ZD21 Zero Turn Mowers

[littlediesel]

Kubota has recently changed their deck design on the ZD21 and ZD28 zero turn mowers. They went from a stamped deck to a welded deck. Does anyone have any experience with the new welded deck design? Do they mow better than the stamped deck? Any info would be appreciated!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Jon

 

[cnoel]

I don't know that they actually mow better. They do have a more user freindly mulch kit that works VERY well and is easier to put on and off than most. They also have a spindle type rotating guage wheel that is nice if you have any burms or steep angles to mow up or turn into. The fabricated decks are supposed to be stronger than a stamped deck, unless you're a commercial mower, I doubt it would ever be an issue.
You cannot put the fab. deck on a mower that cane with a stamped deck, either. That's what I know, F.W.I.W.
Christa

 

[littlediesel]

Christa,
Thanks for the info. I believe your absolutely correct. The welded deck does not mow any better than the stamped deck. I did have the opportunity to demo a welded deck model today, and have concluded there is no difference between them.
I think this was a marketing campaign by Kubota to keep up with the competition.

Jon /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Buddy]

I owned the ZD-21 with a stamped deck. We sold it and replaced it with the new Pro deck and it cuts much better. The stamped deck discharges full length clippings and the Pro deck discharges more finely chopped clippings. I am a commercial cutter and to me it was worth the move up.
The caster wheels on the corners of the deck is a HUGE improvement over the stamped deck if you don't want to tear up turf all the time.
BUddy /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[littlediesel]

Buddy,
Thanks for the info!!! I was looking to hear from someone who has used both the stamped and welded deck! Did you trade up to another ZD21 with a 60" deck??

Thanks again,
Jon S

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Kubota introduced the "fabricated" deck in order to meet the desires of the commercial cutters. The stamped decks have performed very well. However there are some nice features on the new decks such as (1) swivel anti-scalp rollers, (2) 5.5" deep deck which allows faster cutting in tall, thick, wet grass, (3) a baffling system which forces clippings into the second and third blade where it will be recut and discharged more evenly, (4) a smaller discharge opening which forces the grass to be re-cut by the third blade prior to final discharge, (5) easy to attach mulching system, and (6) 7-gauge steel is used in all areas of the deck. The ZD21 and 28 will only be offered in the Pro-Deck model after depletion of current stamp deck inventory (ZD18 will still have stamped deck). Currently Kubota is offering an added sales allowance of $300 on the ZD21F-60 stamp deck in order to deplete inventory.

 

[HappyOne]

Re: ZD Zero Turn Mowers

What is the difference in the ZD and ZD Pro. I am considering a ZD18F and wonder if going up to the 60" deck would put it closer to the price of a ZD21. Then the welded deck starts to creep in. I see from this thread that Kubota is phasing out the stamped 60" deck. Does this mean that it will be available for the ZD18? If so at what cost?

Dealer will be open Monday, and I can get all my questions answered then, but for now I'm sure one of you have the answers! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I started out looking at all the others, and by the time I added it all up, the Kubota looks like the best choice.

Thanks!

JamesKubota (soon to be two Kubota's /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif)

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: ZD Zero Turn Mowers

If you are considering a ZD18 you should go on up to a ZD21 with the 60" stamped deck. It is the best value at this time because of the $300 sales allowance.

 

[HappyOne]

Re: ZD Zero Turn Mowers

I spoke with my Kubota dealer. He says the ZD18 can only be had with the 54" deck. I can get a ZD21 pro with a 60" fab deck for $900 more. Didn't see much of a discount on the stamped deck ZD21 only $200 less than the pro. Looks like they are making a real good deal on the ZD21 Pro to me!

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: ZD Zero Turn Mowers

That is a very fair price spread ($900) on the ZD18 and ZD21 PRO. Go for it!!