Kubota ZD-1211-72 first impressions

[Hay Dude]

So I’ve got a whopping 10 hours on the ZD-1211-72 I just bought 3 weeks ago. Been raining so much, we can barely get lawns cut.

A few initial observations:

1. I am almost shocked at the improvement in handling & uphill traction. My old ZD-331 had a lot of play in the controls from nearly 3,000 hours. New machine is tight and very responsive. It also seems like the new tire & rim set up helps with traction? I don’t believe it myself, but I ran it on a very steep hill we cut are only lost traction a few times. I can’t really explain any other reasons except tires and precision of the newer controls. The ZD-331 had new tires but could not climb descend hills like the newer one. Maybe the 1211 is lighter and doesn’t slide as easily?

2. Didn’t really cut too much heavy grass, so I can’t comment on power, but the engine definitely bogs down more when blades are initially turned on. This could also be because engine isn’t broken in yet and deck belt real tight. Going uphill, I could notice some loss of power, but not enough to complain about. What I need to make a final call is uphill and tall grass.

3. I like the new layout for the anti-scalp wheels. Back wheels are much better reinforced than ZD-331. Comfort is greatly improved with new operators seat. I felt fine after extended seat time yesterday. I like the deeper pocket for holding cell phone or a drink. I actually prefer the old analog gauges on the 331

4. The PTO engage lever feels cheap compared to old unit. Real disappointed Kubota doesn’t include 12V charger outlet. This should be standard equipment in 2024. Jury still out with me on the dual tanks being connected. I think they eliminated the separate tanks switch valve to save production costs. Weird how the machine takes it’s fuel from both tanks together, yet you fill them separately. What’s the point of 2 tanks? Just refilling from either side easier I guess? I guess it’s also to balance the weight and streamline the machine.

I’ll be on it 6-8 more hours today.

 

[MechanicalGuy]

My in-laws just bought this same one. I have only sat on it so far, started it....I was shocked at how short the seating platform is. My legs are cramped terribly. My Ferris 52" IS800 has way more leg room.

It ain't for tall guys I guess.

The diesel engine sounds just like the one on their 25yo 60" deck Kubota zt.

I can't wait to mow with it. Should cut down times dramatically from my 52" and their 60".

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

Any more thoughts after a couple more weeks? I've decided my Spartan has to go. May not be this summer but....

 

[Hay Dude]

Any more thoughts after a couple more weeks? I've decided my Spartan has to go. May not be this summer but....

Still like it. If you are considering it, I think you’ll be satisfied.
I’d give it an 8.5-9 out of 10.
I’m no Kubota ass-kisser, either like some people.
If I didn’t like it, I’d tell you.

 

[MechanicalGuy]

I'd test run a ferris before I'd buy another mower of any type. Ferris is the perfect mower imo.

 

[Hay Dude]

Ferris is a great mower. Better than Kubota, but they are extremely expensive. Their diesel zero turn is pushing $40,000.

 

[MechanicalGuy]

Ferris is a great mower. Better than Kubota, but they are extremely expensive. Their diesel zero turn is pushing $40,000.

I just checked, $38.6. Yikes.

 

[Hay Dude]

something sorely lacking on the Kubota 1211-72 is a charging outlet for cell phone.
Yeah,,,, I know it sounds laughable, but when you run a business in todays world, a dead cell phone is a big problem.
They give you a charging outlet with a new 1611, but not a 1211.

Stupid.

 

[RjCorazza]

I can live without a $5,000 charging outlet!
Seriously though, it really should have one. I will likely add one when I install some led lighting. Once a year or so I get caught mowing in the dark.

 

[MechanicalGuy]

So the cost isn't necessarily because Ferris likes their stuff more than 'Bota, it's because they're saddled with regulations from the federal government because they aren't playing the 24.8hp game...the Ferris is a full 48hp Cat engine and therefore running a dpf and maybe more.

Thanks federal government.

 

[Hay Dude]

$40K for a 48 HP diesel with a 72” cut isn’t worth it to anyone but someone with silly big money.

