Going to test drive a Dixon and Snapper tonite...

GrayBeard · Aug 30, 2004

I've read good things about the Snapper/Simplicty (FastCut).
They are 18hp /44" cut and well built units. imho
The Dixon model is a Ram 44. I couldn't find out much about these, as there's not many in my area.
The Snapper is a little more $ ;however, I got a great price quote on the Dixon but the Dlr. is not going to handle them any longer.
He's getting older and wants to downsize. He claims there's no problem with Dixon, he's just slowing some.
The Dixon is a great price but I don't know if I want an "orphan".... There are just not many Dlrs. around.
GrayBeard

GrayBeard · Aug 30, 2004

These are both ZTR's...
Forgot that part.
GrayBeard

MarkLeininger · Aug 30, 2004

Consumer reports doesn't show good reliability for Simplicity lawn tractors, don't know if that applies to ZTR. The guy that does the acre around our house uses a Dixie Chopper, which I had never heard of. It almost looks like he's tearing around on a dirt bike; I have never seen any device go so fast and still give such a good cut. It must have some kind of suspension or else very soft tires because it goes across bad bumps in the yard with a wave like motion that smooths out the cut and doesn't scalp. I would imagine this is a commercial brand and probably not in the homeowner's price range, but maybe you're rich.

viking · Aug 30, 2004

Let us know how your test run goes tonight. I have looked at the Ram 44/50, they look like a stout machine. I didnt give it a test run though, not that far in the process. My JD STX38 still gets the job done, so cant really justify a new ZTR yet, yet....
I hear your concern about not having a dealer around, but lots of places work in lawn mowers.

GrayBeard · Aug 31, 2004

Report on the test drives:
I ran the Snapper FastCut first. It's an 18hp Kolher.
All the controls were comfortable and the "fit and finish" of the machine was fine. The hydros (dual pumps and wheel motors) made for a smooth run even with my lack of experience. The hydro uint had a filter and reservoir for the oil. The seat was not the greatest(vs. Dixon) and the mower had no lights. I'm not planning a lot of night work but they would be nice. The deck seemed pretty good ,albeit stamped steel. All in all, looks like a good machine.

The Dixon is an 18hp B&S and very "stout" in the way the machine is made. It has dual self contained pumps with a bevel gear drive off the pumps(I think) no wheel motors. The hydro has no filter or reservoir for the oil. This system was not quite as smooth as the Snapper. The deck seem "bullet proof" , welded and very heavy with cast iron 1" spindles. The unit has lights and no hour meter (Snapper did). Dixon has a good seat (for me). It also has a nice feature on the deck height adjustment. You can easily raise the deck with your foot if you're crossing an obstacle such as a curb or the edge of my driveway.
The Dixon was a well built mower although maybe just a bit less "refined" than the Snapper.
The Dixon is about 600.00 less than the Snapper.
Per my previous post, Dixon support in my area may be an "item".
I'm still not certain about a descision...
GrayBeard

Bird · Aug 31, 2004

Graybeard, I thought I wanted one of the smallest Dixons myself, but found yesterday that the nearest dealer was sold out, not expecting any more until Spring, although he said he could have one for me in 2 days if I wanted it. Probably would have been a good idea, but I just don't want to buy anything without having at least seen one first, so I let a salesman (and my wife) talk me into buying this one yesterday.

GrayBeard · Aug 31, 2004

Bird,
Looks like you got a good machine .
The Dixon dlr I was at last night had the Ram 44 I tested and a 30" ZTR on the floor.
That's part of my problem, I think he's going to give up the Dixon line. He said it was a personal thing not the mower.
He'll still work on them but I don't know about warranty stuff if he's not an authorized dlr.?
Good luck with the new mower !
GrayBeard

Bird · Aug 31, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I think he's going to give up the Dixon line. He said it was a personal thing not the mower)</font>

Graybeard, that's one of the things that concerned me about the Dixon line. The Kubota dealer I bought both my Kubotas from used to also sell Dixons and Cub Cadets, as well as the bigger Case/International tractors. And every time I was there, I noticed he had several Dixon mowers in for repairs. Now they all appeared to be old and abused and I think they were all being used commercially, quite likely by employees who didn't take very good care of them. At any rate, that dealer dropped the Dixon and Cub Cadet lines several years ago, but I never asked why. The nearest Dixon dealer to me told me yesterday that he was sold out (I have no idea how many he sold) and didn't expect any more in until Spring. And the dealer I bought the Toro from also mentioned that he used to sell Dixons, but not anymore. He wouldn't say anything bad about them, but didn't seem to want to tell me why he dropped that line, and I didn't press the issue. I had noticed on Dixon's web site that they have some nice looking nylon covers available for their mowers, so I asked this Toro dealer about that and he said Toro didn't offer those. However, when their driver delivered the mower yesterday, he said the boss found one of the Dixon covers and sent it along at no charge, so I have a pretty blue Dixon cover to put over this Toro. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

ihcubs · Aug 31, 2004

Graybeard, I would buy the snapper. The transmissions are much better and the frame is built strong enough for any homeowner. They have done great for us this year.

vicory · Aug 31, 2004

I read your initial post and all the responses and WVBill's responses and earlier thread is on target with my findings. I've researched this issue for the past 2 years waiting for my old MTD lawn tractor to give up the ghost.

I've been on the Simplicity 2050, all Hustler's, Scag, Exmark, Toro, Cub Cadet a small Ferris can't remember which one, Great Dane, which my brother-in-law bought for over $6,000 with a 48 inch deck and finally the Country Clipper Jazee One.

I won't go into all the details as WVBill really did a good job with that, I have narrowed my choice down to the Jazee with a 19 inch Kawasaki and 52 inch deck. It's built great, good pumps, excellent deck, like the single joy stick, especially since I will be mowing around trees and the price is one of the better ones, $4,500.00 range. I have one more unit that I've found which I really like the looks of and will be taking a test run on in a few days. It's the Landpride Razor, 20 HP Honda Engine 52" deck, commercial pumps, slightly off set deck feature to allow closer mowing under trees and near fence lines. Price originally $4,999.00 but on sale for $4,499.00. I'm going to give it a try and see how it handles and rides.