Kubota ZTR

[RMulkey]

Most ZTRs have a travel speed of 10-13MPH but you really cannot mow that fast. Scag estimates a mowing speed of ~4MPH under real load conditions. Even at 4-5MPH it is easy to get bounced around pretty good. With a 60" deck and allowing 10% overlap, that translates to about 2ac per hour. I can cut my 2ac of lawn in just under 1 hour with ~50 trees and sprinklers. The machine will mow at 10MPH, but the cut is not smooth.

 

[art]

Jon try pulling the lever into reverse and you will eliminate your problem.

 

[JATO_RaT]

Just wait until you try a ZTR. Nothing mows like them. I use a John Deere. While a tractor can pull a bat wing loaded with mowers, you will never get the finish. Of course, if your just mowing fields, you don't want a ZTR. If all you mow is a smooth patch, a small push mower or "Craftsman" rider is fine. But if mowing is your passion, until you use a ZTR, you have no clue how great they are. The new Kubota in particular has twin drive motors so when your on a slope and the uphill wheel is less loaded, the down hill wheel keeps turning. Comparing a drag mower to a ZTR really isnt accurate. Perhaps a mid mount like on a BX series would be. The bonus of the BX is its versitilty and a pretty good cut. The advantage of the ZTR is its great cut and mobility. The advantage of a Kubota is its great engineering. I for one would like to try out the Kubota ZD21 even though my 80" HOG will cut more and "faster".

 

[JonSpinosa]

Hi Art, I don't understand what you mean by pulling the lever into reverse? The left lever travels further forward causing the machine to go more to the right. I appreciate your help. If all else fails I can call Ed and bring it to your shop.
Jon

 

[art]

Jon it is rare to find a piece of grass you could do a slide turn on without destroying the grass. You have to depending on the turn let your inside wheel move, normally backwards on a real tight corner inorder to not scuff. I haven't had the time to put the new ZTR's to a test yet but for those I have out and that are used to the zero turn I here they are smoother than what the people are used to.