Picked this up.. Wrong color but wanted thoughts/exp with these
 

Mornin gang.

I picked this up at auction yesterday. Ive owned a couple JD ride on tractors but never a Z. Wanted to see if anyone here has has experience with this model good or bad. Its a Z830A with Kawi 25 and the 7 iron 60" deck.

Thanks for the input

Well, there would be a few John Deere models I wouldn't mind having. In the front end mower deck department, I have always thought these would work well for me (F725). Drove one about 15 years ago and was impressed. I don't see them much in my area.

Gotta keep the Hydo fan area clean on those since the engineering is lacking at best.... Also the engine is prone to overheating and bending those small push rods... remove the shroud first thing and check the coolong fins... Also i HATE the set release on those things PITA!!! But overall a good machine...

Quick update
 

Got the JD ZTR home. Put a battery in and cranked it over. It fired right up. Runs and drives flawlessly! Really powerful feeling machine.

I noticed in the auction pictures that the tension-er pulley was off the deck but came with the unit. It just simply pulled out of the deck. I will plate and weld the spot where it goes to strengthen it since I have read that this is a very common failure point. I ordered a new spring and bearings for the tension-er from JD and should have them next week to finish the repair.

Over all It looks like this was a very well cared for and maintained machine. No grass anywhere and really clean. The school that sold at auction kept it indoors and performed regular maintenance on it in addition to having JD perform upgrades and performance updates. I will post some pics in a little while.

Heres some pictures.