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Advice - Buying new Zero Turn - Budget $5-6K

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adakc

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I just sold my old zero turn. Worked well for me. It was a 247.25001 Craftsman from 2012. I want to go bigger and better.

Stopped in local farm equipment dealer. They directed me to a 54" Toro Titan - base model.

The criteria

1. Larger lines
2. Striped look
3. Mulch or a side discharge that leaves the lawn looking clean without clumps. This is most important.
4. My yard is 1/2 acre. Very flat. And seems mostly comprised of Kentucky Bluegrass. I am in West Michigan.
5. Nicer suspension would be nice but not a requirement. Old Craftsman was rough ride.
6. Power bagger option would be great for Fall cleanup

So I am actually planning on buying the 60" Toro Titan. The extra 1K for suspension doesnt seem worth it to me. Its a $6K mower. I am getting the power bagger and striper too.

If anyone was strong opinions if there are better options in my price range, I would love to hear them. I am going to pull the trigger on Monday. And have the Toro delivered this coming Wednesday.

I looked at other options like Spartan, Ariens, Simplicity etc.

But the sales guy who sells all those brands and more said the Toro Titan was by far the best for my criteria. I think he may be right. Just want a last minute gut check before I drop 7K on this set up.

Thanks in advance on the feedback.
 
#4 ·
I wouldn't worry about suspension on a half acre, like Crazy said, you're going to be done in 10 minutes, 15 if you count walking to the shed to start it and put it away and walk back into the house. My personal preference, If I wanted wide on a smaller lot i'd be going walk behind just because you take a lot of weight off the machine, a couple hundred pounds at least and a couple hundred more taking off your average rider. Have to be careful making turns on that sized machine that often.

Though, it's your yard, you will be done quickly with a mower that sized, and could probably negate the damage just by not being in a hurry.
I don't really have much experience with the brands you have as options except simplicity, had their lawn tractors for a long time. Excellent machines IMO, well built, last forever, and really good cut. I know they're being phased out, but that didn't stop me from buying one of their commercial snowblowers. It's a beast. but I have no experience with any of their newer mowers, sorry.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Thanks guys for the feedback. When I first moved in this house 10 years ago, it took about an hour and 15 minutes with my 22" Toro Pacesetter. I actually prefer being at work over mowing the lawn. So with my cheapo Craftsman Zero turn (which I thought was pricey back then at $2K) it takes 20 minutes. Well I sold that on FB marketplace for $750 a couple of days ago. Forced my hand into a new mower.

I understand a larger deck is overkill for my yard. But my lawn actually works well for a 60" deck I believe. Not a lot of obstacles and my 42" manuevers well. So 60" maybe more to handle but doable. Also, About 90% of my neighbors use services. And they all are larger pro mowers. And their lawns look great. the wide stripes look awesome.

I would possibly consider a wider walk behind (to save time) but the stripes wont look nice and wide.
 
#7 ·
Look at Bradley stander, 60 inch is at the 6k+ range....
 
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#9 ·
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Discussion starter · #14 ·
Ferris does sound interesting. Ferris 300S 52" is $6K. The dealer I am shopping at has both brands and then some. His personal opinion is the 54" Toro Titan is overlooked and very good option for me. Only $400 difference in price.

I am going to stop by the dealership on Monday to check these out in person. I dont think there is really a wrong decision here.

Image
 
#15 · (Edited)
I know someone with the Toro Titan 54. It lays nice stripes and seems to cut very well, but the controls are unbelievably twitchy. I don't know if it is just his or they are all like that, but that issue alone would make me pass on one if it is common to all of them. It is also plagued with caster chatter no matter what he has done to try to stop it. I have driven and mowed with it myself, so the twitchy issue isn't just what I have heard from him.


Test drive them both. Compare all specs, especially the hydros and don't let a slick talking salesman tell you a bunch of BS. Do your homework by looking at specs and finding YT reviews and not just ones that are favorable to the way you are leaning or shore up your opinion. Knowledge is your best friend when buying.
 
Discussion starter · #17 ·
I think Justin H makes a good point. Ferris 300 series over Toro Titan series. Prices comparable. Ferris below. I believe its down to these two lineups.

Leaning toward 52" Ferris. It has the commercial hydros. And everyone I know with Ferris mowers swear by them. Not at them. Lol

I am going to hopefully take a close look and ride on them tomorrow.

I will update for anyones future reference.

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Discussion starter · #19 ·
I went to the dealer this morning. They are pretty large outfit in West Michigan. I asked why they are so big on Toros and they told me that is their main partner. Used to be Ferris. That is one of the reasons the sales guy recommended the Titan 54".

Well I drove that titan and and the 60" the Ferris 300s 52". As Riding Green mentioned above, the controls are twitchy. Specifically, i thought they were very tight. So when i wanted to turn, it took more effort to move and I had less fine control. 60" was too wide for my liking.

Ferris was smooth and simple. I went with the Ferris. Mowed with it tonight. Love it.
 
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adakc
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