Opinions on walk behind hydros?

[JasG]

The area that we mow is very hilly. the best thing about the hydro is that you have positive reverse. And yes it holds its line well on slopes

I've run a eXmark hydro walk behind (48" and 52" with 19 and 21hp engines). Liked both of them. We used them where we couldn't safely run a rid on zeroturn.
I highly recommend a sulky or "velke" to ride on. Much easier on the body than chasing the walkbehind all day.

Aaron Z

Cool.

Thats what I was thinking and yes a Sulky would be part of the machine only due to the property I am cutting I wouldn't want to walk, take to long.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[aczlan]

Thats what I was thinking and yes a Sulky would be part of the machine only due to the property I am cutting I wouldn't want to walk, take to long.

Make sure you take it slow when you first drive it and make sure the hydro controls center properly. The eXmarks and Huskvarnas I ran/worked on would whip right around if you weren't careful with the controls.
If the controls don't center, you could still be moving when you let go of the controls.

Aaron Z

 

[JasG]

Make sure you take it slow when you first drive it and make sure the hydro controls center properly. The eXmarks and Huskvarnas I ran/worked on would whip right around if you weren't careful with the controls.
If the controls don't center, you could still be moving when you let go of the controls.

Aaron Z

Thanks for the advice.

Seeing some of the local lawn guys zip around on them I can see people being able to get hurt.

 

[aczlan]

Thanks for the advice.
Seeing some of the local lawn guys zip around on them I can see people being able to get hurt.

We had a guy who tried to run an eXmark walk at full speed to when learning how to run it. His hand slipped off one control and the mower whipped around so fast he almost dislocated his shoulder.

They have a much steeper learning curve than the ride on zero turns.

Aaron Z

 

[JasG]

Any idea on ball park price for new Ferris, Exmark, or Scag with a 48-60" cut?

I can find zero turns fairly easy online but the walking hydro mower not even very many used ones listed and can't seem to find a price on new ones.

 

[aczlan]

Any idea on ball park price for new Ferris, Exmark, or Scag with a 48-60" cut?
I can find zero turns fairly easy online but the walking hydro mower not even very many used ones listed and can't seem to find a price on new ones.

Might try searching on: http://lawnsite.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1

Used (FERRIS 48" WALK BEHIND HYDRO) I see them for $500-2000 depending on condition and model. Not sure on new prices.

Aaron Z

 

[JasG]

Might try searching on: http://lawnsite.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1

Used (FERRIS 48" WALK BEHIND HYDRO) I see them for $500-2000 depending on condition and model. Not sure on new prices.

Aaron Z

Thanks again.

I've been to the site, but you have to register to use the search. They also don't want non-contractors under the forum for the commercial mowing equipment.

 

[aczlan]

Thanks again.
I've been to the site, but you have to register to use the search. They also don't want non-contractors under the forum for the commercial mowing equipment.

Yea, they get somewhat unfriendly to homeowners and other non-commercial people over there. I don't post much over there, but that is the place to go to find info on commercial mowing equipment.
Try a google search for "walk behind price site:lawnsite.com" that will find all threads containing the words walk behind and price on lawnsite.com

Aaron Z

 

[JasG]

If a mower says hydo does that mean it is a dual drive or can some use a single motor driving an axle and brakes? I know some are belt drive which is not what I want.

 

[Code54]

I have a Hussler 36" walk behind zero turn and like it. On the hills here in WV it works pretty well, the big thing is if it is wet it can still slide a fair amount. When it does slide the good thing is I can step off the sulky and get it back under control and if things get real bad you just step off the back. That is a lot better than being in a seat and hoping you can jump free before the crash......