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What is the most hours any of you have heard of a mower running? I had a friend last week tell me about a Scag he saw that had 9000 hours on it and was still running.

He did not know what had been replaced or rebuilt on it.

I am amazed at the experiences people report. Some say it's all over at 700 hours even with TLC. Others surprise us. A gentleman has just advised us he bought a used Kohler with 1200 hours and is operating in a blue haze and reduced power. I do know if you leave your ignition on the electric hour meter will keep running, inflating your usage.:smile:

motoman said:

I am amazed at the experiences people report. Some say it's all over at 700 hours even with TLC. Others surprise us. A gentleman has just advised us he bought a used Kohler with 1200 hours and is operating in a blue haze and reduced power. I do know if you leave your ignition on the electric hour meter will keep running, inflating your usage.:smile:

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I honestly do to know. I do low that this particular mower belongs to an old guy that died a few mons ago that cut much much grass for many many years.

motoman said:

I am amazed at the experiences people report. Some say it's all over at 700 hours even with TLC. Others surprise us. A gentleman has just advised us he bought a used Kohler with 1200 hours and is operating in a blue haze and reduced power. I do know if you leave your ignition on the electric hour meter will keep running, inflating your usage.:smile:

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Some say it's all over at 700 hours even with TLC? I sure hope not cause my CC 48" ZTR with a 22 hp Kohler Courage is over that and still running strong. My Toro Grandstand with a Kawasaki 15hp has a 5 year 1200 hour warranty.

motoman said:

I am amazed at the experiences people report. Some say it's all over at 700 hours even with TLC. Others surprise us. A gentleman has just advised us he bought a used Kohler with 1200 hours and is operating in a blue haze and reduced power. I do know if you leave your ignition on the electric hour meter will keep running, inflating your usage.:smile:

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I have a Kubota ZG222 that is not old at all that has 150 hours on it. It would have 300 on it probably if we had to bought the ZD 326 and just started running the 222 as a backup and on lawns big enough to need two or small with narrow gates.......

I plan on running both of mine at least 5 years commercially if not longer.

From what I know an hear most mower an over the hill after 2000 hours on them this being Commercial mowers of course

K-Pro-Mowing said:

From what I know an hear most mower an over the hill after 2000 hours on them this being Commercial mowers of course

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I am hoping to get considerable more out of my Kubotas than 2000.

The 2000 JD 335 I picked up about three weeks ago has 1,45x hours on it and it still runs like new. The previous owner tells me the engine and transaxle has never been rebuilt or replaced and the deck is also original.

jekjr said:

I am hoping to get considerable more out of my Kubotas than 2000.

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In no way am I saying you wouldn't I hear that after 2000 it get more an more problems

K-Pro-Mowing said:

...I hear that after 2000 it get more an more problems

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Heard that also.

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

motoman said:

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

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I would like to know this also!

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

Parkmower said:

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

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Yeah some of those are expensive fixes!

Parkmower said:

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

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

Boudreaux said:

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

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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

Boudreaux said:

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

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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.

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:

motoman said:

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:

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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.

Boudreaux said:

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

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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.

Parkmower said:

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.

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The original poster, with a subject of "hours of longevity" simply asked(and I quote):

"What is the most hours any of you have heard of a mower running? I had a friend last week tell me about a Scag he saw that had 9000 hours on it and was still running.

He did not know what had been replaced or rebuilt on it. "

Since this is in the General Mower Discussion forum and there really isn't any specific mention of "commercial" in that original post(aside from the "brand" Scag, which is usually a commercial application ztr although I'm sure homeowners buy them as well) I think you are giving a knee jerk reaction in your last response. Actually there are several subsequent posts where a user is specifically asking about homeowner mowers(in my last response I was answering a specific question about the best rider in the $1500-$2000 range...definitely not commercial). I don't see any reason why there cannot be a "mix" of replies applicable to commercial AND residential machines in a thread that is simply asking about "hours of longevity". Why were you so offended????

djdicetn said:

The original poster, with a subject of "hours of longevity" simply asked(and I quote):

"What is the most hours any of you have heard of a mower running? I had a friend last week tell me about a Scag he saw that had 9000 hours on it and was still running.

He did not know what had been replaced or rebuilt on it. "

Since this is in the General Mower Discussion forum and there really isn't any specific mention of "commercial" in that original post(aside from the "brand" Scag, which is usually a commercial application ztr although I'm sure homeowners buy them as well) I think you are giving a knee jerk reaction in your last response. Actually there are several subsequent posts where a user is specifically asking about homeowner mowers(in my last response I was answering a specific question about the best rider in the $1500-$2000 range...definitely not commercial). I don't see any reason why there cannot be a "mix" of replies applicable to commercial AND residential machines in a thread that is simply asking about "hours of longevity". Why were you so offended????

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I asked the question and included it on general mower discussion. The Scag on question is definitely a commercial but I did to specifically ask the question of JUST a commercial. It would take a non commercial operated mower probably a lot of years to get that many hours but I guess the question wold include either.

djdicetn said:

The original poster, with a subject of "hours of longevity" simply asked(and I quote):

"What is the most hours any of you have heard of a mower running? I had a friend last week tell me about a Scag he saw that had 9000 hours on it and was still running.

He did not know what had been replaced or rebuilt on it. "

Since this is in the General Mower Discussion forum and there really isn't any specific mention of "commercial" in that original post(aside from the "brand" Scag, which is usually a commercial application ztr although I'm sure homeowners buy them as well) I think you are giving a knee jerk reaction in your last response. Actually there are several subsequent posts where a user is specifically asking about homeowner mowers(in my last response I was answering a specific question about the best rider in the $1500-$2000 range...definitely not commercial). I don't see any reason why there cannot be a "mix" of replies applicable to commercial AND residential machines in a thread that is simply asking about "hours of longevity". Why were you so offended????

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I agree! I think there is room for a mix of replies. There's plenty of room in the sand box for all of us...:smile:

The only thing that would "bug" me is to have someone ask for a recommendation in the $1500-2000 range, and someone comeback and recommend a $14,000-15,000 mower.

Bruce

jekjr said:

I asked the question and included it on general mower discussion. The Scag on question is definitely a commercial but I did to specifically ask the question of JUST a commercial. It would take a non commercial operated mower probably a lot of years to get that many hours but I guess the question wold include either.

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Thanks for the clarification.....I didn't think you were offended by some of the residential application replies. Wouldn't it be a hoot if a user replied that he/she had a "validated" residential lawn mower that was 25 years old, had all original components and had 20,000 hours on it's meter(and still ran like new). That would make some of us that invested thousands of dollars in a "commercial quality" mower that may last half that feel pretty silly wouldn't it:0)

P.S.
You're right though(as is probably user ParkMower)...even though I bought a "Commercial grade" ZTR I am "guesstimating" that I'll most likely put around 50 hours on it each season. At that rate, it would take me 180 years to get to where that Scag was at 9,000 hours. Then again, that's why I figured it was worth the money as it would outlive me, my son and my grandson:0)

As implied in the responses , knowledge will set you free. The forum members can sort out a lot for themselves, but it takes more than casual reading. I would appreciate a little more discussion on the longevity of the water cooled engines vs the air cooled. I expect the watercooled to win the longevity battle hands down, but surprise me...:anyone:

motoman said:

As implied in the responses , knowledge will set you free. The forum members can sort out a lot for themselves, but it takes more than casual reading. I would appreciate a little more discussion on the longevity of the water cooled engines vs the air cooled. I expect the watercooled to win the longevity battle hands down, but surprise me...:anyone:

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"Generally speaking, it is said that a liquid-cooled engine may last up to 50% longer than comparable air-cooled engines due to a constant, correct operating temperature. Engine oil viscosity does not break down as quickly due to the more stable temperature ranges at which liquid-cooled engines run. Liquid-cooled engines experience increased fuel economy compared to standard air-cooled models due to the more consistent operating engine temperatures. A properly designed system keeps the radiator out of harms way (debris, branches, etc) and the cooling fan draws hot air through the radiator, past the engine and away from the operator. This results in a cooler engine and a cooler operator.
Liquid-cooled engines are slightly more "f￾￾orgiving" if the exterior of the engine is not kept clean, unlike air-cooled engines that rely upon heat dissipation for proper cooling. There is little extra maintenance involved with a liquid-cooled engine versus an air-cooled. Keeping the radiator clean is the biggest factor. However, this is simple to do by using the removable screen that can be removed and tapped clean in the field, with no tools required.
The major benefit of an air-cooled engine is that they are simpler in design as they have fewer parts involved. Because of this, they are less expensive in price and potential repair cost."

(Scag Power Equipment - Frequently Asked Questions)

motoman said:

As implied in the responses , knowledge will set you free. The forum members can sort out a lot for themselves, but it takes more than casual reading. I would appreciate a little more discussion on the longevity of the water cooled engines vs the air cooled. I expect the watercooled to win the longevity battle hands down, but surprise me...:anyone:

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Now when you talk liquid-cooled, diesel(and I've heard gasoline engines converted to run on propane) you are definitely targeting machines designed for professionals who mow for a living. Longevity versus regular air-cooled engines would be inherently longer and the industrial strength of all other components on these type of mowers would also put most others to shame regarding their durability and longevity. Alas, IMHO most liquid-cooled or diesel engines would most likely outlive the rest of the components(particularly decks, seats, trannies and suspension) on any mower they are in. This is strictly my opinion and may not represent the opinion of management:0)