It's great to teach and supervise the kids. My dad always taught me the safe way to use tools and it gives kids responsibility. One day soon they will behind the wheel of a car. Kudos to you and your wife.
Thank you. My dad did the same, and who is going to teach them properly if the parents don’t? The answer is experience and unfortunately that doesn’t always end well. I appreciate the comment. God Bless.
Well thank you for the compliment. That means a lot. We believe in raising kids, and teaching them to love God, famil, America and working hard. Thanks again!
I try and get my 16 year old stepson to mow a lawn with a rider and he is too lazy to even do that. It’s refreshing to see your child taking initiative and he seems very aware and safe at the controls for a beginner.
Quick tip run the mower at full rpm all the time especially when mowing or pulling a trailer if you don’t do this it will were the transmission down also don’t use the deck wash it honestly makes a mess and exposing water to the blades will dull them up and instead of cutting it will tear the grass and kill the lawn also try and stay away from mowing when the grass is wet again back to under the deck every annual service on the mower scrape out the deck, sharpen blades and spray a silicone spray under the deck to keep the grass from building up these are just tips to make the mower last as long as possible also great choice of a mower
Thank you, we have started running at full RPM, and I haven’t used the deck wash much at all. But I appreciate the silicone spray tip. I’ll have to add that in!
I appreciate that comment, I honestly only realized that about a week ago 🤦♂️, which makes me feel stupid because I knew that. I believe it’s suppose to create a suction. Is that right?
Just got a z330r, my first JD and zero turn! Question; does the hour meter stay on all the time, even when engine is off and key removed?! I understand it tracks engine time when running; but would have thought the screen would be blank with no engine running producing power. Love the mower so far!
Yes the hour meter stays on all the time. I believe it has its own internal battery it draws from. It doesn’t count unless running. Good question. Enjoy the zero turn. JD makes it fun and fast (too fast) mowing with these machines. Thanks for watching!
Hey thanks for reaching out. While I can’t give an honest report on the Gravely as I’ve never owned one, I can say I’m extremely happy with the JD. My understanding is they have the exact same engine, and most of the specs are the same except for the main ones of 10 inch deck size (mine is 42, the gravely is 52), back tires are about 2 inches smaller on the JD, and the price is much less for the JD, also I’m partial to green over red 😂. I would say it depends on your size land and budget. But I can say I’ve been impressed by this mower. It’s super easy to use as even my kids can mow well with it. It’s very comfortable to mow with. The controls are very responsive and maintenance is super easy. I did a video on end of season maintenance, honestly couldn’t have been easier. I’m not sure about the warranty for the Gravely but the JD offers a 3 year/200 hour warranty. Again I’m very happy with my purchase, and am looking forward to this mowing season. Good luck with your choice, and let me know what you go with!
I researched doing that same thing, and I was getting conflicting information on this. But ended up doing it after 6 hours too, and since I only got it toward the middle of mowing season last year, I may take your advice and do it again after 20 hours. Thanks!
You can change oil and oil filter at 5 hours as a "break-in" oil change but you certainly won't be due for an air filter & fuel filter change that soon. Same with spark plugs if you were considering those too. You should be able to go an entire season before needing those (at the very least). I see you drive it through some dirty dusty areas so you might consider getting a foam pre-filter that fits over your existing air filter. It's very inexpensive and you can remove it periodically and clean it and replace it. It will make your paper air filter last much longer. 93 octane gas will give you no performance advantage (ask anyone who mows commercially...they don't waste money on 93 octane!) Just stick to top tier 87 octane that has a decent detergent and you'll be fine. It's what these engines were designed to run on. If you can find ethanol free gas that would be a better (and costlier) choice, but 10% ethanol is fine as long as you are not letting the mower sit for extended periods of time without running (over the winter). Even then, just add a fuel stabilizer to fresh fuel and you'll be fine for storage. I have a Z330R and I am enjoying mine as well!
