda 16 HP - 2 Cyl ... $4000


What I really would lean toward right now would be that $3500 Dixon Speed model. But, I've gone from $2500+ up to $4000 considering.

Considering that I will be doing my yard - less than 1 acre BUT mowing 3-5 acres of another property (once every week or once every two weeks) -- would either of these three above be just fine for me?

Pluses and Minuses ...


Also, I like the Hustler and Dixon on build quality.
I think I like the HONDA engine over the B&S ELS just because it's a Honda ... but the ELS seemed nice.
And, I liked the mounting that the Dixon/B&S did with the cushions they used.
Dixon seat is nicer imo ...
The Dixon is a 44" 3 blade cut vs the Hustler 42" 2 blade cut.
Brake is nice on both but differently done ... being the Dixon has a real hand brake and it works smoothly -- the Hustler is integrated. Not sure if the latter is more prone to breaking ??
Warranty looks better on the Hustler overall .. with lifetime on frame/deck + 2 yr bumper-to-bumper vs Dixon
Blades seem to be better on Dixon but I'm a novice so I don't know
Thought the Dixon deck height adjustment with your foot was easier/nicer than the Huster pin system


In the end ... geesh. I don't know. They both look nice and good. $500 now is a lot ... but in 5 to 10 years -- would it be? No...

The IZT vs EZT motor/pumps ... I should be ok with an EZT system right?

More thoughts... and maybe I will go buy one!! :)

TIA

[Advance The Man]

It's such a huge hp difference for the same price, I would go with Dixon, unless someone otherwise says it's a POS. I doubt it is, I've seen commercial guys with them. But 25 hp is really nice. I still think that the times you are mowing 3 - 5 acres, you will still have too small of a deck (only up to 44"). I suppose you're mowing it somehow now with something inferior so anything would be better than your current situation.

Bottomline, if it's between what you have laid out, I'd go with the larger hp and larger deck.

[dvmcmrhp52]

Personally I'd stay away from Dixon, but I can't say that I have any personal experience with them.

[Advance The Man]

Just checked out Dixon (http://www.dixon-ztr.com/view_product_group.php?product=122). Looks like you're getting it for $700 off msrp. That's nice! But the 50" is only $200 more msrp with the same 25 hp engine.

Definitely don't get the lowest rated hp engine as that deck is stamped.

[vtx1300]

Advance, I hear ya...

I'm leaning towards the $500 less Dixon -- with 20 HP still ... still 4 HP more than the Honda 16 HP -- not that the B&S is that much better 'cause a Honda is a Honda and I love them!

But, reason for a 40-44" ... so I can load it in my truck. I don't want a trailor and I need to be portable with it. Plus, my house has a lot of trees and if I continue up too big ... might not be easy to use around my place -- which is my main place I'll be using it and our farm is the 2nd...

We have a 42" JD riding lawn tractor the farm use -- and any of these ZTRs will blow it away when I start mowing that property. Plus, if we use both mowers to mow it -- will save a lot of time.

Thanks for the opinion ... :)

[Advance The Man]

Personally I'd stay away from Dixon, but I can't say that I have any personal experience with them.

Why wouldn't you consider the Dixon?

[Advance The Man]

We crossed posted. 10-4 on the smaller deck reasoning. But for $500 get the additional horsepower :gunsfirin That is 25% more horsepower!

Advance, I hear ya...

I'm leaning towards the $500 less Dixon -- with 20 HP still ... still 4 HP more than the Honda 16 HP -- not that the B&S is that much better 'cause a Honda is a Honda and I love them!

But, reason for a 40-44" ... so I can load it in my truck. I don't want a trailor and I need to be portable with it. Plus, my house has a lot of trees and if I continue up too big ... might not be easy to use around my place -- which is my main place I'll be using it and our farm is the 2nd...

We have a 42" JD riding lawn tractor the farm use -- and any of these ZTRs will blow it away when I start mowing that property. Plus, if we use both mowers to mow it -- will save a lot of time.

Thanks for the opinion ... :)

[vtx1300]

Actually, take a look at -- Dixon Speed ZTR 44 Pic (http://www.dixon-ztr.com/dyn_images/4846_large.gif) and then here for their product info (http://www.dixon-ztr.com/view_product_group.php?product=4846)

It's not a stamped deck on this 44" ... their 38/42 are stamped.

