Toro WB Hydro or gear drive

Does anyone have any direct knowledge of the<br>operation of both types of toro walk behinds.<p>Or is it worth my time to buy a brand new<br>hydro 20hp kohler to mount up to my 62&quot; deck?<p>Or just use my (bought and paid for)18 hp<br>kohler gear drive unit with the 62&quot; deck?

 

I've had both units. Actually the 1998 and newer hydro units are totally different than the 1994-1998 units. <p>Anyway, I wouldn't buy another power unit. Wouldn't make sense economically. (And I follow Larry Flint economics )The belt drive will slip some though, especially when it's wet.

 

I try not to mow when it is wet the belt drives production drops big time.<p>Ok how about this choice<p>1. New 2000 model toro 20 hp hydro walk behind traction unit only for $3000<br> or<br>2. Used Exmark Lazer Z. 22 h.p. Kohler 60&quot; cut. 1500 hours. Great Condition. New belts, blades, tires, and seat cushion. $3100

 

Hey Stone, where are you getting that toro w/b from? Thats pretty cheap if you ask me.

 

For 3K you get the traction unit without the<br>mowing deck. I have a extra deck on hand.<p>Option number 3:<p>Forget about buying any mowers and go take a<br>look at a 1988 C1500 V-6,auto,a/c,8 ft box,with a 3.42 limiteld slip rear axle with<br>cap that the owner is selling for $3k?

 

Lawrence,<p>I noticed on another post Toro Z-255 23hp Kohler 62&quot; cut $6299.99. If you sold deck you plan on using with w/b and take the 600.00 dollars (Investment in deck) and 3000.00 dollars (cost of hydro tractor w/20hp Kohler) and make a down payment on Z-255 of 3600.00 you could pay for unit in full in about 10 weeks working 40 hours per week. How you ask?<br>The speed of ZTR will eliminate the need for another operator of w/b at let's say 7.00 per hour, which will save just in wages 280.00 per week. One less person to worry about showing up for work. After one year you will have about 1080 (27 weeks x 40)hours on your unit, after 2nd complete year of use about 2200 hours. Trade it in get a new unit. They also offer what is called 6 pack loans,no payment for 6 months and just think you can pay cash in 6 months with their money, being yours to use interest free! Think ZTR! Think big! You don't want to be a small fish in a big pool.<br>

 

Ok JJB let's condense your thoughts a bit.<p>What you suggest is for me to spend twice as much for a machine that will mow only 30k<br>sq ft/hr more than a hydro wb 62&quot; unit.<br>Then sell it for salvage and buy a new one.<p>The major problem with all ZTR's is they<br>all will eventually kill your back. IMHO<br>sitting for long periods of time is bad for<br>your health. Standing on a good sulky will<br>keep you in shape and you don't have nearly<br>the fatigue factor like walking.