Buying Advice Kubota ZD1211 or Exmark Lazer Z X series

[weathda]

The toro in the video has the MyRide. Interestingly, I can see it working to a point, but doesn't seem to compare with the 4 wheel independent suspension. Great video.

Daugen, I found the 2017 manual for the IS3200Z. It shows all the grease points on the mower, but none on the suspension. I think they use plastic bushings now. The suspension maintenance would come at a cost - maybe not as much to a homeowner who only puts on a 100 hours/year. I guess one has to ask how much headache or repairs they might be willing to make for the sake of comfort and your spine. Good food for thought.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

That's the reason I won't buy a zero turn is because of the ride quality and the stability on hills. I prefer a garden tractor over zero turn.

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The ONLY advantage a garden tractor has over a zero turn in terms of ride quality is that garden tractors have pneumatic tires on the front, while some zero turns have rock hard flat free caster tires that ride like a steel-wheeled tractor.

The other reason a garden tractor may seem to ride better is because they are slower. The bumps are a little softer at 4-5 mph than they are at 9-10 mph. But just because a zero turn can go 10 - 15 mph doesn't mean that you have to, or even should, mow at that speed.

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

The ONLY advantage a garden tractor has over a zero turn in terms of ride quality is that garden tractors have pneumatic tires on the front, while some zero turns have rock hard flat free caster tires that ride like a steel-wheeled tractor.

The other reason a garden tractor may seem to ride better is because they are slower. The bumps are a little softer at 4-5 mph than they are at 9-10 mph. But just because a zero turn can go 10 - 15 mph doesn't mean that you have to, or even should, mow at that speed.

Bigger tires plays a huge part in ride quality, all other things aside. The little tires on a zero turn drop down in holes and ruts more.

Also most zero turns don't have suspension on the front where most tractors do.

 

[DK35vince]

Bigger tires plays a huge part in ride quality, all other things aside. The little tires on a zero turn drop down in holes and ruts more.

Also most zero turns don't have suspension on the front where most tractors do.

I can tell you that my zero turn ( Hustler Super Z with 6' deck, 35 HP Kawasaki, suspension seat , flex forks and 8 PSI tire pressure) rides MANY times better than my garden tractor. Also rides better than my 35 HP compact tractor.
The thing will mow circles around my Tractor with a 7' rear finish mower.
I mow 8 acres of lawn, would take an entire day or more to mow if I ever tried mowing it with my Wheel Horse garden tractor.
Takes 3 1/4 hours to mow with my Kioti DK 35 w/7' rear finish mower.
The Super Z will mow it in 2 hours. Its that fast.

 

[daugen]

would take an entire day or more to mow if I ever tried mowing it with my Wheel Horse garden tractor.

don't you dare, you should be preserving that old girl. which model?
said the owner of a 1968 Cub Cadet

I have to tell you, my JD garden tractor, diesel X750, a real dinosaur in the evolution of things, rides remarkably well. 26x12 inch tires, I guess I have the air low enough and the steering is power so well insulated from vibration. My Massey 2wd tractor rides the best, those big tires aired down since I'm not running an FEL on that tractor. My Kubota tractor and ancient Cub Cadet tie for absolute worst ride (filled tires) while my Gravely garden tractor is fair. Not good though. The Michigan seat on the JD was well worth the 600 bucks they charge for it though the identical seat can be bought for 325. I have mowed with a Kawasaki powered Exmark also helping out mowing the graveyard at church and found that to be pretty hard riding, though that was years ago, maybe they have a better set up now.

Am thinking those new high tech plastic wheels, assuming they don't break, should offer a little compliance and ride better.

 

[DK35vince]

would take an entire day or more to mow if I ever tried mowing it with my Wheel Horse garden tractor.

don't you dare, you should be preserving that old girl. which model?
said the owner of a 1968 Cub Cadet

1978 Wheel Horse C-101
I bought this used in 1986 and still have it.
Still in good condition and running good.

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

I can tell you that my zero turn ( Hustler Super Z with 6' deck, 35 HP Kawasaki, suspension seat , flex forks and 8 PSI tire pressure) rides MANY times better than my garden tractor. Also rides better than my 35 HP compact tractor.
The thing will mow circles around my Tractor with a 7' rear finish mower.
I mow 8 acres of lawn, would take an entire day or more to mow if I ever tried mowing it with my Wheel Horse garden tractor.
Takes 3 1/4 hours to mow with my Kioti DK 35 w/7' rear finish mower.
The Super Z will mow it in 2 hours. Its that fast.

Lol a 35hp zero turn should mow at 12mph lol I would think anyway, my dad's 21hp 445 mows around 9mph with 5ft deck, sadly my 24hp husqvarna tops out around 5.5 mph with 54in deck.

 

[DK35vince]

Lol a 35hp zero turn should mow at 12mph lol I would think anyway, my dad's 21hp 445 mows around 9mph with 5ft deck, sadly my 24hp husqvarna tops out around 5.5 mph with 54in deck.

It will mow at 13-14 MPH, and we mow at that speed in the smoother sections of the lawn.
Other sections require slowing down unless you like being thrown off the seat

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

It will mow at 13-14 MPH, and we mow at that speed in the smoother sections of the lawn.
Other sections require slowing down unless you like being thrown off the seat

Maybe you should upgrade to a roll cage, 5 point seat belt, helpmate, fireproof suit and let her rip, if she gets airborne, less friction for the tires lol.

Don't forget the dukes of hazard horn for when she does lift off .

 

[DK35vince]

Maybe you should upgrade to a roll cage, 5 point seat belt, helpmate, fireproof suit and let her rip, if she gets airborne, less friction for the tires lol.

Don't forget the dukes of hazard horn for when she does lift off .

I bought an upper end commercial zero turn for a reason.
Longevity and Speed.
When mowing I like to see results, fast.