Mulching St Augustine. XR-7 vs VX4. How about the X-Factor?

[Keith]

I'm fairly happy with the 60" XR-7 with the mulch kit. Had the mower nearly three years and it's been on the whole time. To me it's not much different than my Lazer was with the mulch kit. But I am looking at new mowers and will likely pull the mulch kit off this mower and use it for mowing wide open areas, and buy a 48-54" this time and use a mulch kit on that.

So it's kind of a specific request. But has anyone had the opportunity to compare the old XR-7 to the VX4 on the current Hustler with a mulch kit installed, cutting mostly St. Augustine? And even though I have been happy with the Hustlers, Gravely gives the option of the EFI engines with the smaller decks. So that's not out of the question either.

[mowerman90]

Hey Keith what's up? I'm running the X-Factor 60" deck on my Gravely with the mulch kit and the 26hp carbed Kawi. I'd say that it mulches just as well as either of my old Hustlers. I'm using Exmark style wavy mulchers on it.

[Keith]

I didn't realize you had a mulch kit on yours, Ed. Good to know. The more I look at the Gravely, the more I am considering it. The 152 w/ the small EFI Kohler probably would be priced right too.

[mowerman90]

If pricing Gravely give Dave a call at General Auto Parts in Brooksville. Ask for Dave at 352-796-2522. It might be worth the trip. He gave me a great deal on mine. He also carries Hustler and Dixie Chopper.

[BINKY1902]

I ran a mulch kit on my 2010 152 a good bit on St Augustine. I had seven yards on one street with the thickest St Augustine ever, and I would always put my kit on that day. I didn't leave it on all the time though because I have so much bahia that needed discharged.

[Keith]

Thanks Binky. Does the 152's deck stick out beyond the left rear tire? I really would like some trimming capability on that side. Even if it's just a couple inches. I know on the smaller decks a lot of the time the deck and tire are just about even.

Ed, I'll check with the place here and see what they can do. They offered me a phenomenal price on a Gravely 460 with the 29 EFI they had in stock. I was almost ready to pull the trigger on that, but it was still $8500 + tax. I would really be better off with a 48-52 this time. Plus there is the weight issue. It would be nice to have a smaller cut mower that weighed less. If I decide to go ahead and buy, I'll let you know what kind of price they give me.

[capt bob]

Hi Guys, I see we are neighbors , I am in Clearwater and cut / mulch mostly St Aug. as well , I am going to post this up in the appropriate section but have a 52 Ex 28 hp Kaw. carb with the Triton deck and full mulch kit with 500 hours kept in covered trailer suspension seat in great shape .
Great mower but had an opportunity to get a 60 in Diesel that i could not turn down but at this time cant keep both so the Ex is up.

[BINKY1902]

Originally Posted by Keith

Thanks Binky. Does the 152's deck stick out beyond the left rear tire? I really would like some trimming capability on that side. Even if it's just a couple inches. I know on the smaller decks a lot of the time the deck and tire are just about even.

Ed, I'll check with the place here and see what they can do. They offered me a phenomenal price on a Gravely 460 with the 29 EFI they had in stock. I was almost ready to pull the trigger on that, but it was still $8500 + tax. I would really be better off with a 48-52 this time. Plus there is the weight issue. It would be nice to have a smaller cut mower that weighed less. If I decide to go ahead and buy, I'll let you know what kind of price they give me.

Yes the 152 has a nice trim side. The front left caster is also positioned so you have good trim reach. The 152 is the perfect sized ZTR IMO, I used it on properties from 1/3" acre to 8 acres.