Hours of longevity

[motoman]

Can you experienced operators tell us what component commonly finally fails and what the next failing component is? thanks

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

Can you experienced operators tell us what component commonly finally fails and what the next failing component is? thanks

I would like to know this also!

 

[Parkmower]

I've received brand new mowers and retired them years later. Usually around 3000 hrs. I'm talking toro groundsmasters and jacobsen turf cats. IMO a couple of the best commercial mowers to be had. Run by many golf courses, parks and municipalitys.
Usually around 2000 hrs the mowers start to fall apart. Some of the most common parts to start failing are deck parts. Bogie wheels, spindles, deck arms. Bent anti scalp wheel mounts to where they do the scalping. Have broken rear axles. Cracked frames. Rims destroyed. Seat falls apart. Smoked radiators. Bad Tranny leaks. power steering.
Now everything I mentioned is repairable but there is a time when it is just done. Too many costly repairs and knowing something else will fail in a matter of time. And the overall feel of the machine is junky.
I have never blown an engine (knock on wood) but have had the mower around it fall to pieces

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

I've received brand new mowers and retired them years later. Usually around 3000 hrs. I'm talking toro groundsmasters and jacobsen turf cats. IMO a couple of the best commercial mowers to be had. Run by many golf courses, parks and municipalitys.
Usually around 2000 hrs the mowers start to fall apart. Some of the most common parts to start failing are deck parts. Bogie wheels, spindles, deck arms. Bent anti scalp wheel mounts to where they do the scalping. Have broken rear axles. Cracked frames. Rims destroyed. Seat falls apart. Smoked radiators. Bad Tranny leaks. power steering.
Now everything I mentioned is repairable but there is a time when it is just done. Too many costly repairs and knowing something else will fail in a matter of time. And the overall feel of the machine is junky.
I have never blown an engine (knock on wood) but have had the mower around it fall to pieces

Yeah some of those are expensive fixes!

 

[Boudreaux]

I've received brand new mowers and retired them years later. Usually around 3000 hrs. I'm talking toro groundsmasters and jacobsen turf cats. IMO a couple of the best commercial mowers to be had. Run by many golf courses, parks and municipalitys.
Usually around 2000 hrs the mowers start to fall apart. Some of the most common parts to start failing are deck parts. Bogie wheels, spindles, deck arms. Bent anti scalp wheel mounts to where they do the scalping. Have broken rear axles. Cracked frames. Rims destroyed. Seat falls apart. Smoked radiators. Bad Tranny leaks. power steering.
Now everything I mentioned is repairable but there is a time when it is just done. Too many costly repairs and knowing something else will fail in a matter of time. And the overall feel of the machine is junky.
I have never blown an engine (knock on wood) but have had the mower around it fall to pieces

How does a homeowner know which mower will go the distance.....???

 

[Brucebotti]

How does a homeowner know which mower will go the distance.....???

I started forming my decision by consulting with the experts here. Then, I made up a list of my major must haves which were a Kawasaki motor, serviceable hydro units, and a fabricated / welded deck. After increasing my budget substantially, I ended up with the Toro MX5060.
Bruce

 

[djdicetn]

How does a homeowner know which mower will go the distance.....???

That's why when users are asking for advice when shopping for a new ZTR(and are willing to spend at least $4K-$5K or more) I always recommend going to a dealer and looking at makes/models that are high-end Residential or low-end Commercial and NEVER recommend a big box store model(which many approach the $4K or better range). IMHO, if you want 2,000-3,000 hours out of a ZTR you better heavily consider shopping at a reputable dealer for something built to last.

 

[motoman]

Thanks guys. That helps, but again we see the divide on this forum of those professionals who buy upscale, and the the little (?dumb like I was first buy?) guy who does buy big box. But seems like the bare tractors at big box are more like $1500-$2000 without extras (cart, bag system etc)? My impression is that the weak link on the big box units is the air cooled engines? It must be that to hold the $1500 line at retail involves "disposables," such as the many air cooled wrecks mentioned on this forum. On that note which is the most reliable air cooled rig at $1500-$2000 bare rider? :anyone:

 

[djdicetn]

Thanks guys. That helps, but again we see the divide on this forum of those professionals who buy upscale, and the the little (?dumb like I was first buy?) guy who does buy big box. But seems like the bare tractors at big box are more like $1500-$2000 without extras (cart, bag system etc)? My impression is that the weak link on the big box units is the air cooled engines? It must be that to hold the $1500 line at retail involves "disposables," such as the many air cooled wrecks mentioned on this forum. On that note which is the most reliable air cooled rig at $1500-$2000 bare rider? :anyone:

Hands down the Husqvarna YTH24K48 Fast Tractor at a MSRP of $1,899...just don't know if you can get one through Lowes or will have to find a Husqvarna dealer.

 

[Parkmower]

How does a homeowner know which mower will go the distance.....???

No where in the OP or any response does it mention homeowners. It was started by a commercial mower and most replies are in reference to commercial machines. If this is a homeowners thread I'll glady delete my posts.