Why i now have a Kubota ZD1211 instead of a ZD1021.

This is the long winded version of why i now have zd1211

[@DLHFarms]

Oh I forgot to mention when I went to trade it in on the zd1211 they told me they couldn't give me as much for it since it had something wrong with it and they would have to fix it before they could sell it, this was right after they tell me there is nothing wrong with it and there is nothing to fix!! WTF?

[@Atoyota]

Yeah your problem is with the people, not Kubota. Fortunately we don't have that problem up here. I'd stop dealing with them altogether with tractors or any other equipment you may get from them and go elsewhere. I'd let them know also, and tell them that you will no longer recommend them all because of your mower experience. Don't let that crap pass.

[@trevorfout4759]

DLH Farms thats when i would have told them to piss off and go elsewere

[@DLHFarms]

+Atoyota. Yeah that is my plan. The salesman told me to come see him if I ever wanted to trade tractors or balers, my reply was, I'm done with y'all, you won't ever see me here again! He said I understand and walked off.

[@Atoyota]

Yeah if a few more sales leave them because of this or others with similar problems, they may finally learn how to deal with people. Either that or just screw over suckers till even they finally learn and go elsewhere.

[@DLHFarms]

+Trevor Fout. I went to John Deere they told me up front they wouldn't give me anything for it.

[@blessed7fold]

Dennis I really appreciate you sharing your story with us about how your Kubota dealer treated you. Now that I have heard all this I am reconsidering doing business with Kubota.

[@thebubbacontinuum2645]

Seems to me that with Kubota, the company is okay but the dealers are useless. With John Deere, the company itself is rotten.

[@peterlevy1682]

Have just watched your video here in Wollongong, Australia. Was thinking about Kubota Machines for a new property up the bush, but now I'm starting to worry. I will make enquiries about other brands first. Love all your posts. Keep em coming.

[@DLHFarms]

+Peter Levy. A different dealer may have handled it differently, but it's hard to say.

[@GuyinWY]

Every company can have a lemon slip past quality control, but your dealer dropped the ball big time.

[@DLHFarms]

+Guy in WY. Hey Guy thanks for stopping by!

[@GuyinWY]

DLH Farms Stopping by? Man, I watch all your videos!

[@DLHFarms]

+Guy in WY. Lol! Thats great! I watch most all your too as I have time.

[@MjrNiGhTmArE]

I worked for car dealers and I’ve seen this often. Both the dealer and the manufacturer dropped the ball, shame on them! I have a very old B series Kubota tractor that refuses to die, I absolutely love the machine but with the information you just gave about the customer service, I’ll be weary and informed if I ever purchase another one of their products. Thanks!

[@MjrNiGhTmArE]

By the way, I worked in service, my father worked in corporate. So I’ve seen and heard about both sides, customers and manufacturer. Working Together we solved many customer issues. That’s the way it should be. Go the extra mile and you’ll have a customer for life.

[@rayeddy528]

For what it's worth , I have used Scag Turf Tigers since 2003 . I now have an 06 and an 08 ! Great machines. Thank you! Be safe and God bless you and your family !!!! Eddy

[@DLHFarms]

+Ray Eddy. Thanks for the recommendation Eddy! God bless!

[@leebee816]

Ray Eddy I have a 06' scag turf tiger (had it since new) and it still mows like a champ.

[@warrenpatton3426]

Hello from Bristol. Dennis , you have the patience of a saint or you hide it very well. Liked the video alot and hope the next Kubota video is how well the new ones doing.

[@DLHFarms]

+warren patton. Thanks Warren! More to come on it for sure.

[@ralphfolden3273]

You have my sympathies. I had a similar problem with my Jeep dealer 26 yrs ago and I haven't dealt with that dealer since and I never will.

[@DLHFarms]

These dealers loose a lot of business

[@johnmyers8488]

Your a better man than me the way you handled the problem. Before I bought my Skag I looked at Kubota. The dealership just didn’t impress me and to be honest with ya neither did that mower. I’m 💯 % happy with my Skag tigercat. Good video

[@DLHFarms]

+John Myers. Yeah I wish I went elsewhere but I really wanted a diesel mower and Kubota is pretty affordable.

[@jaeryan0724]

Thank you for your fast response I really appreciate it. -Jae

[@KPearce57]

I work for Army Corps of Engineers, We mow 500 acres, with 3 Scag turf tiger II mowers, best ones we have had to date.

[@DLHFarms]

+K.D. Pearce. That's a tremendous amount of grass for 3 lawn mowers!

[@bjenkins803]

When you said the service guy said you're not supposed to raise and lower the deck so often I immediately thought, well what about turning it every minute or so? It's obviously a design flaw and cooling issue. Also, a good service department and good people is what makes a great dealer. I hope you have good luck with the new one. I've been looking for something similar for next season so an update would be nice. Enjoy this awesome weather!

[@DLHFarms]

+B Jenkins. Thanks. I'll keep everyone updated.

[@alphaone101]

Thank you for your video. i'm going to buy a compact tractor and I narrowed it down to a Massey Ferguson or a Kubota but couldn't make up my mind. You just made up my mind for me; it will be a new Massey Ferguson!

[@DLHFarms]

+alphaone101. Massey makes a good compact.

[@deerewheelhoeclifton5710]

Just have to live knowing your riding a MF-ing tractor!

[@overheadcamwalling4146]

You were dealing with a woman as your service manager. That’s your problem. A letter from a lawyer would have got their attention. I love my zd 1011. Sorry you got hosed. They did you wrong. My deck does fine but I don’t have casters.

[@crslyrn]

After all of those issues with the dealer service department & folks from Kubota, I think I'd be a little gun shy of buying another Kubota mower. I hope the ZD1211 works out better for you & the dealership takes better care of you. Stay safe.

[@DLHFarms]

+crslyrn. I didn't really have a choice without loosing a lot more money. I explained it in another comment somewhere.

[@daveknepp7718]

I had a problem with a Kubota RTV on a safety recall a few years ago. The dealer kept dragging their feet on repairs and corporate wouldn't even return my phone calls. I finally got another dealer to do the repair. That is the last Kubota product I will buy.

[@DLHFarms]

+Dave Knepp. Sounds about right!

[@j.w.7579]

I was going to go look at a ZD model myself and after seeing your video I have decided to go with another brand. I guess you can say, even four years later Kubota has lost another sale. Since it went beyond the dealer to a Kubota rep and they still dropped the ball, that tells me that they would do that to anyone. Thanks for saving me a lot of grief.

[@DLHFarms]

The zd1211 is a better machine but it still doesn’t mow well until you modify the deck.

[@adammattson7368]

The 1211 is a wicked machine The issues he was having sounds more like morons working on it Yes i work at an ag dealer we sell kubota bet they never checked the level of the hydro and make any adjustments on it such as the rear end ya fill it run each side separate forward slowly increasing speed big ole sequence of it But sounds more like his fluid levels for hydro were never corrected

[@dieselfuel6006]

Like you I have a couple of yards to cut. One of them takes me almost 4 hours to cut. I'm using a Exmark with a 60" Triton deck and mulch blades. I bought this mower about 6 years ago and EVERY week I cut 11 Acer's at 2" tall and 9mph the only thing I have had break was a idler pulley and your normal stuff belts lots of blades and oil changes. Its powered by a 27Hp Kohler engine my hour did break at 2400 hrs and that was like maybe 3\4 years ago. When it does go down I will be getting another one just like that.

[@DLHFarms]

+Patrick Glaser. Sounds like you've got a good mower!

[@joebarry1974]

This conversation has the life drained out of me... I can see a right light... Oh jesus...

[@stepside2839]

Geez, sorry to hear of that trouble My dealer would mod that with bigger reservoirs & an oil cooler in a heartbeat "Free of Charge" Accompanied with a letter to Corporate of the necessary fix.

[@DLHFarms]

+Eric Stewart. I needed your dealer for sure!

[@dwhollrah]

Your patience is better than mine. I took a few notes here on being persistent. Enjoying your work and videos...well done. What camera are you using?

[@DLHFarms]

+dwhollrah. Thanks, I'm using a GoPro hero 4 silver.

[@truracer20]

Sorry to hear it ended up like this. Exmark is what most commercial lawn companies use in my area. They are dependable. My buddy has a lawn care business and they average about 48 hours in a 6 day week on each mower for 7 months out of the year. It's rare that the Exmark needs more than routine service during the season. They get used for grass as well as fall leaf mulching.

[@DLHFarms]

+truracer20. Do they have an affordable diesel that was the only reason I went with Kubota to being with.

[@keithhylton4631]

DLH Farms they have a diesel I'm not sure about the price I'd say it's around 14-15000

[@DLHFarms]

+keith hylton. Ok the 1211 was about 14,000 so close

[@tbirdracefan]

I like my old gas Exmark 72". I know some of the Exmark Diesels used a Diahatsu/Briggs engine (which i would not recommend from my experience). Some also are Kubota powered.

[@DesN4IN]

You are right about the dealer, I have ZD326 and have had no problems after mowing for 5 seasons and mows great. When I bought mine the price for it was quite a bit less. Good luck with the new one.

[@DLHFarms]

+David Shelton. The 300 series mows are good the problem is with the 200 series.

[@coldbore1444]

I was about to purchase a 1211. I think I will buy a John Deere instead now. Thanks for posting this video and saving me alot of possible heartache on a 14k +tax mower.

[@DLHFarms]

👍

[@DLHFarms]

The 1211 hasn't given me any trouble but I've never been happy with the cut quality or grass discharge.

[@jobetq4528]

Thanks for sharing. I was leaning towards a Kubota (i have a dealer right down the road) but now I'm reconsidering...... sounds like you did everything possible to document and explain the issues and it fell on the deaf ears of a company that doesnt care about their customers. I don't care to potentially have to deal with that type of service.

[@DLHFarms]

Yep thats basically what happened. It depends on your dealership a lot too some are more helpful than others.

[@justinjames5750]

The whole time I'm listening to you rant I'm picturing you in my mind toting that mower your not happy with up there and throwing it through the storefront window at the dealer! Like the discount tire commercial if your not happy with it... bring it back. Lol

[@DLHFarms]

+Justin James. Lol! I could do that with my tractor I guess!

[@trenton1880]

We have a new zd 1021 have about 80 hours on it and it's been a wonderful mower no complaints afraid you got a lemon. It don't sound like the dealer was real helpful really sad our dealer in Osseo WI has been great to us.

[@DLHFarms]

I liked the 1021 better then the 1211 to bad it had hydraulic issues.

