Grasshopper Shopping

[ghuns]

In my search for a new, used lawnmower, I have run across two Grasshoppers that seemed interesting.

The first was a 725 with the Kubota gas engine that needs a new PTO clutch. No big deal, a couple hundred bucks. I do all my own work on cars, tractors, etc. I asked the seller how many hours it has, 5000K! Is this common? Are any of you commercial mowers racking up that kind of hours on gas engines?

The second one is a 721d. It is a few hours away, but comes with a collection system, cab, and snowblower. The only thing keeping me from running to buy it today, it has 4000 hours.:frown:

After having a John Deere 670 with Yanmar diesel, the thought of going back to gas makes me cringe. That, combined with the 5000 hours and narrow rear end, ruled out the 725.

How scared should I be of the 4000 hours on the 721d? I know of some John Deeres sportin Yanmar diesels that are pushing 10K hours, so I assume a properly maintained Kubota will last that long too. It is a 1999 or 2000 model so does it have a Gemini or G2 drive? Either way, unless the system has been replaced recently, it should be near the end of it's useful life.

 

[BlazNT]

Grasshoppers and long running machines but I would expect for engine repair with that many hours.

 

[MBDiagMan]

That's a bunch of hours on both of them ghuns. If they run well, don't use oil or show other signs of wear that would indicate a problem and you will only be using the machine for your own use, not expecting to make a living with it, then they might be okay for a price that reflects the high hours.

If it has the G2 system, it will be proudly indicated with the G2 decal below the front of the seat. I think the G2 came along somewhere about that time, '99 or '00.

I have a 725K2 with air cooled Kohler. It was low hours and in great shape when I bought it, but I sure did want a diesel. The 721 is a tried and true diesel grasshopper.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[bobbysr]

It depends on the price. 4K & 5K are a lot of hours.

 

[MBDiagMan]

I agree with bobby, it depends on the price. It also, however, depends on whether or not you do your own repair work. I do everything except warranty work myself, so at the right price, I will happily buy an aged, well used piece of equipment under the right circumstances. If you have to rely on others to wield the wrenches, that sheds a different light on the decision.

 

[ghuns]

Thanks for the advice. I haven't heard from the guy with the 721D, so I am thinking it's probably sold.

I do all my own work, though I haven't worked on many mowers. I have always had green ones and they either don't break, or if they do, I couldn't afford the parts to fix them.:wink:

I had to stop at the green tractor store last night to get them to stop sending me a bill for a part I returned a year ago. They have a 2000 GH 928D with collection system, snow blower/cab, and 72" deck, with under a thousand hours for $6500. They have had for awhile, so I'm sure that it could had for less. Sadly, it would take $10K worth of landscape work to make yard smooth enough for the 72" deck. A 60" is my absolute limit.

 

[MBDiagMan]

Isn't the 928 a mid mount? For me that takes away one of the big advantages of a Grasshopper, the front mount deck. I am so spoiled to my front mount deck, I don't think I could ever go back to a mid mount. I say that understanding fully that this is just my personal preference and I'm sure there are some folks who wouldn't run a front mount on a bet. Again, no one is right or wrong, just personal preference.

On that $6,500 machine, if it's been there awhile, I wouldn't be surprised if you could get it for $5K. Maybe less who knows. A dealer needs to move their inventory. If it doesn't move, they will often bail out for what they have in it.

Good luck,

 

[bobbysr]

Isn't the 928 a mid mount?

No, the 928 is a out front deck. The 428 is the mid mount. Both have 28hp Kubota diesels.

 

[MBDiagMan]

Since the 928 is a front mount, that sounds like a great deal. The decks are very interchangeable. I'll bet you could find someone to swap with you, or buy a 61" and sell the 72". That's a diesel model with all the goodies. If I were in the market, I wouldn't walk away without some thought.

Also, when I bought my Grasshopper, I thought that the 61" was going to cause problems, but because of it's ability to tilt up as you go forward through a ditch, it has worked out MUCH better than I ever dreamed. It might be worth getting them to let you demo it on your place. I fully expect that they would be happy to do so.