u/Wyldlyle86

Looking for some advice as I am torn what to do. I currently have a Gravely ZTXL 54” with the Kawasaki FR730v with power bagger attachment. Bought it new in 2012 or 2013. Hours are fairly low, probably in the 500-600hr range. First mow of the season I managed to bend a push rod which cracked the engine block. Not sure how, maybe it was low on oil, shame on me for not checking. The mower has never had a problem before now.

That all being said, engine replacement quoted at about $2500-$2800.

Would you replace the engine on a machine that old? I would be looking at an ariens apex as a replacement with the power bagger, which I understand is comparable to the Gravely ZT HD. (The current zt xl model has lower end hydros?)

So, worth a new engine in a 14 year old machine or bite the bullet and get new?

(I mow about 1 1/2 acres and bag the whole thing, yard is mostly a continuous slope throughout)

Thanks!

Looking for some advice as I am torn what to do. I currently have a Gravely ZTXL 54” with the Kawasaki FR730v with power bagger attachment. Bought it new in 2012 or 2013. Hours are fairly low, probably in the 500-600hr range. First mow of the season I managed to bend a push rod which cracked the engine block. Not sure how, maybe it was low on oil, shame on me for not checking. The mower has never had a problem before now.

That all being said, engine replacement quoted at about $2500-$2800.

Would you replace the engine on a machine that old? I would be looking at an ariens apex as a replacement with the power bagger, which I understand is comparable to the Gravely ZT HD. (The current zt xl model has lower end hydros?)

So, worth a new engine in a 14 year old machine or bite the bullet and get new?

(I mow about 1 1/2 acres and bag the whole thing, yard is mostly a continuous slope throughout)

Thanks!