Hours of longevity

[djdicetn]

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.

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????

 

[jekjr]

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????

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.

 

[Brucebotti]

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????

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

 

[djdicetn]

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.

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)

 

[motoman]

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:

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

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:

"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)

 

[djdicetn]

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:

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)