Trim mower shopping Cancel The title field is required!

1. Bill Brooks

   

   18 posts
   
   8/27/2015 2:08 PM

   In the process to purchase a new trim mower. Looking for suggestions on other mowers out there comparable to a Toro Sidewinder. Likes and dislikes...Appreciate the feedback, thanks

   
   
   
   
2. James Cola

   

   0 posts
   
   8/27/2015 2:08 PM

   I am really happy with our ventrac with the floating deck. We use it for intermediate rough and have about 10 different attachments for it. As well as using it for snow removal.

   
   
   
   
3. James Smith

   

   113 posts
   
   8/31/2015 11:08 AM

   While we have had our sidewinder for around 12 years I do not think I would buy another one. During that time we have had to do major structural work on the frame just to keep it from breaking in half. I really loved the mower when it was new because it was head and shoulders better then the Jacobsen Tri-King which had a front mounted motor (boy was it hot using that thing). We have had to not only weld up sections that broke on the frame but also engineer thicker steel braces to keep it from breaking the welds. Other then the frame issues we have not had many issues with it. maybe they fixed the frame problems in the last 10-12 years.

   
   
   
   
4. Melvin Waldron

   

   43 posts
   
   8/31/2015 1:08 PM

   James Smith said: While we have had our sidewinder for around 12 years I do not think I would buy another one. During that time we have had to do major structural work on the frame just to keep it from breaking in half. I really loved the mower when it was new because it was head and shoulders better then the Jacobsen Tri-King which had a front mounted motor (boy was it hot using that thing). We have had to not only weld up sections that broke on the frame but also engineer thicker steel braces to keep it from breaking the welds. Other then the frame issues we have not had many issues with it. maybe they fixed the frame problems in the last 10-12 years.

   
   
   I know what your saying, that is what happens when stuff is kept too long. Would any other manufacture's equipment not be subject to the same ware issues? (believe me much of our stuff of all different colors is in similar shape)
   
   Thanks!
   
   Mel

   
   Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO
   
   
5. Wahlin Scott B

   
   8/31/2015 9:08 PM

   I never had one, but I never met anyone who was unhappy with their National Trim Mower. They are belt driven, but my training tells me that is the most efficient way to transfer power. They also come with their bedknives riveted to the bedbar, which is a little funky. You have to drill them out and put in (can't think of the name right now) the things that allow you to use screws. I sold a bunch of those to fancy shmancy clubs over the years.

   
   
   
   
6. Curtis Nickerson

   

   0 posts
   
   9/11/2015 8:09 AM

   They stopped manufacturing National Mowers in 2006 or maybe 08 I believe it was...
   
   I've had them all over the years and national was a tank, nearly bullet proof but at the same time I always felt like i was putting my life at risk operating it.
   
   By far I think the best built, longest lasting machine is undoubtedly the toro sidewinder.

   
   
   
   
7. Ron Bradley

   

   63 posts
   
   9/11/2015 9:09 AM

   I agree with curtis The Toro 3100-D Sidewinder we had here at Quincy was a 2001 and ran great. We Updated
   a lot of our equipment this year and it was replaced with a 3500-D and it is working just as well if not better. I
   wouldn't think twice about getting one. As far as frame issues I have only had one ever break on me and it was
   a greensmaster 3 years ago. Hope this helps good luck.

   
   
   
   
8. Bill Brooks

   

   18 posts
   
   9/23/2015 11:09 AM

   I did a demo with the 4500 gas Ventrac and was amazed on how well it worked. The 82" contour deck did a great job around everything our Sidewinder does which cuts at 68". The youtube videos were of great help as well.

   
   
   
   
9. Steven Kurta

   

   2 posts
   
   9/26/2015 10:09 AM

   Demo a JD 2653 if you like reels versus rotary

   
   
   
   
10. Melvin Waldron

    

    43 posts
    
    9/26/2015 2:09 PM

    Steven Kurta said: Demo a JD 2653 if you like reels versus rotary

    
    
    That mower is the best thing they make, that's why so few changes over the years, but that's my opinion.
    
    Mel

    
    Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO