Kubota ZD1211 with Oregon blades! It even stripes now!

Trying out the new blades on the zd1211

[@bluebird5100]

I just found your channel and I will say that I really like the way your demeanor and the way you explain things. You seem like a wonderful person. Thanks for the videos and the awesome channel.

[@DLHFarms]

+bluebird5100. Awesome! Thanks for taking the time to watch my videos

[@SanitiveRevolution]

All I'm going to say is I like your videos before I even start watching them. I subscribed.. thanks for sharing your lifestyle.

[@DLHFarms]

+SanativeRevolution. That's awesome! Thanks for the sub! 👍

[@stephensfarms7165]

Great video, I am glad I kept my ZD326, 60in. It’s 190 hours on it. Best of luck with yours.

[@DLHFarms]

Yep don't trade for a 1211 and expect it to be as good as yours.

[@chuckstevenson2929]

Thanks for the lunchtime video. Looks like you found the right blades.

[@DLHFarms]

+Chuck Stevenson. I think I have!

[@chriswarren9467]

Yeah i do i just hope it a good plan

[@nicklambing9268]

Dennis, I have a couple of mowers that are Ariens brand and they have blades that are configured much like the new blades you installed. They refer to the upturned section of the blade as the fan portion and the blades like your new ones are referred to as high lift blades, Probably indicating they move more air than a blade with a smaller fan section. They work so well I heated up the end of some blades I have for other mowers that did not do a good job of picking up grass and leaves. By increasing the fan portion of the blades, they all did a much better job of picking up mowed material or foreign material, such as, leaves, twigs and so on. Most likely when moving more air there might be some horse power loss, but I have found the increased air flow, cleans out the mowers better and all mowers with the larger fan section are much better at cleaning up the grounds if that is important to you. If there has been power loss, it is not noticeable. Nick, North West Farmer

[@DLHFarms]

+Nick Lambing. Basically that's the same results I'm having!

[@JCLawn51]

Even with the pro deck i would have to mow a lawn like this twice if i needed it to look perfect. Making the deck level helps cut buck horns and dandelions better though. People don't recommend a level deck for thick grass because of power issues.

[@terryw7921]

Thanks for the update,I might have too look into these blades more,I had the old model with pro deck,and have upgraded too the new model with acs deck,very disappointed in this new one,

[@DLHFarms]

+Terry W. They say the pro deck blades will to the same and are made better, but I don't know that for sure both will have to be modified with a bigger center hole

[@jamesrichardson1802]

I've been using Sunbelt predator commercial grade blades and have had real good luck with them.

[@DLHFarms]

Ok thanks for the tip

[@williamcherry7336]

I built a hinge with flap on front of deck it increased deck performance about 35 percent. Now I spend less time cleaning out deck and going back over wear I mowed once already.

[@geraldhawkins2643]

Are you talking about the side chute or on the very front of the deck I’m looking at purchasing the 1211 ?? Trying to check out some of the videos

[@w056007568]

Those blades have clearly improved the performance then!

[@DLHFarms]

+Dan Whiteford. Yes they certainly did!

[@chriswarren9467]

Hey i start my own business these week i am so glad

[@DLHFarms]

+Chris Warren. Cool!

[@daveknepp7718]

Chris Warren , good luck

[@markmortensen4341]

Chris Warren What type of business is it? Are you going youtube any of it? Good luck!!!!

[@chriswarren9467]

Mark Mortensen maybe later

[@chriswarren9467]

Mark Mortensen remodle house and landscape

[@josephpegram1]

You can test and see if your mower is turning the RPMs it needs to be turning when wide open. I had to have mine turned up a bit after a couple years.

[@DLHFarms]

+Joseph Pegram. 👍

[@dustinpitts2741]

glad those blades helped you out;;;;;;;;;

[@DLHFarms]

+dustin pitts. Thanks!

[@stephensfarms7165]

Thanks I will just keep mine maintained, keep it as good as new. Maybe you could get a good used, low hours, ZD331 like your Dad has. I would not keep that machine that’s a lot of money for that mower. Good luck.

[@DLHFarms]

I'm not happy with it but it does the job so I'll keep on mowing for now

[@jrbpa5775]

Looks like those knives are a high lift design, they give you terrific amount of vacuum which helps the mow job. Only bad part is the deck doesn’t look like it’s designed to channel all the vacuum out the side so you get some blow out the front. I think maybe ACS decks might not be the top of the line, just cheaper for Kubota to purchase. Good video, lawn looks real nice....

