Best commercial zero turn?

[RjCorazza]

I have a ZD331 and have been real happy. My seat suspension could use a little work though.

I think the new 1200 / 1500 series have optional air ride seats. I have been tempted to sell my 2 mowers and get a new ZD1211-72".
The current seat is good enough for me though.

 

[Hay Dude]

I think the new 1200 / 1500 series have optional air ride seats. I have been tempted to sell my 2 mowers and get a new ZD1211-72".
The current seat is good enough for me though.

I’m tempted to retrofit an air ride seat into mine. First I want to try my “rubber bushing” installation between the seat brackets and the seat mounting studs. 1800 commercial hours on mine.

 

[RoyJackson]

I've got a Deere Z920 (2007 model, I think) I bought used for $7500...4 years back. It had about 200 hours or so...now around 400 hours. I mow 2.5 acres of lawn (my lawn) and also use it to tow a lawn roller (48" wide) and a core aerator (also 48"). It's been a great mower...fast. No suspension seat and it's pretty rough, even on a fairly smooth lawn. I should add a suspension seat, but I keep thinking about trading for a mower with a bit more horsepower.
My neighbor also runs a Deere ZTR...a 930. He mows his field (mostly lawn now, but didn't start out that way) which has got to be a real challenge even for a commercial mower (both the 920 and 930 are commercial mowers).
So far, both mowers run great. The weak point on the Deere ZTRs is the PTO switch. I've replaced mine twice...neighbor, about the same.
Anyway, a solid recommendation for the Deere commercial grade mowers...

 

[zilla24]

I am partial to Kubota zero turns with a ZD326 and 331. I was going to comment on diesel vs gas, but I assume your use and needs are more slanted towards gas.
Anyway, what I will say is that perhaps with a 60" deck is 30hp required? Some of the machines listed seem unnecessarily over powered to me. More is not always better and I would not want to fuel one of those large gas engines.

Happy shopping.

I’m coming off a 997 diesel with a bunch of hours on it. It had some electrical gremlins and I couldn’t trust it. More importantly it had a 72” deck which was too big around the buildings and house. The power of that machine was great which is why I’m in the 30hp range. A gas mower for me is easier to work on, also gas is easier sourced in my area than diesel.

 

[zilla24]

Also in the mix for me is a Hustler X-one with a 60” deck and 27hp Kawi. Dealer has priced it to sell, very tempting but I don’t want to under buy and regret my decision.

Really between the X-one, Kubota Z726 and maybe a Scag. Have to look at Deere a little more, maybe throw a 950M in the mix.

Ah too many to choose from!

 

[DK35vince]

I have a 2013 Hustler Super Z with 35 hp Kawasaki and 72" deck since new.
A very well built mower, not a single issue so far (has around 335 hours)

 

[Hay Dude]

Also in the mix for me is a Hustler X-one with a 60” deck and 27hp Kawi. Dealer has priced it to sell, very tempting but I don’t want to under buy and regret my decision.

Really between the X-one, Kubota Z726 and maybe a Scag. Have to look at Deere a little more, maybe throw a 950M in the mix.

Ah too many to choose from!

When you are at that point where theyre all in a 3-way tie, look at the dealer who is selling it to you and let that be your decision. I have an excellent Kubota dealer, so it was easy for me. Also, haggle with those dealers-see if you can get one to throw in some free maintenance or a servicing. You will be surprised what a salesman will throw in when you simply ask.

 

[zilla24]

Vince - How is the cut quality on your SZ? I hear mixed reviews on the VX4 deck for clumping issues.

Haydude - I like the way you think. The Hustler dealer has priced the X-one almost 1k below others and has thrown in a suspension seat. For another few hundred and or a striping kit he might have me.

 

[DK35vince]

Vince - How is the cut quality on your SZ? I hear mixed reviews on the VX4 deck for clumping issues.

I never noticed any clumping issues with my 72" deck. The 72" deck does scalp easier on the outside edges on uneven ground.
How fast I mow does seem sensitive to mow speed. If I set the deck height at around 2 1/2"- 2 3/4" I can mow at or near full speed and get a decent cut.
If I raise the deck higher I need to slow down some so it doesn't miss any grass (don't ask me why, raising/lowering the front deck baffle may help there, never tried)
I have my deck set at 2 1/2" so I can mow at full speed. Cut quality looks fine to me, but I haven't compared it to other commercial Z machines.

 

[Hay Dude]

Vince - How is the cut quality on your SZ? I hear mixed reviews on the VX4 deck for clumping issues.

Haydude - I like the way you think. The Hustler dealer has priced the X-one almost 1k below others and has thrown in a suspension seat. For another few hundred and or a striping kit he might have me.

You have to protect your money! That 1k buys a lot of fuel or a moderate repair or a used single axle trailer for hauling it.
Sounds like the Hustler dealer wants your business a little more than the others.
But before you sign, go to the other 2 dealers and tell them what the Hustler dealer is offering, may be hard to believe, but they just might one-up the Hustler dealer!!