Jim,
I don't know where in MD you are and what dealers you've contacted but if you haven't talked to Frederick Equipment yet give them a call. Also have you considered any other makes?
Don't get me wrong I like Kubota (I just bought a
BX23) and I like the ZD series but I only ask because their ZTRs are so **** expensive. I purchased a ZTR last year and was very close to getting a ZD21/28, I just couldn't justify the cost they were asking over competitive models. To get to a similar price point from Kubota you have to step down to the ZG, which is also a nice unit, but not as heavy duty.
When I first started looking every other competing make looked to me like an erector set next to the ZD. The Kubota is without question a very well made machine. I liked the shaft drive, the diesel engine, the hydraulic lift, the built in front jack and so on. Not knowing what to do I started looking around at what all the professional landscapers in my area were using. It was almost exclusively Exmark and Toro. At first I couldn't understand why but then it started to make sense to me. In a word Simplicity. Sure the ZD is built like a tank but what happens if/when something breaks? The systems on the Kubota are all integrated and look expensive. Conversely, most of the other makes are modular and use mostly "off-the-shelf" parts. The engine, hydraulic pump, wheel motors, cutting system and so on all look pretty accessible and easy to fix/replace on many other makes. What does it matter if the engine on the Kubota will last twice as long as a gas powered Kohler or Kawasaki? For the price difference I can buy another companies ZTR and a brand new replacement engine and still save money! Don't get me wrong, that doesn't mean I don't expect to get many years service out of my ZTR, it's just that if something does go wrong I know I can fix it relatively easily and inexpensively. Keep in mind most ZTRs are professional level machines. They are built to mow several hours a day every day. A pro will put almost as many hours on his machine in a day as I do in a couple weeks. In the beginning one particular sticking point for was the hydraulic versus manual deck lift. However, now that I have it and understand more how these mowers work I love the manual deck lift. In hind-sight I think the manual lift works so much better then the hydraulic ever could for my needs. It's so easy to adjust the deck on the fly whenever and wherever I need to. When mowing over a stump for instance or along the crest of a hill I can simply lift the deck with the foot lever and "feel" what it's doing. I can "feather" it into just the right spot and make instant adjustments on the fly.
It's not my intention to try and talk you out of the Kubota. It sure is a great machine and I was sorely tempted myself to go that way. I'm sure if you purchase one you will be very happy with. I'm only trying to share my experience and point out that there are advantages and disadvantages no matter which way you go. If you've already looked at what the other makes have to offer and have decided that the ZD21 is for you then please don't let me dissuade you. If however, you haven't considered all the other options and want to save some $ then shop around a bit. You may want to check out
www.lawnsite.com or
www.lawnforum.com if you haven't already. There are lots of other brands out there (Exmark, Toro, Dixie Chopper, Scag, Ferris, Grasshopper, etc.) some manufactures are small and some large but almost all have a loyal following. If you're curious I have a Toro Z500 23HP 60inch deck and I've been very happy it cutting my 3 1/2 acres. May I also suggest you inquire about home demos with any dealers around you. What sold me in the end on the Toro was a demo at my house. I could see for myself exactly how it would perform in the conditions where I would be using it. Just let me reiterate that I'm not advocating Toro and I'm certainly not trying to diss Kubota. I would be very surprised if you could find an unhappy a ZD owner.
Best of luck,
Eric
