ZD1011 Fuel Consumption and Compare to Z724KW

[kubotacres]

Last question, how many of you with the ZD are strictly residential? Would it be considered an overkill?

 

[RjCorazza]

Last question, how many of you with the ZD are strictly residential? Would it be considered an overkill?

I bought my first ZD to mow just my 6 acres, and I never regretted it. The ZD326 now has 1800 hours with no major problems. Overkill? Probably, but they sure are reliable and long lasting.

Currently I'm mowing 30 acres across 16 rural properties, and the diesels are a perfect fit.

 

[WM75Guy]

I only mow my property but it is not overkill to me. It is the right tool for the job that I need. Honestly, I quit caring a long time ago about what others think about what I buy. Life is too short.

 

[kubotacres]

I only mow my property but it is not overkill to me. It is the right tool for the job that I need. Honestly, I quit caring a long time ago about what others think about what I buy. Life is too short.

I always like to buy something with the intention of owning for a long time. With the hours I see these things going, I should have it many many years.

 

[Powerhorse]

I have a ZD221 54" that I bought new in 2014 to replace my Scag Tiger Cub 48". There was nothing wrong with the Scag I just wanted a newer mower and a diesel. I mow 1.5 acres weekly and fill the tank every 3 to 4 cuttings. I would not go back to a gas mower. I plan to keep this machine a long time. I don't think it's overkill.

 

[kubotacres]

I have a ZD221 54" that I bought new in 2014 to replace my Scag Tiger Cub 48". There was nothing wrong with the Scag I just wanted a newer mower and a diesel. I mow 1.5 acres weekly and fill the tank every 3 to 4 cuttings. I would not go back to a gas mower. I plan to keep this machine a long time. I don't think it's overkill.

Same here. I have a very good mower now 60" Badboy with a Kawa engine. But I figured in the long run and while I can get some money back on my current mower, that now is a good time to trade up. I think I'll be pleased. Should make delivery next week.

 

[kubotacres]

In regards to the chute, what are y'all's opinions on the Kubota chute blocker or the Advanced Chute system? Pros/Cons to each one?

 

[RjCorazza]

I have no experience with Kubota's chute blocker, but the Advanced Chute Systems works great on my ZD326 and 1211. I wouldn't be without one.
Pros :
-I can close or partially close the chute to prevent grass from plastering objects, or getting into flower beds. Even with close attention to my pattern there is always the occasion where I'm throwing the wrong way.
- 99% of the time I'm mowing with the chute wide open, dispersing clippings better than with a standard non adjustable chute.
- They're great at mulching leaves in the fall

Cons:
- Not cheap!
- With the chute closed, they leave a noticable windrow, so I have to go back over the row eventually.

 

[kubotacres]

I have no experience with Kubota's chute blocker, but the Advanced Chute Systems works great on my ZD326 and 1211. I wouldn't be without one.
Pros :
-I can close or partially close the chute to prevent grass from plastering objects, or getting into flower beds. Even with close attention to my pattern there is always the occasion where I'm throwing the wrong way.
- 99% of the time I'm mowing with the chute wide open, dispersing clippings better than with a standard non adjustable chute.
- They're great at mulching leaves in the fall

Cons:
- Not cheap!
- With the chute closed, they leave a noticable windrow, so I have to go back over the row eventually.

I'm waiting on a quote for the Kubota brand but I can't find reviews or detailed photos online. The ACS has plenty of reviews.

 

[Hay Dude]

I have no experience with Kubota's chute blocker, but the Advanced Chute Systems works great on my ZD326 and 1211. I wouldn't be without one.
Pros :
-I can close or partially close the chute to prevent grass from plastering objects, or getting into flower beds. Even with close attention to my pattern there is always the occasion where I'm throwing the wrong way.
- 99% of the time I'm mowing with the chute wide open, dispersing clippings better than with a standard non adjustable chute.
- They're great at mulching leaves in the fall

Cons:
- Not cheap!
- With the chute closed, they leave a noticable windrow, so I have to go back over the row eventually.

Can you post up a picture of it? I really want a chute blocker

 

[RjCorazza]

Here’s a photo showing the chutes on a 326 and 331. The 1211 in the background didn’t have one installed yet, but does now.

