GR, Z or F Series Mower

   / GR, Z or F Series Mower #1  

Pete6114

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 8, 2000
Messages
383
Location
SW Ontario, Canada
Tractor
F2690(Sold) GR2120(Sold) L3240(sold) B1700(sold)
Which of the three would be best for comfort and stability for hilly areas? I know that a F would be overkill for my 2 acres, but i don't care about that.
 
   / GR, Z or F Series Mower
  • Thread Starter
#3  
Thanks for the link!
The F wouldn't have a problem with this slop degree? Not sure what % slope that is.


Also, which model of the F would be best, the 20/30 or 36 hp. I would use it with a blade for snow removal as well. I hate under buying but have no idea which HP is just "ok" and which is the one to have.
Any drawback to having a rear discharge compared to side discharge?
 
   / GR, Z or F Series Mower #4  
Ha, you could mow that on an F while eating your lunch....
 
   / GR, Z or F Series Mower #5  
The F2680e 2wd 60" Rear discharge deck that I traded to Barlows would do that with no problems. If your interested in saving money, he had it a couple of weeks ago for $10,500. Has a bit over 100 hours on it.
I currently have 2 F3080s with 72" decks, one side discharge and one rear discharge. I just mow with mine so don't have any added attachments that could possibly require 36HP. Will stand up and say for mowing there is no need for more than the F3080 with 30HP.
I prefer the Rear Discharge deck since it doesn't blow grass or dust on me when it's windy and I'm mowing. The rear discharge deck also lays the cut grass down more evenly no matter how or what direction your mowing. The side discharge can build the grass up if you keep mowing in the same direction (making a circle). The down side to the rear discharge is the cut grass gets under the machine and can clog the vent screens so one has to be aware that the screens all around the engine cover need to be checked every hour or two to make sure they are not covered or watch the temp guage on the mower. One time a horn started blowing on mine which I didn't know it had. I finally looked down and my temp was up a bit over halfway which is where it usually stays. Cleaned (wiped off with my hand) the holes in the hood and the horn quit and I kept mowing. I use my compressor with a 2' wand on it every two or three mowings to blow the collected grass off of the battery and underside of the machine.
 
   / GR, Z or F Series Mower
  • Thread Starter
#6  
Thank you! Very helpful and great info.
Can you post a pic of your 3080? I think i can see a canopy on it in the avatar!? Just like to see what it looks like.
Thanks
 
   / GR, Z or F Series Mower #7  
The GR will climb slopes close to what the other two will do but not side hill near as well (running down the the ditch line in your pictures).
The GR and F series will go down steeper slopes under control better than the Z.
The GR and Z has a much easier system of changing cutting height (hydro lift & turn a knob) than the F series which requires adjustments at 4 points.
Cutting width is up to your requirements and obstacles. The 72 inch decks can scalp on rough ground.
Since John Thomas did not get the 100 inch flex deck with his latest F I have no knowledge of the cut.
The F series can be ordered with a fully enclosed cab with a heater for snow blowing duties.
Glad to help you spend your money on toys/tools.
For your size mowing area I would go with the 60 inch RD deck.
John is correct with watching the temperature gauge and keeping radiator area clean.

The GR and F series are easier to keep in a straight line when mowing ditch lines.
 
   / GR, Z or F Series Mower
  • Thread Starter
#8  
Thanks TailDragon. More great info. Love this forum!

I'm sure I'll choose the 60 inch RD if i pick the F Series. It's still a tossup between the Z and F. Got the GR ruled out.
That ditch is deeper then it looks in the pics. Cutting it right now with a L3240 72 inch deck and there are 2 spots where i am not real comfy at all. I got to figure out what % slope this is here....
Silly as it may sound, one of the main features of the F is that the deck can be serviced very easily. My dealer wants to drop off a Z and a F mower for a week, so i can make sure i'm buying the right mower. (when he has trade ins on the lot)
 
   / GR, Z or F Series Mower
  • Thread Starter
#9  
One more question: Are there any issues with the F and the Z series, such as seals leaking/ transmission or engine problems?
Guess i should know this before making a final decision and start negotiating.
 
   / GR, Z or F Series Mower #10  
Nothing on the F series that I have read.I do not think it has changed since i bought mine (F3680) in 2006.
The Z's before the ZD series (ie Z28) did have some reported problems with one of the drives for users on slopes. Have not read/heard anything about the latest (ie ZD331) having any problems.
Even the latest GR2120/2110 series seems to be good, the earlier ones did have some problems.
 

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