Gravely 800 Series?
 

A friend of my father knows that I'm into tractors and said that Gravely might be another brand to look into. I've done some high level research and the 800 series seems like a nice place to start. I'm looking into an 812 or 814 since those use the same Kohler engines that our Cubs run. The 16 uses an Onan and I know nothing about them but that they are more rare hence more expensive to work on. So anyone have one of these or can offer me some info? Is there another series that you think is fun to start looking at?

I have been told those Gravleys are some of the best pulling machines of any garden tractor due to the engine being over the rear wheels and the low center of gravity of the machine. I have not owned one but I would not hesitate to but one at a good price. You won't go wrong with one of those machines.

That's what I have been reading and hearing. Should be fun!

I grew up around cubs but we also had a few gravely model L so I've been thinking of getting one but then I'd have to figure out where to store it.

Have you been drinking? :biggrin2: :beer2: :biggrin2:

Anyway, there was one such rear engine Gravely at the Snow Shoe event in Jacktown last week! Did you go there??? :beerchug:

I'm sure our resident Gravely guy, CADPlans will be along shortly. :beerchug:

I agree about the Gravely's being good tractors/machines. CADplans sure loves his.

There is a small cemetery about 1/3 of a mile from where I grew up and I remember a guy driving his (gravely) about 4 miles one way to said cemetery to mow it every week. He did this for years. I always thought it was weird because it was orange and not a simplicity or AC.

Gravely at the grave yard,doesn't get any funnier than that.

Yea, I guess I am the "crossover" owner, Cub Cadets have their functions, Gravely has it's strengths.

For open area, hilly terrain, there is no competition for a Gravely.

Gear drive, low center of gravity, width, the Gravely has the advantage.

I have had three sellers of zero turn machines tell me they do not have a machine that can compete with my particular machine and mowing conditions.

24HP of Onan engine, 72" cut, foot pedal forward and reverse, the machine is unique,,,

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/...ps980fc2cd.jpg

If it ever dies, the replacement will be the smallest non-CUT John Deere offers.

I have been waiting for a decade for it to die, other than oil changes, blades, and an occasional battery, it just keeps mowing, at well over 2 acres an hour.

I run it a couple hours a week.

It is a unitasker, as are most Gravely riders,,, there are better machines for other tasks.

Yea, they push, blow, and till, but, there are lower cost options for each task,

If you mow level ground, a hydrostatic may have the advantage.

If you want to do sleeve hitch work, a Cub Cadet will be way lower cost.

Trimming or tilling, or bush-hogging,,,,,,, well

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/...psc3df8fe8.jpg

:ExtremeFunny:

An 8 or 10 HP machine with steering brakes, never more than one belt (that is on a multi-blade mower) , Hmmmmmmmm :bigthink:

What is under the hood? Looks like lots of extra space up front.

As far as the OP's original question,, Gravely riders made BIG advances as the machines get newer.

An 800 will work, but, the Pro series is so far advanced, I would never consider owning anything older as an actual tool.

As a collector item, the older ones are like a narrow frame Cub Cadet, they work, but not as good as a wide frame.

Get the newest machine you can afford, they can be pricey,,,,,,, :bigeyes:

A 20-G with hydraulic lift is a dream to drive,,, the 24-G was the only rear engine rider with power steering,,,

Power steering is truly a lazy operators feature, heck, the engine is in the back!! :confused2.gif"

A huge gas tank, and a battery,,,,,,,

The hood on all Gravelys' are really decorations,,,,,,,

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6c71f1aa.jpg

Great looking machines CAD. Also appreciate the unbiased answers to the questions. ��

Wow! Thank you all very much for the info :) So CADPlans heres the deal. I have my Cub 108 with a plow on it and it works wonderful. Had it out today to plow snow and it rocked! I had so much fun I ended up doing my neighbors driveways too :)

My interest in the Gravely is for mowing and snow blowing. The Cub is setup great with the plow and I can use it for pulling carts around the property for work. As for mowing I have a pretty steep backyard. I'm reading and you also commented that these tractors have a lower COG which would be nice. Plus the extra free weight in the rear over the tires should help a lot for traction. All this sounds great but I have to also be realistic that my mech skills are still limited. I'm proud of how far I've come so far but I'd hate to get something that is just way over my head. The 800 line seemed very much inline with the 108 I have in regards to tech. The Pro line seemed to line up more with the Cub Super line which I have not moved into yet. And the 23g world is WAY over my head. What are your thoughts on this? I also don't want to buy something that is not going to do what I need just because I have not learned how to fix it totally yet. Heck, that's why I made friends with smart folks like you and the others here!!! HAHAHA! So please, your thoughts?

So I don't get this! I paid (again) to be a member of the club so that I would always get notice of these events! So NO I missed it :bash2:

All the Gravely riders (rear engine) are similar size... only the 24G is sized like a Super.

I only own the 24G, as I have no use for a smaller Gravely rider.

BUT, the pro series are MUCH more capable, and better designed....

As a minimum, get hydraulic lift,,,,,,,,,, :bigthink:

I guess you missed Lew's thread on this forum under Cub Cadet Events. It's free here! :beerchug:

:biggrin2:

Good point!

Ok that helps quite a bit. I'll focus my search around the Pro line. If I get lucky and find something with a -G in its name well all the better :biggrin2: