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Store updates, stories, and tips to keep your machines running smoothly

How to Choose the Right Zero-Turn Mower for Your Vermont Lawn

6/27/2025

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Cut Smarter: Find the Right Zero-Turn Mower for Your Vermont Lawn

If you’re in the market for a zero-turn mower in Vermont, you already know our terrain doesn’t mess around. Between rolling hills, tree-lined edges, and tight spaces, the right mower can save you serious time and frustration. At Exit 18 Equipment, we help homeowners and pros choose the right Ferris or Toro zero-turn mower to handle the job.
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Here’s what to consider when picking the perfect fit for your yard.

What is a Zero-Turn Mower, and Why Does It Matter?

A zero-turn mower is built to turn on a dime, giving you unmatched control for mowing around trees, landscaping, and buildings. Compared to a lawn tractor, zero-turns are faster, more precise, and often more comfortable, especially for larger properties.
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For hilly or uneven Vermont lawns, that precision and speed make a big difference.

Residential vs. Commercial: Which Mower Is Right for You?

Before we break down the difference between Toro and Ferris models, it helps to know the difference between residential and commercial zero-turn mowers.

Residential Zero-Turn Mowers

  • Designed for occasional use—about 1–2 times per week
  • Typically used on 1–3 acre lawns
  • Prioritize comfort and ease of use
  • Cost-effective and lower maintenance
  • Examples: Toro TimeCutter®, Ferris 300S

​These are perfect for homeowners who want fast, clean mowing with better maneuverability than a lawn tractor.

Commercial Zero-Turn Mowers

  • Built for daily or high-hour usage
  • Handle larger properties, rougher terrain, or mowing multiple lawns a day
  • Feature heavy-duty frames, stronger transmissions, and reinforced decks
  • Offer higher speeds and greater durability
  • Examples: Ferris ISX™ series, Toro Titan®, Toro 6000 series
Even if you’re not a landscaper, a commercial mower might be worth it if you have:
  • Steep hills or uneven ground
  • 4+ acres of lawn
  • Dense or fast-growing grass
  • Long mowing hours every week

​Not sure where you fall? Come by the store and tell us about your property — we’ll help you decide.

Toro vs. Ferris: What’s the Difference?

We proudly carry both Toro and Ferris zero-turns because they each bring something unique to the table:
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  • Toro Zero-Turns
    ✅ Residential and pro models
    ✅  Industry leading deck performance and intuitive controls
    ✅ MyRIDE® suspension available on select models
    ✅ Founded over 100 years ago, Toro is time tested and trusted.
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  • Ferris Zero-Turns
    ✅ Legendary suspension system = smoother ride
    ✅ Built for commercial-level mowing and long days
    ✅ Great on uneven terrain in Franklin and Chittenden Counties
    ✅ Patented Oil Guard System allows 250-500 hours between oil changes (depending on your model)

​Need help deciding? Come test them out in person—our team can walk you through side-by-side comparisons.

What Size Zero-Turn Deck Do You Need?

Although it is up to personal preference, here is a general guideline of the best mowing deck size based on how much space you're mowing.
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  • Under 1 acre? A 42"–48" deck is usually plenty.
  • 1–3 acres? Go for 48"–60" to save time.
  • 3+ acres or commercial use? Look for 60"+ and a heavy-duty frame.

Larger decks cut faster, but you’ll want to make sure it fits your terrain, trees, and access points.

We stock zero-turn mowers in Vermont that are ready to take on your lawn—whether you’re maintaining a half-acre or mowing full-time.
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📍 Visit Exit 18 Equipment in Georgia, VT
💻 Browse Toro & Ferris zero-turns online
📞 Have questions? Give us a call at (802) 524-2977

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Do You Really Need a Generator in Vermont? Yes—Here’s Why

6/27/2025

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​Keep the Lights On: Why Every Vermont Home Needs a Backup Generator

Let’s face it: Vermont weather is beautiful… but it’s also unpredictable. Whether it’s a nor’easter in February or a downed power line in July, outages happen—and they can last for hours (or — depending on where you live — days).

That’s why so many folks in Franklin and Chittenden Counties are turning to Honda generators for reliable backup power. If you're on the fence, here's why it’s worth the investment.

What Does a Generator Actually Do?

In simple terms, a portable generator gives you electricity when the grid goes down. That means:
  • Keeping the fridge and freezer running
  • Powering lights, heat, and well pumps
  • Charging phones and medical devices
  • Running essential appliances or work tools
Honda’s inverter generators are especially great for clean, stable power, which means they’re safe for sensitive electronics and quiet enough for camping or residential use.

Winter Storm? Summer Blackout? A Generator Has Your Back.

