BUying advice - Zero Turn? Good, Bad, what to look for and avoid? Prefer Used?

[Gary Fowler]

Opinions on the Hustler Fastrak 54" rear discharge with 23 HP Kaw? Would the 48 inch be better for not scalping, or would it make much difference? The only humps I have in the yard are molehills that pop up ..

Do you have hills to mow? If so then scalping on one side will be a problem if you have to mow any of the hill on side slope. As long as you can go straight with the slope, scalping wont happen but if you have to sideslope mow any at all, the low side is going to scalp if the deck is any wider than the wheeltrack. My 52" which is just a bit wider than the tire tracks scalps bad on the low side when I have to mow hills. Most of my hills are like a ball and slope to all sides so a bit of scalping is inevitable.

Humps like mole hills are going to scalp with any size mower.

 

[John Fitzgerald]

I would think that changes in slope over a small area are the main cause of scalping. Mowing sideways on a reasonably sloped hill of constant slope should not be any different to the mower than flat ground. It's the transitions at the top and bottom of the hill that would cause scalping. Are anti scalp wheels on the deck any use?

 

[MossflowerWoods]

David,
Hope all is well with you and yours.

I would recommend that you look hard at Bad Boy...

Be patient and keep looking.

BigFoot!

I hope and Pray all is well with you and yours as well.

I like the BadBoy's. My Stihl dealer used to carry them and I looked at them a little bit.

I'm still saving every sheckle for the Big Home Remodel so nothing big. I had a local guy weld a bunch of spots on the deck and we are sitting pat for now.

Patience is the Plan.

Be well,
David

 

[amaxwell]

BigFoot!

I hope and Pray all is well with you and yours as well.

I like the BadBoy's. My Stihl dealer used to carry them and I looked at them a little bit.

I'm still saving every sheckle for the Big Home Remodel so nothing big. I had a local guy weld a bunch of spots on the deck and we are sitting pat for now.

Patience is the Plan.

Be well,
David

In my area Exmark is the choice of most professionals . I have a couple of them myself and they are tuff mowers. The one I use most is a 60" with the 27hp Kolher engine, that I bought used with about 500 hrs., for about 4k. Other than regular maintenance I haven't had an expense that I didn't cause myself. (ran over a cedar stump and cracked a blade housing) There are different series with different specs.even in the "commercial " mowers ,so be sure to check out each before you buy.

 

[echojohnny]

My personal opinion would be the Toro Z Master or Toro Stander. The easiest way to determine quality is to see what eqpt is used on a golf course. You get what you pay for. Make sure to look over the cutting deck first this is the main thing that wears out. Im origionally from Florida where the sand just kills blades & decks. Second look over the engine for any signs of oil leaks. Check the hour meter for its running time, inspect the oil checking for metalics and a burnt smell. Upon arrival to look at any used eqpt check and see if the engine is warm first. You want to see how easily it starts when the engine is cold. Most of all use your common sence and better judgement when looking to buy and if the deal seems too good to be true well it just may be. Good luck