Bobcat UT6573 vs. ZT5000: Which Is Right for Your Property?

I've been selling outdoor equipment for over a decade, and one question keeps coming up: "Should I get the Bobcat UT6573 or the ZT5000?" It's a great question, but here's the thing – you're comparing apples to oranges. Let me break it down for you.

The UT6573 is a utility tractor that'll handle just about anything you throw at it. The ZT5000? That's a zero-turn mower built for one thing: making your grass look amazing. Both are solid Bobcat machines, but which one makes sense depends on what you're trying to accomplish.

The UT6573: Your Weekend Warrior

If you've got acreage and a honey-do list that never ends, the UT6573 might be your new best friend. This thing packs a 73-horsepower diesel engine – and trust me, you'll feel every bit of that power when you're bush-hogging thick grass or pulling a loaded trailer.

What sets this tractor apart is the 12x12 transmission. Sounds fancy, right? What it means is you've got 12 gears forward and 12 in reverse, spread across three different ranges. Whether you're creeping along with precision work or bombing across a field at 23 mph, there's a gear that suits you.

But here's where it gets interesting – the PTO system, A mechanical device used to transfer power from a tractor or engine to an attached implement or machine. You have your standard 540 rpm setting, but there's also a 540E mode that provides the same PTO speed at lower engine RPMs. Your wallet will thank you when you're running lighter implements for hours at a time.

I've seen customers use these tractors for everything from mowing to snow plowing to running hay equipment. One guy even rigged his up to power a wood splitter. That's the beauty of the three-point hitch and PTO – if there's an implement for it, this tractor will probably run it.

The downside? It's not cheap, and if all you're doing is cutting grass, you're probably overbuying.

The ZT5000: Built for Speed (and Stripes)

Now, if you want to turn heads with your lawn, the ZT5000 is where it's at. Don't let that 23.5-horsepower Kawasaki engine fool you – this mower means business. That Kawasaki FX series is the same engine you'll find on commercial mowers that run 8 hours a day, five days a week.

The real magic happens with that AirFX cutting deck. Guys go from spending all Saturday on their mower to knocking out the same job in half the time. The 52" and 61" deck options give you flexibility, and the cut quality? Let's just say your neighbors will be asking questions.

Zero-turn maneuverability changes everything. Once you've mowed around trees and flowerbeds without backing up and repositioning, you'll never go back to a regular riding mower. Those Hydro-Gear transaxles let you pivot on a dime and hit speeds up to 11 mph on straightaways.

I had one customer tell me his ZT5000 cut his mowing time from four hours to two and a half – and that's on seven acres. When you factor in the professional-looking results, it's a no-brainer for lawn-focused properties.

So, Which One?

Here's how I usually help customers decide:

If you've got under 5 acres and it's mostly maintained grass, go with the ZT5000. You'll mow faster, look better doing it, and save money upfront.

Got 5-15 acres? This is where it gets tricky. If it's primarily lawn with some rough areas, the ZT5000 still makes sense. But if you're dealing with fields, brush, or need to do other property work, the UT6573 starts looking pretty attractive.

Over 15 acres for running any kind of agricultural operation? The UT6573 is probably your answer, especially if you're doing more than just cutting grass.

The Real Talk

Look, both machines will outlast whatever you paid for them if you take care of them. Bobcat doesn't mess around with build quality. The ZT5000 is going to cost less upfront and less to maintain, but it only does one job. The UT6573 costs more but replaces multiple pieces of equipment.

People end up buying the wrong machine because they focus on specs instead of actual needs. The ZT5000 customer who needed a utility tractor ended up buying a bush hog six months later. The UT6573 buyer who just wanted to mow efficiently realizes they're spending way more time and fuel than necessary.

Come See For Yourself

Here at KOC Outdoors, we're not trying to sell you the most expensive thing on the lot. We want you to use the right tool for your property. Whether you're in College Station, Austin, Houston, or San Antonio, swing by and let's get you on the right machine.

Both the UT6573 and ZT5000 are sitting right here on the lot. Take them for a spin, ask all the questions you want, and let's figure out what makes sense for your situation. After all, the best equipment is the stuff that makes your life easier, not more complicated.