Ferris IS3100Z 5.00 star(s) (1)

Excellent Is3100z Experience
Model Year: 2011

After demos on Scag, Gravely, and other Ferris mowers I finalized on Ferris is3100z with 61" icd deck and 32 HP engine. I added lights and trailer hitch. I will probably add mulching kit too in next several weeks as I prefer mulching to side discharge on previous mower. My Ferris dealer asked that I give the side discharge a chance rather than modifying the deck unnecessarily if I was ok with side discharge. The side discharge IS awesome. The grass is discharged far and wide with this powerful mower. I just don't like some airborne grass getting in my face and clothes during turns and I like the mulched look better. I am a huge fan of this mower. I tried multiple brands and multiple models of the Ferris model line up. Financially the 3100 is all I wanted to pay for. I probably would have been fine with a 2000 for my property size, but power and build components/quality sold me on 3100. I have over 6 acres of tough river side mowing and it is not a golf course by any means. My property is very bumpy with swails and drainage areas (not to mention very swampy areas to mow during spring into early summer). The quality build comes with the consequence of weight.... over a thousand pounds, which is far heavier than than my previous mower. I've had to pull the mower out of the mud with my truck 3 times now. Disengaging hydrostatic drives is critical to welfare of the mower when towing it out of the mud so as not to damage the hydrostatic drives. The nuts require a wrench, so I will have to but a dedicated wrench and figure out how to mount it under the seat for easy access. The mow quality is fabulous and the ride of the independent suspension is fantastic. I was sold on the Ferris suspension and ride over bumpy terrain over scag, and gravely ride. Since I have had lower back surgery comfort does have it's price and I was willing to pay it for the Ferris is3100z. The 3100 also had a higher back and more comfortable seat than other Ferris or competitor mowers which did become another reason for mower selection.

Pros: Suspension, cut, build quality.
Cons: Hydrostatic drives must be disengaged with a wrench to tow out of mud.