Who Makes a Trouble-Free 60" Diesel Zero-Turn?

[pgrimes]

I have a Grasshopper 428D that’s been a good machine. What few parts I’ve needed were surprisingly affordable. But with that being said I like a Kubota ZT better.

I also have a Grasshopper diesel w/62" mower deck. Just make sure to get a 2016 or later Grasshopper--I broke the frame on mine mowing over hills of cow paths on my old dairy farm. The 2016s have the newer frame (engine cage) that was replaced on mine. The Kubota engines and the later T6 transmissions used by Grasshopper are bulletproof with regular maintenance.
I also have a Kubota F3080 w/72" deck. I like the diesel engine and 4WD of the machine, but the deck is driven by an offset PTO shaft that drives a right angle transmission which drives the belts of the mower. If I can get the transmission to hold oil after it is rebuilt with new bearings and oil seals, maybe I will be happy with it--73" is indeed much faster mowing than 60+". However, there is nothing like a zero turn to mow around my 130+trees.
I've finished mowed this place for over 33 years. I've owned everything. I've broken most everything. The Grasshopper will survive me, but the results are not in on the Kubota. Keep your head up and don't let the mower world get the best of you.

 

[Suburban Plowboy]

without the problems ethanol gas causes

This was on my mind. The ethanol idiocy has caused a lot of problems with my small engines. It's amazing that Americans put up with it.

Sorry if I seemed irritable. I was really fed up when I posted my question. I was covered in sweat, grease, and grit from working on the tractor and other problems, and I didn't smell particularly good.

I should add that I don't generally smell bad.

My Kubota tractor is down until the guy gets here to put the new front gear case on it, he didn't show up yesterday, I made an annoying mistake on a fabrication project right before I tried to start the John Deere, my grass is almost up to my knee, and I had to redo the plumbing on my well after a sudden blowout the day before. Then I found out a) the $10 voltage regulator was integrated in the alternator, b) John Deere wanted $500 for a part that should cost $100, and c) it's not available. Refurbs go for about $360. Whoo hoo!

I was not in a happy mood. And the John Deere really has been a pain. The hydraulic leak was a bear to fix, and John Deere made the fender deck and high/low shift so stupidly, it was as though they had meetings, trying to figure out how to make the deck impossible to remove. The new seat I bought is junk. The $250 muffler is like something out of a comedy sketch. You can get some Kubota mufflers for as little as $60. Having to take the tractor apart to replace a fan belt...that's like something you would make up to pull someone's leg, but with the John Deere 430, it's fact.

A fan belt costs five bucks. Mechanics charge at least $90 per hour. So the real cost of my fan belt is probably $185.

Sometimes you buy something, and it seems like every time you go near it, you suffer. My 20-year-old Kubota, on the other hand, has never had a real problem except for a worn steering seal and a major part I broke myself.

I hate to spend on a new machine and downscale to gasoline, but it would be so nice to be able to turn the key, mow the grass, and go back in the house, like I used to.

 

[photog]

I have a ZD1211 that I bought in May 2020 that's been great. I still have a 2001 ZD28 that I still use also. It has never been back to the dealer. I've just done the recommended maintenance. Same for my 20 yer old L3010 tractor. Never been back for a repair.

 

[shooterdon]

How much grass do you cut?

I cut 2 acres in an hour with. 54” ZT. I put 20 hours a year on it.

A decent gas ZT will last 1000-1500 hours. With the $8000 saved over a diesel model, if you mow 100hr/yr, you can replace the engine every 10 years with the return on $8000...say $400/yr....$4000+ over 10 years....and not touch the $8000.

A new engine for my ZT is $3000.

 

[jyoutz]

This was on my mind. The ethanol idiocy has caused a lot of problems with my small engines. It's amazing that Americans put up with it.

Sorry if I seemed irritable. I was really fed up when I posted my question. I was covered in sweat, grease, and grit from working on the tractor and other problems, and I didn't smell particularly good.

I should add that I don't generally smell bad.

My Kubota tractor is down until the guy gets here to put the new front gear case on it, he didn't show up yesterday, I made an annoying mistake on a fabrication project right before I tried to start the John Deere, my grass is almost up to my knee, and I had to redo the plumbing on my well after a sudden blowout the day before. Then I found out a) the $10 voltage regulator was integrated in the alternator, b) John Deere wanted $500 for a part that should cost $100, and c) it's not available. Refurbs go for about $360. Whoo hoo!

