What are the common problems with the Exmark/Toro stand on aerators?

I just received a RYAN product packet in the mail last week about the RYAN ZTS Aerator.. looks just like the Exmark, same features.

 

I think it was the chains breaking. And having move it by hand off of lawns as well, when you do not have another machine or helper to assist, since aeration is normally a one man job.

 

I think the RYAN has better features than the ExMarkToro, like a chain tensioning system and a better way to move the tines up and down without having to stand on a button on the platform.

 

I went to the GIE and they did not have the aerator there. From what I can tell, the main differences are the automatic chain tensioner, tine depth control, switch to raise tines are on the panel vice foot operated on the Toro/Exmark, slightly larger rear tires on the Ryan, slightly more horsepower and torque from a Kawasaki FS 541V vice FS 481V...Ryan weighs about 200lbs more, and the flip up standing platform. Looking at the specs of both, and owning a 2014 Toro, that's about as much as I can see. I can't tell whether Ryan added a fuel gauge...that would be a nice addition to me.

 

I saw one at the Realgreen users conference in Orlando, they also have much easier to get to back time area because they have wing nuts over the cover, the front belt assemblies are two to four wing nuts away u like the exmark. The exmark is a complete paint to change the belts. Also they have chain guards to keep chains clean around tines. Few other minor things as well but overall looks to be superior. Will be slightly more expensive than exmark as well. Would love to demo one to see if against my exmark.
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Called on this Ryan aerator today- $11,400

I called because my Exmark just broke another 1" solid drive axle on the 30" stand on aerator.

Had the RSF break on June 1/2015 then on June 7/2015 the LSF broke.
We welded the RSF to get me going but there was no way to fix the LSF & then I had to argue with Exmark to make good on their service bulletin recall regarding this defective axle.

Called Exmark Customer svc today, was told he'd give me a call back.
Four hours later I call him, says he still hasn't heard anything.
Qestion-What does that mean? Answer-Just a blow off answer.

I said-
I'm happy to pay the $95 overnight freight to get the replacement here asap.
His reply was-
"Well then you've got 10 minutes to have your dealer get your order in"

Exmark customer service sucked last time & it's sucking again.

Called my dealer to order it & currently waiting for their reply.

So why didn't I contact my dealer first?

Because last time Exmark suggested they won't be offering a replacement axle in the event it breaks again.
I'm an owner/operator & nobody takes better care of their machines than we do.

Exmark might be pissed when I refuse to pay the $500 for the replacement axle.
We shall see....

 

I dont know much about toro/exmark, i only own the lawn solutions wb that became the xmark/turfco machine! I do know that ryan has built high quality aerators for decades! We used ryan spykaer machines in the 1970's and they were built like tanks! I would not hesitate to buy a ryan machine! I dont like what im hearing about xmark customer service around here!

 

Exmark required $200 for a replacement axle deemed defective via Service Bulletins.
Their main customer service guy in Nebraska acted as though operator abuse played an active role in the 1" solid axle breaking at the same place the prior two did. They drill thru the axle for a cotter pin to push thru & prevent the threaded nut that retains the bearings from backing out.

Look Exmark you admitted that these axles were faulty yet when the reengineered axle also fails you suggest that I've been 'curb hopping'?

If we talked to our customers like they treat us....

I asked my Exmark dealer to become a Ryan dealer so I'll have an alternative in the near future.
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I am curious if anyone using the Exmark/Toro stand-on has had a REPLACED axle from the manufacturer break? I am uncertain by adam.neusbaum's post if his second axle break on the same side was a replaced axle or one that he mentioned that he welded). I have replaced both of my axles on this machine, but was under the impression that the replaced axles were of a greater tensile strength and therfore should not be a re-occurrence once replaced. Anyone?

 

It's true, even the 2015 replacement axle broke at the same place as the 2012 original. It's strange that the original lasted 3 years before breaking yet the axle manufactured to replace the faulty axle only lasted 8 months.
I know it was the newest replacement because I had to encourage Customer Service at Exmark to look for the replacement sku # since their inventory was telling my dealer that my old axle was out of stock until further notice & their computer wasn't automatically forwarding it to the replacement #.

Had I not mentioned this I'd still be waiting on the original axle item #.

On the opposite axle it was the sprocket's weld that broke which we were able to re-weld and our weld has continued to hold until this day.
I'm just holding my breath that it doesn't suddenly snap the shaft also.

It's way easier to push and drive the machine on 3 wheels up a trailer ramp with 3 guys when it's disabled in the customers front yard than when it's 200 feet from the roadway.

With 575 hours on it I just recently replaced all 6 chains because there was no more adjustment on the originals. I know I could have shortened them but why not just start fresh.
Naturally, I did not replace all the sprockets (who could afford to).
Before i buy the RYAN stand-on I'm going to inspect the sprockets to see if they also require buying 2 new axle assemblies like on the Exmark because they don't just sell the axle which is welded to the sprocket, you must purchase the entire assembly & how nuts is that?

Last thing, I believe it's time to replace all 48 of the spoons. Is there a superior design elsewhere or just go with OEM?

 

At $500. each for replacement axles and reports of these axles breaking left and right, i dont think this is the machine i want! These post are the reason i RARELY buy a new model of anything,( my lawn solutions wb aerator being the exception) it takes a few years to work the bugs out!

