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Dealer & Mower Recomendations
#1
J
jloktalGst
J
jloktalGst
Like a lot of folks, I started looking for ZTR mower info online and found this site. After reading hundreds of opinions and recommendations, I finally have a reasonable number of (hopefully) intelligent questions. Here goes, 1st what I have; a little over 2.5 acres, with trees, fence, outbuildings etc. Add a few ruts, rocks, concrete and slopes, (so it isn't your local golf course). What I'm trying to do, cut my mowing time down to something less than 1.5 hours, weed eating is extra. How much I'm looking to spend, under $5k, and under 4 would be better. Lastly find a dealer in my neck of the woods that understands what we put up with as it relates to lawns, weather etc., in the North Fort Worth area. With all of that said, this is what I think I have learned, welded deck, biggest engine I can afford, (I'm partial to Kawasaki), and find a good, make that great dealer. Oh yeah, 54 inch deck seems about right. Please let the opinions and advice fly.......
#2
W
whelch1
W
whelch1
I also was looking in that price range and recently bought a 52"scag freedom z with the Kawasaki 21 horse engine. Only have only used it to cut twice but so far I love it. Built like a tank and has a good ride. Not quite a commercial mower but has the commercial grade deck which was my main priority. Other mowers I considered were the hustler raptor and the bad boy ctz. The scag was $4900 where the raptor could be had for $4000, and the bad boy for $5800.
#4
1
1striper1
1
1striper1
I'm cutting and pasting this from another post I just made on a similar thread...but the advice still applies:
To me, the purchase comes down to which mower offers:
1. Buying it from a reputable dealer who knows their products and offers after sale support
2. A "better" engine. Ask 5 guys which engine they like and you'll get 5 different opinions. For me it's the Kawi FX Series (dual carbs and dual air filtration). STAY AWAY from the B&S Pro Series (an oil burner).
3. Which ZTR has the stronger hydro's. Not knowing exactly which your choices have I can't really offer more. But seeing that you're not mowing for a living any of them are probably OK.
4. Frame build quality.
5. I'd guess that in one of your choices it'll come with a suspension seat? That to me is worth the extra $$ or a worthwhile upgrade.
6. IMO - do NOT get a rear discharge deck unless you see firsthand if the cut quality and clippings meet your expectations
I come back to #1 -- is there a dealer that you have a relationship with?
EDIT - agree on the 54" size
To me, the purchase comes down to which mower offers:
1. Buying it from a reputable dealer who knows their products and offers after sale support
2. A "better" engine. Ask 5 guys which engine they like and you'll get 5 different opinions. For me it's the Kawi FX Series (dual carbs and dual air filtration). STAY AWAY from the B&S Pro Series (an oil burner).
3. Which ZTR has the stronger hydro's. Not knowing exactly which your choices have I can't really offer more. But seeing that you're not mowing for a living any of them are probably OK.
4. Frame build quality.
5. I'd guess that in one of your choices it'll come with a suspension seat? That to me is worth the extra $$ or a worthwhile upgrade.
6. IMO - do NOT get a rear discharge deck unless you see firsthand if the cut quality and clippings meet your expectations
I come back to #1 -- is there a dealer that you have a relationship with?
EDIT - agree on the 54" size
#5
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
If speed is what you need.
Dixie Chopper - worlds faster mower.
The tag line says it all.
Got a couple in my run, nothing to write home to mom about but the one that I regularly service gives little trouble the other is breakdowns only & he has more problems because he thinks a service is changine the oil.
Trick to reducing the mowing time is to mow frequently.
If you are only knocking off 1 to 2" off 4 to 6" high grass you can run over it at 16 mph about 25 to 40 minutes.
If you ar trying to lop 6' off 10" high grass you will be lucky to do 2 mph.
Keeping the gass at around 4" will mean that you will always be clear of rocks, sticks stone, tin cans, beer bottles and any other debris that seems to accumulate on the grass.
And from a distance it will always look nice & green ( weather permitting).
This speeds up the mowing no end and is a lot easier on the blades and belts as the pulleys run close to inline.
Buying a second set of blades and changing the blut ones for sharp ones will also cut down the mowing time no end and you can then sharpen the blades when you have time ( or send them out ) rather than havine to do it before mowing because they are no longer cutting.
The worst thing you can do to your mower is mowing close so long & often is the clever way to do it.
Dixie Chopper - worlds faster mower.
The tag line says it all.
Got a couple in my run, nothing to write home to mom about but the one that I regularly service gives little trouble the other is breakdowns only & he has more problems because he thinks a service is changine the oil.
Trick to reducing the mowing time is to mow frequently.
