new zero turn huslter, kubota, gravely

[pbjeep]

I have read as much as I could on these mowers, but wanted to see if I was heading in the right direction. I have 4 lots that I mow, 2 of which are flat, rough, and muddy at times. However I am looking to move in the next year or so but will not be over 5 acres. More than likely it will be about 2.5 acres.

So far I have looked at Hustler Raptor SD 54", Kubota Kommander ZG123S 48", and Gravely ZT XL 48". Based on what I have read the EZT transmission is not the preferred tranny. The hustler and gravely have the 2800 series and the Kubota has the 3100. Also I think I would rather have the Kawasaki motor. So I am leaning towards the Raptor SD. The dealer is close and it is a little bit cheaper than the Gravely. The Kubota's price and the fact that it does not a Kawasaki motor is a turn off all though it looks very sharp and has a few bells and whistles. Also not sure about the chain hung mowers, none of these are but to get a chain hung deck the price goes up quick. This will be used for personal use only. What advice can you give me, and I do plan to test them all. thanks

 

[edd]

i have had good luck with hustler and its off-shoot big dog.....i prefer the chain hung deck also......dont have any experience with kubota but my buddy is well satisfied with both gravelys he has

 

[pbjeep]

i have had good luck with hustler and its off-shoot big dog.....i prefer the chain hung deck also......dont have any experience with kubota but my buddy is well satisfied with both gravelys he has

What benefits do you actually get with the chain hung deck? I realize it will have more give in an impact, but beside that what do you get?

 

[MRCo.]

What benefits do you actually get with the chain hung deck? I realize it will have more give in an impact, but beside that what do you get?

Yup, better, feer floating action reacts to bumps better, minimizes scalping. Linkages with play like Raptor SD are good, but metal on metal over time will wear.

I will say I've looked at the Kubota and see more pomp than substance, especially the power plant. 3100s are a plus but 2800 will cover your needs. If you have a good Husler dealer nearby I'd look that way.

 

[pbjeep]

Well I am back and forth. Went to look at Exmark and Gravely today. I really like the Gravely ZT HD. I think I found my mower unless yall say otherwise. Exmark is nice but the Gravely just feels heavier.

 

[RustyBoy]

Well I am back and forth. Went to look at Exmark and Gravely today. I really like the Gravely ZT HD. I think I found my mower unless yall say otherwise. Exmark is nice but the Gravely just feels heavier.

I'm in a similar situation as you and I'm torn between the Kommander and Gravely ZT HD. I like the Kommander's appearance and controls but the Gravely ZT HD seems to have more quality features like the 1" cast iron spindles with ball bearings (the Kommander has 1" aluminum), Kawi engine, floating deck, etc. I don't like the appearance on the Gravely where the handles meet the flat piece of metal on each side; looks hokey fabricated and the Kommander's handles appear well thought out. Let us know what you decide to buy.

 

[pbjeep]

I'm in a similar situation as you and I'm torn between the Kommander and Gravely ZT HD. I like the Kommander's appearance and controls but the Gravely ZT HD seems to have more quality features like the 1" cast iron spindles with ball bearings (the Kommander has 1" aluminum), Kawi engine, floating deck, etc. I don't like the appearance on the Gravely where the handles meet the flat piece of metal on each side; looks hokey fabricated and the Kommander's handles appear well thought out. Let us know what you decide to buy.

I actually when to the Kubota dealer today. Found out a few more things about Kubota. First if you go to their website you will notice that the model numbers have changed. Has something to do with govt regs. HP will no longer be labeled and cc will become the only measurement is what I was told. Another interesting fact is that Kubota requires insurance while you are financing. Which I thought was pretty cool since the deductible was only 250 bucks for free replacement. When it is factored into the payment is only 6 bucks a month and is covered for the entire 36 month period. The more I think about spending 5K on a lawn mower the more I like the insurance. Also the 4 year warranty. Now I have to decide, but hustler dealer wants 3% finance charge. Gravely is nice but if I get it, it will be the 52" and it is 5455 with tax. Kubota 48" is 4846 with tax. And the extra year of warranty. The insurance is about 100 bucks a year.

Now I am thinking Kubota, tomorrow I will be thinking Scag, and the next day I will be looking for someone to mow my grass or even worst I will go to Lowes and pick up a troy built. Never ending... the more I look the more I spend.

