I'm getting a Toro Timemaster 30

[Above Par Lawns]

Originally Posted by sjessen

It looks like the commercial version makes more sense in your application. I am going back and forth between a resi mower and the commercial version too. At least with the commercial version we get a longer warranty and, most likely, they will do free upgrades for a while. All that said, $999 is a lot more attractive price than $1799.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but the warranty is voided on the residential version if being used for commercial use. That may be something to consider.

* It's not the best picture, but this was taken first time using the Time Master.

[sjessen]

Originally Posted by Above Par Lawns

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but the warranty is voided on the residential version if being used for commercial use. That may be something to consider.

* It's not the best picture, but this was taken first time using the Time Master.

Warranty for commercial use of residential mowers used to be 90 days. Not sure what it is now.

[Above Par Lawns]

Originally Posted by sjessen

One other thought: the commercial version is a good bit heavier than the Timemaster.

And the timemaster isn't light. Good luck hoisting the commercial version into the back of your truck. The fold up handle is convenient and saves space in garage/trailer, but it makes it awkward as hell to lift.

[Smallaxe]

Originally Posted by Above Par Lawns

I have it, it's not bad at all. It mulches really well and it really cuts down on time on locations you have to push. I mulched leaves on a weekly basis with it this Fall for 5 of my clients. One pass with the mulch plug, then another pass with the bag on it and the yards were spotless. I'm sure the commercial version will be better, but if you don't have the extra money to spend on it this one should do fine for you. I'm the only one to operate mine and I take care of my equipment so I think I'll get some life out of it.

So you're saying the commercial unit may outlive me...

[Above Par Lawns]

Originally Posted by Smallaxe

So you're saying the commercial unit may outlive me...

Lets hope not!
Posted via Mobile Device

[Smallaxe]

Originally Posted by Above Par Lawns

And the timemaster isn't light. Good luck hoisting the commercial version into the back of your truck. The fold up handle is convenient and saves space in garage/trailer, but it makes it awkward as hell to lift.

I only lift pinewood planks on and off the back of the truck...

[NEW CITY LAWN CARE LLC]

What about the weight and the moist/wet ground this time of year, rut at all?

[Above Par Lawns]

Originally Posted by NEW CITY LAWN CARE LLC

What about the weight and the moist/wet ground this time of year, rut at all?

No problems yet with rutting. It is a bit heavy though so I could see it happening if you're not careful. It's not a bad idea to have a real light 21" handy at all times if you think it's to wet and want to be cautious.

[Above Par Lawns]

Originally Posted by Smallaxe

I only lift pinewood planks on and off the back of the truck...

True, we always find a way to get equipment in there. Hell just the other day I managed getting my MTD chipper into the bed by myself. Ruined a pair of jeans, but got it in there.

[orangemower]

Originally Posted by Smallaxe

I've decided that in spite of everything I really need a decent sized push mower that can be used in a heavily populated area of trees...
Ride-ons of any kind makes way too many dead zones because there is no way to travel alternate routes, cornering is necessary in the same place every time,and the sod isn't very deep rooted in a shady area with so many trees...

There are the main 3 reasons for taking the risk on the Timemaster 30...
So my question is:

Am I still a fool for investing in one of those things???
Its only about 7 acres per week that I need it for...

Originally Posted by Smallaxe

And that's what I'm wondering,,, if it is better to get the 'Residential' version in its 2nd year or the 'Commercial' version in its Debut Year, since I only have 5 - 7 acres to maintain...

Hopefully more of the bugs worked out of its residential machine???

I don't know about you, but if I had that much grass to cut I'd be using a larger mower.

Edit: It's a little early for me. I realize now that you cut a total of 5-7 acres a week. How much use do you need out of the mower each week? If it's only a 20-40 minute use per week then I'd say you could get away with the residential model.