Cub Z-Force Experience

JimMorrissey · May 5, 2005

Moon,

That is good to hear. I was worried that the ZRTs were going to be like riding a mechanical bull. The one I was able to ride around on was definitely a rough ride, but I used it on the dealer lot that was very rough. I got bounced all over.

I postponed delivery just because I got slightly cold feet in the AM after sleeping on it. I'm glad to hear from somebody with a less than perfect mowing surface who still thinks that ZRTs are the way to go.

Some of the guys here got me looking at Hustler now. I need to look at one of those before the Toro gets dropped off. Looks like a real nice machine for the $. It still has the IZT transmission, but the deck looks nearly commercial quality instead of stamped steel. It's also got a nice Honda double with 18hp and a 44" deck. We'll see.....The price is about $600 more than the Toro.

Rubicon1 · May 5, 2005

Jim you can get the Fastrac for the same money your spending on the Toro if you get one with a briggs engine instead of the Honda. Thats a $600 option. Your right, the Hustler deck is built just like a commercial unit with most everything else the same. I can't remember whick hydro the 44" had. The smaller ones have the EZT units. As the others have said, just go slower on the rough parts of the yard, you won't regret getting a ZTR. I like the Hustlers, they were just out of my price range. I just could pass up getting a Z-Force for $3200.

dfstrasser · May 5, 2005

I believe that there is a optional spring kit avaliable for the seat of the Hustler. This will definately help with the bumps. You may want to look at the Gravely/Ariens if you have a dealer in your area. They come with seat springs and seem to offer alot for the money. I just bought a used Z-Force and it is no bumpier than anything else I have cut with. I run the tires at the lowest recommended pressure (8 psi) and it helps a little. Besides being fast, they are a lot more fun to drive.

JimMorrissey · May 5, 2005

Rub,

I think the ZForce will be a good machine.....and the price is definitely right. Let us know how she performs.

moss2940 · May 6, 2005

Well the Z-Force I ordered is not in yet.
I had a chance to stop by TSC and look at the Z-Force and the RZT. They are two completely different animals. They may share a few parts but that is about it.
It sure does not do much for the confidence factor checking back on the mowing website's to read about the different brands and opinions.
I feel as undecided as Jim is about ZTR's. I am sure the Z-Force is a much better machine than the old Snapper ZTR I had that much seems clear.
I mowed most of my lot the other day with a 21" walk behind, let me say that the worst riding lawnmower ever built clobbers that experience.
I am begining to waffle a little on the Z-Force. If it does not come in tommorow I think I might cancel the order and go but a Hustler mini-Fastrac. I was impressed with the one I drove but I was lured to the Z-Force because of the Kohler twin and the IZT axles.
After reading here and there on the subject I am begining to think that may have not been worth the trade off for the constuction benefit's of the Hustler.
ARGGH to much information and not enough experience.

JimMorrissey · May 6, 2005

Moss,

Not to try and sway your decison /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif but, if you are even thinking about canceling the order, I would do it. That will give you the mental freedom to continue the search. It's a lot of money and you want to be happy with what you purchase. You can always fall back to the Z-Force once you return from the overload fog. -I'm deep in the fog at this point too....

As Gamble says: The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten. --Every single time I try to "save money", I end up wishing I hadn't a few month later, and I tell myself I'll NEVER do it again.

Oh....I've talked to some people that own ZRTs and got a couple of PMs for TBN and the overwhelming opinion is that ZRTs are for real. It's not just a fad. It'll force me to roll the lawn and spend a little filling and seeding the irregularities. The lawn will likely be better for it. I'm going to do it.

Spiffy · May 6, 2005

If the IZT was the deciding factor [as opposed to service, or another intangible], I'd say you choose wisely, and should stick with the Z-Force. I also think the ZF has an articulating front end which you'll probably like, while the hustler mini is solid [I've been wrong before] . Beyond those two points, the hustler looks like a pretty good & solid machine.

Good Luck!

Maker102 · May 6, 2005

I have also been debating on a Cub. My main reason for not acting yet is really kind of goofy but Cub does not have a Tech Support phone number. I like to call it and talk to those guys about what problems they are hearing about and if a lesser model will suit my needs. Many many times it has saved me alot of $$$$$. For example you can buy a king 5000 Select Comfort mattress for 1k less than full retail if you ask for a returned one. The kicker is that its a brand new mattress just 1k less. IMHO money in my pocket is better than money is someone elses.

klaxis · May 11, 2005

Does anyone know the maximum forward and reverse speeds for the RZT 50 mower? I found the information on cubs website for the zforce 50 but not the RZT 50.

MrWiggles2 · May 30, 2005

I don't know if I am coming or going with some of you guys. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Do your homework first before you go ordering ZTR's and cancelling them. Of course its a hassle for the dealer, but my GOD, the mental anguish you're putting yourself through!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Remember, you're not marrying it. If it doesn't meet your expectations sell it. Good thing about ZTR's is if you keep them in good shape, they have very high resale values. For residential use, whether its an IZT or EZT, it'll work. If you were talking commercial apps, that would be different... course you wouldn't be looking at these models. Hate to see you guys struggle so hard with this decision....