If you are only knocking off 1 to 2" off 4 to 6" high grass you can run over it at 16 mph about 25 to 40 minutes.
If you ar trying to lop 6' off 10" high grass you will be lucky to do 2 mph.
Keeping the gass at around 4" will mean that you will always be clear of rocks, sticks stone, tin cans, beer bottles and any other debris that seems to accumulate on the grass.
And from a distance it will always look nice & green ( weather permitting).
This speeds up the mowing no end and is a lot easier on the blades and belts as the pulleys run close to inline.
Buying a second set of blades and changing the blut ones for sharp ones will also cut down the mowing time no end and you can then sharpen the blades when you have time ( or send them out ) rather than havine to do it before mowing because they are no longer cutting.
The worst thing you can do to your mower is mowing close so long & often is the clever way to do it.
#6
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
And if you are only doing your own 2.5 acres consider an ex commercial with a bigger deck, 60" or 72" make a big difference if you can get them around the obstacles on your block.
If you spray, fit a 5 gal drum on the mower with an electric spray pump and hand belt wand so you can spray the fence line at the same time you mow, Saves a lot more time.
If you spray, fit a 5 gal drum on the mower with an electric spray pump and hand belt wand so you can spray the fence line at the same time you mow, Saves a lot more time.
#7
S
Shughes717
Dixie chopper's claim to be the worlds fastest mower is totally false. Pull up zero turn mower race 2011 and watch dixie chopper come in last place. First place hustler super z, second scag cheetah. John Deere and xmark are pretty close together, but the " worlds fastest mower" gets smoked. Besides non of that really matters much anyway. All of them have a similar blade tip speed, and if you go much faster than 10 mph while mowing it's going to look horrible. Dixie chopper has one mower that has two engines on it that has a transport speed of 25mph, but that thing cost as much as a new car and won't mow any faster than the others. The rest of dixie's line is no faster than any other brand. Not saying they aren't well made, but their claim to be the fastest is just false.
S
Shughes717
If speed is what you need.
Dixie Chopper - worlds faster mower.
The tag line says it all.
Got a couple in my run, nothing to write home to mom about but the one that I regularly service gives little trouble the other is breakdowns only & he has more problems because he thinks a service is changine the oil.
Trick to reducing the mowing time is to mow frequently.
If you are only knocking off 1 to 2" off 4 to 6" high grass you can run over it at 16 mph about 25 to 40 minutes.
If you ar trying to lop 6' off 10" high grass you will be lucky to do 2 mph.
Keeping the gass at around 4" will mean that you will always be clear of rocks, sticks stone, tin cans, beer bottles and any other debris that seems to accumulate on the grass.
And from a distance it will always look nice & green ( weather permitting).
This speeds up the mowing no end and is a lot easier on the blades and belts as the pulleys run close to inline.
Buying a second set of blades and changing the blut ones for sharp ones will also cut down the mowing time no end and you can then sharpen the blades when you have time ( or send them out ) rather than havine to do it before mowing because they are no longer cutting.
The worst thing you can do to your mower is mowing close so long & often is the clever way to do it.
Dixie chopper's claim to be the worlds fastest mower is totally false. Pull up zero turn mower race 2011 and watch dixie chopper come in last place. First place hustler super z, second scag cheetah. John Deere and xmark are pretty close together, but the " worlds fastest mower" gets smoked. Besides non of that really matters much anyway. All of them have a similar blade tip speed, and if you go much faster than 10 mph while mowing it's going to look horrible. Dixie chopper has one mower that has two engines on it that has a transport speed of 25mph, but that thing cost as much as a new car and won't mow any faster than the others. The rest of dixie's line is no faster than any other brand. Not saying they aren't well made, but their claim to be the fastest is just false.
#8
S
Shughes717
Before we start naming possible mowers to consider we would need to know what brands you have available in your area. Great dealer support starts with local dealers. You don't want to have to drive 100 miles for parts.
S
Shughes717
Like a lot of folks, I started looking for ZTR mower info online and found this site. After reading hundreds of opinions and recommendations, I finally have a reasonable number of (hopefully) intelligent questions. Here goes, 1st what I have; a little over 2.5 acres, with trees, fence, outbuildings etc. Add a few ruts, rocks, concrete and slopes, (so it isn't your local golf course). What I'm trying to do, cut my mowing time down to something less than 1.5 hours, weed eating is extra. How much I'm looking to spend, under $5k, and under 4 would be better. Lastly find a dealer in my neck of the woods that understands what we put up with as it relates to lawns, weather etc., in the North Fort Worth area. With all of that said, this is what I think I have learned, welded deck, biggest engine I can afford, (I'm partial to Kawasaki), and find a good, make that great dealer. Oh yeah, 54 inch deck seems about right. Please let the opinions and advice fly.......
