Z425 vs Z445

[Rob-D]

Hello All

I recently purchased a JD 445 and am very happy with it..I have been doing a lot of reading lately and noticed quite a few people are starting to buy aftermarket snow plows for their ZT Mowers..and are happy with the job it does.

Any opinions on this and has anybody found one to correctly attach to a JD 445


Thanks
Joe

I don't advise it. The ztracs are made for cutting lawns, the rear end can only pull 250 lbs. and if you start pushing snow with a blade you might do some damage. Also remember ztracs only drive on the back wheels and if you're turning only one wheel is driving foward. Not much traction there. Now hook that up to a plow and all you'll do is spin the wheels.
Rob

 

[WhatDa]

Ahhh, I'm in a similar situation. Local dealer has a used Ferris IS1500 with 85 hours for $3,995. 21 Kawi with 48 deck. Can get a new z445, 25 kawi with 54 high capacity deck for $4,800 and full warranty. I have 3+ acres using once a week at most. Is the Ferris IS1500 truly commercial grade or a slightly upgraded residential? Are there differences in the Kawi engines on residential vs. commercial mowers? Could I ask any more questions? Sorry, just looking for advice from experts.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[Engine_Tech]

FYI, John Deere just this week changed the warranty terms on the Z445/Z465 from 2yrs/120hrs to 4yrs/300hrs. That might help your decison and bump you toward the Z445. This applies to all new sales after Nov 2.

The Z225/Z245 and Z425 remain 2yrs/120hrs.

http://www.deere.com/en_US/homeowners/media/pdfs/WarrantyUS.pdf

 

[WhatDa]

Great info. Thanks!

 

[WhatDa]

Pulled the trigger on the 445 today, $700 off and four year warranty. :thumbsup:

 

[Rob-D]

Pulled the trigger on the 445 today, $700 off and four year warranty. :thumbsup:

Love mine but watch it on slopes the uphill wheel lifts and the downhill wheel pushes you straight forward which may not be the direction you want to go (like into the pond like I did!)

Rob

 

[WhatDa]

Thanks for the warning, this is my first ZTR so needless to say I'll be cautious. I have the long weekend to practice. Good news is that we have a fairly level lot.

 

[jcmseven]

If the uphill wheel issue becomes annoying I would recommend considering the Z900 series. A bit more money but the hill crawl feature is not a gimmick, it really does work.

John M

 

[Rob-D]

Thanks for the warning, this is my first ZTR so needless to say I'll be cautious. I have the long weekend to practice. Good news is that we have a fairly level lot.

If you have a level lot that thing boogies and I think you were wise to get the K over the Briggs. It uses gas but you mow so fast that it makes up for it. I got the Hi cap deck and it's a beefer.
Rob