Mowing Zero Turn Mower

deereowner · Sep 6, 2005

I currently have a JD LT110, have 1.2 acres with several trees on the property, and an odd shaped yard. I am considering a ZTM to save time (and make it more fun to mow, from what I have heard).

I have found a used Z force 48 with 70 hrs, for $3th. It has the 22 horse B&S engine, and the IZT transmission, and 1.5 yrs reamining on the warranty (if I service it at the seller's business). For the same 3th, I can buy a new RZT50, with the B&S engine, and a 1 yr warranty. For 4th, I can get the Zforce 50, with the Kohler engine, and IZT transmission, and a full 2 yr warranty.

Of the 3, what would you recommend?

And is it more fun? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Thanks.

gamble77 · Sep 7, 2005

Obviously the Z-Force machines are the better built. The RZT50 would do fine with your amount of land. I would purchase the used Z-Force 48" if I were you. The only way I would purchase the new Z-Force is if you just had to have a Kohler motor.

jman1717 · Sep 8, 2005

I own the 44" z-force and have put about 50 hrs. on it and I must say for a residential mower it's hard to beat for the price. I have mowed with the big boy mowers grasshopper , toro, bobcat and for the money its hard not to buy one of these mowers. It does have the kohler motor on it and I had to pay for it. I mow about 2 1/2 acres weekly and takes about roughly 1 1/2 hrs with the 44" not the 50" whcich would probably be a little big for your yard. And the deck can take a lick or 2 that the rzt mower wouldn"t take I know from my buddies experience. The reason I'm here is to tell you about a deal. Now I know from reading these post that some say to always buy from the dealer not the big box stores. But I couldn't resist. Go to Lowes website and type in Moving in the search box. Here you can recieve a coupon for up to 10% off any item under $10,000. anybody can do it and you can buy whatever you want. I did this and saved about $350. off the mower that they wanted for $3499. Plus buy you a chicken and tell them it is for farm use No Sales Tax.. Total cost was $3100 and that is brand new. Anyways just thought I would give you another option if needed.

MBDiagMan · Sep 8, 2005

I just got rid of an almost new Z Force 48 with B&S that I bought last Fall. It had oil usage problems which I learned was not uncommon on the 22HP B&S. If I were to buy another it would be an '05 ZF 50 due to the Kohler.

I would MOST DEFINITELY stay away from the RZT due to the use of the flimsy EZT drive. The shafts driving the wheels are way too small and commonly break.

All that said, $3K is too much for a used ZForce. I would buy a new one with Kohler. You should be able to get a new ZF 50 this time of year for about $3800.

Good luck,
Doc

deereowner · Sep 8, 2005

Thanks for the tip about the Lowe's coupon. I did not know that they even carried any of the Z force mowers, I have only seen the RZT's. I will definitely check it out.
Thanks!

deereowner · Sep 8, 2005

AFter looking more closely at the used mower, I decided that it may have had more hours than stated. The clock said 0 hours, and the seller said that it was due to the timer shocking someone any time that they touched it, so they had to replace it. Sounds too fishy to me, and it looked like it had to have had more hours than stated. I will probably go the new route, since I also like to keep mine looking good, and most of the used ones that I looked at were not garaged.

Thanks for the info.

jman1717 · Sep 9, 2005

Lowe's doesn't stock the z-force but can order it for you. Took about 5 days to get it in.

MBDiagMan · Sep 20, 2005

deereowner,

You will be much better off with a new one as long is it is an '05 Z Force with the Kohler engine. I just got rid of a VERY low hour '04 model with a B&S Intek. It was sucking oil and the dealer was unable to fix it. That's why they went to the Kohler.

There are two other downsides to even the '05 model, they use integrated drives as opposed to individual wheel motors and pumps and they have a deck that clogs easily in tall grass.

Good luck,
Doc

aratapuss · May 19, 2006

I bought the Z-Force 50 this year, and after 20 hours, in all conditions, pasture, very wet, etc. I jave had no problems with clogging, so discount this concern.

The Kohler is very strong, the unit is greased, etc. very easily, deck removes simply, etc. This is a good ZTR for most of us, and I have no second thought on recommending one to you.

When I read everything on all the brands the last year, I was afraid to buy anything, account all the stories, so take most critical posts with a grain of salt. Surely if my ZTR acts up, I will post something, but mine is kept in a garage, is serviced and looked over regualrly, and, as with most of my outdoor equipment, serves me very reliabily.

aratapuss · May 19, 2006

I bought the Z-Force 50 this year, and after 20 hours, in all conditions, pasture, very wet, etc. I jave had no problems with clogging, so discount this concern.

The Kohler is very strong, the unit is greased, etc. very easily, deck removes simply, etc. This is a good ZTR for most of us, and I have no second thought on recommending one to you.

When I read everything on all the brands the last year, I was afraid to buy anything, account all the stories, so take most critical posts with a grain of salt. Surely if my ZTR acts up, I will post something, but mine is kept in a garage, is serviced and looked over regualrly, and, as with most of my outdoor equipment, serves me very reliabily.