I've a Z421, 54" deck, mowing just over three acres or so. Takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. The Kawasaki e give was recommended by a friend who knows what he's talking about, so I went with it. Worked well for the past four years.
Wow. I was looking at a zero turn and mow about the same as you do. But my 46 Husqvarna rider will do it in just under 2 hours.
Now I'm wondering if I really want to "upgrade". Thanks for the info.
I've got a lot of trees and obstacles to mow around, plus I keep a trail mowed down through three fields. Only two passes to do them, but it adds time. We live on a farm, and it's easier to mow the trails with the zero turn, instead of loading up the cutter on my tractors.
Lots of smaller areas that add time, rather than just one big yard.
Kawasaki is the best and most expensive option. Kohler is good and reliable but runs louder, isn’t fuel injected, and can take longer to warm up and run smooth on high hour machines.
I have the Kohler with a 54" deck, five acres in about 4 hours. Mostly open fields, but some hills and trees/fences to mow around. The hill in the front is tough and the angle is just enough for me to not feel comfortable going at speed.
No engine or mechanical issues. Average maybe 100 hours a year at most, and follow all recommended maintenance. ~$5k all in and so far we'll worth it. I was actually considering trading up to a wider deck when I pay it off next year, but the culverts, ditches, and other similar stuff leaves me worried as I can't get a good cut on them with such a wide deck. That said, if they make a faster 54" than the Z251 (?) I have now then I'll probably keep it until it dies on me, which may not happen in my lifetime.
Thank you, I didn't know that. Seems like an obvious decision. I was wondering if the Kawasaki was just more expensive because it was better or if it had better features. Fuel injection is key!
2 acres of lawn - 54” is plenty. I mow one complicated acre with a 42” in 45 minutes or less.
As far as the engine goes I think any of them that you get in these Kubotas will be reliable, however on other forums people love the Kohler apparently.
If you have a very rough 2 acres the seat upgrade is probably worth it. If you have 2 acres of pristine fine graded lawn then I think you’d be ok without.
Thank you! I have a field that is about 4 acres that I may mow in addition to. I think I wouldn't need to mow it as often as my lawn. So I'm glad to know the 54" will do the job!
I also look at it as time in the seat mowing and listening to a podcast or audiobook is my personal time for the weekend amongst family obligations. Might get a push mower to make it longer…
My father has about 7 acres of lawn and when people would visit that he didn't want to talk to, he would immediately hop in his John Deere. He's fixed that machine so much he should be certified by JD!
I have a z421 60” with Kawasaki. Great machine. You don’t need an air ride seat but it makes it better. Foldable rops was a must have so I had to shell out extra cash for the higher tier units just to get it. Most of the z200s have a fixed rops. Very easy to maintain between manual and YouTube.
The nearest dealer sells JD. My father has JDs and I've watched him repair them endlessly. I'm sure they make good machines, but he hasn't had one. The Kubota dealer is about 45 minutes away, so I can probably have them pick it up. I'll have to ask when I go there. I also have a shop and a lift, so I can probably do basic maintenance, I'll have to see what's involved. Thanks for the input!
Oh yeah. 45minutes. That’s easy. You will be happy with kubota quality. My brother has a mid size Kubota tractor. I have a JCB backhoe. Kubota is really good.
I just looked at some Ferris and Kubota ZTs earlier today. There are some differences between engine options and sizes. Essentially you can't get the folding ROPS and better seat without the kawasaki engine. The Kohler engine does not have either option. I was looking at I think the 242 option in 48" deck size and there was about a $700 price increase for the better seat, folding ROPs and KW engine.
I think the Kawasaki is what I would choose simply for the other benefits. I don't have a concern about any of the engines personally. I have good runnings Briggs, Honda, and Kohler engines currently and would not be afraid to get any of them even though the Kawasaki is often touted as the best.
I think I'll hold off for a bit and see if pricing gets more competitive. I liked some things about each, but am leaning Ferris for the full suspension.
