Cub Cadet Tank

[jbrawner]

I am looking at starting up a mowing business (part-time), and love the features of the cub-cadet tank. For the money (about $7000 for the M60-Kawasaki), is this the best I can do? Keep in mind that I am only looking at mowing about 10-15 hours a week.

I have looked at Dixon, MTD, Dixie Chopper, Woods, and Bush-Hog. Prices are all in the same range, but Cub has a three year warranty. Also, the dealership guarantees a replacement mower should the other need repairs (you can't put a price on that!).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Green Giant]

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The Lesco Viper and the Tank are the same machine.Pretty much.
I can get parts for the "Tank" that will work on my Viper.
Blades too.
Difference? The Viper is a lot cheaper.
The G2 is selling here in Tampa for around $5800. plus tax.
Thats for the 60 with the 23Kaw.
JMO.
[]

[jbrawner]

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I don't think I have a local dealer for Lesco. The brands I listed are the ones that have a local dealership.

Do you or anyone else have any other thoughts on the Cub Cadet ZTRs?

[Green Giant]

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10-15 hrs per week?
Do you need a Z?
What about a nice WB hydro with a velke?

Cub is O.K.
I have seen a few "Tanks" round here.
A lot of Lesco equipment also.
More so over this last year or so.We have some outstanding centers here.
Where you be at?

[jbrawner]

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I am in northern TN. One benefit of buying a ZTR is that I have about 5 acres to mow on my place. Part-timing will help me pay for the mower, plus open up the possibilities for a prosperous business. I want to act conservatively, but am committed to the business of mowing simply because I enjoy it.

I have a cub cadet "conventional" mower at present, and have never had the first problem. I know their reputation well and have been well impressed at their current line of ZTRs. My worry is getting a bad deal or getting a mower that won't do the job. Cub Cadet has simply done more to convince me of their quality and commitment than anyone else. I read somewhere on this site that the cut is excellent, thus, customer satisfaction should also be.

I am glad to hear that there are businesses using the tank. I wasn't sure until you said so. There is only one legitimate service in this area, and they us Dixie Chopper. Thus, I have very limited exposure to this industry. You have helped me already, so thank you. Perhaps others who have more thoughts on the "Tank" will write in, also. If you have any more thoughts, I hope you will do the same. Thanks again.

[Green Giant]

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jb...
The final decision is yours.If you know the machine performs great and you know you'll get good service if the machine goes down whats left?
I'm extremely happy with the Viper and how it cuts. I get great service from both of the Lesco centers here. Thats all that matters to me.
The final question is the price. Are you concerned about paying too much?
There again you have to be the judge. Match the price against other commercial machines. Remember in some cases you are paying for a name too.
That does not always mean that the machine will do the job that you need it to do.
If you can demo it,do it. That way you'll be more confident in your decision.
If the warranty and service are there I'd say go for it. You are planning on growing the biz,right?
Good luck...[]

[WLS]

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I have a tank M-60, with about 400 hours on it, I paid 7000.00 for it also. To this date I've had no problems what so ever. I,m buying a lesco Z2 in the spring, which the lesco dealer is about 100 miles away,my cub dealer is 30 miles away. But with the track record of the Cubs and Lesco's I'm not afraid to buy that machine with the dealer so far away.

[Maddog]

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Most of my equipment is Cub. I have a 54" Tank with a few different options on it including the vaccuum system, works well. The base M-54 Tank cost me about the same as the M-60 you are talking about.

[WLS]

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I also have a vacumn system, mounted on the tank, I paid 1900.00 for it installed, works great. Its like a peco brand. Also have a Hustler outfront mower 272A model, for 20 hp its got alot of power, and I have a MTD Pro 48" w/b hydro

[Maddog]

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Bernie, do you use the hand held Cub equipment? So far I have had good luck with mine.

[WLS]

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Sorry about the long wait, I have a Cub Trimmer (ST-26) a Backpack Blower (BB-60) no problems with any of them, That blower will hold its own with the other brands.

[Maddog]

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I have 2 (ST-23's) one of these came with the M54 during their promotion also have the BB-60 back pack.