I was just wondering what everyone thought? I have test driven both models and as of right now I am considering the Kommander. The only reason I am not 100% is because of the kohler engine. Can I get some advice on what to do. pro and cons Thanks in advance
Kubota Kommander ZG127S VS Toro Titan MX5480
- Thread starter krackle
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RatRacer
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If you are buying now, then it's the MX5480.
The Kommander is a first year design, and out of the gate is already facing design recalls due to its fuel tank design. It's spec'd great, but what will be the next design snafu to rear its head to sideline it?
The Kohler is solid, just follow their published maintenance guidelines, then you are covered. The norm is that people with negative issues will post more about their experience on the interwebz, than those with positive ones. Ask the guy that will most likely be working on it for his opinion.
I too was hesitant about new Kohler's and B&S's, until I went and talked to a couple small engine repair guys and got the straight scoop on the what's and whys. That has quelled my hesitations about their abilities to handle the job.
Oh, and welcome to the site.
The Kommander is a first year design, and out of the gate is already facing design recalls due to its fuel tank design. It's spec'd great, but what will be the next design snafu to rear its head to sideline it?
The Kohler is solid, just follow their published maintenance guidelines, then you are covered. The norm is that people with negative issues will post more about their experience on the interwebz, than those with positive ones. Ask the guy that will most likely be working on it for his opinion.
I too was hesitant about new Kohler's and B&S's, until I went and talked to a couple small engine repair guys and got the straight scoop on the what's and whys. That has quelled my hesitations about their abilities to handle the job.
Oh, and welcome to the site.
I would not have reservations with either unit. Yes, there have been some recalls on the Kubota, but Kubota is addressing them as we speak and they are not serious. Kubota is a fine company and has made sure that any problems are open and transparent, plus has tried to make sure that the Kommander is up to Kubota quality. I personally feel that Kohler has resolved their engine problems and again I can recommend them, which I could not two years ago. We sell both units and in this case I would say go with your gut.
djdicetn
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krackle,
My two cents worth on these two models would have me leaning towards the Titan MX. I had never watched the "comparison video" on the Kubota website where it compares the Kommander to the Titan so I took a look. The video didn't really convince me of any significant benefits with the Kommander. And I found that it compared the Kubota Kommander ZG127S(flagship of that series) to the Toro Titan ZX5420(the entry level model for the Titan MX series). I feel you are comparing the appropriate models for your purchase decision. Even though the Kommander and Titan MX seemingly are pretty neck-to-neck on most features, the ones where I would prefer the Titan would be:
1)The height "dial" on the Kubota versus the traditional pins on the Titan. Even though the video emphasizes how "easy" the dial is compared to the pin, I am not convinced of the reliability factor over several years. I would need the Kubota dealer to explain in more detail how the dial worked and parts associated with it that may wear over time affecting the functionality. I looked at a Bad Boy ZTR that had a "motorized" height adjustment that made that function look REAL easy. But after looking close at the design and asking what a replacement motor would cost me....I dropped that model off my list immediately.
2)The Warranty coverage of the Titan MX5480(versus the ZX5420) is 3Years/400 Hours whereas the Kubota is 4Years/300 Hours. Not really much difference there unless you forsee putting 300 hours on your ZTR in 2 years which would make the 400 hours a little better. Most likely the 1 year extra could be considered a plus for the Kubota. However, the Titan does come with a Lifetime Frame Warranty and the Kubota doesn't mention anything specific about the frame warranty.
3)Personally, I would prefer the foldable ROPS on the Toro Titan MX versus the solid ROPS on the Kommander.
4) The fuel tank capacity of 5 gals. on the Toro and 4.3 gals. on the Kubota is negligible, however I am 99.9% certain that the Toro Titan MX has a "fuel gauge" where the Kubota has a sight window to look at the gas level through the tank. That is one thing that I "hated" on my old Craftsman lawn tractor(the "sight window") because it didn't really take very long for gasoline to make actually being able to see where the level of the gas was at through the "used to be clear" tank window virtually impossible and I always had to fill the tank after each mowing just to ensure that I didn't run out of gas while cutting the lawn.
Those 4 areas are most likely not "deal breakers" but that along with the potential aggravation of "first year bugs" for the Kommander would be what influenced my personal choice between these two. Maybe after a season or two of owner experiences with the Kommander and their reviews as well as refinements to this line by Kubota can convince me to go the other direction should I recommend the purchase of one of these two ZTR's.
