Kubota ZTR

[JonSpinosa]

I am about ready to place a deposit on a new Kubota ZD21 ZTR and wonder if anyone else has any pricing? I have a price of $9500. What do you guys think? Also what do you guys think about the new Kubota ZTR? I know it is pretty early but that is how I got my BX2200 delivered in February 2000 by placing my deposit in December 1999. I think these units may be in big demand???

 

[Bird]

Jon, all I know about the new ZTR is what I've read on Kubota's web site and Carver's web site. Carver has the ZD18, with trailer, and extra set of blades listed at less than $11,200 (looks like that includes a $1750 trailer), so I'd guess your price of $9500 is in the ballpark. And I'm no good at guessing what will sell best, but I suspect the new ZTRs are going to be popular.

Bird

 

[JonSpinosa]

Guys, I had another thought about the new Kubota ZTR. How do you guys feel about buying a brand new Kubota product at first release? We all know Kubota quality and reliabilty, however, how about a product line like this in which they have never been involved with before to gain practical knowledge!!!!! I do understand their new products have a rigorous qualification process to them !! Any thoughts?

 

[Bird]

Jon, I bought a 1999 B2710 (first year they were out), and you've probably read some of the messages from guys who bought 2000 B2910s (first year they were out) and some from the guys who bought BX models. Sure, there's always the possibility of bugs, but I think Kubota takes care of fixing them if they do happen. I guess the first year it's something to consider, but personally, I wouldn't worry about it.

Bird

 

[Thomas]

Jon,
What I seen a read about the ZTR looks like a well handling unit,but far as the pricing of the unit seems far for now thats if the demand stays low.

The dealer in my area doesn't have one in stock nor has anybody showed and interest yet,
maybe this is do to the location????

It seems more and more new tractor owners are waiting couple of weeks until months before delivery,not unless they get lucky and buy from the lot.
Yep..the early bird gets the worm. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif
Lets hope Kubota on to something new once again./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Take care and have a pleasant day.

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[Thomas]

Jon,
Kubota..Chevy..Vcr Camcoder..etc..I like to wait and see how the new model fairs for the first year,and by then the company have most of the problems at hand,plus talk to other in which purchase what I'm interested...like this forum.

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[rja]

I reviewed the information about the ZTR on tractorSmart.com's web page. I currently am running a Scag Turf Tiger ZTR. On the plus side; I liked the Kub's hydro system over the Scag. On the down side, the Kub looked like it was made of lighter metal, it had less HP (I know that diesels have more torque than gas engines), and a smaller cutting deck. The price of the Scag was around $7500 complete. The Kub's price of over $9000 (from this thread) along with a lack of a track record would have kept me from buying it.

 

[art]

Kubota has not just started to build lawn mowers they have been doing it for years so whats new here? The drive system is the only thing that is new and with Kubota's back ground I think they have the ability to do that quite well!

 

[rja]

Art, the drive system is the only thing that caught my eye on this machine and made me think, Gee, I wish my machine was built like that. However, that would not have justified the extra $$ when looking at the total package. In retrospect, in the event of a drive failure, the Scag would probably be cheaper and easer to fix since it is a system of dual independent pumps and motors. Just disconnect the hoses and replace the failed unit. The Kub would require major disassembly (judging from the pictures). I know that Kubota has been making mowers for a while, however this is a new design for them and that always makes me uneasy.

 

[art]

I would think that the engine price is part of the price difference. Probably the largest part if you figure that the Kohlers are rated for less than one quarter the life of a Kubota and that is speaking conservetively. To me a liquid cooled diesel like Kubota's vs the Kohler is good for about 3 to five horsepower at a minumum. Kubota's deck vs the Scag is constructed different. I don't think under normal use that a deck on a Scag or a Kubota will wear out. I have seen decks on the F-series with over 8000 hours with no repairs to the sheet metal.

 

[JonSpinosa]

Art,

Are you the Art at Whites Farm Supply? I think Ed has spoken to me about you!!! You know, the computer guy. Anyways Art, this is my situation, I am looking to purchase a mower and have been considering many options. To make it short, I have narrowed it to a Exmark laser Z w/60" cut with a 23 hp liquid cooled Kawasaki engine for $6900 and the Kubota ZD21 for $9500. However, other than an emotional reason to purchase Kubota, since we all love Kubotas, why should I spend $2600 more for the Kubota. The Exmark machine has a proven track record and high reviews from thousands of users compared to a piece of equipment with no history of performance???? Unless you guys at Whites can help offset the cost, I think I am going to buy Exmark. How about a quote??

Jon S.

 

[MReeter]

Joe, I was at our Kubota dealership last week,they had three TG1860's with the liquid-cooled Kawasaki engines in the shop,all of them shot,blow up,worn out.These mowers hav'nt been on the market that long.Dealer says the mowers are holding up very well,it's the engines that are junk.Would I pay more for a Kubota diesel? With out question,yes.

 

[rja]

I had the occasion to talk to the Scag factory tech. on a oil question and I asked him about the Kawasaki engines. (scag uses them for the 22hp? models). He said that there were manufacturing problems that are being corrected (parts being left out of the engines, stuff like that). He also said that the Kohler engines are fine and will hold up (provided you do the requiered maint.) I thought the board would find this interesting. Rich.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

MReeter,
How many hours did those Kawasaki's have? I have never heard of a junk Japanese motor, especially Kawasaki!!!

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Not sure on the hours,but the TG-Series mowers have only been on the market for a couple of years.I would'nt think they have a "lot" of wear.By the way the Kawa engines are made and mfg. in the good old U.S.A. not Japan.Kubota used to build a very good gasoline engine,I don't know if they still do or not,I think it would be in their interest if they did.