I was not in a happy mood. And the John Deere really has been a pain. The hydraulic leak was a bear to fix, and John Deere made the fender deck and high/low shift so stupidly, it was as though they had meetings, trying to figure out how to make the deck impossible to remove. The new seat I bought is junk. The $250 muffler is like something out of a comedy sketch. You can get some Kubota mufflers for as little as $60. Having to take the tractor apart to replace a fan belt...that's like something you would make up to pull someone's leg, but with the John Deere 430, it's fact.

A fan belt costs five bucks. Mechanics charge at least $90 per hour. So the real cost of my fan belt is probably $185.

Sometimes you buy something, and it seems like every time you go near it, you suffer. My 20-year-old Kubota, on the other hand, has never had a real problem except for a worn steering seal and a major part I broke myself.

I hate to spend on a new machine and downscale to gasoline, but it would be so nice to be able to turn the key, mow the grass, and go back in the house, like I used to.

I buy ethanol free gas for all my small engines. The problem is that in my area it’s only available in premium, at premium prices.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I buy ethanol free gas for all my small engines. The problem is that in my area it’s only available in premium, at premium prices.

Same here, and I don't care that it cost more, it's worth it!

SR

 

[Creamer]

I still have my '97 Deines 60" front deck ZT and use it weekly or as needed. Other than blades and tires I have done almost nothing to it except the electric blade clutch went out so I replaced the main drive belts while I was in there. Oh - I did replace the seat as well - famous vinyl cracking style. This spring I went through some fully headed brome grass with some clover in it. I took it slow and it handled a full swath and laid out a beautiful mat of cuttings. I do not think they make them with Diesel engines though but they are a tough built mower that uses mostly off the shelf parts. The eaton hydros are a standard unit you can buy many places even though I have never even added oil to them. All the rest of it is very off the shelf and their parts are very reasonable - $45 for a three blade set, the drive chain is standard off the shelf but Deines shipped it to me for less that I would have paid at TSC. Technical support is almost always instantaneous when you call with someone who knows the machine inside and out. I had a couple of wiring issues on my larger machine that I had bought used and sent them some pictures and they told exactly what was wrong over the phone. Wonderful service!

BTW - the 60" fits in my 05 Silverado with about a half inch to spare on each side. It also was far from being to heavy for the truck because I carried over 100 miles and it was not down to the overload springs.

 

[shooterdon]

I buy ethanol free gas for all my small engines. The problem is that in my area it’s only available in premium, at premium prices.

I do the same. Small price to pay for reducing issues.

 

[scaredychicken]

as others have noted, Kubota has a few nice Zero Turns with the 60 inch decks
I have no personal experience with zero-turns yet, as I have been researching / shopping only.
I recently bought a used 2012 Cub Cadet zero-turn (gas), delivery is pending.

IF I could have afforded a new zero-turn, the HUSTLER (commercial ?) brand had my attention, especially with the flip up / tilt deck option.

n

 

[mikester]

I could sell you my ZD326-60P right now for more than I paid for it new in 2010. So far its been bullet proof but its heavy at almost 1800 lbs. I don't know what the muffler costs because I haven't needed to change mine yet. I haven't needed to remove the deck for any kind of service.

 

[Creamer]

as others have noted, Kubota has a few nice Zero Turns with the 60 inch decks
I have no personal experience with zero-turns yet, as I have been researching / shopping only.
I recently bought a used 2012 Cub Cadet zero-turn (gas), delivery is pending.

IF I could have afforded a new zero-turn, the HUSTLER (commercial ?) brand had my attention, especially with the flip up / tilt deck option.
View attachment 752920
n

My brother bought a Cub Cadet and after a few years yt was nothing but problems. The blades and deck are not near as robust as a good professional mower.

One of the features that Deines has had, even on my 1007 model, is a flip up deck. And it goes to complete vertical. Another advantage of a front deck mower.

 

[Hay Dude]

Same here, and I don't care that it cost more, it's worth it!

SR

Yep! Even if it’s $10/gallon!
Diesels get better fuel economy to begin with and now the super/premium unleaded is approaching $7 per gallon.

 

[Spike56]

I know I'm going to get flamed for this, but I have a John Deere 430 garden tractor with a 60" deck, and I am sick of it. It seems like I spend more time repairing it than using it, and John Deere is a real jerk about parts. My alternator is a great example. It looks like I need a new one, and they run about $500.

