Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Hi all,

Well, it's been a while since I last came here, and since you folks gave me some great advice last Fall, regarding snow-throwers (bought a Honda 11/32), I decided to come back for a little guidance on lawn-tractors.

First off, my property is roughly 27,000 sq.ft. Roughly 18,000 sq.ft. of that is relatively "flat". The remaining 9000 sq.ft. is comprised of fairly steep slopes, where it would be impossible to use a tractor, and I'll be doing those areas with a push-mower and a grass-trimmer.

Budget-wise, I'm reasonably flexible, and I'd like a quality machine. I've only just begun looking at these machines, and so far I've tried a Cub-Cadet Zero-Turn 50" mower, and I've taken a brief look at a Troy-Bilt 25HP/ 50" conventional lawn-tractor.  Wednesday of this week, I'll be visiting a John Deere dealer.

I've got to say that I was impressed with the Cub-Cadet, but I suppose it would take a little time to get used to the twin-lever steering system.

Can you folks give me a little shove in the right direction? Is there something I should consider when choosing a motor? (single cylinder vs twin, etc)

How about accessories? My understanding is, you can't use rear-bagger accessories on the zero-turn mowers. Is that a big deal? Do those rear-bagger systems work well?

Thanks in advance,

Bob

I have the same problem. Personaly i have been looking at Ventrac  tractors. They clame they are good for a 30 degree hill. They will also bring one to your house for a demo. Check them out on u tube. So far I havent herd anything negitive about them

Wow !! That seems like a very well built and designed unit, but probably much more tractor than I could use.. I hate to think of how much they must cost. Ny slopes are also much steeper than 30 degrees, so I'll be sticking to a grass-trimmer for those areas.

I'm looking primarily for a "mower only" type of machine, and I'd kinda like to keep it under $3500, or possibly even less. My local Canadian-Tire store is offering the Troy-Bilt 25hp/50" model for $2399. this week. I have no idea if this is a decent machine. It has a Kohler V-twin engine, hydrostatic, 22" rear tires, etc. Mind you, most of these small tractors I've looked at, don't inspire a lot of confidence.

Has anyone come across a machine sold by Home-Depot, called the "Beast"?

http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultView?D=935075&Ntt=935075&catalogId=10051&langId=-15&storeId=10051&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntx=mode+matchall&N=0&Ntk=P_PartNumber

Hi,
I never herd of the Beast. How about the Ariens ZOOM. It is much cheaper than the BEAST. Ex-emart units are good to but are exspensive. A lot of lanscapers use them. There are used units out there too. Check out the Zoom. They are on u tube too. I think they go for $2,500. Home depot sells them too. As with any lawn equiptment of this size, go with a lawn shop  local dealer. they can serve you better and fix any warranty issue. Home Depot does not do any warranty work. , they just sell it. I'm sure a local dealer can give you a matching price too.

I checked out an EX-Mark Quest today at my local Case dealer. They only had the 20hp/42" deck model in stock, and that was $4700. according to the rep who served me. He wasn't 100% sure of that price though, as the regular sales-rep was away for the day. I've gotta say that the build-quality of that eXmark machine, was VERY IMPRESSIVE to say the least. It looks like it would last forever.

Hi ,

I just wanted to led you know, you may want to check out Toro too.  Ex mart is just  a top of the line Toro. They are to same company . You may not afford a Ex-emart Lexus, but you may afford a Toro Camry.