Bad Boy ZT Elite Review
The ZT Elite adds front suspension, a bigger tank and more speed over the MZ Magnum while keeping a heavy welded deck. Pricing is not published, so quotes matter.
- Deck size
- 48, 54 or 60 in.
- Drive
- Zero-turn, rear-wheel drive, lever steering
- Fuel type
- Gasoline
Rating breakdown
Key specifications
| Power type | Gasoline |
|---|---|
| Engine | Kohler Pro 7000 KT726 26 hp or Kawasaki FR730V 24 hp, per maker |
| Displacement | 747 cc (Kohler); 726 cc (Kawasaki) |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Dual Hydro-Gear 3100 series integrated drive systems (10 cc) |
| Drive | Zero-turn, rear-wheel drive, lever steering |
| Deck size | 48, 54 or 60 in. |
| Deck construction | Formed and welded 3/16-in. or 7-gauge solid steel with baffling |
| Cutting height | 1.5 to 4.5 in., foot-assist lift with dial |
| Top speed | Up to 7 mph forward |
| Front tires | 13x6-6 smooth |
| Rear tires | 22x10-10 Reaper (48-in.); 22x11-10 Reaper (54, 60-in.) |
| Weight | 812 lb (48-in.), 839 lb (54-in.), 865 lb (60-in.) |
| Fuel capacity | 6.5 US gal |
| Model family | ZT Elite, 48, 54 and 60-in. decks |
| Front suspension | Patented independent front suspension |
| Overall length and height | 74.5 in. long, 46 in. high |
| Spindles | PEER maintenance-free |
Pros and cons
What we like
- Independent front suspension
- Up to 7 mph
- Heavy 3/16-in. or 7-gauge deck
- 6.5-gallon tank
- Two engine choices on every deck
What could be better
- No cash price on the maker page
- Weighs 812 to 865 lb
- Warranty is only 2 years or 200 hours
- Blade details not published
- Rear suspension not listed
ZT Elite review
Where the ZT Elite fits
Bad Boy sits the ZT Elite one step above the MZ Magnum. It is heavier, quicker and has a suspended front end, and the maker offers it in 48, 54 and 60-inch decks with either of two engines in any pairing. Searching for a Bad Boy ZT Elite review usually means weighing it against the Maverick, which is faster still.
The maker page shows only a payment estimate of roughly $110 a month, not a cash price, so ask a dealer for current pricing.
Engines and transmission
The two engines are a Kohler Pro 7000 KT726 rated 26 hp at 747 cc and a Kawasaki FR730V rated 24 hp at 726 cc, both air-cooled. Power is a maker figure.
Drive is a pair of Hydro-Gear 3100 series integrated systems built around a 10 cc transaxle, which the page describes as commercially rated hydraulics. Forward speed tops out at 7 mph, and adjustable steering arms with a dampening system are fitted.
Cutting system
The deck is 3/16-inch or 7-gauge solid steel, formed and welded with reinforced edges and baffling. Height is set between 1.5 and 4.5 inches with a foot-assist lift and a dial, usable from either side. PEER spindles need no greasing, and blade engagement is electric.
Blade count and length are not listed on the page, so we cannot state them.
Ride, weight and capacity
Patented independent front suspension is the main ride feature. Weights climb with deck width: 812 lb at 48 inches, 839 lb at 54 and 865 lb at 60. Front tires are 13×6-6 and rears are 22×10-10 on the 48-inch and 22×11-10 on the other two. The tank holds 6.5 gallons.
The seat is a higher-backed adjustable unit with padded armrests, and the machine has a cup holder. Overall length is 74.5 inches and height 46 inches.
Warranty and fit
Bad Boy lists the ZT Elite, with the ZT Avenger, at 2 years or 200 hours, with the engine covered by its manufacturer, the deck shell leading edge for life and labor for the first year only. Registration within 30 days is required.
Pick the ZT Elite if you have two to four acres with a few bumps and want a sturdy 7 mph machine. If you want an even smoother ride and faster drive, the Maverick is the next step up.
Buying information
Ownership
Frequently asked questions
How fast is the Bad Boy ZT Elite?
Up to 7 mph forward.
What engine options does the ZT Elite have?
A 26 hp Kohler Pro 7000 KT726 or a 24 hp Kawasaki FR730V, on any deck size.
What is the difference between the ZT Elite and MZ Magnum?
On paper, the ZT Elite adds independent front suspension, 7 mph versus 6 mph, a 6.5-gallon tank versus 6 and bigger rear tires.
How much does the Bad Boy ZT Elite weigh?
812 lb with the 48-inch deck, 839 lb with the 54-inch and 865 lb with the 60-inch.
What is the ZT Elite warranty?
Bad Boy's page lists 2 years or 200 hours, with the engine covered by its manufacturer.
Owner reviews
No owner reviews yet. Own one? Be the first to share what it is like to live with.
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