mower

[laurencen]

Hi, I am looking for a zero turn mower, the Kubota diesel 60 inch model is my choice but can anyone advise if the extra 5K is worth it over a gas unit of similar size

 

[milkman]

I have a Kubota ZD21 because I wanted a diesel mower and it has features that I wanted like the lift system, the hydraulic deck lift, the shaft drive to the deck, and mostly the diesel engine. I could have found a cheaper ZTR, but got what I wanted and now every time I use it, I don't wish I'd bought something else. Worth it to me.

 

[rgtractor]

I have the ZD326S. I use it for mowing the lawn around the house as well as fence line around 53 acres rather using my brush hog. I used it once to mow a small meadow but before I was through I wished I had a kidney belt. With the diesel engine I plan on this mower being around a long time. I was willing to pay more to have a piece of equipment that would last.

 

[crbr]

Hi, I am looking for a zero turn mower, the Kubota diesel 60 inch model is my choice but can anyone advise if the extra 5K is worth it over a gas unit of similar size

Fair points made by all. I too would probably opt diesel in a Kubota ZTR, as I have the B7800 Kubota and a 2007 GM diesel burner. Diesel serves a purpose all its own vs. a gasser.

I will say this from experience; the gasoline Kawasaki engine (I think they have a 29 HP fuel injection model) is bulletproof. I have had 3 gas Kawasakis and I can only say good things about them. Never had a failure on anything. Just maintenance. I have had one of the smaller 17 HP Kawasaki's since 1996; change the oil, filters, plugs, and one belt. It has proven reliable beyond my expectations. I do not think Kubota offers the Kawasaki, but for the sake of your general question I'll speak of what little I know.

A diesel will work with torque at a lower RPM (providing a substantial torque converter is applicable) and give a bit of life expectancy. A good gasser will work at a higher RPM (but it is made for that) and provide the same HP performance regardless. HP does not know the fuel that made it. It's like the fish an avid fisherman catches from a $25k boat or a $1k flatbottom. It doesn't know the boat that brought the hook.

Me personally, I go to the upper end of products. I stay broke but I also feel a sense of confidence in my investments, as such.

I would not hesitate to buy a Kawasaki gasser regardless of the brand of the mowing unit (within quality reason). Other than that, I'd not touch another brand of gasoline engine aside from the Honda small engines.

I would be happy with either one. Diesel engine facts-of-the-past of super-duper longevity, fuel efficiency, cheaper fuel prices, and all of the rest of the once (way back when) philosophies are out the door. Fuel efficiency and diesel fuel prices are no longer applicable. Emissions of carbon byproducts from fossil fuels and the derivatives (diesel) are an issue and have been mandated by law to reduce such emissions. That is why the diesel efficiency and once cheaper-than-gasoline fuel prices are no longer a reality.

If I were comparing similar to similar, the 23 HP or the 29 HP (fuel injected) Kawasaki gasser in a Scag brand would be my pick, and I'd put that $5k right on into savings.

http://scag.com/turftiger29hpDFI.html

The Kubota diesel should also serve you well.

That extra $5k in your pocket can buy a nice horse and buggy.

$0.02


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