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Finally decided what rout I am going to take for equipment for the upcoming year
Going to purchase a new walk behind 36"-44"
And I am looking for recommendations or advice on what's great for quality cut affordability and ease of use.
All recommendations and advice wanted!!
Thanks

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jay stortini said:

Finally decided what rout I am going to take for equipment for the upcoming year
Going to purchase a new walk behind 36"-44"
And I am looking for recommendations or advice on what's great for quality cut affordability and ease of use.
All recommendations and advice wanted!!
Thanks

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You going or looking for the Belt drive or the Hydro's?

Ric said:

You going or looking for the Belt drive or the Hydro's?

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Not sure maybe you can let me in on the pros and cons of each going into my second year after a successful first year but still on a budget. Would like something I could maybe ad a sulky to.
Thanks

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If you want to use a sulky I would definitely go with a hydro. If not you might go through belts a lot. I was in the same boat as you were. First started out with a 1998 33 cub cadet walk behind. Then I sold that and bought a used lesco belt drive 36. Love that thing. I will never sell it. Its so simple and will run forever as long as you do normal stuff. After that year I bought a cub cadet hydro 48. I loved the drive system on it. Not so much the cut. For this year I am going to be buying a zero turn. I just got rid of the hydro walk behind. Still have the lesco belt. Now for the differences. I would say belt is good for wet conditions like a lot of rain and you need to cut. A hydro will not stop and the tires will keep spinning. The hydros are less forgiving then the belt drives. Personally I would get a good belt drive. Like a SCAG or exmark. Get something with a floating deck. I know a few years ago you could get the scag 36 with floating deck for under 4000 in a belt drive. Belt drives are also going to be a heck of a lot cheaper to maintain and even buy in the first place. Hope this has helped.

clpolcar said:

If you want to use a sulky I would definitely go with a hydro. If not you might go through belts a lot. I was in the same boat as you were. First started out with a 1998 33 cub cadet walk behind. Then I sold that and bought a used lesco belt drive 36. Love that thing. I will never sell it. Its so simple and will run forever as long as you do normal stuff. After that year I bought a cub cadet hydro 48. I loved the drive system on it. Not so much the cut. For this year I am going to be buying a zero turn. I just got rid of the hydro walk behind. Still have the lesco belt. Now for the differences. I would say belt is good for wet conditions like a lot of rain and you need to cut. A hydro will not stop and the tires will keep spinning. The hydros are less forgiving then the belt drives. Personally I would get a good belt drive. Like a SCAG or exmark. Get something with a floating deck. I know a few years ago you could get the scag 36 with floating deck for under 4000 in a belt drive. Belt drives are also going to be a heck of a lot cheaper to maintain and even buy in the first place. Hope this has helped.

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Sweet thanks for the advice think I will prob be best suited for belt drive at this point.

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jay stortini said:

Sweet thanks for the advice think I will prob be best suited for belt drive at this point.

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If your going to use a sulky you definitely need to go with a hydro's. The Thing is and I don't want to sound like I'm pushing Toro but if your going to buy new and spend the money on a Hydro walk behind I'd spend a little more and get the best of all worlds and buy the Toro 36" or 48" Grandstand. You get the advantage of a ZTR, a Stander and a walk behind all rolled into one. You use the pump and wheel motors which are a lot better and quicker response and the machine is faster and more maneuverable than a ztr and a walk behind when you need it. By the time you buy the Hydro walk behind and sulky the price difference isn't that much. I've been that whole gambit buying the ZTR's, the walk-behinds and push mowers and spent all kinds of money on mowers but after the last two years using the GS can tell you this, if I was a business just starting out knowing what I know now there would be nothing on my trailer but Grandstands, your productivity will be twice that of a walk-behind or ztr.

Ric said:

If your going to use a sulky you definitely need to go with a hydro's. The Thing is and I don't want to sound like I'm pushing Toro but if your going to buy new and spend the money on a Hydro walk behind I'd spend a little more and get the best of all worlds and buy the Toro 36" or 48" Grandstand. You get the advantage of a ZTR, a Stander and a walk behind all rolled into one. You use the pump and wheel motors which are a lot better and quicker response and the machine is faster and more maneuverable than a ztr and a walk behind when you need it. By the time you buy the Hydro walk behind and sulky the price difference isn't that much. I've been that whole gambit buying the ZTR's, the walk-behinds and push mowers and spent all kinds of money on mowers but after the last two years using the GS can tell you this, if I was a business just starting out knowing what I know now there would be nothing on my trailer but Grandstands, your productivity will be twice that of a walk-behind or ztr.

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Hey Ric I want this mower mower big time did not think I would be able to get it but was just approved for $8000 yard card so now I can get it if I want really did not want to get that kind of credit but what you say makes sense. And I watched the video I love it thinking the 36"
And what do you think I should pay for this machine total?

