Carl_NH said:Buckweet,
I have the Ferris IS2000 52" 25HP Kawasaki with the high back seat (they call it deluxe).
Got it last year as an 09 leftover delivered for $7K from a dealer in Maine (120 mi away).
I am 6'4 and wanted something comfortable to sit in and also accomodate long legs, and ride and cut nice on our originally forest floor / rocky bumpy lawn..
I also wanted a good cut so stayed away from the 60" plus some areas I have are narrow so 52" was max.
So, get the high back seat option, then turn over the pedal lift rubber, and I moved the seat back 2.5" also and I am very comfortable..
Now to your question, the IS500 is the entry machine, with suspension, and is considered a rugged homeowner / entry level commercial.
The next step up is the 1500 series which has the same suspension as the 500 but a larger frame and tires, then the 2000 and 3000 series have a more HD suspension setup.
Price wise, its about $1000 jump from the 500 to the 1500, then $500 more to the 2000 series dependiing on the width and motor setup. I would stay with Kawasaki..
Now, there is another option too. Simpilicity - they are made by Ferris - same design, just a different name if you look at the higher end Simplicity units (Cobalt and Citation) they have the same suspension, Kawasaki engines and are about $1-1.5K lower on the list price..
Good luck and let us know how you make out.
Carl
I went and test-drove the Ferris IS 2000z today. In a word "wow"! The only thing better than the full suspension is the 10 mph speed! I swear that 20% of my mowing time is just going from one are of the lawn to another. What a sweet mower! $7999 for a 2010 - will try and either negotiate down to $7500 + get the deluxe seat.
This is the one!!!!