Gr "-2" series...What's new?

[locknut]

Thanks Locknut...you are correct...the 7xx Deere series w/AWD does price out $3-4k higher. It does seem like I have read a number of very disappointed GR owners stories. Also, my Kubota dealer essentially does not sell them...steers customers to the BX series. AWD and a Kubota diesel for under $10K is pretty competitive. Glad to hear from a "happy GR customer". May have to take another look ...Thanks...TMR

P.S. Do you mow much uneven or rough ground? What about grass/weeds that may be quite tall...say 12". I borrowed a used BX from the dealer and it handled the tall material quite easily...I attribute part of that to the torque of the diesel? BTW...do you have gas or diesel? Thanks...TMR

All the problems were with the early models.My dealer did all the upgrades on mine(warranty);new case w/axle bearing setup instead of bushings,improved pto engagement parts,larger cc charge pump,etc.It's stronger today than when new.Helps having a good dealer that's on the ball.A lot of early owners were not so fortunate.I mow 2 acres of very rough,hilly property up to 30deg+ and only mow every two weeks,so in the spring it gets a workout.And,I do a lot more with it than just mowing chores.I put the FEL on yesterday and spread some crushed stone on the drive.That's the most fun attachment I've built for it.Check all my started threads here.GR2000 gas.

Greg Barker's Library | Photobucket

 

[TMR]

And,I do a lot more with it than just mowing chores.Check all my started threads here.GR2000 gas.

Greg Barker's Library | Photobucket

Wow, Locknut, you have nearly turned it into a BX! I am truly humbled by your fabrication, etc. skills. I saw your mention that you might have purchased a BX if it had "glide steer"? What does glide steer do?...tighter turning radius?

You mentioned you mow pretty rough ground? I mow over a mile of trails (Polaris Ranger width @ 60"+), a "field" that is 1-2 acres, a cabin lot that involves ducking around a lot of trees and my yard...which also has many trees to work around. My mower suffers two primary challenges...obstruction in the form of occasional tree root "collisions", a few small stumps from brush cleared over the years and field grass/weeds that can get pretty tall and thick. I have mowed for last 15 years with a Craftsman 42"/25HP with rear wheel weights and rear tire chains for traction and drive power. I have learned to replace spindles/blades/belts as well as re-bend flimsy front end parts...seems I occasionally run into "stuff". MOST of my "high spots" have been worked down over 20+ years of mowing and my new mower will not take the amount of abuse my poor Sears saw.

My alternative is a BX...or more likely a B series Kubota as I have a total of 120 acres of woods that is my retirement avocation/hobby...ie; I work really hard...but only for a long as I want to and when I want to

I am very close to getting two machines as I would be removing the deck way too often to enjoy it. As I shop for a mostly mower...I want quality and probably diesel torque for my taller grass needs. Sounds like the GR might be a good consideration.

I was beginning to consider "commercial" level Z Turns but am really concerned that I will end up doing damage to the transaxles and/or spindles...probably not the best tool for my needs?

Thanks for your input...any thoughts? TMR

 

[locknut]

Wow, Locknut, you have nearly turned it into a BX! I am truly humbled by your fabrication, etc. skills. I saw your mention that you might have purchased a BX if it had "glide steer"? What does glide steer do?...tighter turning radius?

You mentioned you mow pretty rough ground? I mow over a mile of trails (Polaris Ranger width @ 60"+), a "field" that is 1-2 acres, a cabin lot that involves ducking around a lot of trees and my yard...which also has many trees to work around. My mower suffers two primary challenges...obstruction in the form of occasional tree root "collisions", a few small stumps from brush cleared over the years and field grass/weeds that can get pretty tall and thick. I have mowed for last 15 years with a Craftsman 42"/25HP with rear wheel weights and rear tire chains for traction and drive power. I have learned to replace spindles/blades/belts as well as re-bend flimsy front end parts...seems I occasionally run into "stuff". MOST of my "high spots" have been worked down over 20+ years of mowing and my new mower will not take the amount of abuse my poor Sears saw.

My alternative is a BX...or more likely a B series Kubota as I have a total of 120 acres of woods that is my retirement avocation/hobby...ie; I work really hard...but only for a long as I want to and when I want to

I am very close to getting two machines as I would be removing the deck way too often to enjoy it. As I shop for a mostly mower...I want quality and probably diesel torque for my taller grass needs. Sounds like the GR might be a good consideration.

I was beginning to consider "commercial" level Z Turns but am really concerned that I will end up doing damage to the transaxles and/or spindles...probably not the best tool for my needs?

Thanks for your input...any thoughts? TMR

Well, there is no doubt the GR is much more rugged than the Craftsman mower.The decks are very heavy around 200 lbs and shaft driven.

If you don't have a larger tractor now,you might want to go with a BX/loader and a rear mower for the rough stuff and replace the small mower with something better for finish mowing.

To answer your glidesteer question,there are clutches on the outer rear axles that disengage when turning via a cable or rod(newer models) which allows very tight turns even going fast with no tire scuff on the front or back.Going straight the rears are locked like a p-track rear end. Very sure footed on downhill runs up to 30 deg,wet grass muddy ground.