“When you can sell a 9 or 10 thousand dollar machine for $5399 it get’s people excited.” Robert Foster.
By Paul Sikkema. Join the conversation on Facebook!
From Ben,
I purchased a 6 acre property after mowing season was already over last year. This is my first large property and I am in the market for a ZTR. There is a dealer within three miles of me that offers some great at home maintenance services that sells both Spartan and Hustler mowers. The dealer is really pushing the Spartan brand for my application. 
They seem to have a lot of heavy-duty features found in much more expensive setups. I saw in one of your past responses that you cannot recommend a mower from an “unknown” manufacturer but I was curious if you had any further thoughts on this brand of mowers. I really like the reasonably priced plug and play accessories and the idea of getting a lot mower at their price point. I understand there is a lawsuit on them already from Bad Boy due to an alleged patent infringement as the designer/owner of the Spartan brand supposedly came up with part of the design while he was an owner of Bad Boy. Apparently Spartan and Bad Boy are literally right next door to each other and had an ugly split. The model I was looking at the RT Pro 61″ with either the Kohler or the Briggs motors. Have you tested any of the Spartans yourself?
Hi Ben, This is the second season for Spartan mowers. It’s made by a company that has disrupted the ATV industry and yes there is some interesting history with Bad Boy.
Spartan is an interesting marketing application. Let’s take a conventional zero-turn and make it look beefy, manly and Transformer looking – let’s add features that no one else has like triple jointed arm rests. The owner, Robert Foster, built twelve prototypes in his garage over the summer of 2015 and then kept them secret until the big L&G dealer show (GIE-EXPO) that October. He then sprung them on the world at one-third the price of the current market.
Will his equipment be worth the cheap cost? It’s still too early to tell. We’ve already proven that the Chinese zero-turns are not worth the hassle no matter how cheap the cost but this company and it’s owner is different. This a U.S.A. built machine with the best possible engines, transmissions and parts. Mr Foster is building a solid dealer base with the parts and service to keep your machine running. He has the vision, the resources and the business experience to make this work. This guy has the money to make this company last 5 years or more which should get it through the “new” phase of bringing a product to market.
In my experience buying a machine like the Spartan that has not had at least 2 full years of on-the-ground prove-design is not always the best choice for you. One of the most controversial innovators in the industry, Dane Scag, was that way. Mr. Scag would design a machine on paper, build it, and then sell it at a lower price than anyone else. As problems arose with the design he would then fix it with recalls and updates. Starting out in the mowing business I owned a few of them because of the price. But, they were down for repairs about 20% of the time. I liked the mowers a lot , but was very frustrated about the down time. My dealer finally convinced me to buy an ExMark and guess what? My on-lawn mowing time increased, my labor costs dropped dramatically because my crews weren’t waiting for repairs and my repair costs dropped 50%.
Companies like Toro, ExMark and Ariens are very conservative in introducing new “radical” machines and improvements. They spend 2-3 years designing, testing and making sure the design works. They are confident that the machine will last a long time before they even offer the first machine for sale.
As a Homeowner should you buy one? Understand that I was using the mowers in the above example commercially 30-50 hours a week and with your 6 acres you will only use your’s an hour and half a week. Also understand, with the recent Raven MPV-7100 hybrid mower debacle I am probably overly-cautious of recommending a new product from a new manufacture. I spent some time with the 61 inch last October at the GIE-EXPO. I looked at all the features, build quality and test drove it for few minutes. The mower is designed well and should last years. I don’t expect any issues with the Spartan mower but if you do buy one I suggest that you stay in close contact with the dealer so that you get any updates before your warranty expires. I repeat, the mower is designed well and should last a homeowner years.
Ben, I’ve been around this business for over 30 years and I’ve seen at least 50 companies like this one try to break into the zero-turn market. Anyone remember the “Hill Billy” “Bunton” or “DewEze?” There are only 3 or 4 that gained enough market share to stay in business. I hope Mr. Foster can break through the “new product launch” and deliver the quality mower at the price he has envisioned.
Check Spartan Mowers out here: Spartan Mowers
Did you buy a Spartan last year? Please tell us how you like it!
Yes, You need a new Gas Can!
