Jac AR522 vs. JD 8800 Cancel The title field is required!

1. Dan Cherrstrom

   

   1 posts
   
   9/18/2014 9:09 AM

   I wanted to hear from those who have experience with these machines. I am leaning towards the AR522 because I like the versatility of being able to go around trees if needed. With a fairly tight layout this will be our primary rough unit. Please inform me of any issues those of you who have owned these have experienced. Thanks for the help.
   
   Dan

   
   
   
   
2. Melvin Waldron

   

   43 posts
   
   9/18/2014 10:09 AM

   Don't know what engines are currently in those models, but we have a 5111 that will burn about 1.8 gallons per hour at the most, and a JD1600 that burns usually 2.3 gallons if not more per hour. It is always over 2 gallons per hour even in the dry part of the summer when the grass isn't that thick.
   
   Mel

   
   Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO
   
   
3. Keith Fellenstein

   

   0 posts
   
   9/18/2014 10:09 AM

   Had two Jac 522's for five years, just finishing up year one with five JD 8800's. I like the Jac and always had good quality of cut (thanks in no small part to great mechanics) but found maintenance time consuming and expensive...particularly the caster wheels and anti-scalp rollers. Changing heights was no fun either. I would still recommend the machine though. I don't have much time with the 8800's, but like what I see so far. My decision was made easy for me since the JD dealer has really stepped up service in the area and Jac dealer changed hands and the new owner lost confidence. Often times decisions like this come down to price and who has better service.

   
   
   
   
4. Henry Heinz

   

   0 posts
   
   9/19/2014 6:09 AM

   I'm still a big fan of the Toro 4700D. Solid machine, you can get around trees and they are built to last. Maintenance and servicing are made for the technicians as well. The Jac we demoed had issues after washing it, very sensitive to water and moisture, but it did perform well. We have 8800's and as long as you keep up with your mowing schedule they are good units, not made to hog down turf.
   
   Regards,

   
   
   
   
5. Zemlo James M

   
   9/24/2014 9:09 AM

   522 a maintenance nightmare. Go with a toro over any other option

   
   
   
   
6. Justin VanLanduit

   

   0 posts
   
   10/3/2014 3:10 PM

   Have 2 JD 8800's that we use to mow a lot of rough. We initially purchased these along with the 7400 from JD but found the 8800 to be very versatile and now use it to mow around greens and tees while getting rid of one of the 7400's. They are about to complete their 6th season and have held up. Some of the larger repairs needed were replacing radiators as they rusted out, this happened this year. Replacing hydraulic hoses this winter to extend life for hopefully another few seasons. As long as routine maintenance is kept up on and operators aren't being careless by riding decks on cart paths or running into trees these machines are very durable. The downfall is nongreasable bearings in the rollers so they will wear over time.