Help with zero turning mower purchase

hwp · Apr 11, 2002

The info I got when I was doing my search was that a Kubota diesel engine should last at least 8000 hours before needing any major work. The golf club I belong to has three Kubotas and the groundskeeper replaces them when they reach 10000 hours.

kbarrett · Apr 11, 2002

It's like mowing 7x24 for almost a year straight. Impressive!

BHarrison · Apr 11, 2002

WOW! At 50hrs per year (generous), my mower should last me another 200 years!
I wonder what new models will be available when that time comes!

kbarrett · Apr 12, 2002

<font color=blue> I wonder what new models will be available when that time comes! </font color=blue>

If the world lasts that long... We will probably have genetically engineered lawns that will be weed free, grow no taller than 3in (lush green and carpetlike) and require zero maintenance.

Our great, great, great, great, great, great grandchildren's children will view holographic history lessons and learn of a weekly ritual called "mowing the grass" and shake their heads in disbelief while watching their "smiling faced" ancestors putting around on "crude" contraptions of various shades of Green,Blue and Orange.

Boy, I hope I'm wrong....

8NTX · Apr 12, 2002

I understand about wanting a high quality machine, but are you sure you need to spend that much for once a week use? Those commercial units are built for 7-day a week use for 6-8 months a year. Personally, I would look at the Snapper units, which range in price between $2,700 and $4,000. They have 38" to 48" decks, with 14.5 to 18 HP models. I do not own one, but I have a Snapper SP walk-behind that is 18 years old. I can vouch for their quality; it runs and operates like a new one and I have only done routine maintenance. Sure, you have to go to either a Kohler or B&S engine, but for the money, I would sure consider it.

wichiwichi · Apr 12, 2002

Have you looked at Dixon. I bought a used model and have had no problems with it for going on 4 years now.

Calpyro · Apr 13, 2002

I currently have a nine-year-old 48" JD riding mower. It is a nice lawn mower, but it is not built heavy enough for my off-lawn use. I need to do a lot of detail work cutting weeds, which I cannot do with my compact tractor. These areas have no rocks, stumps or real dangers to the mover, yet it is rugged and requires a mower built for durability. Over the past three years, I have spent almost as much time repairing it as using it. Most problems were structural failures with the deck and spindles. Also, due to the mowers poor maneuverability, I have broken many of the plastic body pieces by hitting my many obstacles.
To replace it with another mower of like quality will cost at least $3,000 and I not optimistic with a new mower lasting longer that this one. I would like to buy a mower with more maneuverability like a ZTR that is constructed heavier. I hope that a professional unit will allow me to spend less total time mowing and fixing the mower.
Thanks for all of the advice, it has been very helpful.
Cameron

ouimguy · Apr 13, 2002

I have a Exmark ZTR with a 60" deck liquid cooled 25hp Kawasaki. This thing mows great. It's comfortable and it mows great. I just ordered a Toro with a 26hp and a 72" deck. This is a monster for just mowing. They will outmow my 955 but you need to mow alot to justify the $$$$$. I mow lots of grass so any questions just ask.

BHarrison · Apr 13, 2002

<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr>

I understand about wanting a high quality machine, but are you sure you need to spend that much for once a week use?

<hr></blockquote>

...once every other week.

Main reason, I like buying stuff once.
I also no longer have to facter in repair time when cutting the lawn. I know that I can cut my 2 acres in 30-45 minutes no matter what.
To each his own, and I LOVE my Kubota. I wish could justify a BX, and a ZD. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Calpyro · Apr 14, 2002

Well, I did it. I bought a Toro Z100 ZTR, 44" deck with a 17 HP Kawasaki engine. I got a chance to mow my yard yesterday with it and was able to get the whole thing done in about a third of the time that it took with the old JD rider.
At first, I bumped into everything until I got the steering figured out. After this, I was really able to make time. It really cut the time down maneuvering around obstacles and reduced my weekly mowing time from six hours to two. I think as soon as I become a better driver, less two will be the norm.
I like the extra time allready, I was able to play catch with my son with the remaining time that I normally spend mowing.
I really appreciate everybody's comments.
BTW, for anybody looking at purchasing one the price I bought it was $5,400 with a set of extra blades and filters included.
Cameron