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How important is the transmission for residential units?
#1
J
Jake in CT
J
Jake in CT
The reason I ask is most of the mowers under $4k have EZT's, and I've had to replace one on my current mower at 212 hours.
I'm thinking it may be worth it to go to the next level of mowers with a better transmission like the zt3100. Current ones I'm looking at are HusqvarnaMZ5424s, Kubota Kommander(big cash, but nice), or Hustler Fastrak.
I'm thinking it may be worth it to go to the next level of mowers with a better transmission like the zt3100. Current ones I'm looking at are HusqvarnaMZ5424s, Kubota Kommander(big cash, but nice), or Hustler Fastrak.
#2
jimrs
jimrs
212 hours is not many hours. I would guess it all depends on how much area you mow, how many hills, and all round mistreatment that you put it through.
The Transmission is a major part of the machine so I guess it is important to have a good set for your mower, like engine, deck, blades they are all important at some point.
The Transmission is a major part of the machine so I guess it is important to have a good set for your mower, like engine, deck, blades they are all important at some point.
#3
RatRacer
RatRacer
For residential use, it's really a matter of $$ value to you.
The 2 use needs that I see that really bring them to the top are:
1) Terrain- Hilly terrain puts a lot of extra pressure on the gears, and moving up gets you better, more durable, quality metal gears and serviceability.
2) Speed- The further up you go model and $ wise, the faster forward speeds they are able tune the machines for. Plus, consider the weight these machines get to be as you move up the range. You need the trannies to be able to stand up to that also. The more solid the construction, the more weight gets added to the party.
The 2 use needs that I see that really bring them to the top are:
1) Terrain- Hilly terrain puts a lot of extra pressure on the gears, and moving up gets you better, more durable, quality metal gears and serviceability.
2) Speed- The further up you go model and $ wise, the faster forward speeds they are able tune the machines for. Plus, consider the weight these machines get to be as you move up the range. You need the trannies to be able to stand up to that also. The more solid the construction, the more weight gets added to the party.
#4
J
Jake in CT
I think you are right jimrs.
I only have one or two slight inclines, but I do mow fairly quick. Hey, if the machine wasn't mean to go that fast, they should put a governor on it
J
Jake in CT
212 hours is not many hours. I would guess it all depends on how much area you mow, how many hills, and all round mistreatment that you put it through.
The Transmission is a major part of the machine so I guess it is important to have a good set for your mower, like engine, deck, blades they are all important at some point.
I think you are right jimrs.
I only have one or two slight inclines, but I do mow fairly quick. Hey, if the machine wasn't mean to go that fast, they should put a governor on it
#5
txzrider
txzrider
This is an interesting question to me since I have the EZT's. I am expecting a long life tho since I am expecting no more than 25 hours a year or so. I had eaton 7800's on my last mower and they lasted 15 years and would still be going except for the motor went. they whined a little but that was all they ever did.
#6
djdicetn
So how many years and how much acreage has that Gravely mowed to get 212 hours? And what model is it and what was the warranty? The HydroGear EZT's are designed for "light residential" use, and from what you described("one or two slight inclines"....but no acreage, etc.) you have a lot of hours compared to user txzrider who sates he puts an average of 25 hours/year on his(that is "light residential"). So if your ZTR is 8 years old(at 25 hrs/year) that's one thing, but if it's 3-4 years old that's a little more like heavy duty residential. If you've had it less than 3 years it might still be covered under a Gravely 3 year/1,000 hour Warranty. I have a 1.5-2.0 acre lot and that's why I invested in a Pro Turn 100 XDZ Commercial with the ZT-3400 trannies because I didn't want to wear out the non-serviceable EZT trannies that come on a light duty residential unit. Give us more information about what you are mowing and we'll try to give a recommendation(that Husqvarna MZ ZT 52 that user RatRacer has would not be having the prolems you are having at 212 hours)...but like you said it didn't cost $4K either.
djdicetn
The reason I ask is most of the mowers under $4k have EZT's, and I've had to replace one on my current mower at 212 hours.
