36" Walk-Behind...WTB???

[bblouie]

After searching through different threads regarding 36" WB's, I still have no definite answer. Here is my situation:

I work in the Phoenix area, which means I mow 52 weeks a year. April thru October the lawns are Bermuda/Hybrids...Tifway, Midiron, etc. Cutting heights are 1.5"-2.5". October thru April, lawns are overseeded with Perennial Rye (high moisture content and thick) cut at 2"-2.5".

I have 40 weekly accounts ranging from 800 sq ft to 12,000 sq ft with one 2.5 acre lawn. All lawns, except the big one which is flood irrigated bi-weekly, are watered with sprinklers. About half of the accounts have 36": to 48" gates to the back yards and the other half have RV gates( 8-12ft wide ).

I currently use a 22" Push mower and a 42" Lawn tractor for the big lawns(I got it for free from a customer who thought the engine was no good...all it needed was a new spark plug!!!) The lawn tractor bags fairly well, but mulches like a POS!! I work alone, so hauling burlaps full of grass clippings becomes a pain in the back day after day.

Which 36" Walk-Behind can handle mulching these types of grass at these cutting heights leaving a bagged look. Lately, I have been picking up high dollar accounts that want a golf-course quality cut.

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

Steve

[GeorgiaLandscaper]

I run a exmark 36" viking hydro with a mulching kit, as long as they are being cut once a week the exmark will do awsome. When I cut my bermuda accounts once a week it leaves absolutley no clipping of leaves in the yard what so ever. I am very pleased with it.

[The C Man.]

If you want something less expensive you might look at the Quick 36" (They have an add at the top of the page here). They are only a single hydro but good value for the money. I have been very happy with mine. This is my first year and I don't have many (any ) accounts yet but I have used it cutting fields near my house for practice and also I cut the neighbors for free. Very nice cut and easy to operate. If I don't get more work soon my motto will be "Have Mower Will Travel". :p

[bblouie]

I run a exmark 36" viking hydro with a mulching kit, as long as they are being cut once a week the exmark will do awsome. When I cut my bermuda accounts once a week it leaves absolutley no clipping of leaves in the yard what so ever. I am very pleased with it.

How high do you cut your bermuda accounts??

[Sasquatch52]

Exmarks are excellent machines. You will pay a bit more for them, but they are awesome in the long run. I haven't used a wb but i just bought a 52" ZTR a few weeks ago.

My entire yard is 419 bermuda, and i cut it as short as the mower goes. I think its around 1.5 or 1.75". And it looks awesome. It usually helps if the grass is dry when mulching.

Im sure the wb will do just as good of a job, or even better since they wouldnt scalp as much.