[pcs]

I need a bigger mower. But I can't really decide on what to get. I know a ZTR is going to be more expensive but is it worth paying the extra money for one? My dealer has a 44" 15 HP Toro and he said he'll sell it to me for $5000.00 (CND). Is this a good deal? This is about $3300.00 US. I saw the exmarks for the first time at a trade show yesterday and they are about $7500.00 CND which is approx. $5000.00 US. I picked up some bigger commerical for this season. Your suggestions on what you would pick is appericated.

 

[kutnkru]

If you are not going to be cutting bigger than say 18/m sf lawns or bigger, I would avoid the ztr and upgrade your belt drives to say a 52" hydro with a sulky.

This way you increase productivity in your market, yet have a machine you can utilize ALL the time.

Just my .02
Kris

 

[tpirobert]

If you can ride all your properties...get a 52or 61 inch Z rider. Keep a walk-behind for tight spots, too steep hills or as a back-up. Also worth looking at are stand-on mowers. I have a 52"Zrider, 61"stander and 52"belt drive walk-behind. The walk-behind stays at home unless I know it's needed. They all have their place in the line up. The bigger mowers open doors to bigger properties and far better production per hour on site. Whether you're one man or 20 man crew, I see no reason to not have best commercial equipment for job you can get. BTW, the Toro 44" walk-behind is a terrific machine. I ran one for 9 years and than sold it for $1200 (usd).

 

[Richard Martin]

If money is an issue and you really need a wider cut then look at the Wright Stander. Alamia has the 52" 18 HP for $4895.00 USD - free shipping.

 

[Skookum]

I agree with KutnKru.

 

[tazz]

go with the ZTR i had the same question this year. i decided on the 52inch rider does a great job increased my profit almost double over what i was doing with a 48 inch walkbehind. this adds up really fast and the price paid is forgotten quickly

 

[cutntrim]

PCS: We've still got our 52" WB for sale. $3200.00 is (I think) a great price for a mower that size in mint condition. It cuts equally well on medium/large residentials and on commercial sites. Sounds like it'd be a perfect fit for you.

 

[bob]

A no brainer, get a ZTR. Not only will it almost double your production, you won't be as tired at the end of the day.

 

[cantoo]

pcs, it's worth a visit to MR Jutzi's Spring turf sale for you. Here's the website, just don't try to bid against me or I'll run you up real fast.
Keep an eye on this site and they will have the listings of what will be at the sales. Give me a call if you have any questions about them. I buy and sell at auctions almost every week, it's a good place to find back up equipment.
http://www.mrjutzi.on.ca/

 

[pcs]

Cantoo: What kind of equipment do they have at these auctions usally?

 

[cantoo]

They have pretty much everything and anything at the sales. From gas cans to paving machines, trucks, vans, cars, tractors,dozers, back hoes, skid steers, every size and type of mower, aerators, dethatchers, chain saws, weed trimmers, concrete saws, pressure washers, tillers, rollers, snow blowers, etc.
Here are some prices from last spring,
Toro 455-D ground master mower with 3253hrs $1500
Kawasaki ATV $1500
John Deere 855 loader tractor 1812 hrs $14500
Ransomes 5 gang 350D mower 1894 hrs $2300
Toro triplex reelmaster mower 3456 hrs $1900
Deutz Allis 20 hp mower 571 hrs with cab and snow blower $2200
1989 Kubota B2150 4 WD tractor 2295 hrs $5400
1991 Chevy dump truck 300 HD 259kms $10500
Kubota 4WD F2400 mower 2215 hrs $6300
*****Scag STHM-20CV mower 2093 hrs $2350
Ferris FM-61 mower 1295 hrs $2750
Ferris FM-61 mower 1163 hrs $1700
Ryan aerator LA28 $700
Bluebird aerator $700
New Ransomes Bobcat 48" mower $2550
New Ransomes Bobcat 36" mower $1750
There was 734 lots of items at the sale
They sell stuff from rental companies, bankrupties, surplus municipal equipment and other places.

[Edited by cantoo on 01-14-2001 at 09:04 PM]