Considering Z915B

adirondackmtnman · Feb 24, 2016

Hey all.
Anyone with experience owning/operating a Deere Z915B? I'm looking at upgrading from my old Husqvarna YTH2454. I'd like to hear some good/bad/ugly stories. I'm not necessarily brand loyal, so I'm open to looking at comparable machines from other brands, but I have a pretty good relationship with our local Deere dealer. Any input is appreciated guys! Thanks!

Wakey · May 20, 2016

I was considering the same unit, what did you end up getting?

adirondackmtnman · May 20, 2016

I ended up buying the 915. So far, the machine is great! I cut my mowing time from around 4 hours to a consistent 1.4 so far. I bought it with the isolation seat, but I may upgrade to a suspension setup soon. Kills my back on the large bumps. Quality of cut is excellent. Took me a bit to get used to a zero turn setup, but now that I have it down, it's very intuitive. Overall, very impressed.

adirondackmtnman · May 20, 2016

Wakey · May 21, 2016

Thanks for the follow-up.

What size deck did you get? How about the seat, will you get that from Deere or someone else? That is something I think I would need.

I love the freehand on the ROPS!

adirondackmtnman · May 21, 2016

Wakey said:
Thanks for the follow-up.

What size deck did you get? How about the seat, will you get that from Deere or someone else? That is something I think I would need.

I love the freehand on the ROPS!

It's got the 54" deck. I'm glad I didn't go with the 60" as I had planned. The edge of the deck is right where it needs to be to see easily when trimming around fences/buildings /etc. Another thing that I didn't really pay attention to when shopping, but turns out to be a great feature; the left front corner of the deck is angled at 45°, so when you approach a corner of any sort, you can drive to within an inch of the object, then pull the right lever back, and the rig can trim very close(within 3" or so) to objects my conventional mower left over a foot of apron on. Equals a ton less trimming. Deere doesn't offer a specific suspension system for the 915b, but since it's the same chassis as the other 900's, I will stop at a dealer and measure a unit equipped with one and compare before ordering. If it'll bolt right in, I'll pay more for the Deere. If not I'll buy from one of the many sources I've seen on here for them. The freehand lettering is a touch I added to it thanks to DIYlettering.com. The decals have become kind of a running joke in the family, as all my money goes into the equipment. Hence 'Marcy's Inheritance.' My 5045D has 'Sawyer's Inheritance' on the hood...

landpride64 · Aug 31, 2016

Funny, reading this thread. I am in the same situation with a husky riding mower looking to go to a 915b w a 54" deck. I mow 4 acres of my own property and I am sick of homeowner quality. I found a 16' left over Deere for $7300 with the 54" deck. My questions are, how is yours holding up? Anything you would change? What did you pay? How many hours so far? Quality good? I'm bw a Kubota 724 54" w Kohler motor and the Deere 915b w kohler 54". Both about same price and both dealers within 35 min. Any advice or watch outs is appreciated. Thanks.

adirondackmtnman · Sep 3, 2016

If I was in the market still, and could get it at that price, I'd take it for sure! I paid $8900 delivered, with the isolation seat, rear deck roller kit, canopy, and 'floor' mat. I have about 25 hours on mine so far, a result of the hot, dry summer, combined with the sheer cutting speed of the unit. I have been extremely happy with it. Everything seems to be very well designed and built. I love the 1/4" deck adjustment increments. Cleanup and maintenance are a breeze, with the floor pan easily removed to access the top of the deck, and the engine wide open for access. The only 'problem' I can think of so far is that the clippings get thrown so far out the discharge chute, that when I turn into the wind, both myself and the machine end up covered in dirt and clippings. I had a little learning curve at the beginning making the transition between a traditional style to ztr, when I turned, I would tear up the sod with the drive wheels, but that was me, and not the machine. The addition of the cast rear bumper may make it easier to avoid that, but I have yet to pony up the bucks. Not as fuel efficient as my previous mower, but with a commercial unit that's working harder, I fully expected that. I burn 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 gallons per full mow, depending on how tall/thick the turf has gotten. Overall, a great machine, and I have yet to find a reason not to love it!

adirondackmtnman · Sep 3, 2016

Nice little near-sunset pic after mowing recently...

landpride64 · Sep 6, 2016

Thanks for getting back to me. I take delivery this Friday. Got the 915b w 54" deck and isolation seat. Pretty excited to mow now that we have had a little rain. Really looking forward to the time savings and quality of the cut.