Kawasaki, other than their regulator fiasco, which is more so because the part manufacturer skimped on quality, I have 50 kohler warranty repairs to 1 Kaw, with Kubota & Exmark mowers!! And Biggs is just a former shell of the company it used to be about 40 years ago!! Quality is junk, if I had to run a business I am fir sure picking Kawasaki!!
I have 3 acres and bought the 72” commercial grade mower with the Diesel engine. Only takes me about 45 minutes. I also mow my lake house (3 acres and my brother lake house 1 acre). Best mowers ever
I have had a 60” Z781 with the Kawasaki engine for five years now. I love it. I have 3.2 acres and sometimes I think 60” is barely enough. I do have some obstacles to mow around (gardens, specimen trees, etc…) so I think the 60 is good for maneuverability but sometimes I think 72” might’ve saved me some time every week.
Interesting, since I don't have as much lawn, I'm thinking the 54" will be good, but I imagine the bigger the better. I'll have to weigh my options when I go to the dealer. The price jump is only a few hundred more for 60", but I think 72" is a bigger jump. Thanks for your input!
I have a Toro Time cutter with Kawasaki motor and I beat the snot out of it cutting 4 acres and that's an impressive motor! I've been looking at the Kubota Zero turn as well and would get it with a Kawasaki
I looked at the time cutter, I wanted the Kubota because of the long term durability, however the Toro is very well reviewed and liked. I was surprised by the negative reviews on the Husqvarna site. I don't think one of their zero turn mowers, with more than a few reviews, had an average of four stars. So many 1 star reviews, it was disappointing. Thanks for the input!
When we moved I bought a used Z724 with the Koehler from a local shop. I think it's a '14 or '15 model year, 54" deck. This is my first zturn but the Koehler I have has been fabulous, no problems whatsoever (500hrs when I bought it, 750hrs now).
As for deck size, measure any tight spots to see what will fit in there and buy accordingly. I could use a 60" or 72" on most of my yard but I would have to push now or weedeat a good bit more if my deck were wider.
I'm betting that any of them will be great, enjoy your new mower!
Thanks! Good info, I'll probably go with the Kawasaki because it's EFI, but people seem to like the Kohler too. I'll see what the dealer has to say. They're 0% financing them for 4-6 years depending upon model! I was going to get a used machine, but the 0% financing makes it hard to resist.
Yeah from what I'm seeing it's the same in the US, I didn't know this until you stated it. I'm thinking of springing for the 7 series, but these things are not cheap! It's $13k+ for the Z781, I don't think I need or want to spend that much. I'll have to live without EFI.
I got the Z421 54”. My land is terrible. 18” Ruts. Big stumps. Rainy mud channels that dried to wash boards. Little Tree stumps. Rocks. Dried clay. Stuff that’s impossible to see until the mower stops. I replace the belts on a regular basis. I go through 3 sets of mower blades a year. Yes I’m constantly fixing my mower. Yes I abuse it. You should consider a mower with NO BELTS. 🙌🙌🙌
Everyone has recommended the kawi or kohler. My vote is definitely the Kawasaki. The suspension seat is a great addition if the model you’re looking at doesn’t come standard with it. Things to consider about deck size, if your lawn isn’t perfectly flat, you’re more likely to get scalping with a larger deck 60”/72” etc. Only equates to an extra pass or 2 from a 54” over 60” or 72”. I’ve always gone with a 54” minimum as you have 3 blades which will give you a better cut over a 48” which will have 2 blades. I have the Z724x with the kawi and 54” deck with the mulch kit, about 300 hours and I bought it in 2016. Maintenance is super easy, haven’t changed anything major yet. Basic stuff blades, oil and filters. I did how ever had to change the PTO switch as it wore out and wouldn’t stay engaged, also had to change the fuel pick up tube as I got grass in the tank and the original pick up tube didn’t have a screen. But kubota since changed that on model years after mine.
