deck width

[MOW MONEY]

Hi everyone, new to the forum. It's like a good book I can't stop reading.
Like so many others I read I'm just getting started. I have been looking at new ZTR's in the 48" to 52" inch deck size. For a 1st mower should I go larger? smaller? any thoughts

[GrassMaster]

Welcome to the Lawn Service Forum Community, MOW MONEY!

[bayfish]

mo money

I always found that I had ample access with the 52" and it is good for the larger properties. I would be afraid that the 48" would force you to upgrade too quickly. Go with the 52"

[backsmackwristcrack]

yeah the 52"
'..I have one as well as the obligitory 21" for the fickle tight spaces...yep get the jungle wheels too saves time and energy..for the papwer work at home ...lol

[andersc1]

A lot depends on the size yards you are going to be cutting. Here in Southeast Texas land is still readily available and most yards are decent size (over 10,000 sq. ft.) so a decent size deck is VERY useful.

I run a 60" deck on my Gravely and would have bought a 72" deck if I could have fit it on a trailer. We don't use ZTR's on yards under 15,000 sq. ft. anyway, so I'm not too concerned with being able to get into really tight spaces. Were the bigger mowers come in handy is when your doing larger commercial properties (ie: apartment complexes, large lots, etc.). and those residential customers that have an acre of land or better. Time is money and the more ground you can cover when you need to the better.

Just think about what type of accounts you will be servicing and make your purchases based on these findings and you should be OK.

Curtis

[mmlawncare]

Originally posted by backsmackwristcrack
yeah the 52"
'..I have one as well as the obligitory 21" for the fickle tight spaces...yep get the jungle wheels too saves time and energy..for the papwer work at home ...lol

Jungle Wheels for a Z? I'm just kidding...

[Maddog]

I used a 48" when starting but bought a 54" shortly after. I found that I could do everything with the 54" as I did with the 48" but only faster.

[lawnchopper]

I just added a couple larger residential accounts that are close to two acres and I really wish I had something bigger than my 48". will make due til I can get a another one.

[MOW MONEY]

Thanks guys for all your input, it sound like the 52" is the way to go. Now it's finding the best bang for the buck. (going strickly commercial of course)

[Lawngodfather]

A 48" to 52" mower of any kind is a great all around size mower, you can handel most small to larger properties with that mower.

For stictly commercial good luck, only difference is commercial is not a residance.

[Jack D.]

Originally posted by Lawngodfather
only difference is commercial is not a residance.

I agree with this statement.