Shopping for a new Zero Turn --- this is what I've found so far, INPUT NEEDED

[djdicetn]

So.. I had started touching up a few spots in the paint on the deck and frame with the dealer paint and it was really thin, didn't like using it at all. I had read that people claim that the tractor store brand "cat yellow" is a real close match, so i bought that and started applying it, much better & thicker consistency.

However, once it dried, it wasn't really close enough to match. The next logical step of course was to remove pieces and repaint it all! So, that's what i did. I also painted the flex forks, which were black, because i thought it looked better in yellow.

I still need to do the ROPS, and the engine cover (it's resin, so i want to wait until it's warmer).

But she turned out pretty good, and I'm a fan if Caterpillar yellow anyhow!

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TSO,

WOW, I agree with Carl_NH....fantastic paint job(looks like a brand new mower)!!!!! My Gravely had a "scratch" on the rear engine cover/bumper at delivery(from the dealer unloading it when he got it in) and he "gave me" a can of Gravely Red touch-up paint. I haven't tried it yet, but will next weekend before I start mowing this season since the scratch is down to bare metal and I don't want it to begin to rust(I only put 5.5 hours on it last fall after buying it). I hope it's "decent" paint and matches good(don't know who "makes" the touch-up paint, but it's got Gravely on the label). It's only about a 1.5 inch long/eighth inch wide scratch, so I doubt I'll want to repaint as much as you did:0)

 

[TSO]

Yeah, i definitely hadn't planned to do that much work on it, but I have the time right now since its still crappy outside. That was my main goal, to get rid of, or prevent, any rust. The worst spots were places I hadn't thought to look, and likely would not have if I hadn't taken it all apart: anti -scalp wheel brackets, the rubber grass shoot brackets, and the attachment locations where the deck chains attach. These spots are probably prone to rust because they're subject to constant friction. I took them down to bare metal as a precaution, but I'll probably check them during every off season.

 

[TSO]

Yeah, i definitely hadn't planned to do that much work on it, but I have the time right now since its still crappy outside. That was my main goal, to get rid of, or prevent, any rust. The worst spots were places I hadn't thought to look, and likely would not have if I hadn't taken it all apart: anti -scalp wheel brackets, the rubber grass shoot brackets, and the attachment locations where the deck chains attach. These spots are probably prone to rust because they're subject to constant friction. I took them down to bare metal as a precaution, but I'll probably check them during every off season.

 

[lherren]

For the money Gravely is worth a look. After a lot of camparisons, on my part, I found that Gravely offered offered more features that were additional costs on the others. Had mine for almost 1000 hrs now and only changed oil twice per year.

 

[djdicetn]

For the money Gravely is worth a look. After a lot of camparisons, on my part, I found that Gravely offered offered more features that were additional costs on the others. Had mine for almost 1000 hrs now and only changed oil twice per year.

lherren,
What model Gravely do you have? That's an encouraging testimony after 1,000 hours on one!!! That is why I think I made the right choice as a homeowner to get a Gravely Commercial ZTR just before I retire. Most likely I won't live to see 1,000 hours on mine(I have about 1.5 acres). It only takes me about 35 minutes to mow, so even with a long growing season here in Middle TN I probably won't put 30-50 hours/year on it.

 

[aczlan]

Most any commercial ZTR will hit 1000-1200 hours if not abused. A commercial crew would put that many hours in 2 or at most 3 summers of mowing.

Aaron Z

 

[lherren]

lherren,
What model Gravely do you have? That's an encouraging testimony after 1,000 hours on one!!! That is why I think I made the right choice as a homeowner to get a Gravely Commercial ZTR just before I retire. Most likely I won't live to see 1,000 hours on mine(I have about 1.5 acres). It only takes me about 35 minutes to mow, so even with a long growing season here in Middle TN I probably won't put 30-50 hours/year on it.

I have a 260Z that I believe is their commercial grade. Like you, I am retired and plan for this thing to outlast me.

 

[djdicetn]

I have a 260Z that I believe is their commercial grade. Like you, I am retired and plan for this thing to outlast me.

lherren,
Yep, the Gravely Commercial series are the 100XDZ, 200XDZ & 400XDZ. The 100 series, like mine, is the entry level, the 200 series like, like yours is the mid-level and the 400 series is the top-end models. The other part of the number is the deck size(mine is a 152 with a 52" deck, and yours is a 260 with a 60" deck). I thought about getting the 200 series, but with my 1.5 acre lot the 152 Commercial was already more than I really needed so I saved the extra money from stepping up to the 200 series. I agree that these ZTR's will most likely be used by our grandkids when we're gone:0)

 

[TSO]

Awwwwww yeah! So far I'm liking the new mower! Really cuts quick & smooth. I'm most surprised with how mellow the ride is, even when it bounces it absorbs the shock well and makes it surprisingly comfortable.

Mowed this 3 acre field today in about 50 mins.