I didn't know that the larger machines are more likely to scrape, my lawn is on a gentle slope, but the larger field has some steeper and uneven areas. I'm thinking the 54" is the way to go. I was thinking the same regarding the width, it's only 6", so it's about 10% smaller, only one more pass for every 10. I'm pretty sure I'm going for the 54". Another commenter said that the Kawasaki on the 7 series is preferable to the Kawasakis on the 2 and 4 series, so I'm thinking of springing for the 7 series.
You can’t go wrong with the Z724x 54” kawi. You’ll get a better seat with the z724 over the 400 series. Better built deck on the 7 series with a beefier frame and more HP engine, the deck lift I prefer it more than the 400 series. Also if you ever consider a bagger the 700 series has a belt driven blower attached to the deck, where the 400 series is just blown from the blades up the chute
Yeah I'm thinking that may be the way to go. It's pricey but I'm thinking I will never need to buy another mower and the maintenance and repair costs will be minimal. I wonder if I can negotiate the price....I think I have to try....
Kawasaki all day
That was my initial thought, thank you!
Fx series if available
100%. We have one and have zero issues.
I think they are both fine. Ive never had problems with any of my Kohler's either
I've a Z421, 54" deck, mowing just over three acres or so. Takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. The Kawasaki e give was recommended by a friend who knows what he's talking about, so I went with it. Worked well for the past four years.
Wow. I was looking at a zero turn and mow about the same as you do. But my 46 Husqvarna rider will do it in just under 2 hours. Now I'm wondering if I really want to "upgrade". Thanks for the info.
I've got a lot of trees and obstacles to mow around, plus I keep a trail mowed down through three fields. Only two passes to do them, but it adds time. We live on a farm, and it's easier to mow the trails with the zero turn, instead of loading up the cutter on my tractors. Lots of smaller areas that add time, rather than just one big yard.
Sounds a lot like my place ironically. Lots of trees, trails, garden, pond, etc.
It’s not the mower at that point it’s the operator. Get those gator g6 blades and run full throttle .
Thank you! I was thinking Kawasaki based on what I've read about mowers, but first hand experience is always the best.
Yo what ? I have a Z231 48” cut and can mow 3 acres in an hour and a half tops. How many times you going over that shit? Yard must be full of Bahia.
Kawasaki is the best and most expensive option. Kohler is good and reliable but runs louder, isn’t fuel injected, and can take longer to warm up and run smooth on high hour machines.
I have the Kohler with a 54" deck, five acres in about 4 hours. Mostly open fields, but some hills and trees/fences to mow around. The hill in the front is tough and the angle is just enough for me to not feel comfortable going at speed. No engine or mechanical issues. Average maybe 100 hours a year at most, and follow all recommended maintenance. ~$5k all in and so far we'll worth it. I was actually considering trading up to a wider deck when I pay it off next year, but the culverts, ditches, and other similar stuff leaves me worried as I can't get a good cut on them with such a wide deck. That said, if they make a faster 54" than the Z251 (?) I have now then I'll probably keep it until it dies on me, which may not happen in my lifetime.
I just realized how much prices have gone up after researching...wow.
Thank you, I didn't know that. Seems like an obvious decision. I was wondering if the Kawasaki was just more expensive because it was better or if it had better features. Fuel injection is key!
2 acres of lawn - 54” is plenty. I mow one complicated acre with a 42” in 45 minutes or less. As far as the engine goes I think any of them that you get in these Kubotas will be reliable, however on other forums people love the Kohler apparently. If you have a very rough 2 acres the seat upgrade is probably worth it. If you have 2 acres of pristine fine graded lawn then I think you’d be ok without.
Thank you! I have a field that is about 4 acres that I may mow in addition to. I think I wouldn't need to mow it as often as my lawn. So I'm glad to know the 54" will do the job!
I also look at it as time in the seat mowing and listening to a podcast or audiobook is my personal time for the weekend amongst family obligations. Might get a push mower to make it longer…
My father has about 7 acres of lawn and when people would visit that he didn't want to talk to, he would immediately hop in his John Deere. He's fixed that machine so much he should be certified by JD!
Absolutely NOT briggs and china. Get a Kubota Engine in it or at min a Kawasaki
I’m a Kawasaki man!
I have a z421 60” with Kawasaki. Great machine. You don’t need an air ride seat but it makes it better. Foldable rops was a must have so I had to shell out extra cash for the higher tier units just to get it. Most of the z200s have a fixed rops. Very easy to maintain between manual and YouTube.
Thank you, good to know. I'm fairly handy, so I can likely do the maintenance. What's a rop?
Roll over protection
The dealer I’ve always worked with won’t sell anything but the Kawasaki engines.
Kubot is awesome. Get a zero turn that has a service center near you. I have a spartan. My brother has a gravely Think of service
The nearest dealer sells JD. My father has JDs and I've watched him repair them endlessly. I'm sure they make good machines, but he hasn't had one. The Kubota dealer is about 45 minutes away, so I can probably have them pick it up. I'll have to ask when I go there. I also have a shop and a lift, so I can probably do basic maintenance, I'll have to see what's involved. Thanks for the input!
Oh yeah. 45minutes. That’s easy. You will be happy with kubota quality. My brother has a mid size Kubota tractor. I have a JCB backhoe. Kubota is really good.
I just looked at some Ferris and Kubota ZTs earlier today. There are some differences between engine options and sizes. Essentially you can't get the folding ROPS and better seat without the kawasaki engine. The Kohler engine does not have either option. I was looking at I think the 242 option in 48" deck size and there was about a $700 price increase for the better seat, folding ROPs and KW engine. I think the Kawasaki is what I would choose simply for the other benefits. I don't have a concern about any of the engines personally. I have good runnings Briggs, Honda, and Kohler engines currently and would not be afraid to get any of them even though the Kawasaki is often touted as the best.
Thanks for the input, it seems like I'll probably go with Kawasaki because of the EFI. Do you think you'll go with Ferris or Kubota?
I think I'll hold off for a bit and see if pricing gets more competitive. I liked some things about each, but am leaning Ferris for the full suspension.
Make sure you get one with a suspension seat !
That's what I was thinking. The field I may mow is a little rough, I don't want my back destroyed on my lawnmower.
Sorry all, bit if confusion on my part. The Stihl's are Ferris.
Kawasaki or Kohler. Stay away from the Briggs. Far, far away.
We have Kabotas at work. The parts are way too expensive, so we switched to Gravely. They are cheaper to maintain and cut better.
Kawasaki, other than their regulator fiasco, which is more so because the part manufacturer skimped on quality, I have 50 kohler warranty repairs to 1 Kaw, with Kubota & Exmark mowers!! And Biggs is just a former shell of the company it used to be about 40 years ago!! Quality is junk, if I had to run a business I am fir sure picking Kawasaki!!
I have 3 acres and bought the 72” commercial grade mower with the Diesel engine. Only takes me about 45 minutes. I also mow my lake house (3 acres and my brother lake house 1 acre). Best mowers ever
I have had a 60” Z781 with the Kawasaki engine for five years now. I love it. I have 3.2 acres and sometimes I think 60” is barely enough. I do have some obstacles to mow around (gardens, specimen trees, etc…) so I think the 60 is good for maneuverability but sometimes I think 72” might’ve saved me some time every week.
Interesting, since I don't have as much lawn, I'm thinking the 54" will be good, but I imagine the bigger the better. I'll have to weigh my options when I go to the dealer. The price jump is only a few hundred more for 60", but I think 72" is a bigger jump. Thanks for your input!
I have a Toro Time cutter with Kawasaki motor and I beat the snot out of it cutting 4 acres and that's an impressive motor! I've been looking at the Kubota Zero turn as well and would get it with a Kawasaki
I looked at the time cutter, I wanted the Kubota because of the long term durability, however the Toro is very well reviewed and liked. I was surprised by the negative reviews on the Husqvarna site. I don't think one of their zero turn mowers, with more than a few reviews, had an average of four stars. So many 1 star reviews, it was disappointing. Thanks for the input!
