My New Z-Force 48

[MBDiagMan]

Well, I picked up my new Z-Force 48" yesterday and now I can't wait to mow with it. The rain is supposed to clear tomorrow and then be in the 70's through Sunday.

I originally was looking at an RZT 50 at a good price, but when I got to the chain store I learned that both of them they had were used and returned with hydrostatic drive problems. They were still wanting a slightly discounted new mower price.

I then started calling around to see what kind of fall closeout price I could find and came up with this one NEW about 50 easy, country miles away so I went after it yesterday. I got $800 off list.

I have been mowing with a 12 or 13 year old 2145 with a single cylinder Onan and hydrostatic drive. The twin cylinder engine on the Z-Force is really smooth by comparison and it will be nice to be able to briefly get off the mower with the engine running. The seat switch does not allow this on the 2145.

Also, comparing the RZT to the Z-Force, the hydrostatic drives on the RZT were EXTREMELY noisy. So much so that it just sounded like something was coming apart. The drives on the Z-force sound really good.

The deck on the Z-Force seems to be much more substantial than the deck on the RZT. The frame and everything seem more substantial on the Z-Force as well.

I did lots of telephone shopping on Monday and was shocked at the prices for the other 48 or 50 inch zero turn radius mowers on the market. This was the only one that I could get under $4,000 that seemed to be built very well. There were some that went up to over $7,000 and weren't even considered commercial grade.

The used RZT was going to be $2,700, was used and did not seem to be nearly as well built as the Z-Force. Additionally, they have different drives that have proven to be problematic. I found a new RZT 50 for $3,000, but it didn't seem to be worth the risk of drive failure and having a lighter built unit for only $300 off list.

I expect to mow with it this weekend, so I will report back with a performance review after that.

Have a great day,
Doc

 

[erosol]

You'll be back with lots of problems too!! They are junk and return it before it's too late. You'll be sorry you didn't!! I have lots of problems with it, belts, transmission going out. Don't sell your other one yet, you'll be needing it when that new one is in the shop, and it will soon. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[DmansPadge]

I don't think anyone should base their decision on one persons bad luck with a mower. There will always be a lemon or two out there. People on this site sell the Cubs and has seen very few problems with them.

 

[riches139]

it will be nice to be able to briefly get off the mower with the engine running. The seat switch does not allow this on the 2145.

Don't think you'll be able to do that on the z either, without disconnecting or looping the switch, which will void your warranty.

Like erosol said, get rid of it. Cheap imitation of their commercial units.

 

[gamble77]

Im not trying to make enemies here, but listen guys...these units are GREAT for homeowners. They are some of the best built zero turns on the market for under $4000. My dealership could sell any brand we wanted to, and we picked Cub for residental units. A few bad experiences don't mean squat, I dare you to show me one forum here without a few complaints.

Well sell the fire out of these units and problems are FEW AND FAR BETWEEN.

 

[DmansPadge]

I glad to see someone sticking up for the Cubs!

 

[MBDiagMan]

erosol,

Come on. Open up. Tell us how you REALLY feel. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

My dealer is known and trusted in the community. He said that there were a few hydrostatic units that were put together with a problem and were replaced with updated units. It sounds like you got one.

BTW, which belt was jumping on yours, the belt around the three spindles, or the drive belt from the engine?

riches139,

I have already gotten off the mower with the engine running. By simply setting the parking brake and opening the steering levers outward the engine stays running. You can easily step straight forward off the front. Very convenient if you have to move something out of the way, or for someone emptying a bagger (I don't bag any more.)



Time will tell, but I think this mower will serve me well.

Have a great day,
Doc

As far as belts jumping off, the deck is very similar to me older Cub Cadet and I will be surprised if there is a problem that I can't fix. If the idler stop bolt gets broken or the idler spring is not free it will throw a belt. Additionally if you are trying to mow extra tall grass that should be mowed with a tractor and shredder or if you mow wet grass, all mowers will be overtaxed.

 

[sterlingtrucks]

I have a RZT22 and have had no problems with it. I mow 4 acres with it and my neighbor uses it for his yard and he has 3 acres. If this machine was gonna break I am sure it would of by now. I think these cubs are great machines and I am very pleased with the brand.

 

[DmansPadge]

Keep 'em coming! Another person standing up for the Cubs! I don't personally own a Cub, but I am considering buying one this spring. I think they are great products for the money. You can spend 2-3 times as much for a Kubota, Dixie Chopper, Exmark, and so on... those are all great machines that will probably give you years of trouble free use, but, the bang for the buck goes to CC! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[erosol]

My drive belt broke after only 5-6 hours use. I didn't want the thing after having problems with the trasnmission and being without it for a few weeks. I wanted a refund, the the owner at Sims Tractors in Sevierville, TN told me he wouldn't do it, "This isn't McDonld's", he said! The guy was a big *******, and wouldn't ever deal with his place again, and will make sure I tell everyone else thinking of going there. I did buy another Cub Cadet LT1080 and have 85 hours on it now with no problems. BEWARE! The Z turns are also very dangerous to use on any kind of hill or slopes. They just won't stop and you can turn or stop them when they slide.

Not happy at all with the Z turns! Bad product, and they know it!