I just looked at this at the dealer today and saw that it has the rubber strap battery holder change. Much better. I ended up getting a ZT Elite which does have serviceable Hydrostatic drives for oil and filter changes. Thanks for making this useful video for someone thinking about buying one of these mowers.
I am on year 8 with my MZ 48", but I got one of the last models that still had the Kawasaki engine available. Its been rock solid only thing I ever did to it was put a new battery on it.
1 put nylock nuts on the battery hold down 2 pipe wrap your exhaust manifolds and muffler. 3 air wash mower after each cutting I added chute blocker, deck mounted trimmer, trash bucket holder, mulching blades. I have the 60” elite with the last year of electric deck lift.
The roll bar is an option. Bad Boy offers serviceable hydros on other models, would be nice if it was an option on the lower models. But they definitely offer an awesome built mower for the price.
They’re fine for homeowners that are gonna mow their lawn 2-4 times a month. Recently took over my father in law’s lawn care business and he ran bad boys. They’re terrible for consistent /commercial use. I’m repairing them more than using them. At 150 hours both of them blew the left head gasket (kohler 7000). At 350 the right side transaxle decided to start dying. Replaced at 400 hours and now the left one is about dead. Newer one just bent the exhaust push rod today at just shy of 200 hours. Never getting another bad boy or another kohler 7000 series engine.
I would love to have one My wife and I are interested I have a John degrees zero radius For 6 years it winds up in the shop all the time I do have a few things to recommend Never use ethanol gas Keep clean after every use Change oil as often as at least spring and August depending on how much cutting you do Cut only grass stay out of tall weeds At end of summer check your blades If you have a cover Keep it out of weather And it will last a lot longer
Also that rear shield is pritty darn stout, ive mounted a 2inch hitch for moving trailers and although i am gonna be bracing it to the main frame it will do good to move trailers around and such if bot too heavy
I am surprised the seat is starting to wear so soon. I have not seen either of these mowers over here so this was interesting. I like your idea of upgrading the Bad Boy as things break
This is exactly the kind of review I've been looking for. I like your attention to detail, especially the parts like the battery clamp bolts and and hydros. Thanks! I really like this mower but I wish it had servicable hydros.
It's ok. Like you say. You get what you pay for. I think you made a good purchase. I bought me a hustler fas trek 54 inch. My brother said it will outlast me. He bought one to. We love the fast cutting. I paid 7916.00 out the door price. It's got 3200 transmissions Kawasaki engine, duel fuel tanks, it's a commercial mower. Like I said I think you made a good buy. I think your transmissions will last a long time.
It come down to either the Bad Boy or the Hustler Fast Trac for me! After talking to a friend who had run both on hilly terrain which is what I mow, I bought the Hustler! He explained that the Hustler handled way better.
Cool glad it helped make sure you are getting the newer model with the upgraded battery hold down they switched to a rubber strap instead of that plastic hold down.
Good video. I’m thinking of buying this one. My Cub Cadet 2015 RZT L finally had a hydro go bad. I like the innovative floorboard that lifts up since I do my own maintenance I think this might be a good one for me.
2 weaknesses is brake cable, and that horrible battery holder design. Can't complain about a seat with water, that sits in rain. And stickers on a machine that getting pelted with gravel from driveway. Have a MZ Rambler with a Briggs 19hp. Kohler would have been nice, but was a big price increase option in 2023 for to much engine for my flat, 1/3 acre, with 3 trees, lol.
This is what I was also thinking, kinda makes me not believe the items he’s complaining about, because it appears the whole machine somehow looks beaten to death in 40 hrs
@ericsiler Yeah it's dirty but I get into alot of mud, grass over rock (dust), and soft spots. As for the issues they have been pretty common complaints that have been showing up with these mowers. I am using it in a more commerical setting (several acres of rough grass not really nice manicured yards) Honesty for a residential mower it has been holding up better than I expected I just did a service hit 50 hours today with it.
24 hours 2 years, the only thing to fail on me was the hour meter. Replacing it soon. I baby mine and it's amazing what it can power through, starts the second i pull the choke and crank it. The finish is kinda weak in spots but if I can keep this thing going the rest of my life, I'd put a ring on it. OH BEFORE I FORGET I'm going to change the battery hold down next, that was a dumb idea. Bye bye hydro fans.
