Yeah both have there quirks no doubt, I am now leaning towards the Kubota for the simple fact of the insurance they offer. I would hate to drive my new mower in the bayou (Live on water) or have it stolen. They also cover it while being transported. Either machine is good, Gravely does look beefier and my friend has had his for 6 or 7 seasons with only a starter issue but he has the koler. I am going to get something tomorrow. May change my mind ten times before now and then but I will have a new mower tomorrow. Watch it rain all weekend.
new zero turn huslter, kubota, gravely
- Thread starter pbjeep
- Start date
Yeah both have there quirks no doubt, I am now leaning towards the Kubota for the simple fact of the insurance they offer. I would hate to drive my new mower in the bayou (Live on water) or have it stolen. They also cover it while being transported. Either machine is good, Gravely does look beefier and my friend has had his for 6 or 7 seasons with only a starter issue but he has the koler. I am going to get something tomorrow. May change my mind ten times before now and then but I will have a new mower tomorrow. Watch it rain all weekend.
Regardless of which mower you choose, I think you'll be happy with it. Seems like whatever someone has, it's the best, so you have to weigh all of the variables and what's most important to you. If you're still considering the Gravely but the insurance is an issue, you may want to check to see whether Gravely offers similar insurance. Could be the same insurance company that Kubota uses for their mowers. Also, I believe Gravely has that zero interest financing if that is of interest. Someone mentioned that the dealer relationship is important, and also the proximity to your home. Unfortunately, my Kubota dealer is closer to where I live but the sales person really sucks, and I believe he's a reflection of that business itself. Doesn't like to answer technical questions. The only way I found out that Kubota uses an aluminum spindle is by speaking with the regional rep, but still don't know whether they use ball bearings. The rep said that the spindle specs should be on their spec sheet and will do so in the future. Let us know when and what you decide.
My search is over. I got the Kubota 48" zg124e. I had a chance to use it today. Does what I need it to. Good luck with what ever you chose. Dealer had a lot to do with it as well as insurance. Plus it looks sweet and I may trade it on a tractor one day who knows.
Ragnar4841
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Congrats! I really like mine. I can't compare to any other ZT, but after I mowed for the first time, I went out and got a good pair of noise-cancelling earmuffs because that thing is LOUD with the PTO engaged. The foam plugs just didn't do it.
And the oil changes are super-easy, don't even need tools.
That's great news! Now your anguish over deciding is done, and regrettable for me, mine is not done. I think you'll be very happy with the Kubota as it does feel nice, a big plus. The big advantage I like with the Kubota are the control handles as compared with the Gravely. I had decided on the Gravely and sent an e-mail to the dealer to order a 2014 model, but the dealer hasn't returned my e-mail. Dealer has a 2013 ZT HD on floor but evidently he wants to sell the floor model. But I want a 2014 that hasn't been handled. I noticed that the floor model has one of the hand controls binding in the open position. Maybe someone over-torqued the nut that holds the bushing to the control arm pivot but I prefer a 2014 even though there is no difference in specs. So at this point I need to try a different Gravely dealer or go Kubota. With the new Gravely dealer, he's about 30 minutes further from the Kubota dealer, but his price out the door on his 2013 floor model is $500 less than the Kubota. So I really need to make a decision. Best of luck with your new Kubota, a fine looking machine.
You do realize that ear plugs provide more decibel reduction than over the ear protection? Typically ear plugs are 30 decibel reduction whereas most over the ear is 25 decibel reduction.
On another note, aluminum mandrels are commonly used on commercial mowers. Not many use cast iron, it's doesn't have the same thermal properties. Kawasaki isn't a superior engine if anyone thinks that. Kohler makes a great engine, as well as Generac.
They are all good choices, it is what you are comfortable with.
I will have to disagree Kawasaki is a superior to a Kohler engine. Don't know anything about Generac, so I have no comment about them. I been having a Gravely ZT 44" small commercial owner for 8 years now since 06, and one of the main reason I bought the Gravely was the option for a Kawasaki engine, and of course the cast iron spindles with packed ball bearings. I did 3 months of study on which one to buy back then. I have to say I have never made a better decision in my life. Besides norm maintenance, I have only have had a couple of $15-$20 buck Soleloids, go out in the 8 years I have owned my Gravely. I recommended my Gravely a year later to a friend of mine and he bought the same one as me, and he has not had problems with his neither.
Go luck Rustyboy if you get the Gravely. There are great mowers.
Kawasaki makes a good engine, but they aren't the best. They've had many issues with valve guides and warped heads. Many of those were designed for Deere, but those aren't the only ones they had problems with. I have Kawasaki on three pieces of equipment, I've had over 10 Kawasaki's in my career. I like Kohler though and you can talk to many shops that'll tell you that Kawasaki engines do have problems. There are advantages to all of them.
The B&S Vanguard, a good engine, is based off the original design of Generac. Generac makes one of the most reliable engines out there, I would say Kohler second and Kawasaki a close third. Most Kawasaki's don't have problems, but some do. A LOT of it is in how you maintain it.
The B&S Vanguard, a good engine, is based off the original design of Generac. Generac makes one of the most reliable engines out there, I would say Kohler second and Kawasaki a close third. Most Kawasaki's don't have problems, but some do. A LOT of it is in how you maintain it.
Out of Kawasaki and Kohler twin engines, Kawasaki wins hands down. I know many lawn professionals that will tell you the same. They will tell you that Kohler engines have many more issues than Kawasaki engines do. Maybe Deere was cutting cost as to the designed one they were buying from Kawasaki. The Kawasaki's in Gravely mowers are top notch. :thumbsup: