Homeowner ZTR, Tractor and mower discussion thread

[avguy]

Congrats on the Kubota! Nice tractor. Put a FEL on your wish list.....it's like having a wheel barrow you don't have to push around

[lindllc]

Hello folks! Shopping for a new ZTR. Mow 1 acre flat yard, 15-20 trees. Absolute max spending limit is $4,800+tax. With that said, here's what I'm looking at:

First choice: Badboy ZT50 with Briggs- $4,500. This is the mower I really want, but only two dealers fairly close. One is about 15 miles away and run out of a shady tool rental company. Other is 35 miles and was pretty rude to me when I stopped in. Don't really trust either.

Second - Fourth Choice:
1) Gravely ZT XL48 with FR Kaw24hp. $4,099. Dealer is 10 miles, but didn't seem very helpful or care that I was there.
2) Snapper Pro s50x with BriggsPro 27hp. $4,599. Dealer is about 10 miles, and was very nice. Even said he'd throw in seat armrests for free.
3) Toro Titan Z4820 with FR Kaw22hp. $4,599. Dealer is 5 miles away, has been in business 30+years, and was the absolute nicest dealer I have ever been too. Talked my ear off for an hour without pressuring me. He really focused on their quality service they provide.


So, what do you all think would be the best choice? I wonder if I'm putting to much emphasis on the dealer, since I'll only be looking at around 30 hrs/yr, and I can pretty much do the maintenance myself. Should I just buy the Badboy I want from a crappy dealer, then hope I don't have to go back to them? Or go with one of the other choices? I'm kind of indecisive between the Gravely, Snapper, and Toro.

Thanks for all your advice!

[IS500Z]

If it was me I would buy the dealer not the mower. You are looking at quality machines and all will do a great job for you. Even though you may not expect to use the dealer for service your never know what problems yu might run into. I would give my business to someone who wants it and shows you that they do.

[saw n mow]

Originally Posted by IS500Z

Even though you may not expect to use the dealer for service your never know what problems yu might run into. I would give my business to someone who wants it and shows you that they do.

Nailed it!

Kevin

[avguy]

I agree 100% with the statements about the dealer. They really are in my mind just as important as the equipment you are buying.

[dieseltech]

I agree. I hate goin into a business possibly to spend money and they act like im not there...you will be buying filters, belts,oil etc...dont want that experience to be bad as well.
Posted via Mobile Device

[jmaguire]

Hello all,

I have 1/3 of an acre, currently mowing with a 22" lawn boy. I bought the house last year so after mowing for a year I am not walking it again! It usually takes me about 1.5 hours to mow the lawn etc. I was looking at a Toro timecutter SS 4235 or the 4260 priced from 2800-3200.00. I talked to a dealer and he said look at the 2011 hustler Sport 42 with the Kawasaki FR541 19 hp. It is a little more expensive, am i overdoing it, i have the tendency to do that buy bigger, and then wonder would i of been ok with the other one? i also would like the bagger attachment for Hustler, but it runs about 800-900 or so. The dealer said he would sell the mower for 3400.00+ tax??? Good deal? Let me know what you think.

I am really sold on the Hustler, just from what I have read on here, but still undecided. I am going to go see the machine tomorrow in the AM. The toro I have demoed and it was "ok" the Kawasawki motor is what i am drawn to. Opinions?????

Thanks,


Joe

[IS500Z]

A lot of people on here own various models in the Hustler line and seem well pleased. I am sure some one who owns a Sport can will chime in soon. That said, do you really want to ride, or just cut down on your mowing time. A wide area walk behind will save you time and probably be more efficient on a smaller lawn. Just a thought.

BTW if that Lawnboy is an older two stroke model you should be able to sell it easily. A lot of people, me included, love those old mowers.

[jmaguire]

No it is a 4 stroke Lawn boy. I really want to cut down on the time and with all the trees I have assist in picking up the leaves in the fall. I will also use it to carry mulch, airate, and overseed etc... I will take a look at the walk behind, but I am almost postive I will go ZT.

Thank you

Joe

[jmaguire]

I went to the dealer this morning for a 2011 left over
42" 19 HP Kawasaki 3499.00
48" 20 HP Kawasaki 3799.00
Bagger kit 929653 42" 779.00
Bagger kit 929828 48" 789.00

was wondering what you thought of the prices? Thanks for the info.