15HP, 17HP, 19HP, etc....

[Saddlewood]

I'm looking at purchasing a Wright stander and as I go through the details, the biggest difference between the different HP's is the electric start. Evidently you can't have the electric start w/ a 15HP (which I really don't really see as a big deal). Speed, blade tip speed, etc appear to be all the same. What am I missing? I've found a used 15HP pull start that seems pretty reasonable w/ low hours and am trying to justify the need for the bigger HP. I'm doing mainly residential work and am on top of the yards weekly. My question is, why wouldn't I but the 15HP and buy a 17HP or 19HP etc.... Your thoughts? Thanks in advance!

[Steve]

Lawn care business tips

I guess it all depends on who is using it. If it's you and you don't mind a pull start, then that is great, you will save money on it. Larger hp engines are going to be able to cut thicker and taller grass. You're need on this would depend on what you are using it for. Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

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[armowing]

My 2 cents:
If all you do residential and on a weekly basis, plus the fact you don't mind the pull start, I would say go for it.

[turfmaster]

I would go for the 17 or 19 hp
We run Wright and Great Dane Standers.
You will notice the difference going up hills and in taller grass.
I also prefer the electric start over recoil.
I'm assuming your looking at the 36" Wright.
If you don't mind recoil start and your not mowing slopes and hills you'll be fine with the 15 hp. if that fits your budget better.

[Steve]

Randy,

Do you have any suggestions as to when a lawn care business should go with a 15 hp vs. making the jump to larger ones with electric start?

Should they have a certain amount of customer base or been in business for a certain period of time?

Or does it come down to more of the terrain they are mowing?

[turfmaster]

Originally Posted by Steve

Randy,

Do you have any suggestions as to when a lawn care business should go with a 15 hp vs. making the jump to larger ones with electric start?

Should they have a certain amount of customer base or been in business for a certain period of time?

Or does it come down to more of the terrain they are mowing?

I think it comes down to what you can afford at the beginning of your start up.

I think the terrain that your mowing should influence your decision also.

Having said that, if you can swing it for a couple hundred more dollars I would go with the larger engine.


I always try to buy the most versatile equipment for my dollar. For example the Stander mowers in my opinion are the most versatile machines available.
1. They are median priced between a walk behind and a seated ZTR.
2. They are fast and manuverable around obstacles.
3. Great for average sized residentials to larger commercial properties.
4. Fastest way to mow steeper hills.
5. Small foot print= more trailer space.

I do believe that as your business grows you should cover all the bases with your equipment so that your customer base is not limited to one particular sized property.

[musician/lawnman]

Originally Posted by turfmaster

I always try to buy the most versatile equipment for my dollar. For example the Stander mowers in my opinion are the most versatile machines available.
1. They are median priced between a walk behind and a seated ZTR.
2. They are fast and manuverable around obstacles.
3. Great for average sized residentials to larger commercial properties.
4. Fastest way to mow steeper hills.
5. Small foot print= more trailer space.

I do believe that as your business grows you should cover all the bases with your equipment so that your customer base is not limited to one particular sized property.

I absolutely agree. I run 2 wright sentars.

Originally Posted by Saddlewood

I'm looking at purchasing a Wright stander and as I go through the details, the biggest difference between the different HP's is the electric start. Evidently you can't have the electric start w/ a 15HP (which I really don't really see as a big deal). Speed, blade tip speed, etc appear to be all the same. What am I missing?

I've found a used 15HP pull start that seems pretty reasonable w/ low hours and am trying to justify the need for the bigger HP. I'm doing mainly residential work and am on top of the yards weekly.

My question is, why wouldn't I but the 15HP and buy a 17HP or 19HP etc....

Your thoughts?

Others have mentioned this already, but it is important to keep in mind the terrain type the mower will be used on when it comes to engine size. Smaller HP engines tend to be the "minimum" acceptable HP for any given deck size.

Another thot to consider when looking at HP size is the weed height, etc that you will be mowing. The biggest reason behind this that I know of is how hard your engine will be working. Sometimes your engine will work so much harder if you go with the smallest size available. The negative affects from over working an engine are multiple: more fuel is used, engines "lugs" and thus wears out quicker, and despite these things, you still don't have the power that you would have had otherwise. Like I said, the engine wears out sooner (with less hours than a larger HP engine would have), and thus, the engine will need rebuilt or replaced sooner than the larger engine. With this information, consider the extra cost associated.

Here is some more info to consider when buying a new or used mower. I will most likely make up another one like it specifically dealing with engine size, based on your question here.

Another question that I would ask is, are the optional engines all the same make (i.e. B&S, Kawasaki, Kohler, etc.)? If not, that is another reason to consider upgrades.

Good luck,
Eli

[Saddlewood]

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I went ahead and bought a Wright stander that has the 17HP Kaw, 36" deck, and electric start. I've used it for about a week now and all I can say is wow, what a machine. I went from a zero-tuen Toro rider to the Wright. I can't beleive how well it sticks to the hills. It has certainly taken some getting used to, mainly how sensative the controls are comapared to the zero-turn sit down Toro, but all in time, I'm sure it'll be "old hat" in no time. I can already tell that I will certainly have to be investing in the mulching kit or bagger soon.

Thanks again for all of your comments!