Looking at a Tank M54

[kcgriz]

My dad recently retired from over 40 years of federal service including 20 yrs in the Army. He loves mowing yards. I've mentioned that I thought he was a little off for thinking so. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif None the less, he's taking on some yards for regular mowing and it will probably grow. I have a Cub 2185 that he really likes but with having had both his knees replaced, it's a little cramped for him to work the brake and accelerator.

We've gone to my local Cub dealer and looked at the ZTR mowers and think that's the way he wants to go. The dealer suggested the Tank M54 with the Honda motor as a good model to go with. Seems like a nice setup and the price seems fair.

What are the going opinions, pros and cons of the M54? I'm not very knowledgeable about tractors and mowing equipment so don't know really what to look for though I've been a lurker here on the forum for almost a year now. I own a Cub 2185 that I bought with 225 hrs on it a year ago.

I'd respect any opinions given and welcome all.

Thanks!!

 

[Jimbrown]

Well I don't know dink about mowers but here is a real M54
which I bet he saw lots of.

 

[kcgriz]

yes, ironically, when my dad first enlisted, they trained him to drive the M54 then the M60 in Ft. Knox where I was born. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[Av8r3400]

Just an opinion, but, if he is looking at doing lawns as a profession, a diesel powered mower would be better than a gas powered one. A gas motor like this will eat up all his profit in fuel. There are a number of them on the market.

Just another opinion.

 

[gamble77]

I don't agree about the diesel vs. gas. Around 2000-2500 hours the machine is going to be about wore out...and that diesel motor is just going to be getting started. I don't see the benefit of getting a diesel over a gas, none at all. Parts are more expensive, fuel is more expensive, and the initial purchase price is also a lot more expensive.

Now about that particular machine, the M54. It is a great ZTR, I think one of the best on the market. Pivoting front axle with lock out pins, the deck is pulled from the front and not pushed, grease fittings everywhere, 14 gallon fuel capacity, 3-year warranty...the list goes on. They are priced just right also, we sell a lot of them.

The only negative thing I will say about the Tank's in general is that they are not the best ridding ZTR's on the market. This is due to the pivoting front axle and the way the deck is mounted. They sacrifice ride for cutting quality. NOW, that can all be solved with the addition of a suspension seat, which I highly recommend. If you put the suspension seat on then you will have one fine machine. The suspnsion seat should cost around $200.00.

The only other piece of advice I would give is to get the Kawasaki motor instead of the Honda. Parts are cheaper and more accessible and the Kaw. has a broader torque curve in real life test (at least my real life test). Good luck and give us some pics when you get her! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[kcgriz]

gamble,

thanks for the comprehensive notes on the M54. Your points were made with the dealer here as well. He noted all the grease points, the deck being pulled rather than pushed and he mentioned the availability of the suspension seat but not why it was recommended. I'll make a mention of the Kaw motor being better suited than the Honda motor and why.

They're calling for 4-8" of snow here tomorrow. It's the middle of March for cryin' out loud! Wish I had a blade setup for my 2185!