Just checked out Dixon (http://www.dixon-ztr.com/view_product_group.php?product=122). Looks like you're getting it for $700 off msrp. That's nice! But the 50" is only $200 more msrp with the same 25 hp engine.

Definitely don't get the lowest rated hp engine as that deck is tamped.

[vtx1300]

Could you just give your thoughts on this? I'd like to know too -- they seem well-built to my untrained and inexperienced eye. I compared both today - one right after the other so they would be fresh in my mind.

Just your thoughts would help -- I talked to a Hustler dealer today and he told me he has been working on mowers all his life and before he was a Hustler dealer... and Hustler's are just good mowers. He said he didn't like Dixons either but couldn't back up too much on why.

thanks for any info...

Personally I'd stay away from Dixon, but I can't say that I have any personal experience with them.

[Advance The Man]

I wish you could find a Hustler Dealer in your area willing to deal. The msrp's on Dixon and Hustler are nearly identical for similar products. I say this b/c I can tell you with certainty the Hustler is quality. Try reading up on the commercial threads to see what folks are saying about the Dixon.

[Advance The Man]

Probably b/c he's trying to sell you a $4000 Hustler! :D

I talked to a Hustler dealer today and he told me he has been working on mowers all his life and before he was a Hustler dealer... and Hustler's are just good mowers. He said he didn't like Dixons either but couldn't back up too much on why.

[dh500]

Hi vtx1300!

I recently went thru the same exercise of deciding between the Dixon Ram44 and the Mini Fastrak.

My reasons for settling for the Dixon were:
1. According to the brochures, the mini Fastrak is a touch over 6 feet long (longer than the standard Fastrak which is odd) and may not fit in my 6 foot box trailer.
2. The main chassis members on the Dixon are deeper than the square tube on the mini Fastrak.
3. The housings on the vertical swivels on the front wheels are longer on the Dixon.
4. The trailing links from the front of the chassis to the front of the deck on the mini Fastrak did not look all that robust to me.
5. The deck height adjustment of the Dixon is more versatile than the mini Fastrak arrangement. You have the choice of using the pin or the rack.
6. Since I need to be able to tow a chipper/shredder around the property, I figured the extra weight of the Dixon would help keep the towed machine under control.

I finished up getting the 20hp Honda engine simply because it happened that was the only engine the dealer had available on the 44 out of the batch that arrived. The dealer did not charge me the full amount extra for the Honda. Given the choice, I probably would not have chosen to pay the extra for the Honda motor but now that I have it I am well pleased with it - nice and smooth and quiet.

As a precaution, I have re-inforced the "tow bar".

Paradoxically, the worst feature of the Dixon turned out to be the foot pedal.
In practice it turned out to be very tricky to use as the pedal tends to **** sideways under load making it difficult to engage or disengage the rack. In my opinion the unbalanced design is very badly engineered. To overcome this I made a new pedal with two lugs, one either side of the deck height adjusting lever. A couple of bronze bushes ensure that the pedal pivots freely but with no rattle. Now the deck height adjustment is a joy to use.

I have attached a couple of pictures which show what I have tried to describe. The staggered row of socket head screws along the top of the pedal are purely to provide a better grip. (I have not tried attaching pictures before so I apologise if I have not done it properly)

Another area which I decided needed attention was the wiring harness. There were too many wires and flexible conduits flopping around in contact with other parts of the machine. A bunch of cable ties solded this problem.

In summary I am very happy with the Dixon but I must admit that I consider it a bit optimistic to descibe it as a "commercial" machine (as the manufactures sales brochures do).

[dh500]

hmm...
seems my attachments did not work. any hints what I might be doing wrong???? (I am trying again on this post)

[vtx1300]

WOW DH500 ... great post! Really appreciate your information.

And the pics helped greatly - I had no idea what you were describing and even with the pics I've had to study it to make sure. I think I'll have to go see the RAM44 again and check out the pedal.

If you were choosing again - it sounds like you would choose the RAM44 again even with the PEDAL & Wiring/Harness issues -- is that a correct assumption?

Again, great help... Thanks!

[dh500]

Yes I think I would choose the Dixon again. Perhaps I should have pointed out that my property is a bit rough and rocky in places which is why I was concerned about the robustness of the chassis and front wheel swivels. Another reason for avoiding some of the residential "homeowner" mowers was the need to be able to lift the deck good and high for traversing rough ground.

I also figured that with an uneven surface, blades within the wheel base would be better than a front deck. Fortunately I have access to a vehicle hoist so underdeck maintenance is not a problem for me. Without a hoist I think it would be a bit of a nuisance. It may be that I am just getting too old to use ramps and crawl around on the ground so without a hoist I might have considered a tilt up deck even though the increased length of the machine would be a disadvantage in an area with numerous obstructions.

If you want any more info on the pedal modification, please let me know. The only tricky part is getting the distance from the pivot bolt to the underside of the pedal just right so the pedal has the proper amount of fore and aft free movement.

Other modifications I have made are to add an extra antiscalping wheel to the back of the deck and put a couple of extension springs from the mower chassis down to the deck. This takes some of the deck weight off the antiscalping wheels and allows them to roll over bumps a bit more easily.

[dh500]

As a follow up I should point out that I have no doubt that the mini Fastrak is amply robust enough for its intended purpose.
Another consideration in favour of the Dixon was that I prefer to be able to grease things rather than rely on sealed "no maintenance" bearings. Grease does age and get pushed out of the way of the balls or rollers.

[Big Hoss]

Take a look at the Hustler Fastrac or the Super Mini Fastrac as they both should be in your price range and they can be equipped with the Honda engines.
Big Hoss

[vtx1300]

DH500 - again, the information you posted has been most helpful. I'm printing your pedal mods off now and going to take them in to the dealer so I can compare. I studied the pedals yesterday at the dealer and i couldn't tell what you meant they did ... and why it didn't work well for you. Maybe you could expand on that a bit more for me... ??

Big Hoss - yep, if you've read the thread, it's basically between a Dixon Ram 44" and a Hustler Mini Fastrack 42" ...

right now, I'm leaning towards the Dixon ... seems like a great machine for what I'm getting. Only thing I'd like better *might be* the Honda engine...

will let you all know what/when I get one!

[dh500]

A point of clarification.... I have been talking about the "Dixon Ram44 Mag". The range of models available is quite confusing. I have never even seen the "Dixon Ram44" which also appears on the Dixon web site. Is it still current I wonder? Maybe the dealer I went to chooses not to import it.
In any case the pedal mechanism looks the same.
The problem I had was that any slight looseness in the pedal pivot bolt allows the pedal to tilt sideways (lower on the left hand side) which tended to make it difficult to disengage the bottom of the pedal from the inboard (painted) rack. After moving the pedal to a new position, it took quite a bit of concentration to get the bottom of the pedal to engage in the required notch. The friction between the rubing surfaces of the pivot did not make things any easier. These difficulties meant that I had to stop the machine so I could look at the pedal and concentrate. With my modification, I can nudge the deck up or down without "taking my eyes off the road".

Just to explain a bit more how my new design works, the bronze bushes are bolted tightly against the "L" lever. The outer end of each bush is reduced in diameter so as to be a neat but free fit in the holes in the lugs. The length of the reduced diameter portion is very slightly greater than the thickness of the lugs so that even with the bolt done up tight, the pedal still moves freely.

[vtx1300]

Thank you DH500 ... that helps a bit. Gives me more of an idea of what you were talking about.

Yes, I am buying - that's correct, I bought it yesterday - a Dixon Ram 44" (http://www.dixon-ztr.com/view_product_group.php?product=122) - you can see it there...

They had the RAM MAGs sitting next to the one I was looking at and they were about $500+ more or less - basically, from what I could tell from the models on their floor was that you get a Honda engine on those as well as a "Charged IZT HydroGear" -- and I get on the RAM ... just a "IZT HydroGear". Don't know what the difference of the Charged vs Non-Charged IZT systems mean... But, the IZT is supposed to be better than the EZT which was what the Husterl Mini had as well as the Dixon SpeedZTR 44" ...

