They are the same company with the same quality so just choose the mower you like more.

 

The deck is the only significant difference if your comparing the same level in their model lines. Exmark makes their own deck but everything else boils down to cosmetic differences, just darker red paint on the Toro.

I run a 60 inch exmark xseries, never used the Toro though. Deck clumps a bit in high wet grass but no worse than most other mowers besides john Deere's from what I've seen, the exmark does make small clippings though as it's a tightly baffled deck.

 

OP- you must be looking at the Radius X series if it has an FX 730 and 3400's. Have you had a chance to operate either one yet? Mow with either one yet?

I have mowed with a Toro Titan with the 3400's and it was a decent mower, but those trannies are very jerky/twitchy feeling IME, especially compared to higher end units. It was very hard to hold a straight line for long. This was on a 54" deck machine with a 23 HP Kohler in it. It had enough power for normal grass, but with a 60" I believe you will be pushing it when the grass is tall and/or thick with either machine. I will add- I would lean to the Exmark due to a better suspension seat, and I would lean to the 54" deck to make sure I had enough power. You won't lose that much in time, especially being a HO.

 

Id just get the toro 6000 and not mess around

 

Thanks for the input and suggestions. Today, I spent about 4 hours on my tractor to evaluate the terrain I was thinking of using (the added zturn) and what I found is that some of the area's I thought I could use the mower I probably will not just due to how rough it is. I guess you can say its a learning process.

I do realize that both are owned by the same parent company.. there is some confusion on if they have only 1 or 2 manufacturing facilites to made different names or if they all come down the same line and just select if it's eMark or Toro decks and little items. Kind of like GMC and Chevy..same line same general product.

Thanks for the info on the eXmark - Toro engine I've read in a few places the manufacturing name you gave .... and I"m not really sure if either company will publicly admit it. Believe it or not if the process is controlled and monitors on the level of quality control and manufacturing I believe they can product a good product at a cheaper price. I happen to pull up a "Warranty Statement" and on the Toro 2000 hd it shows a 5 year warranty on the engine .... that's a plus to me.

The 2 decks as you say are completely different... actually the design of the eXmark is almost what my brush hog and finishing mower look like, the Toro just looks more sleek.

No, I have not yet test drive either one, I wanted to do a little more homework on what might fit and what companies I wanted to focus on and now I feel I've narrowed down to these and I have a better idea where I will use it.

Honestly, I know I am way overkill on this purchase, but with a little luck it will last me for a real long time with the local support of a good dealer on either model.

Both companies are touting this floating seat suspension that uses 3 springs, in talking to the dealers, the Toro guy says it's great, best riding system.... the eXmark says his commercial guys have not bought in to it. It's new... and I am always cautious of new gadgets... Who on here have purchased one of the units with the new My Ride and how do you like it?

Ok I'll leave it at that...now for the pricing game... we will just have to see how it works out..

Thanks again for all the feedback... for some, this may be an easy choice.. I guess I just pick apart the issues before I push the buy button!

Dave

 

Good luck OP on your choice. Best mowing decision I did as a home owner was to go commercial Toro 21". 11 years as my primary but is a trim mower. Still going strong.

Go through Lebanon TN when I am in Nashville. Have a few friends there and they like to stop at Sunset for dinner or lunch.

 

I’m not looking at websites but I thought toro offered a better warranty for some reason?

 

fritowrdo, good morning, I also have the Toro 21, it work great, I just need to cover a little more ground so that is why I am looking at a ZTR.. but it's a little more difficult to choose than I thought it would be. The Toro dealer I bought my 21" from is about 2 blocks up from Sunset...

We do go to Sunset from time to time, when we first moved to Tn. 14 years ago the folks there found out we were new in town and the owner came out introduced himself and told us the dinner was on him.... I like the broasted chicken, my wife likes the catfish! It no doubt is an interesting place as is Lebanon!

 

TPendagash, I found it interesting when I started to look at the warranty, the that it did show the eXmark at 4 years and the Toro at 5 for the "Toro" branded Chinese motor. My thought is if you choose the branded mower they will be more apt to resolve issues. In that case, the titan hd2000 has the Toro engine, the 2500 is still the Kawasaki engines.

 

I'm philosophically opposed to all things Kawasaki
Anytime you can avoid giving Kawasaki any money is a win for humanity.

 

I bought a new Toro Titan HD 2500 60" this spring. Have 30 hours on it now. Moving about 3 acres every 5-7 days here in Minnesota. Great mower, would definitely buy again. Paid $6500 plus taxes. Haven't used a bunch of other ZTRs but I can tell you this machine will take care of what you are looking for.

