Buying new, first ZT: Cub ZT1 vs Gravely ZTX || and || Cub ZT2 vs Gravely ZTXL

[Rome]

Hi all,

Would really appreciate some advice on an upcoming purchase.

Context:

• My new property has about 2.5 acres to mow, with over a dozen large trees and a handful of other obstacles, so decided on getting my first ZT.
• Grass is mostly a slope, but next door neighbor uses a JD ZT and it does just fine.
• Not interested in buying used after being burned on a used tractor purchase last year.
• Original budget was $4k, looking at Cub ZT1 50" Kawasaki
  • Called local dealer and he said "yeah I have a ZT1, do you want it delivered today?". No questions. I was surprised by this from a dealer.
  • I went to the local dealer to test drive first, and both ZT1 on the lot pulled hard to the right when both bars forward
  • Salesman tried to tell me its an easy adjustment but it makes me makes me nervous to use a dealer that put out machines poorly built/calibrated? I didn't get the good feels there. Made me start doing more homework.
• Found out a lot of people recommend serviceable hydros for 2+ acres with hills, and that led me to look into CC in a ZT2 model (at $4500), or a Gravely ZT XL (at $5500).
  • They have the same ZT-2800 trans and same Kawasaki engine and both have a 4 year warranty, although I haven't read the fine print.
  • The Cub dealer is also 15 mins away and the gravely is 60 minutes away.
  • Lastly, the Gravely has a 0% financing for 48 months going right now, attractive since its almost 2k over my original actual budget.

Questions:
1. Is a serviceable trans really so important to longevity that's its worth more than $1000 over the ZT1/ZTX?
2. Is the Gravely with the same trans/engine actually worth $1000 more than the Cub? If so, why and how?
3. Am I being silly worrying about that Cub dealer's demeanor and putting out curved-driving models for customer tests? Makes me worry about the quality of their service dept.
4. Is there a different brand/model that would be a better buy than the ZT2/ZTXL in the same price range?

Thank you!

 

[workinonit]

I'm not at all familiar with those machines or I would assist you. I can talk to you about ZD1211 or any of the JD ZTs.

 

[WVH1977]

I have always owned Gravely and they are top notch in my book. Never has any issues with them and they take abuse.

Biggest question you need to ask yourself is how important is comfort? Zero-Turns beat you to death. If I was gooing to be cutting 2.5 acres I would be looking at entry level commercial with nice seat. I know it is more money but that is my opinion.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

I just bought a Cub ZTS1 last year. Love it, and wife loves it more. Has a steering wheel vs, bars. Little to no learning curve. Front wheels are not casters, making it more stabile on hills when going across them. Nothing I don't like about it.

 

[Rome]

I have always owned Gravely and they are top notch in my book. Never has any issues with them and they take abuse.

Biggest question you need to ask yourself is how important is comfort? Zero-Turns beat you to death. If I was gooing to be cutting 2.5 acres I would be looking at entry level commercial with nice seat. I know it is more money but that is my opinion.

How badly compared to a little 42" XT1 from 2015 I think that im using now for 5 hours a week...? I have back problems so this comment gives me a bit of pause, but I absolutely do not have more money available than the Gravely ZTXL that I am considering which is alreay over what its comfortable at all.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

I have back issues, one reason I went with a ZT. The ride was much easier on back compared to a JD rider. Although, I did change out the plastic seat shock cushions for a pair of motorcycle seat springs. Even better ride. Our yard used to be a hay field, so plenty of bumpity bump goes on when mowing. ZT is sooo much smoother ride.

 

[WVH1977]

How badly compared to a little 42" XT1 from 2015 I think that im using now for 5 hours a week...? I have back problems so this comment gives me a bit of pause, but I absolutely do not have more money available than the Gravely ZTXL that I am considering which is alreay over what its comfortable at all.

I am not sure about the XT1 but I started out with a Gravely that was not commercial. It was a ZT48 I think. Great mower but stiff riding. I had herniated discs and it got bad to worse over time. Maybe see if they can give you an upgraded seat for what you are looking at.

I now have one with an air ride seat. It is AWESOME and expensive!!!

 

[skramer360]

I worked at a Gravely dealer for about 20 years. They are great machines. We never saw any machine that was better built that was in the same class. I worked in the service department and getting the machine with the serviceable transaxles is definitely worth the extra cost, ground speed is higher and longevity is increased and generally a bit less whine. We noticed things like deck hangers, frame gussets etc were a bit beefier on the Gravelys than comparable machines. I think the learning curve thing is mostly overblown on zero turns with the sticks. We always told our customers drive it like a grocery cart. If you want to go to the right, push with your left hand and vice versa. I never in my life saw someone who couldn't navigate with a grocery cart. As far a your concern about the dealer not prepping the machine well, that is a valid concern. We always test drove and adjusted every machine as soon as it was out of the crate.

 

[Opti-Mist]

i've had a Gravely ZTX 52" for 10 years and so far so good. My grounds are a bit rough so I mow a little slower and it only takes about an hour per cut. I've figured out belt replacement so I don't have to drop the deck (it's not really a big deal). Overall I'm quite satisfies with it.

 

[tulenutn2o]

About 15 years ago, I went with grasshopper. Definately not cheap but have served me very well. I currently still have the 2010 and 2012 725 d’s, both 61” powerfold, one with bagger. Just last fall, I bought my last mower, the grand-daddy 900D with 72” deck and grammar air seat. I have had many, many mowers over the years and none compare to the quality and durability of the grasshoppers. Buy it once, cry once.