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Are more expensive (36") mowers Worth it?

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recycledsole

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hey guys,
I have been debating upgrading my 36" exmark metro to a wright stander. I bought the exmark for $1500 with 100-200 hours and it works fine. I bought a velke for $180 and it works well so far.
Im considering getting a wright stander sport for $7500. This is about 5 times more money than the current mower, but im not sure if it will be 5X better, or 5X more productive.
In the end they both may last 1800 hours.
I need to keep it at 36" to fit through gates. Most my clients are 8,000 sq ft, the biggest being .8 acres
Any insight would be appreciated. thanks
 
#5 ·
It all depends on what you need for production out of your machine.

If you need to take the 36" machine into an area that will do 15,000 square feet, daily, then the more expensive machine is worth it.

If you are only using the 36" machine two-five times a week, then it's not.

It all comes down to when you really need the production out of the more expensive machine. If time allows for a cheaper machine, then there is no need to go for the more expensive one.

......
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
White Gardens said:
It all depends on what you need for production out of your machine.

If you need to take the 36" machine into an area that will do 15,000 square feet, daily, then the more expensive machine is worth it.

If you are only using the 36" machine two-five times a week, then it's not.

It all comes down to when you really need the production out of the more expensive machine. If time allows for a cheaper machine, then there is no need to go for the more expensive one.

......
Click to expand...
Yes, even if I put the machines to the max until the engines blew, im not sure it would be worth it? The stander is a lot easier to use (to put in gear, reverse, turn, etc..) but will it be 5X faster and make up the $6000 price difference?
 
Discussion starter · #15 ·
Yes, been looking for a used stander on craigslist. maybe ill call the dealers today.
The only thing is I am very ignorant when it comes to mechanics, so I have a hard time inspecting a machine, so don't feel confident about buying used ones at this point. Not to say I wont, but I would feel better knowing more.
thanks!
 
#17 ·
Let me share my experience with a $5000 walk behind. I started my journey with a 21in push mower and then upgraded to a toro timemaster which didn't last longer than a week before major issues then went to a 36in scag belt drive. I made a lot of money with that belt drive because I got it for $500. It was a lot of work compared to my current 36in walk behind.

Now I have a Gravely pro walk hydro 36in walk behind with the pro-steer controls. I can say I'm a lot less tired after a day using it vs a day with the belt drive. Cut quality is good, bagging eh needs a lot of improvement since it blows out the front for no reason, and power it will cut through anything without bogging down.

Is it worth it. Well for me yes it was since I was hauling with a car and had a 4X6 trailer and a lot of lawns have gates so I had to either use a 48in and a push mower or a 36in all the time. Now my set up is different so honestly I could get away with a belt drive if I didn't have the current one.
 
#18 ·
I don't think the standees or walk behinds make much sense in sizes larger than 36 unless one is mowing a lot of steep hills, where can you get a 48, 52 or 60 WB or stander that you can't get a ZTR of the same size? And the ZTR offers way more operator comfort. I used to mow All 20 of my accounts with a Gravely 34 belt drive WB with pro steer, it was an excellent mower, cut great and fit everywhere, however I had some larger yards and at the end of the day I was beat the hell up. I didn't like the velke either. I would stick with a 34 or 36 WB if you only have a few small residential yards and if you go bigger, invest in a good 48, 52 or 60 rider.
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#19 ·
The only time and I mean only time you buy a 36 stander is when you are mowing alot properties or big back yards where you cannot use a 48 or bigger. For most people a 36 belt or Hydro WB is more versatile and just about as productive.

I bought standers for doing trailer courts and love them but a 36 is not productive enough to justify the cost unless you need it because other mowers will not work.

36's are SLOW!
 
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recycledsole
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