Gravely Owners - Feedback needed

[grasshopperslawn]

When we installed our ocdc we added extra lock nuts . Which acted as a spacer . so we did not need to use the rubber chute. the ocdc works fine with the nuts we added no problems . If we did not install the extra nuts it would come out of place when raised all the way up.

[curtislawncare]

I posted a few months back about the Gravely Pro-24 HWSP. I've since had a chance to use it over these last couple of months and I must say I'm even less impressed now over it.

I said in my previous post that it does what it's advertised to do. That is, it's touted as a weed and grass mower. I can cut weeds and grass but not much better than the $199 consumer mower that I now use and prefer over the Gravely. I paid $1,260 (including tax) for the heavy for nothing Gravely and yet it doesn't work any better or isn't any more efficient than a $199 mower.

I urge small operators such as myself to not buy this machine because it is not worth the price and in fact is a needless headache in maintenance and upkeep.

This machine serves no practical use, or has no practical advantage over any generic $199 mower. What were the engineers thinking when they designed this machine?!

[Franklin51]

Looking very heavily at the Hustler Sport and the Gravely ZT42. I am just a little concerned when I hear the words throw away mower associated with the ZT42.

[douglee25]

Well why not go look yourself before you listen to someone call it a 'throw away mower'?

Doug

[Amm0622]

I'm currenty running a 452. First off let me tell you how comfortable that seat is. I'm currently having routine maintenace done and using a 152 temporarily and man is my butt sore! Cant wait to get that plushy seat back under me! I'm currently struggling with the 452 with a full mulch kit on it. With the OEM mulching blades it leaves a pretty rough cut and misses alot even when I'm crawling thru the yard. I switched those blades out with the Gator6's and they cut way better with the mulch kit, however they do leave an uncut strip between the center blade and discharging blade that annoys me like no other because I have to mow everything twice. The side discharge chute could be better as seen in previous owners posts as it does tend to throw the clippings downward more than out and leaves heavy clumping wet or dry. I only have about 100hrs on mine and so far I'm not sure what I prefer more...the 452 or the brand new JD925 I ran last year for less than 80hrs. The only reason I traded the JD in was due to constant electrical issues and horrible service from the dealer. The 452 has had zero issues and the dealer has been fantastic in helping out any way he can. Other than the cut issue, my only complaint would be the dang ROPS being located so close to where my elbows are when I turn my body to look behind me when I back up occasionally. Hit my elbows everytime! (A few swear words and I'm ok shortly after.) It handles hills better than the 925 and definitely gets better gas mileage with a comparable engine size. Love the chokeless EFI! Did I mention that seat is worth every penny? Just push a button to put some air in and try not to fall asleep!

[mantrep]

Maybe its a fluke. Maybe I just got a lemon. I bought this machine back in 2009. Only has about 700hrs on it. Doesnt' get much use. Mainly just backyards.

Purchase problems with the dealer. Minor engine problems from the start. Had to take to the incompetent dealer for repair. Did I mention he was incompetent? Couldnt properly sell the machine to me. Couldnt fix it when I brought it back.

About 18 months in. Axle broke off. No fault with me. Im careful with all my stuff. I drove into a back yard. Thought I had a sudden flat. Nope! Surprise my axle broke off. The other dealer never heard of such a thing. Neither did I! Took that brilliant repair shop about 10 days to fix it. Is it just Gravely? I dont know.

Seat is supposed to slide back and forth. It doesnt. Never has. Multiple electrical problems. Today, I tried to tighten a loose bolt. It snapped off! Yeah!! I love Gravely. The quality appears to be outstanding.

Im a Grassshopper guy. About 10,000 hrs combined on Grasshoppers and I absolutely love em. Gravely... not so much. Not even the tiniest bit.

There, I vented. Thanks for the opportunity. Now I suppose I'll go fix my Gravely.....AGAIN!

[douglee25]

It sounds like your issues are more dealer/interpersonal vs. machine related.

If you can't find a good shop to fix your stuff, why not fix it yourself or fine another independent shop/guy? Or better yet, if your shop isn't getting you the service you require on a warrantied machine, get Gravely involved. They should fight on your behalf.

Doug

[mantrep]

actually, its both.
the quality of materials used in the 34z is very poor. Ive had bolts snap (as today) deck tension springs break. Axles break, etc. Alot of those issues happened while still under warranty. However, to have so many problems with the manufacturing quality in such a short time, leaves me disappointed in the brand.

Im sure Gravely makes quality. Theyve been making machines for so long. I can only assume that the 34z is made with inferior materials since its such a small machine.

Ive never had problems with my Grasshoppers and will stick to those and brands other than Gravely from now on.

Sorry to upset the Gravely owners.

[douglee25]

I think that's part of the problem which I didn't catch earlier.

You're using a 34z which is a homeowner grade mower and you're expecting it to perform commercial quality work. It's just not going to happen. It is a light duty machine period.

At 700 hours if a homeowner used their mower 1 hr/cut and cuts 6 months out of the year, that's 29 years of homeowner use on that mower.

You're not upsetting me or anyone else who supports Gravely. A legitimate gripe I have no issues with. I still think your expectations are misaligned with what that machine is rated for.

Doug

[GMLC]

Originally Posted by mantrep

actually, its both.
the quality of materials used in the 34z is very poor. Ive had bolts snap (as today) deck tension springs break. Axles break, etc. Alot of those issues happened while still under warranty. However, to have so many problems with the manufacturing quality in such a short time, leaves me disappointed in the brand.

Im sure Gravely makes quality. Theyve been making machines for so long. I can only assume that the 34z is made with inferior materials since its such a small machine.

Ive never had problems with my Grasshoppers and will stick to those and brands other than Gravely from now on.

Sorry to upset the Gravely owners.

700 hours on a homeowner machine!!! That is a lifetime for a homeowner. Do yourself a favor and buy a commercial Gravely machine.
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