Grasshopper front mount handling

[case685]

Hi Guys...I am looking at buying a used front mount GH. I have looked at several older 721's as well as a fairly new 722. The older ones I found to be overly sensitive when I pushed on the steering handles resulting in over-correction and somewhat jerky movement of the machine. The late model 722 handled much better ie: excellent sensitvity without being jerky. So my question is this- is the jerkiness and extra play in the older machines correctable by adjusting linkage and or replacing bushings etc if neccessary? or is that just the way these older machines are?

Thanks in advance for your insights on this.

Gerry

 

[Pete G]

I have a 722D2 that had small shock absorber type dampeners attached to the steering bars. One went bad so I took them both off. Without them the steering is sensitive, and jerky if you're not careful, but I prefer it that way. After you get used to a zero turn you tend to go faster and the sensitivity of the steering is not much of a problem--at least in my opinion. I mow at least 8 acres every week and I mow much of that with only one hand; using just my fingers to do the minor turning required. That means holding both bars in one hand and letting my fingers do the work.
BTW, I dropped my machine backwards about 4 feet into a stone bottomed creek this summer. The edge was verticle! I am very pleased to be here!!! But the story is that all that was needed by the grasshopper was oil and hydro fluid and filter changes, and $4.00 worth of bushing in the mower attachment to be back mowing again. At first glance I was so positive the frame was bent I shopped the internet for used grasshoppers. I still can't believe how strong that mower is (I literally drug it and lifted it out of the creek with a single chain attached to my loader bucket), AND how lucky I am to be alive.
Be safe, and don't make a big deal of the steering sensitiviy issue. But do get a Grasshopper.
I'm just passing through this forum doing some other research, so I'll probably not be back for any other discussion--sorry.

 

[zsqure]

I don't feel the sensitivity is an issue. My 720k has springs to dampen the movement. It is a 1995 model and just this summer has begun leaking at the axle seals, so I will tear it down this winter and replace the seals and bearings while i'm in there. I have used Grasshoppers since 1983 and would not want to mow with anything else, and I have two steiner articulating tractors, they are like busses to mow with but they can move a lot of snow. I have a plow for my GH as well. The front mount machines are very handy, I had a mid mount gravely for a while but it was very crude in the way it ran (herky-jerky). The steering linkage is easy to replace if something becomes worn. I even put a 1-1/2" body lift on the GH to be able to get ATV tires under it for snow pushing.

 

[Cpjlube]

I have a Woods Mow n Machine that is essentially a GH 721 (diesel). At first I found it sensitive. I assumed it was because of the fact it's an older machine and was a little "loose". Maybe the deck mounts were worn etc. It seemed to wander.
A good friend of mine has a brand new GH 721. It was also sensitive but different. The hydrostatics are different on these machines. Took some getting used to.
The only advice I can give is that the GH sensitivity is something you will get used to pretty quick. I have found on mine that if it seems too sensitive to back the throttle off a little. That seems to reduce it but also reduces speed and capability. Now I usually just run the RPMs near the top and have gotten used to using it.

Chuck

 

[case685]

Hi Guys...sorry to be so slow replying. I did buy an older 721 and am very happy with it. As you guys stated it didn't take long to get used to the sensitivity and I find it a great machine that can really cut grass.