Gr***hopper Mowers

Anybody here used a Gr***hopper? what are the pros and cons of this make? have not heard too much about them here.

 

I've got 2 of them. A 1997 725 w/61" deck and bagging unit. And a 1999 725 G2 w/61" flip-up deck. Over all I've been pretty happy with them. There the only ZTR's that I have ever used, so I really can't give you a first hand comparison with anything else. I would like to try the mid-mount deck!

 

morturf..i have a 1999 G2 928 diesel 72" deck ..I LOVE IT can't say enough about it ..this mower saved me from hiring another helper this year .
i have electric height adjust and electric deck lift..well worth the money

 

Walkermow was woundering what you gave for the 928 I was looking into one, I live within 4-5 hrs. from Grasshoppers factory didn't know if I can get it cheaper here or not. Back to the question I also have always ran the front mount Grasshoppers right now I have 2-2000 model 725 G2 w/flip up 52" decks, one mower has a bagging system on it. Also would like to know if anyone has used or has a Aera-vator or the remote vacuum system for leaf removal and how they work, thanks.One more question how many hours do you guys put on your machines a year? Right now we only have 250hrs on each mower and I like these mowers alot but I haven't every used anything else, if you need a mower to mow under trees and climb over about everything they will do it, I have mowed many places people said it wasn't possible ditches and waterways w/ steep slopes I like their saying "First to start,First to finish"

[Edited by tjg on 09-01-2000 at 04:47 AM]

 

I have 1994 721 w/52 deck. The first few years I had it I thought it was the greatest mower around. I even talked one of my Walker friends into buying one.

My opinion has changed. I prefer the mid cut ZTR's, but everyone has their opinion. I will try to list the pros and cons.

Pros
1. Pretty good cut
2. Decent controls
3. Kubota engine
4. Easy height adjustment
5. Stable on most hills
6. Overall, machine is well built

Cons
1. Expensive
2. Complex machine. An example, rather than a simple belt and pulleys, Grasshopper uses belts, powershaft, driveshaft, and gearbox to drive the blades. Gets very expensive when replacing parts. Lots of wearable parts to maintain.
3. You have a lot of machine behind you. If you are not careful when turning you can do some dameage.
4. My experience, bad dealer, distributor, and Grasshopper support.
5. Takes up a lot of trailer

[Edited by Keith on 09-01-2000 at 10:35 AM]

 

Have a 725 g2 Love it,Can ride all day and feel good when you get off. Had to replace clutch at 247 hrs. (my falt) Dont bag anything, have the mulch kit and new discharge kit and works great!!

 

Exel, What did you do to ruin the clutch at 247 hours?

 

I would guess it's an electric clutch. The biggest reason they fail is engaging and shuting them off at high RPM's. Most mowers will start up at an idle or a bit over an idle. Most electric clutches act as a break when you shut them off, so idle them down. My 10 year old JD 430 has the original electric clutch in it, so starting them at an idle must help. I'm sure glad my DC's don't have electric clutches.

 

eric i agree 100 % ..engage and dis engage at low idle speed even if you have a manual pto saves lots of maintenance..that is the first thing i teach my new employees

 

thanks for the replys. one more question. are the catchers that they make any good? do they have decent capacity and clean well? thanks again for the help. mike