For the price and what they are meant for they are perfect... I work at a Kubota dealership and while we deal in Scag, Dixie Chopper, and Gravely.
I wouldn't recommend this for a commercial application because afterall it is belt driven rather than shaft driven, which is why we were able to reduce the price point so much... If you have any questions for want some information just PM me.
Thanks for the feedback KubotaJohn! I haven't pulled the trigger on buying the new mower, but still eyeing the Kommander. I am just a homeowner looking for a good product that will last me a LONG time....there will be no commercial use here. How do you feel about B&S Pro engine vs. the Kohler (which is installed on the S models)? As mentioned in my original email, I'm planning on purchasing the 124E-48 due to price. I can't really afford the S models, but hope the 124E will be just as good without all the bells and whistles. Any thoughts on this?
I am interested in this mower as well. What is this "belt drive" you speak about? I will use on residential-about 2.5-3 acres however it is very rough and has lotsa ridges and humps with about 20% some kinda slope up to about 15 degrees. I am looking at Gravely and Country Clipper as well. How much can I expect to spend on this Kommander with suspension seat and a 52/54" deck?In the FWIW category
I have purchased a 124S-54.
I have posted this kind of before on another part of this forum..
A couple things, before you buy it...make sure you get BOTH recalls done AND DO NOT BUY the "lift assist" option.
The "lift assist" can not be adjusted properly and seems to be an after thought. No mater how it is adjusted, either it does not give you any assist OR once the deck is lifted you cant release it.
That being said...I love the mower, no special order
- The dampened control handles
- The simple deck height adjustment-as easy as my old LX188
- The SEAT on the "S" model is super nice
- The thing just looks great
- I like the simplicity of the deck lift moving parts AND the deck seems to be bullit proof
- It seems to have easy maintenance
- I like the configuration of the belt drive...much better than my LX188
- The warranty
- It seems to have a nice low center of gravity
Stay safe,
Mike
SCM...
I mow about 2 acres and the bulk is flat but dumpy and in some areas nice & bumpy...but overall semi smooth. I have no problems, I do slow down over the worst areas as you would expect. I'm still impressed with the amount of power it has, even at full speed it has a great cut.
As far as the Kawie...I am fan also but that was from a 15 year old JD, THAT Kawie will probably out last the Kawies being built now. Just my thought, I'm not sure if you can compare the the old ones to today's.
Just a side note the "kits" for the latest update are in. Mine is being pick up tomorrow for installation.
If you any other questions feel free to PM me.
Sate safe,
Mike
Just purchased the ZG127-S, and can say that it is a mowing machine (for me at least). the ride is incredible and the power of the 27hp engine is great. They are litterly no clippings left on my yard. I purchased this mower out of state in Illinoise. Every where in KY had them priced at $5799. I got mine on a steal, i thought for $5400!! So far i am really pleased with the mower. hopefully this mower will last me several years.
The big one was the fuel tank...any Komander that is being sold now will be up to date. I would have no worry about what you are getting.
I hope you find one...if you have any questions feel free to PM me.
Mike
I have the Kubota zg123s. That's the 48" deck. I paid an extra $500 for Kohler 23hp instead of the Briggs. It's quick and powerful. Good seat and the lights are nice. 47 hrs. I've had a couple of problems. At 30 hrs the starter locked up. The dealer fixed it immediately, good to go. The one true flaw that I have found is in the design of the front wheel assemblies. I run the front wheel in a hole while mowing at a fast speed. Wheel and fork broke off. Maybe 3/4" diameter steel pin. The pin is welded to the fork at the very bottom only. Needs two welds. Checked with dealer about coverage, he's checking on it for me and two other people. The drive pulleys underneath the motor could use a guard of some sort. I backed into a tree limb and damaged the blade belt. $123. Checking on coverage. Mine works hard every weekend, I think that it's at the top for that level mower along with hustler. The deck mounts and system seem to be more rugged than other brands and I think a more level cut. That's all I got..
I bought my ZG124 back in May or June and I've had great luck with it. I stayed with a 48" deck due to the opening of my shed and gate for the backyard, plus I'm under an acre in size, so a ZT with a 48" deck is overkill to begin with.
I love the quality of cut that it offers. Even after being away for 10 days on vacation, and mowing over 3" of growth, I didn't have any clumping, even with slightly damp grass. That impressed me.
At the time I purchased it, I didn't think the lights were necessary, but as fall is approaching, I can see the benefit in them, so I'll probably order up the kit. On my old John Deere, I had switched my blades to a set of Gatorblades. Unfortunately, I contacted Gatorblades and they don't make a set of the Kubota's with a 48" deck yet. I'm not sure I want to go full mulching, but I'd like to get a set of mulching blades.
As for a couple comments I've read about not having an access panel for the belt/spindles, it's only 4 bolts to remove the panel, that's less than a minute worth of work, and I'm happy they did that as it's more secure.
For the price and what they are meant for they are perfect... I work at a Kubota dealership and while we deal in Scag, Dixie Chopper, and Gravely.
I wouldn't recommend this for a commercial application because afterall it is belt driven rather than shaft driven, which is why we were able to reduce the price point so much... If you have any questions for want some information just PM me.
I know this is an old post but I had to laugh at your shaft vs. belt driven comment...most ZTR's commercial and residential are belt driven and that's not the reason you market this as a residential model...I would say it's because of those weak deck mounting brackets and that residential Kohler couragelsss engine... and that shaft driven option ain't all it's made out to b...I've heard several complaints... just sayin that shaft driven comment you made is very misleading
It may have helped you reduce the price some more but theres other way More important reasons why this model is sold at a cheap price.. I will say Kubota sales the best lookin ZTR's but when it comes to mowers looks are of little later importance
What about mulch kit? Should I or shouldn't i?
