Small walk behind advice

[kelias]

I am shopping for a small walk behind (32" to 34"). I was hoping to get some feedback on these models:

Simplicity Pacer - 34" single hydro
Ferris 32 HydroCut - 32" single hydro
Snapper 32" - basically same machine as Ferris

Or, should i try to find a used Exmark 32" Viking (dual hydro)? This is my ideal machine, but difficult to locate. If anyone has a line on one of these (especially in New England), please advise.

Anyone have experience with the manueverability of the single hydro machines?

thanks,
Karl

[lorenzo piedra]

Will you be bagging the clippings?

[kelias]

yes, definitely

[RatherbeBassin']

I too am looking @ the Ferris HydroCut 32" and comparing it to Snapper. (Same company... Simplicity/Snapper and Ferris and I understand Briggs is the owner) Ferris will probably get my buy again because of the 2 year commercial warranty.

Prof. Stone, You appear to be a belt fan. I see little difference in $ of Snapper/Ferris belt, hydro or gear. I respect your opinion and would like to know if belt or gear is all that much worse than hydro. It seems to me it would be cheaper to replace belts/gears than hydro headaches. Ferris UltraBelt seems SWEEEEEET for belt. AND... before you throw the Toro pitch you need to know local Toro dealer is weak on service. Also, please educate me on smaller w/b. I assume the smaller w/b provides a nicer/easier mow/cut on smaller lawns? This is why I am looking to a w/b.

Props on the Hurdy Gurdy/Donovan reference in the Sod post. Cool ol' song. Did you know Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones arranged/played on this BEFORE Zeppelin? AND... the 1995 Zeppelin world tour (on DVD!) has Nigel Eaton playing an actual hurdy gurdy on it? (Stupid sh*t learned from years of mispent youth)

[RatherbeBassin']

Snapper too has the 2 year warranty on some I see now! Sorry for the ignorance.

[kelias]

my primary concern is the maneuverability of the single hydro machines - i don't want to be three-point-turning all over the place. if someone has used these machines and says maneuverability is decent, then i will go with one of the single hydro machines.

- Simplicity is less $$ (than Snapper at least), but single cylinder Briggs, 12 gauge deck versus 10 gauge for Ferris/Snapper

- If Ferris could be had for similar $$ to the Simplicity, i would go Ferris

Depends on maneuverability of single hydro setup - maybe i will try to demo one.

[Lawnsbydesign]

How about the quick 36 I like it I have one and It works great