starting mower

[GreenMatters716]

I have to get a good size mower. This is my first season and the budget is a little tight. I have about $3200. to spend on a mower. I was wondering if I should get one of those residential Z turn mowers, some of them go for $2800 new for a 50in. I know it would only last for a season or 2 until I could save for a commercial mower, or should I look into a used commercial mower. Dont know what to do.. Any suggestions?

[ToastedToad]

Lawn care business tips

Low hour commercial that can be verified by a trusted shop would be the best bet I'd think. For that money you should be able to find a nice used walk behind or something.

[devuono311]

Check out Craigslist, lots of goood mowers for someone starting out. Few things to check for:

If it has an hour meter, check the hours on it.
Oil check
Air filter ( take it apart and get a good look at it)
Reach underneath and grab the blades ( Careful) check to see that they are firm, meaning no up and down wobble,
Also, are they sharp?
Was the unit winterized before putting it away for any seasons?

These are just a few common things to check out.
Good Luck.

Walk behinds with jungle wheels are great, however a z-turn has its advantages also.
Find something built for commercial use, VERY IMPORTANT!

Again, Good Luck.

[950thomas]

If u take the horse power on a commercial mower a multiply it times 100 that is about how many hours u should get out of the engine and double that on the rest of the mower

[GreenMatters716]

Ok so definitely commercial? What would be considered low hours and what would be a good brand? As far as a walk behind do I go belt driven or hydro. I talked to a guy selling a 50in wright stander for $3000. and has 1600 hrs on it, he says its in good shape.Do you think that is worth it?

[brian'slawncare]

question: I know there are belt driven and hydro mowers. Why is it called "hydro"

[FirstClassLandscaping]

Originally Posted by brian'slawncare

question: I know there are belt driven and hydro mowers. Why is it called "hydro"

hydro is short for hydraulic. which instead of belts driving the wheels its turned with hydraulic pumps one for each rear wheel.

[picframer]

How many lawns are you doing a week and what is the largest one?

[devuono311]

Hydro static driven are better in the long run, however, I might suggest taking on a belt driven to start out with. Easier to fix most problems yourself and easier to replace belts than the more expensive parts that can be tied into a hydro-static transmission.

[GreenMatters716]

Not that many accts right now but just started marketing and hope to get more throughout the season