 

If this helps. I did a demo of one a few months ago and wrote this up. Note: homeowners opinion only. I’m not a professional. Second note: the ride was terrible. All other things equal, if it comes down to ride, Buy the exmark if soley based on ride is my .02.

DECK: only option for me to demo was the mulching kit installed. Purposely watered my lawn heavy 2 days prior to demo. And lightly again day before. Why Test a deck in perfect conditions (they’ll all do good in perfect dry conditions). Loved the small mulched grass (perennial rye). Truly mulched amazing. Clumps: minimal at most. Nothing enough to warrant blowing (and I’m soooo picky). Speed: my yard reared it’s true colors i guess. The ride wasn’t smooth enough to go full sticks. I’m ball parking 6mph avg? Was expecting to dislike the turbo force deck. I don’t dislike it. I don’t love it. Result: If I was doing this as a career, no. For homeowner and side business journeyman, absolutely consider.
RIDE: kinda crappy. Suspension seat helped. And my yard is not a field. It’s grass year round (California). Not happy with the ride though. Of all things that would discourage me from purchasing this mower it’s the ride. (Side note. I do need to top dress my lawn. So maybe it’s my yard and not the machine). However would strongly suggest testing before you buy to determine the ride quality for yourself.
DRIVEABILITY / HYDROS: normal”? First time on Titan. The more time I was on it the more comfortable i felt. I think learning curve with this machine would make it on par with anything out there.
SIDEHILL TRACTION : ballparking ~20 degrees. Did amazing. Up and down. Side to side. Not an issue in the world. Impressed. Didn’t slide at all. Actually very impressed!
TRACTION IN GENERAL: terrible. Terrible. I don’t know how to explain it. Holds a slope like a champ. However wheel spin in 3pt turns and going down very minimal grade (not a slope. Because it was amazing holding the hill at approx 20 degrees). created slippage that i can’t explain. User error possible. This isn’t my first time however on a ztr. Prob worst I’ve experienced. I did not check tire pressure. That could have caused some of the issue.
BUILD: phenomenal. So so impressed. Can I promise it’ll outlast you, NO. I wouldn’t say that for any ztr. However confidence would be high on this machine. VERY HIGH ON THIS MACHINE. I think the build quality / feel is some of the best I’ve seen.
POWER: the kawi with this 60” deck no issue. It’s not a huge Kawi either in the grand scheme of things. However for normal weeklys I can’t imagine it would be an issue. Was extremely pleased. And remember i watered prior. So power not an issue.
GOODIES: Not sure I’d use it. But the ability to mount buckets, back pack blowers, and a string trimmer on it i thought was cool.
FINAL VERDICT : Truly worth the consideration i feel. Am i buying one: NOPE. Would I feel someone made a poor decision for buying one: NOPE. I think toro knocked it out the park. Every mower has room for improvement. I believe for approx same dollars the JD 915e wins this battle hands down. But for approx 2k less the TITAN 1500 HD WOULD BE A WINNER for the homeowner or weekender (and still think it would last a long long time with super heavy use). I would not buy this 2500 HD approx 8k plus tax (my price in CA) over the JD. But job well done TORO.
THIS IS JUST MY OPINION WITH ONLY DEMO TIME ON IT. WHICH WAS NOT A LOT OF TIME ILL BE HONEST.
thanks

 

I know where you can get a 72 Exmark Lazer Z top quality commerical mower with 1300 hours for 5K or mabey less.

 

Hille 141, thank for that comment, When I was at a Toro Dealer last Saturday they had the Titan HD2500 on the floor, If you were able to buy that at $6500 you did great, so far, the best offer I have had was $7200 +tax so you did great. We have horses and were talking with them about the Equine discount program... but there is nothing written and each dealer has a different take on how they price it.

If the Titan HD 2000 didn't have the MyRide it would probably work fine for the amount of cutting I have to do... but I"m not sold on that suspension system and the reviews I"ve seen about about 50-50 on homeowners, but the commercial guys don't seem to think much of it.

I really liked the seat on the 2500.

my quest continues, and again thanks for your input.

 

Garrett 1234, thanks for your review, that is a lot to digest for sure and your comments on ride and handling is very interesting. The areas I plan to cut are pretty flat, but saying that it's a bit bouncy even on my JD Tractor... so I can imagine what the Zturn would be like.

