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Thread: Equipment Purchase Dilemma

  1. #16
    Member Mick's Avatar
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    Default Re: Equipment Purchase Dilemma

    I wouldnt worry too much about the deck but the machine itself. Im sure its a nice piece of equipment but this is more industrial mowing than ressy and even commercial, and putting the hours on it like it would get, I doubt it would stand up to the punishment. We're talking full 8 or 9 hours a day with only stops for food, fuel and screen clean. Also, too much to go wrong with it which could potentially really screw up his schedule. Thats the good thing about ztrs, there relatively simple pieces of equipment.

    This job is about covering as much area as quickly as possible and a ztr would be a much better choice. Top speed with that Husky is 18km/h but I bet thats transport speed. Add cutting with the 61" deck and that speed reduces. With blades engaged, I can get upwards of 20km/hr with my SZ and the new models are even faster with the larger drive tires. (By the way, Im not really pushing the Hustlers, just sayin'!)

    About the speed, this is a pre upgraded SZ with 35 and a 72" deck and flex forks. No way that Husky would touch this.… http://youtu.be/f8-TYHtzpoQ

    Keith already has an outfront with the Ventrac so getting 2 of them (outfronts) doesnt really make sense. If he did, he'd be looking at Iseki, Deere, Kubota and maybe even the Hustler. Trouble is, they cost a lot more than $20k. Saying that, that Husky is $20k + deck which will up the price by a few grand! I'd guess it would end up around the $23 or $24K. Just guessing though!

    Besides, he just needs to replace his Toro!

    Thinking out loud here, JD have whats called a MOD (Mulch On Demand) deck. You can change methods on the fly…
    http://youtu.be/_gPUiZ5BX_0
    http://youtu.be/_BAhP7mO-Uw

  2. #17
    Member Vic joeymoey's Avatar
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    Default Re: Equipment Purchase Dilemma

    I'd recommend getting a machine like mine, but two.

    John Deere Z925A 54" with MOD - means that the operator can turn on/off mulch with a lever.

    Alternatively a Z997 (Diesel with MOD)

    Go and see a John Deere dealer as they have fantastic interest rates.

    I.e mine is 3.25% over 36 months.

    Let us know how you go


    Quote Originally Posted by Acreage Mowing Service View Post
    Hi everyone, I am seeking guidance, advice and/or criticism to assist in a decision making problem.

    Mowing Situation:
    50 hectares – divided into separate areas ranging from 1000 to 10,000 square metres. Must be mulch cut with 40mm finish. Scheduled cuts estimate grass length summer length 120mm Winter 80mm. Frost and moisture in winter, moist to dry in summer. Flat to moderate slope, and lots of trees and garden beds. Grass type: Couch, Blue couch, Rhodes grass, paspalum summer & winter grasses.

    Equipment choices:
    We are looking at the advantage of a zero turn (otherwise it would be an out front) from either a Hustler super Z 37HP 66 inch deck with mulch deck or a Scag Turf Tiger 35hp 61 inch with mulch deck (Toro is out of the frame their product quality in my opinion is diminishing). Both could have a larger decks however I believe the smaller decks would be better with mulch decks. Budget $20,000.00.

    Question:
    Has anyone used a Super Z or a Scag with a mulch deck in this type of situation and how did it perform, I am concerned about choking on the density of grass being cut as I need to yield a minimum of 4 acres an hour and the client is fussy about clippings.

    Any feedback or alternative suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

    Thank you.
    Keith Stuart

  3. #18
    Member Of Forum warren higgins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Equipment Purchase Dilemma

    We have done similar work for many years $20000 dollar machines don't last! Believe me we have bought them we use 331 kubotas and outfronts and iseki they seem to keep going but they have strict maintenance programs ,they really only cost a few more thousand but appear to do the job but mulching is out of the question I couldn't keep up as it does tend to slow you done even in good conditions hope this helps .we get a good finish if it's regularly cut anyhow cheers

  4. #19

    Default Re: Equipment Purchase Dilemma

    Bumping this thread!

    Looking for a machine possibly like Ventrac, Husky P525, OR even Iseki, Kubota, John Deere.
    Do any of the big name industrial type have a slashing attachment for their out fronts?
    Is a compact type tractor a possibility??

