Looking to buy a 2012 ZD331

Happyman · Oct 17, 2011

Does anyone (posting dealers especially) know if there are going to be any changes to the ZD 331 for 2012? I'm looking at a 60" rear discharge.That would mean price as well as design.
I grow Christmas trees and my old side discharge Simplicity blows grass and debris all over the small seedlings and they don't like that. The Simplicity has been a great lawn tractor (Prestige 23 hp 54" deck) but it just wasn't built for all the use it gets on rough terrain. I'm talking cutting around 10 acres of trees every month as well as around our fruit orchard trees and around the house. I use the 3940 with a Woods PRD8400 for the pastures.

Thanks!

Gator6x4 · Oct 17, 2011

Most Xmas Tree farms I have seen are on hill sides. Some were on steep hill sides. The Zero Turns do not like hills. No brakes on a Zero Turn and they will free wheel and go down hill fast. If your trees are on a flat surface the Zero Turn should be great. If not on a flat surface If it was me I would look at something else Kubota has to offer.

Happyman · Oct 17, 2011

Gator6x4 said:
Most Xmas Tree farms I have seen are on hill sides. Some were on steep hill sides. The Zero Turns do not like hills. No brakes on a Zero Turn and they will free wheel and go down hill fast. If your trees are on a flat surface the Zero Turn should be great. If not on a flat surface If it was me I would look at something else Kubota has to offer.

Mostly flat with only a small portion that has an incline. Shouldn't be a problem. But thanks for the insight.

MessickFarmEqu · Oct 17, 2011

I'd count on a price increase, they usually happen the 1st of the year. However, that will take months to filter down because it only applies to new factory shippingments and not whats already in the field.

Happyman · Oct 18, 2011

MessickFarmEqu said:
I'd count on a price increase, they usually happen the 1st of the year. However, that will take months to filter down because it only applies to new factory shippingments and not whats already in the field.

Guess that means I should buy early. Any changes to the ZD331?

missingstexas · Oct 18, 2011

The ZD331 has brakes... I have the 2011 ZD 326 with rear discharge and love it. Only issue that I have with it is the radiator screen has to be cleaned about every hour or hour and a half right now with as dry as it is around here. The rear discharge seems to blow the dandelion fuzz right at it.

Happyman · Oct 19, 2011

missingstexas said:
The ZD331 has brakes... I have the 2011 ZD 326 with rear discharge and love it. Only issue that I have with it is the radiator screen has to be cleaned about every hour or hour and a half right now with as dry as it is around here. The rear discharge seems to blow the dandelion fuzz right at it.

Thanks for verifying the brakes. I test drove one and I thought I remembered brakes but wasn't sure.
I also have heard that the rear discharge tends to throw material near the radiator screen. As long as you know that and keep it clean things should be fine.
I wish it was spring already!

Gator6x4 · Oct 19, 2011

The ZD Series that I have driven had a Parking Brake and Deck Lift Pedal on the floor board. Brakes or slowing was achieved by pulling back on the hydro control levers. When stopping the unit you apply the parking brake to insure you don't look up and "There It Goes". The ability to raise and lower the deck without much effort when mowing is a plus in my opinion. Now as to a dedicated brake pedal I didn't see one. Maybe Messick can answer the question if this feature has now been added.

JOHNTHOMAS · Oct 20, 2011

I have two Kubota F models. One is 4wd and both are rear discharge decks. Finest mower made and with a steering wheel.

They are not cheap but they can have deep discounts. See or try one before you buy, most dealers don't keep them in stock but call around. With the F you get the deck out in front of the driver up to trees where the Zeros have the driver sitting on top of the deck. Kubota shows the F to be a bit faster in speed than the Zs but that would mostly apply to running on paved parking lots.
Barlows (Used Kubota Tractors) in Somerset, Ky can get you one delivered to your location. You can also price the ZD with them.