Like I said above, the HD2000 would probably be more than fine if not overkill but they do not make that in a Non My-ride platform which I think is a shame... but I guess from the manufacturing point they standardize the builds.

I can say one thing, it's a heck of a lot easier buying a new car (Subaru Outbacks) than it is trying to figure out this mower choice.
Dave

 

Hi David. For what it’s worth. I just went down the road your on. I live on acreage, have a kubota l3301 and a flail mower and all the usual stuff you need to live on acreage. I research stuff till it’s an annoyance to my wife, I’m assuming members on this site, and even myself. These pros that help us might buy every year or two or three. My goal was to buy once for approx 20 years use (who knows though right). Anyhow, i had brands bring demos to my property and was able to use a variety of brands and decks on my own property to get real life testing. From that testing I deducted all mowers have strong and weak points. But if you are going to purchase commercial, true commercial grade, and using for homeowner use, there are no bad purchases. It sounds dumb, but get what floats your boat. It’ll be overkill as a homeowner. Once you purchase, you’ll forget all the velocity and 7 iron when wet, Ferris for ride, yatta yatta. They are all awesome for homeowner use. I actually downgraded my selection to an estate mower (freedom z) and freed up money for a skid sprayer (still researching what to buy there). I made that choice because it absolutley outperformed in MY opinion many of the commercial
Demos i used and is still overkill for a homeowner using only on a few acres a week. Good luck to you

 

Garrett1234, I really appreciate your comments, and yes, we are in the same situation and same personality.... My wife is about to move me in to the guest room over this.... I went in to this thinking I'd cut more than what it has probably come down to.. my JD 4430 with a 5' brush hog and a 72" finishing mower keeps the property looking great when were not growing hay... .the good thing is, we run hay on most of it.. I even only cut around the house about 20' and if I get out, use my 21' toro mower to cut around 3 times I can then take a couple of pass's with the finishing mower and I'm good. In spending about 4 hours on the tractor the other day I came to the conclusion that in some of the area's I thought I might use a Zturn it turns out that with my uneducated guess I'd just beat it up no matter what I get.... so, my coverage area has dropped considerably!

Saying that I am drawn to a entry level commercial style for the longevity of the unit... and yep, the idea to buy up and not have to worry for years is my goal.. so I started to rethink it. Actually the Toro (or eXmark) hd2000 or S models would probably be the right buy, but both now have decided to only offer the new Myride on each model and not offer the suspension seat so, thoes models with the Equine discount is still about $6500 the 2500hd is about $7500 That's alot for the area of coverage I have. I am not sure that I could use them for the fence lines so it's pretty much the entry way in to our house, around the house barn and RV garage is where I would cut as well as in our small orchard area and yes, garden...

It looks like for the most case a mower that meets the HD2000 style and features all are going to be in the $6500 range no matter what brand I buy and, the eXmark and Toro dealers are with in 10 miles of us and that is a plus! I did look at Scag years back and the same dealer today is in Nashville... it's at least a 45 minute trip each way pulling a trailer.... and the dealer looks to be very busy with service. There is a Hustler dealer here in the same vicinity as the eXmark and Toro but I've kind of stayed away for some reason there are lots of used Hustler mowers on the market and they aren't very old... don't know if that means folks are just not happy... Finally, there is the BobCat, 5 or 6 year warranty at the local Coop, he has service and is priced right in there with the rest of them.

Your right, what floats the boat is the key, and, I"ve had some observations on the ones I have seen.... I sure wish that Toro (or eXmark) offered the Hd2000 range with out that darn suspension platform I'd probably have jumped at a 52" by now.. .but because of the seat situation I've had to move up to the 2500. As for price, the eXmark and Toro equine discount is a feature but if your starting at a higher MSRP than others that doesn't really matter!

So, thanks for the reality check.. you are right on the money (no pun intended). I'll call the Scag dealer today just to check out the options there.. . I really appreciate the the "Pro's" comments and they do have the experience and the suggestions are great, but I'm not planning on cutting everyday acres of lawn...

I"ll keep you posted..

 

Not trying to derail this thread but I thought I'd bring it back to the top. What are you guys in other areas paying for a 60" X series with a 25hp Kawasaki 801V. Even if it wasn't for the wet grass issues with the Exmark I can't see paying this price with this engine combo.

 

Not trying to derail this thread but I thought I'd bring it back to the top. What are you guys in other areas paying for a 60" X series with a 25hp Kawasaki 801V. Even if it wasn't for the wet grass issues with the Exmark I can't see paying this price with this engine combo.

