Export thread

I mow 4 acres every 5 days. Been doing this with a 48 JD tractor. I've been looking at ZTM for a while. I recently ran across a Kabota Kommander ZG124E-48. $4500 & 0% for 36 months. Right now, this is definitely top of my list. Anyone have experience with this? I know it's new, but is this a good deal? I can get cheaper mowers ~$3000, but they all seem cheap in various ways. Any thoughts? Thanks.

It should be a good Z, Kubota is generally a great product and they have a 4 year, 300 hr warranty...
& That has the B&S Professional engine.
As to price 4500 looks to be what everyone is offering it, But if you could get them to toss in any of the 3 options:
My first choice would be the Adjustable Suspension Seat, $293...
They also have a Deck assist lift kit,$52...
and a LED light kit, $246...

This being the New model and the start of the season, you may not find any Great deals anywhere... But you 'might' get them to cut you some slack on the options.... :smile:KennyV

KluLess said:

I mow 4 acres every 5 days. Been doing this with a 48 JD tractor. I've been looking at ZTM for a while. I recently ran across a Kabota Kommander ZG124E-48. $4500 & 0% for 36 months. Right now, this is definitely top of my list. Anyone have experience with this? I know it's new, but is this a good deal? I can get cheaper mowers ~$3000, but they all seem cheap in various ways. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Click to expand...

Kluless,
If you buy that Kommander, you may want to read the thread below by another forum user before getting the deck lift assist kit(this recent Kommander ZG127S model buyer gives a pretty discouraging review of the deck lift assist kit).

http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/mower...zt-52-vs-kubota-kammander-zg127-new-post.html

That's only one dealer. See that this is a new unit, I'll bet it was install wrong by the mchanic. We have had no problems with the lift assist, but I will add that the weather here has not encouraged a lot of cuttings. If you have a problem Kubota will be there to assist you. Remember you have a four year warranty, if you would need it. As Kenny said they make a great product.

Thanks for the help. I'm gonna test it out on Monday. I think the seat is worth the upgrade, but would it better to go with the Kholer engine on the 124S for only $500 more? I'd get the seat, lights and engine for $500.

I looked at the machine at my local Kubota dealer and the only question I have is the quality of the motor options.
Would love to hear some thoughts on the Kohler Courage Pro and the B&S motor options.

Thanks,

Steve

Hello Steve & WELCOME to these Forums....

I have not read anything outstandingly Good about the Kohler Courage engine... I think given the choice I'd go with the Command if limited to the Kohler line... :smile:KennyV

Being such a new unit I can not comment which engine is better matched for this unit. Personally I have always been partial to the Briggs. My guess is which engine do you feel more comfortable with. Don't feel youcan go wrong with either one. May want to read these to reviews.


2013 Kubota ZG100 Kommander Review

http://www.businesswire.com/news/ho...00-Series-Kubota痴-Residential-Zero-Turn-Mower

Okay, I'm an idiot. Looks like I picked the right username. My trailer has been at my inlaws house for a while and I thought it was smaller than it actually is. Turns out, it can haul the 54" ZG127 easily. Is the extra 6" cut worth $700?

Thanks for the responses. I'll be looking at the BS not the Kholer now and try to get the seat upgrade. Don't care about the lights. Can't see needing a deck lift assist unless my six year old was mowing (not happening btw).

Thanks again

It only matters if you are worried about how long it will take you to cut your lawn. If you are cutting 4 acres every 5 days, that could mean something to some people. One thing I have found that the narrower the deck the better the finished cut looks.

determine if the larger deck will help you or hurt you. If you have alot to mow around, a larger deck sometimes can actually increase your mowing time.

I'm going to the shop tomorrow to look at the Kabota. Before I go, are there other mowers in the $5k range (54") that I should look at too? I think in pretty well set on the Kabota, but I don't want to overlook something. It's amazing how the price creeps up as I keep looking. I better stop doo before I hit the $10k range

KluLess said:

I'm going to the shop tomorrow to look at the Kabota. Before I go, are there other mowers in the $5k range (54") that I should look at too? I think in pretty well set on the Kabota, but I don't want to overlook something. It's amazing how the price creeps up as I keep looking. I better stop doo before I hit the $10k range

Click to expand...

