[groundskeeper2]

I'm looking at buying a new 48' walk-behind mower for my lawn care business and I was wondering what others thought was the best mower between Toro, Skag, and Exmark? (or any other brand that may be better) In checking the prices of these mowers they're all relatively the same amount but Toro is higher by about $1000. Any information would be great!!

Thanks, Groundskeeper2

[Stonehenge]

Of those brands, which one would you say has the best local dealer behind it?

[yardguy]

I too would decide by which dealer i liked the best

[groundskeeper2]

Their is a Toro dealer who pretty much has a monoply in our town b/c he doesn't have much competition so he charges top dollar on most equipment but their mechanics are great. Their is a Skag dealer in the next town but they're a small dealer and they do mostly small repair work. Their's not really any Exmark dealers close.

[Pelican]

What will you do when your machine goes down?

[groundskeeper2]

Wherever I do buy a mower, I'll probably take it to that dealer if it's under warranty but if not then I'll take it to the Toro dealer in town b/c they work on everything. (I have a Dixie Chopper and they've done some work before on it and have done a good job). The Toro dealer in town is pretty good about working on anything as they don't really refuse service if you didn't buy the equipment from them. For the most part they really don't go too far out of their way to get you in as they usually just get you in when they can. I just want to make sure and buy the best walk behind mower for the money.

[Pelican]

I think all 3 brands you list are are strong machines. I've run Scag walk behinds since I started my business. My two latest have been problem free with over 500 hours each. I initially bought Scag because of the dealer who sells them.

Scag is all I've owned so I can't compare them with the others. Since the Toro dealer is going to be servicing your machine, Toro is what I'd buy in your case. He is much more likely to have Toro parts on the shelf than another brand which will result in less down time.

[Forge]

I can't speak for the other brands as I have never had them, but I love my Toros. I've changed nothing but filters, plugs and oil on any of them and I have had one so long that the red paint is mostly gone.

[Daniel Hanson]

No Deere on the list? We run Deere GS-30 and G15 36" walk behinds.. the oldest is 9 years old and has clost to 1400 hours on it. Still in great shape, never misses a day of work. There isn't any other brand that we would purchase other than Deere.