Kubota ZD 1511-72 Fuel Economy

[sunnyside360]

That seems really low on your old ZD331.

Yep. Very likely related to not running it at wide open throttle.

 

[Brown Dog]

Is the new ZD1511 any quieter exhaust noise than the ZD331 at wide open throttle ?

 

[sunnyside360]

Is the new ZD1511 any quieter exhaust noise than the ZD331 at wide open throttle ?

Don't know for sure, but I think the ZD1511-72 is a tad bit louder than the ZD331-72 at wide open throttle. The decks contribute quite a bit to the overall noise on both machines. I could answer better with a decibel meter.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Sunnyside;

I’ve recently started looking at the ZD 1211-72 and ZD 1511-72 as an upgrade from my present John Deere Z820 with 60” deck. With a full summer of mowing, under your belt, are you still happy with your ZD 1511-72?

My goals are to eliminate gasoline powered equipment, as much as possible, because we have few sources of non-ethanol contaminated gasoline here. I have a 300 gallon diesel tank but, buy gasoline as I need it in 5 gallon containers and using about 25 gallon per month for the John Deere ZT and Polaris Ranger.

I also want a 72” deck to reduce mowing time. I keep about 9 acres mowed around our ranch house and probably another 10-12 acres around our out buildings.

I’m also very inclined towards rear discharge, over side discharge. On windy days I get filthy with present side discharge pretty quickly. I know that even rear discharge won’t be like mowing in my two cab tractors but, it has to be an improvement. Did you get side or rear discharge?

I’ve been really happy with my John Deere but, JD doesn’t offer rear discharge on the diesel ZT with 72” deck. They do have rear discharge on their 60” deck model only.

I’ve looked at the ZD 1211, at local Kubota Dealer but haven’t found a ZD 1511 to look at yet. Going to call a couple other dealers today to see if they have one?

 

[Brown Dog]

Definitely get 72" RD deck. ONLY Way to go.
No dust. No clippings or rocks slung on driveway or roads.
John Thomas will be along shortly I'm sure lol

I love my ZD1211-72RD
You stay clean as a pin & your NOT waiting on grass clippings to be processed in tall, thick or damp grass.
FINE MACHINE !!!

I'm SOLD on PTO Shaft Powered Trans & Deck.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Definitely get 72" RD deck.
I love my ZD1211-72RD
You stay clean as a pin & your NOT waiting on grass clippings to be processed in tall, thick or damp grass.
FINE MACHINE !!!

Thanks. I’m curious if you also looked at the ZD 1511?

 

[Brown Dog]

i always buy the bigger engine in trucks. tractors, mowers etc.
I wanted the ZD1511 for my thick grass & hilly terrain BUT I just couldn't make myself buy a mower with Emissions BS on it lol & possibility of it going into a fault mode & 12acres still standing.
$4k is a lot for 6hp & I'm completely satisfied with the 1211

 

[lostcreekranch]

i always buy the bigger engine in trucks. tractors, mowers etc.
I wanted the ZD1511 for my thick grass & hilly terrain BUT I just couldn't make myself buy a mower with Emissions BS on it lol & possibility of it going into a fault mode & 12acres still standing.
$4k is a lot for 6hp & I'm completely satisfied with the 1211

Good to know. My 46 hp LS tractor is Tier 4 and I’ve had absolutely no issues with the regen. cycles with almost 500 hours on it.

 

[Brown Dog]

72" Kubota pivoting front axle is much nicer & wider than the narrow fixed JD front axle.

 

[lostcreekranch]

72" Kubota pivoting front axle is much nicer & wider than the narrow fixed JD front axle.

Yep agreed. To change / sharpen blades, I just pick up front of my Z820 with Tractor FEL and lift strap.