Looking at a Z Force Commerical 60

erichamilton · May 15, 2012

I'm looking at moving up from an RZT 50 to a Z Force Commercial 60. I mow about (guessing) 3 acres from my yard, lane with moderate banks in one spot, road ditches, and a field lane/running path that ends up being like 3/4 mile through the fields and around some woods. The RZT just isn't up to the task and gets a little beat up, plus it takes me forever.

I'm looking at something that is a little easier to maintain (deck removal for cleaning since it is impossible on the RZT, etc.), tougher, and will last longer. The reason I'm looking at the S series is because I have a lot of pin oaks pines and it is impossible to hold branches and limbs out of your face and keep a hold of the control bars. A steering wheel would be a game-changer for my mowing.

And as for price, I was quoted $6,499. I wanted a bagger since I occasionally use one now (before family parties, etc.) but I'm going to have to go without one of those. They run $1,300.

Anybody have an opinions on this?

wat5150 · May 15, 2012

Stay away from any of their baggers. Junk in my opinion. Protero has some really nice baggers with belt driven blowers that fit a cub. I have an rzt 50 that I use commercially and it has stood up well for the most part except for the reverse shut off. I hate that!

erichamilton · May 16, 2012

Those are some heavy-duty looking baggers. Probably more than I'd ever want to spend or have the need for. I'm just going to do without a bagger. Maybe get a yard rake thing if I ever get an ATV.

And what is this reverse shut-off you speak of? Mine never has and I bought it new at the end of 2008.

wat5150 · May 16, 2012

Mine is an rzt. It has auto shut off in reverse...very lame. Those bagger go from 1800 for the plastice dumper they show in the video to 1300 for one with bags instead of the dumper.

erichamilton · May 18, 2012

Does anybody with one of these have a yea or nea opinion on them? I was also wondering if they are a true zero turn since it is described as a four wheel steering model. Sucks when you can't see and run one. Nobody around here has any in stock and they have to be ordered.

I think I decided if I can afford to buy one of these, I can handle keeping my RZT 50 and use it for the occasional bagging and as a backup mower. I've used it like a brush hog and doubt I'll get much in trade.

JTKub · May 19, 2012

As much as I liked my Z-Force with the fab'd 44" deck and ZT2800 drives, there's no WAY I'd pay anything close to $6500 for any Z-Force product. Not a chance.

I'd get something true commercial duty for that kind of coin.

Joel

erichamilton · May 21, 2012

Anything else out there that's a zero turn with a steering wheel then? Unless I go back to push mowing around trees (no way in ****!), I need an alternative to holding limbs back to get around them.

(Pin oaks and pines I've got are only 8-10' tall and they are many years from being trimmed back. We only built the house about 8 years ago and have planted since over the years since then.)

leftybob · May 29, 2012

i just traded for a used Cadet Tank ZTR. Very heavy duty. Still learning how to operate it. They also make these with the steering wheel.

GGB · May 29, 2012

My brother's church just bought one, and he tells me they are really happy with how it operates and cuts. Based on what he tells me, I'd try it first before deciding if a bagger is necessary. See if the dealer will let you it out to help you make a decision.

duckhunter27 · May 31, 2012

I have test drove the s series seemed to be zero turn and yes all 4 wheels turn. I did not mow with it not sure how hard on the grass it is ? or if it's hard on the grass at all. I liked the idea of the steering wheel but i did end up going with the lap bars. And it is a pain when you drive one handed tree limb's, pop,etc.