Price Check Kubota 2003 ZD21 Zero Turn(s)

KT7307 · May 9, 2016

I'm located near St Louis MO and am looking at a very nice 2003 Kubota ZD21 (standard deck) with ~1000 hours for $4750.00. I'm happy with the $4750 and most likely will buy it. However, he has an identical unit with ~1000 hours that is missing the engine assembly. (no seat, roll bar, radiator, engine, mounts, etc...) This "parts" unit looks pretty good; tires, deck, drive shaft, rear hood, all there.

My question: would it be a wise investment to buy the parts tractor for $1,000.00. Also, would I be crazy to consider rebuilding the parts tractor? Would the more powerful 28HP DSL engine fit or maybe a cheaper air cooled gas model? I love to tinker with stuff, however don't want to get in over my head...

Thx in advance for your replies

art · May 10, 2016

Awesome mowers we have them in our area with many more thousands of hours and still going strong. On the thoughts of 1,000 for the parts machine I'd say it might be a good investment for tinkering if you have the time and potential to spend a couple grand more for an engine, but then you might be able to buy a complete machine for the same dollar.

KT7307 · May 11, 2016

I pulled the trigger on the parts mower ($400) / However I got cold feet on the "running" mower B/C it wouldn't start when cold W/O a shot of carb cleaner. I'm looking at a early 2000's ZD28 for $6500.00 / Will post results

MessickFarmEqu · May 11, 2016

ZD28 is great.

would also run away from anyone who feels they need to start those with carb cleaner! Probably not an easier starting diesel on the market than the D905 in that mower.

KT7307 · May 15, 2016

Has anyone had trans issues with their ZD21/28 transmissions? I came across a several posts about early ZD series HST troubles.

KT7307 · May 15, 2016

MessickFarmEqu said:
ZD28 is great. would also run away from anyone who feels they need to start those with carb cleaner! Probably not an easier starting diesel on the market than the D905 in that mower.

Thanks for the reply! BTW, I've purchased a few parts for my Kubota tractor from ya'll. Great service!

MessickFarmEqu · May 17, 2016

KT7307 said:
Has anyone had trans issues with their ZD21/28 transmissions? I came across a several posts about early ZD series HST troubles.

The early units, before the ZD series had ROPS could run dry on really steep hills. This had a fix kit for it eventually. Beyond that, I don't know that we would see failure rates and worse than any other ZTR with a hydrogear or parker transmission.