I had 8 hours of drive time for a 20 minute fix. By continuing to use our site you are agreeing to our, Hart 20V Cordless 13-inch String Trimmer/Edger, John Deere Residential Zero Turn Mowers for 2021, Get Your Mower Ready For Spring: Mower Maintenance Tips, Greenworks Pressure Washer | What to Know Before You Buy, Chemical Guys HydroInterior | Ceramic Interior Detailer, Best Weed Eater Attachment System Reviews 2021, 3M WorkTunes Connect Hearing Protection Review, Bosch Heated Hoodie GHH12V with 3 Heating Zones, Hart 20V Cordless 13-inch Push Lawn Mower Review, Smart Ride Technology – Improved with new radial front tires has two times the flex of the torsional axle, Tecspak Elastomer dampeners with 360 Floating Seat System, Change on-the-go precision deck height control with shock assisted deck foot lift, 6″ deep, reinforced 7 gauge XTF (Extreme Turf Flow), One-piece, seven gauge deck with baffling, Long lasting belt design with large idlers and minimal belt angles. I really appreciate it. It does a great job. My dealer finally convinced me to buy an ExMark and guess what? Hi Paul, do you have any experience with Big Dog mowers? But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Now, we’ve had a chance to put the EGO Z6 Zero Turn Riding Mower through its paces. It bottoms out. A small town dealer cant afford to put much gunk out there or they want be in business very long. Spartan RT-PRO 54" Mower Handhelds Aluminum Trailer Package Be the first to review this product This package deal includes the Spartan RT PRO featuring the 54 inch deck and 26 horsepower Kohler Professional Series engine with a Husqvarna 525L string trimmer, Husqvarna 350BT backpack blower, and a 5 x 10 aluminum trailer. Only yesterday, did I throw the first belt by accidentally engaging while in transport. Mike. Never steering away from these products. That piqued our interest. I will start doing it at 50 or even 25. Toro has a much wider selection of mowers and markets to the homeowner, the estate owner, the local municipality, schools, colleges, and golf courses. The only thing that has broken that was part of the original mower is my throttle cable. The RT Series is packed with standard Spartan RT Advantages that make Spartan stand out from the rest: 6" Deep, 7-Gauge XTF Deck System, GT Trac … How do the spindles compare? So very happy. Is anyone else having this type of issue with their Spartan? 200hrs on it now. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. If I remember right, ExMark had EFI first and Toro got it 2 years later. Paul Sikkema has been writing about snow blowers, riding mowers, and other lawn and garden equipment for over 10 years. Yes, it’s “more” mower than the Timecutterr or Titan. (brands do this so they can have more than one dealer selling in a given town) So any comment you hear about the Hustler also applies to the Big Dog. ** The Spartan RT-Pro and RT-HD offer a dollar for dollar value that is a cut above the competition. It may be somewhat of a gamble going with a company that is so new but, Mr. Foster has a solid history in manufacturing mowers and is in the midst of a $12 million expansion of the Intimidator group. I have owed several JD, cub cadet, and Husqavarna mowers that I purchased brand new. I spoke with a rep at Spartan and he basically said yeah we have been having issues with them. However, Due to the fact I don’t pickup limbs or rocks in my yard, I simply chop them up; I did buy a new set of blades $50.00.. and why? You didn’t tell me which model you are looking at or about your lawn so I can’t tell you a lot about your other questions. But the more we search, the more questions we have! Bought it June 2019 and is april 2020 now. I suggest buying the size so that you don’t keep more than a month of fuel around the house. I do not like the way the Gravely deck adjustment pin system is set up, and I don’t like the parking brake on the Cheetah. But the biggest problem is find one that works. I did not research the Toros since there is no dealer here to service them. Yes, it probably is a decent mower for residential but from what I can see it is not built as heavy-duty as a comparable Exmark, Gravely or even a Cub Cadet Pro. In his free time, you might find Chris with his nose jammed in a book, or tearing out his remaining hair while watching Liverpool FC. 2021 Spartan Mowers RT-Pro 54, 54" Zero Turn Mower, Kawasaki FT730 CASH PRICE $6,999 or FINANCE PRICE $7,699 (Payments starting at $163 per month) 0% for 48 months available with approved credit. Let’s take a conventional zero-turn and make it look beefy, manly and Transformer looking – let’s add features that no one else has like triple jointed arm rests. I liked the mowers a lot , but was very frustrated about the down time. I love mine. The old Dixon with the original cone drive was the best machine for homeowners. Keystone Tractor 517 W Bois D'Arc Ave Duncan, OK 73533 12cc. Yes, they are selling a lot of mowers but they just don’t have the experience yet so that I can wholeheartedly recommend them. Submit. Download Catalog * Name * Email. Your opinion is greatly appreciated. Join the conversation on Facebook! I mowed for 15 minutes and the tank leaks around the area of the level indicators. 