Before we start naming possible mowers to consider we would need to know what brands you have available in your area. Great dealer support starts with local dealers. You don't want to have to drive 100 miles for parts.
#9
S
Shughes717
No need to get a 60" mower for 2.5 acres. I mow over 4 acres with a commercial 48" snapper pro s150xt in 2 hours and 15 minutes. I have slopes, numerous trees, kids playground equipment, and a lot more obstacles. The op can get a new mower for 4 to 5k and suit his needs perfectly.
S
Shughes717
And if you are only doing your own 2.5 acres consider an ex commercial with a bigger deck, 60" or 72" make a big difference if you can get them around the obstacles on your block.
If you spray, fit a 5 gal drum on the mower with an electric spray pump and hand belt wand so you can spray the fence line at the same time you mow, Saves a lot more time.
No need to get a 60" mower for 2.5 acres. I mow over 4 acres with a commercial 48" snapper pro s150xt in 2 hours and 15 minutes. I have slopes, numerous trees, kids playground equipment, and a lot more obstacles. The op can get a new mower for 4 to 5k and suit his needs perfectly.
#10
Ric
Ric
[video=youtube;pxmVdUNADc4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pxmVdUNADc4[/video]
#11
S
Shughes717
Lol, that's the one Ric.:laughing:
S
Shughes717
[video=youtube;pxmVdUNADc4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pxmVdUNADc4[/video]
Lol, that's the one Ric.:laughing:
#12
Ric
Yeah Dixie Chopper :laughing: Worlds fastest alright. I thought it was really cute when they pulled it from the last race, they must have been :ashamed:
Ric
Lol, that's the one Ric.:laughing:
Yeah Dixie Chopper :laughing: Worlds fastest alright. I thought it was really cute when they pulled it from the last race, they must have been :ashamed:
#13
S
Shughes717
I guess they didn't want to pour salt in an open wound.
S
Shughes717
Yeah Dixie Chopper :laughing: Worlds fastest alright. I thought it was really cute when they pulled it from the last race, they must have been :ashamed:
I guess they didn't want to pour salt in an open wound.
#14
B
bertsmobile1
The ones I service supposedly have a ground speed of 16 mph weather one uses that speed is another question.
At the time they were made it was the fastest ground speed available AFAIK.
The Danes I service are good for 7 but they are several generations older.
Nice little video by the way, you did notice that the driver that was popping the monos & slides came out on top.
As for blade tip speed, that is regulated and was dropped 1200 ft/min a while back so you are right, most will have the same blade speed so cutting speed will have a lot more to do with efficient deck design than absolute land speed.
B
bertsmobile1
Dixie chopper's claim to be the worlds fastest mower is totally false. Pull up zero turn mower race 2011 and watch dixie chopper come in last place. First place hustler super z, second scag cheetah. John Deere and xmark are pretty close together, but the " worlds fastest mower" gets smoked. Besides non of that really matters much anyway. All of them have a similar blade tip speed, and if you go much faster than 10 mph while mowing it's going to look horrible. Dixie chopper has one mower that has two engines on it that has a transport speed of 25mph, but that thing cost as much as a new car and won't mow any faster than the others. The rest of dixie's line is no faster than any other brand. Not saying they aren't well made, but their claim to be the fastest is just false.
The ones I service supposedly have a ground speed of 16 mph weather one uses that speed is another question.
At the time they were made it was the fastest ground speed available AFAIK.
The Danes I service are good for 7 but they are several generations older.
Nice little video by the way, you did notice that the driver that was popping the monos & slides came out on top.
As for blade tip speed, that is regulated and was dropped 1200 ft/min a while back so you are right, most will have the same blade speed so cutting speed will have a lot more to do with efficient deck design than absolute land speed.
#15
S
Shughes717
Most commercial mowers travel anywhere from 10mph to 16 mph. If a mower has zt5400 hydros (like mine) you can flip a lever on the hydros to put them in transport gear and it will go up to 16 mph. The hustler super z has Parker wheel motors with separate pumps and has a speed up to 16 mph. As far as blade tip speed you are way off. The average blade tip speed for most commercial mowers is 18000 to 19000 rotations per minute.
S
Shughes717
The ones I service supposedly have a ground speed of 16 mph weather one uses that speed is another question.
At the time they were made it was the fastest ground speed available AFAIK.
The Danes I service are good for 7 but they are several generations older.
Nice little video by the way, you did notice that the driver that was popping the monos & slides came out on top.