Kluless,
Toro Titan ZX5420(the 2012 had approximately a $4500 MSRP). Even better than that(I almost bought one) is the Toro Titan MX5480(MSRP around $5,300). The MX has a full suspension seat, foldable ROPS, lifetime frame and 3year/400 hour warranty. I'd recommend a look at the Titan MX before pulling the trigger on the Kubota(the Kubota website has a "comparison to the Toro Titan", but I've never looked at it). Remember, "brand new models" sometimes have some bugs to be worked out.

Have the Toros and Kubota's sitting side by side and if you compare them that way you will see that they are both good units. Djdices comment about problems with new models is unwarranted. Doesn't matter if it is a new model or model year, they all could have problems. While installing a lift assist option, I took a very close look at it and for the little bit of help it offers, I would not purchase it.

Just got a quote for the Titan MX 4880 of $5899 that would put the 5480 well over $6K. That's really not even a comparable model with the 124E @ $4499.

KluLess said:

Okay, I'm an idiot. Looks like I picked the right username. My trailer has been at my inlaws house for a while and I thought it was smaller than it actually is. Turns out, it can haul the 54" ZG127 easily. Is the extra 6" cut worth $700?

Thanks for the responses. I'll be looking at the BS not the Kholer now and try to get the seat upgrade. Don't care about the lights. Can't see needing a deck lift assist unless my six year old was mowing (not happening btw).

Thanks again

Click to expand...

GET THE UPGRADE....I love the seat. The one thing that made me get the 54" was how far the deck sticks out from the left side tire, I think it is easier to trim around edges with.

To me it is well powered/matched with the Kohler.

As far as the lift assist...that 52 deck is a muth-tha. THERE is a difference between the 48 and 52.

KluLess said:

Just got a quote for the Titan MX 4880 of $5899 that would put the 5480 well over $6K. That's really not even a comparable model with the 124E @ $4499.

Click to expand...

Kluless,
Well, I'm not a dealer or associated with a dealer like some users so I don't know the 2013 model prices(or the dealer you visited). All I can say is I was given a price of $5,300 for a 2012 Toro Titan MX5480(with the 54" deck). Either they've gone up a bunch for 2013(my Gravely went up $300 over the 2012 I bought) or the dealer just isn't budging on MSRP. You are also shopping in the season that is a "dealers market" whereas I bought mine in September just before the 2013 models came out(making it a "buyers market"). In the fall, any current year models a dealer has in stock makes him/her much more like a car dealer(NEGOTIABLE)!!! Best I can calculate, I saved $1,300 out-the-door buying a 2012 in September versus buying a 2013 this week. Just sayin......make a "counter-offer'. If the dealer is selling machines hand-over-foot right now(unlikely with the economy like it is) he won't negotiate. Otherwise, what have you got to lose(you & I both know that Toro dealer is making a "chunk of change" at $5899 for that 48"). I would have offered him $5,000 out-the-door, gave him my phone number and walked out the door. If he calls, he calls. If he don't buy something else from somebody else(like you are doing). Again, it's your money and if he wants it to be his he'll call you.

Thanks for the advise. Like I said before, I think I was pretty well set on the Kabota. Especially after comparing models side-by-side. I ran into a lot of salesmen that were really not interested in dealing with someone asking a lot of questions and correcting them when they said the wrong thing. Can you imagine the nerve of me, actually getting informed about products before I visit the store (sarcasm). So, now I have a ZG124E with a suspension seat. I should have it in a week or so.

Dice, if you really think I am going to make a "chunk of change" selling a unit at $5899 you don't know anything about this business. If you offered me $5000, I will make something as long as you don't ask for any options to be included.

Rivets said:

Dice, if you really think I am going to make a "chunk of change" selling a unit at $5899 you don't know anything about this business. If you offered me $5000, I will make something as long as you don't ask for any options to be included.

Click to expand...

Rivets,
So what did the dealer I bought my 2012 Gravely from for $6,800 out-the-door make on it with it having a $7199 MSRP(plus tax) "sticker price". I figured I save about $1k total(and $1,300 based upon the 2013 same model ZTR the dealer had delivered shortly thereafter). Or, in other words, is there a general cost/sale "profit margin" that dealers have regardless of brand/model? Or maybe the question should be "what is the % markup over cost"?
And do I really think you will answer either of those questions???????

KluLess said:

Thanks for the advise. Like I said before, I think I was pretty well set on the Kabota. Especially after comparing models side-by-side. I ran into a lot of salesmen that were really not interested in dealing with someone asking a lot of questions and correcting them when they said the wrong thing. Can you imagine the nerve of me, actually getting informed about products before I visit the store (sarcasm). So, now I have a ZG124E with a suspension seat. I should have it in a week or so.

Click to expand...

KluLess,

Congrats!!!! You're gonna love that suspension seat. Post some pics and keep us updated on how you like it after you get some hours on it!!!

I have no idea of the markup on Gravely products, so I can't answer that question. I do know the markup on the Kubota and I can't sell it for $5000 if I want to make a fair profit.

Rivets said:

I have no idea of the markup on Gravely products, so I can't answer that question. I do know the markup on the Kubota and I can't sell it for $5000 if I want to make a fair profit.

Click to expand...

Rivets,
So if I had walked in your dealership's door last September, told you I had $6,800 in my pocket......what 2012 model Kubota would I have purchased prior to the 2013's coming out(presuming that you had one of every 2012 model in stock). I'm curious, as my father-in-law has a 72" diesel Kubota that cost him well over $10K(and he said he got a real good deal on it) and I wonder if I had a $6,800 Kubota versus my Gravely what "features" would I have(giving me a link to "look at" the model I "bought from you" would help). If you can make me "regret" buying the Gravely you would have really accomplished something(I'm watching and waiting to see how the cost of necessary repairs on my Gravely over the years compared with my father-in-law's Kubota's necessary repairs pans out).

What is this, a test? For a person that did his homework before buying his Gravely, you know that Kubota didn't have anything in that price range last year. Is asking me to compare a tractor to a Z-turn another part of the test? That's like comparing apples to oranges, they are for two different jobs. That is one of the reasons they were developing the Kommander, to enter a part of the market they couldn't cover. I would have shown you a TitanMX 6080 which I could have probably sold you for $5500-5800. I'm guessing that your father-in-law probably purchased a B or BX series tractor, depending on options. Test is over, I'm done with this thread, there are better questions and individuals to work with.

Rivets said:

What is this, a test? For a person that did his homework before buying his Gravely, you know that Kubota didn't have anything in that price range last year. Is asking me to compare a tractor to a Z-turn another part of the test? That's like comparing apples to oranges, they are for two different jobs. That is one of the reasons they were developing the Kommander, to enter a part of the market they couldn't cover. I would have shown you a TitanMX 6080 which I could have probably sold you for $5500-5800. I'm guessing that your father-in-law probably purchased a B or BX series tractor, depending on options. Test is over, I'm done with this thread, there are better questions and individuals to work with.

Click to expand...

Rivets,
I agree it's time to move on. But at least you admitted that Kubota(especially in 2012 models) did not have anything to offer me as far as a Commercial ZTR that was competitive with my Gravely. The Kommander is NOT a Commercial-grade ZTR, therefore is still not competitive with my Gravely(and many other brands with "Commercial ZTR's" in the $6K-$10K price range). My father-in-laws Kubota is indeed a diesel ZTR.....not a tractor and has a MSRP of $13K-$14K. So, even if both of us would be considered "biased" by other users I think from the perspective of users searching for a < $10K ZTR with Commercial qualities the bias of "buy a Kubota Commander" is heavier than those of us recommending other brands we have knowledge of/experience with. I'm done with this debate as well!!!!!

