Tim B,
Since the Billy Goat is the only machine the local rental yards carry, I have nothing to compare it to. However, on the several occasions that I rented it I've been thoroughly impressed. It will handle any terrain, and brush that it comes across. The operator sets the limitations, in that operating this equipment can be exhausting. Which is part of the push for purchasing the machine, in that I won't feel compelled to get a full day of use and that several hours in the cool of the a.m. on a regular basis is more feasible.
The machine is well built, and easily handles rental yard use and their mechanics have nothing but praises for these machines.. There seems to be an issue of performance on side slopes in that non-pressurized lubrication systems are limited to 15 degrees and pressurized are 20 degrees. The Swisher is not pressurized, and the DR isn’t until the 13hp. The 10.5 hp BG machine, 2401, is the direction I’m leaning; yet the 13 hp, 2402, offers a Honda pressurized lube system. I’ve spoken with several rental yards all of which use Billy Goat exclusively, and was informed the parts availability on the DR is limited. As with most TBNers I agree that service is a crucial variable in the valuation equation.
Regarding the Swisher, the few testimonials I’ve located have been mixed. Some are very pleased and others have had minor issues. I don’t think it would take too many minor issues to make up for the cost differential between it and the BG. Furthermore, Swisher is unable to provide me with any distributor within 250 miles of my home; Los Angeles is 180 miles away and San Francisco 220 miles. The service centers listed on their web site do not carry their products, it seems so half-hazard.
Well, Tim now that you listened to my diatribe it appears that galvanized my position. I did look at Snapper and Simplicity (Snapper was purchased by Simplicity), but their pricing is $500 more than a comparable BG. It’s a lot of money to spend on a piece of equipment, but I was also reluctant in purchasing my JD, which was a mistake in the long run. Hence I’ll probably purchase a brush mower within the next two weeks. Let me know what your thoughts are.