As for blade tip speed, that is regulated and was dropped 1200 ft/min a while back so you are right, most will have the same blade speed so cutting speed will have a lot more to do with efficient deck design than absolute land speed.
Most commercial mowers travel anywhere from 10mph to 16 mph. If a mower has zt5400 hydros (like mine) you can flip a lever on the hydros to put them in transport gear and it will go up to 16 mph. The hustler super z has Parker wheel motors with separate pumps and has a speed up to 16 mph. As far as blade tip speed you are way off. The average blade tip speed for most commercial mowers is 18000 to 19000 rotations per minute.
#16
J
jloktalGst
I want to thank everyone for their input and advice, so I thought I'd follow up and let you know what I bought and why. I did not want a B&S engine, and generally had a leaning for a Kawasaki. I had to have a welded deck, and I thought I would eventually get front suspension, so wanted that option. Contacted a bunch of dealers, and ended up going with one a little further out, but they offered me the best overall deal. So the answer is the Hustler Raptor SD in 54". I went with that size deck because it is the easiest to get through my gates, and around my property in general. The speed discussion for me is a bit of a moot point since my yard is less like a golf course, and more like a dirt track after a rainstorm, my kidneys can only take so much bounce! For those wondering if the front suspension is worth the money, two things, the dealer gave me about $100 off which helps, but they were not in stock the 1st couple of times I used the mower, so after I put them on and doing a comparison, there is a big difference. Think bed of a pick up truck to the front seat kind of difference, (remember my yard description). Also, Hustler was offering to extend the warranty to 4 years. So, a fair price, (better than other brands in the price category IMHO), free delivery, free first oil change at my home, (read this as a great dealer experience so far), extended warranty, Kawasaki engine, and front suspension. 5 hours on the clock and zero disappointments.
J
jloktalGst
Most commercial mowers travel anywhere from 10mph to 16 mph. If a mower has zt5400 hydros (like mine) you can flip a lever on the hydros to put them in transport gear and it will go up to 16 mph. The hustler super z has Parker wheel motors with separate pumps and has a speed up to 16 mph. As far as blade tip speed you are way off. The average blade tip speed for most commercial mowers is 18000 to 19000 rotations per minute.
I want to thank everyone for their input and advice, so I thought I'd follow up and let you know what I bought and why. I did not want a B&S engine, and generally had a leaning for a Kawasaki. I had to have a welded deck, and I thought I would eventually get front suspension, so wanted that option. Contacted a bunch of dealers, and ended up going with one a little further out, but they offered me the best overall deal. So the answer is the Hustler Raptor SD in 54". I went with that size deck because it is the easiest to get through my gates, and around my property in general. The speed discussion for me is a bit of a moot point since my yard is less like a golf course, and more like a dirt track after a rainstorm, my kidneys can only take so much bounce! For those wondering if the front suspension is worth the money, two things, the dealer gave me about $100 off which helps, but they were not in stock the 1st couple of times I used the mower, so after I put them on and doing a comparison, there is a big difference. Think bed of a pick up truck to the front seat kind of difference, (remember my yard description). Also, Hustler was offering to extend the warranty to 4 years. So, a fair price, (better than other brands in the price category IMHO), free delivery, free first oil change at my home, (read this as a great dealer experience so far), extended warranty, Kawasaki engine, and front suspension. 5 hours on the clock and zero disappointments.
#17
S
Shughes717
The raptor sd is a good choice for a lawn your size. I hope you get many years of service out of it.:thumbsup:
S
Shughes717
I want to thank everyone for their input and advice, so I thought I'd follow up and let you know what I bought and why. I did not want a B&S engine, and generally had a leaning for a Kawasaki. I had to have a welded deck, and I thought I would eventually get front suspension, so wanted that option. Contacted a bunch of dealers, and ended up going with one a little further out, but they offered me the best overall deal. So the answer is the Hustler Raptor SD in 54". I went with that size deck because it is the easiest to get through my gates, and around my property in general. The speed discussion for me is a bit of a moot point since my yard is less like a golf course, and more like a dirt track after a rainstorm, my kidneys can only take so much bounce! For those wondering if the front suspension is worth the money, two things, the dealer gave me about $100 off which helps, but they were not in stock the 1st couple of times I used the mower, so after I put them on and doing a comparison, there is a big difference. Think bed of a pick up truck to the front seat kind of difference, (remember my yard description). Also, Hustler was offering to extend the warranty to 4 years. So, a fair price, (better than other brands in the price category IMHO), free delivery, free first oil change at my home, (read this as a great dealer experience so far), extended warranty, Kawasaki engine, and front suspension. 5 hours on the clock and zero disappointments.
