Exmark Quest 2008 Update
by Stan
Earlier I stated that after 100 hours I had replaced the muffler and one spindle. Under warranty. As of today the mower has 211 hours on it. I just got through replacing all three spindles, for a total of four spindles. I believe the fault is the non-servicable, sealed spindle bearings. In the past I have had servicable bearings last well over a thousand hours. I asked the dealer if I could get a spindles with grease fittings for a Quest. He said no. I also asked him if it would be possible to replace my sealed spindle bearings with open ones and add a grease fitting. I was told that the aluminum housing would not hold up to pushing the old bearings out and pressing new ones in because the metal is too soft. The bearings in one of the spindles failed so badly that it broke the housing before I could shut the blades off. When I removed it the ball bearings just fell out. The other two spindles had considerable play in them and were very loud with blades engaged, I felt they were at the verge of failing so they were replaced also. The cost of three spindles without the pulleys was $260.00. I find that very expensive. I feel as if I am paying commercial equipment prices for residential quality. Replacing spindles at that price every 200 hrs would be very disappointing. I expect more for my money. The idler pullies also had signifigant play in them, so they were replaced also. My dealer helped me find metal replacements for the two plastic pullies. Total cost for three idler pullies was $63.00. I would like to say, I do not replace parts if it is not needed, and I do take care of my equipment. I have also put two belts on it for a cost of about $100.00. Over all, I do not feel that a total of $423.00 out of my pocket and the cost of a muffler and spindle from the dealer is a very good value for 211 hours use. Not to mention the cost of the mower. I will mention the dealer did replace the muffler when the machine was out of warranty. (Following an E-mail I sent to Exmark.) The build qualiy of the mower is good with the exceptions of the problems I mentioned. I did finally get a fairly good cut after installing high lift blades. I feel this could be a good mower with a few changes. I am going to write E-xmark with suggestions and see what happens. I still would suggest to anyone looking for a mower that they demo it first and look for quality servicable parts. Click here to read or post comments. |