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Guys, I am just starting out this year and have 4 apartment complex accounts lined up. I had pretty much decided to go with a Toro 44 walk behind, but the guys at the Toro shop keep trying to talk me into the ztr rider instead. They are talking about how much more productive it is, and how much faster I'll be able to get the jobs done, and take on many more accounts. Since I will be a one man operation obviously productivity is a big concern. Is it really worth $2500 more to go with the rider? I'm not crazy about walking 10 miles a day, but also not crazy about shelling out nearly 6k for a machine. Any insight would be helpful. Thanks in advance.
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If you can afford it I would definately go with the rider. It will save you a ton of time and your legs wont be dead when you go to mow the extra account you got with your spare time.[
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Brian
All Seasons Lawn Care -
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Get a velke then you don't have to walk. They only cost about $250.00. If you are planning on doing residentials or small commercials also, I would recommend a walk behind over a rider. Easier to get into smaller spots. You just have to decide how much you will use the 44 and for what types of jobs. Don't buy the mower just because it would be more productive on one job, make sure the mower reflects the sizes of your other accounts.“veni, vidi, vici.â€Comment
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This may be a stupid follow up question but why would it be any harder to get into a spot with a 44" rider instead of a 44" walk behind?Comment
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Had an Exmark 52" ZTR with 100 hours on it and traded it in for a 52" Exmark walk behind. ZTR would not hold a hill. Most satisified with 52" walk behind with Velke. Something to think about if properties have any hills.Learn Try Learn Try Learn TryComment
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Mr. ass, it may not be more difficult to get into a spot but you can generally trim much finer & go many more places with a hydro WB than a rider. The only rider that is suited to avg. res. props is the Walker. Mid-mount ZTR's are best suited to wide open production areas such as the one pictured below.
http://www.avalawnlandscaping.com/images/full/Hamilton%20fl.jpg
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Zack-
Thanks for the Mr. prefix. And you're welcome for the opportunity I gave you to poke more fun at your friends on the board.Comment
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If there are a lot of low lying tree branches, z turns can pose a problem. The spots I was referring to were the spots under trees. Try mowing a steep hill with a z turn with out it tipping over. I have used both, if you have a lot of wide open flat areas, then a z turn would be great, but if you are doing a lot of hilly, highly obscured lawns then a hydro walk behind with a velke is your best choice.“veni, vidi, vici.â€Comment
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Thanks CCLS and everyone else. I guess that what you are saying is the walk behind is much more versatile, and would probably be the best choice if one will be using only one primary mower. That makes sense.Comment
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You are definately on the right track Mr. ratsass, but be sure you purchase a hydro WB if it is to be your primary mower for res. props.. A belt drive WB with similar deck size, like the one pictured below, would be less productive than a mid-mount ZTR in most situations.
http://www.avalawnlandscaping.com/images/full/Hamilton%20fl.jpg
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