It's time that we upgrade our mower.

We've been running Scag's for as long as I can remember. Great machines and we have never had any major issues. It seems that most other major brands have caught up in quality of build now - so which do you prefer? Scag, Exmark, Ferris, Gravely, Bad boy?

Specifically looking for a 52-60" cut with a strong engine.

Ferris would intrigue me for the supposed ride quality. Scag and Gravely have been the gold standard for quality for a long time.

I'd stick with Scag, however more importantly is making sure you have dealer support close to you.

Can’t go wrong with Gravely.

The wife has a big commercial Ferris. She loves the soft ride, even when she’s mowing at rather high speed. Much smoother than the Exmark she had previously.

Wonder how many of those have the same components with different paint and name.

I'll have to stick with Scag. Been using them for over 20 years.

Currently running a 31hp Cheetah with 61" cut.

I like my Kubota. Kinda like the older tacomas, not a bunch of bells and whistles but what it does, it does well. Most importantly, Kawasaki engine.

Bad boy isn’t even worth mentioning.
I run a gravely mach one, but Dixie chopper is what I may buy next. They are much easier to work on!

Yep, always had a 'Kaw' engine on every Scag I've owned.

Have had an Exmark with Kawasaki engine for many years. Mowing about 2 acres. I'd buy another Exmark, no complaints.

Ferris, I will buy another one if the one I have now wears out.

When did Toro fall from the top? I’ve been a Toro or Scag guy, but Gravely would get a second look from me.

Badboy isn’t even an option, Hustler would only get a consideration of the deal was great.

Kubota.

Kubota or SCAG.

Dad has a John Deere, the kind you get at the dealer. It's fine too (it's not one of the flimsy ones they sell at home improvement stores).

Glad yours cuts good, My Kubota Commercial ZD211 Diesel Zero Turn ( paid over $!0,000 bucks at the time) i bought several years ago cuts like crap unless you're right on the ground.. Set it 2" and looks like Chit. Oxner called um Streaks. Have been back to 2 different Kubota Dealers to adjust deck and put on new blades over the years. . Has about 60 hours on it. POS.

You want to part with it?

Make me an offer. Will get pics up. Looks like new.

Assuming it runs well and functions, I’d go 2k for the POS

I like Kubota tractors, zero turn not so much. I bought one several ears ago. Basically would have to run over the grass at least twice for it to get a decent looking cut. First pass was always a mohawk look. Left high grass between the blade overlaps. Took it to the dealer. They tried to tweek it. Before I took it back, I made them prove to me that it worked in a vacant lot next to the dealership. Same issue. They blamed it on the Bahia. I asked them why they sold me a machine that could only cut some grass and not others. Deer in the headlights response. Ended up trading it in for a John Deere commercial unit. A lot better but still not perfect. Tried the ferris as well which I liked but didn't cut as well as the deere. None of them being perfect, I put it down to the 3 blade 72" deck size. Something about that............

$2100 ...

Yeah Boys I'll let it sit before I subject anybody else to this no cutting POS!

Hustler was bought last year by Stanley/Black&Decker. My understanding is Hustler developed the ZTR. I own and use a 48" 2011 Fastrac model and a 2015 52" STX. Both Kawasaki engines but just know there are differing grades of Kawasaki engines. The SDX has a commercial FX (691) and the FasTrac uses an FS (651). The FS is the easiest starting small engine I've ever owned short of my Honda 300 4TRX ATV. The FX is stubborn when cold.

My son has a 60" 2017 model commercial Hustler mower, a Hyperdrive, with a B&S Vanguard 39hp that will go 16 mph. He fixed all that was worn on it. I think it had around 1500 hours when traded in to the shop he was working at. It is a total beast.

I would have suggested Hustler before the buyout by Stanley but they are an unknown quality now. The dealer where I bought mine and my son worked at is going to Dixie Chopper, one of the last family owned mower manufacturers.

Oh, I own a Kubota tractor and wouldn't hesitate to buy their ZTR mower. Or a Ferris for the ride if the area you mow is a rougher surface. and then Dixie Chopper. For most people in residential situations any of the top brands will be fine. Let's say you mow 3 hours a week X 40 weeks (that's all but Dec., Jan., and Feb.) you're only putting 120 hours on your mower. That's nothing.

So you're interested in a serviceable mower ... hydraulic drive needs to be easily serviceable, blade mandrels easily serviceable, and a good air filter system (preferably commercial elements). Lifetime deck warranty should be a must too so that tells you the company builds a strong deck as they do take the most abuse of any part on the machine.

Another post reminded me, one of the biggest differences in commercial vs. res mowers is the Donaldson air filter housings. They block out dust and grit way better than the standard cartridge style filters.