Which ZTR for the job?

annies_pappa · May 9, 2006

My craftsman mower finally went to the grave yard and the brush hog on a kubota bx2200 is a bit on the rough side (quality of cut).

Went to HD and looked at the CC ZTR for $3K. Much nicer than the other models they had by Toro. But then I found this website and have been reading about the ZForce50.

I have 5 acres, but a bit more than 2 are taken up by horse pasture, barn, house...etc. The remaining 3 a fair game for mowing. The land is fairly level but there are spots with dips in it where it would have been nice for the place to have had the pleasure of a good grading.

Will the $3K unit fill the bill or should I convince the wife (was hard to do for the $3K) to go with the heavier duty ZForce?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

Greg
Oak Harbor, WA

gamble77 · May 9, 2006

Bottom line is the Cub Cadet RZT mowers were not meant to cut more than 1.5 acres or less. The HD boys will tell you otherwise but they don't know what they are talking about either.

The Z-Force is the ONLY machine you should be considering. For only 1K more you will have a LOT more machine that will LAST. Buy from a local dealer.

aratapuss · May 9, 2006

Looked at the RZT myself, but bought the Z-50.

Went back to the dealer last week, and looked the machines over again, now I see the big differences between the 2. I mow 2 1/2 acres, and the Z-50 is really nice. I agree the $1,000.00 additional expense is the best money you can spend.

clemsondave · May 9, 2006

I bought the Z50 and I only have 1 acre. No regrets. The thing plowed through 3' of grass without even a shutter. Much better machine. Oh, and buy from a dealer - you'll get better service.

DCarter · May 10, 2006

Another reason to buy from a dealer, I found that they can actually beat the prices at HD and Tractor Supply. I bought a RZT for 3k at TS, and returned it and got a ZForce from a dealer for 3800, so the increase was only $800 (this is a good way to look at it for spousal approval, 800 more, not 1000 more. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif)

I don't really get the 1.5 acre limit for the RZT though. What does that really mean, it starts wearing out after 1.5 acres? Why would it hurt anything to keep mowing? My only guess is that this is a way of estimating how long the components will last. Maybe if you mow 1.5 acres every week, parts will start wearing out in 10 years, but if you mow 3 acres week, they will last 5?

Spiffy · May 10, 2006

<font color="blue">( I don't really get the 1.5 acre limit for the RZT though. What does that really mean, it starts wearing out after 1.5 acres? Why would it hurt anything to keep mowing? My only guess is that this is a way of estimating how long the components will last [like engines and trannies; deck bearings too]. Maybe if you mow 1.5 acres every week, parts will start wearing out in 10 years, but if you mow 3 acres week, they will last 5? <font color="black">

This was somewhat discussed in another thread, but your deduction is certainly part of the equation. However, another part (and several "smaller ones"), is how much components degrade with extended use (like 3 acres instead of 1.5): i.e. as wearing components get hot they wear faster. So now that 5 years [instead of 10] in the scenario you painted might actually become 3 years. A parallel would be how some things (like electric motors) are rated for continuous duty, while cheaper versions are rated for 50% or 25% duty.

Then to ice the cake, you can throw in intangibles, like the designers might be assuming a larger property might have more hills (requires heavier tranny), rougher terrain (heavier frame), more partially maintained areas (tougher deck & deck bearings).....etc....etc. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Clear as wet grass clippings? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

annies_pappa · May 10, 2006

Thought this would get easier, but now more to throw into the mix.

Rulled out the RZT. But here are my considerations now...
1. ZForce 50
2. Is it worth another $1,500 to go to something like a Hustler Fastrak with 20Hp Honda and 52 inch deck?
3. Or maybe better to just go with the mid-mounted deck at 60" for my kubota bx-2200. Should be able to mow in high gear with that, but just not as maneuverable as the ZTR.

Decisions decisions!

Greg

Spiffy · May 11, 2006

Barring fairly open areas [or those inaccesable to anything but a tractor etc.], I have no doubt a 50" ZTR will do the job faster than 60" MMM.

The Fastrak is $5500?! For that I'd spend a few hundred more and start looking at true commercial machines and probably get a financing plan that makes it actually cost less - not to mention longevity and resale. Actually, for that price the ZF60 looks quite impressive with 'heavy duty IZTs', 23" rear tires, and a 60" deck - though I'm guessing the Hustler deck to be heavier.

Now if you mean $4500, not having any well known Hustler dealers around here, I'd probably go with the ZF48 if I needed a heavy consumer machine with fab deck, else for that price, I think Hustler has a longer warranty and the 52" deck probably allows more "trim offset" [deck's width beyond the wheels].

Another twist, at $5K you get an M50. It has the commercial styling, and many of the goodies of the ZF60 like the filter and "reservior" on the trannys. The quandry there is they go to a lighter deck, which I wouldn't want for dealing with rough areas (moreso things hidden in tall grass than the grass itself).

Have fun trying all your options! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

annies_pappa · May 11, 2006

I know this is the CC section, so may not get any favorable remarks on this. But I was totally blown away with the heavy duty build on the Hustler. Really seems more of a comercial grade mower.

I found out from the maufacturer that there is a $700 rebate till the end of the month. So the 52 deck with a 20hp Kohler costs $4600 and $5200 with a 20hp Honda.

At only $600 more than the ZF50, I think the Hustler is probably a better value.

But is the Honda engine really worth the additional $600 over the Kohler??

Thanks
Greg

Spiffy · May 11, 2006

With a $700 rebate I'd say the Hustler starts looking pretty good. If that's a twin cylinder Kohler Command, it'd be a no brainer, but I'll bet it's a single (twin being smoother, though sometimes a single will have a very nice torque curve) Courage [Kohler's "economy model"] instead, if so the Honda starts looking like the better bet.

If engines are your concern, then I do think the 23HP Command in the ZF50 makes some nice bang for the buck at $4K; however, I do like the looks of the deck on the Hustler and no doubt they put some steel into that machine. Wish I knew the wheelbase, I'm thinking the trimming ability is quite nice too being a 52 inch.

So (unless it is a 20HP Commmand for $4600), I'd say cough up the $5200, or go with a ZF50 for $4000 or perhaps even widen your search or [my favorite option /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif price creep! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif], widen your budget a bit beyond the $5200 and get a commercial machine....like the Huster MiniZ....or CubCadetM48....or Scag TurfTiger....or...or....or..... more power arrr arrrrr arrrrh! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif