ZD28 -How long do they last ?

[Fitch]

I have a 2004 ZD21 with 1,566 hours on it. It uses about a quart of oil between oil changes. I keep the transmission overfilled because it's a low serial number. The deck was recently rebuilt (gear box died and outer spindles had bearing failure because of seal failure). It had recurrent hot start problems. I installed a heat shield, part is standard on the new ZD1021, between the starter solenoid and the exhaust manifold which reduced the solenoid temperature to less than 130F and solved that problem. I haven't had a hot start problem since installing that heat shield. The shield installation is a piece of cake though it does involve drilling two holes. For some reason the picture showing the shield on my mower came in rotated 90 degrees to the left. The picture on the right shows the shield on the ZD1021. I ordered the part from Kubota.

Other than that, the mower is working great.

Fitch

 

[Ranger1969]

Thanks Fitch - are you the only owner/user? How many hours do you usually mow a month? Do you have the impression that your mower will keep right on chopping away after the repairs?

Thanks

 

[eallenII]

Thanks Fitch - are you the only owner/user? How many hours do you usually mow a month? Do you have the impression that your mower will keep right on chopping away after the repairs?

Thanks

Fitch
I have owned my zd28 since it was new in 2004. I cut 6 acres in Baton Rouge, 10 months a year. I have 1100 hours on mine religiously maintained for 19 years. Runs like clock nothing cuts better and I’ve owned them all. If Kubota made cars and trucks I would one of each. Also have M5700 2002, same story. Your mower is barely used. Spend whatever you have to , to keep it in good shape you can’t go wrong.

 

[fatjay]

I have a 2001 zd21 with 1200 hours and it runs like a top with no indication of giving up. It's those kubota diesel's, they're good for 10k hours if properly maintained.

 

[JJT]

I have the ZD28's little brother, the ZD21. 800 hours and it looks and runs like new. Bought new about 20 years ago. I've changed the front tires, other than that just routine maintenance.