Hey and I thought I was the only one in this world that has a new Raptor SD 36 inch.
I needed a ZTR to fit through my small back yard gate that leads to a mostly flat, 3/4 acre yard on common Bermuda.
I was pushing my Husqvarna push mower in Texas heat (>95 degrees) weekly and I hated it! It took me 3 hours from start to finish (Edge, trim, mow and blow). Now it takes me about an hour max, leaves me more time to fertilize the yard to make it grow more so I can cut more often, lol! :thumbsup:
I was looking really hard at the Gravely Compact Pro 34, Raptor SD 36 and a Toro MX3450; I test drove each, I really liked the Gravely but it was out of my budget (6K for the commercial unit). I thought Toro was OK, however read that a lot of folks didn't like the engine on the MX, TORO engine. I drove the SD and thought it was perfect for my residential lawn application.
I paid 3650 out the door with a engine guard and mulch kit. I found a dealer who couldn't sell it because all his customers prefer 42 inch or larger ZTR's. I told him that I'd pay cash and he gave me a good deal (I think?).
This is my first ZTR and I don't know too much about small engine motors, but I thought the Kohler had more power and speed vs the TORO. The Gravely is definitely in it's own class (commercial unit) and was awesome all around, but couldn't justify paying 6K for the mower and Kawi engine. If only money grew on trees. I'm getting close to my first oil change at 5 hours, and really looking forward on servicing the mower myself except I'm a little worried about trying to take the oil filter off. Other folks have said that Superman put on the oil filter at the factory and requires putting a screw driver through it to turn break it loose.
My neighbors have come out to ask questions when I mow my lawn with the RD 36, they say the cut is awesome and it looks great. When they ask home much I paid for the machine, I turn the question back on to them and asked them how much they pay per year for lawn service in the Texas heat. One neighbor mumbled around 40 per week x 10 month long season, math comes out to be around 1600-2000 per year. Like I said, I've been mowing with a push mower for two years saving up for this mower. When I jumped back on to the RD 36 to continue mowing, I could see it in their face how much they resented the fact that I brought up how much they were spending on lawn care.
About a week later, one of the neighbors had delivered a Toro SS 4225 Time cutter he bought at Home depot. I saw him happy as can be mowing his front lawn, but he came over and knocked on my door and asked if I could cut his back yard cause he neglected to actually get a mower that fit through the gate. :laughing:
All in all, I really like my 36, it's a small yellow tank. Wouldn't want anything larger for my application. Hope you enjoy yours also!
