Dixie Chopper Releases 2021 Residential ZT Line
Dixie Chopper wants to recalibrate your expectations when it comes to residential zero-turn mowing. The 2021 line of Dixie Chopper Zee 2 HP mowers include bigger engines, Pro-grade transmissions, and more. The supercharged residential mowers fill a need in the market for homeowners looking for more speed, power, and performance. After all, why should only the Pros enjoy mowing the lawn?
Dixie Chopper Zee 2 HP Mowers
- Model: Dixie Chopper 2448KW, 2454KW
- 48 in. and 54 in. cutting widths
- 24 Hp Kawasaki FR engine
- Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 transmissions
- OCDC chute control
- Welded 10-gauge deck shell
- Comfort seats
- 22″ drive tires
Dixie Chopper Zee 2 HP Features
The Dixie Chopper Zee 2 HP line includes two models. The 2448KW offers a 48-inch cutting width, while the 2454KW gives you a bit more cutting area at 54 inches. Beyond the widths of the welded 10-gauge steel cutting decks, the mowers offer near-identical features and specs.
Both of these Dixie Chopper mowers feature a 24 hp Kawasaki FR engine to provide cutting power and speed. Further, the Dixie Chopper Zee 2 HP mowers use Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 transaxles. This Pro-grade drivetrain features shock valves, charge pumps, steel-cut gears, and serviceable filters.
Speed and Coverage
For a point of reference, you can expect the 48″ model to tackle up to 3.1 acres per hour, while the 54″ mower can cut through 3.4 acres per hour. Between the engine, drivetrain, and larger 22″ tires, both mowers offer a top speed of around 8 mph. That might be slow for a commercial model, but it’s an acceptable pace for a residential mower. To compare, here are see common speeds for residential zero-turns mowers on the market today:
- Husqvarna – 6.5 MPH
- Toro – 7 MPH
- John Deere Z300 Series – 7 MPH
- Cub Cadet – 7 to 7.5 MPH
- Snapper – 6 to 8 MPH
- Dixie Chopper Zee 2 HP – 8 MPH
- John Deere Z500 Series – 8.5 MPH
Operator-Controlled Discharge Chute
Unique to the Dixie Chopper line, the Zee 2 HP mowers offer their operator-controlled discharge chute (OCDC). The OCDC system lets you open and close the discharge chute, switching between mulching and side-discharge from a handle you can access from your seat on the fly. This can minimize necessary cleanup around driveways and sidewalks as well as provide some safety measures for nearby people and property.
Dixie Chopper also included upgraded seating on these mowers. An ISO 360 mount provides suspension, while a plush seat offers you some cushioning against rougher terrain.
Our Thoughts
We see a lot of Dixie Chopper mowers down here in central Florida. Pros seem to really like them as they present a reliable and simple machine to get the job done. On top of that, we hear good things about their speed and operation. The one time I did hear a complaint about one of their mowers—I found out the machine had been running for over a decade without hardly any serious issues…Bringing those qualities to the residential line—and then keeping up with it by releasing new models—makes these new Dixie Chopper Zee 2 HP all the more promising.
Model Specs
| 2448KW | 2454KW | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting Deck | 48 in. | 54 in. |
| Engine HP | 24 hp | 24 hp |
| Engine Make | Kawasaki FR | Kawasaki FR |
| Transaxle | Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 | Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 |
| Acres Per Hour | 3.1 | 3.4 |
| Fuel Capacity | 4 gal. | 4 gal. |
