I'm rough on mowers especially after reclaiming some
former cow pasture. I saw the Bad Boy at Tractor Supply
and started doing some research. I learned how almost
all the mowers at the big box stores have stamped decks.
I already knew I didn't want to buy from Lowe's or Home
Depot again.
I did research and considered several other name brands
and was considering the Ariens IkonXD which was cheaper
but there was so many small things I didn't like as well as
the Bad Boy. Everything from the location of the parking
brake, the layout of the controls, the location of the gas tank.
There was a local dealer in Gainesville that I've been in
before and just didn't care for, a little to pushy for a sale.
Now for the Bad Boy there is a dealer in Dahlonega called
Anderson Feed. Family owned business that also is a dealer
for Mahindra tractors and the Roxor. They have been selling
the Bad Boy for 10 years. They came across as just hard
working good country folks. I was first going to get the Bad Boy
MZ Magnum 54'' for $3499 but decided to go with the ZT Elite
with 60'' for $4999. It's basically an entry level commercial
grade mower with serviceable transaxle. On one mower I had
the sealed tranaxle was doomed. The ZT Elite has 6 deck wheels
instead of 4 which I think is a big deal for what I cut.
I did spend more than I originally planned on but my history
of buying a Lowe's or Home Depot riding lawn mower every
3 maybe 4 years. That and the added amount that I cut each
week...something had to give.
Time will tell but I plan on this being the last mower I buy.