[lawnagent]

Guy want s me to come look at one Friday. It was atrade in for a commercial Dixon. He said its a TORO ZTR that looks all in the world like a red Dixie Chopper? He said it was a hydro drive that had chains between the hydros and wheels. Anyone know what it is or anything about it?

 

[TLS]

Let me guess....Onan engine, 50" cut?

They were made by DC for Toro/Wheelhorse.

While a great mower in its time, the old chain drives are dinosaurs compared to todays Z's.

Thats saying a LOT, because DC's in themselves are dinosaurs!

 

[lawnagent]

Yeah that sound like it may be it. I was not familiar with the engine name when he said it but that sounds like it. How old is old anyway. I could of swore he said it had 40 hours on it. Maybe he said 400? Much like the 2 used grasshoppers, I also have the option to purchase this one on contract. I thought it seemed weird having chains between the wheels and the hydro pumps. But I guess chains can still be fast if they are adjusted right. I mean look at motorcycle and 4 wheeler racing machines.
By the way, it has a 60" deck.

 

[TLS]

How old.....Pre 1992 for sure, but could go back to the mid 80's.

Is it a 724 model? Does that ring a bell?

There are still a few running here and there, but they are expensive to repair, and heavy with maintenance.

They have 4 chains $75
2 Eaton Hydrostats $900+
T-Box ......................$150

These 3 items are the major players.

So things can get expensive real quick.

There are MUCH better options for used ZTR's than these.

Look like this...

 

[ElephantNest]

"Commercial Dixon"

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that an oxymoron? Like Iraqi Intelligence? Jumbo shrimp? Pretty ugly? Act naturally? Hehe

 

[lawnagent]

Hey Elephant nest, check out this mower, itll hang with any of em!
www.dixon-ztr.com/7500_series.htm
Please dont tell me you are one of the many out there whoare looking at their residential line and comparing them to Exmarks and Scags and such.

 

[TLS]

lawnagent,

The BEST commercial rated Dixon is still NOT in the same league as a Lazer, SCAG, Toro, DC, etc. Probably will never be.

Sure their commercial line has some pretty tough mowers, but like I said, they're in the minor league.

 

[lawnagent]

TLS, I definitly do not need a Toro like that so I will forget it. I realize that some of the so called commercial Dixons are not quite up to Exmark. Although the one we Had ( 5000 series )when I worked for a city maintenance crew was put through the same paces as a Scag, Grasshopper and Woods, all owned and used by the city maintenance crew. I can tell ya that the Dixon was used just as much and suffered absolutly no more down time than any of the others. After 2 years it would still mow just as fast as the others. However to anyone, I including myself, I dont think anyone can pass long term judgement on the one in the above link as it is new and we will have to wait and see.
P.S. where did ya get the pic of the Wheel horse / Toro? Did you used to own one?

 

[TLS]

This one.....

The specs just don't do it for me.

Specifications ZTR 7523
Turning Radius ZERO
ENGINE
Make Kohler Command Pro
Horsepower @ 3600 RPM 25
Cylinders 2
Displacement cc (cu. in.) 725cc (44 cu. in.)
Bore & Stroke mm (in.) 83 mm x 67 mm
(3.27" x 2.64")
Oil capacity 2 qt.
Lubrication Full Pressure Lube
Oil Filter Disposable Canister
Air Cleaner Paper Element w/foam precleaner
Ignition Electronic
Starter 12V. w/ Key & Shift Solenoid
Electrical System 15 Amp DC Regulated
Interlock Safety Switch Seat/Traction Drive/Mower
Battery Capacity 12 V. / CCA-340
Fuel Tank Capacity 11 Gal.
Mounting Solid Mount
TRANSMISSION
Make Hydro Gear
Type BDP-10A Pump
Final Drive HGM 15E
Forward Speed 10 mph
Park Brake Drum
OTHER FEATURES
Deck Cut Width 60"
Deck Width (Deflector Retracted) 62.5"
Overall Deck Width 73.5"
Number of Blades 3
Mower Cutting Height Range 1.5" to 5"
Mower Cutting Positions 10
Deck Weight 231 lbs.
Power Unit Weight 886 lbs.
Construction 10ga. Steel w/ 7ga. Reinforcement
Spindle 1"
Hub Cast Iron
Anti Scalp Wheels Yes
Steering Control Twin Levers/Swing Out
Seat Cushion High Density foam
Seat Cover Cordura
Seat Springs No
Beverage Holder No
Mower Clutch Electric
Tires-Front 13 x 5.00 x 6
Tires-Rear 23 x 9.50 x 12
WARRANTY
Homeowner 2 Years
Commercial 1 Year/400 Hours
ACCESSORIES
Mulching Kit Yes
Grass Blower Yes
Grass Catcher Mounted Solid Container
Twin Bag Grass Collector No
Grass Catcher Cart No
Broom No
Dethatcher Yes
Clam Shell Grass Catcher No
Snow Blower Yes
Snow Blade Yes
Wheel Weights/Chains Yes

Just looking at the front caster forks scares me away. And the ONE YEAR / 400hr warranty is kinda scary! They are saying that after 400hrs, its a crapshoot.

I'll stick to proven designs, and will often look at UN-Proven designs that LOOK good on paper.

 

[lawnagent]

I will agree with you on the 400 hour warranty. But what is scary about the front forks? I thought it looked about like the ones on the Tiger Cub. Ill go to thier website and look.

 

[DLCS]

Only a 400 hr warranty, nope that won't cut it.

 

[lawnagent]

As much as I like Dixon, i admit 400 hrs is not up to par. What is Scag? I think it is 3 year on deck and spindles. 1 year covers everything, 2nd and 3rd year covers either parts or labor. also 2 year commercial warranty on the rest of the mower. 1st year everthing 2nd year parts.

 

[Scag48]

Forget that Dixon. Buy an Exmark and get it over with. Why would you want to buy something cheap that you use every day and depend on for your well being? Time is money and when that Dixon is in the shop my Exmark will be out running and making me money. Buy the best there is and don't look back.

 

[Grasshog]

I'm with him Scag, Exmark only