Buying a Diesel Zero-Turn Mower at Auction and Fixing It (Grasshopper 428D)

[@bettyferguson2815]

I'm an 85 yo female and I subscribed. I'm impressed that you take these things apart and can put them back together! You're a smart cookie! Enjoyed watching you work! Now you have a NEW mower! Yea!

[@peanutsmith1462]

One thing I love about grasshopper, lawn, mowers, they make it to where you can service it. It might be expensive, but this lawnmower should last you for many years to come.

[@iowafox2206]

That and they are commercial grade everything. A little time and maintenance the machine should last forever. One reason I want to get one sometime down the road.

[@yota87truck]

My 325d is 20 years old! Excellent mower! Way better than other cost comparable new residential zero turn mowers.

[@leviwhite182]

The reason it doesnt want to start on a cold start is you need to use the glow plugs. Turn the key to the left for 10 seconds and it will fire right up

[@martyevans2648]

Great video. Watching it gives me confidence to work on my mower without apprehension. I recently bought a 2009 Exmark Diesel zero turn that was used as a commercial machine, so it has plenty of bumps and bruises.

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

You'll be fine. They're not that complicated once you dig in

[@harveyrousejr.2069]

I own a 725D front deck with a 61" deck. They are awesome mowers. Check the air filter and the radiator for debris restriction.

[@gregedwards2532]

I have had grasshopper diesel and love them I seen where it looked like the radiator cover was missing it is a very importin to keep the radiator clean to keep the motor cool and it will help keep the hood in place better

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

I removed the radiator cover temporarily because it needs a new rubber clip connector things and it was rattling, but it will go back on soon

[@frankwrogg2515]

That was a great investment, good for another 20 years

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

I think so too. And I think they're like $20k+ new which is crazy

[@stevevogelman3360]

A tapered shaft is one of the best ways to retain anything to a shaft. A little heat and a shocking blow and off it comes.

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

That was fun!

[@ronaldbryant7710]

You was determined to get that mower to working , and you accomplished the mission, great job.

[@rickybobby9255]

That was a lot of work - but good you got a working mower out of it. Nice bats - great they have a place to hang out during the day. It's so interesting seeing them flying around at dusk.

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

The bats are so awesome! I'm super worried about them with this storm rolling in

[@rickybobby9255]

@@TurkeyLakePublicWorks Wishing you and your neighbors in Florida a safe experience with this most terrible storm. Hoping you all get through this without harm or much damage.

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

@@rickybobby9255 Thanks buddy, we're out of the cone as of this morning so we'll see!

[@rickybobby9255]

@@TurkeyLakePublicWorks Hope Hurricane Milton was not too bad in your area and you, your family, and property are all well.

[@steveparker8723]

The clutch looks new

[@rA4410d]

Whenever I had my gooseneck I drilled a small hole next to where the ball goes and I dropped down a removable fiberglass rod in order to line up that hitch.

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

Ah, ok. That's a good idea. I ended up removing the toolbox. Didn't use it much and preferred the bed space.

[@Yep-y6e]

@@TurkeyLakePublicWorkswhat auction?

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

@@Yep-y6e Tampa Machinery Auction. I believe it's in Thonotosassa.

[@Soetpanda]

Put a poolnoodle on the ballhitch and when you backup against the gooseneck it will bump the noodle and you know your line up :)

[@xcalibre222]

Great Project! It's a good idea to put the nuts back on those hydraulic shafts and screw them down a bit before hammering on them to protect the shafts threads. If those threads get messed up you will have a bugger of a time getting them straightended out to get the nuts back on. Just a heads up.

[@allankolima4428]

Or a copper hammer.

[@Mhurtle65]

WOW I may be getting one of Theas in the near further. This will help me with mine....

[@beeannon2870]

Thanks for posting and for not making 20 videos on the progress 😊 happy mowing

[@jerrybigrig]

😎👍😎 When winching with the gater,put a snatch block in your line,( the pully with a hook) double or triple your line,i1 or 2 snatch blocks,itll be easier on your winch,when putting tapered pullys to shafts,a little silver anti-seeze is a big help,when breaking loose fasteners,use the box end,the open end WILlL open up under stress and round out your bolt head,when pounding out threaded ends of shafts,put the nut on first,itll keep ya from peening over the threaded ends,when cutting near the road,..please dont blow the grass on the road,us motorcycle rideers cant stop on fresh grass..its like wet ice.. Nice job taking it apart and getting it back together..👍😉👍

[@crisk6614]

Nice video. Never heard of a grasshopper but that looks like a solid machine. Two recommendations. 1 - Pulling the hubs. Leave the axle nut on and loose. The hub wont go flying when it lets loose. 2 - When installing the tires, use vice grips to hold the tire down on the rim instead of your legs. You wont cut your legs on the rim if you slip with the pry bar.

