I live in town and have always used a push mower. 3 years ago I bought a Gravely ztx 52. I do have the biggest yard in my neighborhood but a 52 inch mower is overkill. My lawn looks like a golf course, perfectly striped and lusciously green. I love my Gravely
Just bought this rig. Didn't know about the levers to enable pushing. Didn't know about the recommendation to engage and disengage blades at half throttle. Thanks brother!
I just picked up an HD60 as my first zero-turn and first riding mower for about 4 acres. I'm not familiar with small engine maintenance, and this video has been such a relief for me in establishing a good baseline knowledge for what to look for and how to get it done. Presented so clearly. Can't thank you enough.
I just got one can't wait to use it in a month. Went from stamped junk 42 inch. Took 6 hours to mow I'm hoping this 60 inch cuts that time in half. Nice video man
I live in Missouri. Just getting ready to buy that exact model. I have to say you did an excellent video young man. I imagine you are also an excellent service man too. Thank you so much.
Your comment about engaging and disengaging the PTO at low engine speed is the exact opposite of the Gravely owners manual. The manual has warning about this and it states: "IMPORTANT: Engaging the PTO knob with the throttle lever set lower than fast position can cause excessive belt wear. ALWAYS use fast position when engaging the PTO." They also state to turn off PTO before setting the throttle to slow speed. The manual says this is to help reduce belt wear, but your stated goal is to reduce clutch wear and I would think a clutch would be way more expensive and more difficult to replace than a belt, but I hate when I have conflicting information like this. Have you reached out to Gravely to get clarification on this at all. Additionally both your front and rear tire pressure recommendations are outside the range that the Gravely manual states (Front: 20-25psi, Rear: 15-18psi). I'm not trying to be a PITA I just want to make sure I'm doing things correctly to keep my equipment working well and to hopefully not cause problems by doing a procedure incorrectly.
Yep…..I said the same thing. If you break a belt you are removing the clutch anyways. My rep’s answer to your stated fact about cost of belts vs. clutch was….”how many belts vs. clutches will fail more.” Touché
Mine had left transaxle weakness, wouldn’t pull much on the left side! Dealer and district rep told me I’d get used to it, that there was nothing they could do or would do! I was told this at the break in service! They did the service too!
Awesome video! The only thing is that when you're talking about engaging the blades at about half throttle, the manual says to engage the blades at full throttle to prevent belt slippage.
Addicted to watching videos on ZT mowers. This winter is going to suck having to wait until spring to get into one (assuming I have decided on a model AND found one in stock/able to order!)
@@teeeye3740 Thanks for this! I actually scored a deal on a Gravely and bit the bullet. First day home, and each weekend since- I have mowed my lawn AND both neighbors :)
I just picked up my ZT HD (May2024) and it doesn't have the oil drain tube like the one you showed. Instead they gave me a clear plastic tube that slides onto a drain. I'm not sure how it works, but I'll figure it out. The optional rubber mat on the lift up panel sure is nice. Also there is an after market air cleaner that improves the protection.
Great video, Josh! Is the ZTHD 52” supposed to come with a rubber hose attached to the engine for oil changes? I purchased mine and it did not come with a rubber hose with the brass ends but instead just came with a plastic piece and a clear vinyl hose.
Sounds like a Gravely "beancounter" issue. They'll delete or cheapen every part they can, every year they can. No different than any other manufacturer.
I thought that was funny when you said you should check the air cleaner at least once a month. I clean mine every morning before going out. And yes, I am using my 44" HD for lawn jobs, it works fine, just keep an eye on the air filter and the oil and you'll be fine.
Damn I told people to always engage and disengage blades at full throttle. I thought it was easier on the belts. Especially engaging because the belts need to have the engine reving up high to get spinning correctly on their pulleys.
Thanks for making this excellent and informative video. I need a new mower for my 2.5 acre yard and am currently trying to decide if I want to go with the ZT HD60 or spend a bit more and go with the lowest ProTurn series offering. I have a pretty steep incline to contend with and would feel better if the mower had a roll bar. Can a roll bar be added to the ZT HD series mowers? Thanks!