[@DLHFarms]

+Jrbpa 57. Kubota built the ACS deck to be there top of the line, they didn't buy it, it's supposed to be 27 percent more efficient according to them.

[@jrbpa5775]

DLH Farms it does make you wonder about their figures and design of the deck. Just seems odd that it mows so awful and you have to revamp the underside and put different knives on to make it mow better. I’m not comparing but my Grasshopper deck has high lift knives on and there is no blow out anywhere, in fact if anything is with in a couple inches of the deck it sucks it in. I think Kubota missed on this design.

[@DLHFarms]

+Jrbpa 57. Yeah they dropped the ball on this design.

[@luckylawnboy]

I just bought a 1511 72 inch deck. Cut is really good but I do notice less suction than old deere. I will get the pro deck blades and let you know results

[@DLHFarms]

The hole size may be different it is on the 60 inch deck.

[@luckylawnboy]

DLH Farms think it’s the same spindles same blade bolt and adapter etc.

[@waltermattson5566]

Have you checked the hydraulic pit temperature on this mower compared with the old one?

[@DLHFarms]

Yes it runs around 180 degrees Fahrenheit after hard use

[@lawsonlawnandfarm8073]

Hey I just came across your channel looking for info on the Kubota zero turns.. I saw in a comment your mower came from mt airy I deal with them some as well and never really been pleased with the service... just curious if you’re stil running the Kubota and how it’s held up

[@DLHFarms]

I am still running it it has 278 hrs I know because I just serviced it yesterday. It’s running good but not the best cut quality on the market for sure. It doesn’t like wet grass at all either

[@89vette1]

I just bought a new 1211 with a 72” deck and mulch kit. This will replace my Exmark Radius X with a 60” deck. I get it delivered this week or next. I mainly wanted a larger deck and Diesel engine as I have bulk fuel for my other Kubota equipment. The Exmark cuts nice with the mulch kit but gulps gas. I’m now concerned that I made the wrong choice because of the ACS deck. I’ll report my experience between the two.

[@DLHFarms]

I don’t know about the 72 but the 60 is pretty terrible in my grass. I’ve done mods and changed blades and it does pretty good now

[@89vette1]

DLH Farms I took delivery of my zd1211 72” with a mulch kit and it cuts fine. So far I love how it rides and handles compared to my Exmark. We’ll see how it cuts as the blades wear.

[@geraldharbin7691]

I love my huskavana

[@justiceleaguer9108]

That’s a residential/homeowner lawn mower.

[@jeffreysavchuk7294]

My kuboto deck had a rubber thing bolted across the front it had 1/8 inch rubber things hanging down like a broom not sure if it was for the blow out it wore off and I never replaced it I have noticed a lot of blow out now

[@DLHFarms]

+Jeffrey Savchuk. That rubber comes with a bagger kit that Kubota sells it's supposed to help create more suction for bagging.

[@Atoyota]

The only stringers I get is off Johnson grass or anything stalky. There's some rye and crabgrass that is hard to get a cut on with dull blades (late season mowing). That's a test... if you can cut through a patch of Johnson grass and can cut all the seed stalks on them? You got some good blades. I usually have to back over them or come at them from the opposite direction. Sometimes twice won't do it as they lay down. About now our mower is cutting pretty rough, but I won't change the blades till a couple full mows next spring after all the downed limbs and new rocks are picked up. (I find them as I mow start of season, sometimes by eyesight... sometimes by mower).

[@crslyrn]

Glad to hear & see that you found a possible solution or improvement to your problem ZD1211. I noticed the date you put on the start of the video was in July, is the mower still doing OK? Stay safe.

[@DLHFarms]

+crslyrn. Yes it's still going strong, biggest complaint now is turning on wet ground, it takes a chunk of grass with it. Heavy.

[@keithhylton4631]

DLH Farms do u make a 3 point turn if not try it

[@DLHFarms]

+keith hylton. Yes, I do.

[@PhatboyHD88]

Buddy try those JD Predator blades,, they will do even better ,, not sure if you will need to drill out the hole or not bit give them a wip,,, they will catch those long weeds in the cerated tooth like air foil and cut them up...

[@DLHFarms]

+PhatboyHD88. Alright! 👍

[@billyd2593]

I’ve got a 60” zd1211 put an Oregon 396-816 gator blade on it and so far loving their performance. The kubota blades were pretty terrible. The Oregon blade is a mulching blade, didn’t necessarily want a mulching blade, but that’s what I could find. They stripe too and are a direct fit

[@DLHFarms]

At least they finally made some that direct fit

[@tronstone7679]

Billy d where did you buy those blades? I need some for my 1021

[@billyd2593]

@@tronstone7679 got them at my local stihl dealer. Found them online and had them order them for me.

[@tronstone7679]

@@billyd2593 thanks for the info. What size socket do I need to change blades?

[@shannonpaschal6435]

​@@tronstone7679 30milimeter

[@vs74ralph]

What blades are these? I have the same problem with my zero turn.

[@DLHFarms]

+Butch Guilmain. I don't remember, I think they are Oregon 91-144's look at the last video I posted on my channel, that's where I changed them out and I tell what they are, you also have to change the hole size in them to get them to fit on the ACS deck.

[@beachfun2901]

Know your frustration. Had a Husqvarna rider that skipped grass at almost any speed. Had to move the same areas multiple times. The blades didn’t seem to turn fast enough. I want a mower that’s mowing until it chokes. Bought a Scag Turf Tiger. I’ve been well pleased for many years.

[@DLHFarms]

Sounds good that's what I want, and I know it's possible cause I had one an old bushog brand.

[@scottdelaney3575]

Does Oregon have blades to fit the 72" deck?

[@DLHFarms]

Probably

[@BR1156]

I looked at a 1021 today but after watching your three videos, I will probably go across the highway and buy another John Deere. I have heard, from other sources, that Kubota was weak on service and you have confirmed that.

[@DLHFarms]

It depends on your area for service, but the 1021 has a weak hydraulic system I would stay away

[@kenpero9017]

Great video :) Have you had any experience with the ZD326? I am seriously considering a used one with around 100 hours.

[@DLHFarms]

Not the 326 but I do with the ZD331 and they are good machines. My dad has one with a 72 inch deck.

[@geraldharbin7691]

Hey buddy what kind of bike is seen in your shop ?

[@DLHFarms]

+gerald harbin. That is a Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 classic. I need to sell it, never have time to ride it.

[@allencooley7048]

Yes sir how u doing im interested n the 1211 and I remember watching u videos on the 1021 problem and u saying that it rained alot where u live and I was just wondering how does the mower do on wet ground because I know its heavy but the tires are very wide on the back so that might help out u know just asking thanks

[@DLHFarms]

It sinks pretty bad on wet ground because it’s so heavy

[@allencooley7048]

@@DLHFarms thank u very much i really appreciate the info I better stick with the zd1011

[@keithhylton4631]

I'm glad the 1211 works for u better than the 1021 those blades really made a difference

[@DLHFarms]

+keith hylton. Yeah I'm happy with this mower for the most part.

[@geraldharbin7691]

I have a classic 800 96 model, what u asking for it?

[@DLHFarms]

+gerald harbin. It's an 04 with 11,000 miles I would probably take 2500 for it.

[@colinneufeld4192]

Nice property, any idea what they were asking ?

[@DLHFarms]

+Colin Neufeld. No I don't but you can look it up online I guess. It's on lower dam Rd in Meadows of Dan, Va

[@bjenkins803]

Man that really changed that mower. I'm sure it helped you feel better about mowing. Looks more professional too.

[@DLHFarms]

+B Jenkins. Yes absolutely! Makes you feel more confident for sure.

[@dudleyglass2845]

Are you pleased with that mowet? Would you buy it again? Reason I'm asking is I'm seriously thinking about buying one on Monday, I however don't want to spend the money if I won't be happy with it.

[@DLHFarms]

I would buy something different most likely. Like a Ferris

[@dudleyglass2845]

@@DLHFarms I thought about buying a scag but they are about 4k more expensive and don't have nearly the financing options available. Kubota makes it hard to pass up with it being 0%for 60

[@FixItStupid]

JD 997 72" I Same Oregon Cut so good ....I Get 2 years Use On 22 + Ac

[@DLHFarms]

+FixItStupid. Good to know.

[@terraviewfarmsstables3311]

FixItStupid I gotta pick some up for my mowers then if they preform so good!