    The machine must be able to do slashing- have a dedicated slashing deck to do up to 5 acres or so, at a stretch up to 10 acres when I help another guy with larger jobs.
    It must be reasonably good on hills, 4wd etc and a mowing deck would give it flexibility.

    Doesn't need to be super fast, I still have the hustler x-one


    Any thoughts and suggestions welcomed by most with pros & con.

    Have a couple of contracts that may make this doable, but otherwise the amount of slashing work I pass on is now starting to be worth chasing. Being told to get off my feet or get an office job now makes it an almost forced decision to slowly build into some slashing work.

  5. #20
    Acreage Mowing Service's Avatar
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    Default Re: Equipment Purchase Dilemma

    Hi,
    If you need a compact tractor that has more than one use I highly recommend a Ventrac, I have owned one now for just over 5 years and she’s not half way through her life yet.
    A Ventrac is more than capable of mowing or slashing, including on slopes up to 30 degrees sideways not up and down.
    Below please find some YouTube clips of ours, the first one is mowing however due to the slope being greater than 30 degrees we had to mow it up and down. A video really does not disclose actual angles, you just need to imagine and keep an eye on the horizon.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0t_WAVm3z8
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HTy56uFdNU
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO_KR00q1v4
    Disadvantages:
    As with any equipment, maintenance schedules and preventative maintenance is paramount. Parts supply can on occasion be an issue for those parts that can only be sourced from the states. The importer / distributor based in Sydney holds primary parts. Minor issues on overheating on a hot day mowing or slashing dry fine grasses can result in a build-up on the radiator screen. Quick to remove and dust off without getting off the tractor.
    If you need any further detail please feel free to contact me directly keith@acreagemowingservice.com.au or 0417 714 210.


    Quote Originally Posted by South East Mowing View Post
    Bumping this thread!

    Looking for a machine possibly like Ventrac, Husky P525, OR even Iseki, Kubota, John Deere.
    Do any of the big name industrial type have a slashing attachment for their out fronts?
    Is a compact type tractor a possibility??

    The machine must be able to do slashing- have a dedicated slashing deck to do up to 5 acres or so, at a stretch up to 10 acres when I help another guy with larger jobs.
    It must be reasonably good on hills, 4wd etc and a mowing deck would give it flexibility.

    Doesn't need to be super fast, I still have the hustler x-one


    Any thoughts and suggestions welcomed by most with pros & con.

    Have a couple of contracts that may make this doable, but otherwise the amount of slashing work I pass on is now starting to be worth chasing. Being told to get off my feet or get an office job now makes it an almost forced decision to slowly build into some slashing work.

  6. #21
    Senior Member sterlo's Avatar
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    Default Re: Equipment Purchase Dilemma

    P525d, just get it...u know u want to
    I spend most of my money on beer and horses, I just waste the rest....


    http://www.sterlinggardenservices.com/

  7. #22

    Default Re: Equipment Purchase Dilemma

    Quote Originally Posted by sterlo View Post
    P525d, just get it...u know u want to
    If I did, it won't be from you know where. It all seemed too difficult last time when I spoke to them about the slasher - as there was none in Australia

  8. #23

    Default Re: Equipment Purchase Dilemma

    so time to start looking!

    Husky p 525d - http://www.melbournesmowercentre.com...usqvarna-p525d

    Ventrac - 4500p - https://www.ventrac.com/products/tractors/4500

    Both the above run slashers, mowing decks & other implements.

    Invictus articulating tractor - http://www.bcsagri.it/en/product/tra...387cb5287b23c7

    Could put a mower deck behind it but probably not really what I need. Would take maybe up to a 4ft 6 slasher. Probably need another ZTR - Super Z 66inch possibly. Now getting really expensive.
    With the above option together with the 54inch Hustler & a walk behind slasher 2 of us could knock over some bigger 10+ acre jobs when they come around.

    Have yet to really get into it with Husky or Ventrac as it is still really busy. Maybe March will see me with some time.

    Anyone with any knowledge in tractors have any thoughts on the above?

    Ventrac probably more expensive than Husky and Invictus with a ZTR more expensive again. Many things to weigh up for all of them together with looking 5+ years down the track

  9. #24
    Member Victoria jal2007's Avatar
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    Default Re: Equipment Purchase Dilemma

    Quote Originally Posted by South East Mowing View Post
    so time to start looking!

    Husky p 525d - http://www.melbournesmowercentre.com...usqvarna-p525d

    Ventrac - 4500p - https://www.ventrac.com/products/tractors/4500

    Both the above run slashers, mowing decks & other implements.

    Invictus articulating tractor - http://www.bcsagri.it/en/product/tra...387cb5287b23c7

    Could put a mower deck behind it but probably not really what I need. Would take maybe up to a 4ft 6 slasher. Probably need another ZTR - Super Z 66inch possibly. Now getting really expensive.
    With the above option together with the 54inch Hustler & a walk behind slasher 2 of us could knock over some bigger 10+ acre jobs when they come around.

    Have yet to really get into it with Husky or Ventrac as it is still really busy. Maybe March will see me with some time.

    Anyone with any knowledge in tractors have any thoughts on the above?

    Ventrac probably more expensive than Husky and Invictus with a ZTR more expensive again. Many things to weigh up for all of them together with looking 5+ years down the track
    John,

    when you want to inspect the ventrac?

  10. #25
    Senior Member geoff's Avatar
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    Default Re: Equipment Purchase Dilemma

    jesus John you are going big this time ..

  11. #26
    Senior Member seliment's Avatar
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    Default Re: Equipment Purchase Dilemma

    John,
    Have you considered (or discounted) a John Deere x758 diesel 4wd machine.
    Two ppl I know (one an acreage mowing contractor whi has just retired) each have one and are very happy with their machines.
    They are running mid mount rotary decks, but afaik there is also an outfront flail deck avail.
    Swapover from one deck to another is easy/fast and it has hydraulic takeoff for maybe some useful purpose.

    Joe

  12. #27
    Member urbanpatch's Avatar
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    Default Re: Equipment Purchase Dilemma

    Have used the 525d a fair bit, gives a beautiful cut when mowing often, doesn't like tall or overgrown grass as much.

    Have trialed the ventrac a few times, it is a beast. Yet to see how it goes with mulching kit. I like the idea of different attachments but at $5000-$10000 each. Machine runs out at $30+ then you have to purchase the deck. That's a lot of mowing.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ls887JmisM

  13. #28

    Default Re: Equipment Purchase Dilemma

    Quote Originally Posted by geoff View Post
    jesus John you are going big this time ..
    Finally decided to listen to the doc Geoff! If I am still going be doing this type of work in 10 years time it will be with good equipment.
    Not going to beat up the body much more so while business is ok it looks like time to invest for the future.
    Don't really want to spend up to 50k but without private health insurance a hip operation could be close to that anyway

  14. #29

    Default Re: Equipment Purchase Dilemma

    Quote Originally Posted by urbanpatch View Post
    Have used the 525d a fair bit, gives a beautiful cut when mowing often, doesn't like tall or overgrown grass as much.

    Have trialed the ventrac a few times, it is a beast. Yet to see how it goes with mulching kit. I like the idea of different attachments but at $5000-$10000 each. Machine runs out at $30+ then you have to purchase the deck. That's a lot of mowing.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ls887JmisM
    It looks like the 525d runs a 4ft flail. They wont have one in Melbourne until June. After seeing what Sterlo does it could be good, just maybe not big enough.
    I would be purchasing Ventrac primarily for slashing up to 5 acre generally and helping some one else with bigger stuff. I would use the mowing deck at the larger schools and save the ZTR for smaller jobs where it is most useful.
    There are other things I could target with the Ventrac and build into it over the next 3-5 years.

    Which 4500 model you try? The kawa EFI? or other.
    How did you find the rough cut slasher?
    Which deck you try? side or rear discharge. Think the side cuts slightly lower.
    What do you think their service will be like in Melbourne??

    Any chance I can call you sometime

  15. #30

    Default Re: Equipment Purchase Dilemma

    Quote Originally Posted by jal2007 View Post
    John,

    when you want to inspect the ventrac?
    Mate, give me a call next week sometime. Will discuss it with you but probably March if we can organise. Just starting to ease off with workload. Now have to start some house reno

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