What to do...

prosperity · May 22, 2003

( I have a friend with a friend who mowes right of ways along the interstate. He has a couple of Ransomes ZTR's he is selling for $1500-2500. Is this a good brand, am I nuts considering anything that heavily used? )

I would really check them out. See if they have service records - very important. I wish I was closer because I would love to see these units. Also check to see if you can easily get parts for them. I would be very tempted myself at that price - if I only lived close enough to see them.

HappyOne · May 22, 2003

Stopped by the local Deere dealer. No new ZTR's (major demand) , a few front mowers, and several trade in's. Dealer mentioned that in the grand scheme, a tractor (compact, garden etc) would retain a higher retail value. He also suggested that a used 455 with a 60" deck would stack up well against a 707 series Z-Trak and have a higher resale.

What's the feel here on resale potential of a new ZTR vs a new green or orange compact?

FamilyFarm · May 22, 2003

(
What's the feel here on resale potential of a new ZTR vs a new green or orange compact?

)

It depends on which end of the deal you are on! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
If you are looking for a used one, you may really get a bargain! If you buy the new one, AND sell it soon, you may have to "give it away"! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Terry

BillG_in_TX · May 23, 2003

( He also suggested that a used 455 with a 60" deck ... )

Let me guess: He has a used 455 with a 60" deck available, and doesn't have any ZTR's - new or used. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

prosperity · May 23, 2003

( What's the feel here on resale potential of a new ZTR vs a new green or orange compact?)

I would say the resale of the compact would be better - the ZTR has one purpose where the compact has many.

markie61 · May 23, 2003

Your first post said,
( I just want a good solid mowing machine that can make short work of my cutting. )
If that is STILL your goal, ZTR is undoubtedly the way to go. There are other places to look besides that dealer.

Resale value is like everything else: when the demand is up (spring) value will be up; when the demand is low (January), value will drop to nothing. If I could find an exceptional value now for a ZTR, I would consider it to augment my CUTs mowing. But I plan to get by for now and look starting AFTER mowing season.

Mark

BTW, I shopped professional-lever ZTRs seriously about 3 years ago. I don't know if anything has changed, but Deere were some of the most expensive. I thought Lesco's were a good price (though not full-featured) and Husqvarna's were the best value "package."

Anonymous Poster · May 23, 2003

I agree with Bill, sounds like he was trying to sell his stock. Probably would have been glad to sell you a ZTR if he had one in stock , and would have told its merits over the CUT /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

TBone · May 23, 2003

Somebody posted this site a while back. I am seriously considering one of their residential ZTR's. They look really well built for the $$$.

Country Clipper

TBone

HappyOne · May 23, 2003

(
Let me guess: He has a used 455 with a 60" deck available, and doesn't have any ZTR's - new or used. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif )

They had lots of used (and new) lawn tractors, a few toro, hustler and ?? ZTR's. They actually had someone break in and steal their remaining new ztr's. I don't honestly think he was pushing anything he had, just mentioning what others here have said. When it comes time to sell, the lawn/compact tractor will move quicker.
Unfortunately the Ransomes sold. Deere dealer's next best used deal is a Hustler 3400 72" deck with 650 hours for $5000. I acutally liked the single central stick. It looks like you could easily operate it with one hand.

I plan to look around more this weekend.

Thanks for all the great comments!

James

cowboydoc · May 23, 2003

Well I'm not a dealer and those were my exact thoughts on the ZTR vs. the 455. I don't think anyone with a ZTR could cut any faster than I can on my 455. That was my biggest thing was time and I could not go any faster or get any better cut with a ZTR. That's why I went with the 455. I even had front mount mower for a few weeks as well. The 455 was hands down the winner in my opinion.