T-BAR VS. PISTOL GRIP

[mhentosh]

I'M LOOKING TO PURCHASE A 48" WALK BEHIND. I NEVER OPPERATED A COMMERCIAL WALK BEHIND. IS THERE A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN T-BAR VS. PISTOL GRIP. ALSO WHAT ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FIXED VS. FLOATING DECK. IS IT WORTH THE EXTRA MONEY TO GET THESE ITEMS ON YOUR WALK BEHIND? I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE ANY SUGGESTIONS.


-MD LAWN SERVICE

[qualitylandscaping]

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I use pistol grips and fixed decks.. I don't feel the need to spend more money for options. Pistol grips make your hands strong too!![]

[Scaper-S2k]

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And just think, pistols won't just make your hands strong, they will give you a horrible case of carpel tunnel syndrome when you get older!! Ahhhhhh yes, surgery and pain in the years ahead!!

There are better things out there, pistol grips should be done away with by every manufacturer. There should be a class action lawsuit if ya ask me. I know that's a bit rough, but it's been proven over and over and over that they lead to carpel tunnel, there are better ideas out there, yet they continue to make them. They should be made to change their design or stop making the equipment. After many years of use on a pistol grip, you can almost bank on it, you will eventually be getting your hands and wrists sliced open in the sugeons room.

You'll see more and more of this in the years to come. Our industry isn't very old just yet. When the 'veteran' mower guys begin to age, it will become common to see carpel tunnel.

Toro's T-bar on the other hand requires virtually no hard pressure to use. You simply push the bar forward, or pull back on the appropriate side. Let off completely and the mower sits idle.


After using a PROPERLY adjusted T-bar, no one could give a reason why pistol grips are still being used.

[Zturncutter]

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T-Bar is the clear winner!!! Floating decks are more important when using machines with cuts of 60" or over.[8D]

[steve mn]

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I have used both types of machines for 15 years, i prefer the pistol grip control over the t- bar. i also know that the pistol grips are harder on your hands and wrists then the t-bar.It all depends what kind of turf areas you are working on. if you have perfectly smooth turf areas the t-bar is very good machice, but in rougher areas I have found it harder to control. simply stated its a matter of opinion
and what you feel more comfortable with. try both machines before you buy. Ive found good qualitys in both.

[qualitylandscaping]

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Welcome to the community Steve Mn!![]

[Scaper-S2k]

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Steve mn, you may have had the machine adjusted wrong. Bumpy turf is a way that the T-bar stands out better. When set properly, the T-bar acts as a 'shock absorber' over the bumpy terrain. You just have to have them set for the extra cushion room. That may not be the situation in your case, just maybe.

The reason I say that is because I have seen many guys running them when they are adjusted bad. Some dealers even sell them adjusted wrong.

Welcome to the board.[] Hope all goes well.

[Zack.]

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Many people prefer the pistols over the T-bar on the hydro units. I am not one of them but the pistols do offer much better control with this type of drive system. A trade-off for the decreased operator fatigue. If you are getting a hydro I would recommend avoiding Toro altogether & going with an eXmark (ECS) or Hustler (H-Bar) control.

[Scaper-S2k]

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I agree about the Toro hydro. Never cared for the hydro setup with the T-bar. Supposably they are not as jumpy as they use to be, but I haven't demoed one in a while.

[gator]

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t-bar and the floating deck if you are getting a toro. Personally I hate pistol grips. You should demo and see what fits your needs. [8D]