Player, our Hustler dealer also deals Ferris, he doesn't bad mouth, either, he just points out their differences. I think he prefers the Hustler over all for true commerical use, at least I got that impression. I was looking for a commerical grade unit to do my residential lawn, about 1.5 acres. I have an area that has some slope and a bit bumpy. Thus, from what I read and demonstrated I knew a unit with a actuating/pivoting front end would help, research led me to the Ferris 1500 and Simplicity Citation 48" deck units due to pivoting front and rear I/S. Ferris makes Simplicity, the differences were first price, Ferris $5,490 + 6% sales tax and Simplicity Citation with tax included $5,565, delivered. Ferris has the 21 Kawasaki, shocks on the front but no rear anti scalp deck wheels. Simplicity has the 21 HP Briggs VanGuard Big Block, no shocks on front and full roller on rear of deck, otherwise same units.
I test drove them both several times on inclines, rough terrain and did prefer the ride to rigid frame models. I preferred the Simplicity's ride, the front shocks on the Ferris seemed to restrict the pivot to much and thus reduce ride quality, they are adjustable though, so that could help.
All in all I just today decided on the Simplicity, I really couldn't find any negative comments about the Briggs Vanguard Big Block and since I had great success out of my 1846 MTD with a Briggs, 18 years, I went for the better ride and lower price. Hope I made the right decision, time will only tell.
I will say my next choice wasn't the Ferris, it was the Country Clipper Charger, they have a special on the 48" cut, I got quoted $5,600, it's built like a tank, has a pivoting front and I liked the single joy stick and flip up deck option as well, ride isn't quite as good but nice unit over all.
Bottom line, every unit I looked at had something I liked or didn't, no one unit will have it all, ride them allot, try them on similar terrain as yours and buy within your budget and comfort zone. Good Luck!
