F Series vs. ZD

[tradosaurus]

I more about 4 acres of bumpy lawn full of obstacles with a Toro Z master 2000. 3 hours max.

 

[5030]

Late to the game but my F Series Kubota diesel front mount 72" mower rides like a Caddilac. It came with an air ride seat...lol My wife has a ZTR but I now prefer the steering wheel over the oars.

 

[jyoutz]

I have posted before changing ZD331 to Grammer air ride seat. It is a game changer on rough grounds

My Stihl ZT takes the opposite approach to rough ground. The seat is the standard spring suspension, but the machine has 4 wheels spring/shocks suspension. It rides very well on rougher ground. Since I mow native grass around the house/ outbuildings and not lawn, this was almost a necessity for my needs. The remainder of the property gets cut with the tractor and rotary cutter.

 

[5030]

All I know is, when I run my wife's zero turn (which is infrequently), our lawn is bumpy as well and that bumpy yard equates into a rough ride whereas the Kubota front mount mower rides like a luxury car. At my age I much prefer a smooth ride over a rough ride. I also prefer a diesel engine over an air cooled aluminum block V twin for longevity and fuel efficiency. None of the current V twins made today will outlast the diesel. On the contrary. The will puke long before a diesel will.

 

[Brown Dog]

I also prefer a diesel engine over an air cooled aluminum block V twin for longevity and fuel efficiency. None of the current V twins made today will outlast the diesel … They will puke long before a diesel will.

I totally agree.
Gassers rev too hi causing too much vibrations & NO TORQUE in tall grass OR pulling steep banks.

 

[5030]

The pot metal that the motor blocks are cast from (high pressure die casting) that make up today's V twin and single cylinder motors used in lawnmowers and zero turns aren't made to last like a nodular cast iron block and head of a diesel engine. Basically, disposa motors, all of them.

 

[mikester]

I have about 5-6 acres to mow.

I don’t have many hills but I’m struggling to rationalize 20k on a piece of equipment that only does one thing. At the same time I don’t want to compromise.

Forest. Forest Gump.

Embrace your new lifestyle. If you are balking at $20K then you really should consider selling that property. You will be paying far more than that maintaining 5-6 acres of lawn.

 

[5030]

Had one of those Snappers many years ago...lol

 

[Brown Dog]

… I’m struggling to rationalize 20k on a piece of equipment that only does one thing …

I’ve learned in my old age that a one trick pony does it’s one particular job WELL.

It’s more efficient & doesn’t compromise any at all.

Equipment that does various jobs doesn’t shine bright in any one category.

 

[workinonit]

Meaning....if you gonna cut grass get a zero turn. That's all it's good for and in my mind nothing better,