LOOKIN FOR ZTR POWER PLANT OPINIONS

[PossumHound]

Howdy Folks,

I'm shopping for a ZTR, probably commercial duty, Toro, Hustler, Deere, Ferris, and Husqvarna are on my list. My question is which motor I select. Most of the brands offer a motor option (except Deere). The choices generally are Kawasaki, Kohler, B&S (also their Vanguard line), then the diesel options but they're out of my price range. I had a Kohler Command 26 hp in my last Toro and it was a POS (the motor not the mower) - rebuilt the head four times in 500 hours, and Kohler said it wasn't their fault even though I had dealer service every sping and took plenty of attention to routine maintenance in between. I've been around the B&S motors all my life, but have no experience with their larger power plants like in the ZTRs. I've heard some great things about the Kawas, but I thought I'd try to play smart and consult the pros here at TBN. Any positive or negative comments about these brands? All comments appreciated!

PH

 

[ae_ted]

after my experience with a blown Briggs 18hp vanguard after 720 hrs i went with a used kubota diesel ZD21 60" with 700hr and got it cheaper than i could get a good commercial quality new mower........GLAD I did , sips fuel and is much better built than the Woods mower it replaced. I'v seen many used Kubota ZD's with few hrs for about what most good ZTR's start at. Just a suggestion. Good luck in your decision and i hope what ever you get lasts long time.

 

[EddieWalker]

I went with the Kawasaki water cooled engine when I bought my Scag zero turn. It was really between that and the diesel engines for what I wanted and expected out of the mower. I've only had it two years, and absolutely love it. Easy to start, plenty of power and very smooth.

If you are looking for commercial quality mowers, you need to look around at what the pros are running. Husquavarna isn't gonna be on that list. It's entry level.

Eddie

 

[om21braz]

after my experience with a blown Briggs 18hp vanguard after 720 hrs i went with a used kubota diesel ZD21 60" with 700hr and got it cheaper than i could get a good commercial quality new mower........GLAD I did , sips fuel and is much better built than the Woods mower it replaced. I'v seen many used Kubota ZD's with few hrs for about what most good ZTR's start at. Just a suggestion. Good luck in your decision and i hope what ever you get lasts long time.

+1 If you can find a nice one, the Kubota ZD diesel will be hard to beat. There are other ztr's that have a little better cut quality, but as far as engines go the Kubota diesel is hard to beat. An excellent combination of power and economy. The Kubota diesel can also be found in Toro, Walker, and Grasshopper machines - maybe a few more.

 

[PossumHound]

Yeah, EW, the Husqy I saw didn't look to great, last on my list, but it met my HP and deck width (60+") requirement so its included in the sales pitch to my better half in my quest to get a deal done.

I Googled the ZD Botas series on Tractor House and while I know those used diesels are solid I need the financing available for new units. I had Toro previously and loved everything about it except that dern Kohler 26. I've sat on about everything except Ferris, which I aim to do Saturday. The unit I like the best is a Toro G3 w/ 61" deck and 27 hp Kohler. But that Kohler motor keeps holding me back.

PH

 

[EddieWalker]

Kubota has a nice gas engine mower. It was really between the Kubota and the Scag when I bought mine. For the extra money, I think diesel is too much to spend for too small of a return. It would take too long to make up the difference in how long the diesel engine lasts over a gas engine, and by then, the rest of the machine will be wore out anyway.

Eddie

 

[LD1]

I would also add scag, exmark, and bobcat/bunton to your list since you are shopping around.

I perfer the kawasaki in a small engine. I too have not had much luck with kohlers. Even though the Scag Wildcat I just bought has a 27HP kohler That is the only thing I didn't like about the mower. But the motor only had 300 hours on it and the price was right.

 

[bradm64]

Just my 2 cents, but one thing you might consider regarding the diesel versus the gas engine models is the tone and vibration of the engines. I have a Kubota ZD21, with the 3 cylinder diesel. It is smoother and, may not be quieter, but the sound is different pitch than a gas engine. While I agree the difference in fuel use is probably not worth the price difference, I have found the difference in how tired I am after using it is different.

 

[rrrkkk]

I love my Exmark with a 32 HP Dihatsu diesel, plenty of power. doesen't use much fuel and maintance is easy.

 

[phiferpharm]

I have the Ferris with the Kawasaki motor. It has many hours on it (it was used for commercial landscaping for three years) and is excellent. I will replace with the same unit if it ever needs to be replaced.