Kubota ZD331 Possible Purchase

[pstrickey]

I am looking at a used ZD331 with a 60" mower deck at a local Kubota dealership. It has 570 hours and I started it yesterday at the dealership and noticed it will need a new battery (still will start). They are asking $9500 (which to me is too high) but this is some of my observations.

• The engine sounded a little rough until the RPMs were up some
• The hand levers (probably not the correct name) were stiff to pull in; afterwards their operation was good
• ZD mowers have a valve that changes from one fuel tank to the other. On this mower the lever was removed and it appears the previous owner did some "rigging" to allow fuel to be pulled from either fuel tank.

These are my initial observations and it appears Kubota brand filters were used for the hydraulic, fuel and oil filters Are there other things I can check to see about the engine and the hydraulic areas of the mower? The mower deck did not appear to be rusted or in bad shape. With the blades on there was not any obvious noise from the bearings. While I am familiar with the "older" Kubota ZD series of zero turns, a closer inspection to determine how it was cared for is always warranted. One thing in mind is if the previous owner removed the fuel tank lever switch what else has been modified or changed? Any easy way to verify the hour meter is working properly besides leaving it running for awhile and see if it changes?

What would you look for and any general price thoughts?

The dealership also has a used ZD323 with 550 hours and is a little cheaper. Does the extra 8 horsepower make a significant difference in the operation of the mower? I am mowing for personal use only approximately 4 acres each week.

Sorry for all of the questions but I have followed this forum for many years and learned a lot! Thank you for your help.

 

[Auto Doc's]

At that price and a bad battery with signs of rigging? Run Forest Run. As a minimum a new battery should already be in this thing.

Over 500 hours usually means it was used commercially.

What year is it? These were produced from 2007-2017 according to web information.

Unless the dealer can certify it and provide a decent warranty in writing, walk away. They are just trying to make a quick flip without verifying condition of anything on this unit.

It is likely due for a total fluid and filter change.

What is the condition of the other unit? It is likely a flip as well. It shows to be produced from 2008-2018.

Are they both beat up from being run into obstacles?

I am looking at a used ZD331 with a 60" mower deck at a local Kubota dealership. It has 570 hours and I started it yesterday at the dealership and noticed it will need a new battery (still will start). They are asking $9500 (which to me is too high) but this is some of my observations.

• The engine sounded a little rough until the RPMs were up some
• The hand levers (probably not the correct name) were stiff to pull in; afterwards their operation was good
• ZD mowers have a valve that changes from one fuel tank to the other. On this mower the lever was removed and it appears the previous owner did some "rigging" to allow fuel to be pulled from either fuel tank.

These are my initial observations and it appears Kubota brand filters were used for the hydraulic, fuel and oil filters Are there other things I can check to see about the engine and the hydraulic areas of the mower? The mower deck did not appear to be rusted or in bad shape. With the blades on there was not any obvious noise from the bearings. While I am familiar with the "older" Kubota ZD series of zero turns, a closer inspection to determine how it was cared for is always warranted. One thing in mind is if the previous owner removed the fuel tank lever switch what else has been modified or changed? Any easy way to verify the hour meter is working properly besides leaving it running for awhile and see if it changes?

What would you look for and any general price thoughts?

The dealership also has a used ZD323 with 550 hours and is a little cheaper. Does the extra 8 horsepower make a significant difference in the operation of the mower? I am mowing for personal use only approximately 4 acres each week.

Sorry for all of the questions but I have followed this forum for many years and learned a lot! Thank you for your help.