[ga_dawg]

I've been using a McLane reel mower for the past year and a half and I'm contemplating an upgrade to a John Deere or Toro greens mower for next season. My lawn has 'undulations' (slope) to it so I'm leaning towards a Toro Flex 21 or a John Deere 220e. Before making a decision I'd like to get feedback from others. Either would be a significant upgrade from my McLane but I'm leaning towards the John Deere right now since the QA5 head and electric reel seem to be better than belts and clutches (to me at least).

• How many blades? My lawn is 419 and I'd like to cut at ~.5 inch
• Groomer or no Groomer?
• I've seen comments from some who didn't like the flex / floating reel, if so, why?
• Used purchase price seems to be nearly identical between the two, What about ongoing upkeep and maintenance?
• The Toro and John Deere seem to have different handles, is one easier to operate than the other?
• The Toro does seem to have a better design for adjusting reel to blade clearance. How is it in practice?
• Should I also consider a Jacobson or other brand? The Toro and John Deere seem to be the two best from what I've read.
• How much to the models vary from year to year? Do they tend to have significant features differences in model years?
• Since many have lights, are either quiet enough that I could cut earlier AM or late PM without angry neighbors?

 

[MasterMech]

I've been using a McLane reel mower for the past year and a half and I'm contemplating an upgrade to a John Deere or Toro greens mower for next season. My lawn has 'undulations' (slope) to it so I'm leaning towards a Toro Flex 21 or a John Deere 220e. Before making a decision I'd like to get feedback from others. Either would be a significant upgrade from my McLane but I'm leaning towards the John Deere right now since the QA5 head and electric reel seem to be better than belts and clutches (to me at least).

I don't mind belts and clutches on fixed-head machines. I'd almost certainly want electric drive on a flex however.

• How many blades? My lawn is 419 and I'd like to cut at ~.5 inch
  
  The fewer the better, for .500" a 7 or 8 blade will work best. But you most likely won't find many flex units setup this way. Almost all have 11-15 blade reels and tournament bedknives installed. They will work fine at .50 if you keep on top of the mowing frequency.
  
• Groomer or no Groomer?
  
  Groomer if you can get it. Should help a ton if you have Bermuda and want to avoid "grain". Especially if you have narrow areas that cannot be efficiently mowed in multiple directions.
  
  No groomer should not prevent you from snagging a great deal however.
  
• I've seen comments from some who didn't like the flex / floating reel, if so, why?
  
  Dunno.
  
• Used purchase price seems to be nearly identical between the two, What about ongoing upkeep and maintenance?
  
  Look into how/where you will obtain parts.
  
• The Toro and John Deere seem to have different handles, is one easier to operate than the other?
  
  Dunno - I like 'em all just fine!
  
• The Toro does seem to have a better design for adjusting reel to blade clearance. How is it in practice?
  
  Toro's DPA adjustment system is well proven. Best I have ever used.
  
• Should I also consider a Jacobson or other brand? The Toro and John Deere seem to be the two best from what I've read.
  
  Of course, Jake mowers are easy to use and cut awesome. Parts are readily available by online order too.
  
• How much to the models vary from year to year? Do they tend to have significant features differences in model years?
  
  Most of the changes are superficial as long as the model number is the same. Maybe better controls on the newest mowers.
  
• Since many have lights, are either quiet enough that I could cut earlier AM or late PM without angry neighbors?
  
  That depends on how touchy your neighbors are.
  

 

[Rockinar]

I have a JD180C. I like it and would buy another. If you can find a deal maybe get a SL. It has the Speed LinK height adjustment. Not a deal killer if you can't.

Just my opinion, I dont like the "E" model. Id rather have mechanical operation than electronic. I dont like to invite electronic gremlins into the mix. I dont see the need for a floating head for cutting a lawn. Cutting a golf green @ .125" or less...yeah.