 

Both of my axles were replaced for $234 outside of the warranty period. The first one, I paid for the part and Exmark paid the labor. The 2nd one, which happened weeks after the first one, I informed my dealer to let Exmark know that I wasn't paying a single dime. And I didn't. This was the fall of 2014 on a 2012 model ( I would not buy a used model).

It is my understanding that this issue has been resolved. There was certainly a tensile strength issue within these axles. After a certain amount of time and stress, they would break (and why there was a service bulletin by Toro). Supposedly, the higher strength axle should not be a problem. I am looking for evidence otherwise, as you can see by my last question in this thread. I have not found anyone with a broken axle AFTER a replacement thus far. We shall see. My fingers are crossed as you can imagine! I ran it last fall and this spring without a problem.

The Exmark/Toro stand ons are not without faults. They are somewhat high maintenance I suppose. I hear of chain and belt issues. I have had NONE. The original belts and chains are still in place! I adjust and lube the chains with the Napa chain spray foam once a week. This takes maybe 20 minutes. I never turn with the tines in the ground (this is what I believe to be almost everyones chain issues). Why would anyone think it is ok to turn with tines buried 3" in the ground?

lawn king, you are still a smart man to not buy new model machines! I don't disagree with you. I was too anxious to own the most productive aerator on the market. And I DO NOT regret it. Even with it's issues, until this new Ryan, it has still been the most productive aerator on the market. It pays for itself over and over annually. For an aerator with a zero fatigue factor, I would buy it again, same machine, with it's faults today.

It will be interesting to watch the Exmark/Toro/Ryan/whoever else joins the party competition. Competition is good for US! I am surprised to see Ryans price tag though. Not sure I'd spend a couple grand more it than for the competitors.

 

Yes, i agree with you, the $11000.00 plus tag on the ryan is steepe for sure. Im not sure what im going to do about mid size aerations. I have my monster woods pl72 for my big tractor and my lawn solutions wb for small jobs. Im either going to buy a ride on or a ryan 48" 3 point for my small (B series) kubota.

 

I am subscribing (or re-subscribing) because I do not get alerts or emails to this thread.

 

I have not been getting alerts for a lot of threads either. Maybe new update changed auto subscribe when you post feature.

Ryan looks like it has a steep price tag. Wish I could use it on my lawns. Too big. Maybe I will buy a new Lesco or Billy goat aerator this season instead.

 

I would never buy a copy of the toro. They do require a lot of maintenance. And there is no way they have them worked out on a new model. I've been a test subject on variety and I would trust that Ryan at all yet.

 

So I just purchased a Exmark 2014 demo with 32 hrs and factory warranty. What should I be on the lookout for?

 

I will be watching for reviews of the ryan machine this time next year. Lets see how the 1st generation ryans hold up after a full season?

 

I noticed the Ryan looks exactly like the Classen-
http://www.classenturfcare.com/product/aerator-stand-on-stand-aer-pro/

 

Hey guys- Is it possible to quiet down our Exmark Aerator with a better muffler?

 

Has it always been lots? If not, could it have blown the muffler gasket?

 

We have about 300 hours on our 2013 and have yet to have a single problem. That machine has saved so much time and labor and has allowed us to do 4 times the aeration we used to. I would also buy another but am glad to see other options becoming available.

 

I rented the Ryan ZTS this spring. It was pretty good. I like the Toro better, but I am used to using it. Obviously in one day of use I didn't incur any problems

 

I saw this guy's video review on the Ryan Aerator and thought I would put it on here if anyone did not see it and is interested.

 

He did a one year later review and basically trashed the Ryan. That was disappointing! Have they made any fixes, does anyone have anything to say about the Ryan that has put some hours.

I've got a chance to snag a new machine either at or below dealer cost. But don't want to bother if its garbage. The other choice is wait till next year and spend an extra 5k on a Turfco.

 

The Ryan was a disappointment to me (local dealer let me xyz it). I expected better (just sayin') -- seemed like I was riding a "homeowner-type thing". I personaly rank this Ryan unit "behind" Toro/Exmark stand-on aerators, and we've had great results with our Exmarks over the years >> very well built (2013 & newer units), and we have not had the problems with them like "others" have. But after 4 weeks of daily use of the TURFCO XT8 ..........I still want to sell our 2016 Exmark stand-on aerator. Once I sell it, I will buy another XT8. What's a 2016 Exmark worth? (approx 200 hours) Still for sale.

 

bump.....any interest in our 2016 (low-hour) Exmark stand-on aerator? (very well maintained on a daily basis). Reason for selling = we are switching to TURFCO XT8's. I can ship (our Exmark) from Des Moines, IA. But local pick up is preferred. Please keep in mind that the Exmark stand-on aerator is a very good aerator >>>> we are just trying to upgrade. Shoot me a price for our 2016 Exmark......... thanks

 

what do those go for used?

 

Maybe $7000. ?? That's $2500 off a new one that's pretty much the same.

 

I have not operated any ride on aerators, that being said, i watched a video on the net from a lco that did a side by side comparison of the exmark vs ryan. The ryan has far less chain tension issues and a far better chain drive set up. It also has many maintenance access panels and built in jackstands to lift the rear wheels off the ground.

 

I don't have any experience with other stand on aerators, but I rented the Ryan stand on, and I'll never go back.

Initial thought: I thought it might zip faster.

That said, it pulled better plugs than the walk behind units, and zero operator fatigue.

This thing was pulling great plugs. I think I'll have to get a stand on...serious money maker. I grossed about $700 in 5 hours.