[@tekjunkie28]

Watching all your old videos... I dont think will ever buy anything but a John Deere for a lawn tractor. I have used several and the JD was just a beast and i think a x750 is something you would love.. But i only think it comes with a gas engine.

[@donutman942]

I feel for you I could see your frustration in the video while recounting the events you went through. They backed you into a corner and you had to do what you did to minimize your loss. But now it's KARMA time, post a video telling what you really want to say about how you were treated, give us some names, Reps, Dealer, Phone #s. then leave the rest to your 6000 subscribers. Social Media is a strong voice . Get a big sticker for the back window of your truck "Avoid this Dealer , name , they Do Not Support Their Customers". With all that said bite the bullet ride that Kubota a few years then get yourself a Bobcat Predator Pro , I've used their equipment since the 70s , I've tried all the zero turns out there and None can outwork this mower. Keep up the videos :)

[@DLHFarms]

+Donutman. Never heard of that brand but it sounds awesome! I'm afraid if I do all that they will try to sue me for defamation.

[@stephensfarms7165]

Thanks for sharing.

[@DLHFarms]

+Ronald Stephens. Your welcome!

[@danslawncare8594]

My exmart has fix deck and it mowes great .

[@misterb1080]

Man, good job you just trashed that dealship and Kubota without even trying! Lol

[@DLHFarms]

Oh well lol

[@HughzieTube]

Surely the dealer could have just started it up, set the blades running (Bag of sand on the seat if there was a kill switch) and just left it for 2 hours. That would get it nice and hot for them to then start diagnosing the problem.

[@DLHFarms]

+HughzieTube. That would have made to much sense. Lol

[@Katyhillfarmer]

I agree should take care of you but went through the same thing kinda got the same response you did now all I buy is deere

[@DLHFarms]

+kevin A. good plan

[@davidgaylord2035]

letters to the editor, BBB, to kubota headquarters and park it out on the street in front of the dealer with a big sign on it saying this is a lemon

[@DLHFarms]

+David Gaylord. I should have made this video before I traded it, I'm getting all kinds of good ideas!

[@mtbiker64]

Thanks for posting this video. I was considering buying a Kubota product but am now having second thoughts after reading this thread. There is no excuse for such poor customer service from Kubota and your dealer. The design flaw in your ZD1021 is also disappointing.

[@DLHFarms]

Yes it was very frustrating, ever time I deal with Kubota service it's very frustrating.

[@HarrisPropertyMaintenance]

i work for a kubota dealer as a hay boy, and my main job is cleaning the machines on the lot, ive drove a zd1011 and the right side hydro had a lot of unright vibrations in it ( i also do part time lawn care so im no stranger to professional hydro mowers specifically exmark lazer z's ) i asked a mechanic about it and the answer i got was " their all like that" so i dont believe its was just your mower, i think its a overlooked design flaw Note : ive heard a similar story from a upset client of one that got turned down two.

[@DLHFarms]

That's not good. I really liked the size and nimble-ness of that mower it just won't hold up to commercial mowing in my opinion

[@ItstheMattyB]

Dennis, was this the Kubota dealer in Mt. Airy? I have a strong feeling it was

[@DLHFarms]

Yep

[@chuckstevenson2929]

What a hassle. Not only is customer no-service an issue but some companies policies has changed from 'the customer is always right' to 'The customer is right until we get that unit sold/out the door.'

[@DLHFarms]

+Chuck Stevenson. Well said Chuck!

[@dennisrobinson7587]

Sounds like you got a bad one with the zd 1021 .I have been running one since 2013 when it was new and have not had any problems. Although I do have the same issue with the deck.

[@TheDisorderly1]

Sorry if I missed it but who was the kubota dealer that treated you so poorly?

[@Gbannish]

Thanks for the horror story and warning. Seems like a horrible dealership combined with defective equipment, unless you never need to raise the deck, like furrows in the ground, and don't mow longer than 20 minutes. Incredible and unacceptable, as if they haven't been making grass cutting equipment for decades...!

[@DLHFarms]

+Greg Bannish. Yeah it don't make any sense.

[@terryw7921]

I mow with my zd1011 for up too five hours without stopping,and I raise the deck a lot,and hold that button down for more than five seconds,no problems yet,it's got 155hrs,so I really think your machine had its own issue some where,

[@DLHFarms]

+Terry W. I didn't know if they all had the problem or if it was just mine, good to know!

[@stephensfarms7165]

I think I will keep my ZD326, after watching this. Thanks 🙏

[@DLHFarms]

👍 good choice

[@jerryhenry662]

i like kubota too but with all that i would have been through with that bunch

[@PhatboyHD88]

Man i feel for you,,, you are 1 of hundreds of people that got screwed by Kubota their customer service is the worst in the industry,, thats why i own nothing but john deere,,, they really care about their customers,, just my opinion before all the internet trolls start giving me crap,,, but there is no way id ever spend a dime on Kubota ,,,

[@DLHFarms]

+PhatboyHD88. I'm with you on Kubota but I like my NH stuff and the support I get with it.

[@Havøc_Varangian]

Any issues with the right arm getting stuck ?? I just bought one and have less than 20 hours on it and the arm decided to stick in place. When I got it back on the trailer it was fine. Any ideas? I've had to let my crew off due to the rain here in east Texas so I haven't had the chance to take it in yet.

[@DLHFarms]

No I haven't had that problem yet.

[@danljohnston]

It' a sad fact, but every brand, every dealer has stories like this.

[@CSimmons88]

So the dealer and or Kubota sold you a mower you can run continuous up to 1.5 hrs? They won't admit fault or defect on either side and you repay that dishonesty, poor quality, lack of support by spending more money with them. Sorry if I misunderstood part of this but I don't get it.

[@DLHFarms]

+Chris Simmons. Yes your right, the problem was I didn't have any good choices, live with it until it failed which would be out of warranty, Try to fix it myself and possibly void the warranty on the whole machine and may not be able to fix it, trade it to John Deere and loose 8,000 dollars and be back to a gas engine, or trade it back to them and spend 4400 plus tax still have a diesel with a heavier built transmission and an oil cooler and caster wheels on the deck, the bigger machine cost 2400 more then the 1021 anyway so I only really lost about 2600 with the tax but that's still more than I wanted to loose.

[@deerewheelhoeclifton5710]

I've boiled down to a scag diesel. Bullet proof Kubota engine on a mower that actually mow's! What a concept!

[@FinalFlaaaash]

He was locked in. He couldn’t trade it in elsewhere. Not his fault he made the best of the situation.

[@DLHFarms]

Exactly!

[@michaelfinney2160]

Wish we had a Messicks dealership around here all we got is mount airy and blue ridge dealers for kubota tractors close and both about the same , not gonna do much for you, sad to say !

[@DLHFarms]

Haha Mt.Airy is where my mower came from

[@howardmoody9379]

I'm in NC too, what dealer did you use?

[@DLHFarms]

Mt Airy equipment

[@agliem1]

Man, I’m a huge Kubota fan. Sucks to hear that you had so much trouble. I was seriously looking at the 1021 too. Won’t be buying one of those. Even second guessing the 1211. Wanted to get a diesel mower. May just stick with gas.

[@DLHFarms]

+BotaArt. I used to think highly of Kubota not so much anymore

[@terryw7921]

I have a kubota zd1011 ,I run it commercially everyday,it now has 155hrs on it,only time mine has slowed the pto when raising deck,is when mowing a steep hill,I've felt it 2 or 3 times on the same hill,did your 1021 leak any hydro oil out the breather when it was really hot,mine has but only a little bit,

[@DLHFarms]

+Terry W. Yeah I believe it did because the top of the transmission always had oily dust around the breather

[@deerewheelhoeclifton5710]

BotaArt . Look into Scag diesel. About the best overall when compared pound for pound.

[@deerewheelhoeclifton5710]

Terry W. I ran up 560 hours on a new 1211 this summer. Mine will lose a little pressure on a hill with multiple functions pulling on it. Just one more disappointment at this point.

[@marhuf]

Some have said it's just the people that is the problem. Well, yes and no. It's both the main company, the dealer and the people that work in both places. The service people are only there for a paycheck, not to really help and work with you, and the company just wants your money. If the service people really had been given the knowledge from the company, of the equipment they needed to trouble shoot problems on, they would have been able to help you. These companies and dealers are so very lax in this area it is mind blowing. Many times, they don't want to face up to the fact that some of their products were not designed correctly, in your case, the lack of a hydraulic cooling system for such a large piece of equipment.

[@DLHFarms]

+marhuf. Very very true and well said!!!!!

[@3006223308]

If you ever have a problem with this machine try looking at Scag power equipment they are made in the USA, the only thing is I think they only have gas engines but they work great.

[@DLHFarms]

[phone]. Ok, only reason I went with the Kubota was because I wanted a diesel that was half way affordable.

[@tophauler8626]

my coworker just bought a new kubota L2501 4wd with front loader and backhoe,went to pay the dealer,who is the owner and he never even thanked him for his business on roughly a $25,000 purchase.

[@DLHFarms]

+top hauler. they don't care that's the sad part.

[@jaeryan0724]

So question, I was just about to buy that kubota until I heard you say it doesn't cut well on wet grass and it digs in the ground when turning. I own a small landscaping company and I'm looking to add a zero turn. I want to avoid Exmart and not be a follower lol. So now I'm thinking John Deere?

[@DLHFarms]

John deer would be better than the Kubota.

[@DLHFarms]

I've changed everything about the Kubota deck trying to make it mow half way decent. It does ok now but still not great. Still struggles with wet or tall grass.

[@shawnfox8002]

Is there a hustler or Deere or Dixie chopper dealer Round your area to me that Kubota is more trouble than it's worth. I have been thinking bout getting the gc 1700 series Massey Ferguson it's not a zero turn but it comes with a bucket backhoe an ya can get a 60 inch deck I mow 5 acres at my mom's an a few other yards

[@DLHFarms]

Yes all those dealers are about an hour away. I wish I had chosen something different, I'm kinda stuck now.

[@brianmulligan6239]

What a hassle . You run equipment all day long so I would think the service dept. would listen to what you are saying. Did you show the service manger the picture of the over heated transmission ? It is hard enough for a man to be self employed and try to make a living with out things like this happening. I hope it is smoother sailing from now on!

[@DLHFarms]

+Brian Mulligan. I never got to show them the pictures, I told them about them but they didn't seem to care, I also recorded all of our phone conversations, I was documenting everything and building a case against them, but finally decided that lawyers we're going to cost way more than just trading it off. The funny part was they kept saying there was nothing wrong with it until I decided to trade it in then they were like we can't give you as much for it because there is something wrong with it! I was like WTF!

