Any Thoughts on an Exmark Walkbehind?

[grnlark 489]

One of my best friends has an Exmark walkbehind that I've always told him I wanted first crack at if he decided to sell. Well, I think he's ready to sell for a bigger machine. He really needs a wider cut for the large area he has, but he got an absolutely crazy deal on this one when he bought it. That's the only reason he bought it in the first place. It's super clean, low hours and has never been used commercially. It's a model 36-14k-5. He said it has the welded deck vs. the stamped deck and 15hp Kawi. No bagger or sulky. I know his price is awesome in comparison to comperables online. He said for me only he'd let it go for $700. I'm confident it's a good machine, but I'm totally new to walkbehinds and know NOTHING about Exmark. Any thoughts?

[CRE1992 135]

That is about average for what they go for in New Jersey, Especially if it is a mid to late 90's or early 2000. However if it is as clean as you say I would probably jump on it if you think it will save you time. Exmark is know for making great mowers. I am assuming that the one you are looking at is a 5 speed. Belt drives are less desirable than hydro and can slip if they get wet though many people still use them. Good luck with which ever way you go.

[grnlark 489]

...Belt drives are less desirable than hydro and can slip if they get wet ...

See, that's exactly the info I was hoping people would share. I never thought of that - not that it would make or break the deal for me, but good knowledge to have. Thank you!

[can whlvr 994]

i have no expeirance with exmarks myself,but my local rental shop has quit selling and told me they will sell of the rental fleet,too many breakdowns,but these are the bigger zero turns,every time i go there they are fixing one,and a few guys want to bring them back after buying them and using them for a short time,they arnt what they used to be

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,527]

I know Ex mark has a very good reputation. IMO and knowing your yard the belt slipping issue would not be an issue for you as you do not have hills to mow. The only walk behind I owned was a Bunton with a german 2 stroke on it. It was a super clean 36 inch cut and was the very best cutting machine I have ever owned. I would think that you should be okay at that price and if you do not like it then you can sell it at no loss...

[mowerman1193 42]

I have a Snapper Pro748 with the 14hp kohler. I bought it used back in 2002 and was never used commercially either. Mine is belt drive and I did use it to mow my grandmothers 3 acres and my 2 acres and a couple neighbors 2 acres a week for about 3 years. It had all the original belts when I bought it and I still am using it to mow but just my own 2 acres and the only belt I have had to replace was for the mower blades. Those drive belts are not all that cheap and I was worried about the cost of replacing them when I first got the mower but as long as they last I am sure if I ever do need to replace them they will outlast the rest of the mower probably, LOL...I still use the tractor from time to time but I must say my mowing time went from 4+ hours ( including trimming ) to about 1 hour...Oh ya I didn't have a sulky for the first summer but then I found a good deal on a used one..She will pull me ( 150lbs. ) up a pretty steep hill better than my tractor with turfs and no weights does..

Any specific questions about them I would be happy to try to give you some info..

Kevin

[Forest Road 594]

At that price you can't go wrong. As for belts slipping when its wet....... As a home owner I NEVER mow my lawn wet. I hate it when my toes get wet.

[Ken B 3,189]

You can't go wrong with that Kawi motor Matt. I used to maintain a fleet of Scag mowers and all of them had 17 hp Kawi's on them. A few of them had well over 3000 hrs on them and they still ran as good as new. Two of the mowers had hydro's and two were gear boxes. I'll say this, I never had a probelm with them belt drive units! I'm in the market for a Scag or an Exmark with a 48 inch deck on it myself. I'm hoping to start a part time lawn care biz for next season. If you think your lawn looks good now (and it does because I've seen it) it is going to look even better with a high quality commercial machine. Mt brother in law has an Exmark and his lawn looks like a golf course.

[grnlark 489]

Well, I decided against it for a variety of reasons, but primarily because I don't really need it right now. I have a couple other things on the radar I want to spend my money on and realistically the mower and Craftsman tractor I have now work just fine. When one or the other blows up then I'll seriously look for a walk behind.