Kubota ZD's

MessickFarmEqu · Apr 22, 2004

Kubota ZD\'s

Most of the talk on this board is centered around compacts, just wanted to see if anyone has had experiences with the ZD mowers. I have been really impressed by them. The build is excellent, they have loads of power and the drive is very smooth. They are priced near the top of where zero turn mowers sell. In the last two weeks we have moved 8 or 9 of them, most people don't even want to consider the alternitives after driving one. We sell Ferris as well, it has more bells and whistles that appeal to some commercial people, but its only about $800 less than a Kubota Diesel. Anyone else have the oppertinuity to run these around?

Bob_Skurka · Apr 22, 2004

Re: Kubota ZD\'s

I looked at them but bought a Ventrac 3000. I thought the ZD would not have the traction I need and would not be able to handle the rough terrain and hills. I also looked at the 4wd GF series but again for my conditions, those did not seem suitable. I will say, that while I passed on the units, I think both units seemed very well made and would work for anyone with basically flat or gently rolling lawns that are smooth. Neither stuck me as well suited for mowing reclaimed pasture lands.

MessickFarmEqu · Apr 22, 2004

Re: Kubota ZD\'s

I agree that they are not great for pasture and rough ground. Hills is somthing I can't get a good read on. Generaly zero turns are terrible on hills since they are not that heavy, but I was out with a customer one time and he showed me some of the slopes that he mowed with a ZD28. I would NEVER had taken a tractor and up down those slops but he did it.

Bob_Skurka · Apr 22, 2004

Re: Kubota ZD\'s

( I would NEVER had taken a tractor and up down those slops but he did it. )

 Apparently he has a high tolerance for the "pucker factor!"

I know a couple people who are driving around on ZTR mowers of various brands, both have told me that they THOUGHT they had smooth lawns UNTIL they mowed them on a ZTR. Neither is able to get close to the "rated acres per hour" speed that the manufacturer claims the mower will mow becuase their ZTRs will rattle the fillings out of their teeth.

MessickFarmEqu · Apr 22, 2004

Re: Kubota ZD\'s

We just took on Ferris about three months ago for that exact reason. Their unit has a suspension system on each corner. It really goes a good job of smoothing out the ride. The deck rides from the frame so it eliminates uneven cuts from the rough ground. Its targeted more at the exmark/scag units than the Kubota. Like the rest of the line the fit finish and feel is a world different.

dfeck · Apr 22, 2004

Re: Kubota ZD\'s

I have owned two Ferris ZTR mowers. The first had no suspension and then I upgraded to the new IS model that has suspension. The suspension makes a HUGE difference in the speed in which you can mow. Since I had experience with both I can speak with fact! ZTR's are great but ones with suspension are the nuts!!!! So I would think Ferris would have a leg up over Kubota with true lawn care companies that rely on speed. But then again I've never sat and ran a Kubota so I have nothing to compare to.

Dozernut · Apr 22, 2004

Re: Kubota ZD\'s

I own a Kubota ZD21 that I am really pleased with. We mow several acres of ground that has varied terrain. The mower does not do well on muddy or soft ground, but that is mostly due to the type of tires it comes with. If the ground is that soft you don't want to be on it with any type of mower. We mow ditch banks and berms and the ZD is more stable than our old zero turn mower ever was. The ride is also much better than the old mower. The diesel engine will most likely last longer than me. This is really a well built machine. We took a long look at the Scaggs and almost bought one, but decided to go with the Kubota and we have never regretted our decision. The wife has fallen in love with this mower and has taken over the mowing chores. I don't get to drive it except when I service it and take it for a check ride.