M50 Tank versus Z-Force 50

grass_slayer · Jun 1, 2006

Need some help on this decision. I've read hundreds of posts on this site and looked over many tractors and brands. I have under an acre and currently mow it with a 42" Craftsman with a Kohler 15 HP, 10 year old tractor. I have some hills, but nothing over 15%. I have narrowed my search down to a CC and plan to buy soon. For any finance majors out there, am I better to go with the 9.9% fixed on the Z-Force or go with the 0% for 36 months on the M50? For every CC fan out there, is the M50 (I know, not really a commercial unit) worth the extra cost over the Z-Force. I do a little towing with an aerator and a garden wagon, but I believe I can tow these with either of these ZTMs (with care and some modifications). Your thoughts are welcome in helping me make this choice! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

grass_slayer · Jun 1, 2006

Need some help on this decision. I've read hundreds of posts on this site and looked over many tractors and brands. I have under an acre and currently mow it with a 42" Craftsman with a Kohler 15 HP, 10 year old tractor. I have some hills, but nothing over 15%. I have narrowed my search down to a CC and plan to buy soon. For any finance majors out there, am I better to go with the 9.9% fixed on the Z-Force or go with the 0% for 36 months on the M50? For every CC fan out there, is the M50 (I know, not really a commercial unit) worth the extra cost over the Z-Force. I do a little towing with an aerator and a garden wagon, but I believe I can tow these with either of these ZTMs (with care and some modifications). Your thoughts are welcome in helping me make this choice! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Sigma · Jun 2, 2006

I debated on these 2 as well. For me the M50 was available at one dealer at retail price (5,000) and the ZF50 was at another dealer for under retail (3,650). I went with the ZF50, and am quite satisfied.

I mow about 1.5 acres and thd ZF50 is plenty. I really liked the look of the M50, but couldn't justify the extra money (that I didn't have) for the overkill.

I would throw in that I noticed the commercial mowers being a little bit bigger. A larger person may feel more comfortable with the M50.

Hope this helps.

Sigma · Jun 2, 2006

I debated on these 2 as well. For me the M50 was available at one dealer at retail price (5,000) and the ZF50 was at another dealer for under retail (3,650). I went with the ZF50, and am quite satisfied.

I mow about 1.5 acres and thd ZF50 is plenty. I really liked the look of the M50, but couldn't justify the extra money (that I didn't have) for the overkill.

I would throw in that I noticed the commercial mowers being a little bit bigger. A larger person may feel more comfortable with the M50.

Hope this helps.

grass_slayer · Jun 2, 2006

Thanks for the input. I am a big guy, 6'1" and 270, but the ZF felt comfortable to sit in. Heck the RZT 50 felt comfortable to sit on and operate. I am particular about the cut - is anyone aware of any difference between these ZTRs?

grass_slayer · Jun 2, 2006

Thanks for the input. I am a big guy, 6'1" and 270, but the ZF felt comfortable to sit in. Heck the RZT 50 felt comfortable to sit on and operate. I am particular about the cut - is anyone aware of any difference between these ZTRs?

gamble77 · Jun 3, 2006

For no more grass then you are going to be cutting the Z-Force 50 should be all you will ever need. The cut on the Z-Force will be heads and shoulders above whatevere ridding mower you are using now. Good luck and keep us posted!

gamble77 · Jun 3, 2006

For no more grass then you are going to be cutting the Z-Force 50 should be all you will ever need. The cut on the Z-Force will be heads and shoulders above whatevere ridding mower you are using now. Good luck and keep us posted!

Fordlords · Jun 3, 2006

You will definitely have to fabricate a hitching device to be able to pull anything with the Z-Forces, as none of the Z-Force models I looked at today include a hitch. On models with one engine, I believe it was the Courage 17, the muffler is right in the spot you would want to attach a hitch- not too convienient. My guess is CC probably doesn't want you to pull anything with those machines, but it's probably a do-able thing.

-Fordlords-

Fordlords · Jun 3, 2006

You will definitely have to fabricate a hitching device to be able to pull anything with the Z-Forces, as none of the Z-Force models I looked at today include a hitch. On models with one engine, I believe it was the Courage 17, the muffler is right in the spot you would want to attach a hitch- not too convienient. My guess is CC probably doesn't want you to pull anything with those machines, but it's probably a do-able thing.

-Fordlords-