ok, I appreciate the info. I may look into one of the pre filters. I actually injured my back pretty badly so unfortunately my videos have been put on hold for a time. so by default it may end up being end of season time 😁
I have a few slopes on my yard that are alittle steep. If I go up and down then I have no issues, and if the ground is dry then I have no issues at all. I do have one very steep slope that I don’t attempt. I haven’t tried any ditches but again if it’s not too steep it should be fine as long as the grass is wet. And going straight up and down gives you the best traction typically
What is the steepest degree hill you have? I am debating getting a zero turn but I have a hill that ranges from 16-18 degrees that I mow up and down with my current tractor style.
Well my steepest is probably around 40 degrees or more. That one I can’t completely get as I’m afraid of tipping. It’s actually not my hill to mow/weed eat but my elderly neighbors, so I just take care of it. My other largest inclines are around 20-30 degrees and on a dry day I can mow it side to side and up and down. On wet grass up and down is no issues. When it’s wet you don’t want to attempt any type of turning as you have no control and can easily slide down the incline. A few years ago I was mowing my father in law’s and he has a large sand mound and I tried to turn slightly on wet grass and slid the whole way down into a tree,(no damage was done) and that was up and down. A 16-18 degree hill shouldn’t be a problem especially when dry.
I was advised by my Father in law who has a JD zero turn to get the higher quality fuel 93, instead of 87 regular. So thats all I have done. I don’t believe it’s recommended to use a mix, and I haven’t heard that personally, but I’m in no way a professional Tractor mechanic. Enjoy your zero turn, it’s actually a blast to mow
Thanks, I didn’t realize it until your comment that my son had the ear pro down around his neck instead of on while on my wife’s lap. I do however completely agree. The other portions of the video you will see my kids wearing ear pro. I appreciate the reminder though!
where does it say the oil has to be changed at between 5 to 10 hours, the manufacturer says 50 hours and the engine manufacturer says 50 hours, being in the business for about 40 years i have not seen any literature from any place but the internet that tells you this.
You are exactly right. I have since stated (in another comment) that I was getting conflicting information (internet vs manual) and that it actually wasn’t really needed, just something many people recommended. Thanks for the comment though!
Yes I do, and that’s why teaching them is so important. the majority happen from ages 3-5 (I don’t have any of those any more ☺️). But accidents can happen in a moment, so we have been teaching them without using the blades, then work to it when they are ready. It is a child by child basis, each one will be ready at different times. my 10 year old is quite responsible, but my 8 year old… may never get to mow 😂. Either way, safety is important to me. I use to be an ER nurse, and I saw plenty of people with mower injuries although most of what I saw were adults trying to move something away from the blade area while the blades were running 🤷♂️.
It's great to teach and supervise the kids. My dad always taught me the safe way to use tools and it gives kids responsibility. One day soon they will behind the wheel of a car. Kudos to you and your wife.
Thank you. My dad did the same, and who is going to teach them properly if the parents don’t? The answer is experience and unfortunately that doesn’t always end well. I appreciate the comment. God Bless.
I have a z325 and love it, I've been doing videos and started a Channel to help others learn about it!, thank you for your videos
Awesome! Thank you!
These are the type of parents all should aspire to be like. Taking time and using patience to teach their child.
Well thank you for the compliment. That means a lot. We believe in raising kids, and teaching them to love God, famil, America and working hard. Thanks again!
I try and get my 16 year old stepson to mow a lawn with a rider and he is too lazy to even do that. It’s refreshing to see your child taking initiative and he seems very aware and safe at the controls for a beginner.
Thank you. Definitely trying to instill good values and hard work in them
Quick tip run the mower at full rpm all the time especially when mowing or pulling a trailer if you don’t do this it will were the transmission down also don’t use the deck wash it honestly makes a mess and exposing water to the blades will dull them up and instead of cutting it will tear the grass and kill the lawn also try and stay away from mowing when the grass is wet again back to under the deck every annual service on the mower scrape out the deck, sharpen blades and spray a silicone spray under the deck to keep the grass from building up these are just tips to make the mower last as long as possible also great choice of a mower
Thank you, we have started running at full RPM, and I haven’t used the deck wash much at all. But I appreciate the silicone spray tip. I’ll have to add that in!
