Another Newbie Needing Solid Advice On ZTR Mowers

[djdicetn]

yelbike/bleedgreen,
I've got a JD dealer in my hometown. Dropped by there on Saturday, but they were already closed. I'm not gonna buy a ZTR until I at least talk to the JD dealer to see what he can do for me. Thanks for the info!!!

dbear,
After only 2 dealer visits, it's still too early to rate them. I know the Hustler dealer's sales manager had a "State Fair" special going on(only took $400 off the $6,000 Fatrak Super 54". My father-in-law bought a $16 Kubota from that same dealer last year for $13K. I'm gonna have to contact the owner to see if a previous customer referral can't get me a better deal than that(maybe throw in the flex fork option user Locoweed mentioned.....don't have any idea how much that's worth......yet).

Bigreenavalanche,
The Hustler dealer also sells the ExMark and when I told him my price range he "didn't even go there'. That tells me they are $7K or more new. I don't have any "friends' in the lawn business so I am VERY leary of buying used:0(

 

[Biggreenavalanche]

Yep, the EXmark is pricey, (the 60" was around $7500.00 if you buy at the right time, could be more, not sure)...I wouldn't have bought mine used had I not known the original owner and his maintance habits...was just trying to give a testimant to the durability of the brand...more important, I think, are A: the dealer, his record, and your comfort level with him (or her), and B: get the commercial version ! I'd also recommend you take a look at Dixie Chopper's brand, down here I've heard good stuff but have never used one...

Rich

 

[djdicetn]

Biggreenavalanche,
I haven't located a dealer for the Dixie Chopper in my area, but there are so many ZTR's to choose from now I doubt I'll get to compare them all. I noticed you have a Mahindra. The dealer that I am going to next weekend that has the Bad Boy and Dixon ZTR's is a Mahindra tractor dealer. Good reputation(been family owned for 43 years), VERY small town in rural TN and so far I'm more impressed with the bang-for-the-buck with those two ZTR's with the Hustler Fastrak Super Duty close behind. The Bad Boy Outlaw 54" @ $6,699 MSRP has the Hydro-Gear ZT5400 and both the Ultra52($4,459) and DX152($6399) Dixon 52" mowers have the ZT3400. The Hustler, like many of the top-of-the-line Residentials sports the ZT3100 trannie. If the owner and his son(Mower Sales Manager) are as nice in person as they were on the phone and will come down any at all from the MSRP's I will likely purchase from them. I'm in no big hurry and want to learn as much as possible about ZTR's and look at as many as possible, but like you and others say....the dealer weighs heavily on making a wise purchase. Thanks!!

 

[Biggreenavalanche]

Anytime, good luck n keep us posted...n just BTW, love my mahindra, 1st one, got a great dealer that has already proven himself to me ! Dealer means ALOT !

Rich

 

[Biggreenavalanche]

Anytime, good luck n keep us posted...n just BTW, love my mahindra, 1st one, got a great dealer that has already proven himself to me ! Dealer means ALOT !

Rich

 

[djdicetn]

Biggreenavalanche,
A local dealer offered to sell me an ExMark LZE691KA524(seems to be an "entry level Lazer 52") for $7,899(he says it's MSRP is $9545). Does it sound like he's shooting straight with me on this mower????

 

[Biggreenavalanche]

Is it used ? I didn't think they made the commercial 52" anymore...if it is the commercial 52" then he's probably giving you a pretty fair deal...me, personally, I will only buy the commercial version of what ever brand...IMHO commercial is much better than residential...not brand or "level" bashing, just my opinion and experience...

rich

 

[djdicetn]

I assume it's new, the sales manager never mentioned "used". But really it's out of my price range because I'm trying to "cap" my purchase at $6,000 for an "entry level" commercial ZTR and so far it only looks like I can get into a Bad Boy Outlaw, Dixon DX100 series or Toro Z Master 2000 series for $5K-$6K.

 

[djdicetn]

I just located a dealer that carries the Gravely & Scag ZTR's and am going to look at them this afternoon. I will be checking out the Bad Boys, Dixons and John Deeres Saturday. I may be gettin close to "decision time":0)

 

[djdicetn]

Well, I looked at my final choices today and am going to be making offers to the dealers this week. My final choices in order of preference are:
1)Gravely Pro-Turn 152 XDC-Kawasaki 22hp FX691 engine & ZT3400 HydroGear trannies.
2)Dixon DX152-Kawasaki 22hp FX691 engine and ZT3400 HydroGear trannies.
3)Bad Boy Outlaw 5400-Briggs & Stratton 30hp Commercial Cyclonic engine and ZT5400 HydroGear trannies.
4)Bad Boy CZT5000-23hp Kawasaki FR730 engine and ZT3400 HydroGear trannies.
5)Hustler Fastrak Super Duty 54-Kawasaki 24hp FX(not sure of the model) engine and ZT3100 HydroGear trannies.
6)As alternates I am still considering the John Deere Z655 EZtrak, Gravely ZT HD 52 and Husqvarna MZ5424S.

I will most likely end up working out a deal on the Dixon, which even though they are now made by Husqvarna, they are a lot of ZTR for the money. From what I saw I was most impressed with the construction of the Gravely & Bad Boy although the Hustler is also a very well built mower. I was also considering the Dixon Ultr52, but shied away from the Kohler Courage. Thanks for all the advice that has been given and wish me luck on my endeavor to purchase my first ZTR. There sure was a LOT to learn bout these machines to make an informed decision.