With today’s fuels you need a gas can that seals tight. It helps the fuel last longer and the escaping vapors won’t wreck the environment. But the biggest problem is find one that works. The cheap ones ($20 or more now) don’t have vents so it takes forever to fill the tank on your lawn tractor. The cheap ones are also flimsy and the spouts break after the first year.
Well, I’ve found one brand that works great! It’s vented inside the spout so it pours fuel quickly yet seals tightly when not in use. I’ll give you links at Amazon for two sizes. I suggest buying the size so that you don’t keep more than a month of fuel around the house.
No-Spill 1405 2-1/2-Gallon Poly Gas Can. A good size for snow blowers and push mowers.
No-Spill 1450 5-Gallon Poly Gas Can (CARB Compliant) This one has a second handle in the back so it is very easy to use and hang onto when pouring into your fuel tank. A good size for lawn tractors and zero-turns.
If you have a problem holding a gas can the SureCan is a great can. It’s very comfortable to use to use and built well.
SureCan – Gas Can with Rotating Spout.
Fuel Stabilizer: When I go to the gas station and buy fuel I always put fuel stabilizer in the storage tank. It helps keep the fuel fresh and some also clean your carb and fuel system without messing it up. There a man good brands but I’ve used
SeaFoam for years and it’s always worked well. I use 2 tablespoons per gallon of fuel.
Other fuels stabilizers to check out: Fuel Stabilizers
Have I helped you? If would you like to buy from your local dealer or store but still want to support TodaysMower just click on this link and buy anything you need. I’ll make a small commission from the sale. Buy at Amazon. TodaysMower.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and we get a commission on purchases made through our links.
Pat Farrell
Patrick Farrell
I have a Spartan 54” RT With a Kawasaki FR691V
32 run hours and won’t run. Dealer says parts are back ordered with no end date. Spartan Customer service was no help with resolution and told me to take it up with the dealer. Very poor support and reliability.
Paul
Hi Pat, Make sure you are complaining about a problem that is not pandemic related. Almost everyone is having issues with parts right now – especially common parts. For example, one truck manufacture has 20,000 trucks waiting for one computer chip. One snowblower manufacturer is waiting on one part and can’t ship many of their snowblowers because of it. I’ve been waiting on a common gauge wheel for one of my mowers for over 3 months now. I was without my good car for over 3 weeks just last month because a part was impossible to get. And it’s not just getting parts – my brother can’t get the repair parts needed to keep his factory running…to make parts.
My guess is it will take at least another year to sort this all out.
Alan
I have owned a Spartan mower now for 2 seasons, using it on large acreage…I’ve owned Gravely,John Deere, Husqvarna,Cub Cadet, and Bad Boy (the upper end of these brands) been doing landscape work for decades, both commercially and residentially—-so far the Spartan beats all of these hands down…they’re built much better , from the ground up…bigger better drive motors, thicker bigger better designed deck, frame, ease of cleaning/maintenance and service—-beats all the others hands down without a doubt—-my best one ,,,(of previous ones) cost twice the $$ and still had occasional issues and very frequent service…This Spartan is a monster, normal service, and cut, cut, cut…the ride, handling, and ease of use is exceptional too…I know I sound like a salesman,,,but being honest—-thx,,,A.I.
MATTHEW KREIDER
I bought the Spartan XTF 48 brand new I is 2 years old the first owner never used it once. I mowed for 15 minutes and the tank leaks around the area of the level indicators. Is there any re call on these tanks?
Paul
Hi Matthew, the best resource for information like that is your dealer.
Nilda Jinright
Thanks for sharing … really helpful info.
Linda Amin
I have owned a Spartan for 4 years now. Spends a lot of time in the repair shop despite the fact I own only 5 acres to mow. It is there again waiting to have gas tank #3 installed at the cost of $700.00. I get no reasonable answer as to why the gas tanks are faulty and leak. I am truly disappointed in this mower and the fact that I receive no credible response to numerous repairs.
