Help me decide ZT mower

[SCMCG]

SCMCG,
OK, someone correct me if I'm wrong.....only the 48" Kommander(ZG123S) and 54" Kommander(ZG127S) come standard with the led headlights and suspension seat. And they have a deck adjustment "Knob"????(hand lever or foot assisted...I can't tell). I think if you compare apple models-to-apple models the ExMarks with those features/components will be significantly more $$$. I always emphasize that the different brand(model/series) comparisons take into account similar features/components, not just price. You can't compare the price of a Kommander(with ZT-3100 trannies) to a Hustler with ZT-2800 trannies and then see what your best deal is. Then again sometimes you give up comfort options like a suspension seat to get a different brand ZTR that's built better. It's a difficult shopping experience to say the least:0)

Yes. I referred to it as the Z100 cuz that is how it states on their website. The 54" z127 is what I am looking at. I have not really looked at Exmark, just know that it is kinda one of the top used commercials around here and I figured it would be pricey. But at the moment, my monthly payment is the most important aspect rather than "total cost of loan" because it will be paid for far in advance, just gotta wait til that ship comes in so-to-speak LOL. The knob is on the fender by the pto knob and it foot assisted. There is a nice 5 minute video on youtube that shows its features very well. The Kohler engine makes me somewhat leary however it seems these are built specifically for Kubota and are warranted by Kubota not Kohler. (if thats good or bad I don't know) The whole unit, however has a 4 year warranty where the others have 3 yrs, so that is worth something. Again, I have a great dealer/service center nearby so that is good. I dislike the non-foldable ROPS, but it appears to be not as tall as most so may not be a problem.

 

[djdicetn]

SCMCG,
OK, someone correct me if I'm wrong.....only the 48" Kommander(ZG123S) and 54" Kommander(ZG127S) come standard with the led headlights and suspension seat. And they have a deck adjustment "Knob"????(hand lever or foot assisted...I can't tell). I think if you compare apple models-to-apple models the ExMarks with those features/components will be significantly more $$$. I always emphasize that the different brand(model/series) comparisons take into account similar features/components, not just price. You can't compare the price of a Kommander(with ZT-3100 trannies) to a Hustler with ZT-2800 trannies and then see what your best deal is. Then again sometimes you give up comfort options like a suspension seat to get a different brand ZTR that's built better. It's a difficult shopping experience to say the least:0)

SCMCG,
OK, so no wonder I thought my reply to your post "got deleted by an Administrator". Youv'e got two separate threads going on with the same questions/topic. I was in the other one and wondered why my respose above was no longer there. Can I give some constructive criticism that "duplicate posts" make it very difficult for others to assist???

 

[djdicetn]

Yes. I referred to it as the Z100 cuz that is how it states on their website. The 54" z127 is what I am looking at. I have not really looked at Exmark, just know that it is kinda one of the top used commercials around here and I figured it would be pricey. But at the moment, my monthly payment is the most important aspect rather than "total cost of loan" because it will be paid for far in advance, just gotta wait til that ship comes in so-to-speak LOL. The knob is on the fender by the pto knob and it foot assisted. There is a nice 5 minute video on youtube that shows its features very well. The Kohler engine makes me somewhat leary however it seems these are built specifically for Kubota and are warranted by Kubota not Kohler. (if thats good or bad I don't know) The whole unit, however has a 4 year warranty where the others have 3 yrs, so that is worth something. Again, I have a great dealer/service center nearby so that is good. I dislike the non-foldable ROPS, but it appears to be not as tall as most so may not be a problem.

SCMCG,
Well, you are getting into the price range where other ZTR's may need to be considered. I was impressed with the Commercial Toro Z-Master 2000 series(that has a ZT-3400 tranny, a 4Year/500 hour Warranty and Lifetime Frame Warranty..and foldable ROPS) which I could have gotten into a 52" for $6,100. The Titan MX5480(for a Residential) was very comparable to the Kubota and I was quoted $5300 last fall on that one(I think the Kubota website compares the ZG100 to the Titan ZX series). The Titan MX's have a 3Year/400 Hour & Lifetime Frame Warranty. Choices.....choices....choices, right:0)

 

[SCMCG]

SCMCG,
Well, you are getting into the price range where other ZTR's may need to be considered. I was impressed with the Commercial Toro Z-Master 2000 series(that has a ZT-3400 tranny, a 4Year/500 hour Warranty and Lifetime Frame Warranty..and foldable ROPS) which I could have gotten into a 52" for $6,100. The Titan MX5480(for a Residential) was very comparable to the Kubota and I was quoted $5300 last fall on that one(I think the Kubota website compares the ZG100 to the Titan ZX series). The Titan MX's have a 3Year/400 Hour & Lifetime Frame Warranty. Choices.....choices....choices, right:0)

That Toro zmaster2000 looks nice-no suspension seat, aluminum spindles are negatives, but looks nice. My Clipper dealer also sells Toro, and they share some similarities including the "bullnose" deck. Have to wonder whether Shivvers may be building some parts on the Toro line.

... I am becoming a little irritated that some brands don't have pricing on their websites-or I can't see it anywhere anyway. When I can't get an idea what the price may be, it tends to make me remove that item on my list LOL.

 

[SCMCG]

I am adding the Toro to my list to go check out after some digging online it looks every bit as good as these others. I really need to find pricing on the zmaster2000 and if a suspension seat upgrade is available for it.

 

[SCMCG]

Made a call on spur of the moment after seeing an add for a Gravely "sale". The dealer is in a town about 35 miles away so not bad, and he sells Gravely, Walker, Husky, and Country Clipper LOL! He was very personable, and seemed very knowledgable. Been in business since 79' and he really likes the Husky MZ5225 and said he thinks I will too. Gonna pay him a visit next week.

 

[djdicetn]

Made a call on spur of the moment after seeing an add for a Gravely "sale". The dealer is in a town about 35 miles away so not bad, and he sells Gravely, Walker, Husky, and Country Clipper LOL! He was very personable, and seemed very knowledgable. Been in business since 79' and he really likes the Husky MZ5225 and said he thinks I will too. Gonna pay him a visit next week.

SCMCG,
Make him show you the Husqvarna M-ZT 52 for comparison to the MX5225. I think you will see the difference in the two!!! On the Toro seats, they are pretty confusing(the website even confused user Ric who owns a Toro Grandstand). I can't specifically recall the seat of the Z-Master 2000, but the brochure I have states "Custom Two-Toned Seat". The 3000series has "Premium Bolstered Seat", the 5000 series "Two-Toned Premium Bolstered Seat with 3-D Isolation Mounts"(same for the 6000 Series). I think the "3D Isolation Mounts" MAY indicate full suspension, but even the cheaper Toro Titan MX Residential series shows "Toro Custom Bolstered with Full 3-D Isolation". You will have to get a Toro dealer to straighten out all that Toro lingo to a "full suspension is" terminology:0)

 

[SCMCG]

SCMCG,
Make him show you the Husqvarna M-ZT 52 for comparison to the MX5225. I think you will see the difference in the two!!! On the Toro seats, they are pretty confusing(the website even confused user Ric who owns a Toro Grandstand). I can't specifically recall the seat of the Z-Master 2000, but the brochure I have states "Custom Two-Toned Seat". The 3000series has "Premium Bolstered Seat", the 5000 series "Two-Toned Premium Bolstered Seat with 3-D Isolation Mounts"(same for the 6000 Series). I think the "3D Isolation Mounts" MAY indicate full suspension, but even the cheaper Toro Titan MX Residential series shows "Toro Custom Bolstered with Full 3-D Isolation". You will have to get a Toro dealer to straighten out all that Toro lingo to a "full suspension is" terminology:0)

The only difference I see is the M-ZT has ROPS and 3400 hydros, and maybe a little nicer seat, or am I missing something?

 

[SCMCG]

How important is the front caster tire size to ride quality? I assume a bigger wheel/tire will ride smoother? That could be a drawback on the Kubota as it has smaller front wheels.

 

[djdicetn]

The only difference I see is the M-ZT has ROPS and 3400 hydros, and maybe a little nicer seat, or am I missing something?

SCMCG,
Also the spindles are upgraded to cast iron versus aluminum and the engine to the B & S Endurance Commercial 28hp/810cc versus the Kohler Courage 25hp/725cc as well as the 12" rear drive wheels versus the 10". All in all, very well worth $800 for the upgrades you mentioned and I mentioned(plys rated as Commercial versus Residential). It's your money I'm just teeling you my perspective(and I lean towards entry-level Commercial ZTR's. When you get into the $5500-$6000 price range thaere are a whole bunch of solid machines that will most likely last you a lifetime if maintained. When I'm spending several thousand dollars, personally I don't want something that will be giving me problems 5-10 years down the road. Below is a link where you can compare the two Husqvarna's side-by-side.

Zero Turn Mowers - Comparison Chart | Husqvarna