You have a hour meter and I don't ... maybe just a few other things but more or less the same after that. So, engine, izt -- that's about it...

Waiting on them to get it put together ... then I can go pick it up.

Started out eyeing a $2800 Ariens 40" ... bought a $3999 Dixon 44" - I think the $1000 difference is worth it.

thanks to everyone!!

[andygold]

Last year when I was researching commercial quality ZTR mowers, I read about a problem with the Fastrak, in that some part of it's exhaust(or other hot part) was extremely close to the ground, and if you stopped the machine over any grassy area, you would scorch the grass. Has this problem been addressed? If not, I'd be hesitant to purchase.

[Advance The Man]

Not sure it was a problem. But just purchased mine and the exhaust is pointing up towards the sky and then does a 90 degree. And on the bottom, it simply is too far off the ground for too much heat to build up. Maybe if you left the mower running for 20 minutes in the same spot it might do something, but I'm certain this is a non-issue.


Last year when I was researching commercial quality ZTR mowers, I read about a problem with the Fastrak, in that some part of it's exhaust(or other hot part) was extremely close to the ground, and if you stopped the machine over any grassy area, you would scorch the grass. Has this problem been addressed? If not, I'd be hesitant to purchase.

[Advance The Man]

Where's that picture? :rolleyes:

Thank you DH500 ... that helps a bit. Gives me more of an idea of what you were talking about.

Yes, I am buying - that's correct, I bought it yesterday - a Dixon Ram 44" (http://www.dixon-ztr.com/view_product_group.php?product=122) - you can see it there...

They had the RAM MAGs sitting next to the one I was looking at and they were about $500+ more or less - basically, from what I could tell from the models on their floor was that you get a Honda engine on those as well as a "Charged IZT HydroGear" -- and I get on the RAM ... just a "IZT HydroGear". Don't know what the difference of the Charged vs Non-Charged IZT systems mean... But, the IZT is supposed to be better than the EZT which was what the Husterl Mini had as well as the Dixon SpeedZTR 44" ...

You have a hour meter and I don't ... maybe just a few other things but more or less the same after that. So, engine, izt -- that's about it...

Waiting on them to get it put together ... then I can go pick it up.

Started out eyeing a $2800 Ariens 40" ... bought a $3999 Dixon 44" - I think the $1000 difference is worth it.

thanks to everyone!!

[zgman]

Last year when I was researching commercial quality ZTR mowers, I read about a problem with the Fastrak, in that some part of it's exhaust(or other hot part) was extremely close to the ground, and if you stopped the machine over any grassy area, you would scorch the grass. Has this problem been addressed? If not, I'd be hesitant to purchase.


The problem was addressed with a heat shield. It was not an problem with all Fastraks therefore you would need to contact your dealer if it becomes an issue. It was not needed on my old Fastrak, but I have owned other brands that did produce the big brown ring...not a pretty site.

[vtx1300]

Ha. Funny ... I am on hold with the dealer now finding out when they will have it ready! When I get it ... I will post a pic!!

Where's that picture? :rolleyes:

[vtx1300]

Here you go... some pics of the Dixon ZTR RAM ... w/25 HP B&S - if you see some dust/dirt/grass... I used it some!

and man - I have to tell you, I am pleased with this purchase.

I picked it up yesterday afternoon and hauled it down to our family farm and mowed for a few minutes with it and I can't believe how good a ZTR is... plus, I am happy with the DIXON.

And, I'm VERY happy with the B&S engine .. so far. It is QUIET from what I thought it would be and it sits back there very nice and no vibration.

I hope in 10-15 yrs, I can still say this was a good purchase!

Where's that picture? :rolleyes:

[Advance The Man]

Looks great! If it wasn't blue and had Dixon markings, I'd say it was a Hustler Fastrac. They look the same! But you have a 25hp engine! Niiiccce! I had mine out today for the 3rd time this season. I have such a head start on my neighbors yards. There's still looks dormant. I mowed it today in 21 minutes! With my old tractor 17 hp with 42" cut I did it in 55 minutes.

[BarnOwl]

Congrats with your machine! Another happy ZTR owner....... :blob3: