Exmark hands down. Holds value better, better drive system pumps and wheel motors not transaxle crap. Thicker deck and proven in the field. Exmark has simply blade engagement not an electric clutch. Snapper cuts higher, and has bigger rear tires. Exmark has ECS much easier to use and more comfortable.

 

If the exmark was the same price then it would be best but since it isn't I woud go snapper. You don't need a big expensive mower and the snapper is a pretty good unit. Ours is in the third year and minimal problems.

 

Once Snapper Pro gets the 48 ICD snapper all the way. I think 2012 will have them. I have a Ferris IS3100Z with a 61 ICD and i think the cut is competitive if not better than Exmark. Exmark is so over priced its not even laughable anymore.

A TTHP will run you 6500.00 to 6900.00, which to me is nuts. I bought a TTHP in 09 and paid 6700.00 out the door and look back with regret. Nice machine but it's about 1500.00 too much. The snapper pro 48 will run you about 4400 and with the ICD deck will keep up with any walk behind out there. I'm buying the Ferris version next year. Ferris & Snapper Pro are very well built, very designed (deck lift system is so much better than the TTHP).

Good luck

 

what engines are on the mowers

 

just bought two exmark 48" TT S series and would do it again in a heartbeat. 20 Kawi's with electric start and we have run the doors off of them--great cut wet or dry

 

Thanks for the suggestions, I would like to stay in the $5500 price range but hear many mixed reviews on both of these mowers. With so many choices and options its overwhelming!!

 

Do you want a pretty good mower with minimal problems, or the best walk behind out there?
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I definitely need a mower that is not going to have many problems or much down time. We are picking up many new contracts and need a really good mower that is going to last for a long time.

 

nothing stay come close to staying virtually maintenance free and out of the shop then an exmark

 

warning with snapper pro their hydro wear out in 3years .. all the big name companies around now are trading them in cause they have junk hydro/wheel motors

 

snapper pro is now made by ferris....great machines for the money...

 

warning with snapper pro their hydro wear out in 3years .. all the big name companies around now are trading them in cause they have junk hydro/wheel motors

Well I sure hope that isn't the case I just finished the third year and changed the hydro oil for the third time. I drove the unit around cutting my own yard and I really like the way the pistol work on these units. If the hdro goes out then we will repair it. All in all this isn't a bad buy....especially since there aren't anybody in the price range. Guess better is

 

Hard to beat the Tracers.

 

Hard to beat the Tracers.

Yea equally as hard to write a 7K check for a $4500.00 machine.... Snapper/Ferris all day long over Exmark. I sold my Lazer Z for a IS3100Z 2 months ago and only regret not making that decision earlier.

Exmark makes a good WB for a high price, Snapper/Ferris make a good WB for a good price. Just my .02

 

Well, I've got 10 seasons on my Tracer HP with only wear parts replaced and only paid $5k for it. The only thing I don't like is the front caster "bearings" which are more like a bushing and have to be greased frequently. I do also wish it had 1/4 inch height adjustments too, but that machine doesn't owe me a dime. The ECS is really sweet with a sulky.

 

why do you guys pay list for the tracers.....yes they are spendy but you can work a deal and they are worth the money.

 

do love that ECS!!!

 

why do you guys pay list for the tracers.....yes they are spendy but you can work a deal and they are worth the money.

Either you run exmarks or you don't. Guys who don't are always hating on the guys who do. It's all over this site!
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Work out a deal??? Our dealers around here act like they are giving it away by knocking $100 off retail. Only time I've seen any Exmark dealer move significantly on price was when they've been sitting on a machine for more than two seasons. Begs the question why would supposedly the self proclaimed "best" mower sit for two seasons.... PRICE. Anyhow, I'm not hating. I mean I started on Exmark so I'm well aware of Exmarks capabilities, I just know better. I found a better machine, more machine, higher build quality for less money.

I've said this before on other threads, Toro has no real reason to keep the exmark brand around. I see toro killing off exmark (keeping engineering & mfg) and selling strictly toro with maybe a choice of deck. This is very realistic, my guess would be by sooner than later. Once again this is only my prediction do all you Exmarks lovers relax
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I'd by a Snapper over an Exmark because I hate ECS controls...I also like Snappers stuff. I also hate how Exmark will have a comparable mower to Toro and it lacks elec start, rubber discharge chute, turbo force deck an it looks less durable for t price increase.
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cgaengineer

My exmark has electric start (rubber chute removed) and I feel I paid a fair price for it. there is no way I would go back to pistol grips as they were destroying our wrists.

yes there are value priced machines out there that will do the job, but I am selling excellence and I need a machine that will deliver the extra quality day in and day out

There is no way that a toro turboforce deck in any way competes with the ultracut I ve owned both

Frankly I m pleased with the construction on the tracers--they are a precision machine and will require more maintenance and adjustment than a value priced fixed deck

 

I'd by a Snapper over an Exmark because I hate ECS controls...I also like Snappers stuff. I also hate how Exmark will have a comparable mower to Toro and it lacks elec start, rubber discharge chute, turbo force deck an it looks less durable for t price increase.
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The Exmarks are available with electric start and have a rubber discharge chute.

 

When I purchased my Toro the comparable Exmark lacked elec start, rubber chute...I also preferred the T2 controls over ECS...they just make more sense.

I have never seen an Exmark with a rubber chute...either metal or plastic.
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I looked at some JD mower at deaaler the other day and I asked for some prices and about the mowers...he said they asatart on first pull...I said pull? Eff pulling anything...elec start or no sale.
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I agree on electric start, even my 21 incher is electric start. Maybe the Exmark chute is plastic...but it's not metal. I find the ECS controls very natural but I will admit that reversing for any distance is kind of a pain...no I don't mow backwards but do reverse over leaves often.