The raptor sd is a good choice for a lawn your size. I hope you get many years of service out of it.:thumbsup:
#18
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
Hope you & your mower have many happy years together.
If you do not have an air compressor, get one and an 3" long air gun.
Use it to blow down the mower after every mow, particularly from around the deck pulleys and around the engine & hydros.
A second or third set of blades is also a good idea so you can swap then right away should they get damaged and always have a sharp set on hand.
Sharp blades will cut a lot faster & easier than dull blades so less time mowing.
If you spray around trees & under the fence line a 2 to 5 gallon sprayer works wonders and once you are at home with driving it you can then spray while you are mowing.
I have even seen a ROP with a bracket on it to hold a trimmer because the owner trims while on the mower, says it saves him hours.
If you do not have an air compressor, get one and an 3" long air gun.
Use it to blow down the mower after every mow, particularly from around the deck pulleys and around the engine & hydros.
A second or third set of blades is also a good idea so you can swap then right away should they get damaged and always have a sharp set on hand.
Sharp blades will cut a lot faster & easier than dull blades so less time mowing.
If you spray around trees & under the fence line a 2 to 5 gallon sprayer works wonders and once you are at home with driving it you can then spray while you are mowing.
I have even seen a ROP with a bracket on it to hold a trimmer because the owner trims while on the mower, says it saves him hours.
#19
S
Shughes717
Blowing the grass off of the mower and deck after every use is very good advice. Having a second set of blades isn't a horrible idea, but the op isn't a lawn care proffessional. Take the blades off after you have mowed your lawn 4 or 5 times and sharpen them before mowing again and you should be fine. Try to avoid running over gravel and tree limbs and the blades will last much longer. I have over 100 hours on the set on my mower and they are still in good condition.
S
Shughes717
Hope you & your mower have many happy years together.
If you do not have an air compressor, get one and an 3" long air gun.
Use it to blow down the mower after every mow, particularly from around the deck pulleys and around the engine & hydros.
A second or third set of blades is also a good idea so you can swap then right away should they get damaged and always have a sharp set on hand.
Sharp blades will cut a lot faster & easier than dull blades so less time mowing.
If you spray around trees & under the fence line a 2 to 5 gallon sprayer works wonders and once you are at home with driving it you can then spray while you are mowing.
I have even seen a ROP with a bracket on it to hold a trimmer because the owner trims while on the mower, says it saves him hours.
Blowing the grass off of the mower and deck after every use is very good advice. Having a second set of blades isn't a horrible idea, but the op isn't a lawn care proffessional. Take the blades off after you have mowed your lawn 4 or 5 times and sharpen them before mowing again and you should be fine. Try to avoid running over gravel and tree limbs and the blades will last much longer. I have over 100 hours on the set on my mower and they are still in good condition.
#20
Ric
I blow off the mower after every lawn, that's any where for 10 to 15 times a day.:laughing: It keeps the mower clean but most importantly it minimizes the grass form being transported from one location to another. A good blower with 150mph works better than an air compressor for me.
Ric
Blowing the grass off of the mower and deck after every use is very good advice. Having a second set of blades isn't a horrible idea, but the op isn't a lawn care professional. Take the blades off after you have mowed your lawn 4 or 5 times and sharpen them before mowing again and you should be fine. Try to avoid running over gravel and tree limbs and the blades will last much longer. I have over 100 hours on the set on my mower and they are still in good condition.
I blow off the mower after every lawn, that's any where for 10 to 15 times a day.:laughing: It keeps the mower clean but most importantly it minimizes the grass form being transported from one location to another. A good blower with 150mph works better than an air compressor for me.
#21
B
bertsmobile1
Yes he can get by with only one set of blades but what happens is you don't quite have enough time to sharpen the blades so you do a quick cut not ( that takes 10 minutes longer ) and promise yourself you will do it next time when you are not in such a hurry, but that never happens, However having that presharpened blades sitting on the wall means you know it will only take 6 miutes to do so you do it.
Motorcycle chains are very similar story, have a clean one ready to change and you do it , pulling it off cleaning and greasing it before you go out into the spring sun, just never happens , till it is too late.
B
bertsmobile1
Blowing the grass off of the mower and deck after every use is very good advice. Having a second set of blades isn't a horrible idea, but the op isn't a lawn care proffessional. Take the blades off after you have mowed your lawn 4 or 5 times and sharpen them before mowing again and you should be fine. Try to avoid running over gravel and tree limbs and the blades will last much longer. I have over 100 hours on the set on my mower and they are still in good condition.
Yes he can get by with only one set of blades but what happens is you don't quite have enough time to sharpen the blades so you do a quick cut not ( that takes 10 minutes longer ) and promise yourself you will do it next time when you are not in such a hurry, but that never happens, However having that presharpened blades sitting on the wall means you know it will only take 6 miutes to do so you do it.
Motorcycle chains are very similar story, have a clean one ready to change and you do it , pulling it off cleaning and greasing it before you go out into the spring sun, just never happens , till it is too late.
#22
J
jloktalGst
J
jloktalGst
Thanks again for all the advice. I will definitely get an extra set of blades, so that I can swap and go. The motorcycle chain analogy is perfect, cause been there done that!
#23
1
1striper1
Why in your opinion does one need to be a lawn care pro to have more than one set of blades? (can't wait to hear this answer)
1
1striper1
Having a second set of blades isn't a horrible idea, but the op isn't a lawn care proffessional.
Why in your opinion does one need to be a lawn care pro to have more than one set of blades? (can't wait to hear this answer)
#24
S
Shughes717
Just pointing out that a home owner uses their mower a couple of hours a week. Not 30 or more. Lawn care proffesionals make a living with their machines. Every minute the mower isn't in operation it takes money out of their pocket. They don't have time to stop their mower, take off the blades, sharpen them, and put them back on. People who only mow their own lawns aren't doing so for a profit, so 20 minutes of down time every now and then is no big deal. I did not say it was a bad idea, just that it wasn't nesesarily a must have. There is, however, no reason for a home owner to have a third set of blades. Just a waste of money there.
S
Shughes717
Why in your opinion does one need to be a lawn care pro to have more than one set of blades? (can't wait to hear this answer)
Just pointing out that a home owner uses their mower a couple of hours a week. Not 30 or more. Lawn care proffesionals make a living with their machines. Every minute the mower isn't in operation it takes money out of their pocket. They don't have time to stop their mower, take off the blades, sharpen them, and put them back on. People who only mow their own lawns aren't doing so for a profit, so 20 minutes of down time every now and then is no big deal. I did not say it was a bad idea, just that it wasn't nesesarily a must have. There is, however, no reason for a home owner to have a third set of blades. Just a waste of money there.
#25
D
diamatron
Do all the 5400 have this, or is a feature of some?
D
diamatron
The ones I service supposedly have a ground speed of 16 mph weather one uses that speed is another question.
At the time they were made it was the fastest ground speed available AFAIK.
The Danes I service are good for 7 but they are several generations older.
Nice little video by the way, you did notice that the driver that was popping the monos & slides came out on top.
As for blade tip speed, that is regulated and was dropped 1200 ft/min a while back so you are right, most will have the same blade speed so cutting speed will have a lot more to do with efficient deck design than absolute land speed.
Do all the 5400 have this, or is a feature of some?
#26
S
Shughes717
It is on all zt5400 hydros, some brands don't utilize the feature. Our snapper pro mowers don't, but you could do it. I just don't see the benefit. You can't mow that fast anyway. Diamatron, if you want to speed your s200xt up a little just remove the adjustment bolts from the bracket that are used to keep the hydros going the same speed when the levers are pushed all the way forward. You will gain 1 to 2 mph doing that.
S
Shughes717
Do all the 5400 have this, or is a feature of some?
It is on all zt5400 hydros, some brands don't utilize the feature. Our snapper pro mowers don't, but you could do it. I just don't see the benefit. You can't mow that fast anyway. Diamatron, if you want to speed your s200xt up a little just remove the adjustment bolts from the bracket that are used to keep the hydros going the same speed when the levers are pushed all the way forward. You will gain 1 to 2 mph doing that.
#27
B
Brucebotti
I agree 100%. In the long run it doesn't cost any more to have the extra set as you are going to have to purchase them eventually. Plus, what if you are in the middle of mowing and you hit something that ruins one of the blades. Then you end up in crisis mode. I guess I am just old-school. I prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Just my two cents, and worth every penny...:laughing:
Bruce
B
Brucebotti
Yes he can get by with only one set of blades but what happens is you don't quite have enough time to sharpen the blades so you do a quick cut not ( that takes 10 minutes longer ) and promise yourself you will do it next time when you are not in such a hurry, but that never happens, However having that presharpened blades sitting on the wall means you know it will only take 6 miutes to do so you do it.
Motorcycle chains are very similar story, have a clean one ready to change and you do it , pulling it off cleaning and greasing it before you go out into the spring sun, just never happens , till it is too late.
