Well, I been reading this thread. I bought a new "Gravely XD3 Self-propelled with elec start" back in 2013. Been goin on 6 years now. I live in Cental Ohio. I use regular gasoline, and always have. I think I used Stabil for the FIRST time over the winter this past winter. Otherwise, I run it until it runs out of fuel, then turn the fuel shutoff. The first summer I had it, I too had that that 'issue' with it starting when its hot. The auto-choke has that lever rod in front of the engine, all you have to is wiggle it as it sticks from time to time. I have give this thing very little maintenance, though I don't uses it heavily during mowing seasons here. The prior owner left a Craftsman 22" sittin in the weeds when they moved out in 2012, and I resurrected it and it's been my goto mower. I've run it on gasoline and propane. But that's the subject of another discussion.
I finally FINALLY got the oil changed this afternoon. Yea, I changed it I think, after the first season on the original oil fill, and somehow managed to forget to do it each season. I had used the battery-starter but I had to buy a new battery (about $13) and after it went bad, I just pulls start it. It's never failed to start on the 2nd pull. And did I mention that I just do not USE STABIL? Well this past winter. but I don't .I started it up today, and as it was running, I removed the air filter and inspect/clean or replace, and then I use carb cleaner and shoot several good shots into the engine (so as not to stall it completely)...about 10 shots and she's running fine. I finally resharpened the blade as well.
As for using it, yea, its a rear wheel mower. I bought it primarily for my wife to use, and I could use the Craftsman. But I've been using it more. It is a HEAVY, bulky mower. It threw the drive belt of last year and I used it for two weeks as a push mower (MISTAKE) and it is a beast to push. Would I buy it again? No. I have three acres that I use push mowers for trimming (John Deer 23 HP garden tractor is the main mower), and like I said, I kinda prefer the lighter Craftsman. But that's me. I finally got under it and put the drive belt back on, no problems since.
As long as you have Internet access, you'll find parts for this thing. It's built like a tank and can take a beating. Problem is, it's as heavy as a tank as well. LOL.
QuantumRift, Central OHIO
Now that my XD3 has become an orphan...I can only hope that parts will remain available when needed. I know it is a rebadged Ariens Razor, but the XD has the Subaru engine, and other unknown differences that may complicate replacement parts 5+ years out.
Anyways, I'll just take good care of it and hope for very few major problems going forward.