 

[kubotacres]

Here’s a photo showing the chutes on a 326 and 331. The 1211 in the background didn’t have one installed yet, but does now.
View attachment 703008

Does the lever get in the way? How hard was it drilling the holes in that thick deck?

 

[RjCorazza]

Does the lever get in the way? How hard was it drilling the holes in that thick deck?

The handle doesn't get in my way, but it would make it harder to get on the mower from the right side. The drilling wasn't particularly difficult, and the install takes maybe 60 minutes or so taking time to plan the holes etc...
I positioned the gate and spacers for best fit, then center punched through the spacers to mark the holes for drilling.

I will say that it's a long reach to operate the gate on my 72" deck, but I got used to it.

 

[kubotacres]

The handle doesn't get in my way, but it would make it harder to get on the mower from the right side. The drilling wasn't particularly difficult, and the install takes maybe 60 minutes or so taking time to plan the holes etc...
I positioned the gate and spacers for best fit, then center punched through the spacers to mark the holes for drilling.

I will say that it's a long reach to operate the gate on my 72" deck, but I got used to it.

I can't find enough info on the OEM Kubota brand. The ACS has plenty of info although it's very hard to decifer which one fits my mower. I wanted to have it ordered in time to install on my mower but doesn't look like it will happen. Guess I'll call them to verify the correct one.

 

[kubotacres]

I was worried about not getting the dual fuel tanks at first. So for comparison on fuel usage. My Badboy had a 6.5 gal capacity and the Kubota has 6.1 gal.Normally I could empty a 5 gallon jug after mowing with the Badboy.. This is how much I used this morning mowing.

Pretty impressive machine.

 

[90cummins]

Last question, how many of you with the ZD are strictly residential? Would it be considered an overkill?

I’m strictly residential with 4 acres of lawn. I purchased the ZD1212 with the 60” deck because my lawns bit rough. My last mowing I used 0.929 gph cutting 1-1/4~2.0 inches.
It’s certainly overkill for me but diesel is easier I have bulk fuel with a pump.
I look forward to each cutting, pricey yes but it makes me happy.
90cummins

 

[kubotacres]

I’m strictly residential with 4 acres of lawn. I purchased the ZD1212 with the 60” deck because my lawns bit rough. My last mowing I used 0.929 gph cutting 1-1/4~2.0 inches.
It’s certainly overkill for me but diesel is easier I have bulk fuel with a pump.
I look forward to each cutting, pricey yes but it makes me happy.
90cummins

I have been impressed. Glad I spent the extra money on the diesel.

 

[art]

Commercial mowers in our area say the ZD's run a full day on one tank and they have to carry extra gas for those units to run a day. WE do have a ZD out that is over 7500 hours of commercial and is now mowing a 7 acre home lot. Three belts on the deck with two by twigs and one when his operator didn't stop when the deck gearbox lost it's oil seal. That was at 7,250 hours. Incredible machines that will out last the bulk of the owners.

 

[90cummins]

I did a fuel consumption test on My new 60” ZD1211 which just turned 100 hours.
I recorded 0.93 gph over 4 hours mowing my lawn at 1.5 inches which was over due for a mowing.
The engine was working hard & bogging down at times.
Diesel is definitely more fuel efficient with less fuel handling.
One of my reasons to go diesel was to eliminate the fuel hauling & filling task. My shoulders did not like handling the containers plus with a diesel tank & pump on site it was a no brainer.
Don’t know if I’ve ever heard of someone regretting going diesel.
90cummins

 

[tradosaurus]

I have no experience with Kubota's chute blocker, but the Advanced Chute Systems works great on my ZD326 and 1211. I wouldn't be without one.
Pros :
-I can close or partially close the chute to prevent grass from plastering objects, or getting into flower beds. Even with close attention to my pattern there is always the occasion where I'm throwing the wrong way.
- 99% of the time I'm mowing with the chute wide open, dispersing clippings better than with a standard non adjustable chute.
- They're great at mulching leaves in the fall

Cons:
- Not cheap!
- With the chute closed, they leave a noticable windrow, so I have to go back over the row eventually.

I have a mulch kit where I have to bolt in a plate to block the outlet. I only use this during the fall after I change to mulching blades.

Other than that I cut a hole near the edge of the plastic chute cover and use a bungee cord (with a hook on each end) to keep it open when I need it.