New Z-Force 50

[aratapuss]

Finally made a decision, and bought the Z-Force. I have nowed my yard 4 times now, 2+ acres.

The 23 HP Kohler seems plenty powerful, and does not bog down in tall grass, or so it has seemed. The speed is quite nice, took awhile to be able to control the mower at top speed, but now it is second nature.

I am convinced this is the way to go, if one can afford the luxury of a ZTR and a tractor. Would not sell my CC 2180, account it compliments the Z-Force so well.

Sold my reel mower, a 7 gang unit, 8 1/2 feet cut, after using the ZTR twice. Love the cut of the gang mower, but the time I saved with the big cut, I more than lost in the trimming I had to do.

Went back to the dealer to buy an oil filter, and took another look at the different CC lines. After buying a unit, I can really spot the differences between the models now. No buyers remorse here, but I am fascinated at all the differences.

Read in another forum how the oil filters were a bother to change, changed mine, quite simple and easy, no mess, so I can discount that concern. I love the "no tools" deck removal on my 2180, and think the Z-Force deck removal is somewhat similiar, but have yet to actually drop the deck. Anyone here care to comment on their Z-Force deck removal?

Bought a second set of blades, about $72.00 total. Maybe a bit expensive, but they sure are heavy duty looking blades.

My wife thought I was nuts for buying it, however, after the second time she used it, she realized the benefit of the ZTR, and is now solidly in the positive. She mows quite well with it, and has a lot less time on it than I do.

Not worried about it not being a commercial unit, heck, I am sure I will probably want to buy a new unit in 9 or 10 years when I retire. I enjoy mowers and garden tractors, and can splurge somewhat, when I want. Almost bought a Simplicity ZTR, but the Z-Force just seemed to appeal to me more.

 

[Sigma]

I recently bought a ZF50 as well.

I will be doing the intial oil change soo too.

I'd read about how messy it was, too. I haven't had time to look close, but isn't there an oil drain hose attached to the engine? I didn't notice anything in the CC manual or the Kohler manual about that. Maybe it's a model specific thing.

 

[OldMachinist]

Just read your post and wanted to answer your question about dropping the deck on a ZF50. The best way I've found is if you have a way to hoist the front of the mower up it rolls right out real easy. I use a heavy duty block and tackle made for hanging large game animals with a short length of chain around the front axle next to both wheels. Release the belt tension, take the belt off the rear pulley, drop the deck all the way down. remove the outer guards, pull the pins on both sides, roll the deck forward enough to lift the front hangers up from their slots and then hoist it up. The deck will roll right out from under the frame. To make it even easier I replaced the cotter pins on the front hangers with hitch pins and take them completely off when I drop the deck. Hope this helps

 

[OldMachinist]

Just read your post and wanted to answer your question about dropping the deck on a ZF50. The best way I've found is if you have a way to hoist the front of the mower up it rolls right out real easy. I use a heavy duty block and tackle made for hanging large game animals with a short length of chain around the front axle next to both wheels. Release the belt tension, take the belt off the rear pulley, drop the deck all the way down. remove the outer guards, pull the pins on both sides, roll the deck forward enough to lift the front hangers up from their slots and then hoist it up. The deck will roll right out from under the frame. To make it even easier I replaced the cotter pins on the front hangers with hitch pins and take them completely off when I drop the deck. Hope this helps

 

[al_capone]

I am looking to buy a new Cub Cadet ZTR mower. I am leaning toward the Cub Cadet RZT 50. It has a stamped deck. I have heard mixed feelings about the decks in comparison between the RZT and the Z-Force. Do you have any advice or opinions for me? Any real distinguishable differences in performance or durability between the decks? It would be much appreciated.

The RZT is about $1000 cheaper.

 

[gamble77]

How much grass are you plannig on cutting with the machine? RZT is rated to cut 1.5 acres or less.

Z-Force has a better motor, frame, transmission, seat, front axle, larger tires & wheels...for ONLY 1K more...have to see it from that side of the fence also.

 

[al_capone]

Do you have any idea how Cub Cadet stacks up to Toro/Wheelhorse?,their ZTR mowers, the ZX line? The ZX 480 in particular?

 

[gamble77]

The first thing that pops out to me looking at the specs on the Toro ZX480 is that it uses a 20hp Briggs Intek engine, that motor is not near the motor a Kohler Command motor is (which is used on the Z-Force machines). Other than that they use the same transmissions, tires sizes are a toss up, seats look about the same. From looking at the picture I don't think the Toro has a pivoting front axle, the Cub does.

We sell the fire out of those Z-Force machines and hardly ever have complaints. Good luck.

 

[aratapuss]

Thought I should give a 3 month update on my Z-Force.

Still very much enjoying the machine, the grass is fun to cut again, have had no mechanical problems of any sort. I did change the blades, but that was a waste of time, because the original blades were still in very good shape after 60 hours, but had the time and extra set, so it is done.....

Originally I had a bit of oil smoke when starting up cold, but that has gone away, no one at the dealer or otherwise thought it would be an issue, and they were correct.

All in all, a most satisfying purchase.

 

[GreenQuality]

al copne, z force certian models I think the 48,and 50 inch decks are floating fabricated decks,10 gauge steel!I would go for a fabricated deck than a wimpy stamped deck! with a stamped deck if you hit something with the deck,which you will it could throw it out of wack or become warped,