Doug
I went to my local dealer set on buying a Toro. When I asked about other brands he suggested Spartan. I will say I felt more comfortable sitting in the Spartan compared to the Toro. I have maybe an acre to mow. I’m just looking for something that will last. I was attracted to the Spartan, but I think it might be overkill for what I need. The dealer said the price of the Spartan is a bit more than Toro but I’m getting better quality. My father-in-law’s main issue is that it doesn’t have a washout port. The dealer said I didn’t need one, but my father-in-law said it’s necessary. I think it is too and it’s easier to attach a hose rather than having to use a jack or ramps to get underneath of it to clean. Any thoughts?
Paul
Hi Doug, Yes, the Spartan does have a nice seat. It looks cool. I’m going to assume you are looking at the RZ series. The price is about $4899? I’m also going to assume you are looking at the new Toro TimeCutter or Titan.
It is aimed at mowers costing about $6000 so it is more money than the Titan. Let me compare it Apples to Apples and then you can decide. Spartan does a few things to make it cost less than the comparable mower. For example, instead of using separate Tuff-Torq transmissions, it uses pump and motors. The rest of the industry has gotten away from the pump/motors becasue both sides use the same oil supply and when you have a failure in one pump or motor the metal shavings and burnt oil goes through the whole system. That means if you lose one pump or motor expect to replace all the pumps and motors soon after.
They have slightly smaller spindles, bolts, and mounting linkages. The industry has goon to sealed bearings – Spartan is still using greased bearings.
Spartan is a new mower company. The owner was one of the founders of Bad Boy. Yes, they are selling a lot of mowers but they just don’t have the experience yet so that I can wholeheartedly recommend them.
For about one acre it is way more mower than you need. Yes, it’s “more” mower than the Timecutterr or Titan. But, I also know the Timecutter or Titan will last you many, many years and you will be able to get parts for it long after your local dealer has retired.
If you want the best cutting and best riding mower check out the Toro 50 in. 24.5 HP TimeCutter IronForged Deck Commercial V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower with MyRIDE or the Toro 48 in. Titan IronForged Deck 24.5 HP Commercial V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower with MyRIDE
One last thing. Please read the first comment. This mower is supposed to be a commercial mower but the commercial operators are quickly finding out that “you get what you pay for” and almost all of them will choose a different brand for their next machine.
Jaden
Bought a spartan mower rt hd brand new. 200hrs on it now. Nothing but problems. I can see being a good residential mower but is not a commercial mower! Issues from day one starting from front tires not holding air more then one day and then balling out on the sides. 2nd set of their tires and still not holdimg air! Then seat sensor going out. Deck height adjuster has been replaced 3 time and last time dealer didnt put it back correctly and destroyed all the linkages 3 hrs after dealer had it. 2nd set of deck covers and already cracked and making loud noise. Governor spring on engine broke. Turn nob turning itself and dropping deck. 2nd gas tank and its leaked from the beginning. Im sure theres more I cant remember. Bought it June 2019 and is april 2020 now. Some issue every day with it. Spends more time broke down then making money. Im so far screwed over on this thing I dont know what to do because at a price of $9000 you dont expect this. Spartan now claims im abusing it after they took it back for a month. Their trying to tell me their not covering anything else even though its still under warranty. Save yourself money and do not buy a spartan!
Paul
Hi Jaden, Thanks for the update. I was wondering when I would start hearing issues with the Spartan mowers. The price is too good to be true. Yes, it probably is a decent mower for residential but from what I can see it is not built as heavy-duty as a comparable Exmark, Gravely or even a Cub Cadet Pro.
John
Paul, do you have an update on your opinion of Spartan zero turn mowers. They really look good on paper
Paul
Hi John, There are no long term reviews (more than 100 hours) that I can find. Yes, by the price it appears to be a great deal but if you look at the components compared to an Exmark, Scag, Toro, etc. the other brands all have better components.
That said, as a homeowner, the mower is a good choice. Even for a new/small commercial operator, they can also be a good choice if you have a good local dealer to service it. But, if you are mowing 40 or more lawns a week I still strongly suggest spending the extra money for the Exmark, Scag, Toro, etc.machines
John Elmore
As of 5-3-19 I can nothing say only “good” reference my Spartan…. To date, even the “battery” has endured without having to be replaced.
However, Due to the fact I don’t pickup limbs or rocks in my yard, I simply chop them up; I did buy a new set of blades $50.00..