I agree 100%. In the long run it doesn't cost any more to have the extra set as you are going to have to purchase them eventually. Plus, what if you are in the middle of mowing and you hit something that ruins one of the blades. Then you end up in crisis mode. I guess I am just old-school. I prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Just my two cents, and worth every penny...:laughing:
Bruce
#28
S
Shughes717
I think my earlier post is being misunderstood. I did say having a second set of blades wasn't a bad idea, just not a necessity. Was I the only one who noticed that bertsmobile suggested a third set of blades for a home owner with 2.5 acres? That was the point I was trying to make. Why have three sets of blades? There would be a reason for it if the op were a lawn care proffessional.
S
Shughes717
I agree 100%. In the long run it doesn't cost any more to have the extra set as you are going to have to purchase them eventually. Plus, what if you are in the middle of mowing and you hit something that ruins one of the blades. Then you end up in crisis mode. I guess I am just old-school. I prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Just my two cents, and worth every penny...:laughing:
Bruce
I think my earlier post is being misunderstood. I did say having a second set of blades wasn't a bad idea, just not a necessity. Was I the only one who noticed that bertsmobile suggested a third set of blades for a home owner with 2.5 acres? That was the point I was trying to make. Why have three sets of blades? There would be a reason for it if the op were a lawn care proffessional.
#29
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
Yeah,
I never did accounting which is how I turned a $ 2.00 company into a $ 5,000,000 company in 10 years.
So I can keep $ 16,000 of parts in stock without having to worry about my turnover to capital ratio.
If you can not afford to have a few sets of blades in stock you should be working for some one else.
A college mate used to run the maintenance department of a rolling mill.
They got taken over by a big multinational company and the smarty pants accountant had a heart attack when he found out there was $ 2,500,000 worth of "dead capital" in his warehouse.
So the accountant sold off all the "unnecessary inventory", at a substantial loss on the purchase price .
But naturally showed a bigger profit because of these sales being added to their normal production as they were running 110% of capacity most of the time, and he rewarded himself handsomely for getting such a good set of numbers.
Two years latter the $ 250,000 /pa leased mill threw a bearing and they had to wait 6 months for FAG to do a special order set of bearings at $ 15,000 ( as comparred to $ 3000 if bought when in production ) .
The mill being down meant they had to buy in their product to fill their orders which meant they were being sold at a loss so the company ran at a massive loss.
The accountant fired Ross because the down time had almost sent the company broke.
Ross took this up with the board who sided with the accountant because when he had that massive store they never got a profit to equity ratio any where near as good .
I never did accounting which is how I turned a $ 2.00 company into a $ 5,000,000 company in 10 years.
So I can keep $ 16,000 of parts in stock without having to worry about my turnover to capital ratio.
If you can not afford to have a few sets of blades in stock you should be working for some one else.
A college mate used to run the maintenance department of a rolling mill.
They got taken over by a big multinational company and the smarty pants accountant had a heart attack when he found out there was $ 2,500,000 worth of "dead capital" in his warehouse.
So the accountant sold off all the "unnecessary inventory", at a substantial loss on the purchase price .
But naturally showed a bigger profit because of these sales being added to their normal production as they were running 110% of capacity most of the time, and he rewarded himself handsomely for getting such a good set of numbers.
Two years latter the $ 250,000 /pa leased mill threw a bearing and they had to wait 6 months for FAG to do a special order set of bearings at $ 15,000 ( as comparred to $ 3000 if bought when in production ) .
The mill being down meant they had to buy in their product to fill their orders which meant they were being sold at a loss so the company ran at a massive loss.
The accountant fired Ross because the down time had almost sent the company broke.
Ross took this up with the board who sided with the accountant because when he had that massive store they never got a profit to equity ratio any where near as good .
#30
S
Shughes717
Again, the op isn't a lawn care procfessional. Not running a business, just mowing a 2.5 acre lawn. No need to stock up on multiple parts. Purchasing a 3rd set of blades for a lawn that size makes no sense. Not running a business, just mowing personal lawn.
S
Shughes717
Yeah,
I never did accounting which is how I turned a $ 2.00 company into a $ 5,000,000 company in 10 years.
So I can keep $ 16,000 of parts in stock without having to worry about my turnover to capital ratio.
If you can not afford to have a few sets of blades in stock you should be working for some one else.
A college mate used to run the maintenance department of a rolling mill.
They got taken over by a big multinational company and the smarty pants accountant had a heart attack when he found out there was $ 2,500,000 worth of "dead capital" in his warehouse.
So the accountant sold off all the "unnecessary inventory", at a substantial loss on the purchase price .
But naturally showed a bigger profit because of these sales being added to their normal production as they were running 110% of capacity most of the time, and he rewarded himself handsomely for getting such a good set of numbers.
Two years latter the $ 250,000 /pa leased mill threw a bearing and they had to wait 6 months for FAG to do a special order set of bearings at $ 15,000 ( as comparred to $ 3000 if bought when in production ) .
