Buying Advice Kubota ZD323 vs GR2120

[525fury]

I currently cut about 3.5 acres weekly, and my T1760 is about wore out. Looking to upgrade to a diesel and am considering the ZD323 or the GR2120.
My 5 acres does have some slope in places; some ditches, back by a creek, and a slope by the road. Looking for something that is stable on hills and can climb straight up in and out of ditches (due to lots of trees in the back), and safely transverse sideways across a slope.

My 48" deck does a good job, but cut quality could be better. In some places the 48" deck is tight back by the treed areas. I have some concern with a 60" deck in some places. A 54" deck would not be as "tight".

Test drove both models in the parking lot at a Kubota dealer ship yesterday. I am not sure if the ZD323 would be sketchy when climbing up and down ditches and hills; This is where I think the GR2120 would have an advantage.
The ZD323 would definitely shine in the 3 "open" acres I cut.

The general manager at the dealership said hands down, get the ZD323.

What are your experiences with these two machines?
What would you recommend?

Thanks in advance for helping me buy the right mower!!!

 

[kcender]

I have never driven the ZD but I did buy a new GR2120 this past summer.I was very impressed with the GR on hills and slopes.Basically if you can hold yourself in the seat it will take you where you want to go.It also causes very minimal turf damage when turning,I don't know about the ZD.The cut quality seems very good as the GR has a 5 inch deep deck, as the ZD probably does as well.The reason I went with the GR,over a zero turn,is because my property has quite a few slopes and side hills and I think the GR is better for that.If my property was mostly flat I would have bought a zero turn as they will mow faster than a GR.

 

[Monster5601]

I have the ZD323 that we use to keep a few acres of rural fields under control. Don't know anything about the GR so I can't offer a comparison. My ground stays wet most of the spring including ponding and the ZD just does its thing without much complaint. The only upgrade, if you want to call it that, are the tires, the turf tires were worthless, an area of wet and they would load-up with mud and turn in to slicks.

I no longer get stuck but I have to admit, I miss those long walks back to the barn to get a tow vehicle, NOT!

One of the perceived issues with zero turns is on slopes, folks think the tilt will force the front wheels to turn down hill. This is true on the less expensive machines at the big box stores (been there and done that) but not the ZD, it has good weight and plenty of power to keep the machine under control. The ZD is also a dream to run, very comfortable and its controls are precise and linear allowing good agility.

 

[Will_C]

You absolutely have got to try the ZD out on your property! That is the only way to know if it will work for you. I suspect it will be fine-and if it does, that is the only choice, in my opinion.

As Monster said, the difference between a residential Z and a commercial one on slopes is substantial.

Will

 

[525fury]

I agree. I want to try each machine and see what works best for my property. The ZD might surprise me once I get on it here. I just don't want to make a $13,000 mistake.

After talking with my brother last night, looks like I am gonna have to try a third mower to the list to demo; He has a FSeries (2690?) and loves it. He has had it about 13 years and has 2100 hours on it. Those are quite expensive, so not sure I want to swing that much money. He is gonna bring it over soon and let me try it also.

Keep the replies coming and I will post up when I demo a unit here!

 

[Monster5601]

The F series was my first choice, interesting capabilities, but it didn't come close to fitting the budget so I had to compromise. Good luck finding the best machine for your needs. Long live the diesel.

 

[TailDragon]

I traded off a ZD331 for a second F3680 a few months ago if that tells you anything. Am mowing more area than you however. Still have a GR2120 with turbo bagger for clean up work. The F series(4WD) are best on hills- up, down and sideways. The ZD331 would climb every slope I tried it on, side hilling would have to crab it (turf tires), down a slope could turn into a sleigh ride when the drive wheels lost traction.
The GR climbs well up to a point where it will stop pulling, no whine from transmission or slipping of turf tires. Down hill stays under control but without a seat belt I have to keep myself pushed back on the seat. Side slopes I will not run anywhere I would on the other machines.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Don't try the F unless your ready to make the deal. It outshines all other mowers. I've owned 3 or 4. I sold 2 and bought my first one back after trying a ZD, the one mentioned in the post above.

 

[davegr62]

I have the ZD323 that we use to keep a few acres of rural fields under control. Don't know anything about the GR so I can't offer a comparison. My ground stays wet most of the spring including ponding and the ZD just does its thing without much complaint. The only upgrade, if you want to call it that, are the tires, the turf tires were worthless, an area of wet and they would load-up with mud and turn in to slicks.

I no longer get stuck but I have to admit, I miss those long walks back to the barn to get a tow vehicle, NOT!

One of the perceived issues with zero turns is on slopes, folks think the tilt will force the front wheels to turn down hill. This is true on the less expensive machines at the big box stores (been there and done that) but not the ZD, it has good weight and plenty of power to keep the machine under control. The ZD is also a dream to run, very comfortable and its controls are precise and linear allowing good agility.

