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JimMorrissey
Veteran Member
I just ordered the Toro ZX480. It will be here tomorrow night. I'll give a review after I get some seat time. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Cub Z-Force Experience
- Thread starter JimMorrissey
- Start date
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Rubicon1
New member
I looked at the Timecutter series and found the EZT units on the Z models and the IZT units on the ZX models. To get the same componants as the Z-Force on the ZX, I had to pay about $1000 extra and it still had a stamped deck. Plus I liked the Kohler engine better. No thanks for me...
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JimMorrissey
Veteran Member
Rubicon, I'm looking at the 48" deck, not the 52". Maybe the 52" ZX is $1000 more in your area. The 48" ZX model is the same price as the Z-Force 50" and looks generally to be made better. The finish work and plastic components are of a higher quality IMO. One example of that is the Toro has little hydraulic dampeners in the control arms so it's not so jerky when you hit a bump. Another is the engine area, the Toro is much cleaner without lots of wires and hoses hanging off. I also like the big rubber flap on the chute so you can get close to things without ripping them up. The brake is immediately set when you open the control arms. Yep, stamped deck...You can't get away from that unless you go commercial. I don't think it'll be a problem unless you hit a lot of rock walls or trees AND you never clean it.
Toro gives a full 3 year pick-up and delivery warranty, MTD gives a two year. That's worth something, especailly after three years of use.
The other factor for me is the Toro dealer is fantastic and I prefer to give he and his family my money. They do all the service and sales, the Cub is an unknown situation with questionable dealers within driving distance. -Everybody has a different situation. I'm sure the Cub will be a good machine.
In case anybody is wondering I was told by the Toro dealer the IZT transmission is good for 600 hours.
Toro gives a full 3 year pick-up and delivery warranty, MTD gives a two year. That's worth something, especailly after three years of use.
The other factor for me is the Toro dealer is fantastic and I prefer to give he and his family my money. They do all the service and sales, the Cub is an unknown situation with questionable dealers within driving distance. -Everybody has a different situation. I'm sure the Cub will be a good machine.
In case anybody is wondering I was told by the Toro dealer the IZT transmission is good for 600 hours.
Congrats on your purchase, and thats interesting about the 600 hours thing...
Its still ashamed though that your local dealer was poor...still going to let my dealer rep hear about it and see if they can't get something done.
Its still ashamed though that your local dealer was poor...still going to let my dealer rep hear about it and see if they can't get something done.
moss2940
Bronze Member
I am glad you found a mower.
I bet at any price level it is probably 6 of one and half a dozen of the other as to which is better.
It sounds like you have a good dealer with your's. You are probably miles ahead of me with that one item. I will have Lowe's to help me sort out any isuues I have. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
I know a lot of things will go thru your mind when you are picking up your new Toro. If you can remember ask your dealer if Toro had an hour rating for their ztr's with the EZT axles. I would be curious to hear that.
Let us know how the Toro preforms when you get to use it.
Randy
I bet at any price level it is probably 6 of one and half a dozen of the other as to which is better.
It sounds like you have a good dealer with your's. You are probably miles ahead of me with that one item. I will have Lowe's to help me sort out any isuues I have. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
I know a lot of things will go thru your mind when you are picking up your new Toro. If you can remember ask your dealer if Toro had an hour rating for their ztr's with the EZT axles. I would be curious to hear that.
Let us know how the Toro preforms when you get to use it.
Randy
Rubicon1
New member
Jim,
Part of that price difference, factored in the 10% discount Lowes offers for the Cubs. And I was comparing the 44" Z-Force to the 48" ZX. Maybe it was only $800 difference, I was going from memory. I looked again at the ZX specs and noticed it had the extended life Briggs and the 3 year warranty. Sounds like it's a nice machine.
Part of that price difference, factored in the 10% discount Lowes offers for the Cubs. And I was comparing the 44" Z-Force to the 48" ZX. Maybe it was only $800 difference, I was going from memory. I looked again at the ZX specs and noticed it had the extended life Briggs and the 3 year warranty. Sounds like it's a nice machine.
frank_f15
Super Member, Rest in Peace
What was the difference in $$$$ if there was any?
Rubicon1
New member
I looked again, comparing retail prices is exactly $1000 difference. $3699 for Z-Force 44" and $4699 for ZX480.
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JimMorrissey
Veteran Member
I called the dealer this morning and told him to "hold off on delivery". He was OK with it. I'm just not sure what to do now. I don't know if a ZRT is for me with this uneven lawn of mine. When I test drove the one on his lot it was VERY bouncy. I really don't want to have to wear a kidney belt when mowing the lawn! I used to use one as a kid riding a dirt bike, but not when mowing the lawn. The dealer doesn't have one to demo here on this property, so I reacted and stuck my head in the sand. I have to do something cuz the lawn is getting long /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I really think the commercial model is heavier and with larger wheels will take the irregularities better, although I just can't see spending 6K on a mower right now. Why do they have to put such little wheels on the residential models. Who'd of thought that a darn lawn mower could be such a nightmare to purchase. Maybe I'm thinking about it too much.
I really think the commercial model is heavier and with larger wheels will take the irregularities better, although I just can't see spending 6K on a mower right now. Why do they have to put such little wheels on the residential models. Who'd of thought that a darn lawn mower could be such a nightmare to purchase. Maybe I'm thinking about it too much.
Moon
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2002
- Messages
- 908
- Location
- SE Ohio, Meigs County
- Tractor
- Kubota L3010HST R4's, Scag Wildcat ZTR, 61
What caused you to delay delivery?
I wonder if the dealer would let you mow your lawn with it or a demo ZTR before signing on the dotted line?
From other posts you might have seen that a large part of my lawn used to be a tomato field. It's rough. I've mowed it with lots of different types of mowers (8n, GT, CUT w/RFM) and my ZTR beats em all. I do not go full speed over the rough areas, but I didn't go full speed with the others either. The ZTR gets done quicker because I can turn on a dime and keep the mower deck in grass that needs mowed ....insead of manuvering to get the piece that is missed with a conventional lawn tractor.
Hope this helps,
Moon of Ohio
I wonder if the dealer would let you mow your lawn with it or a demo ZTR before signing on the dotted line?
From other posts you might have seen that a large part of my lawn used to be a tomato field. It's rough. I've mowed it with lots of different types of mowers (8n, GT, CUT w/RFM) and my ZTR beats em all. I do not go full speed over the rough areas, but I didn't go full speed with the others either. The ZTR gets done quicker because I can turn on a dime and keep the mower deck in grass that needs mowed ....insead of manuvering to get the piece that is missed with a conventional lawn tractor.
Hope this helps,
Moon of Ohio
