ihcubs,
Thanks for correcting me on the Snapper. Yes, I must have been looking at a different model.
Now let me correct you about the Z-Force. I think you are mixing up the Z-Force with the RZT. The RZT does not have Timken bearing spindles, but the Z-Force certainly does. The Z-Force is billed as a residential mower, but comparing it to the less expensive RZT is like comparing a Pinto to a Lincoln. Both made by the same mfg. but built in a totally different way. Everything you've said about the CC's sounds like you're talking about the RZT. Part of our misunderstanding may very well be that I don't know details about the Snapper line and you don't know details about the CC line.
The RZT, probably built in China as you suggest, has the less expensive, less rugged EZT drive. The Z-Force has the IZT drive.
The Z-Force has a floating deck, again with TIMKEN bearing spindles, is stamped but apparently rugged. At least as rugged as my 13 year old CC 2145 deck that has proven itself, also with TIMKEN bearing spindles.
Most of the time, failure claims are anecdotal rather than analytical. Someone hears of someone, who knows someone, who said that their XYZ brand machine had a failure.
It is very difficult to get scientifically gathered analytical information because the manufacturers are not anxious to publish failure statistics. I am quite sure that individual pumps and motors have experienced failures as well, but we don't have statistical information on them to come to a scientific conclusion.
Without such statistical information niether one of us can know how well these machines will hold up until a number of seasons have passed. My CC2145 has 13 seasons behind it, so I know what it is "made of" and what to expect from it. After a number of seasons with the Z-Force I will then have a better idea what to expect from it. Until those seasons pass NIETHER of us know how well ANY machine will hold up. We can look at things such as spindle construction and such to make judgement, but we can't know for sure.
BTW, the Snapper has 18HP, 44" cut, while the CC z-Force for the same price, has 22HP, 48" cut.
Graybeard,
Yes your Dixon RAM has an IZT system, and on the Dixon-ZTR website it says "proffesional use" in the write up for this mower. We have a very good Dixon dealer in this area and the 48" RAM was one that I was considering. It is a VERY good unit. In comparing it to the CC that I bought and the Snapper that I looked at, the only reasons I went with the CC over the Dixon is my 13 year experience with my current CC, the ease of removing the deck from the CC. and I bought the CC for $400 less with zero percent interest. When I get a chance for zero percent interest I leave my money in mutual funds and use theirs. The zero percent interest was the final decision maker between the Dixon and the CC.
The Dixon was clearly my number two choice, a Gravely number three choice and the Snapper number four choice.
I feel quite certain the Dixon will serve you well. Enjoy.
Have a great day,
Doc
