Cub Cadet Z-FORCE48 4.40 star(s) (5)

2013 Z-Force Zero Turn 48
Model Year: 2013

I love my mower easy to service greasing could be better, but other than that, great mower.

Pros: Easy to service.
Cons: Greasing could be easier.

Z-Force 54
Model Year: 2012

Just bought this. Brand new... assembled out of the crate in front of me. First ever new piece of equipment. I had a small budget and was initially going to go with the low end 54 inch, but the more I looked at it, the more I figured it wouldn't hold up. Looked at the next level up (Z-Force) and while it is certainly not commercial duty (and not the commercial price) it did share some parts in the drive and engine that let me think it may have at least some longevity and stamina. The Hydro gear ZT2800 drives has both the reservoir and filters (low end units do not) and the mid level Kohler engine. It also has a fairly stout deck with greased spindles. Only mowed a couple hours so far. So will see. I rate only 4s as only commercial would likely get 5s from me. It was the best I could do and stay out of the 7 to 10k range and have a reasonable cut width.

Pros: Handles nicely... but could stand a wider and "grippyer" tire, but then that would eat lawns too much maybe.
Cons: Watch what they set the tire presure at. Had to lower mine to 6 psi to get full contact.

Cub Cadet ZForce 44
Model Year: 0

Mine is actually a ZForce 44 but this model was not an option in the model choices on this website. I bought this new in 2004 for $4400 including bagger and have 200 hours on it and mow an acre. I have spent little more than the cost of gas, oil, and filters to maintain this mower - not even a broken belt. I did find a sloppy bearing fit in the double pulley and took up the slack with JB Weld and after 3 years it is still okay although gets hot with use. So everything seems okay mechanically but this mower is so miserably loud it is almost unbearable, even with earplugs and a headset combined. I will definitely shop for a quieter mower next time and would appreciate any advice on this including the best hearing protection. Thanks, Vic

Pros: Reliable and low cost to operate.
Cons: Extremely loud.

Almost a Great Mower
Model Year: 2010

I have used my Z-Force 48 for one full season. I purchased it with a bagging unit (the cheap one without a blower on it) and a mulching kit. The mower works very well, and in mowing my 2 acres with many obstacles (trees etc.) has made a huge difference in how long it takes. Driving it took some getting used to, particularly to not spin the wheels when turning a square corner and so tearing at the lawn. The bagger works okay as long as the grass isn't too long, but if it plugs the tube up, then that's a major chore to unplug. The mulching kit works very well - I didn't use it until autumn leaf time, but it can mulch several inches of leaves away to almost nothing visible in one pass. The build quality is good, but there's room for improvement - for example there's no provision to adjust the tapered roller bearings in the blade spindles and I noticed at the end of the season that all 3 are loose - there is end play in all 3 spindles, which apparently can't be adjusted, or can only be adjusted by shortening the spacer between the 2 inner races. The time limited warranty isn't great - I consider with a bit over 2 acres I'm probably below average user, yet have done 105 of the warrantied 180 hours in my first season - so warranty will expire before my second year is up - let alone the 3rd year the warranty is supposedly good for.

Pros: Great cutting, fast mowing speed, very maneuverable.
Cons: Tears lawn easily if not careful, 3 year warranty not really 3 years for average user, mower spindle bearings not adjustable.

First Zero Turn
Model Year: 2011

I haven't had my Z-Force 48 very long and it is the first zero turn i have ever had or operated it was very easy to learn and i have cut my mowing time in half. I don't like the fact that the throttle lever is out in the open on the left side so if you go close to bushes, trees, etc. It will idle mower down. Also mower ride is pretty rough now granted it my yard is at fault just passing that fact on other wise so far i am happy will write another review after i have it a year.

Pros: Fast, controls, filters for every thing.
Cons: Throttle lever needs to be lockd oer moved; rough ride,

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