Posted by Donald F. Blair [162.158.79.194] on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 13:37:03 :
In Reply to: Re: I owned a mower shop for 4 years posted by Tom Petroff (IL) [162.158.75.205] on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 10:14:53 :
I wore out a Grasshopper after almost 25 years of use on my property - hilly, lots of rocks, 3-4 acres to mow. The Grasshopper was "OK" but had terrible traction with the factory tires, and always felt a little flimsy for commercial use. Replaced it 10-12 years ago with an Exmark "Frontrunner". Built far stroner with heavier gauge everything than the grasshopper. Love this model because the mower deck is forward of the front wheels allowing me to mow under fence lines and get into multiflore roses.
Warranty care has been excellent, has needed basic maintenance. Growing strong after all of these years and 900+ hours. Not sure they make this model anymore...landscapers couldn't get as many of these on a trailer as the conventional ones. Front deck also raises up hydraulically so changing blades or cleaning the underdeck is easy so it gets done more often. That said, convenient, good dealer support for parts and service is essential. Good luck.