Still waiting on mower from dealer, will update when I get results. Should be this week. Meanwhile, have a question. Am considering getting the diesel model (2600?), and wonder how anyone who has one would rate it to the gas models ? Interested in does it have more power, etc...
Mower bogs down too much
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Tiger Small Engine
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Do you plan on running the mower for lots of acreage and hours? Why would you want a diesel? Costs for purchase and to maintain will be more with diesel.
At times, that's why I'm doing homework. Understand about costs. Just looking for facts to support decision. There are days when I cut some fields and orchards for 4-6 hours at a time. I have literally worn this mower out. Already replaced the deck.
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My experience with diesels is that they are very reliable engine wise. I use a JD 650 mini tractor for over 20 yrs without cutting 11 acres every couple weeks during the growing season.
Thanks for the input. That's inline with what I hear. I guess I was looking for someone with a good reason not to go that route.
ILENGINE
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1-2 cylinder air cooled engine will have a life expectancy of 1000-2000 hours. Water cooled 2 cylinder gas like some Kawasaki can be in the 2-3K hours. Multicylinder engines like a 3 cylinder Kubota gas can go 3-5K hours. And diesels can be in the 4-10K hour range.
Tiger Small Engine
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Yep, if you are going to mow for hours on end, a diesel may be the way to go. I have only mowed with one diesel zero turn, and it was an Onan on a Dixie Chopper. You may also consider a 72” deck over a 60”.
Douglas Lee
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Interesting!!!
Doug Lee
Doug Lee
I kinda figured everything I've read. Just wanted to see if there were facts I hadn't thought of. Thanks for all the info. BTW, have 1500+ hours on mower.
Think I got mower back to normal.. Dealer said the engine overheated, but couldn't tell me why or how. Said I needed a new engine (imagine that from a dealer). Said the engine bogged down because of low compression, but since the cylinder walls weren't scored, the rings must be bad. duh. Anyway, took mower home. Went to cut a 10 acre field, and every time I made a circle, the engine would go into overheat; drop to lowest rpm's and lope, and after about 3 minutes it would even out. Cut it off, restart, and ok. So now I'm really getting frustrated. Maybe the temp sensor is bad, so I ordered on. Then while changing the sensor I happened to look at the cylinder fins. Half of the fins on each side were completely covered and crusted with dirt and whatever else would stick there. Scraped a lot out. Went to hardware store and got a brush, got most of the rest out. Then I sprayed the fins with brake cleaner. Got the fins real clean. Then the pressure washer got the rest. I feel sure that is what caused the engine to overheat. Put the new sensor in, and so far has been running fine. Haven't cut a field that big again, but did do a job for about 3 1/2 hours with no problems. Come to think of it, that's about how long I was at the big field. I'd like to put a temp gauge in, but unable to find anything that would work, maybe someone here could point me in the right direction.