Before I buy a Z-Force 50

[freddiemac]

Has anyone had any problems?

Is it the best buy for $4000 in residential ZTR?

I see Grasshopper, dixon, and many brands in this category. I've had a basic 18hp MTD 42" mower for 13 years.

What ZTR would you reccommend to someone starting fresh?

Thanks in advance

Freddie

 

[Spiffy]

<font color="blue">Is it the best buy for $4000 in residential ZTR?
</font>
Around here about a year ago, it was the best I was finding for that money. What the best buy is may depend on location somewhat; you mention Dixon, I won't say a bad thing there either, but will say they have enough models that you really have to read the specs. The 'Hoppers around here are all commercial units [$$$$ frontmounts]. Really most of the $4K+ units I can think of should be fine on a couple acres, assuming standard care and reasonable abuse [vague term huh! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif ], but you'll have to choose what features are important to you for that money.

<font color="blue"> Has anyone had any problems? </font>
Only second hand here, but I heard IZT transmissions were killed with people getting water in the vent. Still think it looks beefier than the EZT, but that's perhaps not fair out of a guy running pumps/wheel motors [commercial configuration].

<font color="blue"> What ZTR would you reccommend to someone starting fresh? </font>
How much area? What conditions/challanges? Personal or business?
Sorry about all the questions, but the answer could vary from a $3K to $13K machine very easily. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Good Luck! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[gamble77]

They are great machines, there is no doubt about that. I also think they are the best $4000.00 and under ZTR's on the market. Guess I would want to know exactly what you are planning on cutting before I sais this is absolutly the machine for you.

 

[freddiemac]

Thanks Spiffy and Gamble...

I have almost an acre and a half to cut, the yard is pretty well maintained, no weeds, thick grass. Behind my inground pool the yard slopes to a creek at the foot of my property, the kids can sled down it, not sure of the pitch/grade.

I expect to just mow my own yard, but have a 13 year old that wants to start mowing too. The two adjoing properties to the west have lawn services and it would be an easy sell to let her mow their lawns too. So that brings "the lawn" size to approximately 4 acres.

My decsion doesn't really depend on mowing the neighbors lawn too, just wanting to anticipate "down the road". Hope to get 15 years from the next mower I purchase, and will likely buy another house during that time (read; larger lawn, less neighbors).

Thanks so much for the input, I'll look into the water in the tranny problem. I like the Kohler 23hp model (4k), although Kawasaki (3k) is attractive too, it's just not like me to buy the lesser version of something.

Freddie Mac

 

[gamble77]

Make no mistake about it the 3K ZTR with the Kawasaki motor is NOT a Z-Force and is nowhere near the machin the Z-Force is.

For your use however, the Z-Force will be plenty of machine. Plus if/when you move it a larger house with a larger lawn you will still be well within the Z-Force's mowing recommendations. You could probaby get some good deals on "left over" 2005 Z-Force models. The 2006 models are exactly the same except for a new seat (which is nicer). Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Spiffy]

Gamble,

Did you get any information on the Kaws in the RZT? Unless, CC fanagled one heck of a deal on them [in which case why not the ZF too] I just can't imagine the same quality as the ones going into the Tanks.

Any idea when their website will have pictures of the fab deck ZF; that sounds sweet!

Freddie:
I'd sure say you're looking at the right sized machine with the ZF. Gamble could say better than I; however, the 4 acres may be on the steep side of it's intended use, except it sounds like all lawn [not rough yard] and your daughter operating as opposed to employees. That slope might take some practice; may want to try a Z there before you buy. Oh, the water [again someone else will know better than I] sounded like only an issue with careless washing and the like; it's probably even been fool-proofed since.

Has Hydrogear, or CC, or anyone actually published expected life for the IZT and EZTs (I keep thinking a Hustler [or some other Z mfg] rep posted 500hours estimate on one or the other, but haven't came across that in a while)?

<font color="red">Looks like Gamble types faster than I do! Oh well, I'll leave the post; a couple good questions yet /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif</font>

 

[freddiemac]

Hats off to both of you guys, I can't thank you enough for taking the time to square me away.

I wish the CC website had more info on it. I recoginized the different configuration of operator controls between the RZT & ZF.

Are they built on the same "body" or is the ZF better there too?

Thanks again,

Freddie

 

[gamble77]

No, the Z-Force has a fully welded boxed frame whereas the RZT has a stamped frame (much weaker). Also the Z-Force has stronger transmission units (IZT) with 1" axles, the RZT has a EZT transmission with 3/4" axles. The Z-Force is twice the machine for only 1/3 more money!

 

[moss2940]

freddiemac,
I went thru this same thing last summer. I almost bought a Z Force 50. I took someones advice on this site and looked at the Hustler's. I wound up buying a Hustler Fastrac 52.
If you have a Hustler dealer around you I would say at least look at them before you buy just to compare.

 

[MBDiagMan]

I bought a Z Force 48 in November of 04. I had lots of trouble with it and traded it for a Bad Boy Lightening Z in the middle of last summer. It only had 13 hours and I took a serious "washing" on it.

Most of the trouble that I had with it, however, was due to the B&S Intek engine. In '05 they replaced that with the Kohler which might be okay.

I also had trouble with the exit chute since it has a horizontal bar at the bottom that EASILY jams the blade in tall grass.

About a month ago, the person who bought it from my Bad Boy dealer called me and asked if I had experienced any trouble when I owned it and I told him the truth. He said that it was blowing blue smoke like crazy and sucking oil. He also said that it had broken a drive belt. At that point the mower had only 20 hours on it.

I can ASSURE you that I gave the unit nothing but excellent care and careful operation.

You would be much better served buying a Z48 tank or some other truly commercial machine. DON'T buy the Z50 tank as it is just a Z-Force in Tank trim.

Best of luck,
Doc