Kraig-
On my place, my old 169 would take just about a tank and a quarter to mow before; about 2.5 gallons. My 682 is a little better at just shy of 2 gallons to mow. My 782 with a CH20 takes just a hair over a gallon to mow, and the 2072 with the upgraded 825cc engine has gone to doing it at about 1.5 gallons.
All in all, I think the "sweet spot" would be the 725cc engine, NOT modified, in a 782. As my 782 sits, the 624cc engine I have is pretty nice, it doesn't shake, is good on power and fuel. After adding power steering, it's easily the best all-around machine I've got, but that 2072 makes me smile more!
On my place, my old 169 would take just about a tank and a quarter to mow before; about 2.5 gallons. My 682 is a little better at just shy of 2 gallons to mow. My 782 with a CH20 takes just a hair over a gallon to mow, and the 2072 with the upgraded 825cc engine has gone to doing it at about 1.5 gallons.
All in all, I think the "sweet spot" would be the 725cc engine, NOT modified, in a 782. As my 782 sits, the 624cc engine I have is pretty nice, it doesn't shake, is good on power and fuel. After adding power steering, it's easily the best all-around machine I've got, but that 2072 makes me smile more!