slower & wider or faster and narrower

jjj0923 · Apr 24, 2006

I have a budget of $6,000 for a zero turn mower.

there are two dealers in my area.

One wants to sell me a Hustler Fasttrak with a 52 inch deck and a 20 hp honda engine, but it only goes 7 mph. My yard is about .8 acres and flat! Price is $4,800 which is tempting.

Another local dealer want to sell me a Scag Tiger Cub with a 48" deck and a 19 hp Kawasaki engine, but it goes 10 mph and the price is $6,000

In looking at the two; the Scag seems to be a much better built unit and I don't mind spending another $1,200 for it.

what do you folks think?

or is there antoher brand I should be considering in the under $6k price4 range?

thanks in advance....

john_bud · Apr 24, 2006

I can't comment on the ZTM's but I really don't think that either is going to be mowing at the top speeds. But maybe I'm wrong WRT the ZTM... Mowing speed is 2-4 mph. The top speed is more for going between places to cut.

Given that you will be mowing at the same speed for each, the wider would get the job done quicker.

jb

bigtiller · Apr 24, 2006

I agree with john bud, unless your lawn is as smooth as a paved road you may loose a kidney mowing at top speed.

KiotiJohn · Apr 24, 2006

I have the smaller Hustler 42" cut mini fastrak. It goes as fast as I can stand it, and I can't stand the highest rate of speed.

At times I can cut all out, but for the most part, I have to go a little slower or bounce off the machine on pretty flat turf.

The Hustler has a lifetime warranty on the frame and leading deck edge as well, I think, on the hoses. There is more to the warranty than that, but I don't remember all.

Scag seems to make a good product, but I'm not sure it's worth 1200 more.
John

JohnSinVA · Apr 24, 2006

If I read correctly, you said you had .8 (as in 0.8) acres of grass to cut. If this is the case both machines you list are extremely overkill for that size lawn. If you have the cash burning a hole in your pocket then the deck size I would choose would be dependent upon the number of obstacles you have to contend with (gates, closely spaced trees/plants, etc.) Open spaces implies bigger decks.

Are the dealers strictly Scag and Hustler or do they have some other offerings as well. For what you describe the 42" hustler mini fasttrack would still be more adequate and would leave cash in your pocket.