Kubota ZD21 Reviews

Kubota in New Zealand
Model Year: 2009

This is the older of the 2 ZD21 mowers we have. 60 inch cut diesel with turf tires for summer and a set with more grip for winter. I love it. The speed and manuverability is excellent, fuel economy good, hill climbing good. Much of the areas we mow have had cattle during summer so the ground is not flat as a lawn, while we could do with some suspension, the ride on lower pressure tires is not too harsh. When the opportunity for a newer ZD21 came up we got it. 2012 42 inch 21hp with a hydraulic rear mounted catcher what fun and an excellent job. Highly recommend Kubota.

Pros: As above.
Cons: Could do with drink holder as standard.

Great Machine Over Many Years
Model Year: 0

The Kubota ZD21 has been, overall, a highly reliable and high performing zero turn mower for small acreage. The 18HP engine has not needed repair or tune up. The claimed 21 horsepower is the advertising invention of the company. The real power is stated in KW on the engine data plate. The 18 HP figure I use is the correct conversion of the KW rating. The hydrostatic transmission did suffer a failed steel hydraulic line early in its life. This was a design or material error, and Kubota improved the material. We, however, paid for the repair part and labor I recently changed the mower deck drive belt, but it could have gone much longer. Belt changing is difficult relative to many more conventional machines but the double-v belt is uncommonly durable.

Pros: Sophisticated, well-integrated design relative to most other zero turn mowers. Very reliable engine. Articulating front axle. Good hillside performance on my hilly acreage.
Cons: Difficult to change mower deck drive belt. Lots of grease fittings to service. Difficult access to mower deck driveshaft grease fittings.