So I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on a 'commerical' Toro 21" mower next Spring. The two options I like are as follows. I think the Exmark clones are a little cheaper but I don't think they would mulch quite as well so I would like to stick with one of these.
Kawasaki - http://www.toro.com/en-us/Professional-C...ges/Model.aspx?
pid=22290
Honda - http://www.toro.com/en-us/Professional-C....aspx?pid=22295
The Toro Kawasaki has the FJ180V, vs the Honda GX160V in the second option. Both are top notch and obsolutely ridiculously way more than I need for a residential user. I'm the weirdo buying high outdoor power equipment while the next guy is buying a motorcycle. Put it that way.
The Toro Kawasaki is around $1,000 vs $1,400 for the Honda 160GXV.
Anyone have longevity with the FJ180V? I have no worries about the Honda GX160V. The deck is the same on each and the transmission is a bit different, but not a show stopper for one or the other.
What would you guys choose/why?
This will likely be the last 'gas' mower I'll ever buy.
Thanks!
Blowing money on a commerical 21" - Honda vs Kawi
- Thread starter Ope_Freak
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Very expensive for private ownership/use!
My answer: None of the above. But if you twisted my arm, I would take the Kawasaki version.
What I would do, is look around for one the the big three, high end mowers (in good condition), that the government won't let you buy anymore these are:
1) Lawn Boy 22261. The commercial 21" version with a full, 1 gallon orange
gas tank, orange wheels, and a full 6 1/2 hp (the most powerful 21" mower
ever made). Also has a 3 speed transmission.
2) Toro 21" mower with Suzuki 2 cycle engine. Legendary engine. 'enuf " said.
3) Snapper 21" mower with 2 cycle Robin engine. Less common than the first
two mowers. However, if you have leaves to bag, this one will pick up sticks,
and almost suck the ground up with it. You can almost call it an outdoor
vacuum cleaner.
Full disclosure, I own the first two mowers in great condition. Even modified the Lawn Boy to accept new rear tire tread (without replacing the wheels). I did own the mower #3but sold it, (with less than 50 hours on it), but it was just too much overkill, and I did not have enough leaves to justify keeping it.
Check craigslist and ebay for these mowers. All these are landscaper mowers that are highly sought after. They are still around. Better still, since you are in Iowa, take the drive to Omaha, to Ted's Mowers (Toro dealer). Every winter, he restores some 2 cycle Toros with Suzuki engines to like new condition. (They are not cheap, however, for what you are willing to pay, you are in the right ball park).
I have one commercial ZTR, one "hybrid" ZTR(commercial frame/deck, B&S Intek twin engine), as well as commercial grade chain saws(2), backpack blower, and hedge trimmer.
It's like buying tools- pay for good quality once, care for it properly, and you should never have to buy the same thing again.
I like the idea of a used commercial quality mower, but you really have to be a 2-cycle guy to want a 2-cycle engine. I'm not a 2-cycle guy; I have two Lawn-Boys with Fs, and I use them every now and then, but I prefer the 4-cycle engines.
I own a Honda GXV140, and it's a good little mill. I've never owned a Kawasaki, and I'd like to have one, so I'd choose that just based on not having owned one yet. I think it also has a pressurized lubrication system where the Honda's is splash. Does it matter in the real world? Not really.
But hey, this is BITOG, right?
I can vouch for the Toro commercial mowers with the Suzuki engine. I have a push model bought new in <span style="font-weight: bold">1988</span>, and it's still going strong.
Why do you want a zone start mower? What's the point of having a commercial mower if you have to restart it every time you empty the bag?
The most popular Toro commercial mower in central California is this model:
http://www.toro.com/en-us/Professional-C....aspx?pid=22198
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
Why do you want a zone start mower? What's the point of having a commercial mower if you have to restart it every time you empty the bag?
The most popular Toro commercial mower in central California is this model:
http://www.toro.com/en-us/Professional-C....aspx?pid=22198
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
I like the idea of a used commercial quality mower, but you really have to be a 2-cycle guy to want a 2-cycle engine. I'm not a 2-cycle guy; I have two Lawn-Boys with Fs, and I use them every now and then, but I prefer the 4-cycle engines.
I own a Honda GXV140, and it's a good little mill. I've never owned a Kawasaki, and I'd like to have one, so I'd choose that just based on not having owned one yet. I think it also has a pressurized lubrication system where the Honda's is splash. Does it matter in the real world? Not really.
But hey, this is BITOG, right?
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I'm a fan of 2cycle for sure. BUT here is what I did. Through college I worked landscape and we had a segment of guys who did lawn. I was more into planting and design but had a few days mowing with various pieces. Appreciating a comm machine well taken care of, I went with a JD Kawi engine for my personal choice and a JD snow blower entry comm 828D. Both served very well for 10yr plus.
This year I replaced the mower. I went with $400 Honda. I'm guessing, but I bet that Honda will get me 8 years. Maybe more, maybe less. But for say 50hrs a season, I'm gonna say 8 is my guess. Do the math, and the comm grade isnt worth it until, IMHO 13-15yr mark. And the parts for are them are insane.
I don't agree with it, but manufacturers have turned us into a disposable society. Aftermarker parts scream get new and save.
<span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">I don't know if I'd like that flip-up bail lever on the Toro commercial mowers; you have to slide it to the right before raising it up to the handle every time you engage the power drive. I guess it must be a non-issue though because the model is still very popular with professional gardeners.</span>
Originally Posted By: BISCUT
Do the math, and the comm grade isnt worth it until, IMHO 13-15yr mark. And the parts for are them are insane.
I don't agree with it, but manufacturers have turned us into a disposable society. Aftermarker parts scream get new and save.
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Do you have a YBravo dealer near you?
http://www.ybravo.com/store/pc/Bravo-21-Commercial-Mower-2p339.htm
http://www.ybravo.com/store/pc/Bravo-25-Commercial-Mower-BBC-2p560.htm
Those two mowers you linked to are nice, but are very heavy and not much fun to use. The prosumer Toro Superrecycler is more fun to use and a lot lighter.
Pretty sure any 21" mower in the insane $1000-1400 price range is going to be a darn FINE mower!
You can't go wrong with the Kawi FJ engine or a Honda GX. Given the choice, I'd go with the Kawi, just because you see it on super high-end stuff.
I thought I was nutz paying ~$600 for my Snapper Commercial 3-4yrs ago. It's a tank, but has a lowly Briggs engine and steel deck.
Mulches like a dream. I have zero use for bagging.
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Originally Posted By: JTK
I have zero use for bagging.
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
Originally Posted By: JTK
I have zero use for bagging.
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I have an old Snapper mulcher with Kawasaki engine. The engine has bent the crank at least twice. Hitting stuff in my rural yard. I bent the crank back with a brass sledge and it's working just fine.... Well, it's not perfect, as it knocks a bit.... But still runs great.
But the mower has been incredibly robust, considering what I do to it. I'd purchase another exactly like it, if I needed to. Otherwise I'll repower if the Kawasaki finally gives up.
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