how much would you give for this???? [Archive] - LawnSite.com™

heybruck34

01-09-2003, 09:06 PM

BHB-
That looks a lot like my 48 Scag WB 'cept mine's a belt drive. I absolutely love it. I have heard Scags do tend to leave a "bush-hog" cut rather than a perfect smooth but this could be me not sharpening the blades or running the wrong blade combo- (I'm not a pro landscaper)...

Your handles look almost identical to mine, as does the front casters and the deck. What is the serial number? I think it may be close in age to mine. 3262 is the frame SN for mine. The deck has a different one...

For 800 I would buy it. I gave 450 for mine with an extra tranny but my engine didn't run and the controls were rusted stuck. I have the same exact engine- no idea how old mine is and it seems to be fine. I have never had a problem with lack of power, I just have to run over high grass again sometimes.

The fixed deck 48 will drag in spots. You have to be careful. It doesn't look like it has an anti-scalp roller....

I'd be happy to talk to you about my experiences with it if you want. Send me an email @ heybruck34@hotmail.com if you want some experience.

One word of caution- wheel pumps and motors are VERY expensive (at least how I define expensive)

FrankenScagMachines

01-09-2003, 09:12 PM

heybruck,
it does have an antiscalp wheel (see second pic, it's kinda hidden). With the right blades with the right amount of spacers on the shafts and the wheels and tight belts, it should cut fine. I like to cut at 3.5" or so, so it shouldn't scalp alot. Don't have the s/n...
I know hydros are expensive, but my JD gear drive (no not belts, internal clutches) cost $900 to replace the clutches, not a good deal for me. Hydros are much more worth it, plus it already has a new pump on the one side of the Scag. Wheel motors last for a long time and are rebuildable cheaply anyway. Here's a pic of the JD with me on it. It's a 38" with 14hp Kawasaki and when I'm done fixing it up I'll only have $350 in it and the engine and tranny still plenty good, lotta life left in them I'm sure. 460 homeowner hours on it. I like it alot compared to 36" belt drive mower. No belt slippage! I'm 15 if you didn't know that already...anyway I will use the JD for real tall growth since it has more power per inch cut and has a deck designed to cut tall grass easily, then run the Scag over it.

edward hedrick

01-09-2003, 09:13 PM

Eric looks ok. My 52 Lesco has a 14Kawi. Looks like the blades

are at the top lots of spindle bolt showing. I still have a 17Kawi

540 es. would work on Scag, its wider than Lesco. I have 3 spacers on bottom on castor keeps the roller off ground.

Have 4 on spindle, 1 on top. In June, 3 & 2 top. try $500

ED

FrankenScagMachines

01-09-2003, 09:19 PM

Ed,
I'll see if he will take $500, but I don't know. I thought $800 was cheap? I dont' know the hours on it. I was wondering if you still had that 17hp, how much for it? I might repower this Scag sometime.. lol.. how's your Lesco handle the 14hp/52" ok?

grassdaddy

01-09-2003, 10:07 PM

bushhog

I think it would be worth 800.scag parts are easy to come by.:blob4:

xpnd

01-09-2003, 10:34 PM

The only thing on this machine that is worth anything is the engine. This particular engine, complete, will run between $700-$800 dollars new from a dealer. As far as the machine itself; it is old. No it is very old and may be even very, very, very old based on the appearance of the throttle lever. From what I can see there are no safety interlocks. If for some reason there is a problem and you or another operator let go of the machine it will keep on trucking until something bigger and more immovable is in its way. It is definietely old enough not to have tapered spindle bearings on the deck and 14hp is barely enough for my 36 belt drive Scagg which will be upgraded to an 18 Kohler in a month. If it doesn't cost you more money than it's worth to keep it running, I think it will definitely give ou your money's worth in frustration and headaches. No matter what they are offerring it for, if it doesn't have safety interlocks, run from it. It's a lawsuit, permanent injury or death waiting to occur. This is why such a "great deal" is still sitting at the shop. A prudent owner would not have an sp that does not stop automatically if released by the operator.

lawncare3

01-09-2003, 11:09 PM

BHB,
I think you would do great with it but, watch out for the recoil it can be a real PITA. I bought a snapper 48" hydro for $500 and It has the same engine but, the third time I used it I pulled myself in to the bush. The piece of ---- recoil cord broke and i fell back onto a bush but, Now I'm finally getting it fixed after 5 mos. That's a great deal I looked @ a scag 36" @ the lawn expo 2 day and they were $4300 can u believe it. Good luck ;)

lawncare3

01-09-2003, 11:10 PM

Btw, are those wheels on that sulky juat a little too far apart?

HarryD

01-09-2003, 11:27 PM

all these guys are spoiled with hp talking about how under powered that motor is . at one time that 14 HP kaw was top dog on that mower . its kinda like computers every year they make them better then the last . $800 is a great deal for a used hydro alot better mower then that deere if you ask me . offer to trade the deere as partial payment

roscioli

01-09-2003, 11:46 PM

Maybe in the NE these hold their value better, but I would have said more than that if its in good working condition. Paint is cheap, especially when your 15. Hydro mowers are expensive in general, belt I would have agreed, 500-600... hydro 800-1400 depending... in my experience anywho.

mklawnman

01-09-2003, 11:47 PM

I have a 52inch with the 17Kaw on it, its only a year old with plenty of power. My thought is, just like HarryD said, look at trading the Deere in for the Scag, you can cut more area and its a hydro and $800 is cheap for a hydro so id say trade it towards the Scag. I think you maybe alot happier with the scag, especially that its a hydro, keep the velkie though cause you can use it on the Scag. THen maybe in a few years look at replacing the engine with a 14Kaw or a 17kaw depending on your budget.
Matt

mklawnman

01-09-2003, 11:52 PM

Oh one more thing, if you have problems scalping with the Scag, look under the machine by the spindles, they usually have like 4 or 5 1/4" spacers that you can move so the blades don't scalp. Took me a week to figure out the best configuration but it worked, thing stripes beautifully.
Matt

LAWNGODFATHER

01-10-2003, 12:11 AM

Originally posted by roscioli
Hydro mowers are expensive in general, belt I would have agreed, 500-600... hydro 800-1400 depending... in my experience anywho.

Ditto but looks like a good $1700 mower.

I MOW ALONE

01-10-2003, 12:12 AM

I agree with harry i think its worth the $800 go for it

FrankenScagMachines

01-10-2003, 07:26 AM

xpnd - it does have OPC but I'm not for sure if they work properly however this wouldn't stop me from buying this. I think the motor will be ok on it for now, I can always upgrade later.
lawncare3- yup same engine on my Deere and the recoil on it is screwed so i took it off and just manuallly wind the rope around that cup with that notch in it. Works for me. Also, on the Deere, the sulky is offset to the right on the back of the Deere, why, because there is a clutch control rod for the OPC that goes right through the center of the frame. I'm looking at a way of making one that will fit over that but not going to do that if I get this scag because the sulky will go on it.
Harryd - I thought 14hp would get me by. The grass hasn't gotten any taller then it was 10 years ago! LOL... I'm not going to offer the Deere in trade because he doesn't want anything in trade and I would rather keep the Deere anyway for overgrown lawns (same engine as scag but 38" deck), gated areas, and as a backup mower, etc.
roscioli, kinda what I was thinking really.
Matt - see reply to harry above. also, yes I might upgrade engines someday or just upgrade the whole mower if I have that much need for it. I know about recessing the blades into the deck alittle with the spacers to prevent scalping.

Well all I have to sell a few things before I have the money for this, unless my parents will loan me the money for a week or so until the stuff is sold (ebay) so I'll keep ya updated. Like I said this thing has been at the guy's shop for around 4-5 mos now, it does sit outside but doesn't have a for sale sign on it and he's not a dealer, so they probably just think it needs picked up or repaired. I'll let you know closer to time,
Thanks,
Eric

FrankenScagMachines

01-10-2003, 07:29 AM

sorry I was wrong, doesn't have OPC controls... I don't care. I haven't fallen off of my deere yet just running around the yard trying to get faster at it.
later
Eric

yardman1

01-10-2003, 08:36 AM

Don't say never on falling off that thing, I have been riding on these things for years and it has happened to me once and it does not feel very good. believe me that some freskish things happen.

xpnd

01-10-2003, 10:59 AM

Within any business group I think there are three major categories. In this business you have the rookies/newbies. They have the desire but lack experience and wisdom. They work hard thinking the $150.00 Sears sp wb and curved shaft trimmer with interchangeable end units will suffice. They do good work within the limitations of their equipment and make very little money but they are not dangerous. Based on what I see in my area more than half never make it to their second year and those that do, 95% of them never make the transition to commercial equipment and see the third year. At the opposite end of this spectrum are the pros. They've been here, will be here, have all commercial equipment and when the customer tries to wear them thin on certain issues they walk knowing there are far more good customers out there to work for than the nasty unreasonable ones. The third group are those individuals that put financial gain as their only priority. They know residential grade equipment will not stand up to the rigors of commercial schedules but are unwilling to pay the price. They are constantly looking for alternatives to give them that edge. This group is dangerous as they are willing to use any piece of equipment in any condition to make a buck. Safety of operation is the key to any pro's short and long term success and then profitablility of those operations is the next consideration. Any LCO that does not have to think to exhale would never own or operate any sp without interlocks. Damages or losses to material items can be repaired or replaced however, how much value does your customers place on their children's life or limb. Dare say more money than any insurance plan can pay out. In my not so humble opinion, an LCO willing to use such equipment is very shortsighted, greedy and plain downright stupid. They don't belong in the business.

The early generations of Scagg had very few if any safety interlocks. In time however they came to realize as had the railroads now almost a century prior, that very bad things can happen if a big machine does not stop when an operator does not have physical control of it. This is not something that intelligent people need to learn by experience. The circle of events has already been drawn for us. We all just need to look at it.

Gravely_Man

01-10-2003, 11:16 AM

Good luck to you. I would check it over very carefully. I never buy used from anyone other then the owner. You aren't going to get the whole story on how it was used from the repair shop. I would definitely ask for a warranty are at the very minimum if you have to have it a chance to demo it for the day before you buy.

Gravely_Man

HarryD

01-10-2003, 02:44 PM

xpnd
so where does that put BHB . I think you should just keep those kind of comments to yourself . you could have went about explaining the hazards of operating a mowering without OPC.

then putting people into catagories like newbies/ rookies/pros/greedy idiots

not sure how long you have been mowing but when I starting chasing WB's back in 79 none of them were built with OPC . the mower that BHB is looking at looks like it has been remove and could be replaced easily

mklawnman

01-10-2003, 03:17 PM

Yeah I agree with HarryD, those can be replaced. But xpnd, I dont know why you talked about the business classes of this industry here? Looks like you were talking alittle bit about the interlocking thing.
Not trying to bash ya or anything, its just that you could make that into a new thread thats a whole new topic.
Matt:)

xpnd

01-10-2003, 04:17 PM

Originally posted by HarryD
xpnd
so where does that put BHB . I think you should just keep those kind of comments to yourself . you could have went about explaining the hazards of operating a mowering without OPC.

then putting people into catagories like newbies/ rookies/pros/greedy idiots

not sure how long you have been mowing but when I starting chasing WB's back in 79 none of them were built with OPC . the mower that BHB is looking at looks like it has been remove and could be replaced easily

I was very careful in my post not to make a categorization of BHB and in my first post on this thread I addressed the dangers of operating machines without interlocks.

I never categorized the third type. You did that quite nicely for me. Basically the purpose of the post was for us to reflect upon what should be the #1 consideration in an inherently dangerous profession and who we are today and where we want to be tomorrow. We don't get to tomorrow by intentionally stepping backwards in time by nearly 3 decades. Our first goal every morning should be to make it through the day without injurying yourself, your employees, bystanders, or damage material items either yours or others.

From your response however, it is quite evident where you have put BHB. Personally and professionally, I agree with you. Anyone that is willing to intentionally and with forethought compromise his personal safety, his employees' or other innocent individuals to make a buck is a greedy idiot (Your words not mine). One, even minor incident, that creates an injury will buy an LCO more bad press than he can afford in one lifetime. It will put him out of business. Is it worth it? Not to me.

So the translation here is that we are committed in the present to intentionally make the same errors of poor judgement we made in the past. I bet in some old dusty court sealed settlement, there are big dollars from Scagg to an LCO or private individual for this deficiency. Interlocks are there for a reason and the basic reason of all, getting down to the nitty-gritty is for the deep pocket manufacture to avoid financial liability. The manufacture is only concerned about his bottom line. He doesn't give a flip about anyone elses. In 79 not having interlocking features may have been acceptable, dumb but acceptable. However in 2003 a risk analysis of this purchase would not get past the openning sentence. Working an antiquated machine in this condition puts all the risk in the LCO pockets. Ignorance is not a legit defense in a lawsuit.

As I stated in my first post, the value of this machine is in the new engine. This engine will retail between $700.00-$800.00 from your dealer. As far as the remainder of the machine, $00.00, which is what BHB wanted to know in the first place. Rather than simply saying "Rah! Rah! it's the deal of the century, run down today and buy it before it is gone" I took time to give BHB information to make an informed and intelligent decision. That's a hell of a lot more than any of the cheerleaders did on this particular thread.

Lastly, when what you say irritates people, you know there is some truth to what has been said.

HarryD

01-10-2003, 04:35 PM

xpnd
you not I sir said that any LCO willing to use such equipment is very shortsighted, greedy and plain downright stupid. They don't belong in the business .

not all can afford to buy a new $5000.00 mower . he asked if we thought the scag was a good deal . I think its a vary good deal :) I never put Eric in any catagorie . its too bad Eric cant afford all new equipment because he will go far in this biz . hes alot smarter then alot of 15 yr olds ive seen . ;)

grassdaddy

01-10-2003, 04:58 PM

I think bushogs probably the most intelligent 15 yr old in this business!! he conducts himself like a man.he deserves as much respect as anyone on here.

imalandscper

01-10-2003, 05:39 PM

BHB,
You cannot go wrong with a scag in my eyes. i run a 95 52" and a 96 48" and they are awsome...the bes part is i got them for 1200 with a vac system for the 48" along with my 48" ransons bobcat ztr and my 52" ransoms bobcat ztr i have a real nice setup and can cut anything.........Scags are very easy to maintane and parts are easy to find.....

But that is my opinion i guess

DLCS

01-10-2003, 06:48 PM

BHB,

I would consider buying that Scag, looks to be in very good condition. I think you would be satisfied. I'm no expert on Scags(never owned one) but if you could get that one for $800.00, I'd say jump on it, probaly worth more? But I think you should see about fixing the safety interlocks, they are there for a reason. I still think you might have a good deal there though.

SLS

01-10-2003, 07:09 PM

I too would look into the costs of fixing the OPC's before I jumped on it. Otherwise I would buy it for the engine...if the price was right.

There is another LCO that works here in my neighborhood that bought the company and it's equipment last year.

Involved in the transaction was an older TTHP that the previous owner had removed/bypassed the OPC's on.

To make a long story short...As I was loading up one fine morning I saw the TTHP come creeping over the hill...on my street...with NO ONE behind it. I chased his machine down, and stopped it, in the middle of of the street...at the crest of a hill, no less. Right as I steered it out of the street...WHOOSH!...a new Q45 came flying over the hill. I swear, 5 seconds later and that LCO would have been in deep dookie. He had been distracted by a passerby and he swore he had put it in neutral. He was sweating bullets...that's for sure.

Accidents can happen to the best of us.

xpnd

01-10-2003, 07:34 PM

Originally posted by grassdaddy
I think bushogs probably the most intelligent 15 yr old in this business!! he conducts himself like a man.he deserves as much respect as anyone on here.

If BHB is in fact 15, he is one hard charging young man to be doing what he is doing. How many of us have customers with children in this age bracket that we are working for? My comments in my prior posts were made with no regard to age. These comments however are in regard to his age.

At 15 and operating as a small business owner, putting up with the grief from customers, getting self started everyday is indicative of a young man with plenty of future potential to excel at any chosen profession. If he can sweat with the best and worst of us, he could easily be a lawyer, doctor, stockbroker, professional athelete or anything inbetween. . All he needs to do is set his compass and full speed ahead. His book is yet unwritten. Yet the majority of the replies on this thread is encouraging this young man to purchase a machine that could severely limit or even snuff out this promising young man's future before he is old enough to drive to his jobs. I am closing in on the big "five-O" If I would get permanently injured, have a traffic accident or extended illness, my company would continue seamlessly for my customers. Can that be said of BHB? If I would die and be able to look at my life in hindsight, I would be satisified with my accomplishments. I have many of them and consider myself a success. Yet the majority on this thread is encouraging a young man to purchase a piece of equipment that could very well extinguish his candle before it is even given a chance to illuminate a room. In my opinon those individuals should be summarily shot. The dealer on the other hand who is trying to make a buck on an individual lacking our wisdom, life's experience and forward thinking, should die a much slower and extremely painful death. As it stands now this machine should not be offerred for sale.

BHB, if you haven't yet purchased this machine, print off this entire thread and show it to your parents. Be honest and explain to them the deficiencies and the liabilities of these deficiencies in terms they will understand and defer to their wisdom, not ours. They seem to have done a pretty good job so far. If you have already purchased this machine, show them this thread and have them talk to the dealer about a refund in lieu of a court case.

And finally, promising to post no more to this thread, why is everyone so high on getting a 15 year old kid to buy an antiquated piece of machinery that could outright kill him or hand him a life's sentence as an amputee or the lifetime memory of hurting another individual? To make a few more extra bucks!! Please get some perspective. Life dictates that parents die before children, not vice-versa

nelbuts

01-10-2003, 08:28 PM

I think $800.00 would be a fair price. This seems to be one of the older models (first or second year). Having said that it (looks) in pretty good shape. The throttle lever is an aftermarket. Which is not a problem after all cables do wear. Here is something to look at to help date the mower. Check the spindles and see if they have a vent on the opposite side of the grease fitting. If they do then it was made within the last 8 years. That spindle was first used in 1995. They are tapered bearings and are fantastic. I had one mower with over 5,000 hours and never had to replace them. In fact the guy who said that he had nothing but trouble with his, I am quite surprised. I have run Scags since 1986 and love them. I have run Deere F935's; 755's and Toro Groundsmaster depending on the job size and by far Scag is the best I have ever used. In fact at one time I was running nine of them.

Like I said $800 would be good anything less is very good. Have a great season. Here is something else to consider. Many older walk behinds had no safety interlock. In fact I hate them. Another thing and this is important, don't wash your mower all the time. I know we like them clean and pretty but the water will work it's way into the electrical parts and could cause trouble. By the way set your front caster wheels so that when your blades are pointing from front to back that there is a difference of one eight inch. Then raise your cutting height by using the spacers ont eh blade spindles (that's what they are for). I usually set my spindles at one under deck and rest on top for safe keeping. Also, note which whole your deck is bolted in back. A good rule is the middle one. Hope this helps.

HarryD

01-10-2003, 09:20 PM

xpnd
my god man you are worse then lawrence stone ,lawn chopper and charles rolled into one . :dizzy: :dizzy: :dizzy: :dizzy: :dizzy: :dizzy: :dizzy: :dizzy: :dizzy: :dizzy: :dizzy: :dizzy: :dizzy: :dizzy: :dizzy: :dizzy:

Im wondering why Eric has not chimed in :confused:

mklawnman

01-10-2003, 10:15 PM

Woah xpnd :angry:
If you look he has posted over 700 posts I think on this site, he's a very knowledgeable young man. He's got alot to learn and so do I and im 19yrs old with a biz too. If you do a search just a few days ago their was a thread about younger people trying to get customers, you would be surprised on how many young people are in this biz running lawn mowers. BHB has mowers already and is running a biz too, he has experiance, I think with the purchase he can expand his biz but in buying the machine he should go ahead and fix the safety features on the machine, which isnt too expensive. I am very supportive of young people in this industry trying to make their business thrive. I also respect the people who are older than me that have a successful biz who offer advice to us young people to help us thrive.
Just give him a break he's in the learning stages and we are all helping him out the best way possible, and in a professional manner.
I just think xpnd you have gone alittle too far with this thing.:rolleyes:
Like I said before its a great deal and its in good condition of a mower just fix the safety features and it will be a great machine.
Matt

LAWNGODFATHER

01-10-2003, 10:49 PM

That was deep, but hold the show here 700+ posts under his name DOES NOT signify he knows what he is doing. He has a good mind mechanicly though.

Second BHB has like what 1 customer and trying to get 2 mowers to service that lonely customer, don't see the point.

He is affraid to use the hunk of junk he bought so he is going to buy another mower.

$800 for that mower is a very good price, I don't see why it is not in his garage already.

BTW a hydro being replaced is a bad thing.

Scag48

01-10-2003, 10:57 PM

Replacing a hydro is definately a bad thing. It probably means that the previous owner didn't take care of hydro system, therefore, he didn't take care of the rest of the machine. Ask $500, if they don't take that, slowly work up to the lowest price you can possibly attain it for. Don't give up all your cards at first and skip from $500 straight to $800. Wheel 'n deal for it. Good luck.

LAWNGODFATHER

01-10-2003, 11:34 PM

Not really, just means there was loose metal in the hydro system.

Should be replaced in pairs. Pump/Wheel motor.

Some one was cheap and took a chance on the shops flushing capabilities.

If it has been a long time, no big deal.

My first Exmark WB I bought the left hydro went out 1 day before the warrenty expired. Doesn't mean I didn't take care of it.

Not much to hydro maint, changing the fluid is about it.

I think the older Bobcat's were about the only with seprate hydro systems.

Oh whell if its been a while it should do ok, mine got another 3300 hours on it before I sold that mower for........................$2200.

lawncare3

01-10-2003, 11:46 PM

but in buying the machine he should go ahead and fix the safety features on the machine

Myne doesen't have any is that a problem?

xpnd

01-10-2003, 11:51 PM

Nope, nope, nope. Gonna keep my mouth shut read your posts and agree to disagree. I'm obviously out of step with this post and that's how I'm gonna stay.

mklawnman

01-11-2003, 12:54 AM

Hey xpnd
Sorry bout all of that, just really got me, almost like you hate the young people out there but maybe im wrong. Sorry man :)
Should really just be talkin about the thread not about other issues.
Matt

HarryD

01-11-2003, 01:33 AM

hehe eric was probly taking his dads drills apart when he was 6 to see how they worked . he will make the right choice

lawngodfather
we all started with one customer . a read a post somewhere a few days ago where you stated you started mowing out of the trunk of your car :rolleyes: most of us started at the bottom and worked up to where we are today .

so lets all reflect on where we started I know I do all the time

FrankenScagMachines

01-11-2003, 06:28 AM

Ok guys sorry I haven't updated you yet, I was gone all day yesterday.
Too much to reply to individually, but I did read them all and will reply to a couple:
xpnd and others - I will probably look into OPC's for it if I get it.
LGF - I'm not "afraid" to use that "hunk of junk" that I "bought". I didn't pay anything for it, it's not a hunk of junk and I'm not afraid to use it. I don't want to use it more than I have to because the clutches (which have been reported to go out at 600 hrs +/- or not at all for more than 1000 hrs :rolleyes: ) are so expensive - $900. The way I see it, that means I could get this Scag for less than a clutch replacement on the JD, and have a hydro 52" at that. It's just the right size for alot of the type of work I am going to try to get when I expand, hopefully this spring.
Scag48 - That was what I am going to try on the price.
I know the shop owner, he is straight with me and will tell me where it's been and how he got it. I have bought 3 used 2 cycle units from him and they all work great in good shape, no repairs since I got 'em. Plus a LawnBoy I got too from him. I think I will go talk to him more about this Scag and look it over closer today. Might even bring it home and put it in the grass or pasture to see what it can take before i buy it.

Oh yea LGF, in spring I usually have like maybe 6 customers at once, but after spring they are able to do it themselves, a couple of them normally do it but spring is a busy time for them as well (small biz owners) and the grass needs cut often in spring and they don't have time to mess with it. Plus more homeowner mowers are in the shops in spring then any other time and they get backed up at the shop, then people's grass grows and they call me. Or they go on vacation, etc. Lots of reasons, but I do get more in spring. Plus I want to expand this year.

If I remember to, I'll jot down the s/n's on it and call my Scag dealer to see what they say about it's age (if they can get such information).

later,
Eric
ps thanks for the entertainment guys! LOL j/k.. xpnd, no feelings hurt, I know safety 1st :angel:

FrankenScagMachines

01-11-2003, 12:25 PM

Ok I just bought it for $800. It all works fine, needs adjustments to the hydros though. I will see about making or getting OPC's. I have the switches and probably have levers too. LOL just wire it up and hook it up. Oh needs new bearings in the right spindle, the other two are tight. Just got it home going to take it out and play with it here in a few minutes, see what it can do.
Eric

LAWNGODFATHER

01-11-2003, 12:35 PM

Then why worry about the "clutches" going out.

