Build Your Mower, Get a Free Price Quote

Customize your Mower. Select the model, choose options, and submit to your local dealer for a free price quote.
Build & Quote

Key Differences Between Bobcat ZT3500 and ZT6000 Zero-Turn Mower Platforms

Published on March 31, 2023

In this episode of Turf Talks, Bobcat product expert Daniel Stibral talks about the key differences between the ZT3500 and ZT6000 platform Bobcat® zero-turn mowers.

Caster Mounts

The differences in zero-turn mower platforms begin with the caster mounts. For the ZT3500, the front caster mounts are welded to the frame. On the ZT6000 series, the front casters are made with 7-gauge structural steel tubing and bolted on. 

Steel Tube Framing & Design

The structural steel tubing design is also different. The ZT3500 has a single tube frame while the ZT6000 has a dual tube frame, designed for anti-torsion control. 

Cutting Decks

As for the decks, the ZT3500 features a TufDeck Pro™ cutting system while the ZT6000 has the AirFX™ cutting system, for increased lift and precision cutting. 

Fuel Capacity

To stay on the job longer, Bobcat designed large fuel capacity for both Bobcat zero-turn mower machines, which both models feature dual tanks. The ZT3500 with 7.8 gallons and the ZT6100 and ZT6000 with 15 gallons. 

Ergonomic Design

Learn the rundown on the ergonomic details featured on both platforms, including foot pedals, deck adjustments, control levers and more. The ZT6000 platform features on-the-go tracking knobs that help operators reduce drift and stay straight for clean cut lines. 

Tires & Transmission

The tires on the two machines have the Zero-T Tread, but the ZT6000 series has a larger diameter tire. The transmission also varies between the two models, with different Hydro-Gear® hydrostatic transaxles. The ZT6000 has large transaxles that improves ground speed with higher efficiencies. 

Mowing Speeds 

When it comes to speed, the ZT3500 platform can go up to 10 mph where the ZT6000 platform can go up to 12 mph. 

Engines & Engine Protection

Both engines are powered by the Kawasaki FX-Series option, which is a commercial grade engine. With the ZT6000 series engine provides higher horsepower, larger displacement and an EFI option. 

Both machines come with a bolt-on engine wrap that provides protection to your engine on the toughest jobsites without sacrificing performance. The only difference is that the ZT6100 series provides a rotating rear bumper with a hitch receiver for improved serviceability and ease of maintenance. 

Warranty

To conclude, this video provides an explanation of the differences between the mower warranties available for each series. 

Bobcat Mowers & Turf Talks  

Whether you’re a lawn care professional or a homeowner looking to create your own professional-grade results. Bobcat zero-turn mowers are designed to tackle your most challenging needs with precision, ease and the perfect cut.  

Always read and understand the Operation, Maintenance and Owner’s Manuals.  Contact your local Bobcat dealer for additional assistance, service support or questions.    

Learn More About Bobcat Zero-Turn Mowers 

Learn more about Bobcat Mowers features, tips, best practices and more by visiting Bobcat Turf Talks 

Video Chapters: 

00:00 –Intro: ZT3500 & ZT6000 Platforms 

00:25 – Front Caster Mounts  

00:42 – Steel Tube Frame 

00:56 – Cutting Decks 

01:13 – Fuel Capacity  

01:37 – Ergonomic Design 

02:13 – Tires & Transmission 

02:34 –- Mowing Speeds 

02:42 – Engines & Engine Protection 

03:15 –-Mower Warranties 

03:28 – Outro: Conclusion & Visit Bobcat.com  

More Turf Talks

View All Videos
  • Mower Cutting Height Recommendations for Lawn & Turf Close-Up Image of the Blade on a Bobcat ZT2000 Zero-Turn Mower
    Video

    Mower Cutting Height Recommendations for Lawn & Turf

    In this Turf Talk video, learn the different cutting height recommendations, turf cutting tips and more based on the various grass species for the ideal cut.
  • On-the-Go Tracking Adjustment on Zero-Turn Mowers Bobcat ZT6000 Zero-Turn Mower Operator Mows Grass Near a Pond
    Video

    On-the-Go Tracking Adjustment on Zero-Turn Mowers

    In this Turf Talk Video, learn about an advanced industry feature of on-the-go-tracking adjustment that keeps you mowing straight on the Bobcat ZT6000, ZT6100 and ZT7000.
  • Zero-Turn Mower Safety Features & Maintenance Tips A Rear View of an Operator Mowing With a ZT5000 Zero-Turn Mower
    Video

    Zero-Turn Mower Safety Features & Maintenance Tips

    In this Turf Talks video, learn the personal safety features for mower operation and maintenance tips for keep your zero-turn mower and you as safe as possible.
  • Locations of Service Access Points on Zero-Turn Mowers A Person Opens the Rotating Bumper on a ZT6000 Mower to Perform Service
    Video

    Locations of Service Access Points on Zero-Turn Mowers

    In this Turf Talks episode, learn the locations and how to access service points for all Bobcat Zero-Turn Mowers for recommended maintenance procedures and safety checks.
  • End of Season Zero-Turn Mower Maintenance & Winterization An Operator Approaches a Parked Bobcat ZT6000 Zero-Turn Mower
    Video

    End of Season Zero-Turn Mower Maintenance & Winterization

    In this Turf Talks episode, learn how to prepare your mower for winterization and maintenance tasks for storage in the offseason of lawncare and turf treatment.
  • Deck Height Recommendations on Zero-Turn Mowers Grass Clippings Fly Past a Bobcat ZT6100 Zero-Turn Mower as It Mows a Residential Lawn
    Video

    Deck Height Recommendations on Zero-Turn Mowers

    In this Turf Talks video, learn how to set the deck height on your Bobcat® zero-turn mower for specific types of grass, plus some grass and turf tips with your mower.
  • How to Adjust Handles on Bobcat Zero-Turn Mower A Man Uses a Bobcat ZT6000 Zero-Turn Mower to Trim Grass Around a Commercial Building
    Video

    How to Adjust Handles on Bobcat Zero-Turn Mower

    In this Bobcat Turf Talk, learn how to adjust the control-handle placement of steering levers (handles) on all Bobcat zero-turn mowers to your operator preference.
  • How to Adjust Mechanical Seat on Zero-Turn Mowers A Bobcat ZT3500 Zero-Turn Mower Parked Near a Home
    Video

    How to Adjust Mechanical Seat on Zero-Turn Mowers

    In this episode of Bobcat Turf Talks, learn how to adjust the mechanical suspension seat for maximum comfort while operating your Bobcat zero-turn mower.
  • How to Operate Zero-Turn Mower for Mowing An Operator Uses a Bobcat ZT3000 Zero-Turn Mower to Trim Grass Near Landscaping
    Video

    How to Operate Zero-Turn Mower for Mowing

    In this episode of Turf Talks covers how to properly operate a Bobcat Zero-Turn Mower for turfs and lawns to achieve mowing precision, ease and the perfect-cut.
  • Best Lawn Mowing Practices with Zero-Turn Mowers An Operator Cuts Grass on a Bobcat ZT3500 Mower
    Video

    Best Lawn Mowing Practices with Zero-Turn Mowers

    In this Turf Talks episode, learn the best turf and lawn mowing practices when using your Bobcat Zero-Turn Mower for safe-operation and a professional finish cut.