Let's talk ZTR mowers! (1 Viewer)

[jrdbrn]

I have been thinking hard about getting into some side work doing lawn care. I did it quite a bit in college and it is good easy money for the most part. It's been quite a few years since I've done residential and commercial lawn care and I know quality sometimes changes with products. I've always used Gravely, but was looking at Toro today. I have a budget of around $5k for a mower and am looking at 48-52" cuts. I plan on taking on 6-10 properties.

Anyone have suggestions/experiences? The guy at the Toro place said for 6 yards, I shouldn't need a commercial mower, but going 10+, I should consider it.

 

[soggymoss]

I have been thinking hard about getting into some side work doing lawn care. I did it quite a bit in college and it is good easy money for the most part. It's been quite a few years since I've done residential and commercial lawn care and I know quality sometimes changes with products. I've always used Gravely, but was looking at Toro today. I have a budget of around $5k for a mower and am looking at 48-52" cuts. I plan on taking on 6-10 properties.

Anyone have suggestions/experiences? The guy at the Toro place said for 6 yards, I shouldn't need a commercial mower, but going 10+, I should consider it.

I have a Toro Time cutter 5500 that's 5 years old that I now 2 acres twice a week with. The only problem I've ever had with it is the idler pulleys freezing up. They are sealed bearings so can't be greased (not like I would anyway, I've never even changed the oil).

All around it's a great mower for the price.

 

[VoodooChild85]

Im a gravely man ma self

 

[BHM]

I have only owned Gravely except for a box store cub cadet for two years.

Any mower will cut 6 yards. The commercial unit will do it longer and with less repairs. Commercial or Prosumer models will have better engines, hydros, spindles and thicker steel decks. I suggest that you spend a little more upfront.

If you are doing mainly smaller residential yards, look at a stand on mower. More compact and easier to get on and off.


https://www.gravely.com/en-us/stand-on-mowers/pro-stance#gallery

 

[Bayouboy]

I have a Toro Z master commercial mower and I love it. I only have 5 properties but invested in a full commerical machine. The cut is fantastic. I have a mulcher installed & it's like I bag the grass (no visable shavings). The drawback to a mulcher is you can't cut pastures or tall/overgrown lots.

With that budget, I would look hard at picking up a used commercial mower. Craigslist normally has some good deals. Just stay away from the units with too much mileage (1000+hrs). Some dealers sell the demo units for a good discount....that's how I purchased my Toro.

 

[SimpleSaint]

If you plan on cutting 6 yards for some extra cash perhaps you should just get a Honda Self Propel push mower for about $350. Cutting 6 yards with a push mower will save you $4700. How are you gonna make a profit if you spend $5k on a ZTR with only 6 yards?

ETA: IF you are dead set on a ZTR mower, save your $5k and go to your nearest Kubota dealer. They are offering 0 down 0%Interest for 5 years...Comes with a warranty and insurance.

 

[jrdbrn]

If you plan on cutting 6 yards for some extra cash perhaps you should just get a Honda Self Propel push mower for about $350. Cutting 6 yards with a push mower will save you $4700. How are you gonna make a profit if you spend $5k on a ZTR with only 6 yards?

ETA: IF you are dead set on a ZTR mower, save your $5k and go to your nearest Kubota dealer. They are offering 0 down 0%Interest for 5 years...Comes with a warranty and insurance.

Two of the people I've talked to have open lots and one pays $70 and one pays $75. I don't think getting the properties that pay decent will be that hard... especially when summer rolls around and no one wants to sweat.

I was thinking Kubota, but they look so expensive LOL. There is a dealer right up the street I will go talk to.

 

[SimpleSaint]

Good luck hustling the yards. Its kind of late in the season since we basically had no winter.

Kubota is more expensive but you get what you pay for. Also, i agree that you do not need a commercial mower so you can pick up a ZTR Kubota for about $2-3K
at 0 Down , 0 % interest. ANother thing is Kubota services their own product. When your Gravely breaks, and it will, you will have to put it in the shop and pay for repairs. Kubota comes with a warranty.

 

[BHM]

Good luck hustling the yards. Its kind of late in the season since we basically had no winter.

Kubota is more expensive but you get what you pay for. Also, i agree that you do not need a commercial mower so you can pick up a ZTR Kubota for about $2-3K
at 0 Down , 0 % interest. ANother thing is Kubota services their own product. When your Gravely breaks, and it will, you will have to put it in the shop and pay for repairs. Kubota comes with a warranty.

????


Are you saying Kubota never charges for service? Is it a lifetime warranty?

 

[Wisco Steve]

Skag