Thinking about a z122 with a 42" deck

JOHNTHOMAS · Aug 31, 2017

glennm said:
Well, I decided to go with the 122 (42" deck). Delivery tomorrow. I don't have a lot of grass (less than an acre) so it should be plenty of mower for me. The dealer is installing the mulch kit before delivery

I believe you made the right decision and it will make you smile zipping around your yard with spring seat and without grass blowing all over you on windy days. Which engine?

glennm · Sep 1, 2017

I got it yesterday. It has the Kawasaki 21 hp engine. It is much quieter then the Koehler! I cut the lawn after delivery and so far I would say I really like it. It seems fine on the slopes (I'm only going up or across them). Now i need to get better at turning without damaging the grass! I think a few times and I will be a pro! It will move really fast if I want it to, much quicker then the Deere

JOHNTHOMAS · Sep 1, 2017

I believe you picked the better engine. I had one on a used 720 hours Cub Cadet steering wheel zero turn and I couldn't get my hand off the key quick enough before it started. My neighbor has one just like it with I believe over 1000 hours on his and he swears by it. His started instantly with the choke pulled slightly the firts time then instantly without choke after first start. He and I have owned Kohlers in the past and loved them but rumors have it that their quality has deteriorated from what I've heard from a dealer and my neighbor has heard the same. Hope it's not true but not going to buy one if there is a choice for a Kawasaki instead.
They are fun Zs and great cutters. My wife was mowing her first time with it and stood the front end almost straight up and scared the crap out of her but got her attention enough to get her to be more aware and careful.

glennm · Sep 1, 2017

Yes, I agree with you! I had a Kawasaki engine in my John Deere and worked wonderful for many many years. Never a problem! I did have the front end pop up a little bit once or twice but I kind of expected it. It is a bit strange to get used to. My next challenge is to mulch some leaves when they fall. I hope it works as good as the Deere mulching deck did, it was great!

JOHNTHOMAS · Sep 1, 2017

:laughing:

My wife was mowing her first time with it and stood the front end almost straight up and scared the crap out of her but got her attention enough to get her to be more aware and careful...........Figured I'd get some inquires as to how this happened.........Well, she was mowing behind the house and coming down a hill and ducked under a tree limb. Problem is the ROPS was sticking way up above her and she's short anyway. The ROPS caught on the tree limb and the next thing she knew she was looking almost straight up and screaming. She had swore to never get on it again but she finally came around and rode the steed again.