All,
I've spent the past few weeks researching the higher-end residential mowers. This is for my 1+ acre property, even terrain with a slope in the backyard. I've narrowed my choices down to three NEW units:
Hustler Raptor SD 48" $3799 (dealer quoted)
Hustler Raptor SD 54" $3899 (dealer quoted)
Toro MX5060 $3799 (dealer quoted, includes Toro's current rebate)
The Hustler Raptor SD 54" is also available at Home Depot/Lowes where I could probably use a 10% new resident coupon and get it for about $3599.
I also came across a Ferris IS1500Z 54" (not sure of the year, thinking mid-2000s with an unknown number of hours at a local dealer (hour meter replaced due to failure). He wants $4000 for it, claims it to have been homeowner-used, 25 HP Kawasaki (721 engine?).
Here's the pros/cons I see for all of them:
Hustler Raptor SD 48
Pros - fab deck, 2800 hydros, kawi motor, 3 yr warranty
Cons - only $100 cheaper than the 54 (would have liked more difference between the two as I would probably give up the 6" of cut for a bigger discount), smaller tires than the 54, 11 ga deck
Hustler Raptor SD 54
Pros - fab deck, 2800 hydros, kawi motor, biggest cut of all three, biggest tires of all three, 3 yr warranty
Cons - 11 ga deck
Toro MX5060
Pros - fab deck, 2800 hydros, kawi motor, nicest dealer, 10 ga deck, 3 yr warranty
Cons - smaller tires than the Hustler, dealer doesn't seem to want to offer any discount beyond Toro's promotion
Hustler Raptor SD 54 at Home Depot
Pros - best price for the most mower (by a considerable amount with discount coupon! - $400)
Cons - I'm sure the Hustler dealer I visited will disown me if I tried to bring it in for service
Ferris
Pros - chance to own a true commercial mower, suspension
Cons - no idea how many hours, no warranty, hard to find good info about the quality/satisfaction users have had with this mower since I don't know the year (read about issues with the exhaust burning the grass?), feels like it should sell for less considering what it is
If there were a greater margin in price between the 48 and 54 Hustler, I'd probably go for the 48 as my first choice. I think it would be the perfect size for an acre and would give me best value for my money. If I could get the Ferris for a bit less (thinking $3500 out the door), I'd probably make that my second choice. My third is probably a toss-up between the Toro and the 54 Hustler, and again, my decision would be based upon best price.
Since I'm not seeing the prices I'd like, my choice is now leaning heavily towards the 54 Hustler and Toro as my first choice, with the 48 Hustler second, and Ferris third. Still not sure if I'd go Home Depot over the local dealer.
Among these options, what would you do???
Thanks!
I've spent the past few weeks researching the higher-end residential mowers. This is for my 1+ acre property, even terrain with a slope in the backyard. I've narrowed my choices down to three NEW units:
Hustler Raptor SD 48" $3799 (dealer quoted)
Hustler Raptor SD 54" $3899 (dealer quoted)
Toro MX5060 $3799 (dealer quoted, includes Toro's current rebate)
The Hustler Raptor SD 54" is also available at Home Depot/Lowes where I could probably use a 10% new resident coupon and get it for about $3599.
I also came across a Ferris IS1500Z 54" (not sure of the year, thinking mid-2000s with an unknown number of hours at a local dealer (hour meter replaced due to failure). He wants $4000 for it, claims it to have been homeowner-used, 25 HP Kawasaki (721 engine?).
Here's the pros/cons I see for all of them:
Hustler Raptor SD 48
Pros - fab deck, 2800 hydros, kawi motor, 3 yr warranty
Cons - only $100 cheaper than the 54 (would have liked more difference between the two as I would probably give up the 6" of cut for a bigger discount), smaller tires than the 54, 11 ga deck
Hustler Raptor SD 54
Pros - fab deck, 2800 hydros, kawi motor, biggest cut of all three, biggest tires of all three, 3 yr warranty
Cons - 11 ga deck
Toro MX5060
Pros - fab deck, 2800 hydros, kawi motor, nicest dealer, 10 ga deck, 3 yr warranty
Cons - smaller tires than the Hustler, dealer doesn't seem to want to offer any discount beyond Toro's promotion
Hustler Raptor SD 54 at Home Depot
Pros - best price for the most mower (by a considerable amount with discount coupon! - $400)
Cons - I'm sure the Hustler dealer I visited will disown me if I tried to bring it in for service
Ferris
Pros - chance to own a true commercial mower, suspension
Cons - no idea how many hours, no warranty, hard to find good info about the quality/satisfaction users have had with this mower since I don't know the year (read about issues with the exhaust burning the grass?), feels like it should sell for less considering what it is
If there were a greater margin in price between the 48 and 54 Hustler, I'd probably go for the 48 as my first choice. I think it would be the perfect size for an acre and would give me best value for my money. If I could get the Ferris for a bit less (thinking $3500 out the door), I'd probably make that my second choice. My third is probably a toss-up between the Toro and the 54 Hustler, and again, my decision would be based upon best price.
Since I'm not seeing the prices I'd like, my choice is now leaning heavily towards the 54 Hustler and Toro as my first choice, with the 48 Hustler second, and Ferris third. Still not sure if I'd go Home Depot over the local dealer.
Among these options, what would you do???
Thanks!
