[lefty_thrower]

I am looking into getting a ztr, but wanted to get a little advice. what would you guys say are good quality mowers around the $2000-$3000 range? I'm not doing anything commercial, just wanting a good quality mower. my yard isn't huge. I do cut my aunts yard just to help her out, but thats really it.
I have heard good things about several mowers, and almost purchased a 42" Toro, but wanted to get some advice and reviews here first. The Toro is only about $2500, so that would be a great price point IF that is a good mower. Also, as for engine, Kawi or Kohler?

 

[Austen]

Everything from John Deere, Cub Cadet, Hustler, Scag, Toro etc are all great manufactures of ZTR's. The ones that I would try and stay away from are the brands that are sold at the box stores like MTD as the quality is just not quite the same, but I don't really think that the lower end brands really have much of a market for ZTR's anyway.

Like with any used machine, assuming you're going to be purchasing used, confirm that it has been well taken care of, had proper maintenance done and that everything works as it should. The two engine choices that you mentioned are both GREAT engines and don't think you can go wrong with either of those two choices in that department.

Regarding price, I would look around and compare similar models that you're interested in to get a good market value of what they're going for.

 

[lefty_thrower]

Everything from John Deere, Cub Cadet, Hustler, Scag, Toro etc are all great manufactures of ZTR's. The ones that I would try and stay away from are the brands that are sold at the box stores like MTD as the quality is just not quite the same, but I don't really think that the lower end brands really have much of a market for ZTR's anyway.

Like with any used machine, assuming you're going to be purchasing used, confirm that it has been well taken care of, had proper maintenance done and that everything works as it should. The two engine choices that you mentioned are both GREAT engines and don't think you can go wrong with either of those two choices in that department.

Regarding price, I would look around and compare similar models that you're interested in to get a good market value of what they're going for.

Actually, I am going to be getting a new mower...not a fan of used ones, just because of what you said....you can't be sure of how well it was taken care of.
As for staying away from the box stores, I am confused because you can get the Toro, Cubs, and some of the others at stores like Home Depot and Lowes...little help? Is the Toro and the Cub a pretty good mower??

 

[dbear]

One thing to keep in mind, in the range you're looking at, all manufacturers use a consumer level engine regardless of make. So I'm not sure if brand of engine makes a huge difference.

I think Husqvarna Lawn & Garden Equipment for Homeowners has some good stuff, but It's hard for me to reccommend a particualr make/model in your desired price range. In the Husqvarna line, I'd be heavily leaning toward a MZ6128ZT if I had to replace my DC LT2700-60D.

 

[Capstan]

personally i wouldn't touch a husqvarna product (thats husky, craftsman, lawnboy, MTD, ariens, or toybuilt) with a ten foot pole.....

i'd recommend toro, xmark, JD, scag, etc.... the commercial machines.....they are about the only thing that will last

 

[Austen]

i'd recommend toro, xmark, JD, scag, etc.... the commercial machines.....

Same here.

 

[dbear]

personally i wouldn't touch a husqvarna product (thats husky, craftsman, lawnboy, MTD, ariens, or toybuilt) with a ten foot pole.....

According to what I've been able to find, Husqvarna and MTD are not the same thing. They do make Poulan and Craftsman as AYP, a division of Husqvarna. Ariens is its own entity (w/ Gravely). MTD does make Troy-Bilt. Lawn Boy is owned by Toro. Despite this, you will find a lot of similarity - same components used - especially in anybody's consumer line of ZTRs.

Why the aversion to Husqvarna as a brand?

i'd recommend toro, xmark, JD, scag, etc.... the commercial machines.....they are about the only thing that will last

The OP has already stated his budget. Why suggest that which is outside of it?

 

[Capstan]

The OP has already stated his budget. Why suggest that which is outside of it?

im just stating brands that i think are good............. :bag:

Why the aversion to Husqvarna as a brand?

because they make crappy machines on stamped steel bases with crummy engines.........and are paying other brands to sell husky machines as there own......

also new lawnboy....homeowner toro.....and non comm ariens are made by them

 

[lefty_thrower]

hmmm yes, engine does matter. i have been told to stay away from kohler...any insite from you guys?

basically, what you all are saying is the toro ss4235, at $2500 is not the way to go, lol

 

[lefty_thrower]

btw, does anyone know the difference betweem the toro lines? z series, ss series, and mx series? way too confusing for me. they make an ss4235, ss4260, z4235, z4260, mx4235, etc...sheesh!

 

[Capstan]

hmmm yes, engine does matter. i have been told to stay away from kohler...any insite from you guys?

basically, what you all are saying is the toro ss4235, at $2500 is not the way to go, lol

that one has an honest to god kohler engine! but the frame/base looks identical to this husky here.....

Husky-----> HUSQVARNA RZ4219 - Zero turn mowers

 

[lefty_thrower]

that one has an honest to god kohler engine! but the frame/base looks identical to this husky here.....

Husky-----> HUSQVARNA RZ4219 - Zero turn mowers

You are correct indeed....they have an SS4260 with a Kawi....would that be a better option??

 

[Capstan]

You are correct indeed....they have an SS4260 with a Kawi....would that be a better option??

in short: yes.

in long: the kohler would work fine in the short term but when it comes to reliability the kawi would be more reliable in the long run. plus the engine is made out of higher grade materials....so it will last longer in theory

 

[lefty_thrower]

Ok, so I have officially narrowed my choices down to 3 mowers, lol...the Timecutter SS is out.....however, Toro does have a new MX series. So, your opinion on these three mowers would be appreciated:

All of these mowers are 42" and have a Kawi engine...hp ranges from 18 to 21.5
Toro MX 4260 - $3600
Hustler Sport - $3500
Exmark Quest - $3400

Thanks!!

 

[joebd5]

I agree with most of the above statement, except add Cub Cadet to the no-no lists. It is also a piece of MTD crap. As far as engines go, in your price range you will get a consumer engine from any manufacturer, and they are all pretty good now. I think you can't go wrong with a Kawasaki. The most important thing to look at is the deck. It does all the work. At that price range you will be getting a stamped deck. Get one that has the heaviest guage steel you can get, and get spindles that can be lubed---- and do it. Mucho important. I've owned 13 ZTR's and will tell you you can't go wrong with a Dixon even tho I don't have one now.

 

[joebd5]

All 3 of those mowers you listed are pretty good. Toss a coin.

 

[lefty_thrower]

Thanks Joe....so no preference of the 3???

 

[lefty_thrower]

Well, I think I have decided on the Exmark Quest 42" and it has a VTwin Kawi...I just feel better about the dealer here

 

[luvatenor]

personally i wouldn't touch a husqvarna product (thats husky, craftsman, lawnboy, MTD, ariens, or toybuilt) with a ten foot pole.....

i'd recommend toro, xmark, JD, scag, etc.... the commercial machines.....they are about the only thing that will last

Actually, Exmark and Toro are the same company, ans use some of the same parts

 

[earthworm]

I am in the same boat...as the grass is growing, the boat is sinking !
Toss a coin,
Chevy or Ford ??
throw a dart ..
new or used...
And , to muddy the waters more.
buy a good used ZTR , I missed out on a nice, ten year old, Ariens at $1.2K -delivered..
And now, on the market is a 2 year old eXmark at $4,250 , the Quest model, the least expensive.... a new one is about $4.5K ....but, the Quests change....manufacturers do this...I think it is a bit deceptive, IMO.
Toro SS4235 @ $ 2.45 K...my choice , I thought about it for 100 hours plus....rather than throwing a dart.... and hitting the SS4260 with a Kawasaki (with the same power as the Kohler)...