[@JCS1069]

My tip for ya, is to cut any old “O-Rings” as you take them off so they don’t find their way back on the part. Thanks for the video.

[@jaycroyle8761]

I have to say I like to see people that do things right, very impressed with your mechanical abilities. Now you have a very reliable zero turn. You now know the inner workings and I'm sure if anything does go wrong, you can fix it. Great job both in your work but also the camera work. For that you get a ATTA BOY from me. have a great day. Jay from Pa.

[@vernt4583]

I have a 321d and it has been working great for 15 years. Only thing I changed the factory turf tires out to the mini rib tires!! I was always getting stuck in soft ground!!

[@asmithh2697]

Worth every penny spent! Good job

[@thomas3059]

You have to release the parking brake before you pull the handles in.

[@BaileysDad369]

Great job on that. Especially the pump rebuilds. You put some money into that machine but I’m sure it’s an expensive unit. I hope you got a great deal on it from the auction.

[@thadmachia9873]

That was a lot of work you put into that hope it works well for you for many years!🎉

[@Corey-dy2cq]

Probably some mowing service ran the crap out of it. That engine is a beast though. Nice find.

[@dhab146]

Great mower, you’ll love the 72 inch deck and fuel efficient kubota! Amazing price to.

[@alriberto380]

On the pumps, there is a drive release bolt to let the pressure out so you can move it manually.crack that sucker a full turn and it’ll roll anywhere. I’m fixing up a 2019 Toro 7000 with a kubota D902. Got it for cheap but I have my work cut out for me as soon as all the rest of the parts come in

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

I should probably learn where that bolt is located

[@alriberto380]

@@TurkeyLakePublicWorkshey boss man just saw your reply. The bolt is that one on the side with a hole through it. The hole is there so if you don’t Have a wrench close by you can shove a screw driver through it and turn it with that. You did a great job and it runs great

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

@@alriberto380 Gotcha! I will check that out. Thanks man!

[@taylorpeters7135]

On cool mornings or after not being used in awhile, turn and hold the key past the off position for about 10 seconds to engage the glow plugs for easier starting. Fires up in 1.5 seconds for me everytime.

[@iowafox2206]

Grasshoppers are great commercial heavy duty machines. Someday I'll have one. But I will for sure have Ag style Bar tires on instead of the turf tires but that's because I live in a hilly area and like the style of them over turf tires.

[@UltraMagaFan2]

I did land maintenance for the US Forest Service for my college internship and I had the opportunity to run one of those Grasshopper 428Ds. It was not my favorite. I didn’t like the controls on it, it rode very rough, and the seat didn’t have any type of suspension on it. After using it for 3+ hours a day it caused my back to hurt. If I was going to buy a commercial machine it would either be an Exmark Lazer Z X Series with the Kawasaki FX801V and the 72” deck or a Ventrac 4520N with the 72” MSMTMU finish mower.

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

It has been a solid mower so far. Keep an eye on your local auctions. They're crazy expensive new

[@nelc4884]

Maybe it is because I bought a used mower but my ag tires don't do that well on hills or if there is moisture in the grass. The machine is pretty heavy you would think it would have no problems on the hills.

[@iowafox2206]

@@nelc4884 that's weird from my experience all the machines I've put ags on they made a huge difference both used and new mowers. I personally believe they are the way to go but everyone has there own opinions and likes.

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

@@nelc4884 You could try lowering the air pressure. I run almost nothing in mine, but they're 8 ply and don't squat much. I tried 10 psi and they spun a lot in the sand

[@StephanPluemer]

Nice Work, you can also use a Solar Panel for your roof, it can load the Battrie at any time, in Germany it cost maybe 50 Euro + 20 Euro for a 12V Regulatur, and looks good ;) I have a Husquvarna iZ2C and have to Rebuild the Mowingdeck Regards from Germany. Stephan

[@kennethewertz9313]

I can't believe how many bats you have in your bat houses. Awesome!

