ZD18 is brilliant being totally reliable, robust and efficient. My 2 acres now takes about 1 hour where before it took all day on a Sweedish ride on which experienced repeated breakdowns. The mowing task is a joy with zero turn indispensable. Steep slopes are also able to be traversed with confidence. Date of purchase a guestimate only.

I am a mowing contractor with 1000 hours on my 2005 ZD18.So far I have replaced 1 deck bearing + the usual maintenance items at regular service intervals. Good features, manoeuvrability, power, speed, shaft drive deck, easy maintenance if you modify the foot plate for easy removal, comfortable if you run 10psi and anti puncture in the front tyres. Be aware with all zero turns, you are a passenger without rear wheel grip, e.g. it won't turn! Very easily bogged and be careful on slopes, if you make aggressive turns it will leave bald spots from the inside tyre. Overall an excellent mower.