Well, the first mow is in the books.
This thing is frickin' AWESOME! After blowing off the cobwebs of my 15yr hiatus of using the sticks, popping on my mp3 playing NRR23 range protectors, we got down to playin' some high speed tank commander.
First, the seat. A very nice faux leather over a high & medium gel foam mix that is conforming and comfortable on the bottom, as well as shock absorbent. Arm rests are too low to use while mowing, but nicely contoured when you stop for a drink.
Second, the build. I had this thing in my swale's, maneuvering all over the inclines and culvert, and the frame didn't even flex a scoche. My JD would flex wildly, popping wheels off the ground. I'd almost dare to match this construction to Hustler's.
Third, the speed. 10mph is the cats meow for all the open ground I needed to cover (cut my neighbors yard too). Even though I have the ROPS down, putting on the seat belt really helped keep me firmly planted in the seat with all the minor bumps and inclines. With the speed, there times I was bucked up, causing momentary pressure switch cutoff, even my 200+lb rear before buckling up.
The 28hp Briggs Endurance runs smoothly, has very good pull and moves this 700+ lb beast pretty non-laboriously up some decent inclines. We'll see after we get some hours on it, if it keeps its perfomance.
The annoying niggles:
The sticks have a squeak at the joints where they meet at the dampeners. Will fix with some of my moly/silicone grease blend I concocted. The faux gas tank side, where the control panel is, is mounted kind of loose and has minor rattling. Will find way to affix better.
All the grease points and service areas are very easily accessible, so maintenance will be a breeze. A lot of design thought went into this machine, and I'm sure it will allow for a very long life.
2 thumbs up here.
Would recommend, and buy again.
