Zero Turn Mowers - Too Many Choices, Need Help!

[Poopdeck Pappy]

How do the front decks Grasshoppers handle running across a pretty steep hill?

Mine does great on hills - much better than any mid-mount I've tried. Mine has the bar tires on it, which I'm sure help a lot.

 

[Creamer]

How do the front decks Grasshoppers handle running across a pretty steep hill?

Front decks do better on sidehills than midmounts because they have the rear wheels to help stabilize, i.e. at the opposite end of the of the deck gage wheels with the pivot point in the middle whereas the midmounts have most of their weight to one side of the pivot point - the drive wheels. Grasshoppers are the most stable as they have a low center of gravity.

 

[4570Man]

I test drove a Ferris IS2100Z. The dealer let me take it home and I mowed about 2.5 hours on it. That thing will mow a lot of ground in that time. I probably cut 7 acres and that was with a good bit of time spent getting the feel for the machine. It is pretty thirsty. I burned most of the right tank which I think holds 5.5 gallons. I thought the suspension was a gimmick, but it works great. It rides much smoother than my Dixie chopper did even at a faster ground speed. Based on my limited experience the Ferris handles hills better than my Dixie chopper did. Which motor is the best on these? The one I used had a Kawasaki, but I'm leaning towards the fuel injected Vanguard. I wouldn't worry about a local dealer. My Dixie chopper had over 900 hours and never required dealer service. Of course I went through several belts, but I bought those at Napa for $18 vs $75 at the crooked dealer. I punctured a tire a few times, but the local tire place handled that. Pretty much any other specialty part can be ordered.

 

[big bubba]

The higher end transmissions will have a filter on them and oil drain plugs (they do require 100 hour oil changes) but that makes them last longer also. g fowler

certainly agree with you on serviceable transmissions w/filters. but on commercial grade hydraulics, always thought filter/fluid changes came in the range of 300-400 + hrs. rather than 100 as you state. many systems also use the hyd oil filter as the drain rather than plug...(a small detail)... now, regarding engine oil changes, yes i would agree on 100 hr intervals..... anymore of course, 15-50 mobil 1 syn is the recommended hyd oil. but i could be mistaken. just looking at detail.

 

[Midniteoyl]

The higher end transmissions will have a filter on them and oil drain plugs (they do require 100 hour oil changes) but that makes them last longer also. g fowler

certainly agree with you on serviceable transmissions w/filters. but on commercial grade hydraulics, always thought filter/fluid changes came in the range of 300-400 + hrs. rather than 100 as you state. many systems also use the hyd oil filter as the drain rather than plug...(a small detail)... now, regarding engine oil changes, yes i would agree on 100 hr intervals..... anymore of course, 15-50 mobil 1 syn is the recommended hyd oil. but i could be mistaken. just looking at detail.

Mine says 400hrs OR yearly, which ever comes first. Mobil 15w-50.

 

[4570Man]

I'm pretty sure my Dixie chopper said to change the hydraulic oil every 1000 hours. I never changed it. Not that it matters now.

 

[man00]

Mine said within the first 50hr then I think 400-500 hour(ZT5400's Hydro's) I went back with Castrol 20-50 dino about 11qt

 

[TMGT]

I changed mine to royal purple 20-50HDP, seemed to make a huge improvement in the drives, mine uses Hydrogear pumps and Ross motors.
Hope to see some increased wear protection with the HDP'S higher zinc etc.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

. . . . Which motor is the best on these? The one I used had a Kawasaki, but I'm leaning towards the fuel injected Vanguard. . . .

That's easy. The Vanguard is a 28hp EFI motor and should provide lots of power, easy starting, and dependable service for many years, all while sipping fuel at a lower rate than a carbed engine. If I was buying the 2100z, the engine choice would be complete no brainer.

 

[Creamer]

Wow! I have never changed or added to my hydro fluid. It looks as clean as when it was new and it has 1000 hours on it. I would never think of changing it at 100 hours.