P.S.
I initially overlooked the LED headlights on the Kubota versus no headlights on the Toro.....but I mounted a pair of off-road halogen driving lights on my Gravely for < $40 so I wouldn't have even considered that additional feature when buying.
djdicetn
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That's good to know...I had no idea. Definitely one less negative trait regarding my personal opinion of the Kommander!!
jimrs
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Kubota in my opinion is one of the top manufactures in the world on equipment like this. I'm sure that they have thought out a lot of problems before they started building these new mowers. I own two kubota tractors and had a walk behind Kubota mower for over 15years. The walk behind mower was the best mower I have ever owned. It was self propelled, rear bagger, or mulch. I had had sears, toro, dime store mowers and Honda. The Kubota was the best of the lot. In the 15 years that I owned it all it cost me was maint of oil, and air filters. I tore the tire with a nail on the sidewall and when I tried to repair it with a new tire I found that they quit selling them in the U.S. so parts were not to be found in this country any more. That mower never disappointed me The self propelled transmission would climb a tree if you were not careful. The motor started on the first pull every time.
So I would not be afraid of buying a first year z turn mower from them. In fact I would have if they were selling them last year. And my tractors have been great with no problems.
So I would not be afraid of buying a first year z turn mower from them. In fact I would have if they were selling them last year. And my tractors have been great with no problems.
I love my Kommander...
The recalls are done...and Kubota COMPLETELY took care of me with no problems.
The Kohler is the PRO model and not the Courage. There is a lot of folks that have this engine with no problem AS LONG as you take care of it. (Ric will testify to that) The 27hp has is crazy powerful for my 52" deck. I love Kowi's too, but I know folks that have problems with those too. Like folks have said.. DO YOU REALLY think Kubota is going to put a piece of crap of a motor on their products at this level.
The cut is GREAT...even at full speed I find it does a great job.
I love the lift mechanism...nice and simple and seems very easy to adjust (if needed).
The lower center of gravity...it has a belly fuel tank. People make lame comments about it for no reason.
The deck is a monster, you can use it as a shield if you ever start taking fire. Very well built. The simple height adjustment works way too easy.
The dampened control arms work very well.
The upgraded seat is the wonderful.
Plus... the look and style is not bad either.
THE ONLY THING I don't like...the noise of the deck... it's loud.
My suggestion... talk to people that actually have the mowers you are considering and not folks that just "heard" or have done a lot of cyber reading. You owe yourself to that when you spending this kind of money.
If you have any questions feel free to PM me.
Stay safe,
Mike
The recalls are done...and Kubota COMPLETELY took care of me with no problems.
The Kohler is the PRO model and not the Courage. There is a lot of folks that have this engine with no problem AS LONG as you take care of it. (Ric will testify to that) The 27hp has is crazy powerful for my 52" deck. I love Kowi's too, but I know folks that have problems with those too. Like folks have said.. DO YOU REALLY think Kubota is going to put a piece of crap of a motor on their products at this level.
The cut is GREAT...even at full speed I find it does a great job.
I love the lift mechanism...nice and simple and seems very easy to adjust (if needed).
The lower center of gravity...it has a belly fuel tank. People make lame comments about it for no reason.
The deck is a monster, you can use it as a shield if you ever start taking fire. Very well built. The simple height adjustment works way too easy.
The dampened control arms work very well.
The upgraded seat is the wonderful.
Plus... the look and style is not bad either.
THE ONLY THING I don't like...the noise of the deck... it's loud.
My suggestion... talk to people that actually have the mowers you are considering and not folks that just "heard" or have done a lot of cyber reading. You owe yourself to that when you spending this kind of money.
If you have any questions feel free to PM me.
Stay safe,
Mike
Thanks Duckman I am really relying on comments from people that already own this machine...that is the only thing to go by...what do you think of the ROPS?
ROPS....let me see. Just like most safety devices they can be a pain...but to tell you the truth I have not even thought about it. I thought I would mind that it did not break over when I first looked at it and almost decided to take it off...but like I said I have not even thought about it...I just mow. You have looked at and I'm sure you have sat in one...what you will notice is the "stance" of the kommander. It's a little different, seems a bit lower than most, thus I think it gives the ROPS a different feel.
HTH
Mike
HTH
Mike