1. That will help me with my decision. The Spartan SRT Series mowers also feature GT Trac, which provides improved incline traction, balance, and control. Hi John, Thanks for the detailed review. We are home owners with 9+ acres to keep under control in Florida. Meaning it will not be any smoother than you sub-compact. Hi Justin, The Spartan is a good mower for the price and for a homeowner it’s actually a great unit. I’ll give you links at Amazon for two sizes. Fuel Stabilizer: When I go to the gas station and buy fuel I always put fuel stabilizer in the storage tank. The Spartan SRT XD has 16cc Parker pumps. I lived in Florida for a while so I know how tough some of the grasses and palms can be to cut. But I got physically sick 2 yrs ago and the regular riding mowers were too much for me. Please read the first comment. They seem to have a lot of heavy-duty features found in much more expensive setups. Kawasaki vs Kohler vs. Briggs: They all make different grades of engines for different applications but two things. Thanks again Paul for helping me make up my mind! Feel free to stop back later and tell us how you like it! More videos to come on other new models. I will say I felt more comfortable sitting in the Spartan compared to the Toro. Scag – heavy duty, cast iron, greased spindles. Currently, I’m in the process of purchasing a mostly residential commercial lawn care operation and will be in the market for a new zero turn asap. Hi Doug, Yes, the Spartan does have a nice seat. Hi Matthew, the best resource for information like that is your dealer. Payment would be $158/mo on the 3.99% for 54-month plan. I actually suggest looking at what the other landscapers have on their trailers in your area. 24.5 HP TimeCutter IronForged Deck Commercial V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower with MyRIDE or the Toro 48 in. It’s a lot more than just a suspension seat. The most radical upgrade in our Spartan line-up this mower turns every eye in our showroom. The suspension just smooths out the ride for the operator. The lawns are too small or complicated for any of the lawn tractors on the market. HI Ben You are very welcome. Reviews of landscaping tools and outdoor power equipment. The Big Deal The Toro Greensmaster eTriFlex Series Mowers use all-electric components for traction, steering, lift, and cutting. The reason it no longer exists is because Dixon decided that they needed to make more money. Companies like Toro, ExMark and Ariens are very conservative in introducing new “radical” machines and improvements. If you want the best cutting and best riding mower check out the Toro 50 in. This […], Highly-Anticipated EGO Zero Turn Riding Mower Set to Make its Debut The team at EGO whet our appetites about a ZT they had in the works a while back. The Sparta SRT Series mowers come with a 3 Year Engine Warranty, 2 Year Full Warranty, and a Lifetime Warranty on the leading edge of the deck. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn income when you click on an Amazon link. This mower is supposed to be a commercial mower but the commercial operators are quickly finding out that “you get what you pay for” and almost all of them will choose a different brand for their next machine. Hi Mack, No one, I repeat no one is talking about Spartan mowers. Also is the Parks driving system really much better than Hydrogear? In the comment section of this article, you seemed to go out of your way to advise against the purchase of a Spartan. The rear tires have been designed specifically for Spartan mowers and tooled to leave fewer tire marks while increasing traction. When I say researching for 8 hours, I mean that, literally. They tried to go the hydro way but they could never regain the reputation they had. My neighbor’s is close to 20 years old, he does NO maintenance to it and still mows 3 acres every week. I understand there is a lawsuit on them already from Bad Boy due to an alleged patent infringement as the designer/owner of the Spartan brand supposedly came up with part of the design while he was an owner of Bad Boy. It really seems he is in it for the long haul. Their commercial line is good but it’s too expensive for starting out and too heavy for use on small residential lawns. OEM Part Number: 438-0001-00-x3. Cub Cadet Hauler | There are cheap yard carts, good carts and just plain junk. It would zip around the yard and the old “slush-a-matic” was so forgiving that it would never tear up the turf. Beside the ruggedness of the cast iron drives each transaxle is independent on the Scag. The Spartan caught my eye. I ask what was coming in with problems. Again, thank your for your response, and your opinions. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Is Spartan treating you as a dealer as well as ExMark? It’s to a point it needs muffler, carb, and good overhaul probably $1000 worth of stuff. For example, if they say “10 gauge deck” that means the entire deck is 10 gauge – not just the plate around the spindles. It sits outside all year long. In reality a good commercial dealer is more important than what brand you buy. The original Ride King is a cult classic but no matter how you look at it – it is an ugly mower. Those spindles will take all day running and withstand a lot more abuse than the sealed aluminum spindles on the Spartan. Compare Models ... and Spartan Mowers assumes no responsibility for changes in pricing or specifications. There’s one key thing to note about OPE Reviews: we’re all about the professional landscaper, arborist, agriculture Pro, and heavy equipment operator. Hi Dan, Country Clipper has the patent on the joystick so no one else has been able to use it. I was attracted to the Spartan, but I think it might be overkill for what I need. My mower is kept inside so water is not an issue as far as I am concerned. Spartan now claims im abusing it after they took it back for a month. The funny thing is, after watching his videos, I looked at the Swisher article. versa guard personalized control panel parker hte 10cc wheel motors vibration control deck system; enhanced xtf deck system rt dymatrol seat light bar, soft knob adjust arms - accessories included! Scag does not cheat on those little things. RZ-HD RZ-Pro RZ RZ-C View Series. No-Spill 1450 5-Gallon Poly Gas Can (CARB Compliant). I’ve been looking at zero turns in the 54″ deck range as I have a little over 2 acres to mow each week. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Or choose 0% for 6 months and still get the Instant Cash Discount! Troy-Bilt Zero-Turn Mower Review – Inexpensive Quality ZTRs. The Big Dog Blackjack and Hustler Raptor SD are the same mower. Hi John, There are no long term reviews (more than 100 hours) that I can find. It features a quick adjust leveling system as well as a plastic bumper to protect from rubbing. Recommend this unit “ABSOLUTELY”. Spartan utilizes a simple belt design with large idlers, minimal angles, and constant belt angles to ensure a long belt life. Have owned this new spartan rt pro for 3 weeks and have had no success on getting a decent cut have been in contact w spartan and the dealer have dropped the nose of the deck 1/4 in and several other adj. The high-end 22" Carlisle Turf Armor bias ply tires improve traction both on level ground and inclines, and this unit comes standard with the Broad Beam LED Light. I finally decided to go with an RT-Pro 61″ with the 27 HP Briggs motor. It looks cool. Instead of redesigning and improving what they already had they started from scratch and made a cheaper, light unit. It’s made by a company that has disrupted the ATV industry and yes there is some interesting history with Bad Boy. Again Country Clipper matches the best engine for the money for the size of the mower. Hi Mike, Big Dog is the same mower as Hustler. Then seat sensor going out. It’s very comfortable to use to use and built well. The SD mows well and the owners like the machine. I went to my local dealer set on buying a Toro. RT-Pro View Series. Let me compare it Apples to Apples and then you can decide. Dump Carts – There are cheap, good carts and expensive, bad carts. Lastly can you comment about engine reliability: Kawasaki vs Koohler vs. Briggs> If I had a good local dealer I’d own one today. The rest of the industry has gotten away from the pump/motors becasue both sides use the same oil supply and when you have a failure in one pump or motor the metal shavings and burnt oil goes through the whole system. I’ve owned them myself over the years and love the joystick. I’ve put it through hell and the damn machine keeps going. It is there again waiting to have gas tank #3 installed at the cost of $700.00. Spartan GT Pro 54I have had this mower for one week now and I can say this is a great mower. Also understand, with the recent Raven MPV-7100 hybrid mower debacle I am probably overly-cautious of recommending a new product from a new manufacture. Read more here: How to Support TodaysMower.com. That said, if you have a good local dealer who handles them and you trust that dealer to support the mower as needed – then it may be a great choice for you! ExMark got the ride-on sprayer and ride on aerator first. I hope Mr. Foster can break through the “new product launch” and deliver the quality mower at the price he has envisioned. ExMark caters to the mowing contractor. He enjoys his faith, family, friends, and the Oxford comma. Mr. Scag would design a machine on paper, build it, and then sell it at a lower price than anyone else. Thankfully, Spartan didn’t just focus on the ride, but also looked to improve and simplify the whole mowing experience. The mower itself is firmly planted on the ground. It helps the fuel last longer and the escaping vapors won’t wreck the environment. The 40 minutes I spend on it wears me out (even going slow) and makes me want to get a condo. Everything is accessible and always ready to go everytime. For about one acre it is way more mower than you need. As of today…. I have maybe an acre to mow. I’m actually concerned if Spartan would continue if something happened to the owner. New look decks, seats and other finishes distinguish the latest RZ models I use 2 tablespoons per gallon of fuel. $6695 is the price after a $300 Instant Cash Discount. it seems like an obvious choice. One of the most controversial innovators in the industry, Dane Scag, was that way. I am probably the happiest owner of a Spartan ZTR. I have narrowed my choices down to these three, with Gravely being at the bottom of my list. Who makes the wheel motors for both Toro and Spartan and what size are they? From my research, they are all three built very close to the same specifications, so it is coming down to the smaller details, like brake placement, and deck adjustment mechanisms. I like the front lift access to the mower blades but I am concerned with overall quality. But scenes 2015 they have been drifting further and further away from the Exmark design (such as Titan or TimeCutter series) and have really cheapened them up while keeping the price the same (raised prices on some units). There a man good brands but I’ve used. It appears Spartan is aimed directly at the Bad Boy mower market. This is our first experience with a ZTR mower and we understand that this is serious money to get the best mower for our needs. Obviously, I have not seen ever review ever posted by a Spartan owner, but I have looked at many. I purchased a 6 acre property after mowing season was already over last year. I’m also going to assume you are looking at the new Toro TimeCutter or Titan. When I asked about other brands he suggested Spartan. This guy has the money to make this company last 5 years or more which should get it through the “new” phase of bringing a product to market. Any recommendations you have are greatly appreciated. This 54 inch model comes equipped with a 26 hp Kohler engine. The price is too good to be true. My wife says everytime she sees me mowing the lawn I have a smile on my face. Hey if im going to drop down 7 grand for a mower I need to educate myself. This doesn't mean they don't know how to make a top of the line machine. Spartan is an interesting marketing application. I would never pay extra for the Kawasaki. Toro was the first with the GrandStand – this time around ExMark gets the new Staris first. Hi Tyson, Do you have any Spartan with 1000 hours or more? while I would agree that Toro was a good mower up tell around 2015, they used to be built almost identically to there cousin, Exmark, and thus piggybacked off of Exmarks, already established, good name to become a very successful mower brand. The Spartan RT-Pro is designed with features to help make it stand out with GT Trac for the best incline traction, foot assist easy-lift deck, and its easy easy touch brake system. Which One Is Best For You? a RZ Pro it's an upgrade to a bigger deck size and engine options. We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously, The Toro PowerPlex platform! 2nd set of deck covers and already cracked and making loud noise. But, I also know the Timecutter or Titan will last you many, many years and you will be able to get parts for it long after your local dealer has retired. Starting at $6649! So, I’ll have to generalize. Ok, I have had my Spartan RT HD for 16 months now. Hi Jaden, Thanks for the update. The Spartan RT-Pro is designed with features to help make it stand out with GT Trac for the best incline traction, foot assist easy-lift deck, and its easy easy touch brake system. RZ Series Tuff Torq 300 with 20″ Tires. The Ferris will do the same thing. I’ve owned craftsman and john deere over the past 30 yrs. Titan IronForged Deck 24.5 HP Commercial V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower with MyRIDE, The Best Residential and Prosumer Zero-Turns. The only difference is the red paint and where it’s sold. So, anything over $7000 or so I suggest looking at other sites like Green Industry Pros and Stanley “Dirt Monkey” Genadek. He told me he has 300(last year 2018) in the field. Spends a lot of time in the repair shop despite the fact I own only 5 acres to mow. So I jumped and bought one. 2021 Spartan Mowers RT-Pro 54, 54" Zero Turn Mower, Kawasaki FT730 CASH PRICE $6,999 or FINANCE PRICE $7,699 (Payments starting at $163 per month) 0% for 48 months available with approved credit. There are very few reviews online or on YouTube. Fits all Spartan 54″ Decks on RZ Pro, RT Pro, RT HD, SRT Pro, SRT HD & Mark Martin SRT. They offer free pickup/delivery of the mower for life and actually come to your house to do routine maintenance on it. A 55 inch is a good choice. But, if you are mowing 40 or more lawns a week I still strongly suggest spending the extra money for the Exmark, Scag, Toro, etc.machines, As of 5-3-19 I can nothing say only “good” reference my Spartan…. Let’s see if we can sort them all out. Product Description. 42-inch Electric Zero Turn Mowers – Ryobi, EGO, or Cub Cadet? Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Spartan does a few things to make it cost less than the comparable mower. The lift works as well as the flip up deck and saves you over $1000 in the cost of the mower. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. (Lol) And if you get one I hope you can find a dealer that is closer than 4 hours. We have no Toro dealers where I live, and we just recently got a Spartan dealer. But, I would love to hear your take on which one is worth getting? I changed the oil in my Spartan at 20 hours as recommended and I changed it again at the 100 hour mark. The Scag uses ZT-5400 cast iron transaxles. Thanks for the input Paul. Yes, by the price it appears to be a great deal but if you look at the components compared to an Exmark, Scag, Toro, etc. PS you said in 1 article you could say why the Dixon was so awesome and why it no longer exists did you ever right that article?