The Toro SS5500 would be very similar to the Exmark Quest E Series and usually sells for a few hundred dollars more than the Toro. Bigger tires are usually an advatage as the wider width will give you better traction and tend to not dig into the turf as much.
Bruce
Sorry but in a previous post on this thread it says the Toro does not have a serviceable drives. What does this mean?
the sticker on the Toro says model 74631. it also has the Kawasaki V twin engine. i think the same HP also.
Also, the Toro model i am talking about is the Toro Time Cutter SS5000 as in the picture. it has the more expensive deck that is 50 inch and says 4 inch Discharge.
i took several pictures of the Toro and i cannot see any difference in this mower and the exmark Quest S series other than color and brand name. even the diagram on the deck of the belt drive is the same. the controls are the same and in the same location.
the exmark does say Ultra Smooth Hydro Gear ZT2800 on the 50 inch model. the sale price is $4300.00 versus the Toro at $2999.00. don't know the about the Hydro Gear transmission on the Toro.
i just cannot see the difference between the two other than Home Depot has a lot more buying power than a small local dealer. $1300.00 is a big difference. especially if you are going to just cut 2 to 25 hours a week with it and hardly at all if any during the winter.
in the exmark brochure it says Hella work light kit. i guess that is just head lights to work at night like any small home lawn tractor. don't know what Jack and Receiver is for or Turf striper must mean for a football field i don't know. it has a PTO like the TORO but i don't know what accessory that would be for living in the south. i think the mulch kit is extra. i don't know what else you could use it for to make money with other than maybe it will mulch and get up leaves.
the truth of the matter is i am a computer guy for a living and the economy has hurt. i have 8 rental houses and that is why i do have some good equipment bought several years ago except something like a zero turn. never get into rental houses bu the way!!! i am just trying to start a little lawn care business to make some extra money. At least i am not out here stealing copper or something else. i am trying to make it the right way. Even if family is embarrassed by a "i cut yards" sign in the front yard.
Sorry for the long post but any advise on the mower or even starting this business is appreciated!