F3990 vs newer F3710 4wd front deck mowers

[Brown Dog]

I use to have a ZD1211 72RD & it overheated bad too in dry conditions.

I learned to reach behind me & rake the clippings off the screen behind seat while mowing & it helped.

I mow 4-6hrs at a time 2&3 times a week & don’t have time to stop & dump radiator screen

My current 72SD will overheat too in dry conditions but not near as often as the RD

 

[Brown Dog]

… I traded in for a Hustler 104 Air Cooled Gas engine and it never overheated.

Was clippings dispersed evenly with the 104 RD Deck in heavy grass ?

I wanted one but not with a gas engine.

 

[5030]

My ONLY comment is. glad I have a side discharge deck on my F series. Overheating is never an issue. Something I'd never want is a rear discharge on any mower. The shredder is ok however.

 

[9973720wb19]

Was clippings dispersed evenly with the 104 RD Deck in heavy grass ?

I wanted one but not with a gas engine.

Yes. it actually left a nice cut - looked nice. but understand I'm mowing more like rough field. I mow at 4.0 inch high - I was probably mowing 3-4 inches off that. I liked the mower but if your ground is rough or pitchy I would not recommend a 104. to protect the mower deck belts from coming off, if either of the side decks flex up while mowing at a certain angle...it will shut down the PTO. this was a constant issue for me and I had to mow very slow so the side wings would not flex up too high. the 104 would be great for flat and smooth land...I don't have that.

 

[Brown Dog]

Good info

I too mow @ 3.75-4” height.
I’m mowing rough farm ground.
I’m not in a subdivision
Sounds like the 104” isn’t all that.

I just wished Kubota would offer a 84” single deck in a slightly bigger framed ZD1611 with a few more HP

 

[Brown Dog]

…. I'm either going to swap out the RD for SD or consider trading it for a 2024 F3710 SD. I'm cutting mainly fields (not long though) and it's pretty rough ground. I found the ZD bouncy

SD deck definitely leaves a nicer finish of cut clippings in super thick grass IF side chute is removed

The F3710 ride is no better as Hay Dude mentioned & definitely NOT the machine IF mowing really steep banks horizontally plus it’s 11 feet long & not ideal if you mostly do back & forth mowing passes.
IMHO. I’ve had both.
I actually hated the F3710

The tailswing will not stay strait making horizontal passes plus it’s narrower & more proned to tip over

I learned the hard way

My ZD1511 & ZD1611 are Truly Amazing Machines

 

[Brown Dog]

My ONLY comment is. glad I have a side discharge deck on my F series. Overheating is never an issue …

IF you cut super dry grass on a windy day where you’re getting covered in clippings with side chute removed : your F series will run scalding hot after 2+ hrs of mowing.

All 4 of my ZD SD & F3710 SD has & the ZD RD was way way worse.

 

[Hay Dude]

Good info

I too mow @ 3.75-4” height.
I’m mowing rough farm ground.
I’m not in a subdivision
Sounds like the 104” isn’t all that.

I just wished Kubota would offer a 84” single deck in a slightly bigger framed ZD1611 with a few more HP

Kubota actually used to make a 100” deck for the F models, but they were really unpopular. I almost bought one, but it’s pretty useless on rolling ground, around trees, etc.
There’s still a few used ones out there, but I know you like brand new stuff.
The only place the WAM’s are any good is really large properties with flat fields, airports, schools, etc.
They are more difficult to maintain and subject to cracks and welds because the deck is so long.

 

[5030]

IF you cut super dry grass on a windy day where you’re getting covered in clippings with side chute removed : your F series will run scalding hot after 2+ hrs of mowing.

All 4 of my ZD SD & F3710 SD has & the ZD RD was way way worse.

Never been an issue with me and my side discharge and I keep the deflector secured in the up position with a tarp strap constantly. Of course I don't mow tall grass anyway. Obviously, your situation is different than mine is.

 

[9973720wb19]

SD deck definitely leaves a nicer finish of cut clippings in super thick grass IF side chute is removed

The F3710 ride is no better as Hay Dude mentioned & definitely NOT the machine IF mowing really steep banks horizontally plus it’s 11 feet long & not ideal if you mostly do back & forth mowing passes.
IMHO. I’ve had both.
I actually hated the F3710

The tailswing will not stay strait making horizontal passes plus it’s narrower & more proned to tip over

I learned the hard way

My ZD1511 & ZD1611 are Truly Amazing Machines

Great information - interesting and very helpful. I don't want to make a panic purchase mistake. I'm disappointed with the ZD1211 overheating, but I'm slowly getting over it. Perhaps swapping the RD for a SD and give it another chance.