[@danalee2347]

I would’ve never bought from that dealership again anything they treated you dirty

[@DLHFarms]

Haven't bought anything since. I buy my Kubota parts from Messicks

[@BagwellFarms]

That is absolutely unacceptable I would have drove them nuts all the way up the chain till I got somebody to listen wow 😳

[@DLHFarms]

+Bagwell Farms. That's the problem nobody seemed to care. Try to call up the ladder and they refer you back to the dealer.

[@BagwellFarms]

DLH Farms well that's pathetic if that's how they do business they won't be in business long I hate it buddy man that's some bull

[@DLHFarms]

+Bagwell Farms. They lost my business! I'm not even going to another dealer!

[@deerewheelhoeclifton5710]

Good luck

[@FinalFlaaaash]

Same. I would also make a report to the better business burea

[@FastEddie007007]

I believe you would have had better luck going with a company that only makes commercial mowers. I use Dixie Chopper mowers and love them. They use wide rollers that don't dig in and there is no need to raise the deck. The one I have now has around 5000 hours on the Generac 32 hp motor on it and it still runs fine. Mowers are all they make so they can't afford to have a bad design.

[@DLHFarms]

+Charles Shanafelt. Sounds like they have a good setup.

[@tophauler8626]

I've been told that their are only two five star kubota dealers in the state of SC one of which my friend purchased from

[@DLHFarms]

+top hauler. I don't doubt that.

[@stephenwyett3187]

The reason they didn't help is lack of knowledge/ability in the service department, it's a industry wide problem and I have dealt with it at my local John Deere dealer, the difference was they stayed with it until it was corrected and I was happy, filled tractor up with fuel and picked it up and returned it free of charge. it is very fustrating!

[@DLHFarms]

+Stephen Wyett. At least they stayed with it!

[@billsmith9610]

I would have bought that Deere. Gas motors rip in those things. I like Ferris and Hustler too. I would have destroyed that service manager and the cops would have removed me from their property .

[@DLHFarms]

+bill smith. Lol. I would have lost to much money trading to the Deere.

[@deerewheelhoeclifton5710]

Hell. The cops go after criminals....Kubota dealers!

[@dougbarber4209]

You would think that if they really wanted to take care of their costumers they would have come out to your place where you had grass and watched it work!!!. We have s dealer like that where I live. He was also our new holland dealer. That last time he tried to pull that stuff with my dad on our corn chopper right in the middle of harvest!! My dad went in that guys office and served him up some ass in a quick hurry. We had been buying equipment from him for 45 years. 2 weeks later we didn't own one thing that had his dealership logo on it. I have never understood how they can say their is nothing wrong with it when they won't take the time to watch it work. Costumer service is a thing of the past I believe

[@DLHFarms]

+Doug Barber. Good story! And very true.

[@harryfatcat]

You can't be the only one that's had this problem and I'm sure they know it, at corporate level anyway, but they won't tell you that. Commercial landscapers might have hundreds of customers but they probably don't spend as much time in one place as you do, so the machine has time to cool off between stops.

[@DLHFarms]

Yeah I could move to another yard and it would n take it an hour to start doing not again, but as much as this mower cost it should be able to mow continues all day long with no issues.

[@ncsucpetractorfun]

My family is from the area around there (south of Mt. Airy). My sister wants to get a diesel zero turn. If you had to do it again, what diesel zero turn wold you look at or get? How is the 1211 doing. I am not sure that I want my sister going to that Kubota Dealer. My parents have beef cows and haven’t had the best service for that dealer on his MF equipment. ☹️ I really enjoy your videos!

[@DLHFarms]

The tractor part of the mower is doing fine but the mower deck part in my opinion has a poor cut quality. Also if too grass is even slightly damp the deck will clog up. In wouldn't buy it again knowing what I know now.

[@ncsucpetractorfun]

DLH Farms I don’t expect you are in the market now but did you look at any others? Just wondering what would be viable alternatives.

[@DLHFarms]

Not many affordable alternatives to diesel mowers. Grasshopper maybe. John Deere is huge and cost 24,000 that was way out of my budget.

[@ncsucpetractorfun]

DLH Farms She has found a Spartan mower with a small CAT engine in it. It seems to have magnetic PTO clutch but otherwise looks good. I wonder if that CAT engine could be as good as the big ones.

[@DLHFarms]

That Cat engine is actually a Perkins so yeah it will be good

[@paulcollins8296]

You made the comment that you hate the ACS deck, why is that? I am thinking of buying the ZD1511 with 72" deck which has the ACS deck as an option, should I have the deck with or without the ACS? Thank you. This video is 4 year old, do you still have the ZD1211 ? Do you have any further wise comments to make after 4 years of use?

[@DLHFarms]

I do still have the mower. I’ve removed all the baffles under the deck and modified the spindles to accept the older pro deck blades it now mows ok. The acs has no air flow it won’t throw grass out of the deck very well and any moisture at all will clog it up to the point it will force you to stop and clean it out. The deck is not as deep as the older pro deck so the added air flow from the pro blades causes some issues with blow out of air and dust that’s the biggest problem now.