View attachment 365404

Tell them to drop those "Dealer" and "Doc" junk fees, and then you just might consider negotiations.

 

That's about 2k less than here.

 

For that same engine combo? I could maybe see it for an EFI.

 

Yep. For an Exmark X series Lazer and the FX801. I have posted it a ton of times on here- Exmark is crazy high here, and Toro is slightly worse yet. Between a lack of engine options, the UC deck, and the cost, they are starting to lose ground here to other brands. Most guys learned on an Exmark, so they insist on getting one themselves when they go out on their own because they were brain washed that they are the only choice, but a lot of the "old timers" that have ran them for a couple decades are starting to go to Scag and JD now. Like I have also posted- if they would offer at least a choice of an optional deck that is more wide open, and weren't so ridiculous on price, I would buy one as the dealer here is great and where I buy most everything else.

 

I agree but because of the Triton debacle a few years back I think they are scared to venture out and try anything new with the deck design. Other than the price that's the main reason I've never gotten too worked up about them. They are the best seller here due to a lack of options and the dealer is set up in a prime location. Scag, Bobcat and the Badboy dealers are all on the outskirts of town. Not a long way but you have to go looking for them. The exmark dealer will have some of his machines parked on the side of a major thoroughfare. That's kind of stuff makes a difference in marketing.

 

Hmmm
I’ve never seen a comparable toro cost more than an exmark

 

Hmmm
I've never seen a comparable toro cost more than an exmark

Come to Michgan. You will then. At least at the very few places here that still sell Toro commercial mowers that I know of.

 

I'm back, I continue to look at both Toro and eXmark and have finally decided on a 52" deck just to make sure I can get in, out and around various areas I want to cut... I have also pretty much decided on either the Toro HD2000 (big question here is the my ride system... I am up in the air on that one or HD 2500 with out the My Ride. Or the eXmark Radius x or the S model (again, I'm not sold on the My Ride).

The Toro has the same deck on both (as far as I can see)... and then, the on the eXmark units either the 2 or 4 system...

Given all this, what is the difference of the two decks from your experience. I live pretty much on a farm, I will cut around the house, the RV Garage and some of a barn area.... Then, on some of the fence lines that I deem not to rough for the Zero Turn. ( I have my JD tractor Brush-hog and finishing mower to cover the rough areas).

It is coming down that with the equine discount it makes either unit very affordable... even with other mowers in the same class and features. At up to 26percent off MSRP and the 4 or 5 year warranty sure makes a statement...

So, there ya go... comments ? Thanks

 

I finally made my decision and pulled the trigger... but it wasn't on a Toro, or an eXmark, Scag, Gravely.... I went to the local JD Dealer where I had bought my tractor 12 years ago and talked with the manager, told him what I had been looking at and wanted to see what they had... so he walked my wife and I out to the area with the mowers, the 915e was sitting there.... but, next to it was the z930M We jumped on both, and my wife said why not just get the 930... it seems like that is really well built... so, we bought it, they will deliver it Friday... It seems like a lot of folks on here have had good things to say about it.... I think it will be the right one for us for quite a while... by the way, we went with the 54" deck ..... it has the 25.5 hp Kawasaki engine and the ZT's are 13CC (no sure what that works out to be, but, seems larger than the ones I had been looking at)..

Thanks for everyone's comments and suggestions... I do appreciate it..
Dave

 

I finally made my decision and pulled the trigger... but it wasn't on a Toro, or an eXmark, Scag, Gravely.... I went to the local JD Dealer where I had bought my tractor 12 years ago and talked with the manager, told him what I had been looking at and wanted to see what they had... so he walked my wife and I out to the area with the mowers, the 915e was sitting there.... but, next to it was the z930M We jumped on both, and my wife said why not just get the 930... it seems like that is really well built... so, we bought it, they will deliver it Friday... It seems like a lot of folks on here have had good things to say about it.... I think it will be the right one for us for quite a while... by the way, we went with the 54" deck ..... it has the 25.5 hp Kawasaki engine and the ZT's are 13CC (no sure what that works out to be, but, seems larger than the ones I had been looking at)..

Thanks for everyone's comments and suggestions... I do appreciate it..
Dave

Wow! Talk about a plot twist. I've seen movie directors that failed to do it this well..

 

Congrats! I was goig to suggest the JD's to you but you seemed dead set on the other two, so didn't.

You will like the 930 very well. The 13cc trans pumps and motors are not like other machines with much larger pumps and motors. JD is the only company I know of that uses the Kanzaki Tuff Torq trannies commercially. They have a gear reduction in them that makes them very smooth and responsive without robbing a lot of extra power. They are worlds ahead of the ones you were looking at on your original choices, and the 930 is in the same class as the Exmark Lazer Z X series, and Toro 5000/6000 machines, also well above the two you were looking at.

 

Ridin Green, thanks for the reply, and for your information... Honestly, I didn't think I"d go for the JD just because of price... but when I went and looked at them today I just really liked what I saw, and the dealer has been great with my tractor.. very fair. I think I was looking so hard at the eXmark Radius x ( a nice mower) and did see the Lazer zx but at that point with the price I kind of didn't go further... I just told the dealer what I was looking at and he said let me show you the two I have in mind the 915e against the eXmark x or the Toro HD 2500... both nice looking. I explained to the dealer the discount I had been given with the Equine discount and he asked if I was a member of the Farm Bureau that if I did I'd get a $400 credit which brought me in to the price range I was comfortable with....

In the end I felt real comfortable with what I have purchased, I've read nothing but good about them.. The one I bought is a 2018 model with the dial in suspension seat.

I will have to do a little research on the transmission I"ve not heard of them but when I have heard folks talk about the smooth ride I knew that is what I'd want. The other is the deck when I had talk to the dealeres I kept getting different answers.. and from what I saw the deck on the JD was very strong and it's 5.5" high ...

All in all, this is my first Zturn.. I"m sure I'm going to have fun

Again, thanks for your response this time and the other responses you have made to my questions...

Dave

 

Ridin Green, thanks for the reply, and for your information... Honestly, I didn't think I"d go for the JD just because of price... but when I went and looked at them today I just really liked what I saw, and the dealer has been great with my tractor.. very fair. I think I was looking so hard at the eXmark Radius x ( a nice mower) and did see the Lazer zx but at that point with the price I kind of didn't go further... I just told the dealer what I was looking at and he said let me show you the two I have in mind the 915e against the eXmark x or the Toro HD 2500... both nice looking. I explained to the dealer the discount I had been given with the Equine discount and he asked if I was a member of the Farm Bureau that if I did I'd get a $400 credit which brought me in to the price range I was comfortable with....

In the end I felt real comfortable with what I have purchased, I've read nothing but good about them.. The one I bought is a 2018 model with the dial in suspension seat.

I will have to do a little research on the transmission I"ve not heard of them but when I have heard folks talk about the smooth ride I knew that is what I'd want. The other is the deck when I had talk to the dealeres I kept getting different answers.. and from what I saw the deck on the JD was very strong and it's 5.5" high ...

All in all, this is my first Zturn.. I"m sure I'm going to have fun

Again, thanks for your response this time and the other responses you have made to my questions...

Dave

Always glad to help when and where I can. Yes, the 7 Iron is a true 7 gauge steel deck throughout, unlike the UC deck which is 10 for the top and 7 for the skirts. It is a cutting fool too. Wet or dry, it is a very impressive deck.

The Kanzaki TT trannies have been used in all of JD's lawn or lawn and garden machines for about 30 years now. They are obviously different for a ZTR, but the same technology and company backing goes into them. They get a bit of unfair criticism from a lot of guys on various tractor forums because they are what is in the big box store JD's as well as the same models sold at JD dealerships. There's nothing at all wrong with those transmissions. What is wrong is the fact that so many clueless people buy them thinking they are getting a JD, so it should be able to take anything. Kept within their use parameters, they are fine. Like I said though, they are not the same as the ones in your Z, nor in the better quality JD's from the X500 series on up.

Make sure you check the tire pressure when you get yours as most dealers are seriously lacking when it comes to set-up prep work. Most leave them set the way they come during shipping which is around 24-30 psi. Set the rears to 12 lbs, make sure the deck is level side to side, and pitched correctly (they generally are pitched at 1/4" on the blades like they should be, but I have had JD's come that were pitched flat or uneven from side to side). Also check and see if the dial indicator matches true HOC. Most do not, but are close. If it isn't, and you are uncertain about doing it yourself, tell the dealer you want it set right and that you want the pitch re-set afterwards because it will need it if the dial is off from the actual HOC. If you feel up to doing it yourself, it isn't that hard to do. Just read your ops manual on how to set pitch and level, and then perform those tasks after you rank up (or down) the front of the deck to get the front of the blades to match the dial..

 

Ridin Green, thanks for the tip...I"ll give the guy a call in the morning, I"m sure they will get it right...