[@shawnfox8002]

Those weeds you said it wouldn't cut is called buckhorn at least that's what we call them here

[@DLHFarms]

Good to know

[@stephensfarms7165]

Yeah, ZD326 new was $12,500, in 2016. Thanks

[@DLHFarms]

1211 was 14,500

[@kochlawnservicesgmailcom]

I have ferris and I think I have your issue but you make me want to go modify it somehow. You deck look like a mulching that in stalled on the ferris but i remove it because of the clog.

[@DLHFarms]

Mines not supposed to be a mulching deck but it sure looks like one.

[@mikewawrzkiewicz3741]

Good to see your gaining napa mike

[@DLHFarms]

+Mike Wawrzkiewicz. Thanks!

[@krisjordan8037]

I can not find these blades on Oregon's website!! What blades did you buy, do you have a model number?

[@DLHFarms]

I think the model number was one of my previous videos I made about changing the blades. I now run the Kubota commercial deck blades on it. Be aware you have to modify either the blades or the deck spindles to make the Oregon's or the commercial Kubota blades fit an acs deck. I opted to have the spindles cut down on the deck so I can just buy new blades and bolt them on.

[@krisjordan8037]

Thank you sir. I will have to make a decision.

[@johncloar9476]

@@DLHFarms Why did you not stay with the Oregon blades? Do these commercial kubota blades do better than the Oregon blades?

[@DLHFarms]

@@johncloar9476. Then Kubota commercial blades cut just as good but are more durable imo.

[@geraldhawkins2643]

Do you have any experience with the Kubota ZD326 60 cut quality I just found one thinking about purchasing ??

[@DLHFarms]

No but I've used a zd331 with a 72 pro deck and it cuts good

[@geraldhawkins2643]

Oh ok I appreciate you replying back thanks

[@geraldhawkins2643]

Are you still running the ZD1211 do you still like it ?? Cut quality??

[@DLHFarms]

Yes I'm still running it the mower is nice but the cut quality is the same as the 1021 which is terrible.

[@geraldhawkins2643]

Got me a ZD326 coming from Arizona only 3 hours 2016 model I appreciate ya replying back thanks

[@farmcentralohio]

Dennis, this is an old video so I doubt you see this comment but next time you're looking for a lawn mower try Bunton. Made in usa, great quality, dealer support won't matter because you won't need any. They make kubota, cub cadet and others look like a toy your sons should be playing with.

[@DLHFarms]

Haha thanks for the tip. I've never heard of that brand.

[@farmcentralohio]

@@DLHFarms oops, you've not heard of them because I typed the wrong name. Bob-cat is what I meant, but not the skid steer bobcat. It's a different company, at one time they were involved with bunton and that's what I always called our first one.

[@garymorris3914]

Try putting a bottom grind on your blades just a little and they will cut even better

[@DLHFarms]

I normally do just a little bottom grind

[@311hitwall]

Have you had any issues with your ZD? Would you ever go back to gas?

[@DLHFarms]

Other then the deck not cutting good no. I would prefer going back to a gas Toro

[@311hitwall]

@@DLHFarms I have heard a lot of people say Toro is a good mower. I have seen a lot of Husqvarna's in my area, but I don't hear a lot talking about them. Must not be on the right forums or youtube pages - lol.

[@stephensfarms7165]

That’s ok, I just got Lucky in 2016, and got it. Now no more.

[@deerewheelhoeclifton5710]

I grew a third arm this summer changing out and sharping blades on a 1211. It's all good though, between getting the shaft from my dealer and pulling my hair out over this piece of shit, the extra hand came in mighty handy👋👋👋

[@reddfoxx2861]

Do you still have your Kubota zero turn. How's it doing. Great videos.

[@DLHFarms]

It’s still going. Still not a big fan of it.

[@hotshotmexi8644]

@@DLHFarms why are you not at fan?

[@DLHFarms]

Mow quality sucks

[@geraldlossing4947]

Did you make it to the nascar race?

[@DLHFarms]

+GPL Lossing. No, I never go just not my thing, my dad always goes though

[@DLHFarms]

+Scott Page USMC .lol!

[@ToothSIayer]

Just curious, what made you want to go back to Kubota. I know you had tons of problems with your other one and it still seems like you're dealer is awful. I know the John Deere mowers are really expensive but what about something like an Exmark or Ferris?

[@DLHFarms]

+ToothSIayer. I didn't go back to Kubota they had me by the balls they are the only ones that would trade with me. No one else would give me a nickel for that 1021 so it was trade back to Kubota and loose money or trade with another brand and loose a whole lot of money.

