Buying a riding mower- tips, suggestions..

[MChildress]

I bought a Kubota diesel zero turn ZD326 a couple years back. My boys love it they haven't had to mow the yard since I got it. They can't keep me off it. It has the 26 hp Kubota diesel and sips the fuel.

 

[T Mike]

Sorry Harvey, but John Deere assembles lawn and garden tractors in Horicon Wi. and compact utility tractors in GA. Check JD's web site. I am a retired J. D. employee

 

[GHarman]

The JD LA series are well regarded by Consumer Reports testers and will provide many years of good service in light duty mowing and other chores around your home. They are belt driven.



NONE of the compact tractors or lawn tractors sold with a John Deere badge are actually built or assembled in a JD factory.



The JD compact tractors are all Yanmar tractors from Communist China and I don't know whe builds the lawn tractor size but it it not John Deere.



I bought a Kubota B2920 for mowing, plowing, front end loader work, tilling, spraying, and trailer moving. It was built in Japan.

Harvey, Yanmar Tractors and Diesel motors are made in various countrys in Asia. It has its base in Japan. Only most recently did it open a plant in mainland (Communist China). My Uncle had one of these lawn tractors for years, made in Japan. It ran great. Is it the best? I doubt it. Please see; Yanmar America Corporation - About Yanmar GregH

 

[Skydiver]

Back in 1980 While fishing with my cousin at the Gulfport Ms. sea Port I complimented on what looked like 125-150 small tractors. I said looks like they are getting ready to load up some tractors. He said "no, those are imports". There were small import tractors as far as the eye could see. I can't remember what color they were.



MChildress, With a 100 hours on our zd326 I sharpened the blades this morning. Huge difference in mowing speed, cut quality and the little 1005cc 3-cylinder was barely working. Felt like a different mower. 1 3/16 socket to remove the blades.

 

[rscurtis]

I was told the same thing before I bought our new rider last year. I think that there are several different Briggs engine lines available and the one you are talking about is the low end "Vanguard" series.

The Briggs Vanguard is the standard by which air cooled engines are measured. They are made for B&S by Daihatsu in Japan. You won't find one on any entry level tractor. Aluminum push rods are used as their COE matches that of the aluminum block. Avoid the Kohler "Courage" engine- it's not your father's Kohler. I agree with others on this thread that your money will be better spent on a quality used tractor as opposed to a cheap new one.

 

[MChildress]

Back in 1980 While fishing with my cousin at the Gulfport Ms. sea Port I complimented on what looked like 125-150 small tractors. I said looks like they are getting ready to load up some tractors. He said "no, those are imports". There were small import tractors as far as the eye could see. I can't remember what color they were.



MChildress, With a 100 hours on our zd326 I sharpened the blades this morning. Huge difference in mowing speed, cut quality and the little 1005cc 3-cylinder was barely working. Felt like a different mower. 1 3/16 socket to remove the blades.

Skydiver I have a little over 200hrs on my ZD326 and really like it. I keep the blades sharp and have a second set I keep sharp and just rotate them. I dont know if you noticed when you take the blades off that metal cup above them will pull off and you can clean the dirt and clippings out. I lowered the tire pressure and it sure helped with the ride. I believe I am running 10 psi up front and 15 psi in rear. Just enough so there is no scalping.