Hay Dude
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2012
- Messages
- 16,798
- Tractor
- Challenger MT655E, Massey Ferguson 7495, Challenger MT535B, Krone 4x4 XC baler, Kubota F3680 & ZD331 Ram 5500 Cummins 4x4, IH 7500 4x4 dump truck, Kaufman 35’ tandem 19 ton trailer, John Deere CX-15
So I’ve got a whopping 10 hours on the ZD-1211-72 I just bought 3 weeks ago. Been raining so much, we can barely get lawns cut.
A few initial observations:
1. I am almost shocked at the improvement in handling & uphill traction. My old ZD-331 had a lot of play in the controls from nearly 3,000 hours. New machine is tight and very responsive. It also seems like the new tire & rim set up helps with traction? I don’t believe it myself, but I ran it on a very steep hill we cut are only lost traction a few times. I can’t really explain any other reasons except tires and precision of the newer controls. The ZD-331 had new tires but could not climb descend hills like the newer one. Maybe the 1211 is lighter and doesn’t slide as easily?
2. Didn’t really cut too much heavy grass, so I can’t comment on power, but the engine definitely bogs down more when blades are initially turned on. This could also be because engine isn’t broken in yet and deck belt real tight. Going uphill, I could notice some loss of power, but not enough to complain about. What I need to make a final call is uphill and tall grass.
3. I like the new layout for the anti-scalp wheels. Back wheels are much better reinforced than ZD-331. Comfort is greatly improved with new operators seat. I felt fine after extended seat time yesterday. I like the deeper pocket for holding cell phone or a drink. I actually prefer the old analog gauges on the 331
4. The PTO engage lever feels cheap compared to old unit. Real disappointed Kubota doesn’t include 12V charger outlet. This should be standard equipment in 2024. Jury still out with me on the dual tanks being connected. I think they eliminated the separate tanks switch valve to save production costs. Weird how the machine takes it’s fuel from both tanks together, yet you fill them separately. What’s the point of 2 tanks? Just refilling from either side easier I guess? I guess it’s also to balance the weight and streamline the machine.
I’ll be on it 6-8 more hours today.
A few initial observations:
1. I am almost shocked at the improvement in handling & uphill traction. My old ZD-331 had a lot of play in the controls from nearly 3,000 hours. New machine is tight and very responsive. It also seems like the new tire & rim set up helps with traction? I don’t believe it myself, but I ran it on a very steep hill we cut are only lost traction a few times. I can’t really explain any other reasons except tires and precision of the newer controls. The ZD-331 had new tires but could not climb descend hills like the newer one. Maybe the 1211 is lighter and doesn’t slide as easily?
2. Didn’t really cut too much heavy grass, so I can’t comment on power, but the engine definitely bogs down more when blades are initially turned on. This could also be because engine isn’t broken in yet and deck belt real tight. Going uphill, I could notice some loss of power, but not enough to complain about. What I need to make a final call is uphill and tall grass.
3. I like the new layout for the anti-scalp wheels. Back wheels are much better reinforced than ZD-331. Comfort is greatly improved with new operators seat. I felt fine after extended seat time yesterday. I like the deeper pocket for holding cell phone or a drink. I actually prefer the old analog gauges on the 331
4. The PTO engage lever feels cheap compared to old unit. Real disappointed Kubota doesn’t include 12V charger outlet. This should be standard equipment in 2024. Jury still out with me on the dual tanks being connected. I think they eliminated the separate tanks switch valve to save production costs. Weird how the machine takes it’s fuel from both tanks together, yet you fill them separately. What’s the point of 2 tanks? Just refilling from either side easier I guess? I guess it’s also to balance the weight and streamline the machine.
I’ll be on it 6-8 more hours today.
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