Toro Z-Master

[hipapa12]

Hi all,
I've got an opportunity to purchase a 2002 (I think) Toro Z-Master ZTR mower with a 72" deck and 27 hp fuel injected Kohler command engine. It is a one owner & used for residential only. It seems to be built very well and is in very good condition - runs strong and no apparent drivetrain problems. Has only 430 hours on it. I can get it for $4k. Anyone have an opinion on Toro products, and does this apprear to be a good deal?
Thanks for any of your thoughts.

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

they are built heavy and that seems like a decent deal....based on what you are saying

 

[AlanB]

Do you know at what year they merged (bought) Exmark? The Toro is now the Exmark, and if that year was the same as the Exmark and I felt the machine was in good condition, I would go for it.

We run two of the Exmarks and have been very pleased with them.

 

[Will_C]

I bought a Z-master with a 52"/23hp Kawasaki motor this year and I am very happy with it. I only have 90 hours on it, but I have not had any trouble.
The machine your asking about would be around $9000 new, so I think the price is reasonable.
Will

 

[radman1]

Toro bough Ex-mark several years ago and the Z master is essentially the same as the Lazer Z Ex-Mark. I have a Z master that is about 6-7 years old. 27 hp Kawasaki motor and 52" deck. Way more hp than needed for a 52" deck but it was an end of year sell off with only this one left. I have about 275 hours with the only repairs being flat tires and 1 new battery. I fixed the flats with Slime. 72" deck is pretty big but you should still be ok. They are commercial duty units and probably overkill for guys like you and me but should last a very long time. Can always go a little slower in heavy grass.

 

[IXLR8]

Hi all,
I've got an opportunity to purchase a 2002 (I think) Toro Z-Master ZTR mower with a 72" deck and 27 hp fuel injected Kohler command engine. It is a one owner & used for residential only.

I have no personal experience with that mower. The LCO that my neighbor uses has 2 of the 52" Z-Masters, he LOVES them, runs them hard commercially. He bought a 72" machine, loved it at first due to how much it cut... but soon he found that it spent more time in the shop than mowing lawns. He was NOT happy and went back to the reliable 52" machine. I have no idea what all his issues were, I just know he only had it for about 4 months. The local dealer is not the best... so that may be some of the source of issues.
I would check it out CAREFULLY and proceed with caution. But in general Toro is a good machine. I am looking at new ZTR's myself and seems to me that the Exmarks are a bit sturdier made than the Toro's I have looked at. You may want to post this question over at Lawnsite.com as there are lots of commercial mowers there and might be able to give you a more knowledgeable answer.