Riding ztr 36" vs Walk behind 36"

[Turf Guy]

I started my landscape maintenance company recently and need to purchase a more productive commercial mower. Most of the properties in my area fall in the 7,500 - 15,000 sq ft range. Many of them have fenced in back yards with gates of approximately 42" and slopes leading to a lake or canal. I currently use a 21" mower on the few properties that I maintain. Some of the mowers I have looked at include Scag zcat 36", Wright Stander 36" and walk behind 36" Scag, Toro Proline and Exmark Tracer (Hydro's preferably since I live in south Florida where it rains for a 2 hours everyday for 6 months out of the year.) Important features for me are quality of cut, manuverability and productivity. Also how important is a floating deck in this size? Other machines I should consider? Any recommendations?

Thanks,
Rey

[Jack D.]

Please note that mid mount riders are best suited to open areas. 36" Walk units will reduce trimming, three point turns, turf damage, and are more versatile.

Please do not purchase any rider under 52".

[jgc8fan]

I agree... I have a 44" ZTR, and wish I had bought a bigger one, but I'd rather have a WB for most of what I do. The mid mounts are a pain getting into corners and such always leaving a big wedge that has to be trimmed. The WB will leave a wedge too, but about half the size the ZTR does. I think I have about 6 properties that I actually "need" the ZTR for, so it wound up not being very cost effective in my case, but I still like having it for the big properties. Now that I'm losing my WB I may have to squeeze more work out of the rider until I can save up for a new WB (Of course I had someone come and look at buying my truck tonight so I might have enough for it soon).

The long and short... If you are buying your first mid size mower then buy a WB. ZTRs are cool, but shouldn't be your first. The WB is more versatile in the beginning, and later on you can buy a ZTR when it's needed.

[RRS]

My guys and I maintain a lot of properties in the size range you mentioned and I still don't have a ZTR and don't plan to anytime soon. Floating deck hydro walkbehinds are the way to go in my opinion.

[Turf Guy]

Thanks for the guidance. Its tough just relying on the dealer for imput on this type of an item. You don't know if they may have an agenda. The main equipment dealer by me has suggested against the w/b and keeps pushing the Wright Stander 36". He says he doesn't even stock the w/b because most guys are going with the Wright Stander now a days.

My initial thoughts were the w/b but was concerned after discussing with the dealer. I think I agree with you guys and I am leaning towards the w/b hydro. Possibly the Exmark Turf Tracer HP 36" Hydro with floating deck at another smaller dealer. I just think being my primary mower its much more flexible for my application for the types of properties I will be maintaining.

[RRS]

You don't know if they may have an agenda.

They definetely have an agenda...sell what the stock. And why not.

Most every company uses walkbehinds, and if you're starting out servicing smaller residentials you almost must have one.

You can't go wrong with the Exmark. That's the best 36" walk going.

[cut above]

I agree with Jack, if your getting a 36" mower, dont get a ride on ztr. Waaay too narrow and with a grown person riding it, won't hold any type of a slope, and will look like a play toy.