[@Kylebythecreek]

Outstanding work, and incredible job making this video. Can't wait to see more!

[@lamarjohnson6222]

That was a really great video plain and simple Thank you for that grate video So you stay prayed up and stay motivated

[@av8scuba]

I've got a 2003 Grasshopper 725K gas model with a Kohler engine and 61" deck (front mount). I mow 7 acres every week. The only issue I've had was an engine seal that blew. About $200 and it's back in service. They are pricey, but they are built well.

[@MrPegleg45]

Those things are hydrostatic drive. You have to disable the drive wheels to tow it.

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

That would have made it easier for sure

[@kingkong7617]

You made a good deal on the mower and it did a good job.

[@Darryl-y2r]

hey here. s. some people who are buying used stuff make sure you get good information on products. like how old they are and the maintenance on them always ask questions before buying them.

[@revioxy4580]

Love the project bro! Huge tip to save you so much time is torque everything back to spec, those bearing, and hydro units are sensitive and torquing them with the good old that’s tight enough it not ideal, same with the wheel bearing over torquing with the impact will wear out the bearing packs much faster.

[@sledhead904]

I heard that bearing noise during the mow test! good ear

[@victorrobison5069]

You have to put the handles in driving position. When the handles are apart, it engages the brakes. For long distance there is a bypass for the hydro-static drive. Check the battery connections anytime you hear that chattering sound. Not always, but about 80% of the time it's a bad connection when you get the chatter.

[@brandonsilvay4822]

And when you're rebuilding the hex one that had the white ring that you called a spacer with o-ring that has a hole through it that's actually so you can disengage the hydraulics so that way you can move it around by hand without the hydraulics dragging basically it neutralizes the mower so it can be easily maneuvered without the engine running

[@bosshogg3548]

Great job 👍🏻never knew that these types lawn mowers were diesel I want one 😅 love how shep was dabbing love the tag on the front of your truck love how the gator was slipping on the trailer love how you said I just created more work for myself

[@hilham89]

That seal kit is for more than just the ine you have. They have different models of hydro pumps for the mowers, hence the extra o-rings

[@redeemedheathen]

I just rebuilt a hydro gear trans, if I was in your shoes I would have machined flat that bronze almond shaped washer and the revolver barrel piece so they are completely flat without grooves, that keeps the hydraulic pressure running at full pressure and full speed, the spring length is also something that wears out, so giving each one a slight stretch should get it back to near factory spec. Another thing to check for is plunger tolerance in the revolver piece, no real way to fix that besides getting another assembly.

[@richarddbaith5266]

You are way over tightening those oil filters. The filter should be only a little over finger tight. The gasket on the filter can creates the seal and if you over tighten them, it can damage the gasket, causing them to leak.

[@davebrittain9216]

Yes I was dying when he was cranking on those filters. They are always harder to get off than when you put them on once those seals go through some heat cycles. I have bought vehicles what I had to take them off with a chisel.

[@farmingsmallkubota1783]

i love my Auction bought 725d easy to work on, parts are available and it just saves so much time. Grass screen filling up with grass and having to keep an eye on the temp gauge are the only annoying issues i have with it. i noticed your screen was missing

[@dandunlap8638]

The two different sizes on the nut and bolt comes from Ford. The model T came with a tool kit. It kept them from needling to supply two wrenches of the same.

[@christopherwyldeck1992]

Great job and good editing, well done.

[@andreasarncken8309]

hi, nicely done...unless I´ve missed it, you didn´t clean the fuel tank. thye rusted fuelfilter indicated waterpresence, hense a good idea to drain a bit, inspect and maybe clean. Diesels really like their fuel clean and with a bot of TLC these little Kubotas can last up to 10.000hrs...keep the fluids up and good quality oil with regular change and provide clean, waterless fuel

[@Shawn_the_Protogen]

Under 2k hours on a Kubota? Pretty much brand new, barely had time to start the break in process on the engine. Runs like a champ once you fixed it, great job.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

New subscriber. Great job getting that beast running!! I just picked up a Toro 330. Three wheel, front deck. The deck can tip up 90° for service! Much better than a mid deck zero turn! I got it really cheap. It had two disconnected rods in the engine. Was able to clean up the crankshaft. 2 used rods, from eBay. Now I have to figure out the shrouds around the engine! Lots of them! Some with broken mounting tabs. Shaft drive mower deck. The 90° PTO gearbox needed a bearing replaced. This should reduce mowing time compared to my Snapper mid deck. I'll keep both machines. It'll be nice to have a backup mower or two people can attack the grass!

[@Tman317]

Fun video to watch. I was hoping to see your all-in investment. But I'm sure you got a deal. One tip on removing those hubs with a puller. After removing the nut, put it back on a couple of threads, bit still loose. Then pull. It'll come loose, but not shoot across the shop. Not as much fun, but a little safer!

[@nelc4884]

Looks like you are having some of the same issues when I bought an auction grasshopper. My temp light stays on even when the engine is cool and hydraulic issues. I changed my coolant and thermostat and that didn't help the cooling light. I figured since the gauge is working I will just ignore the light for now. Luckily, I just had hydraulic hose failures instead of the pump. My tractor is the 721D and it only has one hydraulic pump for both wheels. Welcome to owning a used grasshopper.

[@alexpegorsch7642]

Whenever you service those hydros next time, be sure to take those Allen plugs out after you spin off the filter or you’ll wait for an eternity for the fluid to drain and none will drain out of the hydros. When installing the fluid, leave those off to allow the fluid to run into the hydros until it weeps out of the top. I always leave them off and spin the wheels a little bit to work out all of the air as well.

[@n2ocharged]

35:00 - The right tools for the job. Excellent work!

[@bigangelman]

Those spindles usually have a large empty void between them and then come with sealed bearings. So if you got grease to come out of them you may have blown out the seals. I would take one side apart and look at it. If you can take out the inner seal.

[@Sagitario23]

Exelente trabajo Amigo . Asi se prepara una maquina q no se conoce . Saludos de Argentina . Javier Carna

[@jamesharless5357]

Great video, looks like the mower does a really good job too!👍🏻

[@richardthomas9263]

You did an amazing job, my only concern was nothing is torqued to spec.

[@LloydJones-p7e]

Hum, things to add to my want,”NEED” list.battery jump pack, 10,000 lb winch with remote, new cargo straps, receptacle for winch on gooseneck trailer, truck, and other trailers…….."…..more to come later. Good video.

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

haha, yes! Good list

[@donhoward4924]

Great video. Very helpful. I’m looking at a used John Deere zero turn diesel.

[@TaylorSummersTS]

anyone else notice the ground cap was still on the battery when he went to test the relay ! will get you everytime 🤣

[@Smalltechguy]

That was a ton of work especially for someone not ever owning one or knowing anything about them. I kept yelling at the screen to check the charging capabilities of the alternator. I see that you had better success with the HF 3 ton puller. I wasn't so lucky even heating the snapper axle up, it wouldn't budge I was thinking that you were going to leave the gator strapped on the trailer and just winch it from there, unless there was just no room to reposition your trailer? Good information to watch for other viewers as well.

[@shaneconrad7816]

I picked up a commercial grade 60” Dixie Chopper new in 2003. Has been very reliable with over 3500 hours on it. Only major repair was head gaskets, Koehler factory used a woven material that burned and blew out. Replaced with fire ring type with metal ring. No other problems sense. Do all my own maintenance. Only issue is it eats blades like crazy. Sandy soil is to blame. If you take care of your equipment, it will take care of you.

[@AlfaReed]

May I suggest using a scrap small and light car hood for a canopy. great video BTW 👍

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

Cool idea!

[@vafafarzaneh4815]

Love the dogs 😊

[@robertkutz]

Nice work great video.👍👍👍👍

[@marlonjenkins7447]

Damn sir. How much grass you got? That looks like Soutfork Ranch. I was looking for Bobby and JR to come walking out. Good God what a yard. I can't believe I sat here and watched this while video but I actually enjoyed it. You found a great machine. I cut two acres every weekend in my yard so I feel your pain. With new machines costing 24,000 these days, you got a great deal. It will last for years and years with good maintenance.

[@kenfrazier616]

Boss old beer boxes make nice drip pans for those spills and there throw aways

[@johnscheffler1514]

Awesome job. Nice mower.

