1st time Zero Turn shopper some guidance on models to consider.
Well title says it all. I do not have a brand narrowed down yet, been trying to skim mfg sites and forums for a few days and head is starting to spin, seems like the options have increased 10fold since 2 years ago..
My Wants:
So I am hoping maybe for some guidance from those that have units from these mfg. I will say My heart leans to Kubota just because of how awesome the T1560 has been for durability and what I saw at the dealer today. They just seem to really nail the fit, finish and feel of a quality machine. But the guy at the dealer today just seemed clueless, heck he did not even ask me any questions, it was me asking to see the exmarks (took 15min to find as they had only kubota on display for Kubota Field day tomorrow and then they had one one model of exmark), then me making assumptions and asking him if I was correct about the kubota's he had out.
I know Home depot and Lowes folks will be clueless, so that is just a walk in and fondle the rigs a bit getting a gut feel for is they seem cheap or not.
Any specific models you folks recommend I look for to fit my price range and needs?
Well title says it all. I do not have a brand narrowed down yet, been trying to skim mfg sites and forums for a few days and head is starting to spin, seems like the options have increased 10fold since 2 years ago..
- Western WA, lot of rain, grass tends to grow fast and thick and be damp when mowing.
- Last mower is/was Kubota T1560 (rear suspension), lasted 20yrs, 14hp, 44" stamped deck, deck powered bagger that clogs often due to above conditions.
- 1acre flat but rough lawn (thinking suspen seat or tractor suspen is required to not get beat up)
- budget $3-4K+bagger
- Have the following brands at local dealers per the dealers website (not verified they carry ZT's for the brand):
*Kubota and Exmark 10mi away (only had one exmark model and new salesman knew little about either brand. (I knew more from 4 days of research online)
*Ariens, Ferris, Husqvarna, toro 15miles away (brands per store website)
*Scag, Husqvarna (small dealer 3 miles away that used to have Cub a year ago.)
*scag, JD, Hustler (10mi away small dealer)
My Wants:
- Fabricated deck. Last mower was stamped but was super heavy construction.
- Serviceable transmissions
- suspended unit or seat.
- deck cleanout? or are they gimmick, better to get a unit with a lift to spray under it?
- ROPS - seems many of the cheap units do not have them, my ground is really flat, but safety 1st..?
- Foot pedal deck lift.
- 42-50" deck
- I would like an engine that is serviceable and/or has a oil filter.
So I am hoping maybe for some guidance from those that have units from these mfg. I will say My heart leans to Kubota just because of how awesome the T1560 has been for durability and what I saw at the dealer today. They just seem to really nail the fit, finish and feel of a quality machine. But the guy at the dealer today just seemed clueless, heck he did not even ask me any questions, it was me asking to see the exmarks (took 15min to find as they had only kubota on display for Kubota Field day tomorrow and then they had one one model of exmark), then me making assumptions and asking him if I was correct about the kubota's he had out.
I know Home depot and Lowes folks will be clueless, so that is just a walk in and fondle the rigs a bit getting a gut feel for is they seem cheap or not.
Any specific models you folks recommend I look for to fit my price range and needs?
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