Grasshopper 718K

[Isenberg Lawn Care]

Have the opportunity to get a Grasshopper 718K for very cheap if not free. I agree with most that free is a good thing. Usually.

Grasshopper Front mount deck
Model 718K
Serial 305162

Has a new engine on it, but I was told the rest of it may be slightly worn out. I was looking it over and noticed right away the lack of tension the blade deck belt had...then found a broke spring for tensioner (easy fix). The body and frame is in good shape. Only thing that I think could need replaced eventually is a hydro pump which is an expensive unit, but I have someone I found that could get me a good deal on parts. So besides replacing fluids, filters, belts, and worst case scenario a pump, I think Id be ahead of the game to get me a good piece of equipment and fix up without aquiring debt.

Now hoping anyone can throw any info at me, dont know much about this model. Definately interested to know what speeds it is capable of going. It is an older model, believe it is from 1993. Any help is appreciated!

[Mowingman]

The speed will be about 5mph. The hydro drive unit for one side is around $1200.00. some of the older eaton hydro units are getting really hard to find. Those Eatons are, for all practical purposes, not rebuildable.
It could still have a lot of life left in it, but be sure you get it cheap, just in case!!!!

[Isenberg Lawn Care]

Originally Posted by Mowingman

The speed will be about 5mph. The hydro drive unit for one side is around $1200.00. some of the older eaton hydro units are getting really hard to find. Those Eatons are, for all practical purposes, not rebuildable.
It could still have a lot of life left in it, but be sure you get it cheap, just in case!!!!

Thanks for the reply. Should be able to get it super cheap. I thought about just running it and see what happens and if I lose a pump or something and dont feel its worth putting another $1200 pump on then just trade it in...cuz then I didnt lose anything besides maybe fresh oil and belts etc...The only thing that Im so unsure of is it being a 1990. Finally got ahold of grasshopper and the said its a 1990. Sooo its 22-23 years old! Im not sure how they were even built back then...is it still a true zero turn? Will I even like running it? I figure Im ahead of the game if I get some good use out of it.

[dutch1]

If you're not that familiar with Grasshopper, you may want to check out the following website:

http://www.the-mower-shop-inc.com/

I did a little snooping around there--the rebuilt hydro drive units are no longer available but there is an 866 number to call--apparently there must be some provision for replacement/rebuilding.