Cub Cadet Hydro

[Drei]

I'm about to start my own lawn service and was wondering if any of you had knowledge about Cub Cadet WB dual hydro 48" 15 hp Kaw. engine. Besides my 22" Toro I need a larger mower. The Cub is new and a discontinued model for 3,300.00 that included tax (TN,8.25%) since 3 grand ,give or take, is about all I can spend shold I do this? I don't think I can get a new equivalent style for any less but have not checked all dealers yet. I'm not able to save up more since I have allready quit my job (sick of it). Are gear drives that much worse and different to manuver than hydro? I like to be able to turn quick, slow down and speed up with ease. I've never tried either one. OR.. Should I look for a ZTR with some hours on it?

Thanks a bunch for any input!

By the way..
Thanks to you Phil and whomever else is running the show, Great Forum!



Edited by - Drei on Jun 04 2002 01:29:12 AM

[rkbrown]

reply

I believe that you can go with a major commercial brand for close to the same money, however, it may not be a hydro. A hydro has distinct advantages, particularly in wet conditions, as well as a true reverse rather than a "reverse assist" that you get with most gear drives. Two things would make me hesitate with this mower. 1st is that Cub is made by MTD, and on these boards, I have not seen particularly good press about them. Although, I did see on another forum a positive discussion about the Cub Tank. The other thing that brings up a flag is the word "discontinued". Will there be parts and service available and convenient to you, or since it is discontinued, will parts need to be special ordered, thus taking more time.

How close is the Cub dealer to you ? I am fortunate to have Toro, Scag and Exmark dealers within a reasonable distance and would consider these before going with another brand that I would have to travel 2+ hours to in order to get service.

I, personally, am considering an Exmark 32" wb due to the fact that the average gate in this area is 35" wide. They only have gear drive, fixed decks with the 32" deck, so the hydro and floating deck are not options available to me. The cost for this is about $2000 new. This would allow $1000+ to buy a good commercial trimmer, edger and blower.

Just my $.02

Rob
Taybritt Lawn and Landscape Services

Edited by - rkbrown on Jun 04 2002 09:23:44 AM

[GrassMaster]

reply

Hello Members:

rkbrown has made some Excellent Points!

MTD sends up a Red Flag! Over half of my Gross at my Shop is Repairing, Doing Warranty Work & Selling Parts for MTD Mowers? Hint Hint? Now I've only Heard of their Commercial Units but Remember that You are Trying to Make a Living with this Mower? In Most Cases when you Pay More, You Get More! Hint Hint?

Also if it's Discontinued Equipment (no matter who the Manufacture is & if it is New?), It will Probably be a Hurry up & Wait Scenario on Parts all the Time, When you Need Parts or it could be Just The Biggest Easter Egg Hunt you've ever been on in Your Life!

Personally I would Look at a Wore Out eXmark or Toro First. One Great way to base your Decision is, Which is the Most Popular Unit is Sold & Used in Your Area?

You Could Probably Find 2 Used ones in Good Shape for Less Money & Even Have Money Left over! Giving you more money for other Equipment. You Need Back Ups for everything? Down Time is a Killer! Just Doulble the Money You Loose when Equipment is in the Shop or Down! Your Not getting jobs Done, Could be loosing Customers & if it's in the Shop, You have to Pay for repairs Also?

Parts Availability & Dealer Support, I think is over half of the Purchasing Decision (it was for me). You can Have the Best Mower Made & if you have to wait on Parts all the Time or you only Have one Dealer you Can deal with on it, Your Looking at Big Problems Later on Down the Road!

Most of the Time when you get Jobs, It's Because your Customers were Unhappy with the Previous Lawn Service. If your Down Days to Weeks, Where will you be & What about the Customers then?

Do not Ever Put Yourself in a Position, Where You have to Make Excuses to yout Customers! Any & All Excuses are Poor Excuses, No Matter What?

<b>GrassMaster My Home Page
Members Click to PM Me or Click to E-Mail Me!</b>