Which used ZD model ?

[Rmart30]

Ive have google but not found much opinions. Looking for input good or bad on used ZD models. The price range im finding them in are machines that are about 4 yrs and older. Any certain ones to stay away from? 21 and 331 seem to be the main models that pop up for same in this area. I will not be running a bagger. Any preference or benefit over rear or side discharge? 72" deck is what id like to find.

 

[rustyshakelford]

We have a zd1211 and absolutely love it. Never in my life did I think I’d spend 15k on a lawn mower but it’s one of my favorite purchases. I have the rear discharge and would like to really express how nice it is. I don’t ever get grass and Dirt blown on me anymore and the cut is excellent

Brett

 

[RjCorazza]

At least some of the ZD21's had weak trasmissions. I have a high hour ZD326 that been a great machine with normal maintenance and one starter. I bought the ZD331 with 400h, and it had an aggravating fuel delivery problem that was solved with an additional filter and lift pump.
My 331 is significantly faster than the 326, and combined with the 72" deck it is hard to beat.

 

[Rmart30]

My 331 is significantly faster than the 326, and combined with the 72" deck it is hard to beat.

Thanks RJ thats good to know Im wanting to replace my deere 455 with 54". Super good on fuel use and cuts good, but its much slower than zero turns Ive seen in use. I will be going from a 1/2 acre yard to about 4 acres of cutting to do and i spend enough time running other types of equipment that I dont want to spend any more time on a mower than I have too.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I'm the rear discharge only or now believe the mulching kit on the side discharge will work as well or maybe better. I have owned several side and rear discharge and hate side discharge with a passion. The only real issue with rear discharge is the need to use a leaf blower to blow off some cut grass after mowing. I'm thinking the side discharge with mulching kit might be better since side chute is removed and grass is blown down for max cutting and not blown out the back to bounce up under the machine. Also there are usually many more side discharge units available because that's what dealers get and push so again I'd only buy a side discharge if I bought the mulching kit for it.

 

[RjCorazza]

Since rear or side discharge has come up... I haven't tried a rear discharge zd mower, but do have a rear discharge finish mower for the tractor. That one leaves windrows in moderately high grass.
On both zd's I installed after market chute gates that make my life a lot easier!

 

[Ortimber]

We have a zd1211 and absolutely love it. Never in my life did I think I’d spend 15k on a lawn mower but it’s one of my favorite purchases. I have the rear discharge and would like to really express how nice it is. I don’t ever get grass and Dirt blown on me anymore and the cut is excellent

Brett

This is exactly my sentiment as well. I bought mine last year and was only able to get about 10 hrs of seat time. It’s a great machine, no question.

 

[timswi]

I bought a ZD724 in 2015 and absolutely love it $9,500 with accessories. 54" and does a great job. No regrets. Side discharge and no issues with that either.

 

[rustyshakelford]

Since rear or side discharge has come up... I haven't tried a rear discharge zd mower, but do have a rear discharge finish mower for the tractor. That one leaves windrows in moderately high grass.
On both zd's I installed after market chute gates that make my life a lot easier!

If cutting the same grass with a SD, I’m betting it would be windrowing too. The thing with a RD is the grass is in the chamber longer so it’s being chopped up finer. The yard is much cleaner looking even when Long compared to a SD that would blow out a huge row of grass

Brett

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

If cutting the same grass with a SD, I’m betting it would be windrowing too. The thing with a RD is the grass is in the chamber longer so it’s being chopped up finer. The yard is much cleaner looking even when Long compared to a SD that would blow out a huge row of grass

Brett

This has been my experience. I've had a ZD326 rear discharge, three rear discharge RFMs and two rear discharge Fs and many side discharge BXs, an F and several side discharge box store mowers. Hate them because of not being able to cut close with both sides of the deck, wind blowing grass/dust on me and the windrowing for moderate high or high grass is worse for side discharge than rear discharge. Just my many years of experience using/owning both which has caused me to form my opinion that I hate side discharge mowing decks unless they have the mulching kit which blocks the removed side chute.