New ZTR'S VS. 725 or 721D Grasshopper

[Kernopelli]

Re: New ZTR\'S VS. 725 or 721D Grasshopper

I have used front mount grasshoppers since 1999, they are far and above faster, smoother, and better cutting than mid-mounts (you refer to mid mounts as ZTRs) it is just plain physics that make them work better. We bought a really good mid mount grasshopper in '03 and returned it after 5 minutes of mowing. Exmark lazer z stormed the market and is a good mower. Price is lower and you can fit more on the trailer but nothing compares to the ride and the mauverability of a front mounted deck!!!

Couldn't agree more. I have had 2 Grasshopper front mounts that were both excellent mowers and currently have a "good" ( not talking Lowes/Home depot model) JD front mount ZTR and it has surprised me. Frankly I bought the JD only because the price was REALLY right and didn't expect it to compare favorably to the Grasshoppers but so far I have been almost as pleased with it as the Grasshoppers. ALMOST........

 

[Dargo]

Re: New ZTR\'S VS. 725 or 721D Grasshopper

I also have demoed the new 721D Grasshopper front mount 61" deck with the new G2 hydro motors.

I still have that exact mower in my stall. I had a mowing business for a while and think I counted that I had close to 15 different ZTR mowers. Other than fitting more on a trailer, thousands of hours of seat time tells me that there is no other advantage. If you really want a mid mount ZTR, I'd highly suggest a Ferris with suspension. It won't ride as well as a front mount machine, but it's a lot better on the operator.

My 1999 721D G2 with a 61" deck has just over 2000 hours on it. As I've mentioned here many times before, it's still on it's original deck belt. There is zero measurable wear in any of the 3 deck bearings and I've had zero down time; zero. For one year I mowed the back side of the dam on a large lake and I'd literally back up it with the rear wheels a foot in the air all the way up each time. The owner had a 4X4 tractor with turf tires on his tractor and he was amazed that I never had an issue, never tore up his grass and he could never climb the hill.

I've gone through several different brands just because I didn't want to get hooked on one brand and not realize what else was out there. I've long since sold my mowing business and bought a 2nd front mount Grasshopper. You know, his and hers mowers. I did buy a 25 hp 3 cyl Kubota gas powered Grasshopper and couldn't get rid of it fast enough. It was known as the "GassHopper". It used fuel at a 2.2:1 rate as compared to the same engine in diesel. It was powerful and smooth, but a major league gas hog. I suppose all the reasonably high powered gas ZTR mowers are extremely thirsty. I'm used to getting around 9 to 9 and a quarter hours of run time on an 8 gallon diesel tank. It killed me to constantly stop to refill the gas machines. Besides, if I live a few more years the fuel difference would pay for itself not to mention how much longer the diesel Kubota will run.

One guy has a Motor Coach just like mine that runs that exact same Kubota diesel engine for it's generator. (makes it nice when I have 3 identical engines when it comes to oil changes and air/oil filter changes). He said he always runs Amsoil 15W40 HD Diesel/Marine oil and a Wix filter, but he has just over 14,000 hours on that engine!!! Granted, it's not being bounced around like on a mower and I'm sure it gets cleaner air, but that's still a lot of hours!