I went back to JD and bought the used JD Z445 25hp Kawasaki I mentioned earlier. It's in great shape, close to new looking and mechanically as you can get...87 hrs. Comes with new blades and battery, they changed all the fluids & filters. 3g out the door.
Originally Posted By: JTK
The JD Z445 doesn't look like anything special to me. I see the JD price is about $5000 for them new.
They've got HydroGear ZT2800 drives, which each will have it's own spin-on filter. I had those drives on my Cub Z-Force 44".
I'd be more excited about it if it had separate pump and motor drive like JDs of this size used to have.
IMO, I'd spend ~$3500 on a nice JD conventional rider.
nope, This one has the Tuff Torq Kunzuko wheel motor system with large pump & large hydraulic tank & filter. Unlike the new models this one is fully serviceable. JD guy said this one has commercial grade drive. He did say that to be fair they haven't had any problems with the residential grade drives in the new models.
For what I paid it's $ 2,000 cheaper than new, fully serviceable like the commercial mowers, and sure looks like it's better built than GT riders in the $3,000 class...guess time will tell.
I'll post proof of purchase (pic's) after I pick it up tomorrow.
Thanks to all....carry on