 

[RustyBoy]

I actually when to the Kubota dealer today. Found out a few more things about Kubota. First if you go to their website you will notice that the model numbers have changed. Has something to do with govt regs. HP will no longer be labeled and cc will become the only measurement is what I was told. Another interesting fact is that Kubota requires insurance while you are financing. Which I thought was pretty cool since the deductible was only 250 bucks for free replacement. When it is factored into the payment is only 6 bucks a month and is covered for the entire 36 month period. The more I think about spending 5K on a lawn mower the more I like the insurance. Also the 4 year warranty. Now I have to decide, but hustler dealer wants 3% finance charge. Gravely is nice but if I get it, it will be the 52" and it is 5455 with tax. Kubota 48" is 4846 with tax. And the extra year of warranty. The insurance is about 100 bucks a year.

Now I am thinking Kubota, tomorrow I will be thinking Scag, and the next day I will be looking for someone to mow my grass or even worst I will go to Lowes and pick up a troy built. Never ending... the more I look the more I spend.

I fully understand what you're saying. I really like the Kommander but when I compare the specs to the Gravely XT HD, the Gravely has it all over it so I'm still tending towards the Gravely and may decide this weekend. Forgot to mention that Gravely also has a $40 hitch that you can attach several items to like a spreader which I will consider. What is affecting my decision is that the Gravely has the 1" cast iron spindles versus Kommander's 1" aluminum, and the Gravely has ball bearings like the commercial units. Transmissions are the same. The deck on the Gravely is a little deeper at 5 1/2" but the big deal here is the floating deck like the commercial units have. Most of all, it has the Kawaski engine. Although the Kommander has a 4 year warranty, the Gravely has been on the market without changes for at least a few years so I would assume that the unit is much more perfected. Oh, and the front wheels are larger than the Kommander which will provide less wear on the lawn with your turns. The more I talk about the specs, the more I believe the Kommander is out-matched by the Gravely. But like someone mentioned, the dealer relationship has a lot to do with everything too. Will not be financing so there is a pretty good discount with the dealer which means the Gravely will also cost less. Lastly, I'm not looking at any other brands like Toro or Scag, etc. The Gravely dealer is further from the Kuboto dealer but the Gravely dealer is much more personable and willing to work with you.

 

[pbjeep]

I fully understand what you're saying. I really like the Kommander but when I compare the specs to the Gravely XT HD, the Gravely has it all over it so I'm still tending towards the Gravely and may decide this weekend. Forgot to mention that Gravely also has a $40 hitch that you can attach several items to like a spreader which I will consider. What is affecting my decision is that the Gravely has the 1" cast iron spindles versus Kommander's 1" aluminum, and the Gravely has ball bearings like the commercial units. Transmissions are the same. The deck on the Gravely is a little deeper at 5 1/2" but the big deal here is the floating deck like the commercial units have. Most of all, it has the Kawaski engine. Although the Kommander has a 4 year warranty, the Gravely has been on the market without changes for at least a few years so I would assume that the unit is much more perfected. Oh, and the front wheels are larger than the Kommander which will provide less wear on the lawn with your turns. The more I talk about the specs, the more I believe the Kommander is out-matched by the Gravely. But like someone mentioned, the dealer relationship has a lot to do with everything too. Will not be financing so there is a pretty good discount with the dealer which means the Gravely will also cost less. Lastly, I'm not looking at any other brands like Toro or Scag, etc. The Gravely dealer is further from the Kuboto dealer but the Gravely dealer is much more personable and willing to work with you.

what kind of quote you getting on the Gravely? What inch deck?

 

[RustyBoy]

what kind of quote you getting on the Gravely? What inch deck?

Received quotes from a few dealers for the ZT HD 48" ranging from $4439 cash to $5000. Went to both dealers this afternoon, the Kubota and Gravely so I could better compare the models. Still difficult without having them side by side but finally decided a few hours ago with the Gravely simply because of its seemingly better quality with the ball bearing cast iron spindles, deck depth, hanging deck and Kawi engine. Also, I went to the Gravely site and they have numerous consumer friendly instructions for performing routine maintenance and more, something that Kubota does not have. I like doing the simple work myself so this is a plus for me. They also have a phone number for tech support. Gravely supposedly is offering its dealers a special one day promotion sometime in April focusing on commercial mowers. I received a quote for that sale in April at $4439 but that would be for a 1 year commercial warranty. I went with the $4600 cash price as I like the dealer even though he's further away from the Kubota dealer. Lastly, Gravely has a hitch you can purchase for $40 which will accept several implements - in my case, I will be getting a fertilizer spreader. Bottom line is that I'll be paying about $5,000 for the mower, suspension seat, hitch, floor pan mat and a set of blades. Found out today that the Kubota grass chute does not stay in the up position when storing in the garage/shed. Salesman said to make a hole in the chute and attach a cord to hold it up. Not a big deal but the Gravely had a pin that holds the chute up, plus it has an easily read gas gauge. I think the Kubota maybe looks nicer with its clean lines while the Gravely seems to be designed primarily to get the job done and possibly longer longevity - just my take. Hope this helps.