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jay stortini said:

Hey Ric I want this mower mower big time did not think I would be able to get it but was just approved for $8000 yard card so now I can get it if I want really did not want to get that kind of credit but what you say makes sense. And I watched the video I love it thinking the 36"
And what do you think I should pay for this machine total?
I wou
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I would look at SCAG. I test drove the v ride. I almost bought a toro zrt but ended up buying a ferris. Much better quality and all around better. SCAG is going to be a better machine and the have a fleet price going on. I think the 36 in under 7000 and the 48 is around 7500. K would get the SCAG over toro

jay stortini said:

Hey Ric I want this mower mower big time did not think I would be able to get it but was just approved for $8000 yard card so now I can get it if I want really did not want to get that kind of credit but what you say makes sense. And I watched the video I love it thinking the 36"
And what do you think I should pay for this machine total?

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The MSRP from Toro for the 36" goes for as high as $8388 and most places are getting $7400 to $7549 for there starting price.. It's really going to depend on your location and the dealer. A friend of mine here in Tampa just purchased one last Tuesday for $6800 out the door which is what I paid for mine and even buying it at 6800 they still made money so they have a lot of room to deal. The nice thing about the Grandstand is the fact it has a Lifetime Frame warranty and a 5 year 1200 Hour warranty which can't be beat and Toro stands behind there stuff. The spindles and front wheels are sealed bearings so there's no maintenance required. The only things to grease are the pivot points that raises and lowers the deck. You'll be real happy with the 36" the machine is faster and more maneuverable than a ztr and a walk behind when you need it's the best of all worlds.

If your going to get a stander get a wright. They will put any other stander to shame.

clpolcar said:

If your going to get a stander get a wright. They will put any other stander to shame.

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The Wrights aren't near as comfortable a ride as the Grandstand with the Flex ride platform. The Flex ride uses rubber dampers, not springs like wright. The wrights will beat you to death and they don't cut as nice as the Toro with the Turbo Force Deck which is a full 7 gauge deck and the Toro is duel control which is a lot nicer to operate than wrights quad controls.

Ric said:

The Wrights aren't near as comfortable a ride as the Grandstand with the Flex ride platform. The Flex ride uses rubber dampers, not springs like wright. The wrights will beat you to death and they don't cut as nice as the Toro with the Turbo Force Deck which is a full 7 gauge deck and the Toro is duel control which is a lot nicer to operate than wrights quad controls.

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Agree looking at a 36 grand Stan my self I test drove a 52 (too big to get in the yards down here) but they don't have a 36 in stock yet if this year will allow me the number of clients I need you see a grand stand on my equipment list about mid summer.
I I mention I test drove the 52 it was really nice sold on the bumps I try end a wright,scag, an even a World lawn none compared to toro is controls an quality

Toro is my #1 choice for mower is mowing lawns commercially.
Bought a 98 Model walkbehind as my first true commercial toro an I not a problem with it gonna go look at another 36 this month sometime an May get it if the price is right

If you want a good mower get any toro commercial mower an u will see it will out last any other

Hope this helps Kodie :thumbsup:

Ok sad to say I have had to rule out the grandstand for this year to much money for me In my second year maybe next year
So now it comes down to zero turn rider top 3 picks Snapper pro 36" gravely zt xl 42" or toro MX4260.. Or do some of you think I would be better served to add a good 36" walk behind.. Mostly mid size residential with a couple bigger lots I committed to for the spring and potential to pick up mor bigger lots no commercial lots not interested in those at this point like working for my self lol.
I currently have a 21" and the 30" Timemaster with turfmaster blades in my roster, so I am adding one piece of equipment to help build and become more productive.
Thanks for all the awesome advice.
Jay

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jay stortini said:

Ok sad to say I have had to rule out the grandstand for this year to much money for me In my second year maybe next year
So now it comes down to zero turn rider top 3 picks Snapper pro 36" gravely zt xl 42" or toro MX4260.. Or do some of you think I would be better served to add a good 36" walk behind.. Mostly mid size residential with a couple bigger lots I committed to for the spring and potential to pick up mor bigger lots no commercial lots not interested in those at this point like working for my self lol.
I currently have a 21" and the 30" Timemaster with turfmaster blades in my roster, so I am adding one piece of equipment to help build and become more productive.
Thanks for all the awesome advice.
Jay

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I understand what your saying about the price but your looking at $4000 plus for any of the three you have mentioned and that's a lot of money for a residential mower with the EZT transmissions. I think before I'd go that way I'd start looking on Craigslist for a good used ZTR for the season.


Walker ZTR Mower









This is a great running "Made in USA" 2007 Walker MBSD 42"cut zero turn mower used on a personal residence. This tractor has a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard Commercial Power 18 hp V-twin, gasoline engine. It has the factory mulching deck kit installed. It runs and cuts great. It is too much mower for my small yard (now I mow it in less than 15 minutes and mow only during the summer months). I just put a new set of blades on it, the full kit. I am asking $3,600 obo. A must see deal. This would make an excellent addition to anyone's personal residence or commercial mowing venture. The hour meter reads 649.5 original hours. These mowers are known for their excellent mowing characteristics, ease of maintenance, and quality construction. The mower is garage kept and always has been.

