I've been using a 50" Sears ZT-7000 to cut my 1-acre lot for the past 12 years and it has served well. Besides minor repairs like deck wheels coming off I've only had to replace the voltage regulator and center spindle assembly. The Briggs IC motor has been faultless, except for the VR which was an easy fix, but the plastic engine cover has disintegrated and replacements are ridiculously expensive. Instead of a new cover I've jury-rigged it with glue and brackets that have been holding for the past few years. It looks terrible but works, as I'm more into function than beauty.
Anyway, last Sunday I bought a 52" Raptor after stumbling upon a clearance sale at Lowe's. With my military and CC discounts I got it for $2175 plus tax, which has to be a real bargain. I've been looking at Toro and Gravely, but hadn't found the right deal and was waiting for spring when the sales pop up. Either way I was expecting to pay $800-1500 more for a ZTR of this size even when on sale. They only had one at my local Lowe's and a few more in outlying areas, so I grabbed it while the getting was good.
It seems well made and I've already ordered a cheap voltmeter and Husqvarna hour meter for it based on tips and reviews here. My yard is not particularly smooth and I think the spring-loaded seat will be an improvement, as my previous riding mowers had no suspension at all. I removed the chute on my previous mowers but am reluctant to do so with the Raptor since the opening exposes the blade and poses a safety concern. Will leave it on mine for the time being and will try to make do by attaching a bungee to pull it up when needed.
Haven't even cranked mine yet, as the yard is too soggy after repeated rain events here to test the new mower, but I'm looking forward to the experience. I would post a photo but it looks like every other 52" Raptor out there, I'm sure, and you all know what they look like.
Anyway, last Sunday I bought a 52" Raptor after stumbling upon a clearance sale at Lowe's. With my military and CC discounts I got it for $2175 plus tax, which has to be a real bargain. I've been looking at Toro and Gravely, but hadn't found the right deal and was waiting for spring when the sales pop up. Either way I was expecting to pay $800-1500 more for a ZTR of this size even when on sale. They only had one at my local Lowe's and a few more in outlying areas, so I grabbed it while the getting was good.
It seems well made and I've already ordered a cheap voltmeter and Husqvarna hour meter for it based on tips and reviews here. My yard is not particularly smooth and I think the spring-loaded seat will be an improvement, as my previous riding mowers had no suspension at all. I removed the chute on my previous mowers but am reluctant to do so with the Raptor since the opening exposes the blade and poses a safety concern. Will leave it on mine for the time being and will try to make do by attaching a bungee to pull it up when needed.
Haven't even cranked mine yet, as the yard is too soggy after repeated rain events here to test the new mower, but I'm looking forward to the experience. I would post a photo but it looks like every other 52" Raptor out there, I'm sure, and you all know what they look like.