Owners manual from Ariens/Gravely says Engage the PTO belt clutch at FAST position only, otherwise excessive belt wear will occur, they built it, they should know!!..
I am very interested in the ZT HD 52, has gravely done anything on the 2023 models to deal with the deck rattle issues I have read about? From what I understand it was most the 52’s that do it. Thanks
I own 2 Kubota tractors and their manuals caution against engaging the PTO at full throttle. You get what's called--shocking the PTO! In the morning when you get out of bed, do you ease yourself out of it? Or would you prefer to jump out like a mad man?
Yes I can do a little review of it and as for the seat I do know how to fix that there’s a little bracket that is underneath the seat it is probably 6-8inches wide it needs to be moved to the top of the seat mount plate not left on the bottom. Simple quick change. It’s easy to miss in set up
@@Carlsmower thanks I’m gonna go try it now other than that the mower is outstanding & I’ve gotta give a small shout out to my local gravely dealer here in NC johnnie shubert’s in newton North Carolina
So, the 2021 hd... Does that have the x factor 2 deck? I got mine a few weeks ago but it doesn't have the taper in the front like the x factor 3, but can't find anything saying if it's the x factor 2 or not.
You're the go to guy on RUclips for this mower lol, any idea of torque specs for blade bolts? Doesn't show it in the manual, and can't find it ANYWHERE.
@@Carlsmower awesome, thanks for the reply. I have a gravely dealer right around the corner from me, and an exmark Dealer about 4 miles away. It's between this and the radius 52, but I can get a gravely for cheaper obviously. The only thing I'm really losing out on is the rops system, but I can buy that and still be cheaper than the radius.
Gravely….and I questioned this myself….they suggest you engage the blades at FULL THROTTLE due to the way the belts are wound through the pulleys. I called them.
I live in town and have always used a push mower. 3 years ago I bought a Gravely ztx 52. I do have the biggest yard in my neighborhood but a 52 inch mower is overkill. My lawn looks like a golf course, perfectly striped and lusciously green. I love my Gravely
Josh is a natural, does not lose his train of thought when changing subject/component. I would trust him with my new Gravely, for sure. Thanks.
Just bought this rig. Didn't know about the levers to enable pushing. Didn't know about the recommendation to engage and disengage blades at half throttle. Thanks brother!
Dealer told me to start and stop both blade and motor at max 🤷🏽♂️
@@leeroyjenkins9992he sells parts doesn’t he
I just picked up an HD60 as my first zero-turn and first riding mower for about 4 acres. I'm not familiar with small engine maintenance, and this video has been such a relief for me in establishing a good baseline knowledge for what to look for and how to get it done. Presented so clearly. Can't thank you enough.
Matt enjoy your awesome new mower.
How do you like your 60! Inch gravely?
EXCELLENT VIDEO!!! It helped me in making the decision to purchase my Gravely ZT HD 60 on 03-22-2024.
Just bought this machine this past week. It amazes me the things the dealer didn't show me. Thanks for the helpful video.
Thanks for watching!
I just got one can't wait to use it in a month. Went from stamped junk 42 inch. Took 6 hours to mow I'm hoping this 60 inch cuts that time in half. Nice video man
Sweet!!
I live in Missouri. Just getting ready to buy that exact model. I have to say you did an excellent video young man. I imagine you are also an excellent service man too. Thank you so much.
Great video! I’m having a 60” delivered tomorrow and took notes while I watched this.
