Which mower

[the maze]

Debating which one to get. Looking at the Ferris 48" w/b, Ferris 61" ZTR or the Wright stander (50-60"). New business, started advertising, hoping for 20-30 accounts ( more would be great). If I go with the w/b I would most definitly get the ZTR next year or later this year, if the business pans out, to compliment the w/b. Currently have a Simplicity consumer Z and a 22" Craftsman that I used for my yard. Thnx for any info. Ex airline employee the maze

[LLee]

Starting out with what equipment is a tough decision when resources are limited as each type mower has its own limitations. I started with a 48" bobcat walkbehind which was good for starting out combined with a 20" push mower but soon found myself, due to new business with larger area's, needing a bigger mower. Once I got the bigger mower the 48 became obsolete. I ultimately got rid of it and got a 36 to compliment the big mower and now have a good system. I believe that if your only going to have one mower a 48 is the way to go, but if your planning on having two then a 36 and a 52 or 60 would work nicely. Depending on the type of properties you are advertising in I would think starting with a good hydro 36 for your first year would be the way to go. Then next year get your Z and you'll be all set. On the other hand if your advertising in area's with larger properties with no gates or fenced in yards then go ahead and start out with the Z and add a 36 down the road. The mowers your looking at are all good brands, you just need to figure which size works best for you.

[Shoal]

what size of yards are you getting into what kind of service are you wanting to provide. are you collecting or mulching? there are alot of questions you need to know answers to before choosing. shoal

[the maze]

Yards up to an acre. Not opposed to a little bigger. As of now no collecting or mulching. Light raking and blowing.

[beano]

Get a 48 rider. I have the new Ferris 48" 1500is and its great because i can use it on all different size jobs. Large or small it works great

[Shoal]

as said above there are so many factors concerning what mower you need. gates, what type of clients you have and what type of clients you want. you want to get to know your peers they have done alot of the home work for you. they have the machinery you need so ask them as to what works best in your area. then of course come service. who is in your area and can they back up the product they sell. good luck shoal

[likestomow]

Are you full-time or part-time. I suspect part-time. If you plan to get into this field in a big way, that is to say, you want to develope your client list say up to 60-80 eventually, then I'd say plan for it now. Buy the bigger mower like a 60"-Z with 27hp or more. If you insist on doing fenced backyards, then find a good 36" walk-behind to go along with it.

If you get the right Z, you will be able to take it on 90% of the area that a WB will go on. For the really tough slopes you could either drop the account or use the 36". My Dixie Chopper will go straight up and down slopes that I wouldn't want to use a WB on.

[PTLlandscapingIL]

id start out with a 48 z ferris,we dont live in farm county i average size yard is 10,000 sq ft or less

[the maze]

Thanks for the info. I know there are alot of factors, but when your new you don't know who will answer your ad. The areas that I'm advertising have yards from small to 1-2 acres. Going to do my first spring clean estimate. hope I get it.