Drove a Deere 997 today

farmboy12 · May 14, 2010

I had the opportunity to drive a 997 Z-TRACK at the dealer today. That is the large, 31hp diesel, 72" one. I didn't have long, as there was a storm moving in, that ended in 1"+ hail, so I'm glad I got off and inside. From the time I had, it felt like it had tons of power. It was pretty smooth even on the dealers large gravel, but it wasn't quite amazing, just better than average. It was stable, I had to take it off a hill that it was sitting on for show, and even being an inexperienced ZT operator, I had no feelings of instability. I went out without the salesman, just me and my dad, and it did take us a little to figure out how to start it with those new safety features, but after 3 or so minutes of the loud beeping (no cranking, just key in the on position) we finally got it. I haven't drive a Kubota or any other, but I have sat on, and this was very comfortable. If you are looking into a large ZT, I would highly reccomend you take a look at Deere.

Kyle

Rob-D · May 15, 2010

farmboy12 said:
I had the opportunity to drive a 997 Z-TRACK at the dealer today. That is the large, 31hp diesel, 72" one. I didn't have long, as there was a storm moving in, that ended in 1"+ hail, so I'm glad I got off and inside. From the time I had, it felt like it had tons of power. It was pretty smooth even on the dealers large gravel, but it wasn't quite amazing, just better than average. It was stable, I had to take it off a hill that it was sitting on for show, and even being an inexperienced ZT operator, I had no feelings of instability. I went out without the salesman, just me and my dad, and it did take us a little to figure out how to start it with those new safety features, but after 3 or so minutes of the loud beeping (no cranking, just key in the on position) we finally got it. I haven't drive a Kubota or any other, but I have sat on, and this was very comfortable. If you are looking into a large ZT, I would highly reccomend you take a look at Deere.

Kyle

Hi Kyle,
I have a 445 which is pretty nice but here's what I've found about zero turns. If you are on a hill that is even slightly wet the uphill tire has a tendency to spin or worse, lift off the ground. If it does either of those things while you're turning the machine the wheel controling the forward motion drives the mower forward instead of turning. The first time it happened I had to think about what was going on and figure out how to never have it happen again as I went right into my pond!
So my advice is not to get a zero if you have a hilly property even if it seems fine at the dealer. On the flats it can't be beat.
Rob

farmboy12 · May 15, 2010

Yes, we have a 455, same but with a diesel. As well as a Ford 1520 4x4 hydro 72" and a TC30 built just the same. And a RFM 72" for a 1620. I do understand your point, but I did operate it at the dealer on a large hill, but we don't have any hills to worry about in the field. We have a steep drop by the creek, but we would still have at least a 455 sized tractor around so that would be fine. Also, the salesman, he was a friend before he was a salesman and wouldn't tell us wrong, said that of all, Deere's are the most stable on hills out of all ZTRs. Maybe not completely stable, but better than others. I might try to bug dad to get the 997 and a comparable Kubota to keep for the weekend, maybe even today.

Kyle