[@TheHomePros6221]

That was a pretty cool vid man! That mower is a beast!!

[@bellowsjeep3999]

Great video! That must have been a ton of work! I bet your channel will grow really fast! New subscriber! Can’t believe how much grass you have to cut…wow!

[@Bluegrassguitarman23]

Yes you should have filled the fuel filter before starting that is something you do any time you change out for new filters

[@terrytenley9327]

Great fix here. Enjoyable watch.. Time to buy some calves and get some great meat for the winter.. keep it going.. 👍☺️

[@mikyahl8749]

Great job man.

[@RIGeek.]

The battery seems to have a shorted cell. It can be recovered but will need to be opened to have all the plates cleaned. Essentially, replace it.

[@RalphRacc00N]

use a rubber band to keep the pistons from falling out the pump when you lower it into the splines.

[@briangriffin9886]

Loved this video its very relaxing

[@frankierutherford1888]

Well done friend

[@tomvarnado8156]

i came across your video .was awesome. i am hooked.AWESOME VIDEO.

[@bernardjones6162]

Great job! Have fun cutting!

[@Cosminachoo]

Jeez... I never seen a press jump that far ! :D :)) And I think its worth the repair cause they cost sooo much brand new !

[@chrishii463]

Man that winch did some work pulling the thing onto the trailer.

[@realtruth716]

Typically these are Hydrostatic drives and the manufacturer has a disconnect release somewhere under the machine,you didn't damage anything but it makes it hard as hell to move.

[@johncraig406]

by the time I am watching this, you have discovered the push/pull rods that disengage the wheels from the transmission. very common on HydrStatic drives.

[@moocow5848]

You have a good ram truck there I like it

[@DoRC]

The reason it was hard to move is because the drive is hydrostatic. There's usually some way to disengage it for towing. Be careful towing it without doing so as it can actually damage the internal components of the drive.

[@JasonStevenson72]

Nice video. Great work.

[@hollythomas2595]

Once’s you go Grasshopper, you will not go back.

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

Grasshopper Gang

[@raymonddurkin]

Put a yard stick on your toolbox, once attached to get a measurement, then each time after extend to that distance and stop when it hits.

[@MRrwmac]

Nice buy! Sorry you had to pay so much for the drives to get rebuilt. But it will be worth it inthe long run. Nice work on rebuilding the pumps! Saw the wifeee holding a baby. You’ve got a mower that will outlast you now. Congrats!

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

Thanks! It's been a great mower so far

[@raymondbowen275]

Yes I use to work on grasshopper lawnmowers at shop in Cullman Alabama we service and sold them good mower battery bad need a new 1 takes alot of voltage to crank it remember when you u get it running take brakes off or you kill engine 😊safely switch bad

[@coolmoodee]

Just a FYI, never mow clippings in the roads. Its illegal in alot of states. I dont know where located , but just a heads up. For motorcycles. Ive been in lawncare since 1986. You've got a great mower there. I do like the front mounted decks though on grasshoppers.

[@davebrittain9216]

You actually destroyed those pumps. When everything fell apart and you said "it's not a big deal", it actually is. Those units are made that each plunger is fitted to the bores and can't be mixed up. I wonder how long it will work like that now? They are not cheap to replace, I find them in the 3k range each. Very expensive units!

[@paultompkins6243]

Looks like someone been there before on some of the parts already thats why they probably sold it and the temp sensor might be bad and i would check the alternator

[@FloydBrown-x2i]

There should be a hydro bypass on the transmission that lets it freewheel. (need a wrench to turn bolts on both sides (find a manual - hydraulic transmissions are a bear to push manually). I restored my Hustler Mini-Z, and it is wonderful - but not a diesel)

[@toofam2997]

Add a ring of red tape or something around the part of the arm going down so you can align it with the part of the trailer that you can see.

[@richardlafleur2511]

What a great investment.

[@lmfarms4611]

You need some Goats or Sheep to mow all of that grass. Great video, great find!

[@RandyOwnbey-jx3qh]

It starts easier if you use the glow plugs

[@nodaklojack]

Yeah, our Kubota diesel in our grasshopper still requires glow plugs in the summer.

[@TurkeyLakePublicWorks]

Gotcha. Yeah, those little Kubotas always seem a little tough to start, but I never think about glow plugs in FL. Thanks!