ZD ZTM and a Cyclone Rake

[jambx]

I was wondering if anyone has had any experiences with a ZTM coupled to a tow behind leaf vac.

I have a Cyclone Rake that I used on my BX22 and 60 inch MMM at my 2 acre "flat" property and vowed not to use a rake on leaves ever again and since I have replaced the BX with a ZD21 this past year I am worried about straining the hyrdo when towing the ~400lbs (when full) accessory.

I was able to speak to two users (of a ZD21 coupled to a Cyclone Rake) and both have told me they have had no problems to date.

Any comments concerns on using a ZTM in a towing capacity is greatly appreciated.

 

[art]

Go for it! I'd only worry about hills and a loaded trailers push while descending and the possibility for a slide.

 

[CHDinCT]

If your property is truely flat you might get away with it. I know my cylcone rake if full of wet leaves weighs guite a bit and I can feel it tug my wheel horse a little if going accross a slope. I did not think ZTMs were designed to pull much weight so first I'd do is check what the limits of your ZTM are- it state what the towing limits are in the manual.

 

[jambx]

If your property is truely flat you might get away with it. I know my cylcone rake if full of wet leaves weighs guite a bit and I can feel it tug my wheel horse a little if going accross a slope. I did not think ZTMs were designed to pull much weight so first I'd do is check what the limits of your ZTM are- it state what the towing limits are in the manual.

Yea I know what you mean. When I was pulling the CR with my BX22 I could feel / hear the hydros due to the weight, The Cyclone Rake shipping weight is 250#'s so i would guess that when the hopper is completely full its got to be at least double (~500#'s).

The ZD's manual states nothing about towing capacity. I have also checked with two dealers and they all give me is the deer in the headlights look. I also emailed Kubota - their responce didnt address my question - all they said was that the ZDs 21 horsepower may not be enough powered.

My real concern is the transmission. With a very flat property and going slow I would think it would be ok but I do recall when i operated the BX the lengh of the tractor / rake were such that at times I needed to jockey the tractor back and forth. I just want to be sure I dont ruin the tranny.

When I spoke to the two other guys operating the CR and a ZD they have had zero trouble. In fact one operated the largest CR.

 

[Ron D.]

I would definitely not pull anything that heavy with a ZTM. I read just recently, and tried to find the post here and at Lawnsite, but can't remember where I read it. But anyway, the thread went something like this.... a ZD owner took his Kubota to the dealer because of a failed pump. He had used his mower to pull various yard implements.The mechanic said that he had seen several pump failures from people pulling implements with their ZT's, and had commented to the owner that the pumps were designed to operate the mower, not the added strain of implements.

I don't know if this is correct, but it makes sense to me. I don't know what pumps cost for Kubota's, but for many brands appear to be in the $800 range. My guess is Kubota pumps are higher.

 

[amigauser]

Another concern could be turning the ZTR. Obviously it can spin on its own access and if you forget the Cyclone is back there and attempt that well

 

[jambx]

Another concern could be turning the ZTR. Obviously it can spin on its own access and if you forget the Cyclone is back there and attempt that well

The CR hook up is like a 3 pt hitch without the top link so there is no problem with respect to turing.

Ron D. - thanks - you didnt make my day. I still poke around the web and see if I can find the artical - I would be suprised if there wasnt an additional load on the ZD. I still think since my property is flat and if I go slow it should not be a real problem.

I am begining to think since there are so few responces with folks with a ZTM that tow with its a no no no matter how you look at it.

Bummer - I may have to get the rake out once again.

Bummer.

 

[CHDinCT]

I would definitely not pull anything that heavy with a ZTM. I read just recently, and tried to find the post here and at Lawnsite, but can't remember where I read it. But anyway, the thread went something like this.... a ZD owner took his Kubota to the dealer because of a failed pump. He had used his mower to pull various yard implements.The mechanic said that he had seen several pump failures from people pulling implements with their ZT's, and had commented to the owner that the pumps were designed to operate the mower, not the added strain of implements.

I don't know if this is correct, but it makes sense to me. I don't know what pumps cost for Kubota's, but for many brands appear to be in the $800 range. My guess is Kubota pumps are higher.

Don't know if this is what you're referring to but here's a post by eddiewalker on a ZTR thread down in the Lawn& Garden forum.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/lawn-garden/144338-why-no-commercial-kubota-ztrs.html#post1668783

 

[Ron D.]

CHDinCT, that's the thread I was referencing, just couldn't remeber where I read it. Good find.

Jambx, don't want to rain on your parade any more, but I also read on lawnsite where an individual was discussing pulling a plug areator behind his ZTM, and although it did a better job going slow, he noticed increased heat in the pumps from going slow vrs going faster, and was concerned about frying his pumps if he continued to pull it too slow. His mower was a commercial model, can't remember the brand, but I know it wasn't a diesel Kubota.

You're right about the lack of info on pulling stuff with a ZTM. The two posts that I mention are far from conclusive, just a couple of people's opinions, but I would still be very hesistant to pull anything if you're looking for longevity out of your mower. The purchase of an inexpensive, small tractor, like possibly a Yanmar if you need 3 point, or an $800 Craftman garden tractor if you don't need 3 point (if it's adequate), might be an option worth considering to pull your implements.

Let us know what you do.

 

[jambx]

Thanks guys.

I am leaning to not use the ZD with the CR.

What i may end up doing is using a leaf blower and corraling the leaves into piles then drive the CR up to the piles with the B2920 then suck them in using a extension on the CR vacume motor (you can get up to a 30 foor hose and just suck then in)

Cyclone Rake Estate Vacuum

The only negative is the leaves will not go through a mower to be pre-mulched.

Still undecided which way I will go but it is deflating when one shells out a lot of money for the ZTM and it lacks a design to pull at the very least some light tools.