[@paulcollins8296]

@@DLHFarms Thank you Dennis. I have had the same problem calling suppliers once they know your number they will not answer the phone. However here in the UK if you put 141 in front of the number that you are dialling it witholds your number so they don't know who is calling, this has helped me out many times. I suspect that the USA has a similar feature if you ask someone who knows. Usually I wait one day until calling and hiding my number, it works every time ! Your experience has convinced me to buy another Huskvarna zero turn. In 2016 I bought their top of the line commercial 60" mower and it is amazing. I bought some extra plates that bolt on horizontally under the deck and prevent very dry leaves from not being picked up. Then I bought some very expensive Oregon Gator blades that are made of incredbily strong steel and need a 9" grinder to sharpen them. I can really recommend the Huskvarna deck design, I think Kubota's mistake was to design the deck to be able to mulch. Mulching simply does work. The best side discharge decks with the best Oregon Gator serrated blade chop the grass super fine and spread very thinly. Thank you.

[@SuperDave21]

What does the deck do that you dislike? I was considering another Kubota for my next mower. I've got a 21 year old TG1860G I was wanting to trade in for a new ZD1200, thanks.

[@DLHFarms]

It clogs up easy and it doesn't mow good leaves lots of stragglers. If you take all the acs baffling out it helps but still not as good as my old mower.

[@SuperDave21]

Thanks for the info.... I appreciate that. Have you ever run a Ferris zero turn mower? That's my second choice, third being the diesel Bad Boy Renegade. Thanks a lot!

[@DLHFarms]

Never ran one but have heard good things about them would love to try one.

[@howardyounger5456]

wow cant beleave that dealer. you seem to buy a lot of new equipment. they seem like they would want your buisness.

[@DLHFarms]

+Howard Younger. We do buy a lot of equipment, I guess they don't want our business!

[@lloydwarreniii4194]

I had a zd1021, the ACS deck is the worst mowing deck ever conceived if you have a drop of moisture. This is why kubota is so proud of their on board service jack... you need it, every few acres you are under there cleaning out the grass. The powertrain is excellent but that isnt enough to make up for the deck. I tried multiple blade setups and they were actually worse than the factory. When I talk about streaking it could get so bad it almost looked like you were missing a blade in the middle. I ended up loosing my a#$ and swapped it in in a JD 970r, havent had to clean the deck yet it just stays clean and have mowed in wet not damp grass. If you are considering any kubota with an acs deck make sure you demo it in damp grass for an acre or so. Then check for buildup.

[@DLHFarms]

Thanks for this comment. I have fought this problem to no end and it seemed that I was the only one that had ever had a problem with it. I always have to mow when it's wet, I don't get to choose when I have time to mow. When it's time to mow I have to mow wet or dry.

[@lloydwarreniii4194]

I know it was very frustrating for me. In my area upstate NY, Kubotas are rarely used for commercial mowing, most guys up here use, Exmark, JD, and Ferris. We have a pretty good dealer presence for Kubota so the contractors are not picking Kubotas for some reason. It is a shame, if I could put a 7 iron pro deck on that kubota you would have a hell of a setup.

[@DLHFarms]

Yep I've got mine mowing pretty good now. I have taken the baffle out of the deck and modified the blades by welding a 1x1x2 piece of angle iron in a strategic place on top of the blades to get more air flow so it will throw the grass out better. I also polished the whole underside of the deck with a Sanding disk on a die grinder. Then insprayed it with slip plate graffite paint to help keep grass form sticking.

[@Doubleday70]

I’m thinking of buying the 1211 how is it doing now?

[@DLHFarms]

The tractor part is good. Took me forever to figure out the combination to get it to mow worth anything.

[@davew657]

Have a friend go in and look at that model & ask if he can turn machine around with deck up while driving. While recording. Also ask, if your trade-in ever had any problems that they know of.

[@DLHFarms]

That machine is long gone this was at least 3 years ago.

[@tophauler8626]

u should have called the better business bureau

[@DLHFarms]

+top hauler. Probably

[@christo4robn]

I'd have gotten a lawyer. The whole time I'm watching your video, I'm thinking any court of law would've sided with you. But, understandably, you probably didn't wanna go through all that headache and cost. Good customer service will return greater profits long-term and more sustainably than what that Kabota svc manager and rep did to protect their short term profits in your case. Bummer.

[@DLHFarms]

+Chris Wheeler. Yep, I thought about it a lot, it was going to cost a lot going the lawyer route. If they had made it right I might have bought an M6 tractor but not now

[@pavelkolp]

Wow, can’t believe Kubota didn’t stand behind their product. What a mess

[@stoddern]

quick search on google and I found tons of complaints about all kinds of Kubotas overheating

[@DLHFarms]

+Noah Stoddert. Good to know! Thanks!

[@craigherriman236]

I was told today by my Kubota dealer that left turns are the reason my hydro failed ? Opposite side of the side chute

[@craigherriman236]

2006 ZD 21 with 2060 hours ! 14 years old , my hydraulic lift has always been loud

[@DLHFarms]

My lift was slow or didn't work at all when the oil got hot. Is yours like that?

[@joejohnston3693]

maybe next time you should buy a skaggs mower, I've had one several years and other than one belt and blades I've had no problems at all . They have gas or diesel models all the way up to a 72 inch cut.

[@DLHFarms]

+Joe Johnston. My next one will be anything but Kubota

[@charlesmiller5078]

When the dealer dosent pay very good, they end up with less then qualified techs, And since you troubleshot the problem for them, all they had to do was recreate the problem. Bad techs simple as that. Problem is you cant verify how good your local dealership is before you buy a high dollar machine, and if that one great tech is still going to be there when you have a problem, basically its roll the dice and hope for the best. Or start making your own machines. It all sounds nice when your shopping around. Me , I buy used then repair them myself, I dont like Warranty's and dont like paying labor, or wont pay labor. Warrantys are a joke. Come leave your equipment with us for 3 weeks, while we laugh at you. Aint going to happen.

[@DLHFarms]

+Charles Miller. True! Very true!

[@w056007568]

I hear of this sort of contemptuous treatment of customers by dealers all too often I'm afraid with motor car garages/dealers being the worst.

[@DLHFarms]

+Dan Whiteford. It just gets worse and worse all anyone cares about is the bottom line.

[@w056007568]

I also think that is why many farmers who are buying new equipment are also purchasing extended warranty policies at the time of purchase- 5 years is not uncommon as I understand for tractors for instance.

[@DLHFarms]

+Dan Whiteford. That's great if the manufacturer will stand behind the warranty, but there are so many ways they can get around it.

[@blessed7fold]

That's why I always read and then go over the warranty with the company/dealer before I purchase!

[@DLHFarms]

I don't know if it would help to go over it if there not going to do what it says.

[@danielthomason5685]

You have an awful dealer, cause Kubota makes some of the best equipment there is.....and in Tennessee my mower was tax exempt because it was to mow my farm...

[@super6954]

That sucks about your mower, but I'll let you into a secret I used to work for dealers. The big multi dealership places don't give a crap in most cases. There whole attitude is if they piss you off there is another sucker " I mean customer" coming in the door right after you leave. I was in the shops and quit as I got fed up with lying to customers about their machines and what really needed doing. The bosses would say "That 1/2 worn out part that hasn't failed yet's the next job, don't change it now while you are there to save the guy money as we are loosing money later". The dealership before I went there was the same to they were all great to work for if you had no conscience, and just took the pay checks for long hours and benefit plans. For 15 years I fixed in my shop here on the farm as guys knew they got good work from the self employed guy with his name over the door. I have just quit most of that due to old worn out tractors , some being replaced with stuff I can't fix with computers. Or just waiting days/ a week for parts that aren't on the shelf any more at the dealers or jobber parts places locally . I'm farming more here now ,yeah the moneys not so good but I don't miss the hassle fixing everybody elses and my stuff not getting done here. Hopefully the new mowers good as it gets and you don't have "dealership" problems with this one. Thanks for sharing.

[@DLHFarms]

+super6954. Yeah I fix stuff for other people and it can be a Hassel!

[@jspope2008]

Maybe go for a John Deer or Toro next!

[@DLHFarms]

I test drove a Deere today, was not impressed with the ride at all it was a 970R. Beat me to death was only on it for 5 minutes.

[@jspope2008]

DLH Farms OK. That’s interesting because they seem to fit these odd looking wheels which are supposed to make it more comfortable 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@DLHFarms]

It had those on it they are called Twheels

[@jamesmullis6827]

I would be screaming all the way up the food chain. Sorry you had a bad experience.

[@DLHFarms]

+james mullis. When you start up the food chain they just tell you to go back to the dealer. Makes no sense!

[@jamesmullis6827]

DLH Farms I know you're tired of the whole ordeal, but you need to find out who is above the kubota rep. you dealt with and write him a letter with names and details. Request an arbitration. They need to hear of your treatment . Hope you the best. JRM

[@DLHFarms]

+james mullis. Your right that's what I should have done I just got tired of dealing with it, it was stressful. It was a long time before I made this video after it happened because I just didn't want to think about it anymore.

[@chadmilliser1]

If I was that dealer . I load it on a trailer take it home at night and tell your kids or have one of your sales people .. Kids Run it hard lets find this issue .. Bam it would happen to them with no effort . They dont want to put a oil cooler on it . Yet im sure they want to sell and bolt on all there bells and whistles and upgrades when somone buys a new tractor

[@DLHFarms]

Exactly!

[@joebendlak5437]

You just have to step it up and buy a Scag Turf Tiger the best!!!!!

[@stevewarner8880]

Document,Document,Document! Any any dispute such as this the party with the most paper has a chance of winning. It is a time monster but it's what you have to do. All dealer and Kubota contacts should have been document as to names, dates, times. Written correspondence with dealer and or Kubota. Photographs of infrared thermometer reading with time/date stamps. Put this all into a timeline format. Go to a lawyer and have him send a registered letter to Kubota corporate along with what it will take to make you whole. There will be a response I'm sure.

[@DLHFarms]

+Steve Warner. I did recorded everything with video or phone recording (legal in VA) I have video documentation of the problems and all our conversations are recorded. I just didn't persue it. Figured I would spend more than buying a new one.

[@stevewarner8880]

I understand your concerns about the cost but many attorneys would be glad to write a cover letter for a reasonable amount. This let's Kubota know you are serious and have retained counsel to pursue your claim.

[@neilmessick2043]

Oh gosh. We're a well reguarded dealer for Kubota and New Holland. It's amazing how frequently we see others dropping the ball so badly. If we can help, let us know. www.messicks.com

[@DLHFarms]

+Neil Messick. Thanks Neil I actually ordered my filters from y'all for my 1211 the other day they came quickly. I'm done with Mt. Airy equipment in NC. I also ordered a full set of krone tedder teeth from y'all. I wish you were closer I'm sure your mechanics could have figured out what was wrong with my 1021. Oh by the way I watch a lot of your videos! 👍

[@MessicksEquip]

Cool. Drives me nuts when we see our products performing poorly because other dealers don't have the expertise to take care of things properly. If we can help don't hesitate to call, even if your doing service work yourself we have two guys (Les and Doug) who will help walk you though a repair.

[@DLHFarms]

+Messick Farm Equipment. Thanks that's good to know, we do all of our own repairs unless it's under warranty.

[@DLHFarms]

+Neil Messick. Hey Neil I wanted to thank you for the care package you sent me! I plan to post a video of it when I can.

[@MessicksEquip]

Glad you got it. Continuing to enjoy your videos.

[@farmingwithgeorge6458]

It always comes down to your dealer,, get good service or don't go back!!!!

[@DLHFarms]

+Little stuff Farms Life in the Finger Lakes. Yep!

[@JohnSmith-fx4se]

Could you have added an oil cooler yourself?

[@DLHFarms]

Not easily all the lines are metal with uncommon fittings to then the cooler has to be rated for hydraulic pressure which makes it extremely expensive.

[@EgoDragon1988]

DLH thats a bunch of crap they put you through, I looked at the 1011-48 and one of your videos is why I went with Deere z930m and z997r. Anyways, if the deck is clogging up I have a solution...try using Gator G6 or Sunbelt Predator blades(not predator2)... Your deck will stay cleaner and the Predator blades cut very close to High Lift perfection...The G6 blades cut decent but not as perfect as the Predator blades.

[@DLHFarms]

I've tried blades with more airflow, the deck can't handle it all the air, dust and leafs come out the front of the deck and cover the operator.

[@dustinpitts2741]

I have a 91-3 mini excavator that bogs down after running for a few mins , and it's been going on for two years, I feel your pain they tell me it's your fuel , and we can't do anything about it, so I'm done with them, it's sad that a dealer can't think past one machine, like your never gonna buy any more equipment,,,,,,,

[@DLHFarms]

+dustin pitts. Exactly, I was thinking about an M6 tractor and a mini x not anymore.

[@markpontes4457]

I just Googled it it says there are only 6 states that charge tax on the Entire price and VA wasn't one of Them. The rest just charge Sales tax on what you pay other than the Trade..!! Delaware charges no sales tax if not far from there it might be worth the Trip next time.. I live in Massachusetts, we only pay on the Difference not full Value..

[@markpontes4457]

Hi, Sorry I just Called a few Dealers in N.C. of John Deere and Kubota they said you Pay on Total Value unless its a Street Legal Vehicle! :(

[@DLHFarms]

+Mark Pontes. That was mighty kind of you! Thank you for doing that! At least I have an answer now.

[@southernfarmer8526]

You handled it a lot better than I would have! That is one shitty dealer! I definitely won't be buying anything kubota!

[@DLHFarms]

+Joe Pugh. Thanks for the support Joe!

[@southernfarmer8526]

DLH Farms anytime!

[@petejones9788]

You should have found you a few acres of 2 to 3 foot grass and melted it down. Then maybe they would understand. JD is the way to go.

[@DLHFarms]

+Pete Jones. I tried to trade it on a JD they really didn't want it!

[@jackalsgym7927]

I would call out those bastard at the dealership...name names! Your videos have lots of views it will get some attention.

[@DLHFarms]

+Jackalsgym7. I figure that would only bring lawsuits against me that's why I haven't named any names

[@danrossell6375]

I would have told them go right ahead. There is nothing I said that is untrue and you could back that up.

[@DLHFarms]

+Dan Rossell. That is true. I even have our conversations recorded. It was Mt. Airy equipment in Mt. Airy NC

[@lerucherdu7766]

where is live DLH Farms it is beautiful

[@DLHFarms]

Virginia

[@lerucherdu7766]

@@DLHFarms i love the New Holland

[@DLHFarms]

👍

[@jrbpa5775]

Sorry for your bad luck, I hear bad about Kubota around here also. Sounds like your dealer is a POS also. I would think these days with composition for your business the dealer would have treated you right. I’m not so sure I would have been as kind as you about not naming your crappy dealer on this video. Good luck and your way to nice to these people.

[@DLHFarms]

+Jrbpa 57. Your right I am to nice, but that's how I was raised, it will come back on them someday!

[@danslawncare8594]

Get rid of that junk . I have an exmart 60" gas job. I love it. I have had o problem.

[@DLHFarms]

It's not much of a mower compared to what I was used too.

[@Chris_L034]

shoulda bought a badboy mower, better people to deal with on the corporate level. if needed.

[@farmingforfunandprofit940]

They Pearl Harbored you...........I knew there was a reason I didn't want their equip......I'll file that for future use.........

[@DLHFarms]

👍

[@crusader777]

this whole thing is why I hate dealships of any kind , and warranty isn't worth the paper its written on , constantly trying to figure a way to fuck a person never compromise unless you lease big numbers and rotate year in year out ! buy old and keep fixing is what I do now

[@DLHFarms]

Not all dealers are this way, I have an excellent New Holland and Massey Ferguson dealer.