New Cub Cadet Z-Force 44" ZTR

[JTK]

My FIL has been struggling big time with an old MTD Yardman GT for years on their very hilly/rough acreage and it's not easy on him. My inlaws soon to be retired w/ little resources, I made him an offer he couldn't refuse for my 2005 model year Cub 2544 and totally made his day. The shaft drive 2544 will be perfect for him and he's always wanted a Cub 2K series. I've been eying the fab'd deck Cub Cadet Z-Forces for a cpl years now and hopefully made the right choice today. I'll have my trusty Case 220 as a yard mule and b/u GT. I'm not thrilled going from a Kohler Command to a cheaper Kohler Courage series twin, but as far as I can tell, the mechanicals are the same. The individual Hydrogear hydros on the Z-Force each have a spin-on filter which is cool. Anyway, the current Z-Force 44" sale price is $3799. They knocked off $100 with the "Cub Loyalty Coupon" I had + no setup or delivery fee. With tax, $4022.66. Dealer had to order it. I should have it in a week or two. Thank you once again Mr. GE / Cub Cadet credit! 0%/12mo. I'll figure out how to pay the bugger off by next March. The American way.

Joel

 

[MCompact]

I have an Enforcer 54. Great mower.

 

[JTK]

Thanks MC. I'm anxious to get it. My Cub 2544 GT was an excellent machine and I'm glad to have it stay in the family. For mowing and getting it done quick, a ZTR seems like the best way to go. They're pretty fun to use too.

Joel

 

[boraticus]

Not sure if we're comparing the same product but this site has Cub Cadet ZTR's for considerably less money.

http://www.smallenginewarehouse.com/ProductList.asp?Category=Lawnmower&

This is a 50" model with a sweet Kawasaki engine in it for $2999.00. Unless I'm missing something that's a substantial difference in price and engine than the machine you're looking at.

Cub Cadet
RZT50 Zero Turn Mower 22hp Kawasaki, 50" Deck

Product Number: CC-RZT50KW-09
22hp Kawasaki
Electric Start: Yes
Fuel Tank: 3 gallon
Shipping Weight: 675 Pounds

Condition: New
Warranty: 3-Year Limited Residential Warranty
Returns: Limited Allowed

Dual Hydro-Gear™ Transmission
Pull/push electronic engagement PTO Clutch
High back Seat, lever adjustable
Mechanical Parking Brake
Forward Speed 6.0mph
Reverse Speed 3.0mph
Front Tires 13" x 5.0" x 6"
Rear Tires 18" x 9.5" x 8"
Cutting Width 50" triple blade
Cutting Height 1.5" - 4", 6 position
Deck Construction 13 gauge, floating/stamped
Deck Drive System Belt driven
Anti-Scalping 2 adjustable, greasable
Deck Wash Patented Smart Jet™ high pressure deck washing system

List Price: $3,249.00
Our Low Price: $2,999.00

 

[JTK]

The Cub RZT series are a slightly lesser grade machine (spec wise) than the Z-Force series. Lighter duty frames, stamped steel decks, lighter grade, non filtered hydros and smaller tires/wheels.

Joel

 

[boraticus]

Originally Posted By: JTK
The Cub RZT series are a slightly lesser grade machine (spec wise) than the Z-Force series. Lighter duty frames, stamped steel decks, lighter grade, non filtered hydros and smaller tires/wheels.

Joel


I was wondering about that. You mentioned a fabricated deck then I noticed the model I was looking at had a stamped deck.

Are the differences you've mentioned worth sacrificing the Kawasaki engine as well as approx. $800.00?

I'm not criticizing your choice. I don't know anything about these things. However, the Kawasaki engine would be a big draw for me.

 

[JTK]

I would have preferred a Kawi engine for sure, but in order to get a Kawi with a Z-Force series, you have to get the Z-Force-S which is a brand-new model equipped with a steering wheel (and lots of other parts) as oppossed to simple lap bars for steering control. I really enjoyed my Koher Command 20, which is essentially what my new Courage series 20 is asside from shrouding and air filter housing differences. Bumping up from the Hydrogear EZT series to the ZT-2800 hydros was the major deal breaker for me given the loooong gradual inclines on my property and my 225lb self. The 2800's are used on commercial grade equipment now. I've not heard of a single ZT-2800 complaint were there are many for the EZTs.

Joel

 

[boraticus]

Well, it appear you've done your homework. I'll probably be looking at a new riding mower in a couple of years. I'll certainly look at one of these. The ZTR's seem to be a lot easier to maneuver.

Congrats on the new machine. Give us a test report once you've got some seat time in.

 

[JTK]

Thanks. Yes, I'll post how it goes and try to get some pics posted.

