Z997 vs. Kubota Z331

[41Chev]

Any comments from those who have used and owned both regarding reliability, cut quality, maintenance issues appreciated. Tks.

 

[ctlguy]

I can not comment on the Kubota but have drove the 997's and was probably the most comfortable driving zero turn I have been on. They did have a tendancy to blow some smoke on first start up that could make youre shop a little stinky for a few minutes but have been a pretty reliable unit.

 

[art]

Did you look at the mower drive belt? Check quiteness!

 

[bud4410]

hi ctiguy, have you done any research on why the 997 blows some smoke on the first start up? mine just started to do it. anyone else with or without the same condition? if so share your experience. thanks............bud

 

[zlock24]

hi ctiguy, have you done any research on why the 997 blows some smoke on the first start up? mine just started to do it. anyone else with or without the same condition? if so share your experience. thanks............bud

thats just what deisels do, a little puff of black smoke on start up is just the nature of the beast. now white smoke is bad though

 

[41Chev]

Just bought the Z997. Kubota ZD331 a bit cheaper but have had such good luck with my current JD I decided to stick with JD. Decent local dealer too. Thanks for comments.

 

[ctlguy]

hi ctiguy, have you done any research on why the 997 blows some smoke on the first start up? mine just started to do it. anyone else with or without the same condition? if so share your experience. thanks............bud

Bud4410, just noticed your post. The smoke that had a tendancy to blow on these units at start up was more than you would normally expect from a diesel unit. I have seen it on more than one unit but can't speak to a unit that only started doing it after, not initially. The new ones I was around did it from day one but was not a problem just kind of annoying. After a minute or two of warm up it cleared up fine.

 

[soonerfann]

Chevy,

Looking at the Z960A vs the 997. Mowing acreage and 10 ac. pasture with it once a week. What made you go with the 997 vs gas? Is the 997 overkill for me? Cost difference isn't really a factor. I figure the diesel will save me fuel and longevity vs the gas Kawasaki.

Thanks,

John

 

[41Chev]

Chevy,

Looking at the Z960A vs the 997. Mowing acreage and 10 ac. pasture with it once a week. What made you go with the 997 vs gas? Is the 997 overkill for me? Cost difference isn't really a factor. I figure the diesel will save me fuel and longevity vs the gas Kawasaki.

Thanks,

John

John,
I had a Z850A for three years. Bullet proof machine. Had a 31 hp Kawa and sixty inch deck. It would bog down a bit if grass got ahead of me. Also did not have enough oomph to mulch. The 997 has much mor torque and handles mulching much better. It is heavier and more prone to tearing grass on turns so I have to be more careful. The 850 was also prone but a bit easier on the lawn on this point. Both are good machines but the 997 is so smooth, powerful and fuel efficient that it is worth it to me. Realize there will be more machine maintenance and cost to the diesel. Good luck and I would recommend the 997. JMHO. Greg

 

[oldgreen]

You cannot go wrong with Kubota, I own a Z331 (2 years old) increadable mower. Only issue is the fuel filters need replacing often. expensive, but worth it.

 

[ScagMan]

I think both are good, but I'd go with John Deere. It will almost always have more torque, meaning it will be more powerful in tall and thick grass. It is not easy to get parts though, if you are with a company, as there are not many John Deere dealers. But those 997's are bulletproof, my friend has one to cut 3 foot grass and has never replaced one single part yet. Amazing.

 

[bud4410]

i got my 997 back from dealer for smoking at cold startup. they dropped the oil level about 1/8 inch below the full mark on the dip stick. they said it could have been a little over full. now i get just a puff of smoke and must let it idle for about 1 min. +/- before increasing the throttle. only for the very first start of the day. on fuel consumption i mowed for 14 hours and almost had to overfill the tank to put in 11gal. my neighbor just got a new scag 35 or 36hp 60" deck and he burns 2 gph gasoline of course. not screaming on scag just saying the 997 diesel is economical. i have the mulching kit on the 72" deck and it leaves no windrows or clumps whatsoever. plus you can mow close to anything on either side. the ztrac was a little intimidating at first but now that i'm used to it it's almost fun to mow the grass. of course you need the suspension kit on the seat to smooth out my rough ground a little. cheers.............bud

 

[41Chev]

Bud, if you have to pickup the front end of your 997 to scrape grass for under the deck does the rear bumper ground out and give you too little liftnheight? That bumper seems to really hang low? Tks.

 

[art]

I think both are good, but I'd go with John Deere. It will almost always have more torque, meaning it will be more powerful in tall and thick grass. Amazing.

Was this observed in same lawn conditions or?

 

[bud4410]

hi 41chev, when i pick up the front end to get under the deck the bumper does not hit. the bumper is not that far behind the rear axel as it looks so you almost have to get the machine vertical to make it happen. i got the rear bumper/grill guard to protect the very expensive hood/grill from damage. the bumper wraps around to give pretty good side protection. i think a good investment. before i assembled and mounted it i painted just the bumper and the grill guard green but left the underneath frame black. painted this way it looks more like it is part of the machine not an add on as when left black. it makes for one extra step to pull the two pins underneath to drop it to the ground to get the hood open but i think worth the trouble. and it is only two bolts to completely remove it from the machine. hope this helps..............bud

 

[41Chev]

Bud, yes it does. Have you tried to mount a hitch attachment to the JD bumper for things like a small garden cart or sprayer? Tks Greg

 

[bud4410]

41chev, no i have not. i have my 3520 with imatch and receiver for tow balls for towing. but the bumper and attach brackets are pretty sturdy and it shouldn't be a problem attaching any sort of towing device for lawn carts, etc....................bud