need opinions

ae_ted · Sep 5, 2009

my Woods 6180 front deck mower blew the 18hp Briggs vanguard engine. I do not think it is worth the almost 2000 dollars to get a new engine and get it installed. I am not very mechanically inclined. Nephew has a Grasshopper with a blown koler motor. I am thinking about a kubota zd326 or a hustler diesel. I am looking for DURABILITY. Wife and I are getting up in yrs and ride and durability are important and I don't want to ever buy another mower. What do yall think???????

shot_gun · Sep 6, 2009

If your looking for durability and reliabilty + ease of use. Don't forget about the Deere 997. I'm not sure what deck size your looking for but it is a beast and comes in 60 and 72" cutting widths.

ae_ted · Sep 6, 2009

Looking for commercial 60 or 66 deck. I want to spend the money only once! I already learned that a Woods with a vanguard was only good for 800hr with good maintenance. Neighbor has a grasshopper with 900hrs and blown koler so that is why i am looking hard at the diesel option. I do not want any more problems! I looking for the most durable mower out there. looking hard at the kubota ZD326.

scoutcub · Sep 6, 2009

I had a Cub M-72 Tank with the Caterpillar diesel.....what a beast. Cut thru anything at 13 MPH! My yard was too small for it, but widh I had the means to keep it for the coming bigger yard....

Kays Supply · Sep 6, 2009

I have a ZD 326. It is a beast. I really like it. I have heard the true front deck mowers ride better, but with the seat tension set correct, it is probably as good as any mid deck. I don't have enough hours to tell about lifespan, but I am not planning to buy another in my working life. I had a ZD21 before this and traded just to get the improved deck. The biggest plus is that I cut my mowing time by hours over the 3 point tractor mower I used before the ZDs.

aloha · Sep 7, 2009

ae_ted said:
I am looking for DURABILITY. Wife and I are getting up in yrs and ride and durability are important and I don't want to ever buy another mower.

I have had a Scag Turf Tiger for 3+ years and run it hard. Our terrain is rough and fairly steep in areas, and the vegetation is lush. The tiger is solid. The only problem was the battery died after about 10 months, which was replaced under warranty. We mow about 8 acres every 2 weeks. A neighbor with a lesser machine has his repairman out every 2-3 months for some major repair.

We have the 27 hp Kohler engine. I thought about the diesel model, but it came only with a wider mowing deck than I wanted. The Kohler engine seems like a good one, and a lot less money.

I was also impressed by Hustler's machines, but thought Scag was a little sturdier and had a lower center of gravity which is important on some of my slopes.

bontai_Joe · Sep 7, 2009

Any more info on why the Briggs failed? Was it just worn out? low on oil? faulty part?

ae_ted · Sep 8, 2009

a piston ring broke.

2manyrocks · Sep 8, 2009

For durability, I'd be looking at a diesel.

I haven't priced a vanguard engine but I didn't think they were anywhere close to $2,000. There are various places to price them on the web like Jacks Small engines, Surplus Center, etc.

JohnDeereFan8899 · Oct 4, 2009

I would go with the hustler diesel. Hustlers are a top brand for commercial, (besides scag) and the are reliable. depending on the size you are mowing, hustler has options to get the right size mower for the right job. Just ask me, Ive had my hustler for years. All ive done is change oil, add gas, and Im mowing. Also sharpin the blades. Good luck finding a mower.