Nice video! I just ordered a Z330R and I’m adding the bagger! Looking forward to getting to work!
Hope you enjoy it!
It’s fantastic! Love it!
@@jrowson really makes mowing fun
You should be using that washout port on your driveway with the deck all the way down and it will work better.
I appreciate that comment, I honestly only realized that about a week ago 🤦♂️, which makes me feel stupid because I knew that. I believe it’s suppose to create a suction. Is that right?
Just got a z330r, my first JD and zero turn! Question; does the hour meter stay on all the time, even when engine is off and key removed?! I understand it tracks engine time when running; but would have thought the screen would be blank with no engine running producing power. Love the mower so far!
Yes the hour meter stays on all the time. I believe it has its own internal battery it draws from. It doesn’t count unless running. Good question. Enjoy the zero turn. JD makes it fun and fast (too fast) mowing with these machines. Thanks for watching!
The young man did a great job. 👍
I am looking at this one and a Gravely ZT XL and I welcome opinions.
Hey thanks for reaching out. While I can’t give an honest report on the Gravely as I’ve never owned one, I can say I’m extremely happy with the JD. My understanding is they have the exact same engine, and most of the specs are the same except for the main ones of 10 inch deck size (mine is 42, the gravely is 52), back tires are about 2 inches smaller on the JD, and the price is much less for the JD, also I’m partial to green over red 😂. I would say it depends on your size land and budget. But I can say I’ve been impressed by this mower. It’s super easy to use as even my kids can mow well with it. It’s very comfortable to mow with. The controls are very responsive and maintenance is super easy. I did a video on end of season maintenance, honestly couldn’t have been easier. I’m not sure about the warranty for the Gravely but the JD offers a 3 year/200 hour warranty. Again I’m very happy with my purchase, and am looking forward to this mowing season. Good luck with your choice, and let me know what you go with!
very cool indeed!
Wow, that's a big guy for 10.
😂 I grow them big. Used the same recipe for all 3!
I changed my oil 3x when new once after 6hrs then 20 hrs then at 40 hrs, it is 15 yrs old D140 runs like it's new then once a yr
I researched doing that same thing, and I was getting conflicting information on this. But ended up doing it after 6 hours too, and since I only got it toward the middle of mowing season last year, I may take your advice and do it again after 20 hours. Thanks!
Great video, but it's service recommended at 50 hours...not 5 hours.
Yes, you are right! I had previously read many people claiming at 5, but not manufacturer recommended
You're supposed to do the first oil change 8 to 10 hours, then every 50 hours or every season.
You can change oil and oil filter at 5 hours as a "break-in" oil change but you certainly won't be due for an air filter & fuel filter change that soon. Same with spark plugs if you were considering those too. You should be able to go an entire season before needing those (at the very least). I see you drive it through some dirty dusty areas so you might consider getting a foam pre-filter that fits over your existing air filter. It's very inexpensive and you can remove it periodically and clean it and replace it. It will make your paper air filter last much longer. 93 octane gas will give you no performance advantage (ask anyone who mows commercially...they don't waste money on 93 octane!) Just stick to top tier 87 octane that has a decent detergent and you'll be fine. It's what these engines were designed to run on. If you can find ethanol free gas that would be a better (and costlier) choice, but 10% ethanol is fine as long as you are not letting the mower sit for extended periods of time without running (over the winter). Even then, just add a fuel stabilizer to fresh fuel and you'll be fine for storage. I have a Z330R and I am enjoying mine as well!
ok, I appreciate the info. I may look into one of the pre filters. I actually injured my back pretty badly so unfortunately my videos have been put on hold for a time. so by default it may end up being end of season time 😁
Where to get foam pre filter?
