I've been sifting thru threads but still looking for some feedback on Gravely choices for a pending purchase. I've come a long way after considering a few brands and narrowed it down to Gravely, Pro-Turn ZX or the 100 series - 48 or 52 inch decks in consideration. Personal use only, my yard is little over an acre and occasionally a neighbors yard, but it's bumpy and odd shaped with several trees. I did look at the homeowner forum, but the models I'm asking about are considered commercial so thought this would be the best spot.
If I go with the ZX, I'm going to add a suspension seat - I know there are some cheaper aftermarket options, but I would get the dealer upgrade and keep the original seat and base for a rainy day spare. The seat option is on sale along with commercial series mowers with the current promotion. So if I upgrade seat on the ZX, the price difference is not drastic to go to the 100 Series. Using the 48" deck example, about $625 between the ZX 48 and ProTurn 148 - both with the Kaw FX691V motor.
If I went with the 52" deck, I would consider taking the Kohler Confidant ZT730 option in the PT 152- so that's only $275 more than the ZX 52 with Kaw FX motor.
So, I'm looking at a sliding scale of heavier duty machine vs. "lower grade" Kohler engine (only offered in the ProTurn 152). My thinking with this engine option is that I'm not going to rack up the same hours as a commercial user. But I don't want to sacrifice long term reliability to save few hundred dollars either. The dealer I'm working with says the Kohler Confidant would be reliable and powerful enough for my usage, but the main difference is the Kaw FX will be quieter and smoother running, better balanced internals, etc. He seems to know what he's doing mechanically, well respected service dept, but looking for confirmation of this - that the FX is quieter and smoother running than a Kohler Confidant? Other reasons to stick with the Kaw FX 691? It seems to have the popular vote, but looking for someone that may have put hours on this series Kohler with the round canister air filter drally speaking?
Lastly, deck size 48 or 52 generally speaking? Currently no gates, but that could change in the future. With the speed these cut and the odd shape of my yard, I don't think the 52" will save much time over the 48" so I'm looking more at maneuverability and stability. When dropping down the 48, any change in frame size or back wheel spacing? Any difference in holding ability on a hill? Is it harder to trim on the left side with a 48" due to visibility and the deck not standing out as far as 52?
Quick recap if some are not familiar, the PT 148 / 152 come with these upgrades over the ZX series: Larger, beefier front tire casters, XFactor 2 deck, bigger hydro gears, suspension seat, dual fuel tanks, little more leg room and 1 year additional warranty.
Sorry if this seems like a really long initial post, but trying to place my order in a couple days and appreciate any feedback from Gravely owners.
If I go with the ZX, I'm going to add a suspension seat - I know there are some cheaper aftermarket options, but I would get the dealer upgrade and keep the original seat and base for a rainy day spare. The seat option is on sale along with commercial series mowers with the current promotion. So if I upgrade seat on the ZX, the price difference is not drastic to go to the 100 Series. Using the 48" deck example, about $625 between the ZX 48 and ProTurn 148 - both with the Kaw FX691V motor.
If I went with the 52" deck, I would consider taking the Kohler Confidant ZT730 option in the PT 152- so that's only $275 more than the ZX 52 with Kaw FX motor.
So, I'm looking at a sliding scale of heavier duty machine vs. "lower grade" Kohler engine (only offered in the ProTurn 152). My thinking with this engine option is that I'm not going to rack up the same hours as a commercial user. But I don't want to sacrifice long term reliability to save few hundred dollars either. The dealer I'm working with says the Kohler Confidant would be reliable and powerful enough for my usage, but the main difference is the Kaw FX will be quieter and smoother running, better balanced internals, etc. He seems to know what he's doing mechanically, well respected service dept, but looking for confirmation of this - that the FX is quieter and smoother running than a Kohler Confidant? Other reasons to stick with the Kaw FX 691? It seems to have the popular vote, but looking for someone that may have put hours on this series Kohler with the round canister air filter drally speaking?
Lastly, deck size 48 or 52 generally speaking? Currently no gates, but that could change in the future. With the speed these cut and the odd shape of my yard, I don't think the 52" will save much time over the 48" so I'm looking more at maneuverability and stability. When dropping down the 48, any change in frame size or back wheel spacing? Any difference in holding ability on a hill? Is it harder to trim on the left side with a 48" due to visibility and the deck not standing out as far as 52?
Quick recap if some are not familiar, the PT 148 / 152 come with these upgrades over the ZX series: Larger, beefier front tire casters, XFactor 2 deck, bigger hydro gears, suspension seat, dual fuel tanks, little more leg room and 1 year additional warranty.
Sorry if this seems like a really long initial post, but trying to place my order in a couple days and appreciate any feedback from Gravely owners.