 

[djdicetn]

Yep,, you dun good!!! Was hoping to hear back after you had put it through the mill. BTW, not surprisingly, the 2013 NORTH AMERICAN EQUIPMENT DEALERS ASSOCIATION survey(dealers rating the manufacturers they carry) rated the Hustler with the highest overall rating(6.26) of all Outdoor Equipment Manufacturers(avg. for all mfgs was 5.43). That was higher than the Scags, Grasshoppers and other top-of-the-line brands. I was still pleased with Ariens(makes my Gravely) rating of 6.10 overall. Some want to write off this survey, but I consider it a pretty good "report card" and better than a "consumer survey" which tends to have emotions behind it. There's a thread on the forum with the link to the survey but here it is below in case you want to take a look:
http://www.msdeda.com/pdf/2013 Dealer Manufacturer Survey.pdf

 

[TSO]

Thanks. Yeah, I actually had a little pucker moment yesterday when I started using it. I took it out of the barn, started right up, mowed for about 15 mins, parked it for about 30, went back to start it and it wouldn't turn over. I figure, either the battery or starter by the way its' acting. So, I get my battery jump pack, but it still wouldn't turn over. Hmm.... So, I take out the battery, and judging by its' blank label, I figure it's the original and probably bad. I go to my Farm Supply store, get a new one, get home, put it in... and of course, the terminals are just slightly "off" located so that the ground cable is now 1" too short. I look for another GOOD ground location, but none are as good as the factory spot... So, back to the store for a longer cable. Get home, install it, and presto: Wait, it still won't start, won't even engage the starter. I'm about to get pissed when I realize that at some point during this fiasco, I had moved one of the drive-arms and so the "safety" was engaged and wouldn't let it start. Moved it and now it was good to go!

Luckily the store is only about 4 country miles away, thankfully!

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Awwwwww yeah! So far I'm liking the new mower! Really cuts quick & smooth. I'm most surprised with how mellow the ride is, even when it bounces it absorbs the shock well and makes it surprisingly comfortable.

Mowed this 3 acre field today in about 50 mins.



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Might want to go mow it again today before the snow and cold hits again...global warming...don't get me going...
BTW, nice mower. You can haul it down here and practice on my obstacle course any summer you want.

 

[westbrooklawn]

Thanks. Yeah, I actually had a little pucker moment yesterday when I started using it. I took it out of the barn, started right up, mowed for about 15 mins, parked it for about 30, went back to start it and it wouldn't turn over. I figure, either the battery or starter by the way its' acting. So, I get my battery jump pack, but it still wouldn't turn over. Hmm.... So, I take out the battery, and judging by its' blank label, I figure it's the original and probably bad. I go to my Farm Supply store, get a new one, get home, put it in... and of course, the terminals are just slightly "off" located so that the ground cable is now 1" too short. I look for another GOOD ground location, but none are as good as the factory spot... So, back to the store for a longer cable. Get home, install it, and presto: Wait, it still won't start, won't even engage the starter. I'm about to get pissed when I realize that at some point during this fiasco, I had moved one of the drive-arms and so the "safety" was engaged and wouldn't let it start. Moved it and now it was good to go!

Luckily the store is only about 4 country miles away, thankfully!

Have experienced the same problem... most often cause of not starting is the control arms aren't all the way out or the blade engagement switch is in the "on" position.

 

[robbyr]

The first weekend in April the wife said hey let's go look at some ztr's. We went to Outdoor Equipment Outlet in Conroe. I had spoke to guy there couple weekends prior and had my mind made up to get a Gravely. While waiting on salesmen to finish up with a customer we looked at all the different models they had parked out by the highway. Sat on several but when I sat on the Scag there was no comparison as far as comfort goes. I had never heard of Scag til I saw EddieWalker mention his on TBN. Ended up getting the Scag Cheetah, no regrets. If I could figure out how I would post pics. Gotta get the missus to show me how to do that.

 

[djdicetn]

The first weekend in April the wife said hey let's go look at some ztr's. We went to Outdoor Equipment Outlet in Conroe. I had spoke to guy there couple weekends prior and had my mind made up to get a Gravely. While waiting on salesmen to finish up with a customer we looked at all the different models they had parked out by the highway. Sat on several but when I sat on the Scag there was no comparison as far as comfort goes. I had never heard of Scag til I saw EddieWalker mention his on TBN. Ended up getting the Scag Cheetah, no regrets. If I could figure out how I would post pics. Gotta get the missus to show me how to do that.

robbyr,
Yep, my dealer carries Scags and Gravelys but the price difference between similarly equipped models between those two makes(as well as my budget approval from my Financial Advisor....aka the wife) prevented me from even considering a Scag. BTW, have you looked at that link on the forums of the 2013 NORTH AMERICAN EQUIPMENT DEALERS ASSOCIATION dealer survey results??? Over 3,000 dealers rated their brand's manufacturers and the Scag had an overall rating of 5.74 and Ariens(makes the Gravely) had a 6.10 with the average overall for all manufacturers that dealers responded to the survey for being a 5.43 rating. No argument here that a Scag is a fine machine, but if the seat was the selling point for ???? more $$$$ over a comparable Gravely, I'm wondering if the Gravely you were looking at was actually a similarly equipped model to the Scag Cheetah(not price comparison....but component/build comparison). My Gravely Pro-Turn XDZ100 Commercial ZTR has a full suspension seat and it has a VERY comfortable ride. Just sayin......

P.S.
If you are intersted, that survey is at:

http://www.msdeda.com/pdf/2013 Dealer Manufacturer Survey.pdf

 

[robbyr]

You would be correct in that the Gravely was not a commercial model. While salesman was doing the credit check for the Gravely, my financial advisor (like yours) strolled over and twisted my arm into getting the Scag. I didn't argue. Pound for pound and dollar for dollar Gravely may have been better deal but I'm happy, the bos...... I mean financial advisor (and every other kind of advisor also) is happy too. Got home that Saturday afternoon and mowed. Mowed some more the next day and have not been on it since. Guess who's been hogging all the mowing time.