Kubota Zero turn 60in or 72in deck?

[jlbota]

I am in the market for a new Kubota Zero turn mower. I am trying to decide between the ZD326P with the 60 inch deck or the ZD331 with the 72 inch deck. I drove the ZD326 today and it really is a nice unit compared to the underpowered ZD21 I used to own. The ZD21 I had used a 60 inch deck and literally cut my mowing time in half so I am thinking the big 72 inch deck and 31hp might be even faster. But will it cut as well as the 60? Anyone here have one of ZD331 units with the 72 inch deck on it? Any info and experiences with either one would be great. I am wanting to pull the trigger this week but would like some real world info.

For reference I mow with a B3030 now and it has a 60 inch deck on it and it takes me almost 3-1/2 to 4 hours to mow. I am hoping to cut my time and fuel savings (mainly time) by using a dedicated zero turn mower. I am planning to sell the 60 inch deck from the B3030 after I get another mower to offset the cost of the new machine.

 

[crbr]

I too am fixing to do the same thing. I have a 7800 with a 60" and like it. I am going with the ZD for mowing only and I'll go the 60" again. A 72" just floats a little too much (on the outer cutting edges) for me.

I am going to keep my mid-mount in the case that I ever want to sell the tractor and get another.

 

[jlbota]

I am leaning towards the ZD326P due to size and quality of cut. My dealer quoted me $10495.00 and will throw in extra blades on the deal. I can get 0% for 24,36 months or with 15% down 0% for 42 months.
Do you guys like your ZD326's? How do they do on hills for power?

 

[art]

The 326's have been doing fine. The 331 with the 72" decks have also been good and both have about the nicest cuts I've ever seen with both sticks full ahead. I normally recommend the largest deck and the smallest power unit for ease of trimming!

 

[jlbota]

I normally recommend the largest deck and the smallest power unit for ease of trimming!

I don't think i fully understand what you mean here. You recommend the 72 inch deck? I have been going back and forth about it for a few weeks. I would love to have the 72 just for trimming reasons and to get the bulk of my mowing done quickly but I did not want to sacrafice quality. I have a few hills and few tight spots and was afraid the 72 might scalp due to the sheer width and weight of the deck. I had a 60 before and it did a great job and I am going with what i know but if someone knows better please chime in.

 

[om21braz]

I have a friend who bought the ZD28 w/ the 72" deck, but traded the 72" back for a 60" because of the scalping & anti-scalp wheel issues in a few places that he has uneven ground to cover. I've got the 60" on a ZD21 and would not want any larger considering the yards mowed with it. If cut quality is a big issue, I believe the 60" is about max. IMHO. Best possible scenario for you would be a demo of a 72" if possible - removes all doubt and guesswork. Good Luck with your decision !

 

[Slade]

I'd go with the 60" over the 72" for my property -- 5 acres of grass but lots of trees and planters. I have a 60" and that seems plenty big considering how much turning I have to do around obstacles. If it was all open grass I would go with the 72" or just buy a big finish mower from my tractor.

 

[WH401]

I'd go with the 60. If the property has hills and tight spots as you say then the 60 is going to be more manuverable as well as give a nicer cut because it will follow the terrain better. 72's are ideal for long, full flat stretchs or if you don't mind giving up a slight bit on cut quality with hills, dips, or bumps. I was originally going to go with one of the 331's with a 72 to replace my mowing machine as I have mostly open field and one large hill. I decided though that I could only mow with it and nothing else so I'm just going to get a new tractor w/ a finish mower instead. Here's a good thread over at Lawnsite.com about owners opinions of the 331:
http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=230110&highlight=kubota+zd331

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

a buddy of mine and his dad just went through this debate.....my buddy wanted the biggest he could get (to save time), his dad just thought it was too much to go with a 72

they went halves on it and the dad won out with the 60 and i asked my buddy about it and he said he was glad he didn't get the 72 because the smaller one barely fit between some trees, etc. on their property........they bought the kubota you are looking at....

they keep about 15 acres cut with it and they were using about a 21-24hp kubota with a MMM and a large cub rider........he told me the time difference but i can't remember what it was but it was a LOT.......

when i used to work for a troy bilt/bolens dealership, we pretty much never suggested the 72 deck for the 20hp rider.....several people brought them back and traded them back in......they scalped and the weight difference was HUGE...so, some claimed they actually had to go slower to compensate.....

EVEN with all this info., for some strange reason, i always look for 72's when i'm watching the used market....

i think the most important factor is how flat is your land and how many things you really cut around......they ONLY thing i have against the kubotas is the suspension......the buddy i keep talking about, he and his dad, are both diehard bota fans......before they bought, i told them to consider something with a suspension......he dismissed it- mainly because his dad was set on bota- and the other day the son admitted to me that it can get a little rough sometimes and he has wondered how the suspensions would work.....

i never got to use one in the field but i worked a short stint this summer at a stihl and ferris dealer....i can tell you the Cat powered ferris is unreal......i'm assuming the suspension would make it even better........just my opinion

 

[Dargo]

Although I used Grasshopper mowers mostly when I had a mowing business, I learned that the 61" (may as well be a 60" as far as I'm concerned) was far more productive. The only place the 72" would have an advantage is on a large, smooth and rather flat area. However, in that instance, it was much faster to use a far larger finish mower behind the tractor.

After I sold my mowing business I ended up selling the 928D Grasshopper with the 72" deck and buying me another 722D Grasshopper with a 61" deck to use around our home. My wife and I now each have our own 722D Grasshoppers, which are powered by Kubota diesels. I also owned Scag mowers, a Dixie Chopper, JD mowers and Ferris mowers; all zero turn. I personally have a lot of obstacles, a lake to mow around and lots of different hills. None of the other zero turn mowers I owned when I was in the business performed like the front mount Grasshoppers; especially on hills. The worst mistake I made was when I bought a gas powered mower. It was a Kubota 3 cyl. gas engine that was extremely smooth, but it burned more than twice the amount of fuel than the exact same diesel version of that mower.

I've never had a Kubota zero turn mower though. I'm sure they ought to be tough. If you get one, I'd definitely go with the 60" deck and go diesel. There again, I am sort of partial to the Kubota diesels. I still own 5 things that have small Kubota diesel engines powering them.

 

[powerstroke444e]

We have one with a 72 on the Kubota ZD & would not want a 60 as that is what we had on a GF1800 & the 72 is faster. One peace of advice is they don't like cutting down large hills next to the pond, but the rear tires will try to float.

 

[Ob1kubota]

I have a friend who bought the ZD28 w/ the 72" deck, but traded the 72" back for a 60" because of the scalping & anti-scalp wheel issues in a few places that he has uneven ground to cover. I've got the 60" on a ZD21 and would not want any larger considering the yards mowed with it. If cut quality is a big issue, I believe the 60" is about max. IMHO. Best possible scenario for you would be a demo of a 72" if possible - removes all doubt and guesswork. Good Luck with your decision !

JL this is exactly right, I own both a ZD21-60 & brand new ZD326P-60. The 72" with the 24" blades will scalp your yard unless almost flat at the 2.5 height setting or less. It will take all the 31 Horses to keep the speed and torque in high grass for blade speed. It's the speed and condition of the blades that determines quality. The new style high lift blades K5651-34340 only dull the last three inches of the cutting edge if the travel speed is correct with RPM of the deck. This matches the same wear pattern I have experienced in the old style flat blades K5661-34330 for several dollars less and just as good of cut. Get the 60" tank deck on the 326P you won't go wrong or broke for that matter. Ladies... this is one case where 'bigger ain't better'.

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

sorry to jack the thread....

i had a bolens articulator with the deck on the front.....i LOVED that mower......fast, strong, powerful..........

i've always wondered how the grasshoppers, etc. with the front mount decks compared in speed of cutting vs a zero turn.......flat, long fields? you answered hills and obstacles.......thanks!

Although I used Grasshopper mowers mostly when I had a mowing business, I learned that the 61" (may as well be a 60" as far as I'm concerned) was far more productive. The only place the 72" would have an advantage is on a large, smooth and rather flat area. However, in that instance, it was much faster to use a far larger finish mower behind the tractor.

After I sold my mowing business I ended up selling the 928D Grasshopper with the 72" deck and buying me another 722D Grasshopper with a 61" deck to use around our home. My wife and I now each have our own 722D Grasshoppers, which are powered by Kubota diesels. I also owned Scag mowers, a Dixie Chopper, JD mowers and Ferris mowers; all zero turn. I personally have a lot of obstacles, a lake to mow around and lots of different hills. None of the other zero turn mowers I owned when I was in the business performed like the front mount Grasshoppers; especially on hills. The worst mistake I made was when I bought a gas powered mower. It was a Kubota 3 cyl. gas engine that was extremely smooth, but it burned more than twice the amount of fuel than the exact same diesel version of that mower.

I've never had a Kubota zero turn mower though. I'm sure they ought to be tough. If you get one, I'd definitely go with the 60" deck and go diesel. There again, I am sort of partial to the Kubota diesels. I still own 5 things that have small Kubota diesel engines powering them.

 

[Dargo]

...down large hills next to the pond, but the rear tires will try to float.

I long ago lost the right to complain to my wife about putting the mower in the lake. With the front mount deck I've never had to trim around the lake as we can sweep the deck out over the water a good 18" or more. However, if you happen to try to push it just an inch too far...well, it's time to go get the RTV and winch it out. We've never put any into deep water fortunately, but I lost count years ago of the number of times we've done that.

 

[Dargo]

... speed of cutting vs a zero turn.......flat, long fields? you answered hills and obstacles.......thanks!

