Buying Advice Purchasing first ZTR

[coobie]

The more i think about my decision of Exmark vs Hustler it boils down to two things.

Which unit would be expected to remain in good working order for the longest assuming proper care and maintenance? Biggest bang for the buck as far as the units life goes. $5000 is a significant investment in my eyes and if one will start needing repairs in 5 years and the other 15 well then my choice is obvious.


And which one would be easiest for a homeowner to repair? I am a do-it-yourselfer so I would probably attempt to buy the parts and fix it myself when things go wrong.

IMHO take the above suggestions and go with the ferris mower with the Kaw.engine if you can afford it.You will be very happy with your choice for many years to come.It only takes a few extra $$ to fly first class.LOL.coobie

 

[toddol1971]

I'm gonna say go with the bad boy. They are tough.... I've got an 07 with 200 hrs. Mows good, rides good (michigan suspension seat) and was cheaper than the others. Its got a 1/4" thick steel deck. It uses all the same stuff the others use, like hydro gear pumps and wheel motors etc. You cant go wrong with bad boy. You'd be doing yourself a disservice by not at least trying BB.

 

[shane]

One thing I have not seen mentioned yet is resale. I know you are not considering resale, but maybe you should. I've learned the hard way as I use to not consider resale on items "I thought" I would not be getting rid of. Between the two, the Exmark will hold it's value better because of it's name (IMHO).

For your application, I believe any of the big commercial mowers (Ex., JD, HUS., GrassHopper, Dix., etc.) will be just fine. Kinda like swatting nats with a sledge hammer.

 

[Nightrain1]

BB is hard to beat when looking for the best bang for the buck, but I would buy from the closest, best dealer. Don't put too much weight in any brand loyalty as there are several top notch ztr manufacturers out their.

 

[MESSMAKER]

BB is hard to beat when looking for the best bang for the buck, but I would buy from the closest, best dealer. Don't put too much weight in any brand loyalty as there are several top notch ztr manufacturers out their.

I think all are good products. Xmark and Scag rule around here, but you never hear a bad word on a BB,Grasshopper or Ferris. I will be in the market in a couple of years and I think I will go with a BB with a premium engine.

 

[TGF]

I own a John Deere EZtrak 445, and I would not recommend it. I have had issues with the left side hydro from the get go, the dealer has worked on it twice and even replaced a pump.

 

[gilbertmsg]

You should also take a look at the Gravely's, they are expensive, well built and will be mowing when most of the others are melted for scrap.

Eddie

 

[Diamondpilot]

I think all are good products. Xmark and Scag rule around here, but you never hear a bad word on a BB,Grasshopper or Ferris. I will be in the market in a couple of years and I think I will go with a BB with a premium engine.

Last summer my local dealer had BB with the 30 something HP CAT Diesel and a 61" deck for $9999.

Thats a steal. All the comparable diesels were $15,000 or so. I tried to talk my customers who run Ferris and Scag into them but they would not budge. Both are pretty brand loyal. No problem with that. The Scag has been a good mower for them and the Ferris even better.

Chris

 

[Nightrain1]

BB has the 28 hp and 35 hp perkins/cat diesels. Both are very good engines but the 35 runs smoother and uses a little less fuel to boot. I don't think I will ever go back to those big thirsty gassers.

 

[doall]

My JD 737 is great and doesn't seem too bad on gas to me. I can pretty much mow all day on a tank full. 7- 8 hrs. anyway. very good mower.