DuckSouth.com

I am about to buy a new lawn mower.

we have a small yard - fenced in. but will be moving out into the county within the year.

I really like using a bagging system in my current yard to suck up leaves and debris - so keep that in mind.


Here are the two mowers I am looking at:


http://www.homedepot.com/p/Hustler-Rapt ... /204612935


https://www.exmark.com/products/mowers/ ... r-e-series

$5,500 for the Pioneer E series 52"




It seems as thought the two mowers are slightly marketed different - the hustler Raptor SD - being Heavy Home owner. The Exmark Pioneer E - marketed as a light commercial duty.

They both use the same transmission, Very similar motors, the frames are similar build. the exmark deck is built from a little heavier material.

I really want the exmark because there is a great dealer in my town and it seems like its just a little better made than the hustler. - but there is also a dealer for hustler here
( The Tractor Store) but they don't have any on the floor.

Also the Exmark carries a 4 year warranty - hustler 3 year

I am having a hard time justifying the extra $1500 for the exmark - Especially because I know the Exmark baggers just don't work that well.

I bought a Pioneer 60" last year. I got it for two reasons. There is a dealer within 10 miles of my house and the heavier deck. One thing to consider with the Pioneer is you sit a little higher on the mower than most. This makes it a little more top heavy. It's not a big deal to me but if you mow on steep embankments then that may be a concern.

I have a Gravely 54" with 27 hp Kawasaki pro and professional hydraulic units. It is very well engineered, simple to work on and is built like a Sherman tank out of quality components - the deck is like 3/16" steel, you could grade your driveway with it. Comes with a very good warranty and mine was under $5k out the door. I couldn't see Exmark, Ferris or Hustler being a grand better for the same, or lesser, mower.

I'll second the Gravely.

mfalkner has the best advice in my opinion thus far

3rd the Graverly. Got the HD60 about 6 years back from Ace Hardware. I take it to them yearly for an oil change, service, and blades sharpened. No problems and it cranks every single time I bump the starter.

why would would buy a mower now and let it set all winter and eat up warranty coverage time? Might be something to think about, but that is your call

Deltaduck,

that is a good point - a very good one.

however - the freaking leaves and pine straw are a constant battle up until about the first part of Dec.

Granted, lawn mowers are pretty cool, but why would anyone spend 5,000 on one unless they were making a living with it?

OK. I bought a returned "yardman" LOLOL... at Walmart in 2007 for 740 inclusive of tax. Yeah, I've carried it to the shop about 3 times and maybe put 250 in maintenance on it, replaced a battery, had to rethread belts a dozen of time and replace belts a few times, but I guess I just always considered maintenance stuff to go along with owning one of the SoBs. Yeah, it's a PITA, I'll agree there, but that seems like an awful lot of $ to spend on a lawn mower.

[Edited to include:] OK, I'll step out of this - sorry for going OT on your useful thread.

Which ever one you decide on have it equipped with a mulching kit. Never bag another leaf!