Would I Buy The Ultima ZT2 AGAIN? 2 Year/100 Hour Update

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  • Опубліковано 13 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 109

  • @russelltrupia4479
    @russelltrupia4479 3 роки тому +4

    You have done a great over view of this mower Phil. My son went with the TORO and so far so good.

  • @sojourner57
    @sojourner57 3 роки тому +3

    Great update. I have a ZT-2 50", and got it last year (during the height of COVID) from a local dealer with a good reputation. I paid $3500 with WA ST sales tax, and being that new models were few and far between, felt I got a good deal, especially as an upgrade to what HD and others sell. I could not afford anything more, and there was no way I wanted anything made overseas. Cub Cadet, at least these mowers, are made in the USA. Like you, I didn't really research it before purchase, but have really had no issues. I use it for about an acre of residential grass and it does well there, and jacking the deck to high, I can finish cut my pasture after using the tractor and brush hog if I want. These mowers aren't meant for more that 5 acres per week and no more than a 15 degree slope. I agree, they get totally squirrelly on a slope. Good job.

    • @FlatCreekOutdoors
      @FlatCreekOutdoors  3 роки тому +1

      overall its doing what I need it to do. I want to get something better eventually. Its just not in the budget right now

  • @markhall3434
    @markhall3434 Рік тому +2

    For Hills, I'm going ZTS2.. w/steering wheel. Cost's a bit more but worthy of consideration.

  • @NewtonWashinton
    @NewtonWashinton 5 місяців тому

    Right now I am looking at the Cub Cadet ZTS 2 60" with the steering wheel, my main concern are the spindles being made to cheap, I know with the steering wheel it will hold slopes and hills. Thanks for your review.

  • @khtractors
    @khtractors 3 роки тому +2

    Dad has a Cub Cadet zero turn where the front and rear wheels both aides in steering which makes it handle great on hills. I think it’s called a STZ.

    • @FlatCreekOutdoors
      @FlatCreekOutdoors  3 роки тому +1

      I've wondered about those. I looked it when I purchased, but it was a little more money and it looked like something that wouldn't hold up over time, so I went with the more traditional setup

  • @richardstephens8796
    @richardstephens8796 3 роки тому +2

    If you want a zero turn that handles side slopes you need a grasshopper. Maybe a bit more pricey. Mine handles the tall stuff very well also. Its a gas engine. 3 cylinder Kubota, liquid cooled.

  • @BradMyers
    @BradMyers 3 роки тому +3

    Looking forward to the 500 hour review.

  • @sociopathmercenary
    @sociopathmercenary 2 роки тому +1

    Cub Cadet ZT2 60 here. Paid close to $5000 for mine with tax. Not much choice because it was the only mower within 100 miles during the COVID lockdown.
    I'm pretty happy but would definitely appreciate some of the features that come with a step up in budget... Suspension, better seat, higher speed, beefier transmission, etc.
    It's hard to justify an upgrade at this point though.
    When I need another mower, I'll be looking at Bad Boy, Hustler, Bobcat, and a couple other brands. It's all about the specs

    • @FlatCreekOutdoors
      @FlatCreekOutdoors  2 роки тому

      right on. I'm in the same boat. i'm pushing 200hrs now and its still getting the job done for me.

    • @sociopathmercenary
      @sociopathmercenary 7 місяців тому

      I have about 200 hours on mine now too. I'm really only missing a bit of suspension and maybe a little extra speed.
      I've been thinking about getting one of those suspension plates that go under your seat.
      I haven't had anything break on it yet and I certainly haven't been easy on it. We took down eight trees last year and I was rolling and dragging logs around the yard with it.
      Going to pull the deck off this weekend to sharpen the blades and spray some Rust-Oleum in there after scraping everything down.

  • @jayrichardson5811
    @jayrichardson5811 3 роки тому +10

    Leaving it outside isn't helping it belongs in a large Shed garage or barn

    • @FlatCreekOutdoors
      @FlatCreekOutdoors  3 роки тому +1

      I agree. Wish I had a building for all my equipment. It'll happen one of these days. THanks for watching

    • @brandonbumgardner9410
      @brandonbumgardner9410 10 місяців тому +3

      A tarp well installed will keep it like brand new.Thankd for sharing

  • @bigsonslawncare
    @bigsonslawncare 3 роки тому +1

    Good points I've got ZT1 42 right at 75 hours mowing about 15yards week. Its working for me at moment.I also sat on a JD and the Toro being 6ft this mower offered more leg room and arm reach.

