JD Z225 Repairs

StarTech

StarTech

Lawn Royalty
You guys are going to love working on the engine of this one. NOT. This is not repair friendly at all when it comes to engine repairs I need to do.

I got one in with a Briggs 31S blown head gasket. Oil every where. You can't even pull the rocker cover without pulling the engine. Pulling the engine is a heck a lot easier than trying to remove rear frame tube as that route with require unbolting both transaxles and then dropping them to release the tube.

Between the engine, dampers, and deck repairs I just gave the customer a $875 repair estimate and this is with me discounting both the parts and labor for the senior. Both spindle mounts are bent, idler arm worn out, and one idler pulley bad along with chunk of the front left deck missing. Boy her yard got to look really bad when mowed. I am looking at 6+ hours of labor if I run into problems on this 12 yr old mower. Already spent 1.5 hrs just doing the pre-repair estimate.

The question now is she going approved the estimate for the repairs? It be at least Thursday before I know as today I am out of the shop all day attending a customer funeral which always depresses me. I probably will skip the actual burial.
 
@StarTech
My Gravely Pro Turn 260 isn't pleasant to work on either.
I have to remove the entire rear bumper assembly just to adjust the valves or do any carburetor work.
If and when it needs replacement, I will do my best to find something easier to work on. The commercial Hustlers look to have easier access to the engine.
As for her mower, it's only worth $995 in good working condition.
It sounds like she needs a subcompact tractor with a rough cut mower.
 
It is not up to me if the repair is worth or not. I have done several repairs that exceed the worth but replacements were not in the budget. The problem around is people doesn't remove tree stumps. Afraid to dull the chain. I had to remove ten stumps here after I moved in but of I was using a carbide tip chain.

Btw the Super Z I work on here is not any easier either.

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StarTech said:
It is not up to me if the repair is worth or not. I have done several repairs that exceed the worth but replacements were not in the budget. The problem around is people doesn't remove tree stumps. Afraid to dull the chain. I had to remove ten stumps here after I moved in but of I was using a carbide tip chain.

Btw the Super Z I work on here is not any easier either.

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Click to expand...
And that is true with a lot of repairs now. Cost to repair is more than the mower is worth but a replacement mower is 4-10 times the cost of repair. And with the cost of everything repair is the most affordable option for most people.
 
Working on Z425 that the engine is turned sideways. Have to pull the left fender wrap muffler shield left rear wheel to get to the valve cover to adjust valves. Don't like to work on these type mowers. Had one in once that had a bottom seal leaking. I think no problem just pop the PTO clutch off and replace the seal. Wishful thinking. The engine mount platform had just enough room for the crank shaft to stick through. Had to pull the engine.
 
Try replacing the starter solenoid on one. I also did the valve adjustment at the same time. What a pain. About as bad as working on ATVs. At least they use gaskets and not RTV.

And the customer wonders why the bills are so high. Its the labor time involved.
 
StarTech said:
You guys are going to love working on the engine of this one. NOT. This is not repair friendly at all when it comes to engine repairs I need to do.

I got one in with a Briggs 31S blown head gasket. Oil every where. You can't even pull the rocker cover without pulling the engine. Pulling the engine is a heck a lot easier than trying to remove rear frame tube as that route with require unbolting both transaxles and then dropping them to release the tube.

Between the engine, dampers, and deck repairs I just gave the customer a $875 repair estimate and this is with me discounting both the parts and labor for the senior. Both spindle mounts are bent, idler arm worn out, and one idler pulley bad along with chunk of the front left deck missing. Boy her yard got to look really bad when mowed. I am looking at 6+ hours of labor if I run into problems on this 12 yr old mower. Already spent 1.5 hrs just doing the pre-repair estimate.

The question now is she going approved the estimate for the repairs? It be at least Thursday before I know as today I am out of the shop all day attending a customer funeral which always depresses me. I probably will skip the actual burial.
Click to expand...
Oof. $875 is a bargain with bent spindles, a missing deck chunk, and a blown head gasket. You're basically resurrecting a 12-year-old mower. Hope she appreciates it.
 
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