Introduction
Exmark, a brand initially established in 1982 and now owned by the Toro Corporation, has made its mark in the industry with its innovative and commercial lawn mowers. With the release of the new Exmark Radius X-Series, the company aims to cater to a specific niche in the lawn mower market. This series focuses on delivering top-notch quality components and manufacturing, while also paying homage to its origins as a brand for property owners.
The Prosumer Dilemma
The Exmark Radius X-Series poses a unique challenge when it comes to classification. Exmark claims that this series is suitable for professional consumers. This leads to the term “Prosumer,” a combination of professional and consumer. In the case of the X-Series, this categorization actually makes a lot of sense. At first glance, it’s evident that this isn’t your typical off-the-shelf zero-turn mower. It boasts a sturdy design, superior to those with stamped decks made out of recycled beer cans, typically found at big-box stores. However, the Radius X-Series doesn’t come with the hefty price tag of a purely commercial mower.
Unveiling the Exmark Radius X-Series 60″ Features
The Exmark Radius X-Series models feature UltraCut cutterheads, offering cutting widths ranging from 48 inches to 60 inches. These cutterheads include maintenance-free sealed bearing spindle assemblies, which enhance durability, reduce downtime, and decrease the overall cost of ownership.
Additionally, Exmark employs fully welded 2″ x 3″ frame tubing for the Radius X-Series. This innovative frame design places major components such as the engine, hydraulic drive, and fuel tank lower, resulting in better mass distribution. As a result, the Radius X-Series boasts a lower center of gravity, providing improved traction and stability.
Power and Fuel Efficiency
The Exmark X-Series 60-Inch model is equipped with a powerful Kawasaki FX730V, a 726cc V-twin engine. With an estimated engine output of 22.2hp at 3,700 RPM, the Kawasaki engine ensures optimal performance. The X-Series can reach a top speed of 10 mph, making it faster than standard store-bought ZT mowers. To keep you going throughout the day, the X-Series comes with a 7-gallon fuel tank featuring dual crossovers and a visible sight glass fuel gauge.
Safety and Comfort
For operator safety, the Exmark Radius X-Series includes a Roll Over Protection System (ROPS). The ROPS system is built with a folding design using round tubing and spring hinges. It not only guarantees safety but also allows for easy mounting of accessories like LED light kits. Furthermore, the X-Series incorporates a full-suspension seat that provides the operator with three inches of travel, ensuring optimal impact and vibration isolation.
Easy Cutting and Servicing
One of the standout features of the Radius X-Series is the ease of deck height adjustment. The operator can effortlessly determine the deck level. By fully depressing the heavy-duty foot lever on the right, the user can lock the dial at the highest setting. The magnetic pin comes next, which is placed in the hole at the desired height. Depress the foot bar while pulling the deck unlock brake, and finally, lower the foot bar. In practice, this process is much simpler than it sounds.
Moreover, the footstool or floor can be removed without any tools, providing easy access to the cutting table’s top. The X-Series also features a removable belt guard, simplifying access to the belt and spindle. Lastly, the welded-on jack receivers on the fabricated frame make servicing the bottom of the deck easier, especially when combined with the optional jack.
Torture Testing
We decided to put the Exmark Radius X-Series to the ultimate test. While we didn’t throw it off a cliff, we did subject it to some serious abuse. Imagine a NASCAR race where you’re more interested in the wreckage than the actual race. Our testing took place in central Florida, characterized by scorching temperatures exceeding 90°F and high humidity. This region experiences rapid growth of Bahia and St. Augustine grasses, especially during warm nights and frequent afternoon showers. These conditions pose significant challenges for any lawn mower.
Proving Grounds
To test the Exmark X-Series, we chose a vast area of land behind my brother’s house near a pond. The terrain is lowland when the water is high, and the grass had gone six months without being maintained, reaching waist height. Despite these extreme conditions, the Exmark Radius X-Series performed exceptionally well. The cut quality was outstanding, and the blade and wheels exhibited impressive power. We even compared its performance to another yellow commercial 60″ lawn mower, without divulging its name (hint: it starts with an “H” and ends with “ustler”). While mowing, we both cut strips half the width of the deck to reduce standing water. Although my Exmark mower had a slightly used blade, it effortlessly outperformed its competitor. It’s worth noting that the Radius deck and commercial-grade fasteners prevented any warping, even when utilized as a step.
Performance, Efficiency, and Drivability
Equipped with a 22+hp powerplant, the Exmark Radius X-Series delivers more than enough power for consumer and professional mowing needs. The HydroGear integrated transmission enables a top speed of 10 mph, while the cutting blades achieve an impressive 18,500 fpm. Compared to our previous review of the Husqvarna RZ54i, the Exmark X-Series offers significantly faster ground speeds.
