Kubota’s latest electric zero-turn mowers, the Ze-421 and Ze-481, promise lower maintenance, easier operation, and enhanced comfort—but when will they reach the US market?
The Japanese manufacturer first announced its Ze Electric Zero-Turn series late last year, but it wasn’t until a recent demo event in the UK that prospective buyers got hands-on experience with the battery-powered models. Attendees at Kubota’s Mowers Demo Day tested the new lineup, including the Ze series, which features a unique three-motor drivetrain.
Unlike traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) mowers, which rely on a single power unit, Kubota’s electric models use separate motors for each rear wheel and the cutting deck. This setup optimizes battery efficiency by directing power where it’s needed most, depending on terrain and workload.
Key Features
Battery System: A 48V, 10kW rear-mounted battery charges fully in about five hours on a standard 110V connection. For uninterrupted operation, users can “hot swap” with a spare battery, sold as an optional accessory.
Performance Modes: ECO, Standard, and Boost settings adjust blade speed for varying conditions.
Deck Options: Available in 42″ or 48″ side-discharge configurations, both compatible with mulching kits.
Sustainability Push
Kubota aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and the Ze series aligns with that goal by targeting eco-conscious buyers, including municipalities, professional landscapers, and large property owners. The move places Kubota alongside competitors like John Deere and Greenworks in the growing electric lawn equipment market.
The shift to electric is urgent, according to environmental data. Gas-powered lawn equipment accounts for 5% of US air pollution despite minimal usage compared to vehicles, consuming 800 million gallons of gasoline annually—plus an estimated 17 million gallons spilled during refueling, as noted by the EPA.
With regions like California and London banning small off-road combustion engines, demand for alternatives is rising. Kubota has yet to confirm a US release date, but industry watchers argue the transition can’t come soon enough.
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