Kubota ZG123S 3.80 star(s) (5)

Just Right
Model Year: 2014

This mower has exceeded my expectations. Not one problem in four years. Mows great. The only thing I wish it had is a tilt-up deck for easier cleaning and blade sharpening. I would recommend it to anyone mowing a couple acres or more maybe.

Pros: Quality
Cons: For me the are none

I Should Have Spent Another $1,000 And Bought A Commercial Machine
Model Year: 2013

This machine has to be the most expensive mistake I have made in quite a while. I should have either bought a cheap machine and expected this much trouble or spent a little more and purchased a commercial mower. The deck retention spring has broken three times in less than 100 hours. The front caster broke at around 50 hours and now the clutch fell off ripping the wires from the unit. If I had to depend on this to make a living, I would starve. I purchased this based on past experience with my Kubota tractor but will probably purchase another brand from now on. The quality has dropped of tremendously in the past ten years.

Pros: Color
Cons: Spring breakage, caster breakage, extremely loud, clutch fell off ripping wires from the clutch, unit will not start when hot, recalled the first week I had it and had to take it back to the dealer, roll over protection needs to be FROPS, the deck lift mechanism is in the middle of the floor and cumbersome to operate - it needs to be on the left or right so you do not have to twist in the seat to use it

Photo Uploads:

Broken Spring
Model Year: 2013

I like my Kubota. Just think the deck engineering is poor. It cuts well, but the tensioner spring broke after 20 hours. The idler pulley at the rear of the mower has gotten really loud. Sounds like the bearing is coming out of it. Going to take it to the dealer tomorrow. Hope this isn't a sign for things to come.

Pros: Great features.
Cons: Mowing deck is not up to snuff.

Kubota ZG123S
Model Year: 2013

This is a very nice machine for it's intended use as a high end residential unit. There were a couple recalls on the unit early on, but they were handled by Kubota in a satisfactory manner. Positives: Steering: One of the best handling, easiest to drive units I have been on. Features: The S model with the LED lights, which I have used more than I thought I would, trailer hitch, and suspension seat standard is nice. Height Adjustment: Very easy to use deck height adjustment. Build Quality: Kubota builds a nice machine and this one appears as robust as some low end commercial units. Cut: Cut quality, even at full speed is very good. Stability: It has a belly gas tank which lowers the center of gravity and keeps the unit pretty stable on hills. Negatives: ROPS: The non-foldable ROPS is a pain and Kubota currently doesn't offer a foldable ROPS even at an option for an additional cost. I had a local high end welder convert mine to a foldable ROPS so problem solved, but seems like Kubota should at least have a foldable one as an option. Low Profile Tires: These ride pretty rough even with the suspension seat. They do look cool, but I'd rather not look so cool and have a bit fatter tire. I don't think this would be a great mower for someone with a bad back or really bump lot. No Striping Kit: My understanding is Kubota doesn't offer a striping kit for this mower. Honestly, I think it stripes better as it sits than the Ferris IS2000Z I used with a striping kit installed, but it seems like Kubota should offer something as an upgrade.

Pros: See above.
Cons: See above.

Photo Uploads:

Broken!
Model Year: 2013

Kubota shame shame! ZG 123 has a PROBLEM w/broken springs on the mower deck and none in stock? It's a BIG problem and you haven't fixed it? I tweeted for the world to know. Get it fixed and get spring in stock!

Pros: .
Cons: Salesman said "yes, it's been a problem for awhile. No fix yet and no springs available."