View attachment 343908

Just curious.... I'm looking at the same style tires for my ZD326. Which ones did you put on yours? Carlisle Tru Power I think were the ones I eyed up. Thanks!

Dave

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Looks like you've dug up a post from a couple of years ago. I was reading my input and had to smile. Since my last post I've bought two Zero turns. My first a couple months ago the small gas Kubota and last week a ZD326rp. I bought the small Z because my wife said she'd help with some of the home site mowing. It was pretty impressive so I traded my F2680e 72" side discharge deck to a ZD326rd 60" rear discharge deck (hate side discharge decks and love rear discharge decks). Have put about 4 hours on the ZD326 and I have to say it has impressed me. I need maneuverability more than speed at my rental property which is where I bought he ZD326 to be used. It is quicker in between the rental units but not as fast as the F on the open rough field areas because it rides rougher than the F. I brought the ZD326 home to hillside land and it has really surprised me. I let air out of the tires to about 16lbs vs the factory recommended 17lbs but it had 24lbs when I first used it. Makes a difference. The ZD climbed every hill I tried it on but the front scared me fearing it might rare back on me and flip. The ZD326 was much more stable coming down the hills than the small Z but grass was dry.
I won't give up my F3080 4wd 72" rear discharge deck for a Z on my hillside property but as an additional mower it will work.
Dealer and two employess of his were really against the rear discharge deck because they said it would clump the grass. They were all three wrong. I've owned 4 or 5 rear discharge decks and they are the only way to go for me and I've owned a lot more side discharge decks. Love the rear discharge and hate the side discharge deck.:cool2:

 

[davegr62]

Yes sir.. it was an old post but one of very few that showed a ZTR with tires other than the turf. I just picked up a ZD326s back in March when Kubota was offering the 0% financing. I have exactly 30 hours on it now and absolutely love it. I mowed last night with my B7500 and never realized how slow it was compared to the ZTR. I like the side discharge for what I'm mowing but rear is nice for mowing near the house and such.

I mow almost 5 acres and half of it is on a slope with a few steep areas. It goes up with no issue as long as I'm at a consistent speed. If I speed up too quickly the front wheels will lift off the ground some. The problem is going down. For the most part I can keep it controlled going down and found it easier to control at lower RPM. Once your traction breaks though, it becomes a littly tricky. Best thing I've found is to at least keep it straight and it will regain traction. I'm considering replacing the turf tires with something identical to your older ZTR. Not worried with chopping up the ground, I'm comfortable with turning and not tearing up much.

I may take your advice and lowering the tire PSI. I can see how that would help but I'm not sure how much additional traction I'd get to stop it from slipping going downhill. I bought a second set of rims to put the new tires on so I can swap back to turf easily if i needed to. I just need to decide on which tires I want, most likely the Carlisle Tru Power's.

 

[AxleHub]

Yes sir.. it was an old post but one of very few that showed a ZTR with tires other than the turf. I just picked up a ZD326s back in March when Kubota was offering the 0% financing. I have exactly 30 hours on it now and absolutely love it. I mowed last night with my B7500 and never realized how slow it was compared to the ZTR. I like the side discharge for what I'm mowing but rear is nice for mowing near the house and such.

I mow almost 5 acres and half of it is on a slope with a few steep areas. It goes up with no issue as long as I'm at a consistent speed. If I speed up too quickly the front wheels will lift off the ground some. The problem is going down. For the most part I can keep it controlled going down and found it easier to control at lower RPM. Once your traction breaks though, it becomes a littly tricky. Best thing I've found is to at least keep it straight and it will regain traction. I'm considering replacing the turf tires with something identical to your older ZTR. Not worried with chopping up the ground, I'm comfortable with turning and not tearing up much.

I may take your advice and lowering the tire PSI. I can see how that would help but I'm not sure how much additional traction I'd get to stop it from slipping going downhill. I bought a second set of rims to put the new tires on so I can swap back to turf easily if i needed to. I just need to decide on which tires I want, most likely the Carlisle Tru Power's.

Just a thought to consider. If you've already had issues going down the hills and your traction has to catch up with you as long as you are going straight . . . but what if you can't push/force it straight? Those front wheels go where the terrain takes them.
Right now the grass is ideal . . What about if its a little damp from humidity or fall temps? You do understand I'm sure that right now you have 2 rear differentials creating/pushing your steering/direction. If only 1 differential has traction . . You can't make it go straight . It will turn toward the non-traction direction and . . . . Uh oh . .

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Just a thought to consider. If you've already had issues going down the hills and your traction has to catch up with you as long as you are going straight . . . but what if you can't push/force it straight? Those front wheels go where the terrain takes them.
Right now the grass is ideal . . What about if its a little damp from humidity or fall temps? You do understand I'm sure that right now you have 2 rear differentials creating/pushing your steering/direction. If only 1 differential has traction . . You can't make it go straight . It will turn toward the non-traction direction and . . . . Uh oh . .

