Maineuropa
Member
I picked up one of these second hand with the 54" mower about 8 years ago; previous owner couldn't be bothered to change the two fuel filters, ruined the fuel pump. Mow approximately 10 acres frequently along with leaf clean up in the fall; now at 1240 hrs.
As an engine it really has done well, despite two gasoline errors. Change the oil, pump out the fuel, refill, off you go.
The mower part has mixed scores for me. The mowing is ok, the ground speed is a bit slow, the grass gets cut. The anti-scalp wheels are an ongoing replacement issue. The factory mount bolt is quite loose in the bushing; a 5/16" 3" bolt fits better. I am on my 3rd set of wheels/bolts.
The leaf vacuum/blower system is just there to piss you off. I cannot tell you how many times it has clogged on me. Any scintilla of dampness and the unit clogs. The process of emptying all clog points is tedious and if you are really lucky the blower drive belt slips down and you start over re-attaching the leaf blower unit. It does a good vacuum of the lawn when it works.
Another issue is the transmission interrupter set up. This is a cable set up that runs from the front steering fork(one each opposite side) to the rear transmission where it interrupts the rear wheel drive so you do not grind the lawn/driveway/etc. with you rear wheel whenever you make a sharp turn. Nice concept, except the cable breaks frequently(I have replaced both sides).
The last repair issue has been the little rachet that locks the park brake. The idea there is that you step on the park brake, then the rachet, release the rachet, then the park brake. If you break this operational sequence, then, over time, the little teeth on the rachet get worn down until it no longer works. Very tiny hands installed the rachet; it is an interesting replacement wrenching experience.
That’s about all. I would give this unit 7 out of 10 stars. It has run reasonably well for more than a few years.
As an engine it really has done well, despite two gasoline errors. Change the oil, pump out the fuel, refill, off you go.
The mower part has mixed scores for me. The mowing is ok, the ground speed is a bit slow, the grass gets cut. The anti-scalp wheels are an ongoing replacement issue. The factory mount bolt is quite loose in the bushing; a 5/16" 3" bolt fits better. I am on my 3rd set of wheels/bolts.
The leaf vacuum/blower system is just there to piss you off. I cannot tell you how many times it has clogged on me. Any scintilla of dampness and the unit clogs. The process of emptying all clog points is tedious and if you are really lucky the blower drive belt slips down and you start over re-attaching the leaf blower unit. It does a good vacuum of the lawn when it works.
Another issue is the transmission interrupter set up. This is a cable set up that runs from the front steering fork(one each opposite side) to the rear transmission where it interrupts the rear wheel drive so you do not grind the lawn/driveway/etc. with you rear wheel whenever you make a sharp turn. Nice concept, except the cable breaks frequently(I have replaced both sides).
The last repair issue has been the little rachet that locks the park brake. The idea there is that you step on the park brake, then the rachet, release the rachet, then the park brake. If you break this operational sequence, then, over time, the little teeth on the rachet get worn down until it no longer works. Very tiny hands installed the rachet; it is an interesting replacement wrenching experience.
That’s about all. I would give this unit 7 out of 10 stars. It has run reasonably well for more than a few years.