Most parts on the bad boy are easy to service but have you ever tried to grease the drive motor belt tension pulley? I've not found any way to grease that damn thing without taking it off. Mine is a 54 inch magnum bad boy. If they had reversed the grease plug it would've been easy to get to, but instead, they've got it pointing to the front of the mower and trying to grease it is impossible without taking the pully off. Do you know any way to get to the grease plug easier than what i've described?
you got a new sub here! Also, I would love to see you upgrade your Hydrostatic drives on it. I am gonna buy one of these next week I think. It all comes down to the deck and ease of access in my opinion because most other mowers seem to be really close in quality in this price range. I am mowing about a half acre but I want a mower that will last me 15 yrs or more. It will be the only one I will have to keep up with so i will keep it clean and in my garage with sharp blades and new oil every year. Love to see your mods to the Bad Boy and any other mowers. I'm a Maintenance guy that works in an automotive factory so I am all about being engineering savy with mods.
Thank you 😊 yeah I'm just using my phone here. I definitely need to invest in some better equipment. I also speed the footage up a bit I'm kind of a slow talker lol
I have an 8 year old husqvarna 46 inch either the hydrostatic clutch. Not a zero turn but is still running fine. I wanted a zero turn but it seems it just won't last that long and you pay a small fortune to buy it and then turn around and have to repair it. Someone tell me I'm wrong.
I think about a zero turn for mowing speed every so often, then i remember my 1990 wheelhorse is problem free and it pulls a heavy leaf trailer with a leaf vacuum engine on it, I dont think a zero turn will hold up for my needs
On the new models they did address the battery hold down issue and replaced it with a strap. They also added a strap to the seat to keep it from falling forward.
You can't really service these hydros the only way would to be to either take each hydro off and drain and refill it through the vents. Or open the cases and reseal them either way they are kind of throwaway hydros when they do give out. Unless you mean on the JD I traded that off earlier this year I ended up quitting doing mowing for people.
I have the same mower. i think you are missing a grease fitting. There isnt just the one you showed. There is a second and its almost hidden. you have to go under the mower and its on a swing tentioner. You did save me having an issue with the battery. after watching your video i checked my battery holder was cracked and the long bolts werw very close to falling inti my belt and fan blades thank you fixed it with an elevin dollar amazon battery mount
Maybe try to grease the contol arms at the pivot point. Ill look and see if there is something you could loosen, but id start there. I missed a couple grease ports I didn't know about. Check this out for the location of the arm points. czcams.com/users/shortssbbU9YzIcn0?feature=shared
I took a quick look and was going to grease these to see if it helps but i have a feeling the cheap ass strut bars are why or is so stiff and they have no adjustment or grease fittings. Curious to see whar you end up finding
Ooh after watching some z330 videos it doesn't seem bad Kawasaki engine larger seat greasable spindles 7mph speed to 6 on the bad boy 3 gallons of fuel no fuel gauge to 5 with a gauge(bb) Everything looks a bit tighter to service on the JD and things do look a bit cramped to me. The deck on the JD is a 10 gauge compared to the thicker 7 on the BB stock rear tires seem to be a bit taller on the JD but both have non serviceable transmissions. The JD does have small led lights but I don't think they will do much. Both have a dial style deck height adjustment. The deck belt thickness is different as well the jd has a smaller 3/8 to the bb 5/8 I haven't looked at the jd in person when I was shopping I was looking at deck gauge because I was cutting rough areas and fuel capacity I can get about 1 gallon to a acre so 1 fill up got me 5 done. It all depends on personal preference bit I don't think it's bad.
@@PastPreserver I couldn’t find the exact JD model to see in person (but saw other 300 series in stores). Was tempted to order but ended up going with the MZ Magnum yesterday and so far so good! TBH I was looking into the Scag Liberty before that but unfortunately the dealer was not communicating with me on order status so after a week and a half of waiting for order confirmation I decided to go in another direction.. your review helped a lot, as did your fast response!
Imma gonna slappa you! Read the comments above. The man admitted he has very soggy/muddy areas and the muck, STUCK. I'll forgive you if you apologize to him, post haste.
A quick update they did fix the battery hold down and seat falling forward on the new 2023 Mangums czcams.com/users/shortsUka-Q4UGbVY?feature=share
I just looked at this at the dealer today and saw that it has the rubber strap battery holder change. Much better. I ended up getting a ZT Elite which does have serviceable Hydrostatic drives for oil and filter changes. Thanks for making this useful video for someone thinking about buying one of these mowers.
I am on year 8 with my MZ 48", but I got one of the last models that still had the Kawasaki engine available. Its been rock solid only thing I ever did to it was put a new battery on it.
1 put nylock nuts on the battery hold down
2 pipe wrap your exhaust manifolds and muffler.
3 air wash mower after each cutting
I added chute blocker, deck mounted trimmer, trash bucket holder, mulching blades.
I have the 60” elite with the last year of electric deck lift.
I cut 9 acres with my bad boy 60 inch. Great mower. Definitely cheaper than a tractor and bush hog.
nice review
The roll bar is an option. Bad Boy offers serviceable hydros on other models, would be nice if it was an option on the lower models. But they definitely offer an awesome built mower for the price.
