ZD331 72粘D vs ZD1211 72粘D

[Hay Dude]

I have a 331 and 326. I have been thinking also of trading the 326 (60") for the zd1211 (72") and using the zd331 a little less.
I have read several opinions about the zd1211 with a 72" deck, and all have been positive.

I don't think I will ever get rid of the zd331 though... It's unstoppable!

I feel like the ZD331 is one of the few machines made that Ive owned over the last 35 years that comes close to " perfect ".
Its got a perfect blend of big Kubota diesel power, strong transmission and final drives, structurally strong frame and a very tough, durable mowing deck. Seat could be a little better (maybe an air ride), but I might just have a worn out seat. The machine is fairly easy to lubricate and maintain. Nice big tires. Also like the manual PTO engagement rather than an electric button. The system to raise the deck is a little quirky. I like the twin fuel tanks with the big truck nozzle size caps are great, but being a perfectionist, I wish they installed tethers on them. 2 fuel gauges instead of a gauge and a warning light for the reserve tank would be a little improvement, too.

 

[RjCorazza]

I feel like the ZD331 is one of the few machines made that Ive owned over the last 35 years that comes close to " perfect ".
Its got a perfect blend of big Kubota diesel power, strong transmission and final drives, structurally strong frame and a very tough, durable mowing deck. Seat could be a little better (maybe an air ride), but I might just have a worn out seat. The machine is fairly easy to lubricate and maintain. Nice big tires. Also like the manual PTO engagement rather than an electric button. The system to raise the deck is a little quirky. I like the twin fuel tanks with the big truck nozzle size caps are great, but being a perfectionist, I wish they installed tethers on them. 2 fuel gauges instead of a gauge and a warning light for the reserve tank would be a little improvement, too.

I agree with your likes and dislikes. The rh tank light setup should have been a separate gauge, or one gauge with a left / right switch. My light quit working last year, so after the left tank is used up I keep track of acres on the right tank and don't push it.
The zd331 is my primary mower, but I am really tempted with the 1200 series, or ultimately the F series with a cab...

 

[Hay Dude]

I agree with your likes and dislikes. The rh tank light setup should have been a separate gauge, or one gauge with a left / right switch. My light quit working last year, so after the left tank is used up I keep track of acres on the right tank and don't push it.
The zd331 is my primary mower, but I am really tempted with the 1200 series, or ultimately the F series with a cab...

I’m also tempted by the cab mowing machines, especially when it gets real HOT. I’ve been doing a LOT of reading on the Deere 1545 type cab units with HVAC. Surprisingly, the ratings weren’t as good as I hoped. Full confession, I’m looking at older units with cabs and hearing the cabs are LOUD inside. I have posted a thread about the Deere units on TBN but no replies. I don’t think theyre super popular. Cab unit may not be good for my big customer, either because they have a lot of trees to get under.
I don’t think I will ever part with my ZD331. Love the big diesel. Cuts anything. I paid very little (comparatively speaking) for it and honestly, I don’t mow with it every day. I do 2 long days of customer mowing per week and we have about 26 weeks a year of mowing where I live. So I can handle it, but I’m not getting any younger. :laughing:

 

[Brown Dog]

I would think unless you have steep hills and you have to mow uphill in tall grass, 25HP with a 72 deck should be fine.

I’ve had a ZD1211-72 RD for 3yrs & like it very well.
As mentioned : it does a Fine job but steep hills with taller grass will pull it down some.
It’ll still cut it & pull the hill BUT rpm’s are Lost therefore cut quality is also Lost with slower blade tip speed.

I just bought a ZD1511 72 SD & Absolutely Love it.

The 4cyl Turbo is So much Smoother running with Tons of Torque :thumbsup:

The newer machines having the 7” Wider Front Axle sure is nice / stable & helps scalping.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Good to hear how about mowing deck performance? Blades?

They mow good with the OEM blades as long as running at near full throttle. Had a gas Kubota 7xx ZT between the Diesel ZTs and it seemed to mow better, better cut.

I would think unless you have steep hills and you have to mow uphill in tall grass, 25HP with a 72” deck should be fine.

I guess I qualify for the steep hill part and never had a problem about lack of power. Sure, when grass is super thick and over a foot high I've had to slow down. Maybe because of the rear discharge or mulching kit blocked grass discharge. I think getting the cut grass out of the cutting area can make a difference in forward progress.

I’ve had a ZD1211-72 RD for 3yrs & like it very well.
As mentioned : it does a Fine job but steep hills with taller grass will pull it down some.
It’ll still cut it & pull the hill BUT rpm’s are Lost therefore cut quality is also Lost with slower blade tip speed.

I just bought a ZD1511 72 SD & Absolutely Love it.

The 4cyl Turbo is So much Smoother running with Tons of Torque :thumbsup:

The newer machines having the 7” Wider Front Axle sure is nice / stable & helps scalping.

More HP should be able to cut at a smoother "feel". But needing and wanting has cost me lots of money some times.:cool2: I've owned lots of BXs and most of them were the 23s, some called 25s and even owned a couple 15s but one time I bought a BX2660 and it felt and sounded more powerful but not difference in cut or ride or speed on my hills but in my mind I could "FEEL" it. I'd grunt around the yard think of Tim the Toolman and "More power". :laughing::cool2:

 

[Newfarms]

Thanks for all info guys maybe we should just get the 1211 and keep the 331 also

Having two can稚 hurt..........

 

[Brown Dog]

The 1511 doesn’t loose any rpm’s on hills or in thick grass like my 1211.

I’m afraid this 4cyl Turbo 1511 is going to use a LOT more fuel than my 1211

 

[droy]

Was apprehensive about the lower horsepower issue when I bought my ZD 1211 so I went with a 60 sd deck. Now have 71 hrs & wishing I壇 gotten the 72? Southwest Louisiana flatland, the only time the engine lugs down is when cutting really tall thick grass with dull blades. Couple of side notes, disappointed in the blades & hoping to find aftermarket replacements, & that large discharge chute seems to always be in the way, partially torn now, gonna have to replace shortly.

 

[Brown Dog]

Take that side chute OFF :laughing:

Look at the Blade discussion thread on here.

 

[Brown Dog]

The 1511 doesn’t loose any rpm’s on hills or in thick grass like my 1211.

I’m afraid this 4cyl Turbo 1511 is going to use a LOT more fuel than my 1211

My valve under the left tank was closed only emptying the right tank.

That’s why the fuel gauge went to empty so fast :laughing: