Time for a new mower

The place for discussions about mowers, stripers, edgers, weeders, etc.
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PSU4ME
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Re: Time for a new mower

Post by PSU4ME » March 29th, 2017, 8:45 pm

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the help and suggestions. I think a zero turn would be my best price for performance but as noted it's a true cutter and can't do much else. That's a good thing because I think that's all I need it for. I'm definitely going to work the dealer a bit..... I want a quality cut so it'll need to perform.

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Re: Time for a new mower

Post by cnbart » March 29th, 2017, 10:25 pm

Pete1313 wrote:
March 29th, 2017, 6:31 pm
PSU4ME wrote:
March 29th, 2017, 1:59 pm
Do you think the zero turns cut better than a traditional tractor?
My recommendation is to look at the Z375R, with a 54" Accel Deep deck, and a 25hp engine is plenty of power for a 54" deck. Demo it, see if you like it. Don't forget to negotiate in the extras you want like the mulch control kit, or a striper kit.
+1 on the Accel Deep deck. I have the 48" version on mine. The dealer thought the smaller deck gave a better cut but didn't really provide any reasoning or evidence from what I can remember. My lawn wasn't large enough to worry about it though so I just went with their recommendation. 2016 was the first year though so it may be a bit of trouble finding something used. <$4k I'd agree with Pete and look at the Z375R and probably look at the Z525E as well. If the dealer has them in stock most will let you demo them to see which works better for you.

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Re: Time for a new mower

Post by ENVY23 » March 30th, 2017, 8:42 am

I'd also look at the Hustler Raptor SD and Raptor SDX. Both are around $4k new. I'm hoping to get one as soon as we finish remodeling the basement.

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Re: Time for a new mower

Post by PSU4ME » March 30th, 2017, 9:20 am

The more I read and hear from you guys I feel better about looking at the new mower. The tractor flattening the grass and the edge deck not being able to lift and cut it well enough is probably the main culprit. Hopefully the Accel deck will be the answer.

The JD rep is going to come by and look at my current mower for a trade in, any experience with dealer trade ins? Figure I'll take a bath on it so craigslist might be better.

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1977212
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Re: Time for a new mower

Post by 1977212 » March 30th, 2017, 3:16 pm

People are also happy with the bad boy mowers.


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ericgautier
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Re: Time for a new mower

Post by ericgautier » March 31st, 2017, 11:09 am

Read some good reviews on the Accel deck - http://www.mytractorforum.com/12-john-d ... -deck.html

:good:

Let us know how it goes.

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PSU4ME
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Re: Time for a new mower

Post by PSU4ME » April 3rd, 2017, 5:02 pm

Ok so I swung by the dealer. They just sold their last last year model (324) so I'm now looking at the 350, 345 or the 380.

So my big questions are 42 or 48 and 4 wheel steer or not? After those questions, the 380 (which is 48") is a 22hp engine..... worth it over the other 18.5 ones above?

Dealer said the issue in having is that my briggs and Stratton engine is a dog compared to the Kawasaki for low endtorque..... which is where I want it for blade speed.

I'd love your thoughts!

350 42" is $3200
350 48" is $3600
354 42" 4ws is $3800
380 48" 4ws is $4400

Thank you!!

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PSU4ME
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Re: Time for a new mower

Post by PSU4ME » April 3rd, 2017, 5:04 pm

Another thought is around the same 18.5hp Kawasaki engine pushing 2 blades (42") or 3 blades (48")...... wouldn't the 42" have a better, stronger blade tip speed?

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Re: Time for a new mower

Post by Pete1313 » April 3rd, 2017, 6:20 pm

Maybe, a smaller deck is less likely to lose blade tip speed when cutting a thick stand of grass. Where a 48" deck might struggle with a 18.5hp engine during growth flushes. I'm not sure you will like going from a 48" deck to a 42" deck though. An acre is a lot to cut with only a 42". For that reason I would suggest the X380 with 2ws and the 48" deck. The 22hp kawasaki will have plenty of power for the 48" deck. The other benefit to the X380 is it has the stronger K58 hydrostatic transmission. The other 3 you mentioned have the K46 which is not as strong of a unit. If you do decide one day to tow an aerator, cart, roller, or have any hills on the property, the K58 will be better suited and last longer. Regarding 4ws, do you have a lot of tight turns when mowing? If thats the case, I would look at the X384. Otherwise I would decide against it.

BTW, did you end up deciding against a zero turn?

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Re: Time for a new mower

Post by ericgautier » April 3rd, 2017, 7:05 pm

FWIW, my eXmark 48" only has a 15hp Kawa engine and I have yet to bog it down. Also, 48" will have 3 shorter blades compared to 2 longer blades on the 42".

However, I think in this case (and if I was in your shoes) I would definitely spring for the larger engine and larger deck. :)

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Re: Time for a new mower

Post by PSU4ME » April 3rd, 2017, 8:59 pm

Thanks guys, that's helpful. To answer your questions, I did decide against the zturn because I can't rule out the need for a tractor. I bought a tow behind aerator that I forgot about so it's possible I'll use it. I don't have many tight turns so I'm leaning away from the 4ws. Just another thing to break! I think the 18.5 would be plenty and the 22hp seems like it would be a beast! I do like the 380 but the 350 48" seems like a winner too (if it works as good as Eric's 15 hp). Need to go read about transmissions.

