Zero-turn radius riding mower - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

sloride · #16 01-16-2020, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air&Road

Jim is correct on this one. The $5K models are really cheaply built. You need to double that for a decent unit. You need to get a small commercial unit rather than a large residential.

There are many good brands. Bad boy commercial is a good value. I had one for a long time. They handle a little more clunky than others but are as tough as a Sherman tank. I now have a front deck, 72” grasshopper with a power vac and dump from the seat hopper. A tough, well built unit, but not cheap. Worth seeking out used, but be aware that they also make a residential unit that should probably be avoided.

Probably correct on the "big box" run of the mill mowers. Probably all made by one manufacturer. Toro when delivered showed the shipper as MTU.

t walgamuth · #17 01-16-2020, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by engatwork

I have not had any issues with the Kubota diesel.

Does the Kubota have replaceable insert bearings?

Air&Road · #18 01-16-2020, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by engatwork

I have not had any issues with the Kubota diesel.

I fully expect that you never will. A great piece of machinery.

Air&Road · #19 01-16-2020, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Does the Kubota have replaceable insert bearings?

I fully expect that it does. It’s a sure enough industrial engine.

engatwork · #20 01-16-2020, 07:07 PM

I have not had to tear into the engine but I do have an old generator (without the generator) with a four cyl Kubota diesel in it. I could take it apart and let you know but I'm not going to. I paid more for that mower than the last three cars I bought combined and I run synthetic, diesel rated oil in it. Changed hot and often

.

barry12345 · #21 01-16-2020, 10:25 PM

I think the expected rebuild time on a lot of smaller Kubota diesel engines. Is eight thousand hours. This might apply down to their lawn equipment if water cooled.

Botnst · #22 01-16-2020, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air&Road

There again, it depends on which model. There are some models of each brand that have head gasket problems while there are other models that are bullet proof. If you want to junk that welder Bot, let me know and I’ll haul it to the dump for you.

That is very generous of you!

vwnate1 · #23 01-21-2020, 10:35 AM

" I run synthetic, diesel rated oil in it. Changed hot and often"

Atta boy ! .

Oil is the cheapest mechanic there is .

Using fully synthetic oils will in fact allow you to drive the engine clean .

Many years ago I got my son his first mechanic's job in a lawn mower shop, he came home one evening and said " you told me Briggs & Stratton makes good stuff, they use plastic cams and gears, it's all trash designed to fail after a few years of light duty service !" .

Oops .

Kubota makes very good engines yes but after ten years or so they often no longer support parts..... when I was supporting a huge municipal fleet we had to either buy new engines (no, never) or salvage the entire machine due to zero internal engine parts availability .

A shame, what it means to you the owner is : HOT CHANGE THE OIL ON TIME AND ALWAYS A NEW FILTER ! .

Then you'll be amazed at how long it will last .

Air&Road · #24 01-26-2020, 10:40 PM

The Grasshoppers offer models with Kubota gas and diesel liquid cooled engines, I REALLY wish mine had one instead of the 25HP air cooled Koehler. It’s been a good engine, but in the long run I don’t think it will be a match, even a close match for a liquid cooled Kubota, even a gas one.

I bought it used with only 250 hours for a good price so I couldn’t be picky.