RussBarnes
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- Joined
- May 19, 2014
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About 20 years ago I bought a used JD 930 FD commercial mower for about $1,500. It had been ridden hard and put away wet. It was about a 1988 model with 1,800 hours on it used commercially. It has a 60" deck. I freshened it by welding the cracks on the mower deck, repainting the deck. Adding a new seat and rear hood and started mowing our approx.. 6 acres of rough, rocky TN land. In about 2001 the original Onan had about 2,300 hrs and died. I found a new replacement (can't remember the brand) and installed that. I now have about 3,000 hours on the unit and it still comes though with the weekly 8 hour mowing task that starts in March and ends in November. I have mowed a huge amount of limestone rocks that stick up so have gone through about four sets of blades and re-sharpen a set per year, and that is at 3-4" of height. I cut cedar saplings that are often about 1" diameter. Once in that time it had to go back to JD to have the steering repaired, I change the oil and filter yearly and it keeps on going. I'm probably on my third blade belt, but the replacement drive belts I installed in '94. It isn't quote a zero turn, but hitting either brake pedal will let it turn tight around a 8" diameter stump. I have driven zero turn mowers and prefer the steering wheel to go straight. Years ago I encountered several flats from thorns so I had the tires foam filled. Since then I have replaced about 4 of those (including both drives) because I tore up the casings. It rides harder with foam, but never had a flat after that...... The seat is suspended so the ride is OK, but not perfect. It is a workhorse and JD can be proud of having their name on a rugged mower like this.
I've a couple photos of the old gal I'll post later that are on another puter.
About me: RETIRED and working toward downsizing and saving all the days and hours of mowing. Love working on mechanical things - cars, trucks, and hobbies, getting tired of working on repairing things like this mower and my JD 1530 tractor that I use for bush hogging the rest of our 30 acres.
I've a couple photos of the old gal I'll post later that are on another puter.
About me: RETIRED and working toward downsizing and saving all the days and hours of mowing. Love working on mechanical things - cars, trucks, and hobbies, getting tired of working on repairing things like this mower and my JD 1530 tractor that I use for bush hogging the rest of our 30 acres.
