Sorry to hear you are disapointed with gravely. What size engine do you have? I have a 16 hp on my 50" , 20hp on 60", and 14.5 on a 40" they don't make anymore. The 40 is my favorite that I use on my own lawn, only 5000' gives a great cut. Drives some of my neighbors nuts that I cut and trim in 15 min. they waste an hour or more. The other neighbors got smart and pay me to cut for them.
I have a gravely pro 50 1997. I got it for a steal $700.00 earlier this year. I dont cut in the rain. I do cut high thick grass with it and no problems. I love it, the best $700 I've ever spent. This is my primary mower & I cut 6-10 lawns per day, I say go for it.<br>SJR<p>----------<br>SJR Lawncare<br>
Thanks for the input guys,I demoed the Pro 150/12.5hp Kaw tonight(cut about 3 acres)of very high and in some places very thick grass. It did a fine job untill it hit the thick grass, where it stalled a few times. It threw a belt twice(different belts). I think a twig got between the belt and the pulley, but not sure.It wasn't very good on hills,sliding sideways,while going across,and running away from you while going down.All in all I wasn't too impressed. Thanks again for the input! JA
JA--sounds like you did a good test drive. I am wondering if the 150 series is the light commercial series. if so, I'd stay away. I think the full commercial series id the 250.<p>the 12.5 hp engine is too small for a 50 inch deck in standard commercial use in my opinion.<p>one thing you need to know about belt drives is that they will all run away from you going down hill. solution, cut side to side turning uphill. I don't know why the gravely would slide down hill unless the tires were over inflated and the hill was too steep and rough.<p><p>also, the belt drives usually don't have a full powered reverse gear.<p>my next unit will be a hydro. I hope.<p>GEO
EVAN528, An aquaintance of mine bought the mower & a 6x12 trailer to start his own business, which didnt work out. So, he was strapped for $$. I offered him $1400 cash for the trailer & mower, he said ok, so I got both. You could say I got the mower for $700 & the trailer for $700. Pretty good buy, right? Those 2 pieces of equipment have paid for themselves many times over. Sometimes you can get a good deal if your in the right place at the right time.<br>SJR <p>----------<br>SJR Lawncare<br>
geogunn-Yes the pro 150 was a lightweight commercial mower,underpowered & very small tires. I didn't measure them, but probably around 10" wheels.
I have multiple gravelys. Few walk behinds and zero turns. I have the pro 150s with 50 inch decks. I have 14 horse kaws on them and they have no problem. No matter what anyone tells you belt drives slip in rain and on some hills. I would strongly recommend you buy a gravely.
For ALL you guys with belt drives, especially if you're pulling sulkys, try this and you WON'T be dissappointed. Go to your automotive store and buy a can of belt dressing. (about 3 bucks)All you spray is about an inch or two on the inside of your drive belts -outside for idler. This will give you INCREDIBLE response with your traction and belt grip! Be careful around cars and such though- it's touchy!
