Ok, so my yard is almost 2 acres. I’m wearing out a Lowes/HD level rider every 2 summers. I live in Alabama, so grass cutting season actually lasts around 6 months of the year. I’ve decided to buy a premium residential or entry level commercial zero turn. What brands or models is everyone using and what would you recommend? I want a 48” cut for more maneuverability and lack of scalping and preferably with a Kawasaki engine. And go!
Kubota makes one nice mower. I use a Z421KW-54 and it has been super reliable and fun to use as well. I added a suspension seat assembly because it is jarring on bumpy ground.
Since you are interested in a 48-inch cut, I would suggest the Z411KW-48, basically the same mower in a 48-inch cut as the 54.
If you don't want to spend that much, there is the Z231KH-48, but it does not have the Kawasaki engine, but a Kohler, which I understand is a reliable engine. The Z231KH-48 comes with a suspension seat, Hydrogear ZT3100 transmission, and lights, but personally, I find the lights to be mostly a gimmick.
The Z400 series is kind of a mix of residential and commercial, leaning to the commercial side, while the Z200 series is more residential in nature.
One thing to watch for in a zero-turn is the hydraulic transmission. The entry level transmissions are sealed and have no filter and are not really serviceable.
The Kubota Z231KW-42 has a sealed Hydrogear ZT2200 transmission, small tires and it also has a 42-inch cut and the Kawasaki engine. Not sure why they put the Kawasaki in the 42-inch and the Kohler in the 48 on the 200 series. They only put the ZT2200 transmission in the 42-inch cut that I know of. It is the same sealed transmission as is in a lot of the big box store zero turn mowers.
Of course, I have no personal experience with the ZT2200 transmission, and that sealed unit may last forever, but I like the idea of having a filter and being able to service the hydraulic fluid instead of a sealed unit.
The Z411 and Z421 have the Kawasaki engine, and a Hydrogear ZT3600, a much heftier transmission that has a replaceable filter on each side and is serviceable.
I have a friend with a Scag Freedom Z that is a fine machine too, it has the Kohler engine and ZT2800 transmission. To me the Kubota is a bit more refined.
