Wesdor said:Here in Illinois we just had a major snow storm go through and it must be at least 2 months before any lawn mowing happens.
HOWEVER, I did visit dealers today in hopes of getting this ZTR project figured out.
The price difference is still $1500 higher for the Exmark. I'm getting prices on the Exmark Lazer Z LZ28KA605. That is the 28 hp Kawasaki with the Triton 60" deck.
The Deere is the 2007 757. IT has the 25 hp Kawasaki and the 60" 7 Iron deck.
I don't really want to go with all the electronic options of the new Deere models since this machine is for mowing on the farm, not for commercial lawn care.
I have had good dealings with both dealers, so the quality of the dealer is not a part of this equation.
One big difference I see is in the decks. The Triton deck seems to be heavier duty than the 7 Iron. Deere says right up front that this is a stamped deck, but they go on to say it provides better longevity (no welds to break).
This puts me back to original question last fall - is the Exmark worth $1,500 more. Please keep in mind that I am expecting any ZTR I purchase to last at least 10 - 15 years. $1,500 is a lot of money to me, but when you spread it over 15 years, the savings doesn't look so big.
BTW - the price on the Exmark is for the 2007 model, so I need to make up my mind in the near future, before all of them are sold. If I go to the 2008 model it is another $300 ($1800 difference in price)
Thanks in advance for any helpful thoughts and ideas.
Visit this website www.lawnsite.com and do alot of research.A ZTR mower is a big investment.I have bought 3 ZTR mowers in the past few years and finally settled on a 2007 Kubota 326 pro diesel eng.with a 61 inch cut.coobieWesdor said:Thanks for the quick replies.
After doing more research I have found the Exmark Lazer HP 52". This is a new mower (that says possible trouble to me) with a Kohler 23 hp engine.
It does not have the Triton deck - I think the Ultra deck but am not certain). For sure the deck does not have the height of the Triton so that means not mowing in wet grass.
Price is $7000 which puts it well below the Deere.
I am reluctant to even consider a new model, but as the Exmark dealer just said to me on the phone: "If I'm spending YOUR money, then the higher priced mower is great. But if I'm spending MY money, the HP is what would be mowing my yard."
Since I do not have a commercial operation, I'm wondering how much difference the 8" of deck will really mean. On some of our uneven ground it might even turn out to be a plus.
I'll wait for the wisdom of you more experienced people.
Thanks again
wesdor,I don,t know how much you are willing to spend but I bought my 2007 kubota pro 326 (diesel engine)for $10,700.coobieWesdor said:Coobie,
Thanks for the website link. That is where I found the information about the other Exmark.
Ford 850 - The nearest Grasshopper dealer is about a 45 minute drive from here. I'm sure they are very good people, but that seems like a long way when the Deere and Exmark dealers are much closer.
You are correct, no clear choice has jumped out at me, although that Exmark HP is starting to go to the front of the line. When I started this research I was looking at $10,000 and that is a huge amount of money for me. The top of the line Exmark is still there, but the Deere is only $8200 and the HP is $7000.
Currently the big question is how much impact the 52" vs 60" deck will have. The good news is that it will fit on my trailer (54" wide) and won't scalp uneven ground as easily. The bad news is that it will take more time to mow.
One thing is certain - I won't be mowing any grass for at least a couple of months. That gives me time to weigh all the options. Glad I don't have to make up my mind today.