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Kubota ZD18

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Billy
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 975 Southeast Oklahoma
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2007-07-11          143610


I've been looking for a good fast lawnmower. I've got about a 4 acre yard to mow and I'm not the kind of guy that likes to mow. Sometimes the grass does get kind of tall. That said, I found a used Kubota ZD18 with 148 hours on it for 6 grand. You guys that know mowers a lot better than I do, is that a good price?

Thanks in advance
Billy

PS
Murf, you're the Kubota guru. What do you think?




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Kubota ZD18

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Murf
Join Date: Dec 1999
Posts: 7249 Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada
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2007-07-11          143611


Thanks for the kind words.

I'm going to start off by saying that while I do have a heap of experience with Orange paint, I wouldn't even want to try to take a stab at prices for a) used stuff (I don't buy it and rarelyt sell it), or b) prices in your area.

I do know that there can be some pretty wild swings in prices regionally.

Art can give you a MUCH better idea on that stuff.

Having said that, I can tell you this;

The ZD18 is a good dependable rig, which in this area, and with a zillion more hours, would go for a bunch of bucks more than that.

The little 3 cyl. engine is a nice unit, smooth, will run for ever and probably never need a repair in your lifetime.

Which deck does it have on it, the 54" or the 60"? The 54" will do abetter job if the turf gets shaggy, but if it's kept groomed, the 60" will be just fine. IT's a little lacking on power for my liking, but in your absense of hills you should be Ok with it.

It certainly can clip a lot of turf in short order.

From a personal point of view, I like the seat suspension on the ZD's the best of any I've tried so far.

Best of luck. ....


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Kubota ZD18

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Billy
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 975 Southeast Oklahoma
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster  View my Photos  Pics

2007-07-11          143612


Murf, it does have the 54" deck. I did find out the original owner lives about 12 miles from me. I called him and left a message to get back with me. After talking to him, I'll know about it.

Thanks Murf ....


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Kubota ZD18

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candoarms
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1932 North Dakota
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2007-07-11          143614


Billy,

I've been reading some reviews of the Kubota ZD18 Mower.

Most ZD18 owners agree that the 18 Horsepower motor is underpowered. It doesn't cut tall grass very well at higher speeds, mostly due to the lack of blade tip speed.

The ZD21 is a real mowing machine. I've never read a single bad comment about it.

Should you decide to go with either model, be sure to ask for the pro deck. The pro deck is 5 inches deep, made of 7 gauge steel, and a real workhorse.

The asking price isn't bad, it's the model number that concerns me most. See if you can find a ZD21 instead.

If you like to mow at higher speeds, and want a nice appearance while doing it, the ZD21 is the way to go.

You'll have to slow down quite a bit with the ZD18 to get the same results.

Joel ....


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Kubota ZD18

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Billy
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 975 Southeast Oklahoma
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster  View my Photos  Pics

2007-07-11          143616


Joel, that's good info and I appreciate it. The thing is I'm not willing to spend 9K on a lawnmower. The only reason I was considering this is I know Kubota builds good stuff and it seems reasonably priced. If it won't do what I want it to, I'll look elsewhere. Maybe, just maybe the dealership would be willing to let me demo it. I haven't asked but from what you're saying, I should.

Thanks again
Billy ....


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Art White
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 6898 Waterville New York
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2007-07-11          143618




Billy, they are built well and with the 54" deck if that's enough for you then it would be fine. The 60" worked for some that didn't want to mow twin sticks full ahead!
Have you looked at the drive belt and the spindles! You can't beat it, no raised pulley, they pull on the bearing. The hydraulic lift is nice but the hydraulic pto clutch means less stress yet on that double wide belt getting the blades started. The old style deck is the way to go in this area. Customers that have had both perfered the older decks over pro series but I've heard good things about the new decks. ....


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