walker or navigator

[mds2000]

thanks for the imput and keep them coming

has anyone herd of problems with the drive systems on either machine?

[tglasslawncare]

ZAK406 what Walker dealer near Irwin PA are you speaking about?

[DLAWNS]

I've run both and personally love my Navigator, I know it doesn't have any options but I really don't have the need for them. I love my Exmark and Toro dealer ten times more than the Walker dealer near me. I haven't had any problems with my Navigator in the year plus that I've had it!

[flatlander42]

BOTH!!!!!Navigator and Walker here. (walker does not bag tho) The Navigator-I have had it for about 1.5yrs and have 500 flaw free hours on it. And the weight issue, What if a guy that weighs 200lbs more than me.....does that mean he shouldn't use a walker? I've got a few pics floating around here. You will not have a problem with rutting any worse than a walker. It is only in the spots that never dry out and you can only go one way. I think ANY mower will have a problem there. Hell, I've had a place where my 21" snapper leaves ruts. Is that mower junk too?

[RandallM]

Originally Posted by mdlwn1

I know this is kinda vague, but my freinds tell me that in the morning the guys go straight for the red machines. Yet the guys that have been doing this for many years go for the yellow ones. Kinda interested as to why.

I would guess price. With Walker being the higher price machine, you need to save a bit before you get that Cadillac. Well that and speed. The Walker, from my discussions with other LCO's leaves the best cut, bar none, of any mower. With quality, you have to sacrifice some speed. Unless you have been operating a while, it is difficult to come up with the capital for multiple machines, thus you go with a machine that does an all around good job, such as a Toro, Bad Boy, Hustler, etc. Once you have the luxury of capital, then you can upgrade to a Walker. I personally use a Wright and love it. Does a fantastic job, but I sure do start salivating when I see those Walkers at my local dealer.

[HenryB]

Buy a Lazer Z with an Ultra Vac. Cuts and vacuums every bit as good as a Walker W/out all the drama. Walkers are a high maintenance machine with a lot of moving wear parts.

[Kutz Lawns]

Originally Posted by dishboy

Navigator's weigh in at 200 lbs more , if you like ruts and wheel tracks............................

The only time rutting is an issue is if you keep going around in the same mowing pattern. Mowing patterns should be changed every mowing anyway like most professionals do!

[M&MLawn]

Originally Posted by HenryB

Buy a Lazer Z with an Ultra Vac. Cuts and vacuums every bit as good as a Walker W/out all the drama. Walkers are a high maintenance machine with a lot of moving wear parts.

I have a lazer with the vac, I also own a navigator which is just like a walker to me. Both machines have pro's and cons. When it comes to bagging the navigator wins hands down. Come leaf season you will be happy with the navigator. My Z sprays leaf particles when the turf is not thick, navigator sucks everything up...everything. Now when it comes to mowing slopes and lots of obstacles the Z. Mowing large areas that need bagging, the navigator holds alot more then the Z. Wet areas, places that need clippings hauled away the Z. Under porches, smaller gates, going under tree limbs or dog runs the navigator. I haul 3 machines to most jobs, walk behind, z and the nav. Hope that helps, just my 2 cents

[dishboy]

Originally Posted by Kutz Lawns

The only time rutting is an issue is if you keep going around in the same mowing pattern. Mowing patterns should be changed every mowing anyway like most professionals do!

If the soil is wet 200 POUNDS makes a difference, I see a compaction, tracking and finish cut issues on heavy machine all the time.

[Kutz Lawns]

Originally Posted by dishboy

If the soil is wet 200 POUNDS makes a difference, I see a compaction, tracking and finish cut issues on heavy machine all the time.

And the weight of the grass your collecting is too on wet soil.

Like I said, if not done correctly you will see ruts!

A 300lb man on a Walker or a Navigator plus the weight of the grass, holy sh_t!

Thankfully I weigh half that & change patterns every time!