In Vermont, the question isn’t if you’ll lose power—it’s when. Some common reasons we recommend a backup generator:
  • Snow and ice storms
  • Heavy winds and downed trees
  • Outages in rural areas with longer repair times
If you live in Franklin County or on a back road near Georgia or St. Albans, you know how tough it can be to wait on line crews.

Why We Recommend Honda Generators for Vermonters

At Exit 18 Equipment, we trust Honda for good reason:
  • Reliable start-up—even in the cold
  • Long run times with fuel efficiency
  • Quiet operation
  • Models like the Honda EU2200i are compact, powerful, and ready for Vermont winters
​We carry popular models in stock and can help you pick the right size for your home or camp.

Shop Local, Stay Prepared

Don’t wait until the lights go out to start thinking about a generator.

📍 Visit us in Georgia, Vermont to see Honda generators in person
💬  Not sure what size you need? We’ll walk you through it
💻  Or shop online and we'll have your order ready to pickup when you get here
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Stay powered up—whatever the forecast.
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Lawn Mower Fuel Tips: How to Choose the Right Gas & Use Fuel Stabilizer

6/17/2025

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​Avoid engine trouble and extend the life of your outdoor equipment — the right fuel makes all the difference.

Whether you’re firing up your mower in the spring or running a generator during a storm, the gas you use matters. At Exit 18 Equipment, we service lawn mowers, trimmers, blowers, snow blowers, and generators — and fuel issues are one of the most common problems we see in the shop.
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Let’s break down how to choose the right fuel, when to use a fuel stabilizer, and how to avoid costly repairs.

​What’s the Best Gas for Lawn Mowers and Small Engines?

Use Fresh, Clean Fuel

Gasoline starts to break down in as little as 30 days. As it ages, it becomes less effective and can clog your carburetor with sticky deposits.

Fuel Tips:
  • Only buy enough fuel for 30 days
  • Store in a clean, sealed container
  • Keep gas out of direct sunlight and heat
  • Never use gas that smells sour or appears dark

Be Aware of the Ethanol Content

Ethanol is a common gasoline additive that absorbs moisture and can lead to corrosion in small engines.
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What to avoid:

  • E15, E85, and other "flex fuel" blends
  • Gas with more than 10% ethanol (E10)

What to choose:
  • Regular 87 octane (E10 max)
  • Ethanol-free fuel when available — especially for seasonal equipment.

Shop online and grab our recommended fuel here.

​Why Fuel Stabilizer Is Essential for Seasonal Equipment

If you’re storing fuel longer than 30 days — or putting your mower or snow blower away for the season — using a fuel stabilizer is key.

What Does Fuel Stabilizer Do?

  • Keeps gas fresh for up to 12 months
  • Prevents gumming and varnish in the fuel system
  • Makes your equipment easier to start after storage

Our Recommended Products:

  • Toro Premium Fuel Treatment – Part #131-657
  • STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer – 8 oz
  • STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer – 16 oz

These are compatible with 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines and safe for all brands we carry — Honda, Toro, Echo, Simplicity, Ferris, and more.

​How to Use Fuel Stabilizer

  1. Add the stabilizer to your gas can (check label for dosage)
  2. Shake or mix well
  3. Fill the tank on your equipment
  4. Run the engine for 5–10 minutes to circulate the treated fuel
Pro Tip: Do this before storing your machine for the season to prevent carburetor problems come spring.

​Avoid These Common Fuel Problems

At Exit 18 Equipment’s service shop in Georgia, VT, we see these fuel-related issues all the time:
  • Hard starting after storage
  • Gummed-up carburetors
  • Moisture damage from ethanol blends
  • Clogged filters and fuel lines
  • Power loss or surging during use
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These issues are preventable — and avoiding them saves you money and downtime.

Good Fuel Habits Checklist

Keep this checklist handy or print it for your garage:
✔ Use Fresh Fuel
  • Buy in small quantities
  • Store in a sealed, labeled container
  • Use within 30 days
✔ Avoid High Ethanol Blends
  • Stick with 87 octane, max E10
  • Use ethanol-free gas if possible
✔ Use a Fuel Stabilizer
  • Treat fuel when you buy it
  • Run equipment briefly to circulate
  • Prevents gumming and moisture issues
✔ Prep Equipment for Storage
  • Run treated fuel through engine
  • Clean debris from engine housing
  • Store indoors or under cover

Need Help? Ask Your Local Experts.

If you’re unsure what kind of fuel or stabilizer is best for your mower, generator, or trimmer, just ask us. At Exit 18 Equipment, we work on what we sell — and we’ll point you to the right solution without the upsell.
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We proudly serve customers across Franklin and Chittenden County with expert advice, factory-trained technicians, and genuine parts and service.
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    Brett & Brenda Macy own Exit 18 Equipment

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T-F: 8am - 5pm
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(802) 524-2974

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Georgia, VT 05454
  • Home
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