KluLess,
I'm jealous that you've made your decision already!
I was hoping problem solved yesterday....but no, we didn't win the BadBoy mower that they gave away yesterday. :-(
But......I did sit on a Kubota Kommander , 123 model is all that they had sitting outside - the place was closed when we went by it.
We sat on it.....and it did feel real good. "Standard riding mowers" hurt my back - that is why I've always used a push lawnmower.
But with age creeping up, and so many other chores to keep up on, think it's time to break down and getting something a little more efficient!
It felt really good on my back- not to lean over to steer.
But the 123 model had the Kohler engine - which my husband said he won't consider....but he will consider a Briggs& Stratton.
The 0 % finance is a GREAT option, as i'm not quite ready to sell my kidney for one ...just yet. ...beleive it ends May 31st.
My goodness tho - I feel like I'm back in school doing so much research - but with all your all's help - has made it so much easier.
Thanks a million to all - and warning, I will most likely have more questions.
Happy Sunday,
Fry

fry said:

KluLess,
I'm jealous that you've made your decision already!
I was hoping problem solved yesterday....but no, we didn't win the BadBoy mower that they gave away yesterday. :-(
But......I did sit on a Kubota Kommander , 123 model is all that they had sitting outside - the place was closed when we went by it.
We sat on it.....and it did feel real good. "Standard riding mowers" hurt my back - that is why I've always used a push lawnmower.
But with age creeping up, and so many other chores to keep up on, think it's time to break down and getting something a little more efficient!
It felt really good on my back- not to lean over to steer.
But the 123 model had the Kohler engine - which my husband said he won't consider....but he will consider a Briggs& Stratton.
The 0 % finance is a GREAT option, as i'm not quite ready to sell my kidney for one ...just yet. ...beleive it ends May 31st.
My goodness tho - I feel like I'm back in school doing so much research - but with all your all's help - has made it so much easier.
Thanks a million to all - and warning, I will most likely have more questions.
Happy Sunday,
Fry

Click to expand...

Fry,
Try to find one with a full suspension seat, rather than a regular spring suspension, or a reasonable upgrade to a full suspension. My ZTR has one, you adjust it to your weight and then adjust the lumbar support so it feels right. Makes a big difference in the comfort level while mowing!!!!!

FYI....the kits for the latest updates are in for the Kubota Kammander. My is getting installed tomorrow.

Still totally in love with this beast.

Stay Safe,

Mike

djdicetn said:

Fry,
Try to find one with a full suspension seat, rather than a regular spring suspension, or a reasonable upgrade to a full suspension. My ZTR has one, you adjust it to your weight and then adjust the lumbar support so it feels right. Makes a big difference in the comfort level while mowing!!!!!

Click to expand...

Fry,
For an apples-to-apples comparison of a 48" Kubota Kommander Z124E to a Gravely ZT HD 48(features/specs/price) please see my post(Post#20) in the following thread. I think my information is accurate as I tried to compare everything I could find:

http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/mower-buying-pricing/15557-kubota.html

djdicetn said:

Fry,
For an apples-to-apples comparison of a 48" Kubota Kommander Z124E to a Gravely ZT HD 48(features/specs/price) please see my post(Post#20) in the following thread. I think my information is accurate as I tried to compare everything I could find:

http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/mower-buying-pricing/15557-kubota.html

Click to expand...

I saw the Kommanders at our Kubota dealer. I was looking for a commercial mower therefore all I did was give them a passing glance and went on. I do know that there was a line of them across the front of the dealer and since then they all left and some more have appeared and they are all gone as well. Looks like they are selling like hotcakes here. I know from experience of operating Kubota, working on Kubota, and having friends and acquaintances that have Kubota there is nothing better on the market. Everything I have ever seen that was Kubota could take a licking and keep ticking.