Grasshoper vs Scag vs Woods

[4 evergreen lawncare]

What is your honest opinion on a front mount vs. the mid mount? I have a 61 inch scag mid mount and am ready to purchase another mower. I have been looking at Grasshopper and Woods front mount and was wanting the pros and cons to the front mount vs the mid mount. Thanks

[John Gamba]

4 evergreen
The out fronts are Longer & Don't Clime As well But They trim Better And they have Easy to put on Attachments.
If You looked at the NEW Woods it seems like they are making big improvements Like Bigger tires,Gas tanks over the wheels, Faster Ground speeds, suspension seat.
Since You have a Mid, Maybe Front mount Would be Good to Have.
John.

[4 evergreen lawncare]

Thanks John that is the way I have been leaning just to have some variables. I do think that Woods is in the right direction with their improvements. I know face the question of Woods vs. Grasshopper. I tend to see more Grasshoppers in my area over the Woods machines. I am starting to see alot of Hustlers and Great Danes also. But neiter of these compaies make the front mount and I really don't know anything about their reputation as far as durabilityand reliabilty. Thanks again. I also like the comvience of the flip up decks on the Grasshoppers makes for easy maintenance.

[John Gamba]

Woods Is Made By Gravely. if you Go into woodsonline.com, You Can See the Video On the New Mower.
John

[yacht]

I have a Grasshopper 725 G2 that I bought new. I demo'd all the competition both outfront and midmount and for my needs the outfront deck Grasshopper G2 was the best. Now that I've had it awhile I can tell you that I don't like the sloppiness in the linkage to the wheels in front of the deck. I've heard guys on here say that they've put bushings in when the linkage wears too much and its hard to get it to cut nice once that happens. The flipup deck is quick and easy. The rear wheels also get alot of end-play after only 50 or 60 hours. I took it to the dealer and they said it was normal. I disagreed and fixed it my self by grinding off some of the shaft that fits between the 2 bearings. No endplay now. Outfront deck is great for mowing under trees, decks, etc. Good luck whatever your choice is.:)

[4 evergreen lawncare]

If you were to do it again would by another grasshopper or try a different company?

[Bouncer]

Matt, we're pretty close to each other and this is big Grasshopper territory here. Can't say i've ever seen a Woods in action. We have three Grasshopper dealers within 30 miles of each other around the Owensboro/Evansville area. I know many Grasshopper users and they're happy with their choice. Hope this helps ya!!

MARK

[lawnkid]

What about a Walker? You can change it to any size deck you want, it mulches, bags, discharges? Easy flip up deck, very nice cut. Just a thought

[Mowingman]

I had a Grasshopper 721D that I bought used as a backup machine. The machine had 3000 hrs on it when I bought it and mowed great. Currently I have two Grasshopper midmounts and plan on adding a Grasshopper front deck machine next year. I really like the way the machines are built. I toured the factory before buying, and was really impressed with their quality control.
Woods has never built their own machines. Grasshopper built them for Woods for several years. Now, it seems that they have someone else building them. Personally, I would buy from a company that builds their own machines. :)

[nelbuts]

Use to sell GH and Scags. Would not take two GH for one Scag. I just think GH are a POS.... IMHO

[yacht]

Hard to say...I really like the machine, however, the weak link always sticks out like a sore thumb. One other thing is the 24.5 HP gas Kubota, while reliable, is very thirsty and not a whole lot of torque. Wish they would put a 27hp diesel like what's in some of Kubota's small tractor's. Overall I would say you'll be happy with the machine. I have no regrets cuz I know what else is out there and the G2 fit my overall needs. Demo them all before you buy...you'll be glad you did. Good luck:)

[4 evergreen lawncare]

Thanks to all who replied, There are two used grasshoppers in my area for sale. One 1998 25hp gas 60 inch deck with the metal hopper for 4800, has right at a 1000 hours on it. I tested this out and it felt way under powered and every time I engaged the deck it stalled the motor out. The second one the guy has is a 1999 model 18hp 52 inch deck for 3800, this mower also has right at 1000 hours on it. I figured that they were not used commercially because of the amount of hours on them. Decks seem to be in good shape as far as dents go. I am only wondering should I risk the head of these two machines or just buy a new one that has a warranty. I talked to my grasshopper dealer and he told me for what I would need it for to get the 718 and he could bump the hp up to 20 be removing the throttle stop. I am wondering if I should just spend the extra money and get a 725? My scag 21 horse Kohler feels much stronger than the 25 hp on the grasshopper, I know it hs an extra 300 pounds on the back also. I would really like to have a 725 g2 with the metal hopper, anyone know the price range I am in with this machine?

[lawnagent]

Dealer support is VERY VERY important. The biggest thing that scares me about buying used, ( besides the fact that you dont know a machines complete history ) is the fact that MOST ALL dealers, wil, when you buy a machine from them for commercial use, put you ahead of any and all residentials when something breaks and you need service. Thats worth a ton right there when you make a living with your mower.

[nelbuts]

the 18hp 52" is underpowered

the standard has been for years 18hp 48" 20hp and up 52",
24hp and up 60"

[M&E LAWNS]

I have two grasshoppers, one is a 52" with a 25 kohler motor, the other is a 61" with a kubota motor.

If you have the money, go for the kubota. I just replaced the motor on the kohler at about 1800hrs. The kubota has about 1500hrs on it, and has not been to the shop once for a motor problem. Also the kohler seems to lose power in high grass, and also with age.

The big problem is the price, about a $1500. difference. Save your money, and get the better machine with the g2, you will be glad you did.

As for buying the used machines, i thought about selling mine, when i knew it needed a new motor. Why are they trying to unload theres?

good luck

mike