 

[mikester]

I'd test run a ferris before I'd buy another mower of any type. Ferris is the perfect mower imo.

I demoed a Ferris with Kubota diesel engine on my property as well as a ZD331-72 with rear discharge. I ended up buying a ZD326-60P with side discharge to let me mow between tight rows of trees easier.

I didn't like the fact that I had to manually lift the Ferris cutting deck with a foot pedal and get off the machine to adjust deck height. The ZD326 has a hydraulic deck lift and a quick deck cutting height adjustment dial I don't need to get out of the seat for. I really didn't feel like the front wheel suspension did anything for me on my terrain. At least not enough difference to justify the higher Ferris cost and manual deck controls.

I found that the rear discharge Kubota left lots of grass clumps and the deck design used "hooks" on the front corners of the fabricated deck which is a no-go for me, especially around trees. The K side discharge as a rounded front corner so bumping a tree or rock won't hook onto anything.

The K machines I demoed were more stoutly built and had heavier duty fabricated decks. The only modification I've made was adding an air ride seat and R4 like bar tires for better wet grass traction.

Keep in mind these machines were compared 14 years ago...my ZD326 has been bullet proof so far and I think I made the right decision. I've seen my 2010 machine at the dealer recently selling for used what I paid for mine brand new 14 years ago. Go figure. Nuts.

 

[Hay Dude]

I sold my ZD331 for more than I paid for it. I bought it used with ~1,000 hours in ~2014 for $5,000 and sold it needing repairs, for $5,500. The buyer was made aware it needed repairs and couldn’t throw cash at me fast enough.

 

[workinonit]

I really like my 1211. I looked at the Ferris diesel but the 1211 was a good bit less than half the Ferris price. That's as easy as picking Charles Barkley for your pickup basketball team.

 

[Hay Dude]

I can’t explain why, but the 1211-72 has markedly better traction than the ZD331.
I know I mentioned this before.
I am barely using the F-3680 when working solo.

With my helper, we will need to run both machines, so I will run the F while he runs the 1211.
I’m seriously considering selling the F and picking up a newer ZD331 for the flatter areas and using the 1211-72 for more challenging slopes.

 

[mikester]

According to google ~1800lbs for the ZD331 vs ~1700lbs for the ZD1221

Maybe less weight and different tires make a difference?

I put the R4 bar-like tires on my ZD326 and that has helped my traction issues. Still tears things up if I'm not careful. Maybe the low profile tires gives you better ground contact. Swapping the tires for tracks would be interesting to try...

 

[Hay Dude]

It must be a combination of the lower profile tires and the tightness/responsiveness of the much newer control levers.
The 1211 is much less prone to “sliding” than the 331.
That is very much appreciated.

 

[Hay Dude]

Decided to sell Kubota F-3680-72” deck and look for another 1211/1511 72”.

I’m trying to start a new thread, but site seems to be down

 

[BackRoad]

Mr. HayDude, looking at the same ZT in 72". Appreciate your first impressions review.

You mentioned an initial perception of less power...

What are your thoughts now - is it lacking power for the 72 inch deck or when mowing inclines?

Also have you found an upper range for acceptable grass height without needing to modify your normal mowing speed?

 

[Hay Dude]

Mr. HayDude, looking at the same ZT in 72". Appreciate your first impressions review.

You mentioned an initial perception of less power...

I’m up to about 100 hours now.
It has less power, but still enough to get the job done. Think about it: 24.8HP to run a 72” deck and power the wheels.

What are your thoughts now - is it lacking power for the 72 inch deck or when mowing inclines?

Depends on how steep. On my steepest hill, it bogs down maybe 10-20%?. The grass still is cut clean.
Overall, I’m pretty pleased. $20K is crazy for a mower and I know that, but if it lasts me 8-10 years, it’ll make me $300,000 in mowing invoices, so it’s a good investment.

Also have you found an upper range for acceptable grass height without needing to modify your normal mowing speed?

I have cut 18” tall thick grass with it and went a little slower. Sharp blades are the cure for lower power.

If you are considering one, I say go for it.