I just got the Gravely 52 HD 23 kawasaki and I love it
It’s a pretty amazing unit
Your comment about engaging and disengaging the PTO at low engine speed is the exact opposite of the Gravely owners manual. The manual has warning about this and it states: "IMPORTANT: Engaging the PTO knob with the throttle lever set lower than fast position can cause excessive belt wear. ALWAYS use fast position when engaging the PTO." They also state to turn off PTO before setting the throttle to slow speed. The manual says this is to help reduce belt wear, but your stated goal is to reduce clutch wear and I would think a clutch would be way more expensive and more difficult to replace than a belt, but I hate when I have conflicting information like this. Have you reached out to Gravely to get clarification on this at all. Additionally both your front and rear tire pressure recommendations are outside the range that the Gravely manual states (Front: 20-25psi, Rear: 15-18psi). I'm not trying to be a PITA I just want to make sure I'm doing things correctly to keep my equipment working well and to hopefully not cause problems by doing a procedure incorrectly.
Yep…..I said the same thing. If you break a belt you are removing the clutch anyways. My rep’s answer to your stated fact about cost of belts vs. clutch was….”how many belts vs. clutches will fail more.”
Touché
Save your clutch and do what this guy says. I look at it like your vehicle brakes, the faster you are traveling the more wear on them.
Mine had left transaxle weakness, wouldn’t pull much on the left side! Dealer and district rep told me I’d get used to it, that there was nothing they could do or would do! I was told this at the break in service! They did the service too!
Awesome video! The only thing is that when you're talking about engaging the blades at about half throttle, the manual says to engage the blades at full throttle to prevent belt slippage.
U can do whatever you want but would you rather change a belt or a clutch I think that's what he is getting at.
@@jimmytimber7074indeed
what kind of oil ? Can you buy a transmission kit if so where?
Good job explaining it 😊
Addicted to watching videos on ZT mowers. This winter is going to suck having to wait until spring to get into one (assuming I have decided on a model AND found one in stock/able to order!)
Check out some videos on the Wright ZK 37hp efi mowers. They’ve changed our business
@@teeeye3740 Thanks for this! I actually scored a deal on a Gravely and bit the bullet. First day home, and each weekend since- I have mowed my lawn AND both neighbors :)
I just picked up my ZT HD (May2024) and it doesn't have the oil drain tube like the one you showed. Instead they gave me a clear plastic tube that slides onto a drain. I'm not sure how it works, but I'll figure it out. The optional rubber mat on the lift up panel sure is nice. Also there is an after market air cleaner that improves the protection.
I want that air cleaner, who had it?
Your videos convinced me to go with this. First mow this weekend !
Best lawn mower video EVER thanks
What model do you own?
Great video, Josh! Is the ZTHD 52” supposed to come with a rubber hose attached to the engine for oil changes? I purchased mine and it did not come with a rubber hose with the brass ends but instead just came with a plastic piece and a clear vinyl hose.
Sounds like a Gravely "beancounter" issue. They'll delete or cheapen every part they can, every year they can. No different than any other manufacturer.
I've got 4.5 acres and 2 badboy ZT Elites with 60" decks, tough as nails mowers 😊
I thought that was funny when you said you should check the air cleaner at least once a month. I clean mine every morning before going out. And yes, I am using my 44" HD for lawn jobs, it works fine, just keep an eye on the air filter and the oil and you'll be fine.
I like the fact that you check it every day especially in heavy usage great job
Thank you Bro for helping me out just got my zero turn last week , Im a rookie but feel much better now lol 👍
So glad that we could help
You're good at this you're answering so many of my questions thx
Awesome, glad we can help!
Damn I told people to always engage and disengage blades at full throttle. I thought it was easier on the belts. Especially engaging because the belts need to have the engine reving up high to get spinning correctly on their pulleys.
To me as a mechanic, this is the opposite of logical thinking.
Great presentation! Is there a lift strap for raising the rear end?
I bought a new zthd yesterday. The steering bars are very stiff and hard to push and pull. Is this normal or shoukd they be easier?
Thanks for making this excellent and informative video. I need a new mower for my 2.5 acre yard and am currently trying to decide if I want to go with the ZT HD60 or spend a bit more and go with the lowest ProTurn series offering. I have a pretty steep incline to contend with and would feel better if the mower had a roll bar. Can a roll bar be added to the ZT HD series mowers? Thanks!
