Originally posted by ElephantNest
Without a doubt, go hydro. Twice the cost, will last 5 times longer, less maintanence, faster, smoother, true zero turn ability, I could go on and on.....new companies starting out with limited budgets go belt until they can afford ( or try) a hydro. I used a hydro for years working with someone else, then an opportunity came about for me to buy a gear/belt driven for cheap and I did. Sold it pretty quickly. It was nice, but nothing compared to the hydro. Just get the best now, don't worry about later, it'll still be there for you years and years down the road.
~Nest
P.S. eXmark, not Toro
You're right on some points. But I'd differ in my advice on several others.
1. HYDRO mowers cost about $1200 more, plus any engine or deck size improvements. But not double that I've found on comparable units.
2. Less maintenance: Yes, usually, but added maint. on a belt drive consists of changing or adjusting streched or worn belts a time or two a year. Sometimes even less. But it's a chich to do and hardly a factor for an experienced repairer. Belts are relatively cheap, especially if you buy them by mail instead of at our dealer. And Hydros have belts too for blades,blade engagment, and to run the pumps.
3. Last 5 times longer? I wasn't aware of this. A gear transmission lasts a long time, but a replacement is less than $200 and you can bolt it on yourself. Hydro motors(2) and pumps(2) typically, cost about $400-$500 each for the part alone, and are more a job for a skilled mechanic. since it's more involved. The heavier ground weight and demands on the system from the pumps would theoretically shorter a hydro's life, not extend it.
4. Faster?: Some are. But my Toro belt drives hit 6.2 mph now. Right around hydro wb top speed. But there are practical limits to how fast you can mow with a wb that make this issue less important .
5. Hydros sure do turn around easier and back up easier. But I wouldn't say they're smoother. At least not vs.myT bar Toros. Even my mecanic says the wb hydros are too jerky.
My advice would be to buy what you can afford and need. Small lots, w/ lots of tuns....go hydro. Hills...hydro. Mow in the rain a lot...hydro. Medium-large rectangles of flat grass.....a belt will do fine.