Why is the Cub Cadet Z Force
- Thread starter LabLuvR
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diesel_nut
Gold Member
If I remember correctly the 48 is a "holdout" of older parts from the pure commercial series and that is the reason.....better parts.
If I am mistaken please correct me.
If I am mistaken please correct me.
Spiffy
Veteran Member
Because it is a "heavy duty" fabricated deck as opposed to their standard deck. There are a few "light" fab decks out there, and JD makes a heavy duty stamped deck for some of their machines, so you really need to look at actual construction more than "key words".
The 48 might have a couple other perks too, but I'm not sure.
I didn't look close at it, but the ZF48 deck might have a smaller (or no need for one at all) reinforcing lip; if so you can get a closer trim than CC's stamped deck. Of course, if it is actually 2" smaller than the ZF50, that extra inch or two on the 50" would be nicer for getting under a hedge or something.
Anyway, weekly use on a small lawn, especially if it's cleaned regularly, probably doesn't require a heavy duty deck. If the only abuse you plan applies to the deck, then the 48 might be a perfect solution; if it's daily mowing, several acres, or severe abuse, then I'd be looking a couple more steps up.
Look 'em over, try 'em out, have some fun! Then enjoy your new machine! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
The 48 might have a couple other perks too, but I'm not sure.
I didn't look close at it, but the ZF48 deck might have a smaller (or no need for one at all) reinforcing lip; if so you can get a closer trim than CC's stamped deck. Of course, if it is actually 2" smaller than the ZF50, that extra inch or two on the 50" would be nicer for getting under a hedge or something.
Anyway, weekly use on a small lawn, especially if it's cleaned regularly, probably doesn't require a heavy duty deck. If the only abuse you plan applies to the deck, then the 48 might be a perfect solution; if it's daily mowing, several acres, or severe abuse, then I'd be looking a couple more steps up.
Look 'em over, try 'em out, have some fun! Then enjoy your new machine! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Spiffy
Veteran Member
I don't think it's old parts, but I probably know less than you do, so may be the one corrected here! But I think you're right about it being a substep toward the true commercial machines. I think Hustler and a few others offer a fab deck on consumer machines, so CC needed that to complete their line up.
I'd say it's a good thing, but makes choices even more confusing. A few hundred more then gets a M50 (listed in the commercial line), which would have (I think) a heavier version of the IZT and other perks, but a lighter deck [though maybe commercial bearings in it]. Of course then you could get a ZF60 (back to the consumer line) which has a lot of the good things from the M50, but a heavier duty and wider deck than the M50. But by now another $500 will buy a M48 with all true commercial parts: deck, tranny, etc and 3 year 0%; however, that's also $2K more than the ZF50 being oggled in the first place. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I'd say it's a good thing, but makes choices even more confusing. A few hundred more then gets a M50 (listed in the commercial line), which would have (I think) a heavier version of the IZT and other perks, but a lighter deck [though maybe commercial bearings in it]. Of course then you could get a ZF60 (back to the consumer line) which has a lot of the good things from the M50, but a heavier duty and wider deck than the M50. But by now another $500 will buy a M48 with all true commercial parts: deck, tranny, etc and 3 year 0%; however, that's also $2K more than the ZF50 being oggled in the first place. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif