RZT 50 Information

[klaxis]

Does anyone know the maximum forward and reverse speeds for the RZT 50? I found the speeds for the zforce 50 on the cub website, but they don't have them listed for the RZT 50.

 

[CCRZT50]

If I remember the display correctly at Lowe's, they advertised 7.2 mph forward and 2-1/2 acres hr. Don't know what speed reverse is. Not to be smart about this, but with zero turn, the reverse would also be 7.2mph. I know others here have down played the RZT, but it is a mowing machine, especially for the price.

 

[Spiffy]

Theoretically hydros should be just as fast in reverse, but whether [I'm guessing for safety] HydroGear designs them that way or the mower mfg does, reverse is ussually around 1/2 to 2/3 of forward.

I've never seen CC say explicitly either speed on the RZT, but plenty of the the other EZT users are around the 4-4.5 reverse and 6.5-7.5 forward speeds. Also note that the Z-Force is at 4 and 7 with IZTs (EZT's "big brother"). Really though, if you can do those speeds [especially on the areas the RZT was designed for] you'll be fine.

After looking over many mowers and many specs, I will be the first to say the ZF is a better unit in the CC line; but if you have about an acre of fairly smooth ground, you'll likely be very satisfied with a RZT50. Confused yet?! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[klaxis]

Thanks for the info guys. CCRZT50... I take it you own one... how long have you had it? How many hours do you have on it and how is it holding up for you?

Thanks again for the info.

 

[CCRZT50]

Had it about 3 weeks now, 12 hrs. on it. Most of the hours put on by my wife. Mow 2 to 3 acres with several trees and yard obstacles. A lot less trimming since purchase. Used to run through 2 gas tanks on 4 cycle trimmer when trimming. Now I don't make it through 1 tank in three weeks. I think it is holding up well. We'll don't run the speed wide open when mowing as my yard is rough but it is tolerable. I like the cut as it chops the grass several times and leaves no piles. The deck is open on the top around the spindles so clean up is easy with leaf blower as long as grass is dry. I think the "deckwash" system is sort of a gimick but it does do some cleaning. Tried them out at TSC and Lowes. Both had them priced at $2,999.0 and would not talk about any deals. Went to an established dealer who had recently taken over the line and he said he was selling about 10 units a week. Paid $2,850.0 with 12 months same as cash. I'm a happy customer so far. Previous mower was a 1985 Wheelhorse which is now retired awaiting time to rebuild. Considered the Z Force but budget was a factor. Other model we considered was the Cub Cadet SLT1554. Great price, $2,250.00 but a slow ride.

 

[klaxis]

A co-worker of mine also manages a local cub cadet dealership and he gave me a price of 2749.00 for the ZTR50 and 3695.00 for the Zforce 50. I'm also looking at a Bob-Cat Leo with 48" deck for 3495.00 and free shipping. Haven't heard much about the Bob-Cat Leo. I'm wondering if it would be better then the Zforce 50 as far as durability? Ultimately, budget may win out and I may just get the ZTR 50. If anyone has some input on the Bob-Cat, let me know. Because it's online order, I may get away with no sales tax.
Here's the site for the bobcat:
Farmer's Exchange

 

[Rubicon1]

Just a quick glance at the Bobcat and it looks pretty impressive for the price. Steel frame and fab deck for that price is very good. I don't know anything about the Bobcats though. I'd say it's definately better than the ZRT50.

 

[Spiffy]

That Bobcat does look pretty nice, but I'm a little confused where they're saving 300lbs on that style of mower (I'd call it the same weight class as the RZT50 or Z-Force machines, but it has the tire size and look of the commericial machines).

I'm also curious whether it's EZT or IZT driven, but, assuming the pix and description are representative, I'm thinking it'd outwork the RZT and maybe be in with the Z-Fs. Can you demo it or at least see it in person?

 

[klaxis]

I found a local dealer, but I don't think he has any in stock. They are made by Jacobsen, a Textron company. Here's the website:
Bob-Cat Leo Webpage

I called the local dealership and then wanted 4200.00 for this mower. I"m not sure how the online place can sell it so cheap, including free shipping. Something just doesn't smell right with that deal. Anyone else have an opinion on the deal from farmer's exchange? Here's the link again: Farmer's Exchange Website

 

[MesquiteMan]

Klaxis,

One thing that might be different is that the one in the link you provided is a 17.5 HP Briggs. The main page for the manuf says they also have 20 and 25 hp versions. Maybe the one the dealer gave you a price on is a 20 hp?

My new CC Z-Force 44 has a 20 hp Kohler and I would not want anything smaller. It is twin cylinder where I am not sure about a 17.5, probably not? Anyway, my Z-force was $3239 from Lowes special order after a 10% discount for opening a new credit card account. They also threw in a set of blades. Might be worth checking out.

I love my ZF so far. Only have 2.5 hours on it though. Actually the one you linked to looks a LOT like my ZF. Good luck with your decision.

 

[frank_f15]

i have been looking at Torro and cub cadet ztr's NOT SURE IF I AM GOING TO PURCHASE. one question i had is my yard is not actually smooth, how well do those things ride? i don't expect rolls royce ride but my old bones and inards don't like to be shaken to much anymore. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[Spiffy]

Since this is a RZT thread I'm assuming you're not looking at or need a commercial unit with bigger tires, possible suspension, or front mount....so

Trying to keep it short: $ for $ will often put larger tires on a GT than a ZTR, this, in many yard conditions, will give the GT a slight edge, but mph to mph I don't think the difference it huge. Another thread also discussed the seat location and how the pivot effects the ride, but again <font color="red">I</font> don't find the effect huge.

That being said, the manuverability you have with a ZTR may "encourage" you to mow faster and take a beating you wouldn't get from a GT. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

All boils down to [IMHO] if you mow the same speeds, the ride difference isn't huge, but you'll still save plenty time in most situations.

 

[Spiffy]

An after thought/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif I read your profile.

If you're doing the whole 2 acres [and I'm assuming not perfect conditions], I'd second Mesquite's choice and opt for the Z-Force or equivalant.

 

[Bird]

Frank, according to the manual, my little Toro is supposed to run up to 6 mph and I suspect that's about right. Of course, I don't normally mow at that speed, and I do mow some on pretty rough ground. I think you'll like it, even though the seat doesn't have much spring to it.

 

[theemike]

/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
I just got a RTZ50 a week or so ago. Now has 12 hours on it. It runs and cuts great, but if you are not cutting smooth "pretty" grass, it will "beat the tar out of you". All in all, it took my 6+ hours down to about 4 hours (a good bit of the time in the 12 hours is "play time" for the neighbors and the family).

I got rid of a JD L 120 and am happy with the RTZ50. The JD was a piece of JUNK and did not cut well at all. Even at full speed this thing cuts much better than the JD at low speeds.

Just my $0.02

Mike

 

[gamble77]

Sounds like you are cutting a lot of grass...how much grass are you cutting? Those machines are only rated to cut 1.5 acres once a week.....

 

[JoelGrant]

There is a retail store here in Indiana offering the "White oudoor" branded 22hp rzt 50 (same exact machine as the cadet) for $2,300. He's got seven left in stock and I am thinking about buying one for my parents but I am a bit concerned about the ride comfort. Do you have the mulching kit for this mower? I would like to know how the deck performs. I may try to get something used with bigger tires and maybe suspension for that price. I'm not crazy about the lifetime sealed pump-motor assemblies either but I've heard good things about the manufacturer in illinoise. Any more opinions to share based upon further experience with the rzt?
Thanks, Joel

 

[cphilip]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( There is a retail store here in Indiana offering the "White oudoor" branded 22hp rzt 50 (same exact machine as the cadet) for $2,300. He's got seven left in stock and I am thinking about buying one for my parents but I am a bit concerned about the ride comfort. Do you have the mulching kit for this mower? I would like to know how the deck performs. I may try to get something used with bigger tires and maybe suspension for that price. I'm not crazy about the lifetime sealed pump-motor assemblies either but I've heard good things about the manufacturer in illinoise. Any more opinions to share based upon further experience with the rzt?
Thanks, Joel )</font>

I would not be suprised if it was identical to the Cub Cadet as they are both MTD owned companies. And I am certain they might share some lines in production.

Thats a pretty good price. It would be tempting for certain at that price.

Just because you CAN go fast does not mean you HAVE to go fast! You can slow down and minimize bumps while taking advantage of the manuverability of these things. I think people tend to go fact on them because they now can. And want too.

You might be hard pressed to find a used "full suspension" model thats still in good shape for $2300.... but you might!

 

[RCT]

I called Cub yesterday and they said that the RZT 42/50 have a forward speed of 6mph/3mph reverse.