ZD21 v BX2200 or ZTR v SubCompact

[Boner]

I am curious how these two units stack up against each other as grass cutting machines. I had narrowed my search to the BX, but this ZD thing may be a more versaltile grass cutter. My questions are few. Can the BX cut as fast as the ZD. That is not a loaded question. In a straight line, with no obstacles, can they both cut at 9.5 mph? On the kubota brochures, they both cam move that fast, but is the blade speed the same? I post this here, hoping some BX owners will say either 'sure, it can cut at full speed,' or 'sorry, not gonna happen.' Another question is life span. From what I hear, the ZD is built like a tank. So, is it as Shermanish as the BX. Could I expect it to last as long as the BX would?
Either one I get, I will use to cut a yard or two to make some extra cash. The only time I would use the 3PH on the BX is for maybe a rear mower IF I had something really tall to cut.

So is there anyone here who uses a BX just to cut grass? If so, are you glad you got the BX, or would a ZTR have been a better grass cutter.

So, is there anybody who bought a ZTR, and wish they would have got a BX?

As for my yard, I have 2 acres, flat, about 20 trees. With the power steering, and HST, I think the BX would do just fine, however the ZTR owners swear by them, and if that is what I need, I sure would like it to be ORANGE.

Thanks
-Ben

 

[RPM]

Boner,

I have a BX - and the home yard is 2 acres of grass with about 20 trees. A quick BX vs ZTR comparison:

The suspension (seat / tire combo) on the ZTR is probably kinder on your rear-end for fast operation. They're designed to operate at a consistently higher speed than a utility tractor like the BX. Different design considerations - for example, the BX tires have to be able to take higher loads due to FEL etc.

The BX can theoretically travel as fast - but the deck will really clank around as it does unless you are on a SMOOTH lawn. The suspension mechanism for the deck on the ZTR is probably also adjused to take account of this.

The BX has a seatbelt and ROPS. The ZTR probably has no ROPS, but has a lower center of gravity so might not need them ... If you're going to tackle slopes then you need to pick your weapon here ... I preferred the ROPS.

I didn't see anything in the literature about blade speeds being any different. So don't think any difference there.

Turns are obviously quicker on the ZTR - but that's not a big deal for me. It's only 2 acres and the hydrostatic trans is very good on the BX.

I bought the BX because of other chores I have planned - putting in fences (post hole digger on the 3 point hitch), snow removal with a rear-blade (long drive) etc. I have also used a ripper to break up the hard clay in my yard for a garden - worked a treat.

4wd was also a factor for me - my drive is on an incline and the usual snow / ice mix in my area conspires against the 2wd tractors.

I also volunteer help for a charitable institution that has 155 acres about an hour from me. They only have an ancient Massey Ferguson, with few implements and no plans to upgrade. At some point (next year), I will be getting a trailer to allow me to go help out up there on smaller tasks. Hey - I may even be able to get a tax deduction on the tractor implements according to my accountant!

So, in conclusion - the BX will almost mow as well as the ZTR - but is not designed to do it as comfortably. The BX will allow you to do lots of other jobs though - which would be impossible with the ZTR.

For few extra minutes each week you'll spend mowing on a BX (it's only 2 acres), you might want to consider it!

Patrick

 

[TresCrows]

See Jims post under Amazing BX mower deck, I concur, the BX is a fine mower and few other machines will be able to compare. What is a ZD anyway? Speed--yes the BX has the power to mow pedal to the metal but as stated it will be a rough ride if it is not relatively smooth. On the Lawn and Garden forum there is a thread concerning a person who was thrown from his ZTR that then "zero turned" right over him cutting his arm off!--OK! I would not get one without a ROP's and a seat belt. I have used them before and they can get squirrly. Hills, you will need the BX. Whatever a ZD is built stronger than a BX, I doubt it really. J

 

[ddl]

The real question you need to answer is what do you what to do with the equipment besides mowing. If all you plan to do is mow, get a machine designed to mow. If you want to do other things, then get a tractor.

Dan L

 

[Charliebrn]

I have a BX, and my father, who passed away last march has a Lazer ZTR, and I have assumed the job of mowing with it out at his place since my stepmother isn't comfortable using it. Yea, the ZT is probably a smoother ride, but I hate the *&^%$ thing. He has a few mounds and the ZT is awful squirrelly when on it. I find myself microadjusting and going very slow when on them. I know I'd breeze over them with the BX. Second, with the ZT, I find myself scuffing the lawn when making tight turns unless I'm VERY carefull (translation:SLOW). And third, the ZT is useless for anything else. I have options with the BX.

Try them both. Ride them for a while. Make your own decision. I'd go with the BX every time, but you may have a different style...

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Well, If you want to mow grass, nothing (even a BX) beats a ZTR. I have had two different ztr's, my latest a ZD21. It is fast and makes quick work of any lawn with trees. No need for a ROPS as the center of gravity is so low and the tires so wide. I mow on a steep incline and the ztr is great. I have a JD lawn and garden tractor that I use for mowing and other projects. I can mow twice as fast and have a much better job with the ztr. I know this forum loves the BX and I hope to get one someday to replace the JD, but if you only to mow grass, get a ZTR.

 

[Boner]

All I really need is a unit to cut grass. Although I like the flexibility of the BX, I am finding out that I would have to buy all new implements that are small enough to work on the BX. That would be a real bummer to have just bought a tractor, and still have to borrow a tractor. While I like the BX, and have not yet ruled it out, the ZD21 has really caught my eye. Even as a mowing machine, the BX is pretty impressive. Nice hydro, power steering, and all... I guess I will just be caught in a state of anxiety until I get to sit on a ZD.
What do you like about the ZD21 that you didnt like on the others you've had?
Can you cut at full speed wothout the deck bouncing, and ruining the cut?

 

[Boner]

Trescrows,
When you say it will cut pedal to the metal, would this be considered 'by design,' or 'pushing the limits' by doing this? Also, does it still give you a good cut, or does the deck not like it very much?

Ben

 

[Anonymous Poster]

The ZD21 has a nice cut. You can mow at full throttle (aprox 9-10 mph). For close to the house, I like to go slower but in the field, let her rip. Someone mentioned falling off and getting injured. This would be highly unlikely on the ZD21 and if it could happen, it could happen with any mower. At full speed, if the lawn is rough, the cut is rough. I cut seven acres in about two hours and it looks very nice when done. The ZD21 is well built and the engine is very quiet. The most amazing thing is the very low utilization of fuel. I had a Grazer ztr previously and the deck was out front. Nice for getting under trees with low branches but not as stable as the zd21. The machine appears very safe and I let my ten year old use it to mow. The ZD21 is a little harder on the grass with turning but not a problem with a little experience. It has been an excellent machine to date.

 

[theboman]

One is a mower and the other is a tractor that can mow, bush hog, till a garden, remove snow, dig, haul and move dirt. Again the mower can mow, and it can mow a lot and real fast and real close to objects, and it can mow, and it can mow.
I see needs for both. I'd love a ZTR to mow and my Bota to play, but I can't have both so I went for the biggest mower/tractor combo I could afford.

Bluegrass, Pick It Up!