Mowingman
06-10-2001, 09:18 PM
I purchased a new Grasshopper 428D midmount with 72" deck and 28HP Kubota diesel in April. Here is an update on how its doing.
Background : Machine was purchased to use primarily on 3 jobs each with rough ground and ranging from 3 - 8 acres each. Choices I had were Exmark, D.C., and Grasshopper. I choose the GH for a variety of reasons, and since it is a new model, I expected there might be some " new model/first year" type problems along the way. With that said, here is my report.
Cut: Cuts great even in heavy, wet grass. No clogging problems. Almost no scalping , does better than both of my 60" ZTR's on rough ground. I believe this is due to it's wide stance.
Power: The Kubota handles anything I want to mow without bogging down. It mows as fast as ground conditions will allow.
Ride & Handling: Seat very good. Big, low-pressure tires provide a smooth ride. Steering is very smooth.
Problems: 10HRs - Throttle cable broke on a Sat. morning. Dealer had part to me by Tues AM . Rigged temp cable so no downtime.
32HRs - Fuel tank ruptured at seam (a plastic tank)T ook dealer 2 days to get tank from factory. Bad tank would still hold 4 gal. , so no downtime except for 1 day for installation of new tank.
38HRs - Factory rep called and said a problem was developing on these machines where elec. clutch fits on eng. shaft and they would send a shim that needed to be added at that coupling.
About 1 hour after phone call, clutch failed. Dealer needed 3 days to get clutch from factory. Total downtime of 4 days.
Dealer & Mfgr. Support: Both have gone all out to resolve these problems. Factory rep has made a loaner machine avail. to me so I have not lost any mowing time.
Overall Satisfaction: I am very pleased with the machine and with the dealer and factory support. Lately I have been trying the 428 on smaller properties where Idid not think it would work. Much to my surprise, I find it will work almost anywhere a 60" will work. I may buy another 428 later this year.:D
Background : Machine was purchased to use primarily on 3 jobs each with rough ground and ranging from 3 - 8 acres each. Choices I had were Exmark, D.C., and Grasshopper. I choose the GH for a variety of reasons, and since it is a new model, I expected there might be some " new model/first year" type problems along the way. With that said, here is my report.
Cut: Cuts great even in heavy, wet grass. No clogging problems. Almost no scalping , does better than both of my 60" ZTR's on rough ground. I believe this is due to it's wide stance.
Power: The Kubota handles anything I want to mow without bogging down. It mows as fast as ground conditions will allow.
Ride & Handling: Seat very good. Big, low-pressure tires provide a smooth ride. Steering is very smooth.
Problems: 10HRs - Throttle cable broke on a Sat. morning. Dealer had part to me by Tues AM . Rigged temp cable so no downtime.
32HRs - Fuel tank ruptured at seam (a plastic tank)T ook dealer 2 days to get tank from factory. Bad tank would still hold 4 gal. , so no downtime except for 1 day for installation of new tank.
38HRs - Factory rep called and said a problem was developing on these machines where elec. clutch fits on eng. shaft and they would send a shim that needed to be added at that coupling.
About 1 hour after phone call, clutch failed. Dealer needed 3 days to get clutch from factory. Total downtime of 4 days.
Dealer & Mfgr. Support: Both have gone all out to resolve these problems. Factory rep has made a loaner machine avail. to me so I have not lost any mowing time.
Overall Satisfaction: I am very pleased with the machine and with the dealer and factory support. Lately I have been trying the 428 on smaller properties where Idid not think it would work. Much to my surprise, I find it will work almost anywhere a 60" will work. I may buy another 428 later this year.:D