I did think about LEDs as a possibility, but in reality I'm probably not going to ever mow at night so I won't bother for now.
A little update on it though. So I've used it to mow for a couple hours and it runs (mostly, see below) great. It's smoother and quieter than the Kohler and oddly, the tractor seems to ride nicer. I can't explain that other than maybe it is a lighter engine and sits back further so the weight is more over the rear tires so it's less bouncy up front.
But it hasn't been 100% smooth sailing. I checked the oil and it wasn't at the "full" line. I wasn't worried about it burning oil but figured that some went into the oil cooler and filter after the first run and I did loose a little when I installed the oil pressure gauge. So I topped it off and did another mow. Half-way through it starts billowing smoke, but only when I'm on a grade. After the initial shock I knew right away I had over filled it. I went to check it and it was then I realized the rubber "cork" that is on the dipstick was moving around so I wasn't getting an accurate reading. Second ding on the Predator quality. Fortunately the stick is painted black where the cork should be positioned. I left a little oil out and that problem was solved.
However, as I was getting to the end of the mow, it stalled. After some extended cranking it restarted and I mowed some more, then other stall. I was able to finish but I think it's the fuel pump not supplying enough when under load. I read here or somewhere about their fuel pumps not being so great. So I guess I'm going to be replacing that. Another ding on the Predator.
So all in all, I'm not super satisfied with the quality. 3 problems -- faulty starter, crappy dipstick, and (most likely) a crappy fuel pump. You get what you pay for I suppose. However I put a Duromax 713 on a buggy and that didn't have any problems and as of now they are the same price as the Predator ($999) so I would go with one of those if I would have to do another. The downside to the Duromax though is no muffler, so I'd be making one from scratch or adapting something to fit.
|