I have one and it's a great mower keeps my 3 acres cut with no problems
I have an MZ magnum and LOVE it, its a beast
This was an excellent review, keep them coming
They’re fine for homeowners that are gonna mow their lawn 2-4 times a month. Recently took over my father in law’s lawn care business and he ran bad boys. They’re terrible for consistent /commercial use. I’m repairing them more than using them. At 150 hours both of them blew the left head gasket (kohler 7000). At 350 the right side transaxle decided to start dying. Replaced at 400 hours and now the left one is about dead. Newer one just bent the exhaust push rod today at just shy of 200 hours. Never getting another bad boy or another kohler 7000 series engine.
I would love to have one
My wife and I are interested
I have a John degrees zero radius
For 6 years it winds up in the shop all the time
I do have a few things to recommend
Never use ethanol gas
Keep clean after every use
Change oil as often as at least spring and August depending on how much cutting you do
Cut only grass stay out of tall weeds
At end of summer check your blades
If you have a cover Keep it out of weather
And it will last a lot longer
Also that rear shield is pritty darn stout, ive mounted a 2inch hitch for moving trailers and although i am gonna be bracing it to the main frame it will do good to move trailers around and such if bot too heavy
I am surprised the seat is starting to wear so soon. I have not seen either of these mowers over here so this was interesting. I like your idea of upgrading the Bad Boy as things break
This is exactly the kind of review I've been looking for. I like your attention to detail, especially the parts like the battery clamp bolts and and hydros. Thanks! I really like this mower but I wish it had servicable hydros.
Have the 48 mz mag and love it!...the deere decks are paper thin which was a huge turn off for me
It's ok. Like you say. You get what you pay for.
I think you made a good purchase.
I bought me a hustler fas trek 54 inch. My brother said it will outlast me.
He bought one to. We love the fast cutting.
I paid 7916.00 out the door price.
It's got 3200 transmissions Kawasaki engine, duel fuel tanks, it's a commercial mower.
Like I said I think you made a good buy. I think your transmissions will last a long time.
It come down to either the Bad Boy or the Hustler Fast Trac for me! After talking to a friend who had run both on hilly terrain which is what I mow, I bought the Hustler! He explained that the Hustler handled way better.
I'm purchasing the same model before the month is out.
Thanks for the valuable post!
Cool glad it helped make sure you are getting the newer model with the upgraded battery hold down they switched to a rubber strap instead of that plastic hold down.
@@PastPreserver - Will do!
Thanks again!
@@JamminClemmons careful going up hills great mower but very backloaded with the weight.
Good video. I’m thinking of buying this one. My Cub Cadet 2015 RZT L finally had a hydro go bad. I like the innovative floorboard that lifts up since I do my own maintenance I think this might be a good one for me.
There are 3 more zerk fittings in addition to the one you showed on the mower
2 weaknesses is brake cable, and that horrible battery holder design. Can't complain about a seat with water, that sits in rain. And stickers on a machine that getting pelted with gravel from driveway. Have a MZ Rambler with a Briggs 19hp. Kohler would have been nice, but was a big price increase option in 2023 for to much engine for my flat, 1/3 acre, with 3 trees, lol.
I like how you got a 40hr mower to look 10 years old. Pretty cool.
This is what I was also thinking, kinda makes me not believe the items he’s complaining about, because it appears the whole machine somehow looks beaten to death in 40 hrs
@ericsiler Yeah it's dirty but I get into alot of mud, grass over rock (dust), and soft spots. As for the issues they have been pretty common complaints that have been showing up with these mowers. I am using it in a more commerical setting (several acres of rough grass not really nice manicured yards) Honesty for a residential mower it has been holding up better than I expected I just did a service hit 50 hours today with it.
I checked out a new BB Magnum today, and the battery is held in with a rubber strap. Maybe they heard from a lot of their customers... lol...
Yes they did do a few updates on this year's model I bet they did hear alot about it. Those rods falling could really wreak some havoc on the mower. 😅
24 hours 2 years, the only thing to fail on me was the hour meter. Replacing it soon. I baby mine and it's amazing what it can power through, starts the second i pull the choke and crank it. The finish is kinda weak in spots but if I can keep this thing going the rest of my life, I'd put a ring on it. OH BEFORE I FORGET I'm going to change the battery hold down next, that was a dumb idea. Bye bye hydro fans.
Most parts on the bad boy are easy to service but have you ever tried to grease the drive motor belt tension pulley? I've not found any way to grease that damn thing without taking it off. Mine is a 54 inch magnum bad boy. If they had reversed the grease plug it would've been easy to get to, but instead, they've got it pointing to the front of the mower and trying to grease it is impossible without taking the pully off. Do you know any way to get to the grease plug easier than what i've described?
Got 660 HRS on mine still kickin
you got a new sub here! Also, I would love to see you upgrade your Hydrostatic drives on it. I am gonna buy one of these next week I think. It all comes down to the deck and ease of access in my opinion because most other mowers seem to be really close in quality in this price range. I am mowing about a half acre but I want a mower that will last me 15 yrs or more. It will be the only one I will have to keep up with so i will keep it clean and in my garage with sharp blades and new oil every year. Love to see your mods to the Bad Boy and any other mowers. I'm a Maintenance guy that works in an automotive factory so I am all about being engineering savy with mods.
Your vice grip style is spot on, but you really need some video stabilization there I think.
Thank you 😊 yeah I'm just using my phone here. I definitely need to invest in some better equipment. I also speed the footage up a bit I'm kind of a slow talker lol
Dude almost took out his shed lol
lol no I was just showing off for the camera
I have an 8 year old husqvarna 46 inch either the hydrostatic clutch. Not a zero turn but is still running fine. I wanted a zero turn but it seems it just won't last that long and you pay a small fortune to buy it and then turn around and have to repair it. Someone tell me I'm wrong.
I think about a zero turn for mowing speed every so often, then i remember my 1990 wheelhorse is problem free and it pulls a heavy leaf trailer with a leaf vacuum engine on it, I dont think a zero turn will hold up for my needs
I have my battery ziptied also lol
Someone else was talking about the battery so I think I will say no thanks.
On the new models they did address the battery hold down issue and replaced it with a strap. They also added a strap to the seat to keep it from falling forward.
czcams.com/users/shortsUka-Q4UGbVY?feature=shared
I wanna see the hydro serviced!!!
You can't really service these hydros the only way would to be to either take each hydro off and drain and refill it through the vents. Or open the cases and reseal them either way they are kind of throwaway hydros when they do give out. Unless you mean on the JD I traded that off earlier this year I ended up quitting doing mowing for people.
@@PastPreserver I wouldn't mind seeing that done
I have the same mower. i think you are missing a grease fitting. There isnt just the one you showed. There is a second and its almost hidden. you have to go under the mower and its on a swing tentioner. You did save me having an issue with the battery. after watching your video i checked my battery holder was cracked and the long bolts werw very close to falling inti my belt and fan blades thank you fixed it with an elevin dollar amazon battery mount
Thanks I'll have to look for the other one glad you checked that battery holder
Steering control arms really stiff on your mower? If not, what would cause that.
Maybe try to grease the contol arms at the pivot point. Ill look and see if there is something you could loosen, but id start there. I missed a couple grease ports I didn't know about. Check this out for the location of the arm points. czcams.com/users/shortssbbU9YzIcn0?feature=shared
I took a quick look and was going to grease these to see if it helps but i have a feeling the cheap ass strut bars are why or is so stiff and they have no adjustment or grease fittings. Curious to see whar you end up finding
MZ Magnum versus Z330r.. which one??
Ooh after watching some z330 videos it doesn't seem bad Kawasaki engine larger seat greasable spindles 7mph speed to 6 on the bad boy 3 gallons of fuel no fuel gauge to 5 with a gauge(bb) Everything looks a bit tighter to service on the JD and things do look a bit cramped to me. The deck on the JD is a 10 gauge compared to the thicker 7 on the BB stock rear tires seem to be a bit taller on the JD but both have non serviceable transmissions. The JD does have small led lights but I don't think they will do much. Both have a dial style deck height adjustment. The deck belt thickness is different as well the jd has a smaller 3/8 to the bb 5/8 I haven't looked at the jd in person when I was shopping I was looking at deck gauge because I was cutting rough areas and fuel capacity I can get about 1 gallon to a acre so 1 fill up got me 5 done. It all depends on personal preference bit I don't think it's bad.
@@PastPreserver I couldn’t find the exact JD model to see in person (but saw other 300 series in stores). Was tempted to order but ended up going with the MZ Magnum yesterday and so far so good! TBH I was looking into the Scag Liberty before that but unfortunately the dealer was not communicating with me on order status so after a week and a half of waiting for order confirmation I decided to go in another direction.. your review helped a lot, as did your fast response!
Wow talk about abusive to your equipment
Care to elaborate on what I did that was abusive?
Imma gonna slappa you!
Read the comments above. The man admitted he has very soggy/muddy areas and the muck, STUCK.
I'll forgive you if you apologize to him, post haste.
Fans? You mean pulleys
The fans are part of the pulleys yes
Actually the fans are just screwed onto the pulleys and they sell the blades on their own