Good you bought it. Do you make enough money from 6 customers to justify the 2 mowers.

Having toys is good, but is it worth it?

BTW I started using my Dads Snapper Commet in my partents subdivison, never out of the trunk of a car. By the time I was able to drive, I had enought business to buy a brand new truck, but I didn't.
Better go back and find out who started out of the truck of their car cause it wasn't me. Lawnmower road in the trunk of a car 1 time and that was to take a push mower to bring an old push mower home from grandmothers house cause I made my dad do it.

Great push mower too, top wind start, side bagger. It was gold and white. Can't remeber the name that was on it. Oh wait did the same with an old top wind Toro also. Grandpa still has more in the basement and garage (rip).

I understand your enthusiasim(sp), but you don't need mowers sitting around.

DLCS

01-11-2003, 12:45 PM

Originally posted by BushHogBoy
Ok I just bought it for $800. It all works fine, needs adjustments to the hydros though. I will see about making or getting OPC's. I have the switches and probably have levers too. LOL just wire it up and hook it up. Oh needs new bearings in the right spindle, the other two are tight. Just got it home going to take it out and play with it here in a few minutes, see what it can do.
Eric

I'm glad your considering hooking up the opc's. I would hate to see you get injured before you get your business off the ground.
Good Luck with your new(well new to you) mower.

FrankenScagMachines

01-11-2003, 03:20 PM

Well what do you know... one minute I get made fun of for using a rear engine rider, the next for buying a burnt out mower and the next for finally getting with the program and getting my hands on some commercial equipment! :rolleyes: It IS a Mad, mad, mad, mad, mad mad world! :alien:
Well anyway, LGF, I don't know if those 6 would justify these purchases but consider that I have only $1000 in both of them so far and about $1200 when I get the JD fixed and replace spindle bearings on right side of the Scag. With this $1200 I will have two nice size mowers that will each serve their own purpose and do it well. They will be just the right size for the properties I want to get ahold of (small residential's in town and maybe commercials). Using the Scag with the sulky as the main mower, and the JD for gates, really overgrown lawns or as a backup. They both have the same engine so maintenance is simplified that way. Plus I like 'em both and they seem like they would suit my needs fine and be very cost effective once I get some business.
BTW, the Scag seemed to have plenty of power with me on the sulky, and with the blades on the highest setting and the casters on the highest setting (I don't know how high this is) it cut through my neighbor's overgrown pasture just fine, a bunch of weeds. I didn't try to go real fast but just to see how it might work in grass since there is no grass to mow. It did fine, I never stalled it doing that or going through a thick blanket of wet matted down leaves that I dumped in my garden. It works great, and once I got the hydros adjusted out right (which took a while) it is easy to control. It is hard to go from gear drive to hydro with a sulky backing up!!!! man that was hard to do... I could back it up on the deere fine but the scag was another story.
thanks,
Eric

Heller Landscaping

01-11-2003, 04:21 PM

Congrats on the purchase. You should be proud of yourself.:)

FrankenScagMachines

01-11-2003, 05:36 PM

heller- I am! I'm happy with it. The only thing is, it's pretty slow. Maybe it is supposed to be this way, I bet I could get more speed out of it if I adjusted the hydros again and let them all out, but I will try that another day. Right now it only goes like 4mph or so? I have a .4 acre backyard all flat and open and my JD does it (in 4th @ 4.8mph) in about 15 minutes or so. The Scag at full speed does it in the same and it feels like about 4mph or so. But the Scag is better anyway, is easier on me, the lawn, probably cuts better, easier to go around obstacles, etc. I had marked off a 7k sq. ft. area and the Scag does it in 6 minutes, the JD taking 8 minutes or alittle more at the same speed, 4mph. Well I guess with 14hp to 52" the Scag probably won't be able to mow much faster than 4mph anyway, right? Also the left hand control return spring seems kind of slow to respond, I guess this could be a tight pivot bolt or needs oiling, etc. I will look at it too.