Ferris ZTR

[ch1ch2]

I have an opportunity to buy a commercial 61" Farris ZTR.
It has oil leaks and is badly faded with paint missing.
It runs and cuts good in spite of needing new blades. $1K
I was told it was over $9K new.
Any one have any insight as to what I should do?
What I need to inspect?
Words of wisdom?

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Not much information to work with in your post. What model number is it? What motor is in it? How many hours are on it? Do you have any pics?

Without more information, my initial thought is that the machine sounds like it has been used and abused and probably not maintained. Or else it is a commercial mower that has a ton of hours on it and has been used up, and the seller is trying to just get SOMETHING out of it rather than nothing.

If it's that worn out, who know what other parts may be failing or getting ready to fail. A replacement motor alone could cost you $2,500, and replacement hydro pumps and wheel motors (or integrated units) could be $2,000 - $3,000. Then you've got belts, spindles, tires, wheels, carb and all sorts of other gremlins that could be waiting in the wings.

Some people love a "bargain" like this and don't mind putting the sweat equity into it and taking the risk that you might have to put a lot of money into a tired, worn out machine. I'd rather just keep looking for something that's less of a gamble.

 

[ch1ch2]

My neighbor is always coming across good deals.
He said he got it from an 87 year old guy that is going into a nursing home and they are selling everything.
I can trust my neighbor to be honest, in what he knows.
The hours showing are 32. So we know it is not right.
The oil leaks look like they are hose fittings.
Not much more I know right now.

 

[Maxify55]

I bought my Ferris 1000Z used back in '07.
It now has just under 1000 hrs and is 13 yrs old.
Oh, how I love that ride quality.

Yeah, I've pretty much finger printed every nut and bolt on it.
If you're gonna own one and no money tree in the back yard.....
You'll be under it a lot.
PM me...we'll chat.

 

[ch1ch2]

I bought my Ferris 1000Z used back in '07.
It now has just under 1000 hrs and is 13 yrs old.
Oh, how I love that ride quality.

Yeah, I've pretty much finger printed every nut and bolt on it.
If you're gonna own one and no money tree in the back yard.....
You'll be under it a lot.
PM me...we'll chat.

I PM'ed you.
Thanks!
I do not what to have to work on it a lot.
I do not mine fixing things. I have so many things to fix I sure do not need another. But if I have only regular maintenance and only an occasional repair I am fine with that.

 

[Maxify55]

Yeah, I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer, either, but we'll muddle this.