gravely belt drive

[jannan]

I just received a call to look at a used(300hours)Gravely 50" belt drive walk behind.Not much info on it yet.Was bought new this year for around $2600. I can get it for $1500. Was wondering if any of you have had any expieriences with these machines(good or bad)

[osc]

Yes I have experience on this machine and no I don't like any belt drive unit. It's $1,500.00 down the drain in my opinion.

[Chip]

I have used Gravely mowers exclusively for over 10 years. Have a Pro-50 and Pro-40 Walkbehinds both belt drive and very reliable. Only problem is when the belts get wet. If it is a double belt drive I hear the traction is beter. I never cut in the rain so traction is not an issue with me. Also have a Pro-60 out-front rider that I bought in 95 that runs great. Remeber if you do your daily maintenance your machine will last a long time. Good luck.

[Evan528]

<p><font size="1">Edited by: Evan528

[Evan528]

gravely makes very good walkbehinds. I have the 150 series 36 inch belt drive with a 12.5 kawasaki engine. It is now 5 years old and i have not put a penny into this machine exept for maitenance parts (oil, filters). The cut quality is outstanding and the machine is built very strong. i say for 1500 bucks go for it! I have no trubble with belts slipping exept when it it raing very hard. The 150 series is not too heavy but the 200 and 300 series are way to heavy for a walkbehind if you ask me.... but that because there built so heavy duty!

[Richard Martin]

I have a Gravely Pro 150 50&quot; machine. I will not be buying another one. The machine is fine as long as you don't mind double cutting every yard. The 50&quot; deck design that Gravely uses for these machines dates to the early 70's at least. If you encounter wet, tall or thick grass you might as well leave the machine on the trailer.

[Evan528]

i dont no about the quality of cut with the 50 but i no the 36 cuts beutifly! Its strange when one companys machines can vary so greatly quality wise....

[Chip]

Richard try using a set of high lift blades. I was experiencing the same problem until I switched blades.

[geogunn]

I don't run the machine in question but gravely is very popular in my area. common complaint: belt slippage even in wet dew conditions.<p>my lesco has very little belt slippage problems even in the rain.<p>GEO

[Richard Martin]

Chip, I presently have high-lift blades on the mower. I have tried just about every kind of blade available. Factory blades, Gators, fake Gators I got online and the high-lifts I am presently using.

[Chip]

Sorry to hear you are disapointed with gravely. What size engine do you have? I have a 16 hp on my 50&quot; , 20hp on 60&quot;, and 14.5 on a 40&quot; they don't make anymore. The 40 is my favorite that I use on my own lawn, only 5000' gives a great cut. Drives some of my neighbors nuts that I cut and trim in 15 min. they waste an hour or more. The other neighbors got smart and pay me to cut for them.

[SJR Lawncare]

I have a gravely pro 50 1997. I got it for a steal $700.00 earlier this year. I dont cut in the rain. I do cut high thick grass with it and no problems. I love it, the best $700 I've ever spent. This is my primary mower & I cut 6-10 lawns per day, I say go for it.<br>SJR<p>----------<br>SJR Lawncare<br>

[Evan528]

thats a dam good deal ya got! what was the situation?<br><p><font size="1">Edited by: Evan528

[jannan]

Thanks for the input guys,I demoed the Pro 150/12.5hp Kaw tonight(cut about 3 acres)of very high and in some places very thick grass. It did a fine job untill it hit the thick grass, where it stalled a few times. It threw a belt twice(different belts). I think a twig got between the belt and the pulley, but not sure.It wasn't very good on hills,sliding sideways,while going across,and running away from you while going down.All in all I wasn't too impressed. Thanks again for the input! JA

[geogunn]

JA--sounds like you did a good test drive. I am wondering if the 150 series is the light commercial series. if so, I'd stay away. I think the full commercial series id the 250.<p>the 12.5 hp engine is too small for a 50 inch deck in standard commercial use in my opinion.<p>one thing you need to know about belt drives is that they will all run away from you going down hill. solution, cut side to side turning uphill. I don't know why the gravely would slide down hill unless the tires were over inflated and the hill was too steep and rough.<p><p>also, the belt drives usually don't have a full powered reverse gear.<p>my next unit will be a hydro. I hope.<p>GEO

[SJR Lawncare]

EVAN528, An aquaintance of mine bought the mower & a 6x12 trailer to start his own business, which didnt work out. So, he was strapped for $$. I offered him $1400 cash for the trailer & mower, he said ok, so I got both. You could say I got the mower for $700 & the trailer for $700. Pretty good buy, right? Those 2 pieces of equipment have paid for themselves many times over. Sometimes you can get a good deal if your in the right place at the right time.<br>SJR <p>----------<br>SJR Lawncare<br>

[jannan]

geogunn-Yes the pro 150 was a lightweight commercial mower,underpowered & very small tires. I didn't measure them, but probably around 10&quot; wheels.

[chrisbolte]

I have multiple gravelys. Few walk behinds and zero turns. I have the pro 150s with 50 inch decks. I have 14 horse kaws on them and they have no problem. No matter what anyone tells you belt drives slip in rain and on some hills. I would strongly recommend you buy a gravely.

[Runner]

For ALL you guys with belt drives, especially if you're pulling sulkys, try this and you WON'T be dissappointed. Go to your automotive store and buy a can of belt dressing. (about 3 bucks)All you spray is about an inch or two on the inside of your drive belts -outside for idler. This will give you INCREDIBLE response with your traction and belt grip! Be careful around cars and such though- it's touchy!