Exmark started as an independent manufacturer in 1982, but the brand is now owned by the Toro Corporation. Known for their innovative and commercial lawn mowers, they intend to make this new Exmark Radius X series fit a niche in the lawn mower market. With a focus on quality components and manufacturing, Exmark set out to extend its brand back to its property owner roots.
Without a doubt, the most difficult part of this review was determining which category the judgment fell into. Exmark says the Radius X series is suitable for professional consumers. -Oh, great! We name everything, thanks to Bennifer and Brangelina–. Anyway, you guessed it, the name Prosumer is a combination of professional and consumer. In the case of the X-Series, it actually makes a lot of sense. Even at first glance, this is definitely not your off-the-shelf zero-turn, stamped-deck, recycled beer can chassis, chained together in front of a big-box-type mower. At the same time, the Radius X Series doesn't have the price tag of a purely commercial mower.
Spoiler alert, we really like this lawn mower! Sit down with an iced tea — sweet tea, if you’re in the South — and enjoy the show. We try our best to cover everything, good and bad, to give you facts, and only facts (not true).
Exmark Radius X-Series 60" Features
Exmark features UltraCut cutterheads on the Radius models, with cutting widths ranging from 48 inches to 60 inches. These UltraCut cutterheads include maintenance-free sealed bearing spindle assemblies. This helps increase durability, reducing downtime and cost of ownership.
In addition to the manufactured UltraCut decks, Exmark uses fully welded 2" x 3" frame tubing. This Radius frame design places major components including the engine, hydraulic drive and fuel tank lower for better mass distribution. The Radius X Series has a lower center of gravity for better traction and stability.
power and fuel
Our Exmark X-Series 60-Inch is powered by a Kawasaki FX730V, a 726cc V-twin engine. Engine output is estimated at 22.2hp at 3,700 RPM. Kawasaki has enough power to propel the X-Series to a top speed of 10 mph. It's not going to be a game changer, but it's a lot faster than a store-bought ZT mower. With that much power, you need a tank to get you through the field and through the day. A sight glass fuel gauge is visible in the front, under the seat, and the 7-gallon fuel tank includes crossovers on both sides and under the seat.
safe and comfort
To ensure operator safety, the Exmark Radius X-Series includes a Roll Over Protection System (ROPS). Exmark has a folding design made of round tubing with simple spring hinges. The ROPS system also provides mounting locations for accessories, such as LED light kits. Additionally, the X-Series features a full-suspension seat that includes a full three inches of travel. The seat provides the operator with optimum impact and vibration isolation.
Easy to cut and serve
The operator can easily see where the deck level is. For quick height changes, the user fully depresses the heavy-duty foot lever on the right. This locks the dial at its highest setting. Next, pull the magnetic pin and place it in the hole at the desired height. Again, depress the foot bar while pulling the deck unlock brake, then lower the foot bar. This is much easier than explaining it in words.
The footstool or floor can be removed without any tools and provides access to the top of the cutting table. Plus, a removable belt guard makes access to the belt and spindle easier. Finally, welded-on jack receivers on the fabricated frame make servicing the bottom of the deck easier when combined with the optional jack.
torture test
Well, we're not going to dawdle here. We know our audience and what they want. It's a lot like a NASCAR race, and you might say you love the race—you're actually looking at the wreckage. We didn't push the Exmark Radius X-Series off a cliff, but we did abuse it a little – a lot. Let's just say we're pretty sure the Exmark-Toro "suit" wouldn't approve or recommend the X-Series through the weeds and lakegrass forests we feed it.
