Z997 vs. Kubota Z331

[ScagMan]

I think both are good, but I'd go with John Deere. It will almost always have more torque, meaning it will be more powerful in tall and thick grass. It is not easy to get parts though, if you are with a company, as there are not many John Deere dealers. But those 997's are bulletproof, my friend has one to cut 3 foot grass and has never replaced one single part yet. Amazing.

 

[bud4410]

i got my 997 back from dealer for smoking at cold startup. they dropped the oil level about 1/8 inch below the full mark on the dip stick. they said it could have been a little over full. now i get just a puff of smoke and must let it idle for about 1 min. +/- before increasing the throttle. only for the very first start of the day. on fuel consumption i mowed for 14 hours and almost had to overfill the tank to put in 11gal. my neighbor just got a new scag 35 or 36hp 60" deck and he burns 2 gph gasoline of course. not screaming on scag just saying the 997 diesel is economical. i have the mulching kit on the 72" deck and it leaves no windrows or clumps whatsoever. plus you can mow close to anything on either side. the ztrac was a little intimidating at first but now that i'm used to it it's almost fun to mow the grass. of course you need the suspension kit on the seat to smooth out my rough ground a little. cheers.............bud

 

[41Chev]

Bud, if you have to pickup the front end of your 997 to scrape grass for under the deck does the rear bumper ground out and give you too little liftnheight? That bumper seems to really hang low? Tks.

 

[art]

I think both are good, but I'd go with John Deere. It will almost always have more torque, meaning it will be more powerful in tall and thick grass. Amazing.

Was this observed in same lawn conditions or?

 

[bud4410]

hi 41chev, when i pick up the front end to get under the deck the bumper does not hit. the bumper is not that far behind the rear axel as it looks so you almost have to get the machine vertical to make it happen. i got the rear bumper/grill guard to protect the very expensive hood/grill from damage. the bumper wraps around to give pretty good side protection. i think a good investment. before i assembled and mounted it i painted just the bumper and the grill guard green but left the underneath frame black. painted this way it looks more like it is part of the machine not an add on as when left black. it makes for one extra step to pull the two pins underneath to drop it to the ground to get the hood open but i think worth the trouble. and it is only two bolts to completely remove it from the machine. hope this helps..............bud

 

[41Chev]

Bud, yes it does. Have you tried to mount a hitch attachment to the JD bumper for things like a small garden cart or sprayer? Tks Greg

 

[bud4410]

41chev, no i have not. i have my 3520 with imatch and receiver for tow balls for towing. but the bumper and attach brackets are pretty sturdy and it shouldn't be a problem attaching any sort of towing device for lawn carts, etc....................bud