Are Ferris zero-turn mowers really smoother?

[srs]

I've been reading through the Ferris mower brochure and they advertise that their suspension gives you a much smoother ride than their competitors. If this is true why haven't the other large zero-turn manufacturers come out with their own "smoother" suspension system? My dentist got rid of his Kubota zero-turn because he said the ride was miserable, and yes he did check the air pressure in his tires. Just wondering what others are saying about the ride on their mowers. I can't believe that Kubota, Exmark, Scag, Deere, etc. zero-turns ride that rough compared to Ferris. I certainly don't want to buy a mower for my 3+ acres and hate the ride. I thank you in advance. Stanley

 

[PBinWA]

I've been reading through the Ferris mower brochure and they advertise that their suspension gives you a much smoother ride than their competitors. If this is true why haven't the other large zero-turn manufacturers come out with their own "smoother" suspension system? My dentist got rid of his Kubota zero-turn because he said the ride was miserable, and yes he did check the air pressure in his tires. Just wondering what others are saying about the ride on their mowers. I can't believe that Kubota, Exmark, Scag, Deere, etc. zero-turns ride that rough compared to Ferris. I certainly don't want to buy a mower for my 3+ acres and hate the ride. I thank you in advance. Stanley

I really like my 1500Z. Bad Boy also makes a suspension ZTR but the Ferris dealer network was better in my area.

You will still notice some bumps with the Ferris but it's not as bad as other machines I tried. I think you can mow faster since it "hurts" less.

 

[gamble77]

Larger the frame size and larger the tires the smoother the ride (in theory of course). Telling you the truth in a non bias form the smoothest mid-mount commercial ZTR I have ever been on was a GrassHopper. I don't sell them anymore but that is my honest opinion...and I have been on all the big name brands including Ferris (use to sell them). Good luck with your search, just drive as many as you can!

 

[coobie]

In one word yes !! I had a 2004 ferris/simplicty ZTR and can say the ride of the ferris is much smoother than my 2007 kubota 326 pro ZTR.coobie

 

[bobmisi]

If you are after a smooth ride the Ferris is good, but the suspension can actually work against you when moving fast over bumps. It makes it bounce too much and the smoothness of the cut is compromised. My friend has a landscaping business and was using Ferris and Bobcat zero turns. Both were good units with very little maintenance needed. I bought an Exmark after a very thorough search over a full year. When he tried mine and saw the quality of the cut, he was so impressed he now has swithched to Exmark also. He claims they also are the fastest cutting zero turn, which in his world means more money. I run mine slower, as I'm in no hurry. All I can say is, go for a quality machine which gives great reliabilty, a great cut, and has parts readily available. If you're looking for a better ride, go for the optional suspension seat. All those suspension parts will wear out eventually and it makes the machine more difficult to level. Keep it simple.

 

[Oleozz]

I have never been real impressed with the quaility of cut on my Ferris. The ride is o.k but I have nothing to compare it with. My brother has a Walker and that's a nice little mower.

 

[srs]

If you're looking for a better ride, go for the optional suspension seat. All those suspension parts will wear out eventually and it makes the machine more difficult to level. Keep it simple.

Bobmisi, I never really thought about the suspension parts wearing out, the suspension seat might be the way to go. I thank all members who replied for their comments. Stanley

 

[westbrooklawn]

Ferris makes a good mower, and their suspension system does take some of the bumps out... I am not, however, a big fan of their quality of cut. If you want the best of all worlds... fast mowing, great cut, and comfortable ride, take a look at the Hustler Super Z with suspension seat and Flex Forks. The seat is standard on the Super Z, and the Flex Forks are a $200 option.

 

[art]

We sell three brands of zero turns but you might say four. Ferris does build a good machine and for many the suspension is a plus for the cost of the unit they are buying. We've found that the Kubota with larger tires offers a better ride in some cases then the Ferris. It is important to have a mower set at the proper air pressure for the rider not so much what the books recommend as a starting point to go by when comparing. Quality of cut is another issue which takes into account the ground speed, type of grass and if the blades are sharp.

