What's the dealer mark-up on these things? I'm sure it's dependent on make/model. But, I have NO IDEA where it bottoms/tops out. Lil' help. I found a unit I like both the price and (more importantly) the size of. It's a TORO commercial grand stander. I have no idea of the MSRP. The local dealer here has a $3,800 tagged price on it.
Jeff, from my experiences with shop owners... They can give you 15% off and still do just fine that makes me think that somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 could be close.
Why not go with a reel mower? Get your exercise, doesn't use gas... Might take a bit longer on a couple of acres...
Been out of the game too long, but 3,800 seems reasonable for a new one. Toro makes a good machine IMO.
I need to resurrect this. Searching for a used ZTR is a LOT harder than searching for a used car. I looked at a 2006 model 757 JD today that looked every bit of 5yrs old (even though it had <500hrs). - $4,850.00 I can buy a new Bobcat for $6,300.00. I can buy a new Hustler for $6,300.00 I can't find a decent looking used unit in my area. This sucks.
That is way overpriced. on the JD. The 737 and 757 are essentially the exact same machine, and I just bought a 6 year old 737 with only 400 hours on it for $3400. My other 737 I bought 4 years old with 1200 hrs for $2500 I would agree to keep looking or buy new with those choices.
Not sure if you caught my other post or not, Jeff, but I was in the same boat as you. The used commercial market around here (which is almost non existent) is full of overpriced/high hour machines. I was lucky enough to find a Gravely 148Z with 300hrs, for $2800. The mower was used mostly for residential mowing, with a few commercial jobs in between. At the prices you're finding, you're better off with a new machine and warranty. I was VERY leery high hour commercial machines. Even though most can go well into the 1000's hour wise without major repairs, most of the mowers I found that were being sold by commercial landscapers, were in ROUGH shape.
I'm getting kinda pissed wading through all these models. The residential/commercial lines are confusing. I'm about to punt (and buy new). Was there anything about the Hustler or Bobcats that anyone was afraid of?
I'd go with Commercial mowers, for one reason. The thickness of the deck vs. residential models. If for whatever reason you hit a rock or metal object just right and bend or break the deck, you are screwed on how much money it would cost to replace. The commercial decks are indestructible, literally. I can't think of anything mine hasn't hit and came out just fine. If you can afford the price tag, I'm sure you won't regret buying new. Have a warranty, no risking how well the previous owner cared for it, no worries at all really. In a lot of cases, it is a better investment than used....I just can't afford new, so I wait for a good enough deal on a used one to make it not matter. My first mower I had for $2500, I can drop a brand new 25HP Kawasaki engine in it and still only be out less than $4000, and that is for a commercial mower with ZERO hours on the part that actually wears out. Buying used is a gamble, especially with commercial equipment. But if you know how to work on them yourself and every mechanical part is in good shape, you can REALLY come out ahead buying this way money wise, although it requires more headaches and time with maintenance. A few friends have Bobcat commercial models and love them. Top end of any brand will wow anyone who isn't used to ZTRs, they are all amazing in what they can do.
I'm definitely going commercial, Trevor. My meaning was....the influx of the residential/commercial lines (mixed in with the ones I NEED to be looking at) is confusing to me (not knowing the models). Thanks for the info. I'm not sure what I'm gonna do, yet. IF I go the new route.....I'll be damned if I turn it over to someone else to use.....lol. I guess I'll be mowing one day/2wks. (which is fine).
How does $4K sound for a 2010 Hustler fastrak commercial.....with 68hrs? I'm guessing it has the 23 Kohler.
Well....I'm DONE looking used. Too confusing. And, I just checked my contract....and I'll be doing lawn maintenance on my properties 1X/WEEK (I originally thought it was 2X/MONTH). Gotten a little deeper into this....and I can get the Bobcat for $6,900. The Hustler comm. is $7,500. The Gravely (leaning....since the dealer is so close) is $6,800. The Gravely "appears" to be the best machine IN THIS PRICE RANGE. The warranty "appears" to be better on the Hustler and the Bobcat. But, the Gravely is 2yrs on the engine......3 yrs on the spindles....5yrs on the deck......life on the frame. I hate this crap. This is just "a" part of my contract. I wish it wasn't even in there, currently (even though I'll make enough - gross - to cover the mower in a couple months+).
I appreciate all the help. I ended up going with the new Bobcat Pro Cat 52" with the 22HP Kawasaki. Thanks, again.
Some may disagree, but that is the best part of the purchase...I am a solid believer in Kawasaki engines. Awesome buy, I'm sure you will love it.
