Grasshopper with Kubota Diesel

[Builtough]

I've got a 2003 Grasshopper 725A that is on it's last leg so I told my Kubota dealer (who also sells Grasshopper) to keep an eye out for any Diesel powered grasshoppers that come in on trade. I've been wanting a diesel mower so I can justify getting a small diesel fuel tank and not worry about 5 gal cans anymore. He called this week and said he had a 722D coming in with 1300 hours on it. The don't make this model anymore so I can't find much info on it, but he says it's the same frame size/same mower with a 22hp Kubota diesel instead of my current 25p Kohler gas. Both have 60" decks.

I don't want to start a discussion about the best zero turn mowers as I'm set on Grasshopper (I have very steep hills and the dealer is 2 miles away). But I wanted to see if any of you have experience with this model of mower 722D or know anything about the 22hp Kubota motor (issues, life expectancy, etc.)

Thanks for looking

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

My only comment on the mower part of the equation is that 22HP on a diesel is comparable to more like 40HP gas.

A Kubota diesel will have at least 3000 hours and on up if properly maintained (I have seen some in the 10000 range).
Quick tell of wear is blow-by out the valve cover breather tube, and how smooth and quick it starts.

 

[Builtough]

Thanks for that advice. Will the breather tube normally have enough air to feel, or if I feel anything should be suspicious?

 

[D2Cat]

Ask the dealer, very nonchalantly, who traded it in. If it was a commercial use mower be aware the hours may not be actual. Need to look for wear points and conditions of tires, paint, decals, etc. to help determine if hours are legitimate.

If you have many trees to mow around/under I would not be looking at a mid-mount deck.

Commercial mowing guys will sometimes disconnect the hour meter after some use to make the machine pass for less use.

 

[JohnnyFbomb]

Commercial mowing guys will sometimes disconnect the hour meter after some use to make the machine pass for less use.

Oh man! That's not very honest

 

[Tooljunkie]

I spent 6 years maintaining 3 of those 722d's
I wouldnt think twice of buying the high hour machine, just under 3000 if i recall. Didnt use oil and ran perfect up til the day i moved on. It did pop a head gasket at 2500 hours.goon running it never cleaned rad screen. Didnt take much to get it back up and running.
Tough machines if you ask me.
I have a 48" deck here at home, installed a 18 hp motor on it and drag it around behind my tractors for extra cutting width.

 

[Tooljunkie]

I would like to add i serviced them every 100 hours, grease whenever i was swapping blades.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Thanks for that advice. Will the breather tube normally have enough air to feel, or if I feel anything should be suspicious?

You'll see it if it has an issue, it will be smoking , not just a little, but a lot!

 

[Builtough]

Appreciate the feedback from everyone. I'm hoping the dealer calls me tomorrow to come check it out.