The aforementioned fight was in central Florida in mid-March. Days have crossed the 90°F mark and humidity is in the same range. Just look outside and you'll have beads of sweat on your brow. Once the nights warm up, our Bahia and St. Augustine grasses start growing like crazy. Combine that with the typical afternoon showers in these areas and the grass can quickly get out of hand.
proving ground
When my brother heard we had a new Exmark lawnmower for review, he was quick to volunteer some testing grounds. He declined to comment, saying that the right tool for the job would be a boar. There is an acre or more of land behind my brother's house, near a pond, which is lowland when the water is high. The water in the pond is a little low, the sun is warm, and the lawn care that has not been maintained in 6 months has this bahia grass, weeds, and trees over waist height. Oh sure, it's going to be fun!
To my sincere surprise, Exmark performed extremely well in this harsh environment. Cut quality is excellent, and the blade and wheels have more than enough power. Let's be honest, are we in trouble – of course, for God's sake, we're running through Sherwood Forest. What you can't see in the picture is another yellow commercial 60" lawn mower cutting with it. I won't tell you the name, but I will tell you it starts with "H" and ends with "ustler".
We all cut strips half the width of the deck to reduce standing water. All things being equal, his trusty stand-in has a freshly sharpened blade, as my Exmark wields a nearly new blade. I did circle around him a few times, but I did slow down so as not to blow too much grass in his face. Also worth noting are the fine-tuned controls; I found it easy to adjust the forward controls to just the right speed. A word of caution, the Radius isn't the best for mud – maybe I'm stuck, maybe I'm not.
Performance, Efficiency and Drivability
Power from the 22+hp powerplant is more than enough for typical mowing needs of both consumers and professionals. Add to it a HydroGear integrated transmission for a top speed of 10 mph. That same powerplant also pushes the cutting blades to 18,500 fpm. Ground speeds are much quicker than our previous review of the Husqvarna RZ54i.
There doesn't seem to be a clear distinction between the X-Series' efficiency. It's worth noting that the engine fires every time the key is turned. If the engine is cold, be sure to use the choke, it will start immediately. All the controls seem self-explanatory, so learning to drive the Exmark is a piece of cake. The zero-turn-radius control sticks are pretty typical, and they're comfortably positioned. Individual operators can quickly adjust the joystick to their desired position.
Comfort and Ride Quality
Deluxe Suspension Seat – Drop the mic. This is a game changer for the consumer market, Exmark sales folks take note. Any homeowner with over an acre of land will really appreciate this seat. I'm not as good as I used to be, and I'm not as skinny as I used to be – I whispered – so this seat gives me new hope in cultivating my 5 acres of Bahia. With a simple adjustment knob, you can set your weight before operation or make fine adjustments on the fly.
Plus, the large aero slick front tire helps absorb some of the impact on uneven ground.
cutting quality
Flat ground, gently rolling hills, and undulating terrain seem no match for the Exmark X Series. In months of testing, we haven't seen if decks or cuts need tweaking. Cuts remain true and even. Even on a wavy cut, the cut seems to blend well. This even uses the deck as a step (expected) every time we install Radius. This is where the manufactured deck and commercial grade fasteners keep the deck from warping.
options
While the Radius X Series includes many great features, Exmark wanted to make sure there were other accessories available as well. The Micro-Mulch System is installed under the cutting deck and keeps the grass clippings agitated until the micro-mulch falls to the ground. An LED light kit was mounted on the ROPS pole so we could mow at night. Exmark also offers a sunshade kit to keep the hot sun from hitting the red neck. There are many other options and accessories to choose from, and more to come.
maintain
We love to see forward thinking on expensive equipment maintenance and upkeep. Typical consumer brands skimp when it comes to this segment. Exmark seems to be trying hard to make the Radius X series not only a contender, but a durable product.
Bottom plate can be removed with one hand without tools for belt inspection and replacement. Individual hydraulic filters screw into individual hydraulic pumps for each rear wheel. The jacks are welded to the frame on the front of the Exmark Radius. Use this bracket, a typical screw/trailer jack, to lift the X-Series off the ground for easier blade removal. Finally, the long remote rubber drain hose makes oil changes easy and mess-free.
in conclusion
It has been two (2) months since I received the Exmark Radius X-Series at PTR. Our tests and reviews are now counted in days and miles, not just hours and acres. While our Florida St. Augustine grass is thicker and prettier, the spindly Bahia grass is much more damaging to blades and equipment. Just ask any lawn pro in Florida. Most of our testing is done on Bahia grass, so we've done our best to give the X-Series a good test.
