HELP! Husqvarna vs Toro (Residential Models)

[Hedgemaster]

I ran across what appears to be a good price on a zero turn mower and wanted some input. I saw a brand new, Husqvarna RZ5424 (0 hours on it). I resisted the urge to buy tonight, as I am the type to research things first, and I couldn't recall what the "cheap", homeowner Toros were going for when I last looked. I looked at my info when I got home and as it turns out the Toros cost more than I remembered. I was "this close" to buying one before, but decided to wait. This is the one I WAS going to get: Toro Timecutter SS4235 for $2,500 20 hp Kaw engine 42" deck http://www.toro.com/en-us/Homeowner/...35-74627-74628 Now I see THIS thing on clearance... Husqvarna RZ5424 for $1,991 (Reg price $3,600) 24 hp Kohler Courage 54" deck http://www.husqvarna.com/us/homeowne...specifications In order to compare apples to apples, I looked at the Toro that is closer in size... Toro Timecutter SS 5000 for $2,900 22 hp Kaw engine 50" deck http://www.toro.com/en-us/Homeowner/...eCutter-SS5000 There's another Toro (SS5060) that has same features as above, but with a 24 hp Kaw engine and a few extras like armrests for $3,100. To me, the Husky looks to be built heavier - closer to commercial grade - even though it's a homeowner series. (12 gauge as opposed to 10 on the Toro) I'm having a hard time convincing myself to spend $500 MORE for the smaller of the two Toros and $900 MORE for the Toro that is almost the same size. The ONLY advantage I can think of with the Toro is the local Toro dealership for service. I can't imagine they would turn away work if I needed the Husky repaired, but perhaps I need to contact them tomorrow to see for sure. I don't know which engines are more desirable - the Kawasaki, or the Kohler Courage. What say you?

[Hedgemaster]

Lawn care business tips

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that my wife sez "Why don't you just GET it?" after seeing the price markdown from $3,600 to $1,990. Maybe I should strike while the iron is hot? LOL! Seriously though, if anyone has any thoughts, I'm all ears. Note that while this is not commercial grade, it would not see daily use / 8 hrs a day. Most of my lawns require 21" push mower, so this would be used (I work alone) on the few larger lawns I currently have, and would allow me to bid jobs that I wouldn't even consider due to size with my push mower. I don't abuse my gear, so I can't see why this wouldn't hold up to a few seasons (if not more) of use until I can upgrade. The kicker is that I JUST put my trailer into storage 3 days ago!!! Ugh. I think I'll pay to have it delivered if I get it.

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Last edited by Hedgemaster; 12-28-2011 at 11:08 PM.

[SECTLANDSCAPING]

not bad at that price. The thing to watch for is I heard some kohler engines have plastic valves. So where did you find this deal?

[Ducke]

I have never used one but I have heard some bad things about Husqvarna mowers.
I do believe Justin of Justin time yard service got rid of his (I think I remember him talking about it ) but I have seen quite a bit of negative press on this site and a couple of others that I hang out on.

I see Toro's every were I go it seems to be the brand of choice here in Halifax.
Toro and JD.

[Hedgemaster]

Thanks guys.

Anyone else?

I didn't post this on ******** because I figured the hardcore lawn snobs would chase me off with torches and pitchforks for even considering a machine under $6,000.

I think that for the price, it would fill a need, AND allow me to look for a used walk behind as well.

[picframer]

Husky on this side of the border has a bad rep, very poor service, there are a few decks on the ZTR's that do not cut worth a crap no matter what you do, contact Justin at Just In Time Lawn service, he is on this site and I tried to get him support from a local dealer here, that dealer has since dropped the Husky ZTR's, just too many issues.

[Hedgemaster]

I'm heading out around 3pm. I'm just going to take a chance for once and buy it.

For $1,000 less than the comparable homeowner Toro, it's like having enough left over to buy a damned good push mower, or like I mentioned earlier - money to put toward a used commercial grade Toro wide deck walk behind.

If I hear anything horrible after purchasing that convinces me it was a bad idea, I can always return it, so please feel free to add your thoughts on the matter.




ETA: Didn't see your post above before I posted. Thanks for the input.
As for "support" - I don't expect any. It's not being purchased at a dealer. (and yes, I understand the pros/cons of not buying from him)
I stopped to ask if they would service it if I had a problem and was told that the engine work isn't an issue, but "other parts" are "hard to get". Essentially, it sounded like they didn't want the hassle of ordering from another supplier, but COULD get parts if necessary. I didn't get to speak to the owner though, and the guy I did speak to is notorious for being less than helpful.

As for the "cut" - that concerns me a little, but until I hear more, I don't know what to make of it.

[bruces]

if you go to the link you provided and read the reviews,it generally seems to be a good unit .I think I would buy it ,its cheap enough that if its too crappy,you can get it fixed under warranty and sell it to a homeowner easy enough .

[justin_time]

I'm scared ! I used to have this mower when I worked for the town back in 2003 or 2004 and all it did, it broke down, not made for commercial use like cemetary work and stuff like that

I own a IZ model of Husqvarna and right now it's not the best. I do still have mine but next purchase I will avoid Husqvarna at all cost. Not sure, but to me in Canada takes forever to get parts

If you got anymore questions send me an e-mail info@jitys.caor just pm me

[Hedgemaster]

Originally Posted by bruces

if you go to the link you provided and read the reviews,it generally seems to be a good unit .I think I would buy it ,its cheap enough that if its too crappy,you can get it fixed under warranty and sell it to a homeowner easy enough .

Yeah, I read reviews on a few sites last night, noting that they were from residential end users, so I kept that in mind as I read.

I considered the potential to re-sell it later as well. The lowest price I could find online for a new unit was $3,000.
At just under 2 grand, I could probably sell it without losing TOO much if I decide to do so.

I went and paid for it today. I got it at a Sears Outlet store. We went there looking for a discounted dishwasher last night and on the way out I wandered over to look at the garden tractors and snowblowers that were all lined up, and that's when I saw it. I didn't even know Sears sold them - especially not a brand other than Craftsman.
I know they sell a lot of returned/used/cosmetically damaged items at the outlet, so the first thing I did was run my finger under the deck and noted that it was clean - blades were clean as well. Apparently it was a floor model and is brand new. I couldn't find a flaw on it aside from a small tear in the foam on one steering control arm. I looked online and the only other one available (from Sears) at that price is located in Texas.

Sears is currently offering an additional 5% off OR 0% financing for 12 mo. (on Sears card), so that was another "plus" and I went with the free financing. I DID opt to get the extended warranty/in-home service plan which I debated on doing because of the added cost, but I have 1 year to change my mind, so if I decide I don't think it's worth keeping, I can cancel it. If I decide to sell the mower, the extended plan is transferable, so that could be a "selling point" that not many people would offer with used equipment.

Since I just wrapped up my trailer and put it in storage, I decided it wasn't worth my time/effort to get it back out and I'm having the mower delivered next Wednesday.
The sales guy said that they have a bunch of bagger units in the back that they need to get rid of - "If I can find you one for that mower for 70% off, would you be interested?" he asked. I told him I'd kiss his feet if he can! LOL!
Crossing my fingers, but not hopeful, as odds are they are all for Craftsman tractors.

As always, photos to follow.