Bad Boy vs Exmark zero turn mowers

rfuerst911sc · 07-30-2022, 09:47 AM

Hey guys need some advice . My two JD diesel garden tractors are getting quite old and starting to have issues . I use them 99 % of the time to mow my 1.5 acres of lawn . I am tired of working on old equipment and will probably sell off one of them .

So I need a new mower and the outdoor power equipment dealer closest to me sells Cub Cadet , Exmark and Bad Boy zero turn mowers . I have eliminated the CC as I don't like them . The other two have very positive reviews that I have read .

The BB I am looking at is a Maverick model with 48" deck . It has a 24 hp Kawasaki FS730 engine and Hydro Gear 3200 hydro drives . The warranty is 2 years and 400 hours .

The Exmark is the E series Radius model with 52" deck . It has an Exmark branded engine rated at 24.5 HP and Hydro Gear 2800 hydro drives . The warranty is 4 years and 500 hours .

Prices are $6999.00 for the BB and $7099.00 for the Exmark . Exmark has an excellent reputation but much of that was formed before Toro bought them . Just reviewing the stats in my opinion the BB has a higher quality engine and Hydro drives . I think the heavier duty drives is important as my 1.5 acres is all at a slant/hilly .

Would like any feedback on these specific models or general feedback on the two companies . I am restricting myself to these two brands because of the local dealer . They have an excellent reputation and I want the convenience of local if any issues .

stevej37 · 07-30-2022, 11:23 AM

From not knowing anything about either one....this is my opinion.
The Kaw engine is bulletproof. And the 48" inch deck will do a nicer looking job than the 52" if you have any rolling areas. (ditches)

Steve Carlton · 07-30-2022, 12:05 PM

Are they both US made? Does the seller have an opinion? How long will it take you to put 500 hours on it? Extended warranties available?

rfuerst911sc · 07-30-2022, 12:13 PM

I agree 100% the Kawi engine is a solid performer . And both machines are made in the US . If it takes 2 hours to mow my lawn and I mow every other week that's 4 hours a month . Mowing season in Georgia is 9 months long .

So the quick math says 36-40 hours per year . So either machines warranty's will have run out long before the hours are reached . I did not ask about extended warranty , generally I don't go for those .

peppy · 07-30-2022, 12:26 PM

This may not be relevant, but when my wife was still working they had a bad boy mower and it would pick the front wheels up or spin every time starting off. I tried it because I thought it was her and it did it with me also. It was still probably operator error.

stevej37 · 07-30-2022, 12:41 PM

^^^ a lawn tractor?

rfuerst911sc · 07-30-2022, 12:44 PM

Any zero turn is nose light so has to be driven accordingly . Some machines like the BB Maverick have " shock valves " in the hydro drives . All machines to my knowledge that have Hydro Gear 3100 or higher drives have shock valves . These help protect the drives AND provide a smoother transition from stopped to go . At least that is what I have read .

Rear tire tread design goes a long way to controlling tire spin . Many mowers come with grass friendly tread design . Unfortunately the grass friendly are the most apt to spin . A tread design closer to an ATV style grips much better and still grass friendly if driven smartly. Again just what I have read.

I am leaning heavily towards the Bad Boy . On paper it is heavier built with heavier duty components . And that Kawi engine .

Steve Carlton · 07-30-2022, 12:58 PM

That will qualify you for a bumper sticker that says "My other car is a Bad Boy."

rfuerst911sc · 07-30-2022, 01:02 PM

Just to put this out there I also looked at replacement John Deere lawn/garden tractors . To get something remotely close to my current tractors you have to buy an X580 . Gas engine with power steering and hydraulic deck lift . A belt driven K72 hydro transmission . They are $9,000.00 .

Everything at the box stores and Tractor Supply are just too light duty for me . I am trying to buy my last lawn mower as I will soon be 65 years old . When this one wears out it's time to pay someone else to do the lawn 😁

rfuerst911sc · 07-30-2022, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

That will qualify you for a bumper sticker that says "My other car is a Bad Boy."

And that just sealed the deal 😋

Skillet83 · 07-30-2022, 04:11 PM

I have a Hustler X one i 60" deck (entry level commercial mower) with 350 hours on it now, 8 years use. Not one fail to start/break down.

klm2500hd · 07-31-2022, 03:26 AM

Used to be a Bad Boy fan, have a 2015 mower at home mowing 12acres with little trouble. At work the grass crew mows approximately 650 acres a week. Bought Bad Boys last go round and they have had problems. Things breaking that shouldn’t be. Like connecting rods from arms to motor, non stress items. Sadly the quality has gone downhill. Went yesterday and bought a Ferris for home use, dealer was one of the first to sell Bad Boy and no longer does, feels the same about quality also.Hustler and Skag make good mowers also.

Chocaholic · 04:30 AM

I have a 2021 Exmark Quest (residential model) with a 42” deck and mulching kit. Very happy with it. Cut about 1.2 acres of grass weekly. Honestly, it’s a blast to use. Do you really need a commercial mower for that amount of grass? Seems way overkill. Takes me about 40 minutes including cleanup with the blower.

Boys and their toys I suppose. Honestly, for 1.5 acres, either mower will last you a lifetime. Word of caution...ZT’s are not great for significant hills, slopes, etc.

rfuerst911sc · 07-31-2022, 04:33 AM

^^^ I think all manufacturers of anything mechanical can have isolated issues . Huge difference between 650 acres a week vs 1.5 . My selling dealer says they haven't had any warranty repairs this year on any of the brands they sell.

They stated all repairs have been wear items like belts which aren't covered under warranty . Are they telling me the truth ? Hard to say . I have done a fair amount of research . That research tells me to stay away from ANY brands entry level residential mower .

That research also tells me any brands heavy duty residential mower or light duty commercial mower is what I should purchase for my lawn needs. I am attempting to get the best engine and Hydro drives at a relatively reasonable price . Hopefully I achieve that goal .

sugarwood · sugarwood's Garage

For 1.5 acres, just get a Toro for $2000.
You're not a professional cutting lawn 8 hours a day.

rfuerst911sc · 07-31-2022, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sugarwood

For 1.5 acres, just get a Toro for $2000.
You're not a professional cutting lawn 8 hours a day.

My yard would turn the hydros to mush on a entry level machine . That is my dilemma, finding a machine heavy duty enough to last 15 + years without going overboard .

Seahawk · 07-31-2022, 07:28 AM

How much are you looking to spent?

Have you considered used?

This one is interesting:

Good luck! The right mower is out there!

Chocaholic · 07-31-2022, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

My yard would turn the hydros to mush on a entry level machine . That is my dilemma, finding a machine heavy duty enough to last 15 + years without going overboard .

You are cutting regular old grass, right?

rfuerst911sc · 07-31-2022, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

You are cutting regular old grass, right?

Yes but my entire yard is an 8-10 degree slant . In 90 degree heat and moving 900 lbs of machine and a 225 lb operator is asking a lot of non serviceable hydro units in my opinion . I may be 100% wrong but don't want to take that chance .

rfuerst911sc · 07-31-2022, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seahawk

How much are you looking to spent?

Have you considered used?

This one is interesting:

Good luck! The right mower is out there!

I am ruling out used as I don't want to inherit someone else's problem . Probably short sighted on my part but so be it . But I appreciate the feedback .