OK
Some items to note are very good, including ride comfort and seating, ample power and blade/cutting performance, fabricated deck and frame, easy ROPS functionality, built in jack stands for changing blades, commercial style maintenance ( no-tools to access belts, oil drains, hydraulic filters, etc.), and a great option for pimping (LED lights, cover kits, plush dice, etc.). Overall, this mower is built to have a commercial/industrial scream that is much louder than consumer. I say we call it PROsumer.
So let's talk about the not so good, which is short. In fact, one of them is more personal preference, but it is worth noting. I've noticed that the Exmark Radius X-Series gives me the feeling that I'm looking at my work from above. Having ridden many other commercial zero turn mowers, I believe I generally like to sit a little lower. Please understand that this is more of an initial impression that has worn off as I have used Radius more. Also, other users and turf pros who tested the Radius at PTR World Headquarters liked sitting higher with the Radius. As I mentioned, it's more of a preference, but I don't want to leave that out.
bad guy
This next one really broke my skin. I mean, we're in 2017, right? ! Exmark, what are you going to do with a 12 oz drink holder on a commercial lawn mower? We are mowing! That means the sun is out, and Punxsutawney Phil has long since forgotten to see his shadow. Stay hydrated, they say. We use at least 32 oz Styrofoam cups or 44 oz and larger containers for air bag bursts. Please, I need a place to put my sweet tea. Sorry for the rant. It's not too shabby to have such a short "bad" list.
value and price
Value is often a product of quality, fit, and price. The conundrum here is the same one we had when we started. Is this for consumers or professionals? The answer is yes! After some research, the price seems to be in the $7,999 range. While that's more than traditional zero-turn, it's still far less than an actual commercial-grade lawn mower, such as the $18,000 Altoz TRX Track-Type ZT Mower.
final words
Ok, here's where I have to venture, actually my best assessment of the whole deal. First off, I can definitely recommend this mower for its build quality, comfort, performance, and 4-year or 1,000-hour warranty. There are so many components and features in this lawn mower that it will meet and even exceed many commercial or professional zero turns.
Who is this for? I have to say, if you are a homeowner with less than an acre of mowed area, you probably don't need this. would you be happy Of course, I think so, but it doesn't have to be. If you've been mowing two or more acres, you'll definitely recognize the difference in a mower like the Exmark Radius X-Series. You'll get your work done faster and more comfortably. Plus, it's an excellent mower for the budding lawn professional who needs good performance and a deck that won't wear out for a year.
To find an Exmark Radius X-Series dealer near you click here.
Exmark Radius X-Series 60" Specifications
- Brand engine: Kawasaki
- Model engine FX730V
- Displacement engine: 726cc
- Series engine: V-Twin
- Engine Type: Carburetor
- RPM Engine: 3,700 rpm
- Air Filter Cyclone Air Purifier
- fuel type gas carburetor
- Fuel Capacity: 7 Gallons
- Fuel Indicator: Translucent Vision
- Drive: hydraulic drive
- Drive description: Double hydraulic gear ZT3400
- Speed: Continuously variable selectable from 0–10.0 mph
- ROPS: 2-post collapsible ROPS standard with safety straps and latches
- PTO engages MagStop electromagnetic 125-ft-lb clutch
- Width/Cut Deck: 60″
- Deck Style: Floating Deck
- Deck Construction: 10 gauge high strength alloy
- Tip speed: 18,500 fpm.
- Cutting height 1.5" (3.8 cm) to 5.0" (12.7 cm) in 0.25" (0.6 cm) increments, adjustable from operator's seat.
- Blades 3 blades, 20.50" long