Hi
I don't own one personally, but I work for a local Conservation Authority who bought a new 997 Deere Zero Turn last year as a 2nd mower. I have spent 300+ hrs so far running the 997 that the Authority owns. It does an impressive job cutting grass at a high speed. The 31hp Yanmar has plenty of power in heavy wet grass and still does a good job. The mower is a little tippy when cutting on hills and slopes and you have to be carefully when cutting on hills with her.
Biggest thing, is that I wished the deck stuck out a little farther on the left for better trimming around trees. The Authority has a ZD 28 Kbouta as well, thats a little better for trimming around trees then the Deere.
In all honestly though, the 997 Deere is a better built ZTR then the Kbouta in my opnion. The 997 does ride rough, but would probably be a lot nicer ride had they ordered the optional suspension seat for her.
So far we have put 400 trouble free hrs on the 997. For what we use it for, the 997 does well, even though I would have rather the Authority bought a Deere 1435 or 1445 Front Mower instead, mainly because it would be nice to have the 4WD and the ablity to trim close to objects and less trimming, but still the 997 is a good mower, just get the suspension seat option.
