rough mower Cancel The title field is required!

1. Paul Double

   

   37 posts
   
   9/17/2016 3:09 PM

   We are currently in need of a rough mower. We are currently running a Lastec 3600 zero turn mower that was a great mower, but the last couple years we have had nothing but problems with this mower. The drive motor belt keeps going bad along with the plastic pulley, the wheel motors have been replaced a couple times as the axle keeps breaking in them, the deck drive has been replaced and upgraded but continues to have issues. We used to run Lastec 721XRs and have an old one as a backup. We liked the 721XRs, but we would have to consider getting a newer tractor as ours is starting to show it is tired. That brings me to this. We do not have a budget to get a new or even one a few year old, we are looking at something a little older. We have been looking at Toro 4500 or 4700, but also open to Jac AR522 or Deere 8800. I know newer machines have less issues, but I am asking anybody had any of these mowers that are 5 years or older and have around 2500 hours, how are they holding up? Is there any of these mowers that don't hold up very well as they get older. Which one would you prefer?
   
   Thanks
   
   Paul L Double

   
   
   
   
2. Thomas Higgins

   

   0 posts
   
   9/17/2016 6:09 PM

   I have a Toro 4500 with almost 3,200 hours and runs great besides the minor maintenace and common issues with bearings and such. We perform a coplete overhaul every winter and inspect machine thouroughly. If you take care of the fluids and change accordingly with filters the only issues you will have is mowing fecks needing TLC. Good Luck....

   
   
   
   
3. Mike Tanis

   

   5 posts
   
   9/18/2016 12:09 PM

   We have an 05 toro 4500, besides the front roller bearings and a couple hydraulic hoses, no issues, i did replace the center cutting unit deck due to rust. No issues with rear rollers but we use a real good grease, swepco 103. Last time i checked it had over 2500 hours, and like previous poster said. Keep up on filter and fluid changes.

   
   
   
   
4. Max Lamas

   

   0 posts
   
   9/19/2016 4:09 AM

   If money is a huge issue you may want to consider sending your tractor out for a complete overhaul. I am in the same predicament where money is an issue. I have come to the conclusion that anything can be fixed as long as it is not rust related. A lot of times it is small things that keep compounding.

   
   
   
   
5. Michael Wagner

   

   0 posts
   
   9/19/2016 11:09 AM

   I've got a JD 8800 that is around 5 years old. Has about 3200 hours on it. I have replaced a hydraulic line here and there and the rear rollers seem to have issues. I go through a couple sets of bearings for each rear roller per year. The lock nuts holding them together don't seem to stay tight even if you locktite them in place. Same for the front rollers. If you stay on top of them and keep them tight then the bearings last a little longer. Maybe 4 months or so with daily use. Other than that it has been a great mower. I did have one major break down where the key-way in the front wheel drive motor broke and tore up the shaft. That meant replacing the drive motor. It's possible that was caused by sabotage though as the nut that holds the wheel on was loosened and went unnoticed and that's what caused the stripping of the key-way. All around its a great mower.

   
   
   
   
6. Michael Hummel

   

   0 posts
   
   9/20/2016 1:09 PM

   Paul:
   
   I saw a machine similar to a Lastec called a "Snake" made by Trimax on a project a few weeks ago. Pesonally not used but it might be would looking at if you like your current set up.. I like the Jake AR-522 if it fits in your budget....

   
   
   
   
7. Ethan Swartzman

   

   4 posts
   
   12/28/2018 11:12 AM

   I'm looking for a used rough mower with individual decks, a Toro 4500, Jacobsen AR-522, John Deere 9009A, I'd like for it to be under 1000 hours, does anyone know of anything or of a good used equipment company that might have one? Thanks!

   
   
   
   
8. Mark Van Lienden

   

   14 posts
   
   12/28/2018 12:12 PM

   turfnet.com has some , golfcoursetrades.com , smith turf and irrigation usually has a good used inventory just a few good places to start.

   
   
   
   
9. Paul Double

   

   37 posts
   
   12/30/2018 9:12 PM

   usedturfequipment.com (Ohio), cutteronline.com (Ohio), miturfequip.com (Michigan)

   
   
   
   
10. Andy Jorgensen

    

    1 posts
    
    1/4/2019 7:01 AM

    Statewide Turf or Global Turf in Florida may help also.