    • @FlatCreekOutdoors
      @FlatCreekOutdoors  3 роки тому +1

      I wished I checked others out. Can't help but feel I'm missing out on something better LOL - thanks for watching!

    • @mxr248
      @mxr248 2 роки тому +2

      @@FlatCreekOutdoors apparently you are not missing out. The guy said his ZT1 offered more leg and arm reach. That’s a really good thing.

  • @KevinModz65
    @KevinModz65 3 роки тому +4

    That is a very beautiful sleek looking lawnmower, and I think it is biggest selling point. In fact I had all that decided on that very lawnmower myself, however, after watching several videos including this one amongst others I added it up instead purchasing thr Ariens 52 inch for about the same price as this one and I got much more value for my money. Very solid reliable mower with great reviews and I have zero regrets. I just don’t like the ugly orange. But at the end of the day, I’m not driving it up and down Sunset Boulevard it’s a lawnmower

    • @FlatCreekOutdoors
      @FlatCreekOutdoors  3 роки тому +1

      Never seen that mower. I don't believe I've seen any ariens dealers around me. Glad its working out for you. Thanks for watching.

    • @chris2790
      @chris2790 2 роки тому

      You could paint it!

    • @briantodd2376
      @briantodd2376 7 місяців тому

      You’re not getting serviceable transmission with that Ariens 52” though.

  • @RockhillfarmYT
    @RockhillfarmYT 3 роки тому +1

    I left my first comment before you started talking about comfort.
    That’s why I don’t have a sit down zero turn anymore. They are hard on my back so I went with stand on mowers
    The stand on mowers are also much better on a hill but they don’t come in that $4000 price range so it’s not apples to apples

    • @FlatCreekOutdoors
      @FlatCreekOutdoors  3 роки тому

      I've never used one, but would like to try a stander sometime. I've used the walkbehind with the standing wheel attachment and that works great (except when backing up). I haven't seen a new stander for less than $8500, so yeah that would be a big cost jump from where I'm at.

  • @mjpress4599
    @mjpress4599 3 роки тому +1

    Great review! Very thorough. I’m looking at the ZT3 60. I tested the ZT2 as well but the ZT3 has all the upgrades that address many of the issues you brought up with the ZT1 and ZT2 series. The ZT3 has a larger transmission, slightly larger engine, higher seat back, and shocks on the front wheels for added cushion over bumps. I’m curious if anyone else has the ZT3 and if these upgrades are worth the extra cost.

    • @LS67NOVA
      @LS67NOVA 3 роки тому

      I'm looking at the same mower and my only concern is the way the deck chokes down at the discharge shoe and has that bottom brace running across it. To me that would cause a restriction and get in the grass out correctly.

    • @mjpress4599
      @mjpress4599 3 роки тому +2

      @@LS67NOVA since making this post, I actually bought the ZT3 60. It’s a beast! I thought about that as well but it kicks the grass out with ease. It actually blows the grass out and up with a lot of force. I ended up installing the mulch kit and it does great!

    • @LS67NOVA
      @LS67NOVA 3 роки тому

      @@mjpress4599 awesome. Thanks for the reply!! I was thinking about doing the mulch kit as well. Was struggling between the ZT3 60 and a Gravely ZT XL 60. Seems to be quite a few issues with Gravely though. How does your zt3 do with traction on slight slopes?

    • @mjpress4599
      @mjpress4599 3 роки тому +1

      @@LS67NOVA I actually researched several zero turns before buying the ZT3 just because I have a slightly steep slope on the back part of my property. I have a friend who owns a ZT2 54 (I think) and he has a sloping landscape as well so he let me test his out. It does great on his hills, which are way more sloped than mine. That’s why I went with the ZT3. It handles the hills with no problem. That said, as you probably know, it really all depends on which direction you’re trying to take it on the hill that will determine how much, if any, that the back wheels spin, but the ZT3 feels more balanced than some of the others I looked at. I could be wrong and other brands might be just as good, but the weight distribution with mine seems to be really good. The bigger transmission helps as well.