Years ago at a Snapper school we took 2x4's on edge after running several mowers across a strip. What a difference when getting down to look and see if you had a good solid line across the 2x4 or a haggard non-showing line for some mowers.
Here in this area even with the best of mowers we are often mowing nearly twice a week.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

The suspension does help, its better than most machines, but one with a good seat and large tires can come close. We sell mostly Ferris and Kubota. Personaly, i prefer the small Ferris machines and the larger Kubota.

The reason you don't see other companies offering suspension like Ferris does is that Ferris holds all the patents to the technology.

 

[srs]

Again, I thank everyone for their responses and suggestions. Stanley

 

[artfull dodger]

I work at a dealer that sells both the Kubota, grasshopper and Ferris ZTR's I personaly like the Grasshoppers with the Kubota diesels in them, smooth, I prefer the front mount deck over a mid mount. The Ferris is nice, we have one waiting for final check out prior to deliver that packs a 3 cylinder CAT diesel engine in it. All I can say is WOW! Cheers Mike

 

[Dargo]

I work at a dealer that sells both the Kubota, grasshopper and Ferris ZTR's I personaly like the Grasshoppers with the Kubota diesels in them, smooth, I prefer the front mount deck over a mid mount. The Ferris is nice, we have one waiting for final check out prior to deliver that packs a 3 cylinder CAT diesel engine in it. All I can say is WOW! Cheers Mike

I either own, or have owned, each unit you talk about. I completely agree with you. Ferris makes a very nice mid mount mower that rides better than the other mid mount mowers. I had to laugh when I read the post worrying about suspension parts wearing out. I suppose that would hold true for cars as well, but I'll continue to buy all of my vehicles with suspension!

What surprised me was that the front mount Grasshoppers do ride better than even the suspension mid mount machines. Some of the mid mount machines are built far stronger than any operator will be!

Kokomo, huh? I bought my last suspension seat at HipHuggers.

 

[unit40]

Dargo, we continue to wait for that video. At least LB finally posted his pics.

 

[Dargo]

Dargo, we continue to wait for that video. At least LB finally posted his pics.

Nothing personal, but I thought I already made it pretty clear that I don't waste my time to prove to people things on the level such as water being wet and the earth being round. Sorry man, I can't help you. You'll have to find someone else who has more time on their hands to help you out a bit.

 

[unit40]

Nothing personal, but I thought I already made it pretty clear that I don't waste my time to prove to people things on the level such as water being wet and the earth being round. Sorry man, I can't help you. You'll have to find someone else who has more time on their hands to help you out a bit.

Apologies Dargo,
Don't waste your time, I really don't need any help with anything. Besides, it would have been impossible for you to meet the challenge had you accepted it anyways, (Buk Bok Bok). At least you can find the time to post on this forum and keep everyone abreast of your infinite wisdom and experience. Keep on believing what you want. I'm right till proven wrong. Case closed brother.

 

[dqdave1]

Dargo; after reading this I had to chuckle
1982 19" Murray push mower (upgraded to B&S 8 hp engine!)
1978 Ford pickup, stick shift, 300ci 6 cyl
1973 14'X52' with skirting and concrete steps
2006 Harbor Freight claw hammer (bought 2nd one for a spare!)
2007 Wire brush with wood handle
-in the works-
Chicago Electric 4" grinder (bad year - not gonna happen)


I hope you have a good year in 2009 so you can get the grinder or maybe Harbor Freight will put it on sale!

 

[melb]

Hey Guys,
I'm new to industry, Looking for a ztr, test drove a ferris IS1500 48inch cut good price on unit. new 2010 model. need a smooth ride, with good cut,easy maintenance. the dealer is a long ways away. Is the ferris worth the investment.

 

[SteveCornell]

I just purchased my fist ZT mower, I purchased a BadBoy Outlaw XP which has the rubber suspension front & rear and I also added the Grammer seat..... all I can say is WOW! I've only mowed with it once so far but I can't believe how smooth it rides.
My yard has a pretty good grade to it and several rough spots, I have mowed for the last 4 years with a Kubota L3940 with a 72" rear finish mower.
I was mowing MUCH faster than I thought I would because of my rough spots but I am really impressed with the ride of this mower and its performance so far.

 

[Turbys_1700]

People that I know in the business like the front mount grasshoppers for best ride...
In this neck of the woods Toro has a big share of the market...
My son works at the golf course and they have had better service out of the Toro versus Ferris...