Puliing with ZD21

beagdog · Sep 26, 2005

Dealer delivered a ZD21 for me to try out tonite. I'm about to pull the trigger (trading G1900 4ws) but need to know if a trailer hitch is available and if so (or even if its not), has anyone that has a ZD21, ZD25 or ZD28 used it for towing anything? Should've asked the dealer, but it slipped my mind. I have a 50 gal pull behind sprayer and a 175# fertilizer spreader that I need to be able to use if I trade.

I have run the ZD21 about 15 minutes and I really like it, if I can't pull anything, may have to keep the G1900.

Any help appreciated, thanks!

tawilson · Sep 26, 2005

I've got a ZD28. Less than 50 hours, but so far real happy. I did wrap a chain around the frame to tow my mil's lawn tractor on my trailer to take for a service. Worked ok, but I got a feeling the dealer wouldn't recommend it. I don't know of a hitch for them. Someone just told me his ZTR manual says towing is a big no no. Damage may result. I don't know for sure. Seems like a waste to have a machine like this and not be able to tow anything.

jlbota · Sep 27, 2005

I have a ZD21 and I could swear I saw a Kubota accessory that was a hitch plate that bolted to the back.
I don't see where it would hurt to pull something as long as it wasn't to heavy. These were made more for speed than anything. But my ZD will pull my big butt up some pretty steep hills while mowing and not miss a beat.

ronjhall · Sep 27, 2005

I remember a post with pictures of a rear bumper and hitch that a TBNer made. But could not find it. Here is a thread that mentions a place to look for information. Click Here

PAexcavator · Sep 27, 2005

They're probably concerned with how easy it is to jacknife the trailer against the ZD frame. Backing up would be even tougher. Now if there's any slope involved too, I'd place it somewhere between crazy and suicidal.

I almost bought a ZD, loved it until I brought it home and tried it on my obstacle laden slopes.

p32pac · Sep 27, 2005

I have a ZD21 with a trailer hitch. My dealer installed it so I'm not sure if it is a stock item. It is basically a L shaped piece of steel. I have pulled my 900 lb roller with it. I usually use it for pulling my 175 lb capacity spreader.

beagdog · Sep 27, 2005

Thanks for the responses guys. I looked over the frame a little closer today and can easily fabricate something if its not a Kubota option. I just don't want to put one of my homemade creations on there if there's something out there that will look right. I only use both the sprayer and the spreader a couple of times a year, and would never use them on a slope.

I think I'm going to trade, even though I stuck the ZD tonite. Was mowing a ditch and pushed instead of pulled and got high centered (well actually end centered). Just going to have to get a little more finesse on the controls, hopefully that comes with time. Boy, is this a grass cutting machine!

Next question, if you'll indulge me, does anyone have the Kubota grass catcher on a ZD? I'm now torn about ordering one for this machine. I like the look of a swept yard, but the speed this thing chops the grass, not sure if its necessary. Thoughts? The dealer will cut me a deal on a catcher if I order one.

beagdog · Sep 27, 2005

I've only run the ZD about an hour so far. I mowed on the weekend, so I really don't have any tall or heavy grass to try it on right now, but the quality of cut on what I have mowed (I usually mow at 4" and I lowered the ZD to 3 1/2" just so I could see how it mows) is unbelievable. I'm struggling with the controls a little, I haven't run a zero turn since an early Excel Hustler in the late 70's.

The speed is also something I like about the ZD, but I'm still a little concerned about some of the bar ditches I have to mow. I think I will get better with time. Interestingly, there's a paragraph in the ZD manual that talks about operators over 60, that doesn't leave me a lot of years left to mow with it /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.

I'm not sure you can really compare apples to apples between the two because they are so different, but I was just ready for a change. I nearly bought a new Hustler Super Z but could buy this ZD with a diesel engine for only a few hundred more, and I'm sold on Kubotas. Also getting a reasonable (at least I think) deal on this machine with trade. The Hustler dealer wouldn't even talk about trading.

I agree, the G1800/1900 4ws machines are great, I had a G1800 for a year before I bought my G1900 about 7 years ago, and have never had to replace a single part. Hope the ZD is as durable.

p32pac · Sep 27, 2005

Dont bother with the grass catcher from Kubota. It has 3 seperate bags and everytime you need to empty it you have to get off the machine. I am looking into getting a catcher that you can dump from the seat. The company is Protero. They have been making catchers for years. The kit is about $2000. Its a lot of money thats why i havent bought one yet. Check it out.

beagdog · Sep 27, 2005

Thanks for the tip. You just made my decision for me, I'll wait and check out the Protera. I like the looks of that dump box, much handier and I'm sure more durable than the Kubota bags. I'll check the current pricing, may price me out of the market anyway. Not a lot more than the Kubota catcher.

Thanks again.