Joel

 

[MCompact]

My Enforcer 54 has the Kawasaki engine- it's a Cub Cadet Commercial model. I've only had one issue in three years of ownership- a stuck parking brake, which was fixed pursuant to a TSB. I have @2.5 acres to cut and all I use is my Enforcer and a 11 year old Dixon 5424 Estate ZTR with a 42" deck. Any grass that I can't get to with one or the other gets a good shot of Roundup. I refuse to use a push mower or trimmer.

 

[JTK]

Good info MC, thanks.

I've got to retract a statement I made above. I reviewed and compared the online service manuals for both the Command and Courage series vertical shaft twins. There are some hardware differences. Most notably, the Courage series twin uses locknut valve lash adjustment, where the Commands have always had HLAs. The blocks, CC breather and intake manifolds have slight differences between the two as well (look a little less substantial in the Courage). Regardless, given my 30-40hrs/year usage, other things *should* break first.

Joel

 

[ProStreetCamaro]

I wasnt real crazy about our Tank M48. Roughest ride of any commercial ZTR I have ever used. Very high center of gravity. Would clump grass real bad in any kind of damp condition. Had the 23hp kawi which should have been way more than enough power for the 48" deck but that ended up not being the case. I also hated the stupid link bar setup they used to make the deck float. We kept it 3 years then got rid of it in favor of a Gravely 160Z which has been a much better mower.

Here you can see the Tank along with our 1999 Lazer Z HP 48" we bought new. It now has 2500 hours on it and other than 1 spindle, 1 set of belts, 2 battery's and many sets of blades is all original right down to the 18hp kohler command pro which BTW has tons of power for this machine.

 

[JTK]

Thanks Pro. Yep, I'd be pretty ticked given that Cub Tank was probably a $7K machine new. I'd expect some decency out my Z-Force at $3699+, but Cub certainly isn't perfect. I like them because I have one dealer ~6mi from my house and another ~10mi. Both of them are great.

Joel

 

[ProStreetCamaro]

Originally Posted By: JTK
Thanks Pro. Yep, I'd be pretty ticked given that Cub Tank was probably a $7K machine new. I'd expect some decency out my Z-Force at $3699+, but Cub certainly isn't perfect. I like them because I have one dealer ~6mi from my house and another ~10mi. Both of them are great.

Joel


You are right dealer support is very important.

 

[boraticus]

Originally Posted By: JTK
Thanks Pro. Yep, I'd be pretty ticked given that Cub Tank was probably a $7K machine new. I'd expect some decency out my Z-Force at $3699+, but Cub certainly isn't perfect. I like them because I have one dealer ~6mi from my house and another ~10mi. Both of them are great.

Joel


Your bought it for personal use right? You're not planning on starting up a lawn care business are you? If so, that machine will probably last you a lifetime with little or no problems if properly maintained. With reasonable care, you probably won't be needing those dealers any time soon either.

 

[JTK]

You are correct Sir. For personal use. I tend to go a little overboard with this type of purchase. I'd be even worse if I had unlimited resources! Maybe I'll keep this one until wife #2's father needs a new mower?!?!

Joel

 

[MCompact]

Originally Posted By: boraticus

Your bought it for personal use right? You're not planning on starting up a lawn care business are you? If so, that machine will probably last you a lifetime with little or no problems if properly maintained. With reasonable care, you probably won't be needing those dealers any time soon either.


That's my philosophy. I hate yard work and I don't want to have to deal with a lot of issues/repairs. I buy commercial grade equipment and maintain it by the book in hopes that I won't ever have to replace it- leaving more disposable income for important stuff- like track tires and engine mods...

 

[JTK]

I finally got it around 6pm yesterday. OMG is it awesome! I mowed for an hour and was like a bull in a China shop on the darn thing. Looks like a drunkard mowed the lawn. I've taken quick spins on stick-steer equipment and have used skid-steers, etc.. but it is definitely a different experience when you used only conventional riding mowers for most of your life. Had a couple pleasant surprises. One is it has a Courage Pro series engine as opposed to the regular Courage series as some of the specs say (a few of the specs are inconsistent between sources BTW). The 44” deck is a BEAST. 11 ga welded steel with a 7 ga top plate and 7ga bumper all the way around. It's got a nice nearly full width rear roller on the deck as well. Servicing looks pretty easy on it with a flexible Parker drain hose kit and easy access to the oil filter. The Hydrogear ZT-2800 transaxles are pleasingly smooth and quiet. If heard reports of the lighter ZT series being ridiculously loud. Not so with these. The engine purrs like a kitten at idle and max speed and is quiet with the massive muffler. However, with the deck engaged this baby is LOUD. Imagine sitting between the engines on an MD-80 on takeoff.. X10. You need earplugs with this beast! The “gel” seat is very supportive, and it's got 2 squishy rubber suspension bumpers that smooth it out further. I find the ride to be about the same as my Cub 2544 GT. I barely had time to sit on it and my FIL was over with the trailer to p/u the 2544! I'm gonna miss it! Brace yourself for lots-o-pics!

 

[boraticus]

I'm jellish....

 

[steve20]

I'm Steve