I don't see any advantage of a front deck for flat long fields. My only observation is that the front mount machines, where the front wheels on the mower deck are only guide wheels (and support no weight of the machine), ride better than even the Ferris mowers with suspension we had. I did like the Ferris suspension though. It really does work.

As an odd observation, I've discovered that the strongest built mid mount zero turn mowers had the worst ride. They were so strong that they had absolutely no flex to the frame. To be honest, several brands are far stronger than what I can take. When I hit bumps so hard that my vision blurs, my old body screams "don't EVER do that again!".

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

do the zero turns have an advantage over the front mount mowers in the long, flat fields?....i'm asking because this is what i'll mainly be cutting some day....

you mean the ones with the wheels touching but only supporting part of the weight of the deck? this is the way the articulator is......

as opposed to the strange looking ones with two big wheels for driving the machine (under the operator) and then two wheels out on front of the deck that supports the weight of the machine?

the rigid machine makes sense........

I don't see any advantage of a front deck for flat long fields. My only observation is that the front mount machines, where the front wheels on the mower deck are only guide wheels (and support no weight of the machine), ride better than even the Ferris mowers with suspension we had. I did like the Ferris suspension though. It really does work.

As an odd observation, I've discovered that the strongest built mid mount zero turn mowers had the worst ride. They were so strong that they had absolutely no flex to the frame. To be honest, several brands are far stronger than what I can take. When I hit bumps so hard that my vision blurs, my old body screams "don't EVER do that again!".

 

[art]

I don't think i fully understand what you mean here. You recommend the 72 inch deck? I have been going back and forth about it for a few weeks. I would love to have the 72 just for trimming reasons and to get the bulk of my mowing done quickly but I did not want to sacrafice quality. I have a few hills and few tight spots and was afraid the 72 might scalp due to the sheer width and weight of the deck. I had a 60 before and it did a great job and I am going with what i know but if someone knows better please chime in.

I always look at the amount of lawn and for longevity of the unit as well as resale.
The largest deck and the smallest tractor keeps trimming easy as the deck goes out beyond the machine over the edge of gardens and flower beds. wide decks keeps power units away from branches and the operator.
A 60" deck compared to a 72" loses just about 3/4 of an acre an hour at 5 mph with 100% cut. On four acres that's a bit of time to loose!

We have people that buy both for what ever reason, I've mowed with most units we sell, interesting enough, on my lawn with a ZG-23 54" deck I didn't scalp, Ferris IS1500 with a 52" deck and I did. ZD 331 with a 72 did the same as the Ferris. The ZD-326P-60 I had no issues with scalping much the same as the ZG.

I do mow about two and half inches at a minimum and at times more for good grass growth at home.

I won't say you definitely won't have a scalping issue witha 72" deck! There might only be an area or two that might need to be adjusted or changing the mowing pattern to fix it. You might be able to find a commercial cutter to come in for a one time cut to watch him!

The lower hours, less time running burning fuel, more time for the family or hobbies, the larger if possible is the way to go.

 

[jlbota]

Well I ended up with a new ZD326P with the 60 inch deck. I got to use it to mow the back of our property this evening and it is much improved over the older ZD21 I used to have. The engine is quieter and runs much more smoothly on these new models. The transmission is quite a bit stronger and more refined and doesn't push back on you under load like the old ones did. The sticks are a bit more touchy but once you run it awhile you get used to it. It seems a bit heavier in the rear going up hills but it stuck really well up or down. I could see quickly how a bigger heavier deck may cause this mower to slide a bit easier going down hill.

The deck mows excellent and really cuts the grass up pretty fine. I forgot how far these decks will throw....and I was running 3/4 throttle the whole time. Can't wait to really crank it up after I break it in a bit.

Seems like alot of thought was put into these newer ZD's with the deck access panel and the newer air screen and air filter system. Everything including all the grease fitting looks fairly easy to get to for service.

The seat is a big improvement over the old with all the adjustments that can be made and the ride is much improved although it will jar you pretty good if you hit a decent size hole or bump. There seems to be much more deck area for your legs and just seems overall bigger and more comfortable to operate.

Overall I am pleased with my decision and I forgot how nice it is too mow with one of these. It really is a time saver and I would recommend to anyone to go and try one out.

They are a bit intimidating at first if you have never ran one (especially on hills) but I learned with my ZD21 the best thing you can do is not panic if you start to slide. I think most people including myself at first tend to yank back on the sticks trying to stop and all that does it make it worse by breaking traction.
I learned to just pull back gently going down hill almost in a pulsing motion kind of like anti-lock brakes and it really slows you down pretty well and in a controlled manner.

Thanks for all the info...it really helped with my decison. I hope to get a pic or two tomorrow of the new beast.

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

where abouts are you in so. eatern ohio?

i'm near portsmouth....

 

[jlbota]

I am in the Cambridge area. Right where I-70 and I-77 meet.