I'm thinking it may be worth it to go to the next level of mowers with a better transmission like the zt3100. Current ones I'm looking at are HusqvarnaMZ5424s, Kubota Kommander(big cash, but nice), or Hustler Fastrak.
So how many years and how much acreage has that Gravely mowed to get 212 hours? And what model is it and what was the warranty? The HydroGear EZT's are designed for "light residential" use, and from what you described("one or two slight inclines"....but no acreage, etc.) you have a lot of hours compared to user txzrider who sates he puts an average of 25 hours/year on his(that is "light residential"). So if your ZTR is 8 years old(at 25 hrs/year) that's one thing, but if it's 3-4 years old that's a little more like heavy duty residential. If you've had it less than 3 years it might still be covered under a Gravely 3 year/1,000 hour Warranty. I have a 1.5-2.0 acre lot and that's why I invested in a Pro Turn 100 XDZ Commercial with the ZT-3400 trannies because I didn't want to wear out the non-serviceable EZT trannies that come on a light duty residential unit. Give us more information about what you are mowing and we'll try to give a recommendation(that Husqvarna MZ ZT 52 that user RatRacer has would not be having the prolems you are having at 212 hours)...but like you said it didn't cost $4K either.
#7
Ric
You don't have to go to the 3100 if your just using it for home use, you can step up to the 2800 and it would give you all you would want and save you a few dollars. I've been using the 2800 for years commercially and never had any problems. The EZT is really light use it only has a 10cc seven piston pump and a 10cc five piston motor and for someone who puts like someone said maybe 25hrs a year it would probably last for years. If your doing a lot of mowing and maybe using any type of light weight trailer or anything they wont last long.
Ric
The reason I ask is most of the mowers under $4k have EZT's, and I've had to replace one on my current mower at 212 hours.
I'm thinking it may be worth it to go to the next level of mowers with a better transmission like the zt3100. Current ones I'm looking at are HusqvarnaMZ5424s, Kubota Kommander(big cash, but nice), or Hustler Fastrak.
You don't have to go to the 3100 if your just using it for home use, you can step up to the 2800 and it would give you all you would want and save you a few dollars. I've been using the 2800 for years commercially and never had any problems. The EZT is really light use it only has a 10cc seven piston pump and a 10cc five piston motor and for someone who puts like someone said maybe 25hrs a year it would probably last for years. If your doing a lot of mowing and maybe using any type of light weight trailer or anything they wont last long.
#8
B
Brucebotti
That's what I did. I went with the Toro MX5060 with the 2800's. It also has a Kawasaki motor and a fabricated deck. I have a one acre lot with slight inclines and I will probably put 25-35 hours per year. With proper maintenance, I am looking to get 15-20 years of service. The best part, it was under $4k (barely). Good luck in your search.
Bruce
B
Brucebotti
You don't have to go to the 3100 if your just using it for home use, you can step up to the 2800 and it would give you all you would want and save you a few dollars. I've been using the 2800 for years commercially and never had any problems. The EZT is really light use it only has a 10cc seven piston pump and a 10cc five piston motor and for someone who puts like someone said maybe 25hrs a year it would probably last for years. If your doing a lot of mowing and maybe using any type of light weight trailer or anything they wont last long.
That's what I did. I went with the Toro MX5060 with the 2800's. It also has a Kawasaki motor and a fabricated deck. I have a one acre lot with slight inclines and I will probably put 25-35 hours per year. With proper maintenance, I am looking to get 15-20 years of service. The best part, it was under $4k (barely). Good luck in your search.