[@DLHFarms]

+ToothSIayer. I won't be buying anything else Kubota don't worry.

[@ToothSIayer]

Gotcha. Thanks for clarifying that. I've been thinking about getting a zero turn mower when I get a little money saved up. Was considering a Kubota but I've heard bad things about them even before your experiences.

[@DLHFarms]

+ToothSIayer. Yeah look elsewhere.

[@tricountyfarmer5640]

I'd like to see the difference in the old blades vs the new ones.

[@DLHFarms]

I don’t use either one anymore I use the Kubota pro blades

[@tricountyfarmer5640]

@@DLHFarms I'm planning to pick up a 72 inch kubota Monday. Anxious to see how it mows compared to the older exmark mowers I'm used to with ultra cut decks

[@DLHFarms]

It’s not going to mow worth a dang most likely

[@tricountyfarmer5640]

@@DLHFarms maybe I got lucky but my 72 mows as well as my exmark ever did for the most part. That's not to mention fuel economy, comfort and stability on steep ground.

[@IndianaWhitetailFanatics]

Where did you get the kubota pro blades

[@ottohonkala6861]

gator blades are nice if you have spare power....most mowers dont....blades are thicker and take hits better too.

[@minnesotaoliveranddeere5919]

Well at least you don't have snow like I do

[@DLHFarms]

+Minnesota oliver and deere. Actually it was snowing last night! Just flurries, this video was made back in July

[@minnesotaoliveranddeere5919]

DLH Farms yes I can see form the title. And it sucks because I can't pick up leaves. And recovery as well

[@DLHFarms]

+Minnesota oliver and deere. Well it will melt someday. Lol

[@minnesotaoliveranddeere5919]

DLH Farms yep

[@Hightideoutdoors]

Looks like broadleaf

[@stephensfarms7165]

I think the blades was the problem. Thanks

[@DLHFarms]

+Ronald Stephens. They are most of the problem.

[@chriswarren9467]

Thanks i will cut grass and remodel buss

[@DLHFarms]

+Chris Warren sounds like you got a plan

[@drewfish3132]

if you like the discbine principal check out meg-mo.com I added these to my bad boy mower a few years back they will not disappoint. Not cheap but they are functional.

[@DLHFarms]

+Drew Fish. I almost went that route, even called them but didn't get an answer.

[@regsparkes6507]

So, looks like we have a good result here by changing out the blades to the more efficient and getting rid of the baffle too. It goes to show that Kubota designers need to get out in the field, literally, to see if what THEY design is in fact, any good. It's funny though, my 1046 Cub Cadet lawn tractor/mower does a better job of mowing all types of lawns, than this'mega buck' Zero Turn mower apparently does.

[@DLHFarms]

+Reg Sparkes. Most all those cheap stamped steel decks mow really good until you hang it on something and bend the crap out of it.

[@regsparkes6507]

For sure ! Not at all, for commercial use, are they?

[@CSimmons88]

I saw another video where a lawn care professional said he could slow down the engine speed but speed up the mower a little and it would actually cut stalky weeds better. You might try that just to see. He mentioned something about the turbulence created under the deck with high blade speed just pushed the weeds down instead of cutting them. Makes no sense in my mind but it could be worth a shot.

[@DLHFarms]

+Chris Simmons. I've tried it, don't work with this mower. These blades are the best improvement I've made so far.

[@m6m6a]

this is not a tractor you should do square rounds, so you will not have to "stop" after every round to turn

[@DLHFarms]

+m6m6a. You have to be very careful when you turn this mower around it's so heavy it will destroy the yard.

[@deanrobertson450]

Hi Leo I’m from New Zealand yeah Kiscoe we bit slower with your lawnmower and then I’ll be all good if you go to fast it’s not gonna cut properly Hi Leo I’m from New Zealand yeah Kiscoe we bit slower with your lawnmower and then I’ll be all good if you go to fast it’s not gonna cut properlyb

[@TheClujeanul]

First view and first like........

[@DLHFarms]

+TheClujeanul. Congrats! Lol

[@clobbyhops]

Cut your speed back 1 mph brother

[@DLHFarms]

Makes no difference

[@ardenrouth3555]

With the trouble you have had with this mower I would never buy a Kubota mower.

[@DLHFarms]

+arden routh. This one hasn't give me much trouble, that was the 1021.

[@ardenrouth3555]

Oh okay.