gear drive vs hyrdo

xandrew245x · #1 08-17-2012, 06:47 AM

Hey guys, I came across a pretty nice exmark 52" metro walk behind. The guy is willing to trade it and some cash for my old car. I know the metro's are gear driven and only have reverse assist. What other pro/cons of each are there.

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Carlisle Lawn Care

xandrew245x · #2 08-17-2012, 03:52 PM

Lawn care business tips

I found a killer deal on a ferris 48" walk behind mower, but the only problem is it is a belt drive.

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Carlisle Lawn Care

SECTLANDSCAPING · #3 08-17-2012, 03:58 PM

Belt drive are just not as fast. You cant change gears while moving. If you do you burn the trans up. Youll see this with a lot of mowers missing 2cd or 3rd gear.

xandrew245x · #4 08-17-2012, 04:18 PM

That's kind of a deal killer, I defiantly don't want something I have change gears on.

Lopes Lawn Care · #5 08-17-2012, 05:23 PM

I've never had a hydro but from what I gather the pumps are expensive and when compared to the price of a belt you can't beat it. My old *** toro is too fast in 4th for me to keep up with walking behind it. Wouldn't want to drive it in 4th with a sulky either. So unless going lightning fast on commercial lots or big yards is your goal i think you'll be fine with a belt driven walk-behind. Although like i said i've never had a hydro so this might be stupid advice.

xandrew245x · #6 08-17-2012, 05:38 PM

I agree maintenance is way cheaper, but how are they with mowing time. I have a 50" toro time cutter now

dougcaskey · #7 08-17-2012, 06:54 PM

Yes Hydro pumps are exspensive and most units have 2 of them, I replaced one the end of last season on my Exmark and the pump alone was $630.00

Still would not give it up though !!

xandrew245x · #8 08-17-2012, 07:14 PM

Hmm...belt drives are sounding much more appealing!

SECTLANDSCAPING · #9 08-17-2012, 07:37 PM

Not much difference in repair prices. The gears wear out in belt drives and cost $500 in parts.

A comparison of belts to hoses would be more realistic.

xandrew245x · #10 08-17-2012, 07:49 PM

so basically what i'm getting from this is its all on the users preference. This belt drive is starting to sound pretty good to me, I offered him $550 and he said if the other guy doesn't give a better offer then he will sell it to me for that.

gear drive vs hyrdo

Outdoor Power Equipment Discussion, Repairs, Buy or Sell