Recommend this unit “ABSOLUTELY”
Greg
I spoke with a local dealer with a purchase in mind. He told me he has 300(last year 2018) in the field. I ask what was coming in with problems. He told me 3 units came back, (1) with owner abuse, two of them returned with chip boards out. Now, I live in a rural area with a usual annual rain fall of 60-70 inches per year. Generally yards and paddocks range from 1/2 acre to 8 or 9 acres of grass. I am about to go get one of these units and put it to work on 8 acres of grass. It will be tested. A small town dealer cant afford to put much gunk out there or they want be in business very long. He actually told me they where out performing some other pretty well know units on the market.
John
Ok, I have had my Spartan RT HD for 16 months now. I really like it. I have had my console replaced once as stated in my earlier post. The second console had the same issue. I contacted Spartan directly and a tech rep asked me to look at the console and see if the hour glass was flashing. It was so he told me that it meant a button was stuck. He advised me to take an air hose and blow around each button. I did this and it took care of the problem. I regularly do this now because I live at the beach and a lot of sand gets blown on the mower.
The only thing that has broken that was part of the original mower is my throttle cable. This happened about a month ago. When you push it to full throttle it will not stay. It backs off to about half. I have hooked a bungi cord to it to keep it at full throttle and it has worked fine. Now before you call me cheap (lol) my dealer is 4 hours from me. I think it is still under warranty so when I go to have service I will get it fixed then.
I bought the electric shield for the deck. After 3 months I started having issues with it not working. I would lower it and when I wanted it to raise it would not. After 2-3 hours you could hit the switch and it would work. I spoke with a rep at Spartan and he basically said yeah we have been having issues with them. He then recommended that I get one of their manual shields. No offer of assistance with cost. I paid $300 for the electric one and at the time they wanted $200 for the manual one.
The only other item I will mention is do not get complacent. I have owed several JD, cub cadet, and Husqavarna mowers that I purchased brand new. Not one of them did I really check the oil in before each use. I always changed the oil at the recommended hours. I changed the oil in my Spartan at 20 hours as recommended and I changed it again at the 100 hour mark. It is recommended to change every 100 hours after the initial oil change. I was at the 180 hours total and just happened to check the oil level and I found it to be low. I looked for leaks and found nothing. I referenced my owners manual and to my surprise I found that the oil that was recommended would actually burn / be consumed fast and that the oil level should be checked more often. I know that older motors would start to burn oil but never thought that about a new one. Needless to stay I changed my oil and I check every week and I will not go by the recommended 100 hour change. I will start doing it at 50 or even 25.
Now with all that being said, I would highly recommended Spartan Mowers. I love mine. It does a great job. Just wish the blades were a little cheaper. (Lol) And if you get one I hope you can find a dealer that is closer than 4 hours.
Paul
Hi John, Thanks for the detailed review. It’s interesting that even though you are well within the warranty the rep didn’t suggest taking it into the dealer and having the issue fixed.
Mack
Hello Paul, it has been nearly 9 months since your last posting on the Spartan Mower article. I was thinking about buying a Spartan SRT XD and would love to hear your updated opinion on them. you seem to be pretty sold out on the Toro Mowers. while I would agree that Toro was a good mower up tell around 2015, they used to be built almost identically to there cousin, Exmark, and thus piggybacked off of Exmarks, already established, good name to become a very successful mower brand. But scenes 2015 they have been drifting further and further away from the Exmark design (such as Titan or TimeCutter series) and have really cheapened them up while keeping the price the same (raised prices on some units).
So I’m having a hard time justifying spending 14k on brands like Exmark, Scag, JD let alone a Toro just for the name. Granted they all are great mowers, but when the Spartans (like the SRT XD) have been proven to be equal to if not superior to other “top of the line Brands” for 10.5k? Plus 99% of the people who own A Spartan Mower couldn’t be more then happy with them? it seems like an obvious choice.
But, I would love to hear your take on which one is worth getting? and why? and what makes one better than the other? thanks, I appreciate your time!
Paul
Hi Mack, No one, I repeat no one is talking about Spartan mowers. There are very few reviews online or on YouTube. Yes, there are a lot of reviews from happy,