Question on Hours

JPN800 · May 3, 2012

I'm looking into buying a used ZTR mower for my personal use, I want somethin big...60-72" I found a bob cat ZTR226efi for a decent price but it has ~2500 hours on the Kohler 25 hp engine. The complete mower looks good but it was used by a commercial lawn care business. What do you guys think? Buy it or pass and look for a lower hr. machine Keep in mind I'm not looking to spend alot of money.

Jim Thompson · May 3, 2012

2500 hours is getting a little long in the tooth , but that wouldn't stop me if the rest of the machine is in good condition. The key is how well it was maintained. You can get a new short block for that engine at around $1k or less if you are good friends with a dealer. So re-powering it wouldn't be that much of a problem. Another question would be; what are your plans for the machine? If its 2-3 acres a week, go for it. It should serve you fine. One word of caution, only purchase it if you are a fairly decent mechanic because all of these mowers need maintenance.

Jim

JPN800 · May 4, 2012

Thanks, I think I'm going to go for it and yes I am very good with repairs and maintenance. The rest of the machine is in very good condition and I will only be using it up at my summer house that I have to cut every other week or when ever I can get up there. So I dont think that I will put on many hours at all. My 2001 New holland TC35 That I use for brush hogging only has 400 hours..... I'll post a pic of it when I get it.

Jim Thompson · May 4, 2012

After you get it, run a compression check and if the comp is in the 150-160 range or close, the engine should have much life left. With your anticipated use, it should last for years. If I recall correctly, Bobcat is built by Textron Industries and they're known for building some of the toughest commercial equipment. I don't recall them making anything for the consumer market.

Need pics.:thumbsup:

Jim

JPN800 · May 21, 2012

Here is a pic from when I was going over the machine before I started using it. Everything was in great condition except for a bent lift arm that I have now fixed. I used this machine for the first time this weekend and all I can say is WOW.....I cut my grass at least 3-4 times faster than I ever did on my old Cub 50" I love it...