Raven 46-in Hybrid Riding Lawn Mower

[TnHusky]

If the last was providing opinion to me then reread my posting. I agree, I don't trust the Raven, it's the concept I like and as a concept some manufacturers may actually get it right. ...or at least that's what I hoping for. There's nothing out there that can perform large cutting duties (10-15 acres or less,) unless you go to a full blown tractor. The BX25 (I think) Kubota would be the next step up from a garden tractor. The BX25 is about 20-25k. If I had a boat load of money then I'd go for a L5240 series but then I'd be tossing 40k. True it would be nice to have but... There should be something in between that meets our cutting needs. This is what I hope for. A rugged, versatile piece of equipment that can tame lawns and pasture for 10 - 15k. If there is a need then there should be a product that meets that need.

Rick I hear ya. It would be great if you owned a farm and needed all that the Raven offers but in a reliable source as mentioned (Honda, Polaris, CanAm etc) I looked at the Raven the other day at lowes and asked the guy what brand engine was on it, I quote " It's a no name brand ". That in itself would keep me from buying but as you have stated the concept is great and I think you will see more of these in the future, each one a little better than the last. :thumbsup:

 

[Kodie's Lawn Service]

If the last was providing opinion to me then reread my posting. I agree, I don't trust the Raven, it's the concept I like and as a concept some manufacturers may actually get it right. ...or at least that's what I hoping for. There's nothing out there that can perform large cutting duties (10-15 acres or less,) unless you go to a full blown tractor. The BX25 (I think) Kubota would be the next step up from a garden tractor. The BX25 is about 20-25k. If I had a boat load of money then I'd go for a L5240 series but then I'd be tossing 40k. True it would be nice to have but... There should be something in between that meets our cutting needs. This is what I hope for. A rugged, versatile piece of equipment that can tame lawns and pasture for 10 - 15k. If there is a need then there should be a product that meets that need.

I haven't keep up with this thread as I try to on most but when you mow large things of land you would tipiccally buy a 72 mower along with reels that would mow 12/15 feet and would not cost u 40k :thumbsup:

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

I haven't keep up with this thread as I try to on most but when you mow large things of land you would tipiccally buy a 72 mower along with reels that would mow 12/15 feet and would not cost u 40k :thumbsup:

Yeah that is definitely the cheaper option but even some of the gang reels aren't cheap!! ProMow SPORT7 Gold Commercial Gang Reel Finish Mower (7 Reels)

 

[Kodie's Lawn Service]

Yeah that is definitely the cheaper option but even some of the gang reels aren't cheap!! ProMow SPORT7 Gold Commercial Gang Reel Finish Mower (7 Reels)

Yea but 2500 is better then 40k:thumbsup:

 

[RickO]

Last: I have to admit, yes I could buy an 800cc Polaris Sportsman (9k) and a 52 inch Swisher Rough Cut Tow-Behind (2.6k) and be able to do the job. I very well may go this route. This would cut the fields but truth is, I wouldn't be able to work the fields. I may be contradicting myself but I REALLY want that Kubota (50+k) with a back hoe attachment and a 60/72 inch brush hog. My wife would kill me unless I sell the Harley. (NOT happening.)

 

[tpg722]

NO DISRESPECT HERE BUT I HAVE NOT SEEN A VIDEO YET THAT SHOWS A LAWN BEING CUT JUST A FEW PASSES SO DO NOT THINK IT IS A FINISH CUT MOWER. I HAVE BEEN RIDING ATVS AND MOTORCYCLES FOR AWHILE AND THAT THING LOOKS LIKE A CHINESE JUNKER. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY

DO YOU GET WHAT I AM SAYING.