I don't need a garden tractor. I have a real tractor. I'm thinking I should dump the 430 on some sucker, I mean John Deere fan, and get a zero-turn.

So who makes a good diesel zero-turn that will last forever and give me 60" of width?

I can tell you some features I would like.

1. Not having to pay 5 times what parts are worth or dealing with a company that doesn't supply parts for older machines *cough cough John Deere*.

2. Oil changes that don't require removing an extremely stubborn 340-pound deck or dealing with a messy external oil-sucking machine.

3. Hydraulic cylinders, if any, that aren't welded shut like certain those made by *cough cough John Deere* certain companies.

4. Not needing 3 sizes of wrench to do simple things like adjusting a fan belt.

5. Not having to take the entire machine apart to change a fan belt.

6. A muffler that doesn't cost $250.

7. A total weight somewhere under 1500 pounds, unlike a certain garden tractor I have.

8. Blades that will cut bahia instead of just knocking it over so it can come back up after I pass.

9. Mulching that actually works. On live oak and water oak leaves. Not just on paper-thin leaves that blow away in a slight breeze.

10. Doesn't have the words "John" or "Deere" anywhere on it, nor any green paint.

If your blood runs green, don't bother telling me off. There is no point in making me suffer, because this tractor and the company that made it punish me more than you could every day.

I feel your pain... really. It is difficult, as with ANY product to know. Of course you can pay "extra" and expect a better machine / parts / long lasting, but we all know this is not guaranteed.
I cannot speak for Diesel ZTR's. Just bought a Hustler "48" Fastrak gasser. The single reason was availability of a local dealer / parts / repairs if needed.
For #8 ( I have lots of bahia grass, hate the stuff in the yard). A regular straight blade has a difficult time with it. Have had good luck with Gator Blades. Seems the saw tooth ends really chop the stems good. It's not 100% single pass, but *way* better than my straight blades.

 

[u50067]

I have a Grasshopper 321D 2001 model with 1095 hrs and a Grasshopper 428D 2008 model with 708 hrs.

Am currently only using the 321D which I use about 50 hrs a year and chg oil & filter yearly. A hydraulic hose burst at 640 hrs so had all 4 hoses replaced and hydro fluid & filter changed. Sometimes it begins to sputter so I replace the first fuel filter and that fixes it (has 2 fuel filters) first filter an in-line approx $3 at WalMart. The mule drive idler spring has broken a couple of times. It has had some rough use occasionally. I do not run it full throttle when mowing my approx 4 acre yard. I bought the machine new in 2000 which was first year for a Grasshopper mid mount.

I bought the 428D used in 2010 with 343 hrs on it. Have replaced the lower mower spindle bearings and the fuel solenoid shutoff. It seemed to overheat/run hot so talked to factory and they said the radiator was just large enough to handle that engine and they had a kit with a belt and pulley to increase the fan RPMs, so they knew/admitted they had a problem. So for approx $120 I installed it and seems to have corrected over heating but have not run it in very hot weather to fully test. I have not used this machine since 2017 as I sold property that was located 70 miles away.

The 428D runs a little faster and uses more fuel but as for cutting heavy grass I don't see any advantage over the 321D and both have 60 inch decks. I think the smallest size now available is 25 hp which would be adequate for me. Both machines are mid mounts and have 3 cylinder Kubota diesel engines. They do not have suspension systems, so you only mow as fast as you are comfortable bouncing up and down. Caution, only use the Grasshopper hydro fluid as a dealer told me a customer used a substitute and the hydro motors or pumps had to be replaced. Yes the belts need replacement occasionally.

My reasons for a diesel purchase 22 yrs ago was to use same fuel as my tractor and for reliability without ignition and carburetor problems. I would likely buy another Grasshopper if needed but if I can get 10 more yrs out of the 321D I will be 90 then. Hope this info helps.

 

[Number15]

I have a diesel Grasshopper ZT that is mostly trouble free. My biggest complaint is that the hydraulic filter vibrates loose and starts to drip. If I tighten it every 20 or so hours I have no problems. It's 20 years old and still runs like a top. Has a Kubota engine.

 

[indianabuckman]

I know I'm going to get flamed for this, but I have a John Deere 430 garden tractor with a 60" deck, and I am sick of it. It seems like I spend more time repairing it than using it, and John Deere is a real jerk about parts. My alternator is a great example. It looks like I need a new one, and they run about $500.

I don't need a garden tractor. I have a real tractor. I'm thinking I should dump the 430 on some sucker, I mean John Deere fan, and get a zero-turn.

So who makes a good diesel zero-turn that will last forever and give me 60" of width?

I can tell you some features I would like.

1. Not having to pay 5 times what parts are worth or dealing with a company that doesn't supply parts for older machines *cough cough John Deere*.

2. Oil changes that don't require removing an extremely stubborn 340-pound deck or dealing with a messy external oil-sucking machine.

3. Hydraulic cylinders, if any, that aren't welded shut like certain those made by *cough cough John Deere* certain companies.

4. Not needing 3 sizes of wrench to do simple things like adjusting a fan belt.

5. Not having to take the entire machine apart to change a fan belt.

6. A muffler that doesn't cost $250.

7. A total weight somewhere under 1500 pounds, unlike a certain garden tractor I have.

8. Blades that will cut bahia instead of just knocking it over so it can come back up after I pass.

9. Mulching that actually works. On live oak and water oak leaves. Not just on paper-thin leaves that blow away in a slight breeze.

10. Doesn't have the words "John" or "Deere" anywhere on it, nor any green paint.

If your blood runs green, don't bother telling me off. There is no point in making me suffer, because this tractor and the company that made it punish me more than you could every day.

I have a zero turn 60" Kubota diesel that's about 8 years old that's been trouble free.

 

[Fladogman]

I bought a Kubota diesel z turn, got over 80 hrs on it with no issues. If you go with Kubota get the comfort seat, worth the cost .

 

[BigBlue1]

I have a Bad Boy Rogue zero-turn. Commercial quality unit, though powered by gas engine vs. diesel. Bad Boy does make the Renegage with a diesel though. My Rogue is a great unit overall. If you want a solid commercial quality unit check them out.

I'm not 100% thrilled with the cut quality, but I wasn't thrilled with my Deere x758's cut quality either, which is one of the reasons I got the zero-turn. I'm beginning to realize though that it is just the fact I mow 7 acres and don't like to go slow that is really impacting cut quality. That and the type of grass/weeds in my lawn - it's a rural yard that isn't pristine, uniform grass. If I slow down both the Rogue and the x758 cut beautifully. At least with the zero-turn my mowing time is about an hour less than with the x758.

Rob

 

[dcarman]

I know I'm going to get flamed for this, but I have a John Deere 430 garden tractor with a 60" deck, and I am sick of it. It seems like I spend more time repairing it than using it, and John Deere is a real jerk about parts. My alternator is a great example. It looks like I need a new one, and they run about $500.

I don't need a garden tractor. I have a real tractor. I'm thinking I should dump the 430 on some sucker, I mean John Deere fan, and get a zero-turn.

So who makes a good diesel zero-turn that will last forever and give me 60" of width?

I can tell you some features I would like.

1. Not having to pay 5 times what parts are worth or dealing with a company that doesn't supply parts for older machines *cough cough John Deere*.

2. Oil changes that don't require removing an extremely stubborn 340-pound deck or dealing with a messy external oil-sucking machine.

3. Hydraulic cylinders, if any, that aren't welded shut like certain those made by *cough cough John Deere* certain companies.

4. Not needing 3 sizes of wrench to do simple things like adjusting a fan belt.

5. Not having to take the entire machine apart to change a fan belt.

6. A muffler that doesn't cost $250.

7. A total weight somewhere under 1500 pounds, unlike a certain garden tractor I have.

8. Blades that will cut bahia instead of just knocking it over so it can come back up after I pass.

9. Mulching that actually works. On live oak and water oak leaves. Not just on paper-thin leaves that blow away in a slight breeze.

10. Doesn't have the words "John" or "Deere" anywhere on it, nor any green paint.

If your blood runs green, don't bother telling me off. There is no point in making me suffer, because this tractor and the company that made it punish me more than you could every day.

You've obviously not used a Kubota.They are great, blades are cheap and they are very reliable. Nothing lasts forever though.

 

[Joe Batt]

I had a JD 425 all wheel steer. I hated that thing. Way too many moving parts (and each too expensive) for mowing grass and the all wheel steer dug ruts in around my trees. The deck was too shallow to cut nicely. It bogged down terribly in tall grass.

I switched to Country Clipper air cooled ZTR. No it will not last as long, but I can buy about 4 of them for the same price and have a lot less work in mainentance. I don't feel as bad about abusing it either (I rolled the first one twice and this one once). I really like the joystick control as well.

Yes, keeping gasoline is a pain in the butt.