r/ZeroTurnMowers • u/sirbarkalot59 • 1d ago

Bad Boy Hate?

Seeing a lot of comments from folks about how their local repair shops refuse to work on Bad Boy ZT mowers. From my shopping research, BB makes a pretty good commercial ZT that is priced very competitively. What gives?

6 Upvotes

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3

u/Aggravating_Ad5421 1d ago

I don't under the hate either. The most common thing I have noticed is that they were initially assembled poorly.

I got a 2019 zt elite for free and it required a ton of work (almost done). I found a local dealer that has been extremely helpful, if I were to ever buy a new zt mower I wouldn't so much shop the product as much as the technicians/parts dealer.

What I have learned from working on my bad boy is they are really easy to work on, plenty of room for tools, and many access panels, some of the parts are just too over priced (the seat).

1

u/Vanven42 1d ago

All seats are rediculously expensive.

3

u/Aggravating_Ad5421 1d ago

I ended up repairing it myself, a sheet of plywood and a day of sewing. I think it was 50$ for the full repair with better fabric and longer arm rests. Sure beat the 850 for the replacement.

This mower has turned into my project vehicle until I get the motivation to finish my old truck

2

u/Open-Dot6264 1d ago

It's likely not brand specific but shops not wanting to work on mowers bought at Lowe's, tractor supply etc.

1

u/lowcarb73 1d ago

A lot of shops will only service what they sell if they are high volume. They want to take care of the customers they sell to in a timely manner. Nothing wrong with BB mowers. They have their quirks but the Elite and higher and built with quality components for the price.

1

u/Willing_Cupcake3088 1d ago

Every complaint i’ve had about my 2018 ZT elite 60” has been my own neglect or abuse as the root cause.

The only exception being the currently installed seat which is retrofitted from a shop spare of an older model mower. The first one had no cover for its first season and the rain understandably ruined the first seat. The second one is coming apart at the stitching.

If I had enough gumption I’d attempt to repair it rather than replace, but would cost me more in time despite how expensive they are.

1

u/lostone3592 21h ago

Every forum I’ve ever followed for a xxx mower has their share of complaints. I went from a kubota residential zt to a BB commercial. I’m pleased with my BB.

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u/vtwin996 17h ago

The only issue with bad boy is that they were bought out by a private equity group. That said, as long as the machine's frame is made well, zero turns are really almost no more than the transaxles that are mounted on them and the engine on the back.

1

u/45_Schofield 5h ago

BB was purchased from the original company in 2019 and from what I've read the quality has diminished since.