john deere

[troy ingram]

what do ya'll think about john deere ztr 717 A 48"CUT 19HP 4 a starter.

[suzuki4life]

for a starter you are spending too much money, Jd's are like harley's, they cost too much but have the name. I would go with an exmark/scag/bobcat and save yourself the money, unless you want to pay alot more for the green and yellow. I have an exmark lazer ct 48" with an 18hp briggs on it. I love it, plently of power and really easy to use.

-zach

[MASTERMOWER]

Mr Suzuki runs Weed-Eater brand trimmers, thus, I question his knowledge about the John Deere brand.

I've heard good reviews on John Deere large frame ZTRs. The 48" would be a compact frame ZTR (I think?) though.

I dunno if Deeres are priced any higher than other commercial brands, but I seriously doubt you'd see much of a price difference.

[Seascape]

Mr Suzuki runs Weed-Eater brand trimmers, thus, I question his knowledge about the John Deere brand.

.

Hey MrSuzuki,,,,,,,,,,,, dont take to much flack from this jackass. He's cutting grass with a BA in hort .

[TrpD345]

Where I live, the Exmark costs more than a John Deere! I love my 737!

[dandelion]

Hello Troy,

FYI: I just purchased a JD 717-A at the end of May. So far I love it (15hrs). I looked at many machines including Scag, Ex-Mark, and also Cub-Tank, etc. and did my homework, but zeroed in on the 717-A.

My requirements were rather narrow: Needed small frame unit to fit my trailer and also some smaller gated properities, which pointed to small-frame unit. Also wanted Kaw-power and heavy-duty.

Reasons for purchase: Local support and reasonable price (http://www.mcchesneyimplement.com/specials.html). Looked at Scag/Cub, but did not have my specs when I needed to purchase (wanted Kaw-power & small frame).

Pros: Great control through sticks (control levers), heavy duty construction (compare weight to competing models). Good ground speed.

Cons: Rough ride over non-flat surfaces (due to short wheelbase). Engine rated at 19hp with 675cc (larger hp available with same displacement) that ....slows during wet or high/dense cutting.

Overall: In my opinion, JD is re-entering the commerical lawn-care market. Example: look at the front deck wheels of 717 vs. 717a models (they are double reinforced on outside edges). Very happy so far......

Good luck with your biz, and I don't think you will be let down if you choose 717a with good support at a reasonable price.

[buster57]

Dandelion-you nailed it.
The 717A is a terrific mower but unsteady on a hill. Otherwise it is exceptional in every respect.
John Deere is going to be s serious contender in this marketplace!