What is a good 36" WB ?

[justmowing]

I'm using a 21" toro commercial model for part-time mowing. I have mostly gated jobs but ready to move up to 36" WB already. Tired of taking an 1-1/2 hour to mow/trim/blow.
I don't want pistol grips. I like the T-bar concept with Toro. Also want a mulching kit and possible a bagger.

Is there a WB that you can lift the deck up to get it through a small gate? If so I would want a 44" WB. I'm thinking about getting a hydro but how costly is it to repair/replace hydro? Or is a belt WB better for part-time mowing since I heard it is alot cheaper but must pull it manually to go in reverse vs. hydro reverse setup. How much trouble is it to change mowing heights for whatever you recommend?

I'm also looking for negatives about whatever WB you recommend since most people think their brand is the best since they own it.

[Zack]

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Great Dane Gateway has a flip up batwing for gates. Flex Deck is an 18" deck attachment that fits most WB's & flips up.
I run Toro & Exmarks. Toro SFS decks for discharging-Exmark for mulching. Exmark ECS slightly better than T-bar. Exmark TTHP's much smaller footprint.
Go hydro-they never break.

[dgrazdude]

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jm,
The wb that I am running is a 36" single hydro Ferris with a 13hp kaw. This model is basically an in-between version of the belt drive and the dual hydro. Because it is a single hydro it is more economical than a dual. I believe the pump has a two year warranty so fixing it should not be a problem for a while. Yes, you can zero turn with it, however that is accomplished by applying a brake either left or right. So, it is not a true zero turn in the sense that the wheels can not independently go in separate directions. I prefer a three point turn anyway, even with my 52" Wright Stander. It is much easier on the turf. The Ferris also has a very comfortable system of forward and reverse. It is all controlled by your thumbs on each handle bar. Your dealer should be able to set you up with a mulch kit,bagger, and sulky if you want. It really is a great, economical upgrade from a 21". Ferris also has alot of different payment plans if you need one. Some disadvantages: Sometimes in wet grass it has a tendency to leave clumps, although typically it disperses grass very well. The deck on the left side is straight or square, which does not allow for real tight trimming. Eventually the brake pads will need to be replaced, and they do start to squeak over time. There is no hour meter on them, but I think you can buy a digital one for it. The deck will need to be lifted to change deck height (by removing or adding spacers) Hope this helps.
dgrazdude

[zephyr]

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Hydros are better for the budget. They last a lot longer than the belt drives and usually come with a nice warranty. Don't worry about belts slipping when cutting in wet conditions although some people don't seem to mind anyway. I prefer the hydros and they seem to last quite a bit longer on the average.

[dustin]

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Hi I use a toro proline 13.5 hp 36" deck has side bagger and a velke
single wheel sulky . It is belt drive and very dependable 5 forward speeds and reverse. wheel to wheel is 39" small enough for gates and
very practical in time savings good for bigger jobs.
while I'm here i also like snapper commercial 2 cycle mowers and echo
line trimmers, the 2100 echo is just fine with tapngo line feeders and
.95 line , they are light comfortable run in hot and cold weather have
ecellent trigger control and are medium priced.

just my 2 cents worth

dustin
Accurate Lawn Services

[odin]

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I like scag hydro walkbehind's we have the 36 inch scag ultimate for gates and it cuts and stripes great.
We've have great luck with scag walkbehinds but not their riders.
These machines are built tough.

Veteran 502nd inf co.d 1st bn 101st airbourne 1969-72

[Scaper-S2k]

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The Toro 36" is a great machine that has held it' original design for SO many years. Great machine. My oldest is about 12 years old. Yes, 12 years old. I have never had problems with it, no gear problems, motor problems, deck problems, nothing. I have replaced the belts only once and that was about 2 years ago. Great machine, everyone should have one!

I used to get the 12.5 Kaw. But the new 12.5 Kawasaki's are not as nice, nor as powerful due to the carb change about 6 years ago. I would consider a different engine if I bought one now.

<<Don't Fear the Green!>>

[Zack]

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Toro 36" is a good mower but with no mulch kit avail for this deck size their are better choices.
I've put discharge covers on my Toro 36"'s for summer mulching but without the chamber baffle they don't compare to a mower with a true mulch kit.

[lawrence stone]

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You missed a 36" Toro T-bar with a 12.5hp OLD Kaw on e-bay a few weeks ago. It was located in Jacksonville, FLA. Looked like the tranny was ripped apart (a new one is $180)othewise it was complete.

The winning bid was $112.


"The Frugal Agronomist"