Lazer this, Dixie that, what about Grasshoppers?

[plow kid]

A buddy of mine in the biz just bought a grasshopper ztr mower , it looks like a diecent mower but how does it compare to say a lazer ztr or a dixie chopper, inj the quality of cut department and striping exc. the grasshopper seems to be a little under powered in my opinion, 16 hp engine and a 48" deck, I guess the true test will be when he goes to cut the lawns in the spring that have grown 8" in a week

[John DiMartino]

My Exmark dealer handles grasshopper too,they are tough machines,the ZTR's are no different.Thye have a following here,mostg uys who buy one,buy another ,and so on.

[TLS]

plow kid,

I'm by no means bashing the Grasshopper design, but here are my thoughts on that type of lawnmower. Anything rear of the drive tires is going to swing in an arc while turning. In open areas, this is usually not a problem. However when you are in tight quarters, that 3+ feet of mower behind the drive tires, gets in the way and will hit houses, beds, trees, mailboxes, etc. when turning. They generally have less traction climbing UP a hill compared to a midmount. They do however offer a smoother ride and have more stability on hillsides. They are well built machines that will last a long time.

[Jusmowin]

What about a JOHN DEERE out front z mower, tried one the other day and loved it. Sure cuts down on the trimming

Just my 2 cents

[John DiMartino]

Tom,grasshopper makes a ZTR ,just like your Exmark,nothing hanging 3 ft off the back-they were out this past summer-I was checking them out while my trac-vac was being put in june.

[TLS]

My bad! Thought he was talking about the Classic Hoppers. Never used or seen the new style outside of a magazine ad. Think they offered a diesel on these too, right? From what I saw and read about them, they were a good machine. I don't think there is much "junk" out there these days, as long as you stay with the "major" manufacturers products. There is way too much competition out there for junk machines to be around for too long.

Sorry for the misunderstanding/

[awm]

My only problem is local .The dealer touted a 21000
bl tip spd.Then when I let him know I knew something of the subject he didnt want to talk about it anymore.
Not a good impression.mower looked alright though.

[plow kid]

oops :)

[swn]

I have 2 grasshoppers and love them. It also helps that I have a great dealer about 10 minutes away. I can't wait to try out the new midmounts that they have came out with this year.

[Runner]

I have a friend of mine who ran two of the old style before, sold one, bought a Ferris ZTR, loves that, and then bought a Grasshopper ZTR last year and he can't say enough good things about it. I wish these nimrods would take my advice and get with the Lawnsite program, then they could tell you themselves.

[skyphoto]

I have a 721d and love it....Got to test drive the mid mount 220 w/20hp kohler great machine but I like all my attachment for my outfront blade,blower,broom. My next mower will be another hopper!!! And as far as the extra swing on the outfront I have become an expert on knowing where my rear is at(hehehehe) I also have the chevron low ground pressure tires that help the ride and have great traction....They also now offer the kubota diesel on the mid-mount 21hp....I cannot tell you how happy i am with mine ....only wish I had bought the 928 with the 28 hp diesel!!!

[RMc Lawn]

I have a 725 G2 w/61" deck and a 720 w/ 61" deck. Once I got used to the tail swing it was not a problem. I had the 720 first and now that I have the 725 I have a hard time getting myself to use the old one. That G2 hydro system is the only way to go. It is quieter, smoother, and faster. The mid-mount I demoed was just as nice.

[bob]

I also have 2 Grasshoppers. A 725 with a 61" and bagger. And a 725 G2 with a 61" flip up deck. Love'm both. The G2 is the way to go.

[Deron]

Ok guys, I'm not a pro, just a regular guy with a BIG yard (8 acres) who is tired of spending 6+ hrs a week mowing. I am also a compulsive researcher. I've been reading for weeks now about several different "commercial" mowers, ie Cub Cadet Commercial, Scag, Walker, Grasshopper, Exmark, Toro etc. I have some hills, but nothing my present Cub tractor struggles to mow. I have the green light from the wife to part with some bucks...(MAJOR victory there) So, for an average Joe, who has to mow around 50-100 trees, some hills, fenceline, etc who should get my money? I'm favoring a front mount simply because I have several large trees with drooping branches to trim under. (Pines, oaks, etc) Does a homeowner need the G2? The nearest Walker dealer to me is 65 miles, the nearest Grasshopper dealer is 45 miles, Exmark 11 miles, Cub 7 miles. Any advice you could offer would be most welcome. Thanks in advance gentlemen.

dmonroe@techie.com (Deron)

[Eric ELM]

I think any of them would be fine as long as you go past the 7 mile dealer and keep going a bit farther. :)

[swn]

I do not think that you would need the G2. But as I have been told by some guys here, the G2 is a lot smoother and faster. But you have to go with the 700 series. This is where the price jumps up, but you know what you can pay. I am getting a new grasshopper and haven't decided on the G2 myself. For a homeowner I would suggest the 618. It has an 18 hp kohler and a 52" deck. But I understand that you do not have the typical homeowner's yard. I don't think you could go wrong with a grasshopper. I love mine. Good luck.

[awm]

I was talking to a lco that has the wright stander type
machine and a cub ztr.Said he had only been on the cub twice and that was to work on something.Wouldnt say he
thought much of the cub.RIGHT PURTY THO.

[David Gretzmier]

ok guys- first post. I've had 5 grasshoppers, currently running 3. 1 is the latest mid-mount, and two outfronts.The front mounts do indeed ride better, and have more attatchments. Bagging is great, and not available yet on the midmounts. The two fronts are the 725k and 725 kubota gas, the mid is the 321d w/kubota diesel. I have also ran the 721d and the 225 mid mount. Thoughts...The grasshopper will not last as long as the kubota diesel. the first 721d I had never had engine problems, but everything kind of fell apart around it. Constant hydro and other problems. gave up on that one at 1900hours. The 225 mid was a good mower for a year, but something just happens to that 25 horse Kohler after 500-600 hours, it just doesnt feel "good anymore, and my experience w/ the 725k is a rebuild at 1000 hours is not uncommon or unusual. The 321d I have has the g1 hydro transmission, as did the 225, and I feel it is maxed out in this application. The new 325 w/ gas kubota will have g2, similar to scag's sabre tooth setup. The 321d is great on side slopes and going UP slopes, going down is good for your prayer life. The 725 kubota is great, no problems, g2 tranny, 800 hours, flip up deck. We have a great dealer, the #2 dealer in the US I belive for Grasshoppers.long post, but hope it is worth it to someone. Dave

[Deron]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for the quick replies. I'm going to visit my local Hopper dealer, and see if I can find a DC dealer. I looked at Eric's site and I have lawn envy. I'll keep checking back, I'm really grateful for the input.

[tjg]

I have two 2000- 725 w/gas Kubota G2 52"flip up deck mowers for sale, one w/310hrs other w/270hrs,one has a bager but can be removed, just thought about trying out the Scag mowers my Grasshopper dealer started carring them last spring. Any questions or comments just ask.

[Deron]

Well, today was an interesting experience. I set out to look at Exmark, Scag, Dixie Chopper, and Grasshopper. I didn't think that I could afford a DC, but thought I'd look anyway. The guys at the Exmark dealer knew nothing about the product....literally. I knew more from reading the website. The Scag dealer was more interested in selling me a Cub Commercial. The Grasshopper dealer was overpriced. Then there was the DC dealer. He and the Grasshopper guy were the only ones who took more than (and I'm not exaggerating) 30 seconds with me. I'm interested in the opinions of the group on the DC1701x. Its the junior model designed for homeowners. Remember, thats what I am, and all I intend to use the machine to do. (8 acres) It was $3000 less than the Grasshopper 725 w/ 60" deck. The DC almost sounds too good to be true. What am I overlooking? Thanks again in advance for sharing your experiences guys.

Deron dmonroe@techie.com

[Eric ELM]

The 1701 should be a good machine for your lawn. It has the same hydro system, spindles, and frame as the Pro models. A few differences are, the seat isn't nearly as nice, I would upgrade, it doesn't have coolers, which you probably wouldn't need since you won't be running it all day. It doesn't have a Donaldson Air Cleaner, but you probably wouldn't need that either.

My suggestion to you would be to see if he has a XW2303 that you could demo along with the X1701. The XW2303 has a 6 HP bigger motor, the good seat, an OCDC and a 60" deck. The difference might be around $1500 more, but it will get the job done faster and it will be smoother in all aspects. I'm sure you would be satisfied with the X1701, but I feel you would be much more satisfied with the XW2303. The XW2303 is a Pro model with a lot of Pro features standard on it, but no Stainless Steel. A friend of mine in the lawn biz locally has a XW2303 and has been very happy with it.

If you could compare the 2 side by side on your own lawn, this would be the perfect thing for you to do. Just a suggestion. ;) Good luck and let us know which one you get. :)

[Deron]

To all those who replied, thank you. I'm going to arrange a demo of the DC at my house ASAP. Hopefully it will handle my hills. If so, its a done deal. I'll let you know, and thanks again.

Deron

[plow kid]

:rolleyes:

[Deron]

Well, lets hope the dealer makes a better second impression. He was supposed to come out thursday evening for me to demo a DC on my hills. After waiting an hour and 10 minutes I called the guys' cell phone, and he said one of his trucks was in a wreck, and he had lost my phone number. We rescheduled for this coming Thursday.....we shall see. I'd rather pay a little more for a quality machine with a responsive/responsible dealer standing behind it. I'll let you know how it goes.

[Brad Nelson]

I just cant say enough about Grasshopper Mid mount mowers.Bought mine last season, have had no problems with it. Its a 225. 25 hp kohler 61 inch cut does a great job. my only wish is more grass to cut. but that is coming better year by year.

[Deron]

Ok, now I'm ticked off. The Dixie Chopper guy a) didn't return my calls when I called to ensure he was coming out to demo the mower, and b) didn't show up. I realize I'm not looking at a 12K machine, but you'd think he would at least attempt to provide some level of customer service. I can only speak for myself, but I will never do business with Master Mower Sales in Cincinnati Ohio.

Now for the positive side: The Walker dealer has followed up with me twice. I realize the thread originally didn't include Walker, but could you gentlemen please give me your thoughts on a Walker side discharge machine. Specifically, the 16hp with a 54" deck. (remember I'm a homeowner mowing 8 acres, not a pro.)

Thanks again.

[Eric ELM]

Dealer support is very important when purchasing a new mower. Sorry to hear you had a bummer experiance with the other dealer. :mad:

[Deron]

Well guys, after my experience with the Dixie Chopper dealer, I decided he wouldn't be getting any of my money. I did finally decide that I'd go with the Walker. It should be delivered sometime later this week.

Thanks very much for your input and assistance.