If you step up go to the ProTurn ZX with the Kawasaki engine. As for the HD there is an option for a roll bar.
My zt 42.will not cut weed just.grass...help
Owners manual from Ariens/Gravely says Engage the PTO belt clutch at FAST position only, otherwise excessive belt wear will occur, they built it, they should know!!..
are you talking about Honda chain lube on pivot points?
I am very interested in the ZT HD 52, has gravely done anything on the 2023 models to deal with the deck rattle issues I have read about? From what I understand it was most the 52’s that do it.
Thanks
Did you find anything out? Looking at getting the same one
good video. how do you time the transmission. it has more pull to the left lever and will not run straight. it pulls to the left
I LOVE MINE!!
Good job thank you
I took my key out yesterday and now it won't go back in the ignition. Any ideas?
The manual states that the front tire pressure should be between 20 and 25psi.
If you’re on a golf course, if not take some air out.
I have 6 acres. Will this Gravely be okay.
How long to cut 3 acres with the 48” version
Does the ZT HD have any zerk grease fittings?
Very informative. Maybe I missed it, but what is the recommended torque spec for the wheels?
90 ft/lb for rear lugs
Great video 👍 I have this machine and love it
It’s a freaking sweet ride!
The manual says engage blades at full throttle,what do we do?
I own 2 Kubota tractors and their manuals caution against engaging the PTO at full throttle. You get what's called--shocking the PTO! In the morning when you get out of bed, do you ease yourself out of it? Or would you prefer to jump out like a mad man?
Is it better to purchase a 48" or 52"??
Great video thanks
I have the 918520 stealth, was wondering if you did a review of it ? & if you know of a fix for the seat rubbing the engine?
Yes I can do a little review of it and as for the seat I do know how to fix that there’s a little bracket that is underneath the seat it is probably 6-8inches wide it needs to be moved to the top of the seat mount plate not left on the bottom. Simple quick change. It’s easy to miss in set up
@@Carlsmower thanks I’m gonna go try it now other than that the mower is outstanding & I’ve gotta give a small shout out to my local gravely dealer here in NC johnnie shubert’s in newton North Carolina
Just bought one today 😀
Nice what size mower deck did you get
@@Carlsmower 52 inch deck.
What are the 2 tubes on the back of the frame? One on each side
They are for mounting the catcher.
So, the 2021 hd... Does that have the x factor 2 deck? I got mine a few weeks ago but it doesn't have the taper in the front like the x factor 3, but can't find anything saying if it's the x factor 2 or not.
The 2021 did have the X-factor two deck the 2023 has the X factor three
@@Carlsmower awesome thanks. Any suggestions on baffle adjustments for better cut quality?
@@joeybydin439 all depends on grass type and how long you’re leaving it.
You're the go to guy on RUclips for this mower lol, any idea of torque specs for blade bolts? Doesn't show it in the manual, and can't find it ANYWHERE.
How well do you think this machine would stand up to light commercial duty? Like 12 lawns per week, about 6 acres total?
Kwehave plenty of people who do this. Just keep up on maintenance
@@Carlsmower awesome, thanks for the reply. I have a gravely dealer right around the corner from me, and an exmark Dealer about 4 miles away. It's between this and the radius 52, but I can get a gravely for cheaper obviously. The only thing I'm really losing out on is the rops system, but I can buy that and still be cheaper than the radius.
@@joeybydin439 the Radius has what engine?
@@Carlsmower 24.5 hp exmark v twin
@@joeybydin439 then definitely go Gravely it runs the Kawasaki engine, unless you're going all the way up to the X series radius
First! great video!
I bought this for 0.5acre
imagine joe biden trying to explain anything as good as this guy does
Gravely….and I questioned this myself….they suggest you engage the blades at FULL THROTTLE due to the way the belts are wound through the pulleys. I called them.
3/4 throttle for most but gravely says their mowers go at full throttle