Looking at my first ZT for 4-5 acres in Tampa

[Kainedogg]

My budget is $3k to $4.5k and I would rather finance than pay cash. I like the Raptor for $2999 especially with the 10% discount. The Raptor SD 60" is my personal favorite with the bigger motor, stronger trans and of course wider deck. I have read, and read and read and still am unsure. I will have to mow in a mild ditch and I suspect the time I choose to cut may leave me with a wet surface (0700) What are other viable options?

 

[Vanousb]

My budget is $3k to $4.5k and I would rather finance than pay cash. I like the Raptor for $2999 especially with the 10% discount. The Raptor SD 60" is my personal favorite with the bigger motor, stronger trans and of course wider deck. I have read, and read and read and still am unsure. I will have to mow in a mild ditch and I suspect the time I choose to cut may leave me with a wet surface (0700) What are other viable options?

the ones I demoed in that price range that I felt were solid quality zero turns from dealers that were local included Gravely, Hustler, Bad-Boy, and Exmark. Gravely makes solid mowers (ZT XL or ZT HD). Gravely was my second choice and the Hustlers were third. Was looking at the Exmark Quest S 50 inch or Pioneer E...ended up spending a little more for a Pioneer S-series 60 inch after driving all three choices. Mow 3 plus acre lawn and some for my father in law. Wanted something to last me and give me pro cut.

Gravely Zero Turn Mowers
Exmark Exmark Manufacturing - Products

Others I have seem mentioned a lot on this site includes Toros and Snappers. did not have them local so did not research them or try them out.

Take your time, compare the specs (Engine, Hydros, Decks, etc). Ask to demo the ones you really like. work with a dealer that is close to give you good service you trust. You know all this I am sure...just talking out loud. Guys here will give you good opinions about what they liked about what they mow with. Glad to do the same if you are interested in Exmark. Good luck.

 

[Ric]

My budget is $3k to $4.5k and I would rather finance than pay cash. I like the Raptor for $2999 especially with the 10% discount. The Raptor SD 60" is my personal favorite with the bigger motor, stronger trans and of course wider deck. I have read, and read and read and still am unsure. I will have to mow in a mild ditch and I suspect the time I choose to cut may leave me with a wet surface (0700) What are other viable options?

Nothing wrong with the Raptor SD, I'd get the 54 " though because you get a higher blade tip speed than the 60". IMO the best mower for the time your talking about cutting would be a Toro with the Turbo Force deck, it the best cutting deck in wet conditions that I've ever used. I start every morning between 7:00 and 7:30 am.

 

[Kainedogg]

Thanks friend, I appreciate the input. Just found a dealer near me. Heading out to ask questions.

 

[Kainedogg]

Nothing wrong with the Raptor SD, I'd get the 54 " though because you get a higher blade tip speed than the 60". IMO the best mower for the time your talking about cutting would be a Toro with the Turbo Force deck, it the best cutting deck in wet conditions that I've ever used. I start every morning between 7:00 and 7:30 am.

Which model of the Toro are you suggesting? Good tip on the Raptor by the way. Saves me $500 too.

 

[Ric]

Which model of the Toro are you suggesting? Good tip on the Raptor by the way. Saves me $500 too.

The Toro I'd suggest if I were mowing 4 to 5 acres like you and I wanted a ZTR would be to go with the Toro Z Master 2 or 3000 but it's more money than you are wanting to spend although you may want to check on the 2000 and you would also step up to the Kawasaki FS motor. You may also want to take a look at the Toro Titans, they maybe more in the price range you're wanting to spend.

 

[djdicetn]

Which model of the Toro are you suggesting? Good tip on the Raptor by the way. Saves me $500 too.

For what you're looking for I would recommend that you look at the Toro Titan ZV or MX series(the MX was my favorite). They don't have the Turbo Force deck, but they are very solid machines(the MX series comes with the Commercial-grade HydroGear ZT-3100 trannies, seat upgrade(isolators, a step below full suspension) and a 3Year/400 Hour warranty. With 4-5 acres/weekly, if you want to get something that will handle that more easily(and therefore last longer) you should consider stepping up into the Toro Z-Master 2000 series. I almost pulled the trigger on one of those myself in 2012, but the Gravely was a better deal. Of course you might have to up the budget a bit to get into something entry-level Commercial rather than the high-end Residential like the Hustler Raptor RSD or Toro Titan. It's real easy for us to "spend your money":0)

P.S.
User Ric is quicker(and less wordy:0) than me, but you got basically the same advice.

 

[pcclipper]

Gravely Dealer in Plant City told me they have a big Labor Day sale coming up. ZT 48 or 52HD for around $4500. Am waiting to see. A lot of them go on sale in the fall, if you can wait.

 

[Kainedogg]

Gravely Dealer in Plant City told me they have a big Labor Day sale coming up. ZT 48 or 52HD for around $4500. Am waiting to see. A lot of them go on sale in the fall, if you can wait.

I can't brother, unless you want me cut the lawn with my push mower until September...lol. Seriously for $3852 out the door, the Hustler 54" is now the top contender...as soon as I can find one to sit on.

For what you're looking for I would recommend that you look at the Toro Titan ZV or MX series(the MX was my favorite). They don't have the Turbo Force deck, but they are very solid machines(the MX series comes with the Commercial-grade HydroGear ZT-3100 trannies, seat upgrade(isolators, a step below full suspension) and a 3Year/400 Hour warranty. With 4-5 acres/weekly, if you want to get something that will handle that more easily(and therefore last longer) you should consider stepping up into the Toro Z-Master 2000 series. I almost pulled the trigger on one of those myself in 2012, but the Gravely was a better deal. Of course you might have to up the budget a bit to get into something entry-level Commercial rather than the high-end Residential like the Hustler Raptor RSD or Toro Titan. It's real easy for us to "spend your money":0)

P.S.
User Ric is quicker(and less wordy:0) than me, but you got basically the same advice.

I am always grateful for the input. I would rather stay under $4k for the share fact that I will NOT be cutting more than 5hrs a week, 4 times a month...worst case scenario. Surely that is not much wear and tear for a $4k mower. No mulching, no bags. Just zipping around in the morn, hopefully done by 12, then back in the barn working on the LS swap in my '68 Lemans.

The Toro I'd suggest if I were mowing 4 to 5 acres like you and I wanted a ZTR would be to go with the Toro Z Master 2 or 3000 but it's more money than you are wanting to spend although you may want to check on the 2000 and you would also step up to the Kawasaki FS motor. You may also want to take a look at the Toro Titans, they maybe more in the price range you're wanting to spend.

I sat with a Gravely dealer and we calculated that I don't have a true 5 acres. With the house and the area around it being cut professionally, I only have 3.5 acres to cut myself.

 

[Kainedogg]

Am I wrong for grabbing the SD 54" from Lowes? It is $3885 to my door with the 2800 serviceable trans. Can I still go to a local dealer for warranty claims and repairs?