F Series vs. ZD

[aesanders]

Personally, I would get a Grasshopper 700 or 900 series (they come with Kubota diesel), and are both front mount machines.

Lots of front mounted accessories for these also.


Here is a YouTube video on a 900D (which is probably more machine than you need, I’d start with looking at a 700D).

 

[Hay Dude]

They are a damn good machine, too.
I like Hopper, Ferris and Kubota the best for heavy homeowner or commercial use.

 

[MMC]

I paid $8,000 for my Scag back in 2011. It doesn't feel that long ago, but 14 years has passed pretty quickly!!!! I'm in total shock that the prices have gone up that much since then.

Which may argue for investing time and a few minor repairs in a used, low hour, commercial unit for many of us. I picked up that F2680E I mentioned for $6300 plus shipping. Looked almost new when it came off the trailer with about 460 Hrs on it. And looked new when I pulled maintenance on it (after buying all its parts manuals and shop manuals).

Haydude's right about one thing. Kubota did not spare the grease fittings, which I personally like. And a full maintenance run on the Kubota F does take some time. But it is certainly a quality, heavy built unit. My neighbor has a Kubota diesel ZTR with a 60" deck however, and he really likes it as well. No real repair issues with his machine in over 10 years of use. And I can't say he does anywhere near the maintenance that I do on my machines...

 

[CigTopGun38]

Personally, I would get a Grasshopper 700 or 900 series (they come with Kubota diesel), and are both front mount machines.

Lots of front mounted accessories for these also.


Here is a YouTube video on a 900D (which is probably more machine than you need, I’d start with looking at a 700D).

I’ve watched that video before. The grasshoppers are nice. I don’t think I have a dealer close unfortunately. The other issue with grasshopper or any zero turn is they are 2 wheel drive. Using them to plow or for any snow removal is not happening. Maybe on flat land. But up here it’s all hills.

Think I need to figure out if I just want a grass unit or all purpose. But it feels like a compromise based on people’s feedback here.

 

[oldnslo]

I’m about to drop 24k on this Kubota…the scag zero turns I think are cheaper?

Maybe I’m expecting too much from these machines? I realize they won’t ride like Cadillacs but I do want something faster than my JD that only goes 3mph.

Your JD goes faster than 3 MPH you just couldn’t stand the ride. Do you really expect a zero turn to be smoother?

 

[CigTopGun38]

Your JD goes faster than 3 MPH you just couldn’t stand the ride. Do you really expect a zero turn to be smoother?

Good point.

It does go faster…but it beats the crap out of the equipment. I don’t mind it so much beating my body up. But I care about my tractor getting demolished.

 

[WM75Guy]

Neither one can compare to a tractor as far as the ride. I have a ZD1211 60" for doing the finished yard around the buildings. I bought a used F2560 72" to mow an acre or two of rougher areas under some trees. Probably because of the slower speed I mowed at, I preferred the F2560 as far as a comfortable ride over rough ground than the ZD1211. On smooth ground the ZD1211 would outmow the F2560, even with a smaller deck.

I had to replace the F2560 mower gearbox as I was asking too much of it on the weeds and brush. I traded it in on a NH 25S with a 60" mid-mount mower to mow the rough areas. In the spring I am going to try the 25S with my Ag Meier 72" rear finish mower to alleviate the dust issue from a mid-mount mower.

 

[5030]

Can you comment what rpm and speed you mow at? Do you mow at high or low range?

I hardly ever run at rated (PTO) rpm, usually about half rated rpm actually and always in low range because I'm never in any big hurry to mow the yards.

One thing that is supremely important to me is the ability of the front mount deck to get under trees and we have a lot of pines on the property and that ability really cuts down on trimming with a gas powered trimmer. I was always poking my arms and face with the mid mount zero turn mower, trying to get under trees. That issue is gone now.

Never been a hurry to mow or finish mowing. For me, mowing is a quiet time away from people and I mow 3 properties besides the farm yard.

My wife still has her zero turn mower but she has a steering wheel and not the oars and so does my F series. I don't like the oars myself, never have but that is a personal preference for me (and my wife). One thing i do know and that is, her 27 horse Kohler uses 2 times the fuel my Kubota diesel does and it's a lot noiser as well plus it has way more belts. Ny F series is all drive shaft except the wide, multi belt that drives the spindles which run in an oil bath unlike her ZTR which has greasable spindles and multiple belts, everywhere and yes the F series is really a Kubota B series tractor backwards. I'm happy with mine and candidly, that is all that counts for me and I fully expect it to outlast me and probably my wife as well.

 

[Carl_NH]

Know you are looking for a Kubota but here is a 72" Ferris gas 3000 series in NY for $11,500 - full suspension - 160 hrs - they are great riding machines. Log into Facebook

 

[RjCorazza]

Know you are looking for a Kubota but here is a 72" Ferris gas 3000 series in NY for $11,500 - full suspension - 160 hrs - they are great riding machines. Log into Facebook

Ferris has a good reputation, especially for the comfort of their suspension. I do wish Kubota would come up with something similar, or licence Ferris' suspension system.
The real problem (from my point of view) is the big gasoline mowers go through a lot of fuel compared to a diesel of similar capabilities.