Homeowner ZTR, Tractor and mower discussion thread

[Capemay Eagle]

Originally Posted by hdtvluvr

I've posted photos before in the other equipment picture thread. Here are the links: Equipment

Wish I had photos of the DC when it was new.

I also just purchased a 48 inch bobcat hydro walkbehind after continually reading about operators getting hurt/killed with ztr's on hills and around ponds - both of which I have. Now I use the bobcat for the hill and 1 pass around the pond.

It can be seen here: Bobcat

The DC was purchased new. All of the other was used.

I remember the Bob Cat photos, but I don't remember the DC. Good stuff.

Originally Posted by Lawn Yawn

Capemay,
Thanks for the reply. I actually duplicated my post in a separate thread and got some responses a couple weeks ago. I decided on the Gravely HD 48. The price was right.

It's interesting that the Fastrak quotation seems high to you. $5100 was for what I was told was a 2011. But then got to the dealer, and it was an early 2010...hmmm. The 2010 is MUCH smaller than the 2011/2012. 8" wheels, smaller engine. They did have the current Fastback 48 in stock, but they wouldn't go lower than $5400. In fact, I checked three dealers, and $5350 was about as low as I could get any of them to go for the Fastback, and I offered cash. If I could have gotten closer to 5k, I probably would have jumped. But compared to the Gravely, I just couldn't see $500 in extra features or quality in the Hustler (beyond the extra year on the warranty, and the cool yellow color, which is nice).

Anyhoo, I'm pretty excited about my new Gravely. The dealer's bringing it to my new place on Monday morning (which has about 3 acres to mow, not 1.3).
Posted via Mobile Device

Congrats on the mower! Different parts of the country seem to have different pricing. I was quoted by a dealer a while back $4999.00. for the FT 48" I would think with a leftover, you would have been around the same if not a tad better on that price.

[sixdoubleseven]

Sorry, I started a new thread when I should posted here first.

Would a 3 year old Simplicity Axion (42/20) with 90-100 hours be better than a new 42" Cub/Husq/Craftsman (residential base models)?

Simplicity is $1600 (with bag) vs. $2,400 for the other models without a bagger.

Thanks

[Capemay Eagle]

Originally Posted by sixdoubleseven

Sorry, I started a new thread when I should posted here first.

Would a 3 year old Simplicity Axion (42/20) with 90-100 hours be better than a new 42" Cub/Husq/Craftsman (residential base models)?

Simplicity is $1600 (with bag) vs. $2,400 for the other models without a bagger.

Thanks

My answer would be no. I would offer a thousand bucks if that. The Airens zoom 42" I believe is in the $2500 range. I would look into that.

[Indybuck]

I am looking for a rider/ZTR for my half acre lot. The lot has a walkout as well and since my HS sons may help cut some I have some concerns with the slope. I would like something that would give me about 10 years with limited maint. Reliability is more important than just about everything else except price. Since we push cut the yard now anything will be an improvement. I am hoping to find something under $4k. My neighbor is a Dixie chopper salesmen and typically gets a new mower each spring the sells them for about 60% of retail. Is this deal going to be the best option for me? Are there other options to consider? There is a Hustler Sport at a place near work and as I read on them I find a lot of positive comments but I cannot find much discussion on the DC.

Thanks
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[avguy]

What size slop are you talking about?

[Indybuck]

My yard drops one floor from front to back (walkout lot). On one side I have a steeper drop than on the other. One side has a drop of about 12 feet with about a 15 foot run. The other side has a longer slope. There the drop is probably 15 feet but the run is about 30 feet.

[avguy]

I'm one of the few home owners on here that uses a WB instead of a traditional zero turn rider. Of course a pic of the slope would help but you might want to consider either a WB with a sulky or maybe a stander. Both of those should hold a hill better than a rider.

[Indybuck]

Even if the hill is a concern, those are the most extreme locations. the side yard tapers back such that near the back of the property there is no slope concerns. If a rider cannot handle the slope i could cut the steepest part with a push mower. I would still be interested in any opinions on whether or not the half year old dixie chopper at 60% of retail is the best option for me or are there other riders that would knock out a half acre lot well.

[MS_SURVEYOR]

Originally Posted by Indybuck

Even if the hill is a concern, those are the most extreme locations. the side yard tapers back such that near the back of the property there is no slope concerns. If a rider cannot handle the slope i could cut the steepest part with a push mower. I would still be interested in any opinions on whether or not the half year old dixie chopper at 60% of retail is the best option for me or are there other riders that would knock out a half acre lot well.

On the Dixie Chopper. What model? Please find out. As far as a good deal? Sounds like a GREAT one to me. Say you get a 1,000 hours out of that mower. If he mows 20 hours a year. That's only 2% of the mower life at 60% of the price. Dixie make some good mowers. I remember when they were King Of The Hill! Again. What model?

[Indybuck]

The Dixie Chopper model is the Zee 1. There are a couple of options. One would be the 42" for about $2500 or the 48" for about $2600. I assume both would have hours from this summer on them.