I'm also interested in the mulch kit. Any feedback on the quality of it and pricing?
For the price and what they are meant for they are perfect... I work at a Kubota dealership and while we deal in Scag, Dixie Chopper, and Gravely.
I wouldn't recommend this for a commercial application because afterall it is belt driven rather than shaft driven, which is why we were able to reduce the price point so much... If you have any questions for want some information just PM me.
It handles the hills better then my old conventional riding mower more stable going up and down and sideways get the suspension seat it's amazingI am looking at a Kammander also, how will it handle some hilly turf, slopes near the road, slight down back and around the house.
Mowing about 2.5 acres.
Thx.
I am looking at the Kommander 54". My property slopes up from road. I have 4.5 acres in grass/hay/weed mix, with 2 long fields in front of house and sloped field behind. Gradual slopes, even surfaces. No hazards (ie no ponds, drop off etc). Cut now with Craftsman 21HP lawn tractor but takes so long. Just concered about ZTR stability on slopes as forums offer mixed messages. Thoughts?
I believe any ZT will have its struggles with slopes. If they are gradual & without obstacles you should be fine as long as its dry. With the Kubota you get a standard ROPS and if you don't have any small, decorative trees in those fields then it should serve you well (I took the ROPS off mine as it presented a hazard around dogwood trees).
I can't imagine how long it takes you to do 4.5 acres with little Craftsman tractor. My guess is the 54" Kommander will cut that time down to 1/4 or 1/3 of what it takes you now.
Where do I start? Bottom line - up front. If you haven't bought it -Don't! Have had mine two months and it has spent most of that time in the shop. Springs, idler arm, transverse axle, belt problems. Keep away from the Kubota ZG124E. I may have gotten the only lemon in the box, but I am about to hand the ting back to Kubota and tell them adios.
Where do I start? Bottom line - up front. If you haven't bought it -Don't! Have had mine two months and it has spent most of that time in the shop. Springs, idler arm, transverse axle, belt problems. Keep away from the Kubota ZG124E. I may have gotten the only lemon in the box, but I am about to hand the ting back to Kubota and tell them adios.
In the FWIW category
I have purchased a 124S-54.
I have posted this kind of before on another part of this forum..
A couple things, before you buy it...make sure you get BOTH recalls done AND DO NOT BUY the "lift assist" option.
The "lift assist" can not be adjusted properly and seems to be an after thought. No mater how it is adjusted, either it does not give you any assist OR once the deck is lifted you cant release it.
That being said...I love the mower, no special order
- The dampened control handles
- The simple deck height adjustment-as easy as my old LX188
- The SEAT on the "S" model is super nice
- The thing just looks great
- I like the simplicity of the deck lift moving parts AND the deck seems to be bullit proof
- It seems to have easy maintenance
- I like the configuration of the belt drive...much better than my LX188
- The warranty
- It seems to have a nice low center of gravity
Stay safe,
Mike
I bought my ZG124 back in May or June and I've had great luck with it. I stayed with a 48" deck due to the opening of my shed and gate for the backyard, plus I'm under an acre in size, so a ZT with a 48" deck is overkill to begin with.
I love the quality of cut that it offers. Even after being away for 10 days on vacation, and mowing over 3" of growth, I didn't have any clumping, even with slightly damp grass. That impressed me.
At the time I purchased it, I didn't think the lights were necessary, but as fall is approaching, I can see the benefit in them, so I'll probably order up the kit. On my old John Deere, I had switched my blades to a set of Gatorblades. Unfortunately, I contacted Gatorblades and they don't make a set of the Kubota's with a 48" deck yet. I'm not sure I want to go full mulching, but I'd like to get a set of mulching blades.
As for a couple comments I've read about not having an access panel for the belt/spindles, it's only 4 bolts to remove the panel, that's less than a minute worth of work, and I'm happy they did that as it's more secure.
Just bought a 123S yesterday and will be delivered later this week as it hasn't been assembled. Duckman said there are two recalls but only one is listed on Kubota's webpage related to pressure relief valve. I know mine is not affected with that issue since the serial number is 15xxx. So what's the other recall for? Would definitely like dealer to take care of it before delivery.
@vg92 - My dealer said the last recall was related to the parking brake. That was the only safety campaign work that had to be done to my 123S, that I picked up yesterday. There was another related to a spring, according to my dealer.
I'm thinking you got the lift assist.... That thing has to be adjusted properly, that is a dealer thing. Happen to me too, they re-adjusted it and got better as it got broke in.
That ring you see on the cylinder, moving it a little goes along way. If it was me I'd be disappointed too.
You may not like this suggestion, but if you want to lower your deck...slam, yes I said slam your foot down, I bet that will releases it.
I have the Kubota zg123s. That's the 48" deck. I paid an extra $500 for Kohler 23hp instead of the Briggs. It's quick and powerful. Good seat and the lights are nice. 47 hrs. I've had a couple of problems. At 30 hrs the starter locked up. The dealer fixed it immediately, good to go. The one true flaw that I have found is in the design of the front wheel assemblies. I run the front wheel in a hole while mowing at a fast speed. Wheel and fork broke off. Maybe 3/4" diameter steel pin. The pin is welded to the fork at the very bottom only. Needs two welds. Checked with dealer about coverage, he's checking on it for me and two other people. The drive pulleys underneath the motor could use a guard of some sort. I backed into a tree limb and damaged the blade belt. $123. Checking on coverage. Mine works hard every weekend, I think that it's at the top for that level mower along with hustler. The deck mounts and system seem to be more rugged than other brands and I think a more level cut. That's all I got..
I also work for a Kubota dealer and would echo what KubotaJohn says. The upgraded warranty has impressed our customers so much, that we have sold two with two feet of snow on the ground.