Buying Advice Which Grasshopper to buy?

Buxus · Jun 16, 2016

Looking to buy a new to me mower. Mow about 6-8 hours on my property a week. Some moderate hills. Have a 1999 Grasshopper 720k with a 61 inch deck. Want a second mower for my son to use with me, and for increased reliability, and for a 72 inch deck and collection system (for leaves in the Fall). Very happy with the mower I have, but sometimes I go two weeks without mowing, and it does bog down some in the tall grass. This may be true for any mower, however.

Trying to choose between two mowers, priced almost exactly the same:

1. 2016 725d with 16 hours. Full warranty. Local dealer.
2. 2008 930d with 196 hours. 90d warranty, dealer 2.5 hrs away.

Leaning toward the 930d for the extra horsepower (and I believe the pumps are bigger) but not sure what to make of it sitting for 8yrs (municipality bought it from the dealer, stored inside, contracted out the mowing, recently traded it in with same dealer who sold it). One can no longer buy a new 930d due to the emissions issues.

What do you think?

Birdhunter1 · Jun 16, 2016

The 720 is a great mower but I've always felt a 61" deck was too big for it to be effective. I run a 723 with a 52" deck and I don't want a 61" on it.

The 725 and 930 each have large pumps than your 720K and will reduce your mowing time, even with the same deck. If the 930D is alot cheaper than the 725 I would jump on it.

Ford850 · Jun 16, 2016

I have a 722DT6 with a 61" deck from 2008 I think. Bought it new then, and love it. Decided last fall to sell the old JD rider my son used, and get a second GH so we could cut down the mowing time, and also have a spare mower for times when on is down. Got the 725D with 61" deck. I have tall fescue, and mow at 3.5" height, plus I mow trails and other tough stuff. The 725 has a LOT more power and speed than my 722, which surprised me. But I can get into heavy stuff if I haven't mowed for 10 - 14 days, and I have to slow down quite a bit. I would not want a 72" deck on either one for the way I like to mow. If you could get the 930 for a decent price I would go that route, especially if you want the larger deck plush collection system. It would be a beast.

Sawyer Rob · Jun 16, 2016

I also have the 725D, with a 61" deck...

It has good power, even in taller grass, BUT if I was going to a bigger deck I think I'd also go with the bigger hp...

I've never ran a 930, my dealer says it's quite a bit bigger machine than my 725, if that's important to you...

I didn't buy the 930 because it was 3K more than a 725... (new)

SR

Buxus · Jun 16, 2016

Thanks for the responses so far. What do you think of the fact that it has sat for most of 8 years (but has very low hours)? Would that scare you away?

Sawyer Rob · Jun 16, 2016

It wouldn't bother me IF it was kept inside and IF I could mow with it until it's warmed up and I could check it all over before buying...

SR

Buxus · Jun 21, 2016

I checked out the 930d yesterday. Those who described it as a beast hit the nail on the head. Ran it for quite a while and found that, despite its size, it does the edging like a delicate pair of shears. It is in excellent condition. The engine is spotless. Purchased it yesterday, along with a collection system for the Fall. Should be delivered in a week or two. Can't wait! Thanks for all the advice. Hopefully it will serve me well for many, many years.