[Gibby]

Found this near me for $3,000

 

[MasterMech]

@Pete1313 might know more about the JDs.

 

[Pete1313]

Do you have more info? Hours and serial number or model year? Who is selling it and what shape it is in. That is an older model 2003-2006 with the older M22 cutting unit heads. Price is fair if it doesn't need any work, but newer units can be had from auction for the same price but may need some work.

 

[Gibby]

All they posted was a couple pictures and price.

Anyone have a good list of questions to ask when looking at reels?

 

[Pete1313]

Do the reels engage, do the lift cylinders work to lift the cutting heads, then check the condition of the reels and bearings for play, any issues driving forward or reverse. But the main thing is how many hours it has on it. From what I've read is the Kawasaki engine in these units will need an overhaul at 3000-3500 hours. They have an oil pump driven by a plastic gear that wears out around those hours.

 

[MasterMech]

Do the reels engage, do the lift cylinders work to lift the cutting heads, then check the condition of the reels and bearings for play, any issues driving forward or reverse. But the main thing is how many hours it has on it. From what I've read is the Kawasaki engine in these units will need an overhaul at 3000-3500 hours. They have an oil pump driven by a plastic gear that wears out around those hours.

The same engine was used in the JD425 garden tractor with the same issue. There is an update kit and any service replacements should come with a metal gear instead of the poly gear. Aside from the cam gear issue, these are really good, long-lived engines.