Strengths Kubota Engine which goes 20 hours on only 5 gallons of fuel. Extra heavy duty frame. Built-in jack. Std suspension seat.

Weaknesses TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 750 HRS. DEALER NEVER INFORMED ME OF THE UPGRADE RESERVOIR TANK AND USING AMSOIL. GET THIS UPGRADE. MY TRANS IS DYING. STRANGELY ENOUGH IT STARTS WITH THE DECK LIFT ACTING-UP AND WHEN TRYING TO LIFT THE DECK WITH THE BLADES RUNNING THE BLADES WILL STOP RUNNING. VERY DISAPPOINTED AND MOST LIKELY NEVER RETURN TO KUBOTA AGAIN.

Overall The rest of the machine is fantastic. Parts are expensive but rarely replaced. I have NEVER replaced a deck bearing or the deck belt - go figure. The transmission repair will most likely cost over $2500. Local dealer states there is not much he can do. This is a 2002 model in excellent condition but now it may become a boat anchor.

Strengths A very well built trouble free machine that does the job. In the almost 2 years I have owned it there have been zero problems. Compared to gas the engine noise is tolerable and fuel efficiency is good.

Weaknesses I wish it had the access floorboard panel of the new ZD's to grease the drive shaft yokes because they are a pain to get to. I don't know if it is a strength or weakness but there are a lot of zerks to grease.

Overall When we moved to the country I needed something to mow about 4 acres of finish lawn quickly. I ran into a used ZD 21 with 300 hours on it and decided a homeowner couldn't do a whole lot better for the price. I read about the Trans. problems but took the chance that it was more of a problem for commercial users that used them hard, not a person that puts 75 hours a year on it. So far, So good. I sometimes use it to mow tall grass around a pond and the approach to it through pasture and I have never seen it lacking in power.

Strengths good engine

Weaknesses trans junk my just went out cost $3500 to fits it kubota knows they are bad,but make you eat the cost. I would not even think of buying another one!

Overall ZD21 Under powered

Strengths The built in jack to lift the mower to get to the blades.

Weaknesses I had a problem with the right side drive. It cost $3000. to get it fixed and the dealer charged me $1600. after telling me it would be covered by Kubota.

Overall It is expensive to maintain. I only had 305 hours on the unit when the trans went out.

Strengths Strong, quiet running motor. Very, very dependable. low fuel consumption. Problem free....

Weaknesses Built in jack system is getting hard to turn. There doesn't seem to be any way to lubricate the jack.

Overall This has been the best mower I have used. I have over 1200 hours on this machine and I just had a throttle cable break at the throttle lever. This is the first "breakdown" I have had in the 5 years I have owned it. The only other things I have replaced is blades, filters and oil/hydraulic fluids. I have used other brands, but they do not come close to the overall performance of the Kubota. It handles inclines and rough ground and I haven't had any overheating problems as long as I keep the radiator screen even relatively clean. The transmission works as good as it did five years ago and It uses far less fuel than my last two 23hp and 27hp Kawasaki gas motors. I am 6'2" and weigh 285 pounds and the seat is still comfortable. Yes it rides a little rough if you mow real fast, but everything else I have ridden does also. I have contemplated trading it in on a new ZD326, but I can't find a reason to trade it other than just wanting a new one!

Strengths Excellent machine. Easy to operate and maintain. So far, it is the best mower I have ever owned (after retrofit of pump and reservior).

Weaknesses The original ZD21 was a POS. I took it back twice for dealer to check due to limited power in mowing and total performance. Had problems with dealer initially, but when I informed him I would stop payments and advertise what a piece of crap they were selling, he relented. The dealer replaced it with a model that was retrofited with the hydro reservior and pump. ------ That solved the problem totally !!!!! Great machine, I was glad that I choose the ZD21 AFTER the new retrofit model was obtained.

Overall With retrofit, I am very satisfied. ..... Without the retrofit, it was a total piece of crap.

Strengths Engine, controls

Weaknesses Question on Transmission but no indications os any issues so far.

Overall New Owner, used machine and I stumbled over the Arcland post. Local dealer denies any knowledge of retrofit tank On z21. On balance it's a great machine so far. Would like to e-mail arcland to discuss the issue further. JGustafson@wildblue.net

Strengths Engine Compact form Built in jack stand to change blades ergonomics

Weaknesses Transmission Most units will have trans failures around 200-400 hours. Kubota has an after market fix for problem. They have extended the warranty period for older units to four years. Any owner who has the older stlye mower 2006 and earlier should take your unit in to have the auxillary hydro tank installed under the right fender. This keepsthe hydro pump from losing hydro pressure and prolongs the life of the trans. If not installed the unit WILL fail. Any questions you cal e-mail me. Problem with 2006 and earlier models wide spread. Kubot hopes units will age beyond the 4 year extened warranty so they do not have to pay full for warranty service.They will stick you with either 1/2 parts and labor or labor only. Typical trans replacement 3500.00 plus. Buyer beware.

Overall Do not buy a used unit with out knowing if trans has been updated Kubota willnot do anything for once removed owners.

Strengths Compact form

Weaknesses Transmission failure on all zd models

Overall great engine

Strengths A+. I cannot say enough about how good this mower really is. I also have a walk-behind Gravely with a steering sulky and 30" mower, which is a great mower, but this Kubota is absolutely fantastic. I am new to ZTRs, but this mower is so easy to use, I felt right at home the very first time I used it. The guy who delivered the unit from the local dealer showed me how they test these at Kubota. He went so fast, that it scared me. I use the mower with the engine revving just enough to give it power and it goes plenty fast for me. I just love that I need not do much trimming, because I can go right around a tree and then only a little weed eating remains. Kubota's Financing 36 @ 0% makes this professional grade mower affordable for a home owner with a large yard. I also have a Massey 255 which I use to bush-hog about 100 acres, but I wish I could use this Kubota for the 100 acres. In actuality, I probably could, but an 8Ft bush-hog is better than a 60" deck.

Weaknesses I am a Big man who is also handicapped and I wish it had a bigger seat, but otherwise there are no weaknesses which I have been discovered yet.

Overall A+