The pre filter actually came in the John Deere maintenance kit I purchased.
@@Backyardsurvival-5 That's great! it should come on the mower when you buy it new too...but mine didn't!
Nice!!!!
Any problems with slopes
Ever try ditch
I have a few slopes on my yard that are alittle steep. If I go up and down then I have no issues, and if the ground is dry then I have no issues at all. I do have one very steep slope that I don’t attempt. I haven’t tried any ditches but again if it’s not too steep it should be fine as long as the grass is wet. And going straight up and down gives you the best traction typically
Thanks
I added a video of me on slopes/hills in my yard. It may give some insight to how it does for you.
What is the steepest degree hill you have? I am debating getting a zero turn but I have a hill that ranges from 16-18 degrees that I mow up and down with my current tractor style.
Well my steepest is probably around 40 degrees or more. That one I can’t completely get as I’m afraid of tipping. It’s actually not my hill to mow/weed eat but my elderly neighbors, so I just take care of it. My other largest inclines are around 20-30 degrees and on a dry day I can mow it side to side and up and down. On wet grass up and down is no issues. When it’s wet you don’t want to attempt any type of turning as you have no control and can easily slide down the incline. A few years ago I was mowing my father in law’s and he has a large sand mound and I tried to turn slightly on wet grass and slid the whole way down into a tree,(no damage was done) and that was up and down. A 16-18 degree hill shouldn’t be a problem especially when dry.
@@Backyardsurvival-5 great info. Thanks for the reply
Hey, I just posted a new video showing me on the hills in my yard. Hopefully this helps you with some extra info
I heard people say they put fuel+oil for the first 2 cycles ? What did you do ? I get mine on monday
I was advised by my Father in law who has a JD zero turn to get the higher quality fuel 93, instead of 87 regular. So thats all I have done. I don’t believe it’s recommended to use a mix, and I haven’t heard that personally, but I’m in no way a professional Tractor mechanic. Enjoy your zero turn, it’s actually a blast to mow
Recommend hearing protection
Thanks, I didn’t realize it until your comment that my son had the ear pro down around his neck instead of on while on my wife’s lap. I do however completely agree. The other portions of the video you will see my kids wearing ear pro. I appreciate the reminder though!
where does it say the oil has to be changed at between 5 to 10 hours, the manufacturer says 50 hours and the engine manufacturer says 50 hours, being in the business for about 40 years i have not seen any literature from any place but the internet that tells you this.
You are exactly right. I have since stated (in another comment) that I was getting conflicting information (internet vs manual) and that it actually wasn’t really needed, just something many people recommended. Thanks for the comment though!
Oil is cheap, motors are not
Change the oil
Be careful running the PTO without full throttle it can damage the engine real fast
that’s interesting, I have read both sides of the coin on that and can’t find which one is right, low throttle or full throttle
@@Backyardsurvival-5 I run mine at full when I’m running the PTO but if I’m done using it I throttle it down before I park it
I have read enough people agreeing with you, so I may need to change my ways. Thanks!
@@Backyardsurvival-5 np man and watch out with the belt on your John Deere I heard a lot abt the belts slipping on that model
Really, that stinks, I’ll keep a watch out and update if it happens 🤞🏻 not though.
Do you have any idea how many children are killed by lawn mower accidents ?
Yes I do, and that’s why teaching them is so important. the majority happen from ages 3-5 (I don’t have any of those any more ☺️). But accidents can happen in a moment, so we have been teaching them without using the blades, then work to it when they are ready. It is a child by child basis, each one will be ready at different times. my 10 year old is quite responsible, but my 8 year old… may never get to mow 😂. Either way, safety is important to me. I use to be an ER nurse, and I saw plenty of people with mower injuries although most of what I saw were adults trying to move something away from the blade area while the blades were running 🤷♂️.