Discovered this to be, well almost all, true. My first purchase was the ZTR121 and going down my front slope it went crazy going its own direction, toward a tree until I let off the slipping wheel/lever and powered the traction wheel/lever which straightened it up with the drive wheels determining its direction and not the front wheels following the terrain unless the "terrain" is down and it was doing that. After close investigation and about 5 passes down the same slope I determined my left tire started slipping which made the Z go to the right and the more I pulled back on the left lever the more it went to the right which seemed wrong. I determined the left tire in neutral would start slipping and when powered to go backwards it slipped more than just coasting and required power to the right wheel to bring the machine back to straight so both wheels are turning at the same speed.
I guess during neutral/equal power to the two drive wheels the front wheels will determine direction but under power the rear wheels determine direction and can/do overpower the front wheels which are trying to determine direction which is why mine at high speed requires almost constant lever/wheel correction to keep going straight on my rough ground. Power wheels determine direction or it wouldn't turn around in the direction the driver wants it to go., while under power. A couple weeks after learning this lesson/lessons I bought a ZD326 which is considerably heavier and gets better traction so tracks a lot better but sure the same theory will apply to it under wet/damp grass conditions.

 

[525fury]

Fast forward almost 2 years...

I ended up buying a brand new Kubota ZD326. Love the power of the diesel and the deck. Build quality is very good. Built like a tank. I am not happy at all with the drive system; The handles are very stiff, not really a big deal. But you have to constantly be tweaking them back and forth to get it to track straight down a long straight stretch. I have lowered the rear tire pressure to about 8psi now, to try and get it to stop tearing up the lawn. The ride comfort is really good though.

First off, there is no such thing as a Zero Turn, cause if you do, it will tear the **** out of the lawn. I am very careful to do a 3 point turn and constantly watch the rear tires while turning to try and keep them moving to eliminate turf damage. There is way too many 1 foot dirt circles in my yard now for my taste. Cutting about 3.5 acres, with lots of trees, some slope, ditch and creek in rear.

The ZD326 is not very easy on the turf when mowing sideways on moderate/slight sloped front lawn. Sometimes the tire on the up-hill side just drags itself along, even though the sticks are even. Same thing when cutting around trees; Uphill tire tearing the **** out of the ground. Not happy at all with the drive hydraulics.
The Hustler Super Z I demo'ed was MUCH, MUCH, MUCH better. But went with the ZD because I wanted diesel.

I am now considering getting rid of my ZD326. Closely looking at the John Deere X758 (more expensive), and again at the GR2120 (all the bugs worked out?).
Don't think a Zero Turn is for me. But I haven't totally given up on it just yet.
I did see that Kubota has new ZD models out this year; a ZD1211-60 and ZD1021-54. They claim better "hill hold" and "side cutting performance". Anyone have any input on these?

Thinking that a 54" deck might be more manuverable with all my trees also.

I don't want to make another huge buying mistake. Advice would me much appreciated!

 

[kcender]

All I can say is I have many varying slopes on my property and the GR mows them with no problem and little,to no,turf damage.I am more than happy with it's capabilities.The GR is not for everyone and I have never ridden a zero turn but I think the GR is best suited to my situation.Right now my main priority is snow clearing but spring will eventually arrive.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

I ended up buying a brand new Kubota ZD326. Love the power of the diesel and the deck. Build quality is very good. Built like a tank. I am not happy at all with the drive system; The handles are very stiff, not really a big deal. But you have to constantly be tweaking them back and forth to get it to track straight down a long straight stretch. I have lowered the rear tire pressure to about 8psi now, to try and get it to stop tearing up the lawn. The ride comfort is really good though.

few comments. If your sticks are not tracking straight that can be adjusted. That's a common thing to do on any zero turn since the two sides break in differently. Tearing grass is an issue with any heavy ZTR, and the ZD's are some of the heaviest. A gasser is 400-500lbs lighter and kinder to turf on turns. I question lowering your tire PSI. It increases your contact patch and I would guess that would make it worse.

 

[Scooby074]

Tearing turf can be reduced with practice. NEVER "Zero" turn, thats a sure way to bore a nice hole in your lawn. Really you need to do a almost 3pt turn at the end of each row. The gentler the better. The wheels must never stop turning. Even the front casters can dig into the lawn if youre not careful.

The sticks can be adjusted. Its a pretty easy thing. I use a contact tachometer. Tracking still can be an issue, particularly if trying to go to fast. Its hard to get those laser straight stripes with a ZD. Mine are sloppy as heck

Slopes are another source of damage from the rear sliding out. I plan on putting some better tires on mine this year to fix that and hopefully hold the slope better.. Im considering the Carslile WT300 for tires.

The ZDs are heavy machines and can do a number on a lawn pretty quick . Been there done that (a lot :laughing. Practice helps but I still regularly make little donuts on the lawn when Im not paying attention

 

[4570Man]

Slowing down is the most important step. No zero turns is also a must. If the yard is wet I still have a hard time not getting a little wheel slippage. With experience you can reduce turf damage to very minimal to none.