Toro Titan ZX4800 w/Kohler Confidant 21 hp Engine

optical_man said:

Hi, I was in a a similar situation wondering what to get for my lawn. (I have just under an acre as well.) Earlier this spring, I wound up buying the Toro Titan MX4800 (like the ZX, but with wider tires and a suspension seat)

I used to use a push mower that took me hours to mow. I gave that up and had a contractor mow my lawn for a couple of years. But, I was never really happy with two things: 1) The timing of when it was mowed to coordinate watering and fertilizer treatments, and 2) the quality of the job. Now mowing it by myself this season, I have the best looking lawn in the neighborhood! I mow it when I want with hardly any effort and time. I find it a joy now! It is actually fun to do and I find it to be a major stress reliever from my hectic day job. It was worth the extra money for me.

Mine doesn't smoke at startup. I wonder if you are using too much choke? If it's hot outside, I found that the choke is not even needed. If it's cold, I just pull it up half way and then push it back down after a few seconds of starting. Also, I put the throttle at half way when turning the ignition.

I haven't paid close attention to gas usage, but the rule of thumb that I've been using seems to be holding true where I get at least 5 hours per tank.

I hope you enjoy your Toro as well!

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optical_man said:

I know what you mean about the oil hose. I thought the same thing, but upon changing the oil, I found it not as bad as I expected. I managed to find a perfect container to catch the oil without having to hold it. That way I could use both hands to loosen the plug and direct the initial surge into the container without needing 3 hands.

Another nugget of information to achieve a clean cut every time is to sharpen your blades often. I sharpen them every 6 hours. I suppose every 8 hours would do if the conditions aren't very dry. I bought a spare set so that each swap-out is quick. I'm using stock blades which seem good enough for me. I've read about some 3rd party blades out there that claim better performance, but I don't have any 1st hand experience to know if it would be better or worse for my mower. I do know that in order for the bearings to last a long time is that the blades need to be balanced properly. The old nail on the wall just isn't accurate enough. Probably overkill, but I splurged for one of the more expensive balancing units - the Magna-Matic MAG-1000. Video: MAG-1000 VS. the Nail

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Scott S said:

I agree with keeping the blades sharp for an even cut. However, doing it myself is a bit above my skill set when it comes to properly balancing and sharpening. I looked at the video link and to balance them you need the balancer and a grinder (lots of money for both pieces of Magna-matic equipment). It may not be as cost effective in the long run, but I may be better off (stress wise) to just take them to be sharpened and balanced and replacing them occasionally with new ones.

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bertsmobile1 said:

Oregon make a plastic one, about $ 5.00.
Most places used a nail hammered into the wall dead square.
Good enough for the average home owner who mows a few hours a week.
The easiest way to sharpen is with a flap disk on an angle grinder, about $ 15.00 and if you are poverty struck a garbage Chinese grinder from HF or Wally's is about the same price.
Provided you do not run it for more than 10 minutes at a time.
Two or more sets of blades, one on the mower & the others sharpened & balanced ready to go on.
Dead easy to do and a lot faster in the long run because as sure as poo is brown the one day you have to mow the grass, you will hit a brick & bend a blade, with just not enough time to get to the shop to get a new one but enough time to pass the cop 10 m/hr over the speed limit.

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7394 said:

Congrats to both of you. ZX & The MX are very solid machines.

In my case, Seems I don't think I can bear to let my Kawasaki engine Timecutter 4260 go. It only takes me 28-35 minutes mowing anyhow. I got interested in upgrading just because of the reduced price.

Scott- the more you use yours the more the rings will seat etc.

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Scott S said:

Well, if you're happy that's the name of the game and besides you can't go wrong because you've still got a good mower with the 4260 and nearly $4000.00 more in the bank.

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7394 said:

Thank You, Yes I am. I was losing sleep about this deal :confused2:. Least I test drove one. Actually I would have only been out about $2,200. with mine in trade. And if I never saw the ZX reduced price, it would have never entered my mind.
Mine is now put up for winter (due to the drought as well), I prepped it yesterday, serviced, & cleaned it up thoroughly, & it has a good coat of wax over it, I always wipe that off in the spring. :thumbsup: That's also when I put back on my sharpened & balanced blades.

PS: I use only 100% gas here, I avoid the ethanol blend stuff.

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Scott S said:

I was really torn between the Gravely ZTX46 and the ZX4800. The Gravely was about $600.00 less, but, in the end, I went with the Toro because it was in an entirely different league due to it's commercial build and the $1400.00 discount. I really like it and have no regrets. I still have a few more mowing days left this season which will end just before Christmas and then I will service it for next Spring (oil change, blades, etc..). I only use 100% 89 octane gas (per the dealer's recommendation). I currently have 4.4 hours on it.

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