4/22/2014 7:04 AM
Re you looking for a mower that can handle contours very well? Do you really care if it stripes or not?
I went through this same purchase issue last season and went away from a dedicated mower. We demoed the Toro 4500, the JD 8800, jac couldn't get one here. I preferred the clipping dispersal of the 8800, along with the ease if height of adjustment, and operators enjoyed the ride more. The JD was plenty powerful in the 45 horse class, and the Toro seemed to like the fuel and was plainly oversized it seemed.
All in all, they performed very similarily, but in the end, I went another route. Thinking in the best interest of our club, we looked at a traction unit from JD or Toro that could support a 100" Lastec deck. This traction unit also gave me the flexibility to use it for snow removal in the winter (attach a blower or broom), as well as assisting in cleanup with the broom attachment. 5 minutes and you have a different implement. Cab kits available, etc. I also prefer the Non-striped look after a mow. All those lines between fairway units, greens units, tee mowers, can make a property seem dizzying.