    • @LS67NOVA
      @LS67NOVA 3 роки тому +1

      @@mjpress4599 I didn't measure the ZT2 but the track with of the rear tires on the ZT3 60 was around 51 in. I measured a Gravely ZT XL60 and it was 46". I think that wider stance of the ZT3 might be a big benefit. The Gravely ZT XD60 was 51" as well But that's all of my price range lol

  • @wow956
    @wow956 3 роки тому +2

    It’s simply sounds like you need a bigger zero turn. Zero turns aren’t very comfortable until you get to the edge of becoming commercial. Toro does have the my ride that actually makes a difference. Cadet does have springs on the front wheels, although only on some models. Again I think you need a bigger, or heavier zt. That size of land with letting the grass grow long, a heavier more powerful would make it more comfortable and more efficient. The heavier ones will just by size flattened some of bumpy terrain.

    • @FlatCreekOutdoors
      @FlatCreekOutdoors  3 роки тому

      you're probably right. It just wasn't in the budget. For most of our cutting (between christmas trees in the field) I can actually use a smaller deck, so the next mower I get will be higher quality, but maybe a 42 in deck

  • @thepaultucker
    @thepaultucker 2 роки тому +2

    Lap bar zero turns struggle on hills because the front wheels don't hold a position. In Kentucky, that's a big deal.
    I bought a Cub Cadet Pro Z 154 S (steering wheel type commercial mower) because it holds hills. It's a freaking billy goat!

    • @FlatCreekOutdoors
      @FlatCreekOutdoors  2 роки тому +1

      I didn't buy a steering wheel machine to save a few bucks, but it probably would have been a better fit for my property. Thanks for sharing your experience.

  • @jesuslovesbass3944
    @jesuslovesbass3944 2 роки тому +3

    I did do a lot of research, except on the Cub Cadet line, didn't even look once at them. I looked hard at the Bad Boy, Gravely and Ariens machines. I soon discovered that the three offered practically identical models. The only real difference was in the colors, the stickers on them, and the price. Aside from those differences, the models were practically indistinguishable from each other. So, I decided that I'd go with either the Gravely, or the Ariens and base my final choice on availability in my area, and price. I came home with a Cub Cadet ZT2 50. Ok, how did that happen, right?
    I already had a CC RTZ, and had been running it on my residential lot for 9 years. My lot is basically an uphill lot, 20 to 25 degree incline from the street up to about 2/3 of the back yard. Lots of bumps, tree roots and dips. I have one area next to the street that the degree of incline is around 30 to about 33 degrees and it has to be mowed horizontally. My little CC RTZ managed that steep incline pretty darn well, never slipped or rolled even when the grass was somewhat wet, but being a much slighter build than the CC ZT2, the abuse it was taking from the rough terrain was beginning to take its toll. So, it was time to replace her with something more robust.
    Like I said, I researched and decided on either the Gravely, or the Ariens and preferably the Ariens as it was a few hundred dollars less in price. Well, I found that availability in my area was a problem. I could get an Ariens from Lowe's, but my understanding from others who have purchased from Lowe's was that Lowe's must be using blind people with one arm to assemble the mowers. Lots of issues with them upon delivery, so I scratched that idea. So, I went to a power equipment dealer near me to see if I could get my hands on a Gravely. (they advertised gravely equipment on their web site) It turned out that they had Gravely equipment, and if I wanted a Gravely Snowblower all was good, but no zero turn mowers. What they did have was Toro, Exmark and Cub Cadets. So, after a few minutes talking with the salesman and telling him what I was looking for and in what price range, he walked me over to the CC. I looked it over very carefully and asked a ton of questions. I finally realized that the CC was built every bit as good as either the Ariens or Gravely's I was first interested in and had some features that the other two didn't. The downside to the CC, it's a bit more expensive and after tax it's close to 5k. Now my choice was either risk a damaged Ariens from Lowe's, or a more expensive mower from the man standing in front of me.
    I went with the CC. The Cub is every bit as well built as my other choices, it's essentially commercial grade quality sold at a residential price. The frame is 2" tubular steel, machine welded and has a fabricated, not pressed, deck, just like the Ariens and Gravely's have. The seat is fully adjustable and very comfortable with plenty of cushion and fold-away arm rests, and I seriously doubt you'll find one more comfortable on a residential zero-turn mower. The steering is heads and shoulders above my CC RTZ, just really no comparison at all in that department, and the tires are the widest I've seen offered stock on any residential zero-turn. The transmission is serviceable, not sealed, changing oil is made easy with a drainage hose that's already attached, the Kawasaki power plant is one of the most reliable in the market, and it even comes stock with LED headlamps just in case you feel the need to mow your lawn after the sun goes down. The rubber deck mat is a nice touch offering safe non-slip footing and also helps with vibration dampening.
    Honestly, for 5k, I really don't think you can find a zero turn that will offer you more, but you wouldn't be going wrong with either the Gravely or the Ariens models that are in this class. They might not have some of the features that this CC has, but they also are several hundred dollars less expensive and are still robust and reliable. It really just boils down to availability and budget. Had either the Gravely or Ariens been parked next to the CC, I would have opted for fewer features on my new mower for less out-of-pocket expense. After all, it's not like I'm driving my mower to work every day. I'm using it once a week and don't really need headlights on it. Peace.

    • @chris2790
      @chris2790 2 роки тому +1

      I just got the zts2 50. It has kohler 23 hp kt730. The rubber floormats don't do anything worthwhile to dampen vibration and they're a hard rubber. I will need to put down some dense 1/2" foam to keep my feet from getting tingly. It buzzes my butt too, so I'm gonna have to get some isolation dampers to mount the seat on.

    • @Nozinbonsai
      @Nozinbonsai 2 роки тому

      ​@@chris2790 toss the plastic seat bumpers in the trash and replace with 3 inch motorcycle seat springs barrel type ,balance your blades well too ,cone balancer with bullseye spirit level and spacer on top. The CC blade stamp die isn't perfect so the blade is out from new.

    • @chris2790
      @chris2790 2 роки тому

      @@Nozinbonsai thanks. As it turns out, vibration through the frame from the engine is mostly canceled out/changed to a tolerable frequency when the blades are engaged and/or I'm driving it.
      It's just sitting still that the vibes are bad from the engine.
      I'm going to do some grass cutting this spring before deciding if I want springs or even a suspension seat. The little bit of leaf mulching I've done since I bought it seems okay, comfort and suspension wise.
      Maybe I'm not going fast enough. 😄

    • @doseofreality100
      @doseofreality100 Рік тому +1

      Funny your decision was between Ariens and Gravely..... as they're the same company. Probably why it was hard to distinguish between the 2

  • @gearhead366
    @gearhead366 2 роки тому

    Toro has models with seat suspension, but not all Toros have it. Some Cub Cadets have it, too, but I think you have to bump up to a commercial model to get it. For mowing across slopes & hills, a steering wheel mower is better. Spindles... they're all similar until you get to commercial mowers.

  • @mildmethod
    @mildmethod 2 роки тому

    9:35 I think as far as lap bar zero turns are considered, there are lot of other options on the market, but if you go for a steering wheel model (ZTS2 was recently released) zero turn, you're really restricted to cub cadets range.

  • @dmalloy96
    @dmalloy96 3 роки тому +1

    There is definitely a lot of different mowers out there see ya on the next one

  • @1brotherlove829
    @1brotherlove829 3 роки тому

    43 acers that's awesome ! You should get the Bad Boy Out Law Renegade Diesel 61" deck.

  • @jurisvzauls2263
    @jurisvzauls2263 7 місяців тому

    #1 complaint seems to be terrible spindles. How hard are they to replace and how expensive?

  • @k6outdoors
    @k6outdoors 3 роки тому +2

    Ive always thought those were good looking mowers. Good over view!

  • @LS67NOVA
    @LS67NOVA 3 роки тому +1

    Any issues with the shoe not pushing the grass out properly due to how it chokes down at the chute and how it has that bottom brace running across it? Looking at picking up a 60 inch ZT3 and that's a concern that I have

    • @LS67NOVA
      @LS67NOVA 3 роки тому

      On second look....your ZT2 52 opening choke down doesn't look as prominent as the ZT3 60 deck.