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Re: Time for a new mower

Post by 1977212 » April 4th, 2017, 12:24 am

The 4ws is nice but 3 point turns are just as good. Just make sure you get something that cuts very well. Honestly a grandstand is very good for the price range, I'd own a multi force one right now but they didn't come out with them till last fall.

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Re: Time for a new mower

Post by ericgautier » April 4th, 2017, 9:35 am

1977212 wrote:
April 4th, 2017, 12:24 am
Honestly a grandstand is very good for the price range, I'd own a multi force one right now but they didn't come out with them till last fall.
The multi force is an awesome machine. Love the all-season long capabilities it can handle. :good:

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PSU4ME
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Re: Time for a new mower

Post by PSU4ME » April 4th, 2017, 12:28 pm

1977212 wrote:
April 4th, 2017, 12:24 am
The 4ws is nice but 3 point turns are just as good. Just make sure you get something that cuts very well. Honestly a grandstand is very good for the price range, I'd own a multi force one right now but they didn't come out with them till last fall.
I think i'm moving away from the 4ws, as you said i can just do a K turn and be don't with it which is what i do today.

Those grandstands do look pretty awesome but i can't see how you can hold a beer and drive it at the same time?? :rotfl:

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PSU4ME
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Re: Time for a new mower

Post by PSU4ME » April 4th, 2017, 7:47 pm

So I'm going to try and post this again in the hopes it gets approved.

After reading up on transmissions, I think it makes sense to move away from the k46 transmission and look at the k57 or the k58. That puts the 370 and 380 in my sights.

The 370 is 42", 18.5hp and power steering for $4,000

The 380 is 48", 22hp for $4,400

Both have the Kawasaki motor. How do these stack up or is their a clear winner IYO?

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Re: Time for a new mower

Post by Pete1313 » April 4th, 2017, 9:58 pm

I think you have 2 contenders there.

X370 - smaller deck and engine, but a nice package. Power steering is a nice feature and makes steering effortless(I have it on my tractor). And I believe the k57 has a serviceable filter (a plus in my mind).

X380 - bigger deck and engine, which I would prefer if mowing an acre. K58 transaxle but no power steering and I believe no serviceable trans filter.

I would test out both and see how they cut and feel. Personally I would go with the X380 but if the smaller deck works for you, I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

One thing I notice is you are being quoted straight list price on both of these mowers. There is not as much mark up on the x300 series when compared to the larger models, but there is still some. Make sure you negotiate either the price down, or have them throw in some accessories. I would definitely want to get the mulch control kit, the groomer kit if you like to stripe, and if you spray, look at the mounted sprayer.

To use as reference, I was able to get 16% off of my X590 in May of last year. If I had to guess, you should be able to get 5-8% off of any x300 series. If your dealer won't negotiate or throw in some extras then go see what the next dealer down the road has to offer. I drove right past my dealer 10 miles away and went to one 30 miles away to get my deal.

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Re: Time for a new mower

Post by PSU4ME » April 5th, 2017, 7:21 am

Thanks Pete. The serviceable transmission is what's really keeping the 370 in the mix. Do you think that's a big bonus? I don't expect "heavy" use out of this tractor rather more cutting and limited towing at this point.

I do plan to see what they can offer, I have another dealer just 15 minutes further so if they wanna "steal" it for $300 that may have to happen. No one expects to pay MSRP these days.

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Re: Time for a new mower

Post by Pete1313 » April 6th, 2017, 7:34 am

PSU4ME wrote:
April 5th, 2017, 7:21 am
The serviceable transmission is what's really keeping the 370 in the mix. Do you think that's a big bonus? I don't expect "heavy" use out of this tractor rather more cutting and limited towing at this point.
The serviceable transaxle is nice to have, but for your needs is not really necessary. It is on the X370 because of the power steering. The the power steering is supplied from the transaxle and shares the same hydro fluid. If you ever needed to service the steering, you would need to service the fluid in the transaxle. It would also be a good idea to service the hydro fluid if you plan on doing a lot of towing or ground engaging. For mainly cutting and just your typical yard chores towing, you will be fine without it. I think between the x370 and x380 it will come down to which one you think will leave the best quality of cut, and how long it would take to mow an acre (42" vs 48") as the factors.

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PSU4ME
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Re: Time for a new mower

Post by PSU4ME » April 6th, 2017, 8:01 am

Thanks Pete, it's all starting to make better sense now. Looks like the 380 is the right choice here.

My current issue is getting the dealer to act. I asked for current pricing and specials...... silence. Asked for them to value my trade last week and the "road rep" is yet to call me. It's very surprising how slow they are moving considering I'm ready to buy. So like any other red blooded American I contacted another dealer..... let's see who moves first!

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Re: Time for a new mower

Post by Pete1313 » April 6th, 2017, 8:26 am

First dealer was a disappointment for me as well. The second dealer was awesome. They knew I had a choice and I didn't have to travel 30 miles and we're eager to earn my business.

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