Re-badged ZTRs?

[smstonypoint]

From this post - http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/general-lawn-garden/249369-landpride-zero-turn-mower.html - I learned that LandPride is now marketing ZTRs (Zero Turn Mowers | Land Pride).

I was aware that Bush Hog had ZTRs (Zero Turn Mowers 2011) after seeing one at my local Kubota/MF dealer.

Doing some additional checking, I see that Woods also has a ZTR line (http://www.woodsequipment.com/zeroTurnMowers.aspx).

I am curious as to whether these traditional ag. equipment companies are producing their own ZTRs or simply re-badging ZTRs from other companies.

I can see that it might not require much in the way of capital investment to produce and market their own. They have the expertise and facilities (with modifications?) to fabricate the frames and decks, most of the other components can be outsourced, and they have dealer networks. On the other hand, they are entering what seems to be crowded field.

Any ideas?

Steve

 

[GarthH]

I was at a farm show this week and looked at the Land Pride and the Woods. Both looked quite unique so I don't think the either appear to be rebranded. The Land Pride deck is pretty unique - not stamped like most of the others. The Woods sales manager was at the show and indicated that they were working on a unique 48" deck - I got the feeling that they were doing the design.

They could obviously use the others to build it for them yet.

 

[dbear]

It appears to me that the Woods midmount ZTRs are rebadged Bob-Cats.
BOB-CAT Commercial Mowers | Zero-Turn Riding Mowers & Mid-Size Walk-Behind Mowers - Home

Regarding Land Pride, I honestly don't know. The pivoting front axle should be a give-away, but I'm coming up empty. Country Clipper has that on some models, but the general design is fundamentally different.

 

[grnspot110]

I bought a Bush Hog new around 11 years ago, sold it two years ago, a very heavy duty mower! ~~ grnspot

 

[smstonypoint]

Interesting, I wasn't aware that Bush Hog ZTRs had been around that long. I saw a new one at a local dealer recently, but I don't remember them being discussed at TBN and I have never seen one being used (that I recognized as such).

Steve

 

[grnspot110]

Model #2554; 25 HP Kohler Command, 54" deck:

 

[smstonypoint]

The Bush Hog does look like a well-built mower. I would have checked out Bush Hogs had I known they existed when I was shopping two years ago. However, I was almost overwhelmed by the number of alternative brands that are out there. It's a lot easier shopping for a pickup -- you don't have as many choices.

Steve

 

[GarthH]

I noticed the Simplicity brand - it looks like a rebrand also. My guess is a Ferris but not sure, does any one know?

Boy does their warranty suck - 1year.

 

[dbear]

I noticed the Simplicity brand - it looks like a rebrand also. My guess is a Ferris but not sure, does any one know?

Boy does their warranty suck - 1year.

Yep, you are correct. I don't recall who bought who, or is it "whom", but they've been part of the same company for a few years now, and are all under the Briggs and Straton Corporation umbrella (BASCO). You'll find Snapper and Snapper Pro under there too.

 

[MikeA57]

The Bush Hog does look like a well-built mower. I would have checked out Bush Hogs had I known they existed when I was shopping two years ago. However, I was almost overwhelmed by the number of alternative brands that are out there. It's a lot easier shopping for a pickup -- you don't have as many choices.

Steve

So Steve, how do you like your BB Outlaw? Had any issues with it? How's the ride? How does it hold on slopes (if you have any)

Thanks!

Mike

 

[aczlan]

See: http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=381460 for some who makes who info.
Under the hood, there are probably only 3-4 companies who make the transmissions, deck spindles, engines etc.

Aaron Z

 

[smstonypoint]

So Steve, how do you like your BB Outlaw? Had any issues with it? How's the ride? How does it hold on slopes (if you have any)

Thanks!

Mike

Mike,

My apologies for the delayed response -- I've been at my farm (without Internet service).

I like my Outlaw so far. It's my first ZTR, so I can't offer comparisons to other brands/models. My lawn is far from smooth, but the ride is fine as long as I maintain a reasonable speed. The ride certainly beats that of my former mower -- a RER Snapper. I don't have any major slopes and so I can't comment on that issue.

Changing the hydraulic oil has proven to be a pain. The check plugs are on top of the transaxles and are hard to access. A little forethought on the part of the designer(s) would have made this task much easier.

I have had two problems with pillow block zerks. I discovered the top of one zerk was broken off when I first greased the mower. I wasn't able to match the thread pattern, but Bad Boy sent me a replacement. The last time I greased the mower, one of the zerks snapped off at the threads. I will try to drill out the zerk threads before the next scheduled greasing, but I bought a spare pillow block as insurance in case I botch the repair.

Steve