    • @FlatCreekOutdoors
      @FlatCreekOutdoors  3 роки тому

      It only gets clogged up when I shouldn't be mowing, like with really tall wet grass

  • @outsidewithjohnhayes4674
    @outsidewithjohnhayes4674 3 роки тому +1

    Good info joe thanks

  • @AttilatheHuntamer
    @AttilatheHuntamer 3 роки тому +1

    Have you lost some weight, Phil? Lookin good, brother! Thanks for the content!

    • @FlatCreekOutdoors
      @FlatCreekOutdoors  3 роки тому +2

      No, I haven't, but thanks! Maybe orange is just a slimming color on me??? 😆😀👍

  • @PurpleCollarLife
    @PurpleCollarLife 3 роки тому +2

    Nice overview after a few years of use.

  • @isaacgotthelf9382
    @isaacgotthelf9382 2 роки тому

    Hi. After 10 h using this machine. One morning the blades are not rotating. Cannot engage the blades???
    What should I look for ginding the cause of such a problem?
    Thanks for your help.
    Isaac

    • @FlatCreekOutdoors
      @FlatCreekOutdoors  2 роки тому

      Check first for debris buildup on the underside of the deck. If not that check belt tension. Good luck!

  • @marcianniobelton8074
    @marcianniobelton8074 2 роки тому +1

    How long does it take to grow your Christmas trees?

  • @inthedarkwoods2022
    @inthedarkwoods2022 3 роки тому +1

    #1 issue with zero turn, always get a great seat. You are riding directly over an axle.

    • @jeffrentsch4318
      @jeffrentsch4318 3 роки тому

      The seat is why I got this mower. If I mowed at home as much as I do at work would have gotten a stand on...

  • @thehammer5164
    @thehammer5164 3 роки тому +1

    Pull the battery and take it inside for the winter.

  • @ryanscott1989
    @ryanscott1989 Рік тому +1

    With they were $4000 still. Cheapest I could find was $5400 near me.

    • @FlatCreekOutdoors
      @FlatCreekOutdoors  Рік тому

      Dang. I'll sell you mine for $3500. I'm ready for something bigger!

    • @ryanscott1989
      @ryanscott1989 Рік тому

      @Flat Creek Outdoors Thanks for the offer going to look at a used zr2 60 with 14.9h for $3200

  • @gavinelliot3564
    @gavinelliot3564 Рік тому +1

    Nothing comes with gal deck corncob.its an anode

  • @davidkarl5192
    @davidkarl5192 2 роки тому +1

    after 2 years i have had it in the shop way more than I got to use it and i bought it new but everything that goes wrong is never under warranty...called the dealership and they admit its a bic lighter ...call cub cadet and they think its funny ...they could not care any less

    • @FlatCreekOutdoors
      @FlatCreekOutdoors  2 роки тому

      dang, sorry to hear that. I'm at 250hrs and its been trouble-free. I've replaced blades and a couple spindles, that's it.

  • @dh4094
    @dh4094 3 роки тому

    I'm pushing 50 hours in less than 2 months. No problems. They did deliver it from factory below cold fill on trans fluid both sides! Like how? Well below, almost no fluid in the tanks

    • @jgimpert
      @jgimpert 3 роки тому

      Running hot? Usually those are low until you run the mower

    • @dh4094
      @dh4094 3 роки тому

      @@jgimpert right, but that's a "cold fill" line! And to have no fluid visible in the tanks at all, is more than a little bit shy.

    • @jgimpert
      @jgimpert 3 роки тому

      Got ya. At least you caught it early. I have a zt3 60. Not a bad mower. I cut about 2.5 acres weekly.

  • @nelsonridgefarm
    @nelsonridgefarm 3 роки тому

    Great rundown, thanks Phil. I’m trying to sort out mowing out, so this was timely! I guess I’d ask.. how (if) do you tag-team your bush-hogging with this more precise mower? Can I get away with just the bush-hog for a year? Thanks! -Brad

    • @FlatCreekOutdoors
      @FlatCreekOutdoors  3 роки тому

      Do you mean with-in your Christmas tree rows? I never take my bushhog in there. I only use the bush hog for open fields, trails and fencelines.

    • @nelsonridgefarm
      @nelsonridgefarm 3 роки тому

      @@FlatCreekOutdoors ah appreciate it....yes, I was wondering if you went down any rows with the bush-hog. Thanks Phil!

