what's a beginner to do?

[MarkMoore]

hi, i'm new to the business, and am excited to continue pursuing my business ventures for years to come. However, it does all seem a little bit overwhelming and disorienting when it comes to choosing between brand names. is there some type of reliable source (a magazine or whatever) that does unbiased tests to reveal good and bad qualities in each brand for a particular piece of equipment. Like for example, the first mower i ever bought was a little home owners Toro. The reason i bought it is because it ranked #1 in consumer's digest's comparison of about 40 mowers. So where do i turn to find out what are the best product names/models out there w/o employing the ole trial and error method (or constantly asking a new question between name brands on this forum)

[Littleriver1]

reliable source? There's no such thing! trial and error? It worked for me. I got a Scag. I'm very happy, as you will be, no matter what you buy. Some of us are not happy but we refuse to admit it because we don't want other people to know we made a bad choice. Go with a well known name brand and you'll be fine.

[cut above]

I agree 100 percent. As long as you purchase brand name commercial equipment theres no way you can go wrong. Heres some names to look at just to get you started.

1. Scag
2. Toro
3. Exmark
4. Grasshopper
5. John Deere
6. Walker

If I were you I would go with whatever had the most reliable dealer in your area, believe me dealers are worth their weight in gold even if it means you have to pay a little extra.
Good luck!

[MarkMoore]

well if what u say is true, i should feel pretty lucky then. i live less than a mile away from a shop which is an authorized toro, wright, exmark (and at least a few others) dealer.

i still kinda wish they would make a contractor's version of consumer's digest to guide me through the bewilderment of purchasing equipment i've never had experience w/ before.

Toro or Exmark it is!

[cut above]

MarkMoore

I can assure you that by buying either one of those machines, you will not be let down. They are well known, if not the best known mowers in the green industry. Seems like everyone has one.

I know what you're saying about the consumers digest thing, I wish they made one too.

But, truth is, if they made one the comparison between the mowers I listed above would be EXTREMELY CLOSE, IF NOT IDENTICAL
Bottom line, you will be extremely happy with either mower you choose. Congrats!