Auto Doc's
Lawn Addict
Hello Mjhover,
That model with a Kawasaki engine is bordering on commercial grade. If you have a lot to cut it would be great. How many acres do you plan to cut?
My advice is to avoid "big box stores" (They have no service or repair capabilities) and avoid any new mowers with digital display, fuel injection or electric throttle controls.
The more electronics that have, the more problems you will have in a very short time.
Mowers work in very rough conditions most of the time, so keep that in mind.
There is an old biker saying: "Chrome don't get you home, but you look good sitting on the side of the road." Funny but true. Look at practicality and longevity of any machine you are interested in.
Aside from that, make sure there is a servicing dealer who can handle warranty issues (if needed). Buy your mower from an actual dealer, if possible, who can also work on it.
Hope this helps you.
That model with a Kawasaki engine is bordering on commercial grade. If you have a lot to cut it would be great. How many acres do you plan to cut?
My advice is to avoid "big box stores" (They have no service or repair capabilities) and avoid any new mowers with digital display, fuel injection or electric throttle controls.
The more electronics that have, the more problems you will have in a very short time.
Mowers work in very rough conditions most of the time, so keep that in mind.
There is an old biker saying: "Chrome don't get you home, but you look good sitting on the side of the road." Funny but true. Look at practicality and longevity of any machine you are interested in.
Aside from that, make sure there is a servicing dealer who can handle warranty issues (if needed). Buy your mower from an actual dealer, if possible, who can also work on it.
Hope this helps you.
Look at the Raptor XD model. It's transaxles are a step up from the ZT2200 found on the XL model.
As @Auto Doc's said, buy from a servicing dealer and not from a big box store.
Ever tried working on a 0 turn? Are you good with small engines? Or have a truck and trailer when she breaks down?
Is there a spouse in the family? Maybe a kid or four? Push mowers for all. Great way to spend some much needed family time. 3 pushers = a 63" 0-turn deck. All for peanuts compared to a 0. Easier to work on. Less fuel and oil needed. Pushers are also 0-turns.
Is there a spouse in the family? Maybe a kid or four? Push mowers for all. Great way to spend some much needed family time. 3 pushers = a 63" 0-turn deck. All for peanuts compared to a 0. Easier to work on. Less fuel and oil needed. Pushers are also 0-turns.
Auto Doc's
Lawn Addict
Hello Mjhover,
Sounds like a plan.
Make sure you have a way to transport it in the future if needed. Pickup and delivery are never free regardless of warranty. A good extended warranty is advised from the selling dealer.
Blades, belts, tires and batteries are considered wearable items so there is no warranty unless it is related to an item that can be covered under warranty (rare).
Have the selling dealer run and cut with it to demo the machine to verify the condition and operation before purchase.
I was a service manager for a local John Deere dealer for a few years, and I had a few surprises with "new" equipment.
Shy away from any excess electronics or gadgets a salesperson pushes on you. It is a mower, not a car. Salespeople are trained to push all the gizmos and gadgets to steer you into making a higher cost machine purchase.
The last thing I have to offer is only use non ethanol fuel if you can get it in your area. If not, use mid-grade pump fuel with a little Stabil added to it. Fuel problems are the number one issue with all lawn equipment, especially when they sit for extended period of time.
Sounds like a plan.
Make sure you have a way to transport it in the future if needed. Pickup and delivery are never free regardless of warranty. A good extended warranty is advised from the selling dealer.
Blades, belts, tires and batteries are considered wearable items so there is no warranty unless it is related to an item that can be covered under warranty (rare).
Have the selling dealer run and cut with it to demo the machine to verify the condition and operation before purchase.
I was a service manager for a local John Deere dealer for a few years, and I had a few surprises with "new" equipment.
Shy away from any excess electronics or gadgets a salesperson pushes on you. It is a mower, not a car. Salespeople are trained to push all the gizmos and gadgets to steer you into making a higher cost machine purchase.
The last thing I have to offer is only use non ethanol fuel if you can get it in your area. If not, use mid-grade pump fuel with a little Stabil added to it. Fuel problems are the number one issue with all lawn equipment, especially when they sit for extended period of time.
Mjhover
Forum Newbie
Thanks man I have my local Walmart that sells e free gas I put that in everything but my cars.
OldtimeJarhead
Forum Newbie
Good morning it hasn't been long since I bought a Gravley 660 I love the thing it is big 5 ft deck 35 horse power I take care of both mine and my moms property not far under 4 acres and help others out often I have had for just under a year and haven't had any problems and to be honest I take on some really rough projects
topps52red
Forum Newbie
Sounds like you've had struggles with ZTR's in the past. As to push mowers, there are good for the right situation (I pushed many as a kid), but ZTR's are a must on the ranch here, I have two and don't find them a maintenance problem. But I'm used to working on tractors etc.
I've owned Dixie's, Kubota's and a Ferris, all have been good machines (all diesels I might add).
If I lived in the city on a typical 85' x 135' lot, I consider a pusher, or maybe a lawn service.
I work at a Hustler dealer. Smart move! You'll enjoy that unit.