Hello, I just purchased a used Grasshopper 1995 721D with a 9361 mowing deck. I have the owners manual but there are some questions I still have.
I read somewhere on the web, that even a non hydraulic deck can be 'flipped? If done manually. Does anyone know if this is true and if so, how to do it? I presume the hydraulic form of the 'power flip deck' is unique to the deck rather than to the 721D itself and could be purchased if I wanted to buy a new deck. Is this correct?
What is the best way to get access to the blades if this is not a hydraulic flip deck? I have a Mojack that I bought for my Simplicity but wasn't sure if it was okay to use on the Grasshopper. Also, I am planning on converting it to a mulch mower but wanted to know if anyone has had any experience with the mulching kit, part #50359 4. I found a less expensive kit, part number #50359 5 but wasn't sure if the last digit makes it incompatible with my unit. Any information, opinions and thoughts are very much appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read this. Thanks for taking the time to reply to my post.
I ended up emailing Grasshopper and got a very quick response. Very impressive and makes me glad I bought this unit. Apparently this deck cannot be flipped hydraulically or any other way. The recommendation of Dick at Grasshopper was to either run one side of the deck onto a ramp or to hoist the deck up, to get access to the underside of the deck. He made the point that the 33 and 34 series can flip up either electrically or hydraulically but not the one I have and it can't be retrofitted to do that either. Guess I will have to save my pennies for a new deck if I want that feature which I think is great.
In the meantime, I have an electrical hoist I can use to raise the whole deck. I do have another question if anyone wants to take a shot at it.
I was thinking I might just remove the deck from the mower and service it while its detached. Once I remove the two supports on either side of the drive shaft, how do I remove the drive shaft itself?
Will it just pull out or do I have to do something with that silver colored collar on the mower side?? I tried turning it and tried sliding it back and then forward, it does turn but doesn't seem to want to move either forward or backward and turning it didn't seem to do anything. Sorry for all the questions but I can't find the answers in the user's manuals for either the mower or the deck.
Thanks Geoff. Thanks for the information and suggestions.
Grasshopper 721d Price
I did receive an email response from Grasshopper's Tech support, Dick. I had asked him if it would be okay to use an electric hoist to lift the front end, even while the mower deck was attached to the mower and he said it would be okay. I do like your idea as well and may use that but I have this new electric hoist I have been dying to justify having bought already!!!
I may consider at some future point purchasing a new, or used if I can find one, a 33 or 34 series deck. Thanks for the information on the collar needing to be retracted to remove the drive shaft. I will probably end up using some WD-40 or similar lube on it to get it to retract if and when I want to remove the drive shaft to detach the mowing deck. Thanks again. I am learning about this great machine.
Thanks guys for the great advice. I will grease the U joint this afternoon. Am I correct in that if all I want to do is separate the mowing deck from the mower, I DON'T have to do anything with the retaining collar? Or do I have to slide that back to get the drive shaft out from the mowing deck? GeoffI always remove the shaft at the collar because if you want to move the tractor you don't want that shaft sticking out in front of it.
Besides you need to remove it to grease it or at least you do on mine. Also don't overlook the Zerk under the back their is a bearing on that shaft right behind the 2 belts Their is a serk right behind that collar that bearing suports the front of the drive shaft be sure to grease it also.
. Extra-deep, 5.5-inch deck is fabricated from heavy-gauge formed steel with a reinforced anvil edge. Specially designed cutting chambers enhance airflow for better cut quality. Deck easily converts from side discharge to optional Down Discharge™ mulching or PowerVac™ collection.
Sentry™ spindles with massive, 8-inch flanges anchored in a 6-bolt pattern, spread the force of impact for greater strength. Spindle planes are fabricated from double-layered formed steel laminate and combine with the spindles to form a triple-strength deck to keep blades level and deliver a high-quality cut. Sentry™ spindle guards shield spindle housing and seal lower bearings from fiber wrap and dirt ingestion. ComfortZone™ seat eliminates jostles and jolts with coil-spring suspension and a fully padded, high-back seat, padded armrests and variable density foam cushion. Iso-mounting smooths the ride, erases fatigue and keeps the operator comfortably in control at faster mowing speeds. Operational controls including throttle, choke and angled View-Eze™ console and adjustable cup holder are well positioned for visibility and ease of reach. One- or two handed operation with QuikAjust Tilt™ dual levers with 9-inch comfort range to custom fit operator's reach.
Levers automatically return to neutral from either forward or reverse position and are less strenuous than riding mowers with steering wheels. 52-inch 34 Series DuraMax® side-discharge decks, which easily convert to Down Discharge™ mulching or PowerVac™ collection. All come standard with PowerFold® electric deck lift/height adjustment; however, 52-inch manual FoldUp™ decks are also available.
721d Grasshopper Mower Manual
52-inch 34R Series DuraMax® side-discharge decks, which easily convert to Down Discharge™ mulching, rear discharge or PowerVac™ collection and come standard with PowerFold® electric deck lift/height adjustment. 52-inch 35R Series dedicated DuraMax® rear discharge decks, which come standard with PowerFold® electric deck lift/height adjustment. 'We have owned a 700 series mower for 14 years to mow our 5 plus acre yard, but after our retirement my wife Sue said she would like to help out with the mowing so we went to our Grasshopper dealer in Greenville Ky.
(4-Seasons outdoor equipment) where Mike Mundy gave her a great deal on a new 700 series mower. So now we share the mowing duties, and truly love our Grasshoppers. ' — Fred B, Central City, KY 'My wife and I retired and bought an eleven-acre corn field. I mow about 3 1/2 acres which use to take me about 14 hours to mow.
The cut was all but useless. It was with a regular mower. I saw an add for your zero-turn mower, now I do it in about three hours.
The cleaning of the unit is almost effortless. The cut looks professional and the unit is very easy to maintain. If you want a mower that is easy to take care of and want a professional cut, no doubt, get a grasshopper. You will be amazed! Thank you for my Hopper. ' — Angelo S, Greenville, PA 'I purchased my Grasshopper in January, 2009.
Since I purchased it, all of my friends and neighbors are fascinated with the ease and level of performance of this amazing machine. One of my neighbors had already purchased a Grasshopper, and after watching mine perform, another friend and another neighbor are contemplating buying one. This amazing machine cuts a six acre pasture in one and a half hours, compared to four hours, previously, with my tractor and Bushhog. On a hot day like the ones we are having this summer, that could be a life saver. Those are just some of the reasons that my Grasshopper is 'So Much Mower.'
It underscores the slogan on the Grasshopper cap that says: 'Grasshopper, your next mower.' ' — Ardean S, Smithdale, MS. Easy, Dependable Starts. Optimized fuel injector placement and intelligent sensor pack deliver fuel wherever and whenever there is a demand for power. No-choke starting, even in cold weather, when engine is hot or after long periods of storage. Less downtime and maintenance for the life of the engine.
721d Grasshopper Engine Numbers
No messy, gummed-up carburetor to clean up or adjust. User-friendly Diagnostics. Delphi-based diagnostics software resolves engine issues with minimal user effort. Operates like the automotive software used by car dealers to quickly identify issues. Keeps engines in the field and productivity off the charts.
Increased Efficiency. More fuel-efficient carbureted engines. Monitors internal and external factors that can affect engine performance such as fuel grade, fuel quality, ambient air temperature, altitude and engine conditions.
Makes continuous, automatic adjustments to optimize performance, increase fuel efficiency and extend service life. On top of the savings, you’ll also refuel less, increasing overall efficiency. Lowest Operating Cost. Fast payback on your investment.