John Deere F911

[woodbadgebird]

A local dealer has a JD F911 for sale.
I'm thinking about going and taking a look.
Problem is that I'm unsure what I need to be on the look out for?
Also wonder if others have used one of these machines?
Love to hear the good, the bad and the ugly.
The one I'm looking at has a lot of hours on it.
How hard are they to work on?
Many Thanks.
Woodbadgebird

 

[om21braz]

The F9xx series machines are pretty stout and not particularly difficult to work on. Although parts for these machines are not cheap. A F710 we once had was a good mower, but I decided not to go for a complete restoration, but just fix what really needed repair and let the cosmetic issues go. The steering linkage probably will probably require some work and these parts are expensive - depends on how well you desire the unit to function. If the foot rest/rests are broken, that piece of "plastic" is very expensive. One good trait is that the mowing deck is easy to access/remove and fairly sturdy for a stamped deck.
I would advise taking a good look at the machine, demo it, write down at least the things you know need replacing and then go to the JD Parts website and price out these parts. Also find out about the engine - does it have a direct replacement if required? are parts available for a rebuild? That will give you some idea of your investment after purchase, but then there are always things we don't see - Good Luck with your decision!

 

[woodbadgebird]

Thank you.
The machine has over 1000 hours on it.
Much as I might like there not to be any issues, I'm aware that it isn't new.
Some people are saying that the F911 was under-powered?
My last mower was a 18 HP Diesel Yanmar with a 60 inch deck.
I bought it used.
While it lasted for many years, the deck took a real beating. I think that the deck was just too big for the tractor.
This F911 also has a 60" deck but I'm thinking that the design is such that it will work out better.
I haven't had a lot of dealings with the JD dealer but the dealings I have had have always been good. The guys seem to tell it like it is with no mess no fuss.
I heard when the local Boy Scout Camp needed a new tractor these guy went out of their way to be helpful.
I know there is always risk involved with buying used equipment. So I am going to have to trust the dealership and hope for the best.
Right now with all the rain we have been having, I'm thinking maybe a baler might be what I need.

Woodbadgebird.

 

[om21braz]

Thank you.
The machine has over 1000 hours on it.

That is not much for one of those machines. When you stated it had alot of hours, I was expecting somewhere from 2000-4000 hrs. As you mentioned though, hours sometimes are not as important as how was it used during those hours (abused, not serviced, etc.). Also, you mention it possibly being under-powered - it probably will not win any speed contests as it does'nt have the hp-to-deck ratio of many of the newer, albeit more expensive machines. The F710 we had was not fast by any means, no comparison to the Kubota we have now, but the Deere did deliver a very good quality cut. Maybe better than the Kubota.
By the way - Welcome to TBN, I expect you'll enjoy it here!

 

[zzvyb6]

I have an F-935 (72" deck, 23 hp diesel). This mower is very fast, easy to work on and used parts are available on eBay (Joes Outdoor Power for example). Parts for a 911, 932 and 935 are all the same. Might need a battery, driveline isolator, valve adjustment and some cleaning up. I added the extra hydraulic outlets (2nd valve is already built in), headlights and a traler hitch. You can get a snowblower, rotary brush, leaf blower and a plow for extra attachments. I run my Woods leaf vac trailer on the back hooked up to the deck outlet.

I also added a 540 pto gearbox to mine so I can run pumps and my PTO alternator for whole house power rather than using the farm tractor.

 

[TCowner]

The F911 uses the v-twin kawasaki engine and the earlier versions had the plastic camshaft gear issue similar to the 425 garden tractor that Deere sold. I'm not sure of the exact year but I believe it was in the late 90s that Kawasaki went to the steel camshaft gear. Many of the early versions failed and were fixed under warranty.

Before I spent too much money I would want to know which engine you have. The Kawasaki engine is a good engine but you can plan on just under a grand to replace the camshaft if you have the earlier plastic version. I