Kubota ZD21

Boner · Jul 10, 2001

Hello all. I would like to hear from some ZDxx owners to see how you like the unit. I cant seem to find a dealer that has one in stock. From local to across the country, everybody has at least a three week waiting list. I have 2 flat acres, and will cut a couple yards on the side to help make the note. I read from one guy who said the cut on the ZD was horrible, but that was the only negitive post I've seen. It has the major features that I want. Diesel, fuel & temp guages, 60"deck... I am also looking at the BX. I would be pleased with either. They both have their advantages. I am mainly concerned about whether the ZD will last as long as the BX. For $10,000, I only want to go through this once. So, if you have a ZD, hook me up! What do you like, what dont you like?

THANKS

-Ben

foz · Jul 11, 2001

Sorry, no ZD but a BX and if you are only cutting your own yard and a "couple" others, i would opt for the versatility of a BX. The ZD's are meant for mowing production, the BX will let you do alot more, but won't mow quite as fast, your choice!

Boner · Jul 12, 2001

Well, I'm not sure about the "mowing as fast part." On paper, they both travel the same speed, and have the same size deck. (60") So I'm not sure if cutting as fast depends on obstacles, or does it really "cut faster?" I believe there is one guy on TBN that as both a BX, and a ZD21. He would be a good source to consult with on differences. My yard is 150 x 520. One long rectangle. The BX would be fine, and I agree about versatility. I can prune my own trees to fit the ROPS. However the yards that are out of my hands, the ZD would probably be better for. I'm sure I could still do other's with the BX, but it would probably warrant more weedeating.

Does anyone here have a BX with alot of trees? If so, how does it perform?

Does anyone here do any "for hire" work with their BX?

Those questions may belong in another forum???

-Ben

RPM · Jul 12, 2001

I only have 20+ trees on my property (plan to increase this 10x in the fall). I have no problems with the BX in terms of maneuverability - great with the hydro etc. One issue is that you can only mow between trees with 60" or greater between them - same issue for the ZTR or the BX!!

My trees are either evergreens (wide at the base) - or are mulched. Makes life easier. If you have to mow right up to the trunks then there may be a little trimming involved. Where I do all of my trimming is around the house - I have a couple of trees tight against the deck - and also have to trim around the A/C unit, basement window wells etc. You just can't win them all.

Hmmm, just had a thought for a handy gadget - I'll post it separately.

usedcarz · Jul 12, 2001

i bought a zd 21 a few months ago. absolutely the best mower i've ever been on. i've owned simplicity tractors, cub tractors, simplicity zt1850, john deere 935, dixon, and tried out, demo'd, and looked at every zt on the market. if someone is complaining of the cut, they got a bad setup problem or something!! i cut 3 acres, with 60 to 70 trees, in exactly hour and a half. i was leaning towards a bx, but didn't really need attachments, etc. i made a hitch for my zd, and pull anything and everything with it. availability is a problem, most told me 3 to 4 week wait. i got prices of $10,300, $9800, $9400, and finally, $8800, which i bought of course. the dealer (botkins, ohio) , had 3 in stock. if you don't need to backhoe, blade, and front end load, the zd is the best!!

Boner · Jul 13, 2001

No, I don't need a backhoe, or loader. The BX looks like it would have no problem lasting 20+ years. I have not had the opportunity to look at the ZD, so I dont know what to think about it. Also, I am curious if the BX can cut as fast as the ZD? I am not talking about any obstacles, just a straight line. They are both rated at around 9.5 mph, with a 60" deck, but can the BX cut at that speed? I read somewhere that around 6.5 mph was the average cut speed of the BX. This will also play a major factor in decision making.
Since you've had yours long enough to get to know it, is there anything that you don't like about it? Anything you like better on others?

THX
-Ben

usedcarz · Jul 15, 2001

boner-the only thing i didn't like is that i had to make a hitch for it. you'd think for that kind of money, a hitch would surely be standard. as far as speed goes, i compared the same as you are, on all the mowers i looked at. you got to remember the speed don't mean a whole lot if it looks like hell when the row is done. the zd21 will cut as smooth at wide open as it does just puttin around. that amazed me. i can not even think of mowing at wide open, cause my yard is so rough, it would throw me out of the seat. it's that quick!! really!! only thing close to a complaiont is that it took a time or two to 'zero-turn' just right to keep from tearing up the grass. the zd has a lot of torque, and it will tear up the grass, but just like any zero turn will if not operated correctly.

Boner · Jul 15, 2001

Do you use it just at home, or do you hire out also? Did you look at the BX when shopping, or were you just hunting for ZTRs? What do you believe the life span of a ZD21 would be? I am hung inbetween the ZD21 & the BX. I think life span may be the tie-breaker. I only want to go through this once. Hey, what is the lever to the left of the drivers seat? Parking brake? Is the dial height adjust accurate? How does it handle on slopes/hills? How does the ride compare to an exmark?

THANKS A BUNCH for bearing with me. These things are not at any dealer around here. Looks like I may have to order one, just to get to see it.

Ben

JonSpinosa · Jul 21, 2001

Ben, I am the guy who own's both the BX200 and ZD21. I just answered your private message and gave you my opinion of both machines. If anyone else is interested, I can post on this forum.

Jon S.

Anonymous Poster · Sep 24, 2001

I am interested in what you have to say. I am also looking at the BX, but don't need any of the attachments. If the ZD does significantly better at mowing I may need to do more shopping.

Boner · Sep 24, 2001

I can't speak for the BX, but the ZD21 is a grass cutting son-of-a-gun. I'm sure I would be equally pleased with the BX, but all I wanted to do was cut grass, and the ZD is a more comfortable ride, and was $1000.00 less. I am still equally torn between the two. Having had to winch the ZD out of a few mud holes, I can see how the 4wd would be handy.

-Ben

JonSpinosa · Sep 24, 2001

Rodman,
I have both a ZD21 and BX2200. There are pros and cons to both machines, however, the BX2200 is the most universal machine and has the most pros. The biggest advantage I see that the ZD21 has is its ground speed to mow lawn. This machine cuts lawn at about 11mph. The second advantage of the ZD21 is its zero turn abilities, however, many times you can tear turf with this zero turn capability.
Believe it or not, the quality of cut is actully better with the BX2200. My lawn looks like a carpet after mowing with my BX.
There are so many other things that you can do with a tractor that can not be done with the ZD21. You don't realize the things you will want to do with the BX until you have one.
I am thinking serious of trading my ZD21 for another BX2200. However, don't get me wrong, the ZD21 is a great machine, however, it is only a mowing machine. If you want strictly a ZTR machine, buy the ZD21. The machine is better than any other brand sold. I hope this helps.

Jon

Anonymous Poster · Sep 25, 2001

"I have both a ZD21 and BX2200. There are pros and cons to both machines, however, the BX2200 is the most universal machine and has the most pros. The biggest advantage I see that the ZD21 has is its ground speed to mow lawn. This machine cuts lawn at about 11mph."

How fast is the BX? Can the BX reasonably mow at full speed?

"Believe it or not, the quality of cut is actully better with the BX2200. My lawn looks like a carpet after mowing with my BX."

Why is it better? Does the ZD leave grass uncut? Are the clippings more visible?

Thanks for your help.

Boner · Sep 30, 2001

I am wondering if the BX is leaving a better cut because of ground speed. I'm sure with the ZD Jon tends to go faster than the BX can cut. Either that, or I wonder if his ZD has a deck alignment issue. am very pleased with the cut on the ZD. It definitly gives yards that "carpet" look.

Hey Jon, which unit do you prefer to cut grass with, and why?

-Ben

Anonymous Poster · Oct 8, 2001

Hi! Just thought I'd let you know that both Kubotas are excellent! I have a ZD-18 Kubota(the ZD-21 has larger tires,60" Deck,21hp), the ground speed of either a BX or ZD does affect cut quality(slower the higher the quality of the cut). If I remember right you have 2 acres to do. Speed won't matter much with a 54" or 60" Deck you'll be done in no time! The ZD only mows(its real heavy in the back,that's why no factory hitch,could tip backwards)ZTRs are hard on the lawn in turns if not careful,but if you have long flat straitway of a lawn,plus lots of trimming they are the hot ticket. One note is are you the only one that will run the Kubota? If someone else uses the Kubota are not familiar with ZTRs it can be trouble! BX is easy for just about anyone quite fast, and can do just about anything! Oh,think about trade-in or resale time to, in your area are comm. mowing co. useing ZTR or Tractor,could make a difference at that time. It's a tough call to finalize any choice, I made mine like this. 1. SPEED(ZD),2. PRICE(ZD),3.COMFORT(ZD),4.AGILITY(ZD),5.FUN(ZD). If I was making a list for BX, 1.DO EVERYTHING(BX),2.FRAME THICKNESS(BX),3.EASIER TO TALK ANYONE TO BUY(BX),4.COULD BLOW SNOW IF NEEDED(BX),5.FUN JUST IN MORE POSSIBLE WAYS(BX). Thanks for ZD/BX talk! Andy.

Anonymous Poster · Oct 8, 2001

Oh! P.S. I mow for a living I bought the ZD as I need SPEED,but if you don't mow for a living BX is a great choice. If I could have found one reason at all I would have gone BX. Thanks,Andy.