Best commercial zero-turn for under $6000

[rover1]

I have cutting lawns for years while attending college, however, recently I have become unemployed and unable to find work. I have begun cutting lawns again using a lawn tractor and a toro push mower. I have a commericial blower and weed eater but need a good qaulity comercial zero-turn for more productivity. Between my brother and I, we have 8 lawns weekly right now, but hope to get more. I am planning to go back to school to finish my major, and plan to make my money by doing yard work. The problem is, as was in the past, is that between classes and cutting lawns,using a lawn tractor and push mower seemed to take forever to finish larger properties, meaning many yards I had would have to wait until I could get spare time to cut between classes and under-productive work. I have looked at Walker, Exmark, Bob-Cat, Ferris, Husqvarna, and Toro. The problem is that most of these mowers start at around $7200 and up, which is more than I can afford. Spending $6000 is pushing the limit, but what can I buy for under and around that mark. All help is greatly appreciated.

[mellowjohny]

I would really consider a 48inch walk behind, I can get an exmark metro gear drive for around 2600 localy. With a good sulky it's alot cheaper than a ztr and much faster than what you have. Even the Quick 36 being offered by our sponsor would give you an efficiency boost for alot less money. Save the zero turns for the near future if cash is tight.

Avoid debt at all cost.

[rover1]

Best commericial zero-turn for under $6000

For walkbehinds, are hydros or gear drivens preferred? The customers I have now want their lawns to have a pushed-cut look to it, especially for the front lawns. I am working on getting some commericial properties, but for now its all residential. I have looked at the Husqvarna iZ4217 zero-turn with a 17 HP Kawasaki V-twin and 42" cut. I can get it for around $5200 new . I read mixed reveiws on the Husqvarna's. Can anyone comment on these?

[J&F Lawn Care]

Used Equipment

Why dont you look for a used one. This would be my 1st choice if i was on a tight budget. Just make sure you have it properly inspected before buying. Good luck.

[joeslawncare]

Snapper ZTR

I would look at a Snapper 48" ZTR with twin lever control not the joystick crap. I'm sure this would be in or under your price range.

I have the 52" with the 21 hp kawasaki and love it. Never had any problems out of it. Why walk when you can ride?

Good luck and stay in school!!!

Joe

[MortNuke]

Here is a specific answer, but it is just my opinion:

eXmark, Turf Tracer HP 48" Walk Behind, with Mulch Kit and Velkie. $5400 plus tax.

When you can afford it, buy the eXmark Lazer ZTR.

Mort

[sierraboattail]

i just bought an encore 48" W\ a kawasaki 19 hp.... price was great at 4700 and i love it.....

[P&C Lawn Care]

8 lawns??? part-time??? Can't afford a ZTR then get a walk-behind with a large deck.

[lawnrangeralaska]

hustler fastrak

[turfSurfer]

You've gotten some good advice (especially about considering used equipment or a w/b - preferably hydro - if you're gonna be PT or less than longterm). If you go with a ztr, take a look at Country Clipper's new Charger - the 20 hp 48/52" deck starts just under $6k (and I'd go with their joystick whenever available; all have a flip-up deck for easy access). My neighbor just bought a couple of Scags and regretted it (just a little) after demoing a CC Zeton. You might also run across a leftover Zeton Brat (now replaced by the Charger) at some dealers.

[downtoearth]

I have the Dixie Chopper X2001-50. This is not the "Silver Eagle", which is their non-commercial unit. It is one of their "Coatesville Classics", a commercial unit. 20 horsepower Kohler and 50" deck. I paid $5999 for mine and got an OCDC thrown in on the deal. Great unit so far...no complaints. I looked at all brands before purchasing this and really could not find a better value.

[themowerman]

Pandoras box

Asking a question like that is like opening Pandora's Box.....I have always said to look for a trustworthy dealer near you that once you have a repor with him you will trust each other. If you stick with one dealer who you trust you will also get preferred treatment. If your unit is down he should try to help you out with a quick repair or loaner. Ask him his advise on what unit will best suit you. By dealing with one guy he may also give you a fair trade when upgrading. Too many landscapers play dealers against each other which causes dealers to ***** each other and in the end no one makes out. The scaper may get the best deal but when it comes time for warranty down time you may not get the attention you need. Just my humble opinion.

[Stephen M.]

Asking a question like that is like opening Pandora's Box.....I have always said to look for a trustworthy dealer near you that once you have a repor with him you will trust each other. If you stick with one dealer who you trust you will also get preferred treatment. If your unit is down he should try to help you out with a quick repair or loaner. Ask him his advise on what unit will best suit you. By dealing with one guy he may also give you a fair trade when upgrading. Too many landscapers play dealers against each other which causes dealers to ***** each other and in the end no one makes out. The scaper may get the best deal but when it comes time for warranty down time you may not get the attention you need. Just my humble opinion.

Your humble opinion is on the mark and there's no better teacher than experience. I've dealt with 5 dealers and I ended getting screwed by 2 of them because they sensed a lack of loyalty. The 3 dealers I do business with have different product lines that meet my needs and they bend over backwards for us because of mutual loyalty.

My Ag professor commented that there are many great pieces of machinery out there, but sometimes choosing a Ferris is more expeditious because parts and service is close to your shop as oppose to Exmark which could be in Bum Screw Eygpt. But on the other hand, the Exmark dealer might be more reliable in parts and service then the Ferris dealer close to home, so in that case I would go with the guy in Bum Screw Eygpt. That example goes to show there are no absolutes when picking your choice of equipment, but dealer support is very crucial to your success.