ZG222 zero turn mower - Good, bad, or ugly?

[Hiptfarms]

Here's the backgound: I have a friend who inherited a ZG 222 mower with 198 hours on it. He has tried it a couple times and cannot get used to using a zero turn and says he doesnt want to try at his age of 75 years old. I have never owned a zero turn but have used this one a couple times. I have used a Husqvarna yth210xp lawn mower with a kawasaki engine for the past 20 years and it has been a good unit but is about ready to be put out to pasture. I get that these are two totally different animals. My "yard" is only about 1.5 acres (the rest I bushhog or have in pasture or woodlands) and I would probably just get a deere x300 mext or something similar. Normally I wouldn't spend the money on a fancy zero turn but I would be helping out my friend by buying this one and potentially getting a much better machine than I currently have. I'm looking for suggestions and opinions on this model. It has the fabricated deck not the pressed one. And I just did the 200 hour service on it for my friend. The hydraulic fluid was barely touching the bottom of the stick and the motor oil was also a little low but the machine seems to drive fine though. Are there any problems I should be aware of on this model? Also, I have seen a wide range of pricing - from 3000 to 5900. What is reasonable in your opinions? Thanks for the guidance.

 

[woody]

What year is it? Does it have the Kubota engine?
I have a 2009 model and it's been a good one, it has the mulching kit on it. Mine does seem to use a little oil but I have never had to add to the hydraulic oil, except during maintenance.

 

[Hiptfarms]

I'm uncertain of the year but it does have a Kubota gas engine. No mulching kit. Is there a year code on the mower somewhere or do I have to get the serial numbers and find out from Kubota?

 

[woody]

sounds like a nice mower I guess it depends on the price if it makes both parties happy. I like mine and use it regularly

 

[Hiptfarms]

Thanks for your responses, Woody. I'll either wind up buying it for myself or help him sell it online. One way or another I'll help him sell it. Thanks again.