Bruce
#9
djdicetn
Yep, you thought that one through pretty thoroughly Brucebotti!!! Me, a lot of folks question my sanity buying a Commercial ZTR for a 1.5-2.0 acre lot personal use. But I considered it a "retirement investment" where it won't break down on me a lot when I'm on a "fixed income".....and.....with 25-50 hours/year kinda like you I picture my grandson inheriting it long after I'm gone:0)
djdicetn
That's what I did. I went with the Toro MX5060 with the 2800's. It also has a Kawasaki motor and a fabricated deck. I have a one acre lot with slight inclines and I will probably put 25-35 hours per year. With proper maintenance, I am looking to get 15-20 years of service. The best part, it was under $4k (barely). Good luck in your search.
Bruce
Yep, you thought that one through pretty thoroughly Brucebotti!!! Me, a lot of folks question my sanity buying a Commercial ZTR for a 1.5-2.0 acre lot personal use. But I considered it a "retirement investment" where it won't break down on me a lot when I'm on a "fixed income".....and.....with 25-50 hours/year kinda like you I picture my grandson inheriting it long after I'm gone:0)
#10
B
Brucebotti
I certainly can't fault your logic. The only time it wouldn't make sense is if you go out and buy something like this while your family is starving. Based on all your posts, I can tell that you do your homework prior to purchasing...:thumbsup:
Bruce
B
Brucebotti
Yep, you thought that one through pretty thoroughly Brucebotti!!! Me, a lot of folks question my sanity buying a Commercial ZTR for a 1.5-2.0 acre lot personal use. But I considered it a "retirement investment" where it won't break down on me a lot when I'm on a "fixed income".....and.....with 25-50 hours/year kinda like you I picture my grandson inheriting it long after I'm gone:0)
I certainly can't fault your logic. The only time it wouldn't make sense is if you go out and buy something like this while your family is starving. Based on all your posts, I can tell that you do your homework prior to purchasing...:thumbsup:
Bruce
#11
djdicetn
If it hadn't been for these forums and the experienced users volunteering to educate me about what to look for and what was important in ZTR's(there is a WHOLE LOT to the technology behind them to learn about).....I probably would have been unhappy about what I spent and what I got right now. And, I was fortunate to have the cash available from a previous employer's early retirement buyout and could convince my wife that this purchase was a "retirement investment" where we wouldn't face the expense of a new mower purchase or major repairs when we are both retired in 2014 and won't have that kind of money available.
djdicetn
I certainly can't fault your logic. The only time it wouldn't make sense is if you go out and buy something like this while your family is starving. Based on all your posts, I can tell that you do your homework prior to purchasing...:thumbsup:
Bruce
If it hadn't been for these forums and the experienced users volunteering to educate me about what to look for and what was important in ZTR's(there is a WHOLE LOT to the technology behind them to learn about).....I probably would have been unhappy about what I spent and what I got right now. And, I was fortunate to have the cash available from a previous employer's early retirement buyout and could convince my wife that this purchase was a "retirement investment" where we wouldn't face the expense of a new mower purchase or major repairs when we are both retired in 2014 and won't have that kind of money available.
#12
C
crimson_axe
C
crimson_axe
Would it be possible to change the ezt to the zt2800 or the zt3100 after the ezt units start to fail on most mowers?
#13
txzrider
I'm sure it is... would it be better to just buy the ztr with a 2800/3100 to start with ? That is the question.
txzrider
Would it be possible to change the ezt to the zt2800 or the zt3100 after the ezt units start to fail on most mowers?
I'm sure it is... would it be better to just buy the ztr with a 2800/3100 to start with ? That is the question.
#14
C
crimson_axe
Yes I agree it would be - it's just the initial cost and I need a 42/46 inch deck for a cub cadet s series(wife cuts lawn when I'm on the road) and the mowers with either the 2800/3100 are only offered on 48+ sized deck mowers - so I'll have to check with the dealer to see if he can get one of the commercial mowers with a smaller deck than 48
C
crimson_axe
I'm sure it is... would it be better to just buy the ztr with a 2800/3100 to start with ? That is the question.
