Toro Outfront Z300 Vs. Walker

[Zack]

My best cutter has a blown knee & can no longer run the WB's. He's been with me for 7 yrs so I'm going to break down & buy him an outfront Z to cut our res. props..
How does the Toro Z300 25 hp Kohler 48" compare to the Walker with similar specs?
Toro looks identical except the Toro deck can be converted from bagger to mulcher in the field while you have to switch decks with the Walker? If this is the case I want the Toro.

[lawrence stone]

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From comments in the other forums the Toro 300 is pure junk. The bagging system clogs etc.

Is he in that bad of shape he can't stand on a sulky?

"The Frugal Agronomist"

[All Terrain]

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I've owned both the toro Z300 and a walker 48". I my experince the walker is your better bet for residental lawns, The only problem I've had with the toro is that it has a wide wheel base that you"ll have problems getting through most gate openings to get into the back yard and the grass bin is harder to dump, It has a lip all the way around it the prevents grass from sliding out. The walker has been more of a maintance headache than the toro. The toro has a better hydro system, heavier gear boxes for the blades, Moves faster. The walker Gears are an option to upgrade, as well as the pulley for speed.

For residental lawns I would look at the walker. It gives a better after cut appearance.

[Zack]

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Thanks for the info All Terrain. The one feature on the Toro I like is the bagging deck can be quickly converted to a mulcher. I assume this is without chamber baffles.
With the Walker you'd have to buy a mulcher & bagger deck?
What maintenance headaches did you have with your Walker? Also do you think I could attach a hitch.

[Tonyr]

I owned both, started with Walker then went to the Toro Z355, cut is the same, Toro has a better blower, better catcher, no oscillating chute to wear out, mulch/ catch deck which is great in both modes, Toro is much, much stronger and beafier, much simpler parts eg, hydros etc. Handles hills much better, overall Toro costed me less and earn't much more. Walker is good, but they are lightly built and can be high maintenance, The Toro seems more up with the times for contract mowing. imo.

But neither are as good as my new Toro Z588E.

Tony.

[P&C Lawn Care]

Considering an outfront deck mower? Look at Grasshopper.