What is a good zero turn mower?

Matt0285 · Sep 14, 2004

I am a small business owner and i hav about 15 residential lawns, but i want to expand and begin to do some commericial lawns. So i need a bigger lawn mower and i was looking at a 2004 toro time cutter 16-42Z zero-turn mower i found one for sale for $1850 and i was wondering if that was a good deal for the price anyways. There are lots of pics that show every angle of the mower and it looks like it is in very good condition. He says that is probably has less then 30 hours of use b/c it was a trade in on one of his other mowers he sold. Is this a good mower, or does it have problems? Any feedback or sugestions would be great.

Thanks,
Matt

riches139 · Sep 14, 2004

I use Cub Cadet.
Not sure on Toro's.
Try www.Lawnsite.com

Gatorboy · Sep 14, 2004

If you are looking for a "good" ZTR, then you need to be looking at and above the $4000 level. If you are going to be in business cutting grass, then you will need a commercial mower. Brands to look at are Scag, Dixie Chopper, Exmark, Lesco, to name a few.

JJT · Sep 14, 2004

I love my Kubota ZD21. It's great on fuel, gives a great cut and it's at least 3 times faster than my old 44" rider. It's a commercial mower with a very heavy fabricated 60" deck.

Matt0285 · Sep 14, 2004

So it that toro lawn mower a good deal? or should i look for a different brand or style?

Gatorboy · Sep 14, 2004

I looked up some photos of that Toro model -- it looks to me like the type Home Depot would sell. To me that means, "Stay away".

Don't take my word for it, for I have no experience with this model -- but brand new is about $2765. This is not a commerical mower. The mowers I am suggesting (in my last post) are in the $6000-7500 range.

If you want a forum that is geared toward the lawn care business -- visit The Lawn Cafe.

Bird · Sep 14, 2004

( Is this a good mower )

I don't know, but I sure hope so, since I just bought a timecutter 14-38Z. I like it, but I figure I've only put about 5 or 6 hours on it (no hour meter). They are, of course, in their homeowner line instead of their commercial line.

( wondering if that was a good deal for the price anyways )

According to toro.com the retail price is $3,199 so I'd say that's a good price if it's as low hours and good condition as you think. I don't know how much the dealers discount them from that retail price, but my dealer priced mine at $200 under the retail price of $2,899 shown on the web site, and he wouldn't go any lower. He did throw in free delivery to start with and told me if it needed any warranty service, free pickup and delivery would be included. And he happened to have a Dixon cover on hand that he gave me.

Nasty135 · Sep 14, 2004

Matt, Can you speak with the one who is selling and find out why its being sold? Just to see why after 30 hrs. on it they weren't pleased with it.
I would also if in business for myself being looking for a commerical unit as mentioned above Jazee,Hustler,Gravely also come to mind...Good luck /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Birdhunter1 · Sep 15, 2004

I'm guessing that most of the lawns you are talking about are not too big. If it were me I would shy away from the Toro ZTR and look for a small commercial grade mower. My dad just bought a 52" cut ZTR marketed by bobcat, I don't remember exactly who makes it (it might be grasshopper) but it is a small commercial grade and is well suited for yards hwere there is alot to mow around or uneven/hilly areas. He paid in the neighborhood of $4000-$4500. Scag, Ex-Mark, Cub Cadet, Grasshopper, Gravely and Dixon are all good brands I would look at.

GrayBeard · Sep 15, 2004

I just bought a Dixon Ram 44 several weeks ago.
So far, It's been great and has a lot of features that much more expensive machines have.
It serves my needs well.
I'll probably be selling my RMF.
GrayBeard