Better ExMark or Scag??

[ChrisK]

I am looking to upgrade my equipment in hopes of expanding my business. I use a riding mower now and I'm looking to get at least a 48inch walk behind.
Anyone had any problems out of either of the two brands?????
Thanks
P.s. I just registered and am glad I found this great forum!!!
Chris

[Billy]

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Look into Walker Mowers.

[Phil Nilsson]

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Chris ... what are your plans for expansion? ... adding more customers, new services ... and how are you doing with your present customers ... has it been as profitable as hoped for?

Phil Nilsson
Nilsson Associates Consultants
Visit Lawn Service & Landscaping Book Store





Edited by - phil nilsson on May 07 2002 06:37:24 AM

[ChrisK]

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My current customers are very loyal and happy. I make $160 a week from them. I plan on using that money to finance a new walk behind (at least a 48inch cut). I have a truck and 6x14 trailor. I would really like to make this a full time business but don't know how many customers I can get, and I don't know how many yards I can do in a day by myself.
I can use all the advice you can give.
What other services can I offer besides mowing??
Thank you very much!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a great board!!!!
Chris

[Bryan]

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Hi,

Here in Michigan I have an Exmark and Scag ZTR. I also have a Scag 36" Walker.
The Exmark out performs the Scags because of Blade Speed.. (Bottom Line) You can cut at faster Ground speeds.. Which means more production.
However the Scag is also a dependable and reliable Machine. I can't say a bad thing about it.

Good luck

Bryan (Push & Cut)<font face='Courier New'></font id='Courier New'>

[Zack]

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<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=1 face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
My current customers are very loyal and happy. I make $160 a week from them. I plan on using that money to finance a new walk behind (at least a 48inch cut).
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size=2 id=quote>

How many customers for that $160?

[Green Giant]

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Sounds like you have a plan chris. Keep at it. Just make sure your bottom line is healthy.
My vote is for the exmark. ZTR anyway. Have used Scag in the past but it was a lemon I think. 48 ZTR,problems from week #1. They have gotten a lot better though.
Demo them both out if you can.



Dennis E.
Grasshopper Lawn
Mulberry,Fl.
(Green Giant is my truck!)

[Leone Lawn]

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my scag kicks ass

Leone Lawn

[Fivestar]

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Exmark Turf Tracers new come with the ECS handles. You can also buy just the handles and put them on a used unit if so desired. I own a Exmark Lazer Z Liquid Cooled 60in that has 400 hrs of Hard commercial use and I know that Exmark builds a very rugged reliable product no matter what model it might be. Try to buy one with a Kawasaki engine, they last forever. Also do yourself a favor and go to Wal-mart and buy a "Camel pack". They are bad to the bone. On of the best things I`ve bought for my crew in a good while. It will save your --- when it`s 95 in the shade and you would like a cool drink. Check it out!!!

[kendrick]

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Try to keep your expenses low until you pick up more clients. I've been down the same road in another business and you just don't want to put more out of your pocket than you are bringing in when you are starting out. Think about this:

1. How many lawns do you have?
2. How quickly do you cut them with your rider?
3. How much quicker do you think you can cut them with a shiny, brand new, expensive commercial mower?
4. Once you have cut them so quickly, then what will you do?
5. Check your local Green Sheet, Penny Saver, or whatever other classified ads you have in your area for a used machine and have it checked out at your local mower dealership. This will save you a ton of money, let you use a larger mower, and save you time. Make sure it was a well maintained mower and the first things you should do is change the oil and filter, grease all the fittings, change the air filter and buy new blades. You will still come out much better and if the lawn business doesn't work out, you won't be out $3299 for a 48" Scag.