Kubota ZD1211 first impressions

Rmart30 · Apr 23, 2019

Got to get a couple of hours in on the ZD1211-60. First thought is man this machine is quick and quiet. What usually took me a hour on my 455 deere (22hp diesel) with 54" deck took about 20-25 minutes on the ZD. Probably could have shaved 5 minutes off that if Id have dropped the ROPS before starting instead of fighting limbs I never had to worry about before.
After I was thru with my yard it was off to the real test and the reason I bought it. Loaded it up and hauled it up the road about 5 miles to the bare property I bought.
Right now ive got 2-3 acres im trying to reclaim from the briars and weeds. its been bush hogged a couple of times last year. The new growth weeds were thick and over knee high. The mower walked right thru them at a fair pace and never once acted like it was going to stall. Very impressed with that and the over all smoothness of the machine.

First thing right off I found was it needs some good tie down points. If they are there I havent found them yet to suit me. The driver delivered it with one strap thrown across the floor board. Id rather have something front and back. Lights. Im going to have to install some LED's.

Also, I went with the 60" deck because I was afraid of scalping on the uneven land I have. I think I could have went with the 72 and been fine as the 60 didnt scalp any. If you have any doubt about the 1211 not having enough power for a 72" i dont think that would be a issue even in thick stuff. if I had been able to demo one of each side by side Id probably have chosen the 72.

I do not like the safety switch that if the brake is depressed or park brake set and you accidentally touch the deck up down pedals the engine shuts off. Big steel toe work boots didnt work well with that.

mddorange · Apr 24, 2019

Congrats on your new ZTR.

I am amazed at how well they cut and at much faster speeds. What used to take me several days on my old riding mower now just takes hours.

RjCorazza · Apr 24, 2019

I have been thinking about a zd1211 72" for a while... Maybe trade in a zd326 and 331.
I can't imagine why the hydraulic deck controls would be tied into a safety switch. That would bug me.
Enjoy your new machine!

Bigkrank · Apr 25, 2019

I have a 2018 ZD1211 72". There is no such switch on my hydraulic pedals.

Rmart30 · Apr 25, 2019

Bigkrank said:
I have a 2018 ZD1211 72". There is no such switch on my hydraulic pedals.

I will ck it again saturday but if I was on the brake pedal and touched the up down pedal it died. Unless there is a wire thats pinched up under there I dont know.

Bryangsu · Apr 25, 2019

My 1211 does not have that issue. The sticks need to be in netural when brake is on , I think .

RickB · Apr 25, 2019

Bryangsu said:
The sticks need to be in netural when brake is on , I think .

Pretty standard for most if not all zeroturns.

Rmart30 · Apr 30, 2019

RickB said:
Pretty standard for most if not all zeroturns.

If thats the way it is if im on a hill with levers engaged and I hold the brake its going to shut off. That doesnt seem very safe

I ckd it this morning. PTO off, levers engaged, hold brake pedal for about 4-5 seconds and engine dies.

RjCorazza · Apr 30, 2019

Rmart30 said:
If thats the way it is if im on a hill with levers engaged and I hold the brake its going to shut off. That doesnt seem very safe

I ckd it this morning. PTO off, levers engaged, hold brake pedal for about 4-5 seconds and engine dies.

There is likely no perfect solution with safety switches, but I would also prefer that the drive bars not be associated with the brake.
What really sucks is a sensitive seat switch while operating on a slope.