Sonnie Parker
07-27-2008, 12:00 AM
I cannot believe it has been 6 years this month since I purchased my Grasshopper 225/61 ZTR. Wow! I remember the buying process all too well though, it was fun.
My 225 has 515 hours on it now, not too bad. I just had the center spindle and bearings on all spindles replaced last week. Other than that, about the only thing I have had to do is replace the belt once and another minor part on the steering, which I was able to do myself. I replaced the front tires last year.
I tried out an Encore 61" while my GH was in the shop and I could not believe the difference. I was so glad to get my GH back. The Encore left stringers and was much less comfortable. The engine did seem to bog less in heavy grass, but it had a 27 or 28HP on it versus my 25.
Anyway... my biggest complaint with the mid mount is having to clean the deck and change blades. It is about the most aggravating time in my life and one of the things I dread the most. Other than this, I love my GH.
So... I am in the market for a front mount, which I understand will flip up for easy cleaning and blade changing.
I do have a few questions though.
I definitely want to stay with the 61" bahia cutting deck. I would like a 72", but it would limit my getting in and out of a few places as well as my trailer would no longer haul it, so 61" it is.
The biggest question is gas or diesel? Which one should I get?
I know if I go back with a gas I want the 27HP, not the 23. So it is either between a 727T or a 722DT. I am curious if the 722 will have as much power as the 727 and/or even as much as my 25HP Kohler. I definitely do not want to go backwards.
Another concern is whether the front mounts are as comfortable as the mid mounts.
I am also curious as to what prices I will be looking at and what kind of price difference am I looking at between diesel and gas models.
I think lastly would be what could I expect to get on trade for my 225/61 which I believe is in very good condition considering the work I just did to it.
Any advice, experience, suggestions, etc. are appreciated.
Thanks!
My 225 has 515 hours on it now, not too bad. I just had the center spindle and bearings on all spindles replaced last week. Other than that, about the only thing I have had to do is replace the belt once and another minor part on the steering, which I was able to do myself. I replaced the front tires last year.
I tried out an Encore 61" while my GH was in the shop and I could not believe the difference. I was so glad to get my GH back. The Encore left stringers and was much less comfortable. The engine did seem to bog less in heavy grass, but it had a 27 or 28HP on it versus my 25.
Anyway... my biggest complaint with the mid mount is having to clean the deck and change blades. It is about the most aggravating time in my life and one of the things I dread the most. Other than this, I love my GH.
So... I am in the market for a front mount, which I understand will flip up for easy cleaning and blade changing.
I do have a few questions though.
I definitely want to stay with the 61" bahia cutting deck. I would like a 72", but it would limit my getting in and out of a few places as well as my trailer would no longer haul it, so 61" it is.
The biggest question is gas or diesel? Which one should I get?
I know if I go back with a gas I want the 27HP, not the 23. So it is either between a 727T or a 722DT. I am curious if the 722 will have as much power as the 727 and/or even as much as my 25HP Kohler. I definitely do not want to go backwards.
Another concern is whether the front mounts are as comfortable as the mid mounts.
I am also curious as to what prices I will be looking at and what kind of price difference am I looking at between diesel and gas models.
I think lastly would be what could I expect to get on trade for my 225/61 which I believe is in very good condition considering the work I just did to it.
Any advice, experience, suggestions, etc. are appreciated.
Thanks!