The mill being down meant they had to buy in their product to fill their orders which meant they were being sold at a loss so the company ran at a massive loss.
The accountant fired Ross because the down time had almost sent the company broke.
Ross took this up with the board who sided with the accountant because when he had that massive store they never got a profit to equity ratio any where near as good .
Again, the op isn't a lawn care procfessional. Not running a business, just mowing a 2.5 acre lawn. No need to stock up on multiple parts. Purchasing a 3rd set of blades for a lawn that size makes no sense. Not running a business, just mowing personal lawn.
#31
Ric
:laughing: Even doing lawn care for a good number of years I've always maintained my blades. Right at the moment I'm doing a lot of lawns every week and have been for the last ten years and I've never kept three sets of blades for any of my mowers, and never with me when on the job. I agree with Shughes there's no need for the home owner to stock up on multiple parts or blades. There's no crisis mode for the homeowner, he has no schedule to keep, unlike the LCO who should carry or keep all kinds back up equipment.
Ric
I think my earlier post is being misunderstood. I did say having a second set of blades wasn't a bad idea, just not a necessity. Was I the only one who noticed that bertsmobile suggested a third set of blades for a home owner with 2.5 acres? That was the point I was trying to make. Why have three sets of blades? There would be a reason for it if the op were a lawn care professional.
:laughing: Even doing lawn care for a good number of years I've always maintained my blades. Right at the moment I'm doing a lot of lawns every week and have been for the last ten years and I've never kept three sets of blades for any of my mowers, and never with me when on the job. I agree with Shughes there's no need for the home owner to stock up on multiple parts or blades. There's no crisis mode for the homeowner, he has no schedule to keep, unlike the LCO who should carry or keep all kinds back up equipment.
#32
J
Jgreenlee81187
J
Jgreenlee81187
Hi I just purchased a tiger cat 52 inch cut with a 22 horse Kawasaki. It's the fx691v motor. I've been told by 3 different dealerships including the one I purchased it from to crank the mower at full throttle, to shut it off at full throttle, to engage blades at full throttle, and disengage at full throttle. I've never heard such a thing on any other lawn mower but I have been told if I didn't do it that it would eventually blow a head gasket. Seems backwards to me. Also, the owners manual says to crank normally, half throttle when starting and idle when shutting off. I would just like to get some feedback on this and see if any other scag owners have been told this.
#33
1
1striper1
I'd bet most on here are like me and read about 5% of what Bert posts. Bert.......get to the point!
You have too much time to type on your hands down there! Or are you using voice recognition?
1
1striper1
Was I the only one who noticed that bertsmobile suggested a third set of blades for a home owner with 2.5 acres?
I'd bet most on here are like me and read about 5% of what Bert posts. Bert.......get to the point!
You have too much time to type on your hands down there! Or are you using voice recognition?
#34
Ric
I'm glad somebody else noticed Bert's post. I was beginning to think it was just me. :smile: 5%? I don't think I read that much.
Ric
I'd bet most on here are like me and read about 5% of what Bert posts. Bert.......get to the point!
You have too much time to type on your hands down there! Or are you using voice recognition?
I'm glad somebody else noticed Bert's post. I was beginning to think it was just me. :smile: 5%? I don't think I read that much.
#35
S
Shughes717
Follow your owners manual. Some say you should shut your mower off at full throttle to prevent back fire. I have shut mine off both ways. I do let it idle for a few minutes to cool off a bit. I engage the blades on my mower at about half throttle, but I have done it at full throttle as well. The only issue I see with doing that is possibly causing the belt to slip a little. I do disengage the blades at full throttle. I haven't had any issues there.
S
Shughes717
Hi I just purchased a tiger cat 52 inch cut with a 22 horse Kawasaki. It's the fx691v motor. I've been told by 3 different dealerships including the one I purchased it from to crank the mower at full throttle, to shut it off at full throttle, to engage blades at full throttle, and disengage at full throttle. I've never heard such a thing on any other lawn mower but I have been told if I didn't do it that it would eventually blow a head gasket. Seems backwards to me. Also, the owners manual says to crank normally, half throttle when starting and idle when shutting off. I would just like to get some feedback on this and see if any other scag owners have been told this.
Follow your owners manual. Some say you should shut your mower off at full throttle to prevent back fire. I have shut mine off both ways. I do let it idle for a few minutes to cool off a bit. I engage the blades on my mower at about half throttle, but I have done it at full throttle as well. The only issue I see with doing that is possibly causing the belt to slip a little. I do disengage the blades at full throttle. I haven't had any issues there.