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.