Thinking to trade F2880 for F3680

[Dan W]

Hey Gents, it's been a while... retired now so I have a slightly more time to read...

Just a couple of observations re F3680 that I've noted over the few years that I've owned mine. JT's appreciation of rear discharge decks, although I've never actually tried one, is sound advice. I constantly run my side discharge deck with it's deflector cover held up open at 90 degrees. I do this in order to avoid forming thick grass windrows in tall grass and of course to avoid hitting things like tree trunks and garage walls. So, a read discharge is the obvious solution, I'd love to try one and likely never will.

As for the sufficient HP issue, the only time I've ever encountered a full power requirement is when blowing heavy wet snow. In fact that is the only time I've ever felt the 36HP engine in full throttle lug-down. Love the power when that happens and the snow still get thrown out 35 feet.

I'd say the 3680 is a first class machine. It is easy to maintain and is quite reliable. The only mistake I made when configuring the cab is insufficient heat. I installed a 3450 Btu heater when what is needed is probably 12,000Btu

all the best
Dan

 

[Rip]

Good to hear from you, Dan....glad your machine still working like a champ for you. We have no regrets for having traded lots of snow & ice for lots of grass here in Tasmania and my 28 HP unit w/60" deck still does the job quite well, but now that I know this is a great mower for our conditions, cutting 20% faster with a 72" and a few more ponies would be welcome if good opportunity came my way (again, as the one that looked good got sold out from under me) ...I'll keep my eyes open.

I already mow with the discharge chute removed, but even with new(ish) blades, the underside of the deck is so chewed up from the previous municipal rock-crushing use, the grass is lucky to find its way out the side....I also only cut to about 4 1/2"....a "mowed paddock" as I call it, not a golf course.

Back in my previous life in cold country, I did most of my snow removal with a PU & straight plow or a blower on a BobCat ToolCat with similar heat & AC...still got old after 20+ years.

Merry Christmas!! Cheers, Rip

 

[Rip]

Bumping this up to the top as I am still on the lookout for a good used F-3680 somewhere in Tasmania as a step up from my F-2880.....missed out on the last one I saw come up for sale about a year ago, but figured to put in on my Santa list early this year!

Only minor issues with this 8 year/1700 hr machine....one hydraulic hose went from slow-drip to full-on leak a couple weeks ago...fixed up now....leaky seal at the input shaft on the steer-axle....will replace soon. Also weak solenoid on the starter for a while...need to remove and clean or replace. Still the best type of machine for our place!

Cheers, Rip