How fast can you cut Bahia grass with Super Z or Kubota?

[jvrieger]

I was wondering how fast you can really cut Bahia grass with decent results, it is on a ball field, flat and fairly smooth.

We are either going to purchase a Kubota ZD series which cuts at 10 MPH or a Hustler Super Z which cuts at 15 MPH.

Does the extra 5 MPH even make a difference?

Kubota ZD diesel, 60" side discharge, is $10,500, brand new
Super Z W/25hp Kaw, 60" rear discharge, is $7,850, 40 hours on mower

Which is better deal?

[jvrieger]

No, the speed is not the only thing we are looking at, it is just that the speed of the Super Z is the only reason left, other then the price, that is keeping us from getting a Kubota.

[phntmfoot]

I've watched ground speed become a primary selling point for mowers over the last few years. It only counts if you're drag racing in the parking lot. There are minor differences once you get in the grass. If you get too fast, your quality of cut is compromised and generally the mowers cant do it.

[greenC]

you cant mow at 15mph and have a great cut. 15 mph for cutting a shoulder on a hiway or a open lot, sure. But a ballfield would need more attention to detail. Dont let the maximum speed be the deciding point, both mowers are fast.

[jvrieger]

Thanks everyone, they delivered the Kubota a few days ago, it is a big machine, it seems that you sit higher on this machine than some of the others. Other than that, it is great.

[h400exinfl]

If you're still reading this, cut the bahia in the morning while it's still damp. By the time it dries out in the afternoon, you'll be pushing it over rather than cutting it at any speed faster than a crawl.