help me pick a Zero turn mower

[jdbuckshot]

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.

[edub20]

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.

If you're moving to the country and will be using the mower more for longer period that thicker deck will come in handy over the long run in my opinion. It would hold up to a little more abuse and what knott.

[quakwacker]

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.

[mfalkner]

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.

[Natty]

I'll second the Gravely.

[GrizwalD]

mfalkner has the best advice in my opinion thus far

[randywallace]

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.

[Deltaduk]

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

[jdbuckshot]

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.

[Agua]

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

[DanP]

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

Because time is money and I need something that works when I need it too. Not paying somebody else $130 to cut my 2 acre yard especially when it needs it every week during the summer. I've kept my 1985 John Deere 332 limping through the previous two summers but spent so much time and money in repairs it was time to upgrade. In 1985, my grandfather spent a lot of money on that mower and folks probably said the same thing, but it also provided 20 years of service before it started requiring a bunch of $$$.

I went with a Kubota and have been very pleased. Exmark was next option but I felt I was getting more for my money with Kubota.

[Deltamud77]

Because time is money and I need something that works when I need it too.

I am not trying to pick a fight, but on that subject, does a person have to spend $3,000 to $5,000 to have a dependable lawn mower for home use? I think not. My father has a $1900 John Deere lawn tractor he bought 12 years ago that has never given him a moments trouble. For reference....two acre lot that looks like Augusta National in the summer he manicures it so much with that mower...among other labor, sweet and elbow grease.

[Agua]

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.

[pic-n-cut]

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

[mfalkner]

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

Several reasons. 1) I don't expect to buy another one for 20 years at least; tired of buying $1500 mowers and working on them all the time. 2) My time is limited and worth a lot (to me at least) so I want to get the cutting done as quickly as I can. I cut 3.5 acres 3) Zero turn mowers are wicked fun to drive