Ric said:

I understand what your saying about the price but your looking at $4000 plus for any of the three you have mentioned and that's a lot of money for a residential mower with the EZT transmissions. I think before I'd go that way I'd start looking on Craigslist for a good used ZTR for the season.

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Ezt?

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Ric said:

I understand what your saying about the price but your looking at $4000 plus for any of the three you have mentioned and that's a lot of money for a residential mower with the EZT transmissions. I think before I'd go that way I'd start looking on Craigslist for a good used ZTR for the season.

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The snapper and gravely have hydro gear

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jay stortini said:

The snapper and gravely have hydro gear

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Hydro Gear is the manufacturer. The Toro is running the EZT 2200 tranny which is the bottom of the line, the gravely is the 2800 which is the top line residential, not sure about the snapper. The way I look at it is I'd rather spend 7k once and have a machine that would last for years than 4k now and 7k next year for another and the thing you may want to look at is the resale on the three mowers mentioned, are you going to be able to get any of your money back. At least buying used the first guy takes the hit or loss at resale. If you check on line you can find the Grandstand for like $5500 new but you'll have to get it shipped.

jay stortini said:

The snapper and gravely have hydro gear

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Hydro Gear is the manufacturer. The Toro is running the EZT 2200 tranny which is the bottom of the line, the gravely is the 2800 which is the top line residential, not sure about the snapper. The way I look at it is I'd rather spend 7k once and have a machine that would last for years than 4k now and 7k next year for another and the thing you may want to look at is the resale on the three mowers mentioned, are you going to be able to get any of your money back. At least buying used the first guy takes the hit or loss at resale. If you check on line you can find the Grandstand for like $5500 new but you'll have to get it shipped.

[h=1]*toro grandstand* - $5000 (east madison)[/h]
Madison, IN, United States - 1 month ago on craigslist.org
For sale $5,000
Posted: ... :37am *toro grandstand* - $5000 (east madison) please no emails/texts..what I have for sale is A 2011 toro grand stand with very low hours(120 original hrs)...40"cut,18 hp kawasaki motor.starts,mows and runs like new.partial trade for A jon boat or an enclosed trailer ... *ztr.toro.gravely.scag.exmark.* Location: east madison ...

Looks like snapper is 3100, the problem is I have a yard card with the dealer here which is what I need to buy mower maybe I can ask dealer to source out a good used, what should I tell him I am looking for or maybe I would be best off getting a new commercial walk behind?
Thanks again

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I would get a toro belt drive walk behind t bar if you wanna stay under 4 grand there nice I would get one there easiy to use an not much different from a hydro if you know how to drive it right

Kodie's Lawn Service said:

I would get a toro belt drive walk behind t bar if you wanna stay under 4 grand there nice I would get one there easiy to use an not much different from a hydro if you know how to drive it right

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The problem with a belt drive is using one with a sulky. To many people think they know how a belt drive works and they really have know clue. If you don't know how it works driving one can put you in a world of hurt.

Looks like I am going to get the snapper pro s50xt with 36"10 gage welded floating deck, 25 hp brigs professional, 0-8mph f and 0-4 b, zt3100, length 69"
At this point $5100 OTD but I haven't asked if he can go any lower or through in mulch kit or bagger. Is it bad customer to dealer for me to ask to maybe lower price a bit or throw in an accessory with the deal?

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jay stortini said:

Looks like I am going to get the snapper pro s50xt with 36"10 gage welded floating deck, 25 hp brigs professional, 0-8mph f and 0-4 b, zt3100, length 69" At this point $5100 OTD but I haven't asked if he can go any lower or through in mulch kit or bagger. Is it bad customer to dealer for me to ask to maybe lower price a bit or throw in an accessory with the deal? Sent from my iPhone using LMF

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Oh and I can't seem to find blade tip speed on this mower:/ anyone have an idea of what that might be?

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Last Q should I get the 25 hp brigs prof or spend $600 more for the 19 hp kawi fx comertial?

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jay stortini said:

Last Q should I get the 25 hp brigs prof or spend $600 more for the 19 hp Kawasaki fx commercial?

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Get the Kawasaki FX 19hp it's worth the extra money. Kawasaki has the best engines on the market.

Ric said:

The problem with a belt drive is using one with a sulky. To many people think they know how a belt drive works and they really have know clue. If you don't know how it works driving one can put you in a world of hurt.

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I do have a clue on how drive one I have a toro like a I just mention but it's a 37 proline recycler I have a sulky with no problems driving it a belts an wore easy I driven them up steep hill many time an belt look an still feel new.
Also I looking at getting used 36 here next couple of day that's same way there not hard to drive if you learn them right.
The t bar set it out from pistol grips now 36 with those on there I would buy pistol grip is the worst type of driving system