Years on commercial mowers

[dmk395]

I was just wondering if any of u guys run the same walk behinds that u bought, say 5 or 10 years ago. I am going to buy a new one and do about 35 weekly accounts, and the number grows every year. I figure with proper maintenance these machines will last, but how long?

[kutnkru]

I know several contractors who maintain an average of 75 accounts weekly that are using machinery over 10 yrs old. My friend John has a bobcat that is gold - if that tells you something. Our trim mowers are sensations. [dont know if they are still in production or not - look just like a bobcat 21" except for the decks are orange]

Yes, proper maintenance will provide your machinery with longevity and performance. I know that alot of contractors find it cheaper to replace parts here and there including decks than to buy new.

Hope this helps.
Kris

[Eric ELM]

I have one Chopper that is 6 years old and a JD 430 tractor that is 10 now. Both run great.

[jay]

Ive seen Honda commercial 21" maowers go 15 years or more.

[Runner]

I have a John Deere 52" walk behind (built by Bunton) that I purchased new in 1984. (Had two-sold one) About 12 years ago, I changed the motor on it (Briggs I/C 16 hp. twin,)with an identical and today, it runs like a champ! Granted I've changed belts, pulleys, and other miscellaneous stuff on it, with some original stuff remaining, but I think I got my money out of it.

[plow kid]

I have 2 36" jacobsen crew chiefs both about 10-13 yrs old
(bought used) both going on 6000 hours same engine as new, new gear boxes,belts and tires, both start on the first pull and are verry reliable.

I have seen hondas go 15 yrs also

[Greenkeepers]

I have a commercial 21" Lawnboy that I've been running every year for 12 years now! It's paid for itself, I put a new piston and rings in it about 5 years ago just because....

[bob]

Also remember that you get what you pay for! I was in the warehouse of the largest commercial cutter in the area. All of their mowers looked like they were put through the mill! My 4 year old mower looked better on its worst day, than any of theirs on its best day. Usually owner operators will take better care of their own equipment.

[dylan]

I've got several lawnboy 19" and 21" that are in excess of 20 yrs and one is 25 or so. Not to bad.

[SMB]

I've got a 28 year old Massey Ferguson that I'm restoring http://www.geocities.com/massseyferguson7 It's not always YEARS that count, its the HOURS on the machine. The only thing that YEARS can do that HOURS can't is rust and stuff like that.

[Chip]

I have a Gravely Pro-40 walk behind that is an '89 and runs like a champ. When I decide to retire it I will probably keep it for my personal use 4400 sq/ft lawn. I also have a Gravely Pro-60 three wheel rider that I think is a '95 I bought new. This machine still runs great has original spindal berrings needs a little work around deck edges that hit trees and other obsticales. Probably going to retire this machine to my Dads property this year, he has 1 1/2 Acre property that he cuts with a 42" simplicity tractor that he bought in '82. I guess its just a matter of proper maintenance and most machines will last a long time.

[Mike Felices]

You can't measure a machine in years. You have to measure it in hours used. If you purchase a new walk behind have a hour meter installed. It makes it easier to keep track of when maintenance is supposed to be performed, and how much longer you have left in the unit. Air cooled engine should last anywhere from 2,000 - 3,000 hours. Liquid cooled or Diesel engines should last 3,000 - 5,000 hours. Of course it is possible to get longer life than predicted out of the machine, if you have a good maintenance program.