The X-Series exhibits excellent efficiency, starting up smoothly every time the key is turned. When the engine is cold, using the choke ensures an immediate start. The controls are self-explanatory, making it a breeze to operate the Exmark mower. The zero-turn-radius control sticks are comfortably positioned, and operators can easily adjust the joystick to their preferred position.
Comfort and Ride Quality
The Exmark Radius X-Series prioritizes comfort with its deluxe suspension seat. This feature is a game-changer for homeowners with sprawling lawns. With a simple adjustment knob, operators can set their weight before operation or make fine adjustments on the fly. Additionally, the large aero slick front tire absorbs impact on uneven terrain, further enhancing ride quality.
Cutting Quality
The Exmark X-Series effortlessly tackles various terrains, including flat ground, gently rolling hills, and undulating landscapes. Throughout months of testing, the decks and cuts remained consistent without requiring any adjustments. Even when making wavy cuts, the Exmark X-Series produces seamless results. The sturdy deck serves as a solid step every time we mount the Radius mower. With its manufactured deck and commercial-grade fasteners, the Exmark X-Series ensures the deck remains intact without warping.
Options and Maintenance
While the Exmark Radius X-Series already offers numerous impressive features, the company goes the extra mile by providing a range of additional accessories. For instance, the Micro-Mulch System installed under the cutting deck keeps grass clippings agitated until they fall to the ground as micro-mulch. An LED light kit can be mounted on the ROPS pole, allowing for nighttime mowing sessions. Exmark also offers a sunshade kit to shield operators from the scorching sun. In addition to these options, there are many more accessories available, with more to come.
The Exmark Radius X-Series also shines when it comes to maintenance. Unlike typical consumer brands that neglect this aspect, Exmark has prioritized the durability and convenience of the Radius X-Series. The bottom plate can be removed effortlessly with just one hand, offering easy access for belt inspections and replacements. Moreover, individual hydraulic filters can be screwed into individual hydraulic pumps for each rear wheel, streamlining maintenance. The welded-on jacks on the frame’s front allow users to easily lift the X-Series off the ground for blade removal. Lastly, the long remote rubber drain hose facilitates mess-free oil changes.
Final Thoughts
It has been an extensive testing period since PTR received the Exmark Radius X-Series. Throughout our evaluation, we’ve covered extensive ground, both in terms of days and miles, rather than just hours and acres. Although Florida’s thick St. Augustine grass is aesthetically pleasing, the wiry Bahia grass poses a greater challenge to blades and equipment. We made sure to put the X-Series through rigorous testing on Bahia grass, and it passed with flying colors.
The Good
Several aspects of the Exmark Radius X-Series deserve recognition. These include ride comfort and seating, impressive power and cutting performance, a fabricated deck and frame, user-friendly ROPS functionality, built-in jack stands for convenient blade changes, commercial-grade maintenance features (no-tools access to belts, oil drains, hydraulic filters, etc.), and a wide range of optional accessories for customization. Overall, this mower embodies commercial-grade quality that surpasses the expectations of typical consumers. We confidently refer to it as a PROsumer mower.
The Bad
It’s challenging to find drawbacks, but there are a couple of minor points worth mentioning. First, the initial impression of the Exmark Radius X-Series may give some users the sensation of looking down on their work. As individuals’ preferences vary, some may prefer a lower sitting position. However, this feeling tends to dissipate with usage. Additionally, the presence of a 12 oz drink holder on a commercial lawn mower raises eyebrows. In a mowing scenario, where the sun shines and hydration is vital, a larger cup holder would be more practical.
Value and Price
The value of a product often depends on the balance between quality, fit, and price. The conundrum with the Exmark Radius X-Series lies in whether it caters to consumers or professionals. The answer is both. After conducting extensive research, we discovered that the price of the X-Series falls within the range of $7,999. While this may be higher than traditional zero-turn mowers, it remains significantly more affordable than actual commercial-grade mowers like the $18,000 Altoz TRX Track-Type ZT Mower.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we wholeheartedly recommend the Exmark Radius X-Series for its exceptional build quality, comfort, performance, and the added assurance of a 4-year or 1,000-hour warranty. This lawn mower comprises numerous components and features that outperform many commercial and professional zero-turn mowers.
Who is it for?
If you’re a homeowner with less than an acre of mowed area, the Exmark Radius X-Series may not be a necessity. However, if you own two or more acres, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate the difference the Exmark Radius X-Series can make in your mowing routine. It enables you to complete your work faster and more comfortably. Additionally, it’s an excellent choice for budding lawn professionals who require superior performance and a deck that will withstand heavy use for a prolonged period.
To locate an Exmark Radius X-Series dealer in your area, please click here.
Exmark Radius X-Series 60″ Specifications
- Brand engine: Kawasaki
- Model engine: FX730V
- Engine displacement: 726cc
- Engine series: V-Twin
- Engine type: Carburetor
- Engine RPM: 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 engagement: 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 the operator’s seat
- Blades: 3 blades, 20.50″ long