Exmark Lazer Z HP vs. Gravely 144 XDZ

[Orangeblood]

I am trying to decide between a Exmark lazer z hp with 46" deck vs the new Gravely XDZ with a 44 inch deck.

I know both of these are a bit over-kill for 1 1/2 acres but my property has many trees and a fairly steep berm in the back of the property with over 30 trees lining the top of it. I need something that has stability for the berm but can also navigate the tight quarters around the trees and wrought iron fencing.

The Exmark has a 19HP Kawasaki with the Triton deck, $6,399. The Gravely has a 21 HP kawasaki engine, $6,599.

The entire 1 1/2 acres is sodded with bermuda so I am looking for a nice cut.

Any suggestions or comments?

[OLD HAT]

both are good machines, I personaly like gravely. Most of the mowers around here are exmarks.
Can you get both machines between the trees?
Did you take either of them on a test ride?
I dont think the 2" will be a big deal for your mowing so figure out which one fits you best and which has the best dealer support.

[violinmore]

wright standers are great for inclines. altho you didnt mention wright.

[Orangeblood]

They are putting the Gravely together this weekend, still in crate. They offered to bring them both to my house to try them out. Looks like the support for either of them will be good.

My other concern is the weight of the machines on my lawn, I currently use a JD tractor and both of these machines are twice as heavy.

Thanks for the information.

[Stove]

I like Exmark, I like Gravely
I currently own a gravely wb but am in the process of buying a 60ztr Exmark

[GeorgiaLandscaper]

Its not a matter of what mower everyone like and dislikes. The mower you buy should be the one that fits the job you have for it. The biggest differnce in the gravley vs. the exmark is the deck. Exmark mowers are designed to mulch. Gravely mowers are designed to side discharge. If you will be mulching, the gravely will suck at it compared to the exmark. Pick the mower that best fits your needs. They are both great machines, but are designed for different things. Hope I could help.

For the information given it sounds like the exmark will be superior or the gravely for your situation. Bermuda grass does very well when mulched.

[Orangeblood]

This is very helpful as I will be mulching. I guess that is why the Gravely mulching kit is $89 vs. the exmark kit for $189. Thanks for the info.

[GeorgiaLandscaper]

Right. That is beacuse the exmark mulching kit is a complete baffel system. The gravely is proably just a set of mulching blades and a chute blocker.

If you plan on mulching, there should be no questoion. Buy the exmark. See if your dealer will demo you a unit with the mulching system on it.