ZT purchase advice

Odonnks · May 1, 2012

Hello,
I'm looking for advice in purchasing a used machine.
There are a number in my area for sale and I'm looking to mow a lawn of about 2 acres and pastures of about 15 acres.
The pastures are relatively smooth oa slight grade.

Looking at a:
Cub Recon 48 in commercial unit 500 hr, $3,500
Deines 1800 60 in unit. 900 hrs, $2,850
Bad Boy lightening 54 in. 700 hr, $4,900

The later two have electric deck lift.

I'm familiar with the cub but not the others.

Any inside on quality or parts availability or other info would be appreciated.

Thank you!

edenfarms · May 2, 2012

If your going to mow 17 acres with it, I would highly consider a diesel mower. It will last longer, save you lots of money in fuel, and is overall much more powerful than the comparable gas.

Also, whether you are buying new or used, I would highly recommend trying a number of the commercial brand mowers out on your property. Each dealer should be happy to bring them out. I tried out numerous mowers (Cub Cadet, Kubota, Scag, Ferris, Grasshopper) on my property before I ended up buying a used Kubota zd 331 with about 200 hours. Once I tried them out, I knew exactly which mower was the best for me. I live in Frenchville, PA and I had dealers from Lamar, Altoona and Dubois travel to try out their mowers - for free.

I also recommend buying the biggest, heaviest duty mower you can afford. You will definitely not regret it in the long run. Also, unless you are rarely going to mow the 15 acres, I would get atleast a 60 in deck. I have a 72" myself and I mow 12-15 acres. Hope this helps.

edenfarms · May 2, 2012

As far as quality - I felt the Kubota was the best, although the Scag and Grasshopper were close. The Cub Cadet was the worst.

As far as cut - Kubota, then Cub Cadet and Scag (I tried out the Tank model and the Z-Force I think)

Odonnks · May 2, 2012

I had a chance today to test the new Cub Tank RZT with the steering wheel.
Pretty impressed.

When sidhilling there was no tendancy to go downhill and cause me to correct steering.
I ever let go of the wheel and it went straight as a arrow across the hill.

Monster5601 · May 2, 2012

Definitely go with a diesel but if you don't, at least get a liquid cooled gaser. With that much cutting, the additional cost of a diesel will have a quick pay back.

Consider going new, I believe Kubota is still offering 60 months at 0%. Now you have a warranty and can get the KTAC insurance, an excellent value.

jcdogfish · May 3, 2012

I second the suggestion of going diesel. The fuel savings and true commercial build are the way to go for that much mowing. As an example, I just traded in a zd326p with the pro 60 deck. Had 250hrs on it and it could be bought for 8k. It was built like a tank and probably just broken in. I went back to a tractor because some of the property is rough and in rough stuff a ztr will beat you to death. Thats a lot more than you had in the budget but if you can swing it it is worth it. I think I would go with a used tractor and finish mower before a non commercial ztr. Anything you get can get the job done. Its just about the time it takes and the reliability of the equipment.

Chief4 · May 3, 2012

I bought a BadBoy ZT 27 Pro last year w/ a 60" deck. I really like it and it literaly cut my time in half. I do have a small issue with the 60" and that's if you are on a slope, the downhill side will usually scalp a strip at the very bottom cause the deck does not float like some but it is really heavy built and lots of power. Pretty economical too. IMO.

kthompson · May 3, 2012

I have both ZTR mower and finishing mower. For our pasture grass here would not want to use either for think the grass is a tougher grass than they are made for. Especially at the height I think of mowing at. No idea the grass in your area, it may be more like our lawn grass. Will agree a ZTR will beat you more than mower on tractor just due to size of the tires.But they are fun to use.