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?
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
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.
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
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....
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.
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.