  • @michaelbayliss1794
    @michaelbayliss1794 3 роки тому +2

    Sounds like some of your negative comments are not the fault of the mower . I don't know of any mower that can cut Rebar. You could use a 4wd tractor with a brush hog , or finish mower . With 40 plus arcers , your asking alot for a residential mower.
    I have a ZT1 with 80 hours on it , no problems yet .

    • @FlatCreekOutdoors
      @FlatCreekOutdoors  3 роки тому +1

      I'm only mowing about 5 acres regularly, but yeah, it gets run pretty hard at our place and its holding up reasonably well, I think. Thanks for watching.

  • @sharonrogers1157
    @sharonrogers1157 3 роки тому

    How to change my oil

  • @thedungeon1288
    @thedungeon1288 2 роки тому

    6:57. The zt2 already has 4 ply tires.

    • @FlatCreekOutdoors
      @FlatCreekOutdoors  2 роки тому +1

      maybe it does on newer models, or maybe thats what it was suppose to spec, but mine clearly say 2ply on the sidewall.

  • @shawnrussell1786
    @shawnrussell1786 2 роки тому

    Sounds like you need to let some air out of your tires.

  • @Mrramennoodle2
    @Mrramennoodle2 2 роки тому

    Was going to buy this from ts for 4000 out the door went with a bad boy avenger for 4800 from a dealer

  • @bucket0rocks
    @bucket0rocks 2 роки тому

    zt2 w/60" fabricated deck here. 2 years in, and the fabricated deck is literally coming apart at the seams. have a cub tractor with a stamped 46", and that thing has held up wayyyyy better.

  • @RockhillfarmYT
    @RockhillfarmYT 3 роки тому +1

    John Deere make some good mowers 😉

    • @dh4094
      @dh4094 3 роки тому +3

      Not with plastic transmissions they don't

    • @RockhillfarmYT
      @RockhillfarmYT 3 роки тому

      @@dh4094 I think that would only be on the small homeowner mowers.
      I have a couple of commercial zero turns and they don’t have plastic drive trains

    • @dh4094
      @dh4094 3 роки тому +1

      @@RockhillfarmYT im pretty sure that's correct but are they in this price range?

    • @Nozinbonsai
      @Nozinbonsai 2 роки тому

      They did! 😢

  • @kennethlowe6337
    @kennethlowe6337 Рік тому

    I'll be getting a ariens edge. The decks are far more superior to cub cadet. I bought the zt2 and come to find out its the exact same deck as the zt2.

    • @pajamatime5750
      @pajamatime5750 Рік тому

      Ya “bought the ZT2 and come to find out it’s the exact same deck as the ZT2”…. I could have told you that before you bought it haha.

  • @jaycemitchell6586
    @jaycemitchell6586 2 роки тому

    Just returned the toro bought for a day
    And it was garbage
    Got my money back
    … not toro commercial
    But the residential 60”

  • @FullToki
    @FullToki 3 місяці тому

    Martin Ruth Gonzalez Joseph Jackson Sandra

  • @AaronR7250
    @AaronR7250 3 роки тому

    Do not lead blow the air filter. Dirt coms from the air filter and into the carburetor. Then you have issues. I am a mechanic for these things. Don’t

    • @dh4094
      @dh4094 3 роки тому

      Wish I knew this, I've been doing this after every yard, usually 4 yards a day..... no problems so far but, I think I'll just pop the filter off and blow it out to be safe! Thanks!

    • @AaronR7250
      @AaronR7250 3 роки тому

      If you take the air filter out you’ll be safe. But makes sure you use low air pressure or a leaf blower at a lower rev. This will make your air filter last longer. Worked for me for years.

  • @waynecastleman1363
    @waynecastleman1363 9 місяців тому

    Im going to compare the Cadet with Bad Boy before I buy but for sure a fabricated deck.

  • @ryanteer3289
    @ryanteer3289 3 роки тому +1

    Sounds like you need a tractor and bush hog 😆

  • @storminormtharp5948
    @storminormtharp5948 2 роки тому +1

    Hills? Lol change your back tires lol

  • @timothybutler9859
    @timothybutler9859 2 роки тому

    NO!! NO!! NO!! YOU DO NOT WANT TO BUY A TORO!!!