I am currently torn on a purchasing decision. Last year I bought a Z125s to replace a 17 year old JD lawn tractor. Initially the mower was great (nice cut, no problems). By the end of last season I put about 85 hours on it mowing my 4.5-5 acre yard. It also had several mechanical problems which I worked through last year. In addition, the seat suspension system is very weak. For any of the "soft" settings, the seat bottoms out, and I only weigh about 160-170 lb. My yard is a country yard, and is therefore somewhat "lumpy." It has many imperfections and they go through my entire body (and I'm not overly sensitive or frail, in my late 20s). The seat suspension system just wasn't very good.
My yard: fairly large to me (~ 5 acres), approximately 20 trees (plus plans to plant a few more), nothing very steep (max angle is probably 30-35 degrees), many rough areas (small holes, deep impressions, exposed root systems)
Reasons I am not satisfied with my Z125s and would like to find best machine to resolve these issues:
- long mowing time (would like to reduce total mow time)
- uncomfortable operation
- fuel tank insufficient (always had to add gas at some point during mowing, the tank did not hold as much as spec sheet shows), plus I really despise the sight window and would prefer a gas guage
- low reliability: this year when I first tried to start it, the deck vibrated and system died when I tried to engage PTO. Also had several problems last year during mowing season.
Thus far one of my local dealers has offered $3,500 for my Z125s, so I will apply that towards my new machine. My short list has come down to three machines, but would be open to any suggestions.
Z726x: larger mowing deck, faster operation max speed, larger fuel tank, extremely comfortable base seats and option of suspension system, commercial grade vs residential, Kawasaki engines better quality than Kohler, price ~ $9,000
BX series (with MMM, BH, FEL): larger mowing deck, rated 0.4 mph faster than Z125s (although not sure if it can mow at that speed), several potential uses for the implements (dig around some large stumps I am trying to get rid of, maintain long gravel driveway, dig holes for new trees, move large rocks around, dig up rocks on property, and could probably find many more uses). Also, my ZT mower was easy to drive, but compared to my old JD garden tractor mower I had (which was old, worn out, just came with my house), I missed the way it drove (steering wheel, sitting up higher, less abusive to my body while driving). One of my local dealers has a brand new BX25D (BH, FEL, no MMM) for $18,699. It seems like good price considering the lowest build price on Kubota website is over $20,000.
Also considering the ZD1021 with 60" deck, but more of a fringe possibility than the two above. I'm sure it's a great mower, but for $12-14,000 it would be a lot of cash for one function.
I appreciate any opinions, especially if anyone has been in a similar situation or uses any of the above equipment.
My yard: fairly large to me (~ 5 acres), approximately 20 trees (plus plans to plant a few more), nothing very steep (max angle is probably 30-35 degrees), many rough areas (small holes, deep impressions, exposed root systems)
Reasons I am not satisfied with my Z125s and would like to find best machine to resolve these issues:
- long mowing time (would like to reduce total mow time)
- uncomfortable operation
- fuel tank insufficient (always had to add gas at some point during mowing, the tank did not hold as much as spec sheet shows), plus I really despise the sight window and would prefer a gas guage
- low reliability: this year when I first tried to start it, the deck vibrated and system died when I tried to engage PTO. Also had several problems last year during mowing season.
Thus far one of my local dealers has offered $3,500 for my Z125s, so I will apply that towards my new machine. My short list has come down to three machines, but would be open to any suggestions.
Z726x: larger mowing deck, faster operation max speed, larger fuel tank, extremely comfortable base seats and option of suspension system, commercial grade vs residential, Kawasaki engines better quality than Kohler, price ~ $9,000
BX series (with MMM, BH, FEL): larger mowing deck, rated 0.4 mph faster than Z125s (although not sure if it can mow at that speed), several potential uses for the implements (dig around some large stumps I am trying to get rid of, maintain long gravel driveway, dig holes for new trees, move large rocks around, dig up rocks on property, and could probably find many more uses). Also, my ZT mower was easy to drive, but compared to my old JD garden tractor mower I had (which was old, worn out, just came with my house), I missed the way it drove (steering wheel, sitting up higher, less abusive to my body while driving). One of my local dealers has a brand new BX25D (BH, FEL, no MMM) for $18,699. It seems like good price considering the lowest build price on Kubota website is over $20,000.
Also considering the ZD1021 with 60" deck, but more of a fringe possibility than the two above. I'm sure it's a great mower, but for $12-14,000 it would be a lot of cash for one function.
I appreciate any opinions, especially if anyone has been in a similar situation or uses any of the above equipment.