Gravely Pro-Turn 652

The new Gravely Pro-Turn 652 is a bit different to its predecessors. It still has the robust American build quality and cutting capabilities, but also now has increased operator comfort with the addition of an Operator Pod System.

Higher productivity

The Operator Pod System is a seat and foot well that has its own suspension independent to the machine, cushioning the blows on rough terrain. This enables the user to operate the machine faster on uneven terrain without compromising comfort, which in turn equates to a more productive machine. I find some suspension-type setups on zero turns a bit too springy and spongy, but this system is one of the better setups I have used. There’s enough suspension to make a comfortable ride, but not too much so you bounce around uncontrollably, albeit softly.

I was able to ride comfortably while in transit on a rocky dirt path at full speed with the Pro-Turn 652, something I haven’t been able to do on other zero turns.

Well thought out

Gravely has developed the third generation of its X Factor decks, and this machine was fitted with the X Factor 3 52-inch deck. Looking as robust as previous models, it’s constructed of seven-gauge steel with exceptional reinforcing in the critical stress and wear areas. It has also been redesigned to disperse the cut grass better than its predecessor. This was certainly the case with the medium-short grass I tested it on, achieving an exceptional cut. I was concerned about top-of-deck access with the foot well being part of the independent operator pod. Gravely has addressed this with the foot well hinging up and automatically locking in an upright position to give ample access to the pulleys, belts and spindles. I like the open-ended spindle covers as they let debris escape from around the spindle rather than building up, and the discharge chute has a secure upright position for storage and transport, rather than springing down like many others. I’m also a fan of the large-diameter, cog-style, heightadjusting mechanism. It’s easy to see desired height settings and just as easy to rotate to the desired cutting position – there are 19 to choose from to suit all applications.

Mechanicals

Powering the machine is the quality and proven Kawasaki FX850V engine producing 27hp, which is a nice match for the 52-inch cut. These engines are renowned for their performance, longevity and reliability.Summing up The Gravely Pro-Turn 652 is everything I’ve learned to expect from Gravely – a solid, wellbuilt, efficient and capable machine that is fun and comfortable to operate. Gravely also offers a very impressive commercial warranty of 5 years/1500 hours which will give contractors peace of mind when purchasing.

Access around the engine for maintenance is excellent, and a handy oil-drain hose fitted ensures mess-free, easy oil draining. A solid rear cowl protects the engine from inevitable knocks and looks the goods in the style department as well. The speed of the 652 is terrific, with a forward speed of 24.1kph and a reverse of 9.6kph making it a very productive machine, especially considering you can operate at higher speeds on irregular terrain compared to conventional zero-turns. The large, rear 26 x 12 -16 low-profile radial turf tyres help with traction on undulating terrain and are reasonably forgiving on the grass surface at normal speeds.

Summing up The Gravely Pro-Turn 652 is everything I’ve learned to expect from Gravely – a solid, wellbuilt, efficient and capable machine that is fun and comfortable to operate.

Gravely also offers a very impressive commercial warranty of 5 years/1500 hours which will give contractors peace of mind when purchasing. Find out more at gravely.com.au.