Yes I agree it would be - it's just the initial cost and I need a 42/46 inch deck for a cub cadet s series(wife cuts lawn when I'm on the road) and the mowers with either the 2800/3100 are only offered on 48+ sized deck mowers - so I'll have to check with the dealer to see if he can get one of the commercial mowers with a smaller deck than 48
#15
djdicetn
Gravely has a ZT HD in a 44" deck if you have a Gravely dealer nearby. That's a "high-end residential"(3-Year Consumer Warranty/1-Year Commercial Warranty) with the ZT-3100 trannies. Would be worth adding to the comparisons.
P.S.
Normal MSRP is $5,499 and my local dealer shows it on sale for $4,899.
djdicetn
Yes I agree it would be - it's just the initial cost and I need a 42/46 inch deck for a cub cadet s series(wife cuts lawn when I'm on the road) and the mowers with either the 2800/3100 are only offered on 48+ sized deck mowers - so I'll have to check with the dealer to see if he can get one of the commercial mowers with a smaller deck than 48
Gravely has a ZT HD in a 44" deck if you have a Gravely dealer nearby. That's a "high-end residential"(3-Year Consumer Warranty/1-Year Commercial Warranty) with the ZT-3100 trannies. Would be worth adding to the comparisons.
P.S.
Normal MSRP is $5,499 and my local dealer shows it on sale for $4,899.
#16
Ric
Dixie Chopper Zee 2 series offers a 42, 48 or a 54 deck size. It's $4599 has a 21hp FR Kawasaki engine with the 2800 drives and is rated 3.1 acres per hour.
Ric
Yes I agree it would be - it's just the initial cost and I need a 42/46 inch deck for a cub cadet s series(wife cuts lawn when I'm on the road) and the mowers with either the 2800/3100 are only offered on 48+ sized deck mowers - so I'll have to check with the dealer to see if he can get one of the commercial mowers with a smaller deck than 48
Dixie Chopper Zee 2 series offers a 42, 48 or a 54 deck size. It's $4599 has a 21hp FR Kawasaki engine with the 2800 drives and is rated 3.1 acres per hour.
#17
C
crimson_axe
C
crimson_axe
Thanks - I will check out both the gravely and the dixie chopper - funny thing is I'm spending more time on picking out a mower than I spent on my suv - 2 days on suv 3+ weeks on the mower
#18
djdicetn
The question is......are you happy with your SUV(or do you wish you had spent 3 weeks looking at them:0)
Lots and lots of good ZTR's, with lots of technical specs to compare and pro's & con's for each brand(SUV's too, but easier to pick:0)
djdicetn
Thanks - I will check out both the gravely and the dixie chopper - funny thing is I'm spending more time on picking out a mower than I spent on my suv - 2 days on suv 3+ weeks on the mower
The question is......are you happy with your SUV(or do you wish you had spent 3 weeks looking at them:0)
Lots and lots of good ZTR's, with lots of technical specs to compare and pro's & con's for each brand(SUV's too, but easier to pick:0)
#19
C
crimson_axe
C
crimson_axe
Very happy with the the chevy equinox but that was a easy pick. Mower a bit harder because I want to get something much better than the cheaply priced bolens which I was able to get 10 yrs out of - maybe 500hrs. I'm new to the z-turns but I this board has a lot of great information and I thank all of you for that.
#20
djdicetn
Well, IMHO youv'e picked the right time of the year to start looking. I bought my Gravely last fall(second week of September) and dealers this time of year are much more prone to negotiate price on existing inventory on hand. As I stated earlier, my local dealer is already showing the fall discount pricing to get rid of all the 2013's he can before getting the new 2014's in(I believe sometime in November or early December). I offered him approx. $400 less than the already reduced price(which included zero financing) for an out-the-door cash price and he didn't even hesitate to accept. That deal saved me around $1K off the MSRP plus taxes. And, the same model for 2013 went up $500 so I consider my savings to be close to $1,500!!! Of course I was fortunate to have some retirement savings at my disposal to allow me to offer a cash purchase price, but you can still save some significant coins if you make a reasonable offer this time of year. The only downside is that if they think they can sell it easily at their best price and unload it before the end-of-season they may not come down as much. And...if you are interested in a model that they don't have "on hand" it's difficult to get them to order a current year model this late at any kind of discount. Good luck and I hope you find a dealer that has just what you are looking for and gives you a GREAT deal on it!!!
djdicetn
Very happy with the the chevy equinox but that was a easy pick. Mower a bit harder because I want to get something much better than the cheaply priced bolens which I was able to get 10 yrs out of - maybe 500hrs. I'm new to the z-turns but I this board has a lot of great information and I thank all of you for that.
Well, IMHO youv'e picked the right time of the year to start looking. I bought my Gravely last fall(second week of September) and dealers this time of year are much more prone to negotiate price on existing inventory on hand. As I stated earlier, my local dealer is already showing the fall discount pricing to get rid of all the 2013's he can before getting the new 2014's in(I believe sometime in November or early December). I offered him approx. $400 less than the already reduced price(which included zero financing) for an out-the-door cash price and he didn't even hesitate to accept. That deal saved me around $1K off the MSRP plus taxes. And, the same model for 2013 went up $500 so I consider my savings to be close to $1,500!!! Of course I was fortunate to have some retirement savings at my disposal to allow me to offer a cash purchase price, but you can still save some significant coins if you make a reasonable offer this time of year. The only downside is that if they think they can sell it easily at their best price and unload it before the end-of-season they may not come down as much. And...if you are interested in a model that they don't have "on hand" it's difficult to get them to order a current year model this late at any kind of discount. Good luck and I hope you find a dealer that has just what you are looking for and gives you a GREAT deal on it!!!
#21
djdicetn
Jake In CT,
Soooooo, you never responded and answered any of my questions. Your profile has Gravely and you stated it had the HydroGear EZT trannies so that seems to indicate you have a Gravely ZT. I'm really curious as to which deck size, how long you've had it and how many acres you are mowing with it. You indicated you mowed pretty fast(top speed on the ZT is 6mph) and that in-and-of-itself should not have caused the tranny to fail(although a light residential ZTR like the ZT may not bode well run wide open all the time with those EZT trannies). Like has been stated, 212 hours isn't very many for a tranny failure and the Gravely ZT's do have a 3-Year Warranty. Can you enlighten me as to how/why the tranny failed and wasn't warranted??????
djdicetn
So how many years and how much acreage has that Gravely mowed to get 212 hours? And what model is it and what was the warranty? The HydroGear EZT's are designed for "light residential" use, and from what you described("one or two slight inclines"....but no acreage, etc.) you have a lot of hours compared to user txzrider who sates he puts an average of 25 hours/year on his(that is "light residential"). So if your ZTR is 8 years old(at 25 hrs/year) that's one thing, but if it's 3-4 years old that's a little more like heavy duty residential. If you've had it less than 3 years it might still be covered under a Gravely 3 year/1,000 hour Warranty. I have a 1.5-2.0 acre lot and that's why I invested in a Pro Turn 100 XDZ Commercial with the ZT-3400 trannies because I didn't want to wear out the non-serviceable EZT trannies that come on a light duty residential unit. Give us more information about what you are mowing and we'll try to give a recommendation(that Husqvarna MZ ZT 52 that user RatRacer has would not be having the prolems you are having at 212 hours)...but like you said it didn't cost $4K either.
Jake In CT,
Soooooo, you never responded and answered any of my questions. Your profile has Gravely and you stated it had the HydroGear EZT trannies so that seems to indicate you have a Gravely ZT. I'm really curious as to which deck size, how long you've had it and how many acres you are mowing with it. You indicated you mowed pretty fast(top speed on the ZT is 6mph) and that in-and-of-itself should not have caused the tranny to fail(although a light residential ZTR like the ZT may not bode well run wide open all the time with those EZT trannies). Like has been stated, 212 hours isn't very many for a tranny failure and the Gravely ZT's do have a 3-Year Warranty. Can you enlighten me as to how/why the tranny failed and wasn't warranted??????