JUST MY 2CENTS

Here is a video of it cutting a little bit more than a lawn... RAVEN Hybrid Cutting - YouTube

 

[demhustler]

Here is a video of it cutting a little bit more than a lawn... RAVEN Hybrid Cutting - YouTube

another review (25.03.2013) of one one lucky customer (unless each of Lowes customers got Denver Global Products techs coming to their homes right away, trying to solve a problem, and replacing mower straight from production line : ))))))
every OEM has 1-2 years teething problems and debugging period on new models, but not like this one
looks like they completely skipped end product preparation and testing part
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Lowes Raven MPV Lawn Mower Review - YouTube

"I bought Raven MPV-710 Mower from Lowes in NC on Monday March 25th. In the video you can see me start and run it for the first time. After a very short time the blades shut off for to reason. I turned the mower off and back on. Started the blades again and the same thing happened after about 20th. I then let it run sitting still for 10 minutes. I was able to mow most of my small front yard before the blades stopped again. I parked it running, put it into generator mode and plugged a blower into it. It provides plenty of electrical power. I also put it into high gear and rode around the back yard with it.

The next day i let the mower run for almost an hour and i got about 8 minutes of mowing before the blades stopped.
Another problem I've had is sometimes after putting the Raven into neutral setting the parking brake getting off it to load the bucket and back on it won't go. I've turned it off and back on and tried to move again and nothing. waited ten minutes and tried again and it worked ok.
I contacted Denver Global Products and got a response from them right away asking for my contact details. After providing my info I have not heard back from them again. I'm going to try to exchange it for a new one as i'm hoping it's just a problem with my particular unit.

Update
The Denver Global Products tech came to my house to fix the mower. He could not figure out what was wrong with it but not without a valiant effort. So the mower at this time still doesn't work. But to save me the inconvenience of having to borrow a trailer pack it up return it and get another he's having one build and he's going to bring it from the factory to my house to swap it out. He's also going to test it out prior. I've never heard of a company go to that level of effort to make one customer happy.
So figures crossed I'll have a working mower come Monday.
*I work with new technologies and I understand there will be little issues and bugs that arise. As long as the manufacturer makes the effort to fix them it's ok with me."
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- p.s. judging by amount of bs and baloney, they put in their advertisement, and quality of sold product - not every customer will be as lucky as this one

 

[crawford111]

I have a raven or should say, I told Lowe's about a few problems that I had they came and got it told me that when the bugs get out I'll get another. Now for quality not being there I think your eye's need vision check it really built strong and since no one else has anything like it they are far ahead of others. Yes it will has some bugs being this new,I like no belts genny,atv and electric mode to ride on means less fuel to use. plus the company has a out standing customer phone service they speak English and go out of there way to make you a happy camper Also it makes a nice clean cut.:smile:

 

[crawford111]

:smile::confused2:

I have a raven or should say, I told Lowe's about a few problems that I had they came and got it told me that when the bugs get out I'll get another. Now for quality not being there I think your eye's need vision check it really built strong and since no one else has anything like it they are far ahead of others. Yes it will has some bugs being this new,I like no belts genny,atv and electric mode to ride on means less fuel to use. plus the company has a out standing customer phone service they speak English and go out of there way to make you a happy camper Also it makes a nice clean cut.:smile:

I talked to Lowe's head at main office she told me she was second in line. She explained that lowe's is working hard to resolve the main issues and will never let it go out again till they are convince they are fixed. She said she will email me to let me know when it ready to be on market again. I believe this because they put a lot of there own money into R&D . This happened 5-22-13 She also said that every unit in shop will also be fixed before new one's come off line. I seen a picture of shop and there are a bunch of the ravens to be fixed. But then I'm a glutton for punishment after owning it for a short time I really enjoyed it can't wait till mine come home again. I'm hoping for 2 more weeks in till then my 60 Swisher zero turn will make do .

 

[crawford111]

Well here is the latest Denver Global call me today. They said anyone that had sent raven to be fixed will be first all who just turn them in belongs to Lowe's and will be turned in for credit. She told me they now have the battery fixes.blades falling off fixes , new seat switch fixed, steering problems fixes. Well then I tried to pin her down when will it be back she says 2 to 4 weeks well seeing is believing right? I don't really seeing any 220 volt system for a while, since they called me I'm hopeful that it isn't that far off.:smile::thumbsup: