FrogLick
Silver Member
I've got a Grasshopper 618 w/52" mower deck & tandem rear wheels; also got a Model 12 PowerVac that I've seldom used and just keep in storage. I believe that the engine is a Kohler Triad TH18. I just finished mowing the yard (1 hr.) a couple of days ago and was getting ready to pull it into the garage when I heard a bang so I shut it down quickly. There was a little smoke coming from around the engine and I couldn't restart it. The starter wouldn't even turn over the motor so I pushed it in and haven't had time to do any troubleshooting yet but suspect that maybe a head gasket blew or since it won't turn over maybe something a lot more serious like a broken rod, cam, or ? It's been a good machine requiring no significant repairs - only routine things like battery, belts, blade sharpening, etc. - with over 10,000 hrs. on it.
Since I've used this machine in my yard for 10 yrs. now (not commercially) I'm wondering if it's worth repairing if it turns out that I need major engine repair or replacement? I suspect that a comparable replacement engine would probably cost around $1500 + installation and/or frustration factor. Maybe I could sell it to one of the commercial lawn service guys around here for the parts. The PowerVac alone should be worth something to them for fall leaf pickup, hydrostatic transmission should have some value, mower deck isn't inexpesive, etc. Don't really know what I might be able to get for it though. Any thoughts?
Since I've used this machine in my yard for 10 yrs. now (not commercially) I'm wondering if it's worth repairing if it turns out that I need major engine repair or replacement? I suspect that a comparable replacement engine would probably cost around $1500 + installation and/or frustration factor. Maybe I could sell it to one of the commercial lawn service guys around here for the parts. The PowerVac alone should be worth something to them for fall leaf pickup, hydrostatic transmission should have some value, mower deck isn't inexpesive, etc. Don't really know what I might be able to get for it though. Any thoughts?