Grasshopper zero turn

[Anonymous-0]

Just did a little tradin for a Grasshopper 618 zero turn mower. Has a Kohler engine, 48 inch cut, grass catcher and vacum attachment. Has about 130 hrs on it and just a loose guess is around a 2004 model. Friends moved out of state so traded the mower for a once a week mowing and keep an eye on the place until it sells or the end of year. I have been unable to find much info on this mower on-line so was wondering if anyone knew of any do's or dont's and anything to watch out for on this thing until I can track down a manual. Appreciate any advice. Mike

 

[Brendon-KS]

Here"s a site where you can get a manual directly from Grasshopper.

http://www.grasshoppermower.com/support_manual.php

These mowers are made about 10 miles from me in Moundridge, KS by the Moridge company.

 

[El Toro]

Try this web site too. Hal



http://www.grasshoppermower.com/support_asktech.php

 

[Jim in Ma.]

The only thing I can say about any new mowers today - Keep the oil clean and full. Also do not over heat the motor. Any oil and dirt buildup on or around the motor will cause it to overheat.
Good mowers but costly to repair.

 

[Puller504]

All the information you need on commercial mowers can be found on Lawnsite.com. Enjoy! Don

 

[fixerupper]

I bought a new 618 with 54 inch deck in 06. It has a little over 300 hours now and the only time it has given trouble is when a check valve came loose and backed out in the right hydro. It happened this summer and it's only the third one the dealer has ever seen do this. He had it fixed the next day.

As the others say, keep the oil clean and avoid lugging the engine.

The 54 inch deck is a bit much for it in really tall grass, but for normal mowing it's just fine. Jim

 

[John - OH]

Been using Grasshopper's for years. Biggest thing is to follow the maintenance schedule as outlined in the manual.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

No personal experience but always heard the Grasshopper to be an excellent mower.

As noted, don't lug the engine, Kohlers need to run full throttle for cooling, running at lower throttle settings will cause them to overheat. I occasionally pressure wash my Great Dane and when I do I clean the motor including the fan and cylinders (cold).

I've been running my Kohler on Amsoil 10w-30 with either Kohler or Wix filters and nary a problem. If your hydro oil is motor oil (and many are) use what they specify, but consider going to a synthetic, as the system will run cooler and last longer.

Charles

 

[Anonymous-0]

Have a 11 year old 720 with 520 hourson it. Have replaced belts once and one blade-- hit a rock. Real happy with it as a mower.
Everett

 

[David Maddux]

I bought a 718 around 14 years ago. Almost 600hrs on it. I had to replace the electric clutch once and had trouble with one of the hydro's once. It now is fouling out plug on left side, I think when it dies I will repower it with a Honda motor, the rest of the mower has good life yet. My brother wore out a 618. Never had any problems with it, just a lot of hours and finally traded it in on a diesel model. We like them a lot.