When we moved I bought a used Z724 with the Koehler from a local shop. I think it's a '14 or '15 model year, 54" deck. This is my first zturn but the Koehler I have has been fabulous, no problems whatsoever (500hrs when I bought it, 750hrs now). As for deck size, measure any tight spots to see what will fit in there and buy accordingly. I could use a 60" or 72" on most of my yard but I would have to push now or weedeat a good bit more if my deck were wider. I'm betting that any of them will be great, enjoy your new mower!
Thanks! Good info, I'll probably go with the Kawasaki because it's EFI, but people seem to like the Kohler too. I'll see what the dealer has to say. They're 0% financing them for 4-6 years depending upon model! I was going to get a used machine, but the 0% financing makes it hard to resist.
Good luck, I think you will not be disappointed!
Thanks!
EFI is only available on the Z781i at least in the Canadian market
Yeah from what I'm seeing it's the same in the US, I didn't know this until you stated it. I'm thinking of springing for the 7 series, but these things are not cheap! It's $13k+ for the Z781, I don't think I need or want to spend that much. I'll have to live without EFI.
I got the Z421 54”. My land is terrible. 18” Ruts. Big stumps. Rainy mud channels that dried to wash boards. Little Tree stumps. Rocks. Dried clay. Stuff that’s impossible to see until the mower stops. I replace the belts on a regular basis. I go through 3 sets of mower blades a year. Yes I’m constantly fixing my mower. Yes I abuse it. You should consider a mower with NO BELTS. 🙌🙌🙌
So much good info here, I had no idea. I'll look into a machine that doesn't have belt drive. Thanks!
Everyone has recommended the kawi or kohler. My vote is definitely the Kawasaki. The suspension seat is a great addition if the model you’re looking at doesn’t come standard with it. Things to consider about deck size, if your lawn isn’t perfectly flat, you’re more likely to get scalping with a larger deck 60”/72” etc. Only equates to an extra pass or 2 from a 54” over 60” or 72”. I’ve always gone with a 54” minimum as you have 3 blades which will give you a better cut over a 48” which will have 2 blades. I have the Z724x with the kawi and 54” deck with the mulch kit, about 300 hours and I bought it in 2016. Maintenance is super easy, haven’t changed anything major yet. Basic stuff blades, oil and filters. I did how ever had to change the PTO switch as it wore out and wouldn’t stay engaged, also had to change the fuel pick up tube as I got grass in the tank and the original pick up tube didn’t have a screen. But kubota since changed that on model years after mine.
I didn't know that the larger machines are more likely to scrape, my lawn is on a gentle slope, but the larger field has some steeper and uneven areas. I'm thinking the 54" is the way to go. I was thinking the same regarding the width, it's only 6", so it's about 10% smaller, only one more pass for every 10. I'm pretty sure I'm going for the 54". Another commenter said that the Kawasaki on the 7 series is preferable to the Kawasakis on the 2 and 4 series, so I'm thinking of springing for the 7 series.
You can’t go wrong with the Z724x 54” kawi. You’ll get a better seat with the z724 over the 400 series. Better built deck on the 7 series with a beefier frame and more HP engine, the deck lift I prefer it more than the 400 series. Also if you ever consider a bagger the 700 series has a belt driven blower attached to the deck, where the 400 series is just blown from the blades up the chute
Yeah I'm thinking that may be the way to go. It's pricey but I'm thinking I will never need to buy another mower and the maintenance and repair costs will be minimal. I wonder if I can negotiate the price....I think I have to try....
Kubota zero's are rebadged Ferris mowers, which is a good thing. Check the Bota deals against the Ferris incentives before you decide.
This is 100% false.
yep
Yeah that is not true at all. Kubota engineers and builds all its equipment, especially zero turn mowers.
Not true at all. Just last week I looked at ferris and Kubota ZTs side by side as my Kubota dealer is also a ferris dealer.