Hello all,
I will be purchasing my first residential ZTR for my 1.5 acre lawn (99% flat and manicured). I need to stay around $3,000-$3,500 (so although I appreciate the response I don't want to hear that I should buy a $5k unit, cause it ain't happening)
I've been researching like a madman and have narrowed down my choices to these 3:
1) Hustler Raptor (not SD)
2) Exmark Quest
3) Toro Timecutter SS5000
Both dealers are close so I'd like to limit my brands to these 3 (The Toro is sold at both the Exmark and Hustler dealer).Since my lawn is pretty smooth and this will be just for my lawn, I want to to get opinions on these 3 ZTR's.
First off, I am leaning towards the Raptor since it is the only one that has a fabricated deck. But really, how important is this, considering my flat, smooth lawn?
I like all of the options that the Timecutter offers with their accessories, which seem to be more reasonably priced than Hustler or Exmark extras.
The Raptor has the slowest blade tip speed so that is a negative.
Exmark seems to own a big chunk of the market around where I live, but it's the commercial stuff I see, not residential.
I just can't seem to pull the trigger and would like first hand experience from people with knowledge of the 3.
If anyone has any thoughts I would greatly appreciate them.
Thanks!
I will be purchasing my first residential ZTR for my 1.5 acre lawn (99% flat and manicured). I need to stay around $3,000-$3,500 (so although I appreciate the response I don't want to hear that I should buy a $5k unit, cause it ain't happening)
I've been researching like a madman and have narrowed down my choices to these 3:
1) Hustler Raptor (not SD)
2) Exmark Quest
3) Toro Timecutter SS5000
Both dealers are close so I'd like to limit my brands to these 3 (The Toro is sold at both the Exmark and Hustler dealer).Since my lawn is pretty smooth and this will be just for my lawn, I want to to get opinions on these 3 ZTR's.
First off, I am leaning towards the Raptor since it is the only one that has a fabricated deck. But really, how important is this, considering my flat, smooth lawn?
I like all of the options that the Timecutter offers with their accessories, which seem to be more reasonably priced than Hustler or Exmark extras.
The Raptor has the slowest blade tip speed so that is a negative.
Exmark seems to own a big chunk of the market around where I live, but it's the commercial stuff I see, not residential.
I just can't seem to pull the trigger and would like first hand experience from people with knowledge of the 3.
If anyone has any thoughts I would greatly appreciate them.
Thanks!