Kubota Diesel Zero Turn Questions

[walker450]

Can anyone provide a summary of changes to the ZD line of Kubota mowers from 2013ish on?

I've narrowed my search down to a 60" ZD1211, ZD326, or ZD331.

My understanding is that the deck changed when the 1211 and 1511 replaced previous versions, as well as better suspension seats and low profile rear tires.

I really want a low hour clean machine, so I'm having the best luck finding ZD1211s that fit this requirement. Is there a difference in a 2017 or 2024 ZD1211, other than cosmetics (side decal and sest cover)?

 

[workinonit]

I have a 1211. I think the 1511 replaced the 331. The 1211 is 24.9 HP which means no emissions stuff. The 1511 has a DPF. Not real sure about the 326. It's over 25HP so I'm not sure what it's deal is. I really like my 1211.

 

[RjCorazza]

Can anyone provide a summary of changes to the ZD line of Kubota mowers from 2013ish on?

I've narrowed my search down to a 60" ZD1211, ZD326, or ZD331.

My understanding is that the deck changed when the 1211 and 1511 replaced previous versions, as well as better suspension seats and low profile rear tires.

I really want a low hour clean machine, so I'm having the best luck finding ZD1211s that fit this requirement. Is there a difference in a 2017 or 2024 ZD1211, other than cosmetics (side decal and sest cover)?

You are correct that the zd1211 basically replaced the zd326, and the zd1511 replaced the zd331. I think you have the changes right with the exception of the zd1511 having to meet tier4 emissions.

I currently run a zd326 and zd1211 and they are basically the same machine other than low profile tires, a nicer seat, and the ACS deck on the zd1211. I don't believe there have been any significant changes in the zd1211 since it's introduction.
I sold my zd331 to buy the 1211, and wish I had kept the 331. That mower was an absolute beast.

 

[workinonit]

I've thought the same thing about the 331s that I have seen. They are much beefier than my 1211.

 

[RjCorazza]

I've thought the same thing about the 331s that I have seen. They are much beefier than my 1211.

While I miss the power of the 331, the 72" 1211 is my primary mower, and it mows like there is no tomorrow. I have around 1500 trouble free hours on it.
Other than the problematic zd1511 all of the 25+ HP zd's are practically indestructible.

 

[Hay Dude]

While I miss the power of the 331, the 72" 1211 is my primary mower, and it mows like there is no tomorrow. I have around 1500 trouble free hours on it.
Other than the problematic zd1511 all of the 25+ HP zd's are practically indestructible.

I like the looks of adding a used 1211 in my mowing business. I was skeptical about the 1211 being able to run a 72” deck, but I trust your judgement and would buy based a lot on what you have shared.
I will probably keep my ZD331 to mow fields & rocks.

 

[walker450]

Thanks guys!!

I'm checking dealers online inventory, multiple listing websites, and of course Facebook Marketplace up to 500 miles from me.

The 331s are prices too high for me, I'm not sure that it's worth it to me for the extra HP. I'm going to run a 60" because it fits better for what I want to do with it.

Right now there is a commercially used 2018 ZD1211 with 2608 hours that's been rode hard and put up wet (with good tweels on rear) I can get for $4,500.

Ooooorrrrrr I can buy a 1 owner 2021 ZD1211 60" with 95 hours in it that still looks new for $12k.

I'm leaning towards the one with less than 100 hours. I try to think what I'd be happy with 10 years from now and I rather have a nice one even if it's more money.

I've completely ruled out a new one, the best price I've seen online was $17,900 plus tax for a 60". I think 12k for less than 100hrs is a fair deal and is a better deal than what many others are asking for on marketplace and also beats all the online postings I can find.

I've already got 4 Kubotas, might as well add one more, I tell my wife it's "My Collection" lol

Taking care of 45 acres and will likely do a few jobs for others over the summer.

2006 F2880 72"
2008 M5040
2014 GR2120 54"
2016 BX25D w/60" MMM

The zero turn will round out the fleet nicely. I had a Z726X 60" Kubota zero turn in '20 and '21 but sold it, didn't care for the solid front end and loud as hell gas motor. It was a beast of a mower though, no doubt about that. If I end up with several yard account I wouldn't hesitate to get another Z700 series, but for using mostly on my own time aroujd my place I rather have a ZD.

