More updates (sorry if these are not useful to anyone anymore, but a few of you wanted updates)
I mowed my big customers place with it and it’s an improvement over the ZD331 in the traction category. I can climb and descend their big hills leaving zero trace of skid marks. THAT is why I bought the machine. I am happy it has hi/lo range. I have to put it in lo and 4wd to climb the hill. Lo range is just fast enough to not cause frustration in cutting speed.
This machine, even with 72” deck will NOT cause turf damage and is better at not leaving scalp marks than the ZD331. I think the way the deck rolls across the ground is a bit better design in reducing scalping.
Going across steep hills
feels a bit more tippy than the ZD331, but I think it’s only because the operator sits higher. I tried some insanely steep hills, and she stayed on them pretty well.
Its definitely not as “zippy” as the ZD. Its not quite as responsive upon acceleration. Has a different feel to it as you can imagine. It’s like a cross between a tractor and a zero turn. About 35 years ago, I worked for a guy who ran Hustlers with diesels in them that were kind of similar. Feels like Kubota copied their design and improved it.
One thing I am still trying to get accustomed to is keeping it in a straight line. I think my steering “drifts” a bit and I have to correct my course every few seconds on long straight passes. More money and time to spend on diagnosing and repairs.….
I like the single big diesel tank-ran all day with fuel to spare.
There’s a very useful tool tray and cup holder on the left side. I already drilled in a 12V outlet and installed a phone charger.
surprised it doesn’t come with one. I blue tooth my I phone to a pair of headphones and that helps keep the noise down and the day goes a little easier.
The machine starts and runs flawlessly. Not overly loud, but the hydrostatic whine is pretty noticeable. When you descend a hill, it will free wheel a bit more than the ZD. I could be descending a 25 degree hill on my ZD, let go of the sticks, and it will gently come to a stop. The F will tend to free wheel a bit, but it’s easy to control with the pedal.
Havent noticed the “tail swing” to be as bad as I thought it would be. The ability to roll the mower under trees without having a face full of pine tree needles is nice.
For me, the jury is still out.…like it more each time I use it, but I keep thinking for about 1/2-3/4 the price I could have gotten another ZD.
