I took home and test drove 5 different ZTR's today. That's all I did today! Well, I sort of ended up going over budget. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I should get my new Ferris IS 4500Z with a Caterpiller 3 cyl 26 hp diesel tomorrow. It has 4 wheel independent suspension and the ride was considerably better than all of the others. Also, the frame strength and spindles were considerbly heavier and stronger than the others.
My only real question is which to have delivered tomorrow. I'm really considering dropping the Cat diesel and going with a 26 hp liquid cooled Kawasaki instead. The stated specs for the two engines are surprisingly similar. I mowed with 2 different 26 hp Kawasaki gas engines on other ZTR's today. They all were able to run a 61" deck with no problems even in thick tall grass. The reason for the possible engine change is because there is a considerable difference in price for the engine only.
Anyone else been using a Ferris? The frame, mower deck, spindles, are considerably heavier built than the Scag, John Deere 777, ExMark, and Kubota ZTR models. It seems like it will definitely last, and rides much better. My back likes it better. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif A mistake to save the 3k and go with the gas??