Whatever I end up with, I'll create a new thread, I plan to add seat suspension isolators to it and just document everything with it in general.

 

[Brown Dog]

While I miss the power of the 331, the 72" 1211 is my primary mower, and it mows like there is no tomorrow. I have around 1500 trouble free hours on it.
Other than the problematic zd1511 all of the 25+ HP zd's are practically indestructible.

I owned a 1211 72 & it was fine as long as I kept my farm hills mowed weekly & on time.
Otherwise it bogged.
Fine mower tho

I sold the 1211 & bought a 1511 72 & I couldn’t be happier.

It’s a fantastic machine with good power thanks to the Turbo 4cyl Torque : although I wished it had a 84” deck & more HP lol

I had the computer upgraded to the newest calibration & hadnt had one single problem from the regens since.

I like this mower so well : I bought a second one at a leftover price I couldn’t resist.

I mow 8-10hrs a week during the summer months.

 

[Brown Dog]

@walker450 I’d definitely buy the 95hr 1211 unit over the clapped out high hour mower.

The 1211 3cyl & 1511 4cyl Turbo with 72 deck has a much wider front axle than the older 331 3cyl.

 

[walker450]

Thanks again. I failed to mention I am alsonleaning towards a ZD1211 because of the upgraded seat vs the 326/331. The last time I looked the factory Kubota suspension seat was $700+. My back has been plenty sore enough times that it is basically a requirement for me.

 

[Hay Dude]

Thanks again. I failed to mention I am alsonleaning towards a ZD1211 because of the upgraded seat vs the 326/331. The last time I looked the factory Kubota suspension seat was $700+. My back has been plenty sore enough times that it is basically a requirement for me.

Yeah the ZD331 seat isn’t the greatest.
But I can find decent used 331’s for 7-9K with maybe 1500-2000 hours.

I’d say it depends on what you are doing. If you are cutting rough stuff or common area lawns that dont have to be perfect its a great mower.

I should get one of those upgraded seats. I did put the thick rubber cushions under mine and it helped a bit.

 

[walker450]

Decision has been made... going with the newer one.... 2021 model with 95 hours. Driving down to get it on Monday... 6 hour drive one-way. I may go another hour out of the way to visit the Johnson Space Center in Houston, I've never been there.

 

[Hay Dude]

Decision has been made... going with the newer one.... 2021 model with 95 hours. Driving down to get it on Monday... 6 hour drive one-way. I may go another hour out of the way to visit the Johnson Space Center in Houston, I've never been there.

Great! I’d really like to hear how you like it. I will probably be buying one to replace my ZD331 in a year or so.

 

[m7040]

Upgraded the seat on the 331. Very comfortable and much faster in rough areas

 

[Hay Dude]

Do you feel like you’re too high in that seat?

 

[arto98607]

Upgraded the seat on the 331. Very comfortable and much faster in rough areas

View attachment 854188

Is that a whole new seat (if so, brand please?) & suspension, or just added suspension - how many inches above the deck is the seating surface?

 

[m7040]

Is that a whole new seat (if so, brand please?) & suspension, or just added suspension - how many inches above the deck is the seating surface?

grammar air suspension base using the original seat
Height adjustable by changing air pressure with built in compressor from very low to heigh
Usually adjust air pressure so it does not bottom out on worst bumps

 

[m7040]

Do you feel like you’re too high in that seat?

it lowers down as far as I want by changing air pressure
It always sits at top position without sitting on it.
When sitting on it it lowers down to the set pressure for the air

 

[5030]

I would NEVER buy a Kubota OEM seat. Way too expensive and all the seat bases are now ISO pattern so any and all bases will interchange.

 

[m7040]

I would NEVER buy a Kubota OEM seat. Way too expensive and all the seat bases are now ISO pattern so any and all bases will interchange.

Do you know anybody who bought a Kubota OEM seat since you mentioned it?