yotaman wrote:

I am currently shopping around for a zero turn mower with approx. a 44
inch deck size...and I'm getting more confused/overwhelmed as I go
along. I started looking at the low end toro and cub cadets but was
really impressed with the build quality of a Hustler fastrack I saw at
an area dealer. Through web research I've noticed some of the
"commercial" z-turn manufactures also have units designed more for
residential use (ie. mini-fastrack, exmark lazer/ct, gravely@home
ZT's).

I'm really leaning towards these "commercial" dealers but I was curious
if anyone can offer any advice as to how their residential products
stack up in comparision to the pro equipment or against each other. I
wish the dealer I saw stocked the mini-fastrack just to be able to make
a comparison myself.

Thanks in advance for what ever information you can provide.

Randy

I've got an 04 Snapper 50 inch. It is great. This years models are
manufactured by someone else and suck. Briggs owns Snapper, Simplicity
and a bucnh of others. Under any one brand name you will now find mowers
made by any number of other manufacturers to meet the brand's price
point for that nich in the market especially for Residental rated
mowers. Residental rated mowers just ain't up to snuff.
You'll have to get a 50 inch deck to get the commercial John Deere
manufactured by Deere to get the quality you want.
Expect to pay about 6,400.00 to 7,200.00 unless thing have changed.
Things to look for are grease fittings for the spindles on top forof
deck fore easier servicing, a handle on the deck to unload the deck
drive belt for easy replacement, wide and big tires to help prevent turf
damage on tight turns( these things weight a ton),the heavier the deck
the better for long life, and a flush attachment on the deck for
attaching a hose to clean out build up which breads rust, a really great
sitting and suspended seat ( which you will appreciate if you have a
large area to mow), good ground speed of at least 10 mph at full tilt,
and responsive but not finiky levers, and pto gas and other controls up
high away from detris etc, and gauges for gas, or if you have the money
diesel. Dixie Chopper makes one entirely out of stainless but I haven't
been able to look at one up close or find a dealer. It may be the best
thing since slice bread.