JD 220 E-Cut?? Cancel The title field is required!

1. Dustin Riley

   

   8 posts
   
   9/10/2012 6:09 AM

   Good morning,
   
   I am investingating, demoing, checking out walking greens mowers. For the last 8 seasons I've run the Flex 21s. They've performed well, but I'd like to consider all colors. I am currently testing the JD 220 E-Cut and it appears to be a nice machine. There are a few things, my operators don't like, but most of those concerns are items that'll disappear once we'd get use to it.
   
   Are any of you running the 220 E-Cut's? Have you had any maintenance concerns? Electric motor issues?
   
   Have any of you converted from the Flex 21s? Regrets?
   
   Thanks for any and all input..

   
   
   
   
2. Rodney Crow

   

   0 posts
   
   9/10/2012 10:09 AM

   You should check out the Jacobsen eclipse 22 mower. I've got the hybrid model with 15-blade reels and they are AMAZING. I've been running them for 5 years, and I would have to be sold hard on ever switching to another color!!!

   
   
   
   
3. Verdun Scott M

   
   9/10/2012 2:09 PM

   Dustin,
   
   I'll be interested to hear what your thoughts are as well as final decision. I had a demo out here a few weeks ago and really liked how it operated, quality of cut etc... I agree that there are certainly some operation differences from the flex 21 (ours are in their 11th season) but the quick demo we had here was enough to open my eyes if we are in a position to get new mowers in the near future. Just don't tell Robel.
   
   Scott

   
   
   
   
4. Henry Heinz

   

   0 posts
   
   9/10/2012 6:09 PM

   I have run all three brands and I love the 220E. I ran ours with JRM 114 bedknives and they were some of the best cutting machines I have used. I made a few simple modifications and all our service and adjustments were made right on the trailer. If interested email me a contact number and good time to call and we can chat about some of the small changes I made to our units.
   
   sheinz@isleworth.com
   
   Regards,

   
   
   
   
5. Dru Clark

   

   0 posts
   
   9/14/2012 12:09 PM

   Have any of you used the new Flex's or is everyone referring to the older models?

   
   
   
   
6. Todd Bohn

   

   0 posts
   
   9/14/2012 2:09 PM

   I would second Henry's post. I am a converted flex 21 user and have been using the JD 220E's for the past year and a half. In my opinion this is the best mower on the market. It has a true floating head that mows contours better then the flex's do. I have used the new flex 21s as well and they are good but I still feel that the 220E's give a better cut and hug the ground as a true floating head better then the Toro's. I used them all summer long in the heat here in the Kansas City area and never had an issue on cleanup laps or anything. I mow at .105" with them and the highest I went to during this extreme drought was .120" and I have zero damage or problems on my greens. Good luck you can't go wrong with either but I think the JD 220E's are a better machine in my opinion.

   
   
   
   
7. Dustin Riley

   

   8 posts
   
   9/14/2012 2:09 PM

   Dru Clark said: Have any of you used the new Flex's or is everyone referring to the older models?

   
   
   I've tried the new Flex 2100 and the 220-E. Demoing the new E-Flex (100% Electric) now. The E-Flex is interesting. Haven't seen the quote, but it looks expensive. It has a really neat "slow turn" feature. The operator sets his/her mowing pace and when the mower is tipped back at the end of a pass, the drum speed slows for an easier turn. Once the reel is lowered onto the green, the speed gently resumes to the desired mowing speed. Quality of Cut is a little better than the engined Flex 2100. But still behind the 220E IMO. It's supposed to handle 9 greens or 45,000 sq ft on a single charge. I'll test that capability on Monday. 5-yr battery life?? $3-4,000 battery replacement cost??? Big committment for several $$ unknowns.
   
   Eclipse 2 coming next Tues.

   
   
   
   
8. Patrick Quinlan

   

   0 posts
   
   9/15/2012 5:09 AM

   Keep in mind with the all electric units that if the reel to bedknife is making any contact at all it will shorten the run time of the battery. I had the first generation e-walk from Jake and they garbage. I had to replace all the motors within two years not under warranty for 1100 each and replace the cells in the batteries many times. Hybrids are better but IMHO I wouldn't want any electric reels unless the warranty was for at least 3 years.

   
   
   
   
9. Dru Clark

   

   0 posts
   
   9/16/2012 5:09 AM

   Patrick Quinlan said: Keep in mind with the all electric units that if the reel to bedknife is making any contact at all it will shorten the run time of the battery. I had the first generation e-walk from Jake and they garbage. I had to replace all the motors within two years not under warranty for 1100 each and replace the cells in the batteries many times. Hybrids are better but IMHO I wouldn't want any electric reels unless the warranty was for at least 3 years.

   
   
   Thats a good point! Thanks Patrick.