Help? 23hp or 27hp?

I need some help. I was set to pick up a '04 Toro Z500 27hp/60" on Fri. Now dealer tells me that 27hp is not available, only 23hp (both Kohler). The 27hp is $7599: the 23hp is $6999. I was set on the Toro because of the adjustable baffle and the offset deck, over the eXmark LazerZ 27hp/60"($7499). Is the difference in hp that big a deal? I liked the Toro, with the deck and the fatter control handle. What should I do now? With my schedule, Friday is the only time I can pick up the mower: next chance I get will be at least 3 weeks from now. Dealer is 1.5 hours away: by far the best prices I could get on these machines. What do you think?
Thanks alot for your help.

 

Never really heard of anyone complain of having too much hp.

 

Just remember, cheaper prices do not mean better service. I can drive 45 minutes to get cheaper equipment, but I worked out a deal with my local shop that if my equipment goes down, then I get first priority and they also next day air the parts for free. To me service is everything. I would also think the 23hp would be underpowered on a 61" deck.

 

I think that the 23hp may be under powered. I think you sould also buy what is your 1st choice in mowers. After demoing and weighing all things. Don't settle for less than what you think is the best. You will only dislike it. I would think you could get the dealer to deliver to you. It should be for free with the sell but if not then you could pay them or have someone pick up for you. If not you could at least have a towing service deliver it to you if you can't wait. No matter what I think you should not settle for something you do not think is perfect for you. You will always wonder if that was the right thing to do.

Also as others have said dealer support is very important to me.

 

Ive been looking at the same mower. I think the 23 is a Kawi not Kohler. I ordered the 27 hp w/60" deck. If you can get a exmark for about the same as the TORO I would go exmark just because there are more aftermarket parts. I ordered the TORO because it was about $1200 cheaper than the exmark. Both great machines.

 

Just make sure you get the extra hp. It will save you money in the long run, sure its a bit more, but then when your out cutting one day cutting some thick stuff, and the mower boggs down some, then you will wish you had that extra hp.
In my opinion, get a Kawi engine, yes i know Kohler motors are made in my state, but the Kawi motors seem to run better. Kohler is a great motor, but i have 2Kawi's trouble free.
Matt

 

Thanks for the advice. I got a call from dealer today. Told me that some '04 Toro 27hp/60" should be arriving on Thursday. He told me he would call me Thurs. afternoon to let me know for sure. Either way, I'm going Friday to pick up a machine. If the 27hp/60" Toro isn't there, I'm getting the Lazer Z.

 

I run a 2003 Exmark 23HP Kohler with a 60" deck. No problem. I can mow regularly mowed grass wide open without bogging it. And I bought it new for $7100. I do like the new fatter handles on the Toro. I'm sure Exmark offers this too. They are almost identical mowers.

 

Do you know for a fact your the ONLY one with that deal? I would wait and get the bigger hp. I have the 27 lazer and love it. Of course its only about 2 months old.

 

I just recently (1week) bought a Toro 04 Z588E, 28hp, 60'' deck.
This seems the perfect marry of hp and deck size, even heavy mulching can bury the horses, I really would not go under 27hp with these machines.

Check out the 588E, plenty of grunt with this engine!

Obviously I'm bias, but I'm comfortable saying to you this model is slick!