Are Ferris zero-turn mowers really smoother?

[dbarufaldi]

I just purchased a 2016 Ferris IS2100Z with a 61" deck. I am not at all impressed with the ride. Had I known I would never have spent the money I did on this mower. It does not live up to the hype at all in my opinion and on my yard. There is absolutely no flex flex in the front shocks when going over rough spots and bumps. Yes, the shocks are adjusted for the lightest pre-load. It is fast - no doubt about that. You can get an equal ride from a Toro or Simplicity (made in the same factory as Ferris) at half the price.

Any interest in selling? I am east of Albany, NY

 

[labhaven]

I have an Ferris is1500z with a 21hp Kawi. Bought it new, forget what year, but have about 375 hours on it. Absolutely love it. I mow a couple acres of bumpy lawn with it. You can see the shocks flexing as you go over bumps. Sometimes I decide to hop on the regular rider so I can steer and hold onto a frosty beverage at the same time. Its amazing how much longer it takes and how much more I get bounced around.

 

[Mrspock]

When my John Deere Z-Trak lost the right pump and a wheel-motor simultaneaously (3 months beyond the warranty period), I decided to trade up. At first I brought home a Ferris IS1500Z. I liked the precise steering, smooth handling and high cut-speed. It was way better than the Z-Trak. Unfortunately, after only 25 hours the B&S Intek motor froze-up. While it was back in the dealership, I did some research and decided I did not want to own a B&S Intek V-twin. I had to resort to lemon laws to get them to hold their claim while I exchanged e-mails with the mothership. Meanwhile my grass grew and I was inspired by my neighbor to "rent" his Exmark Lazer a couple of times. He's a professional landscaper and swears by them. I really liked the Exmark. I will admit it was a little rougher in the ride but everything about it screamed quality. I was determined to buy one, but alas the sticker shock (over 10k) sent me packing. Meanwhile the talking heads at Ferris decided to make a counter offer. There was a demo IS2000Z with a Kawasaki motor, that I could upgrade to for just an additional $1500. I asked if I could mow my 2 1/2 acre lawn with it before I decided and they agreed. I remember my thought at the time was it's ride was even better than the IS1500Z, but cut quality, and overall form & fit-up, were not as good as the Lazer. I decided to buy it. That was 6 years ago. I just turned it over to 1000 hours yesterday. The only problems have been one starter solenoid and one electric clutch. I have mowed for money a few times with it, and towed carts of hay and firewood from the fields with it. I even entered it in a mower race during a neighborhood picnic (took second). I would say its been a good value, and yes, it rides a little smoother than most.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

I need to make a video of my is2100 and air seat. It is sort of like like riding a short-travel UTV that mows. Very comfortable.

Downside? Heavy. So heavy that it struggles on 13% grades to hold a line.

 

[4570Man]

The IS2100Z I mowed with rode much smoother than my Dixie chopper or any other mower I have. I was thoroughly impressed. Even my Dad who has always hated a ZTR because of how rough it rode ( I think he might just be jealous because of how much faster I can mow ) was sold on the ferris. Put a suspension seat on on one and you'd have the smoothest ride in town.

 

[scubafc]

I need to make a video of my is2100 and air seat. It is sort of like like riding a short-travel UTV that mows. Very comfortable.

Downside? Heavy. So heavy that it struggles on 13% grades to hold a line.

Please do and post it. What air seat do you have? Cost? Thanks.

 

[coolnick73]

I'm in the market and am looking at the Ferris IS2100z. Is there really and difference between the Ferris and the Simplicity Cobalt? They are both owned by B&S. I think the Simplicity only comes with the Vanguard where you can get a Vanguard or a Kawasaki in the Ferris, but other than that, they look identical other than the paint job.

 

[scubafc]

I'm in the market and am looking at the Ferris IS2100z. Is there really and difference between the Ferris and the Simplicity Cobalt? They are both owned by B&S. I think the Simplicity only comes with the Vanguard where you can get a Vanguard or a Kawasaki in the Ferris, but other than that, they look identical other than the paint job.

Looks the same to me. I believe they are assemble in the same factory in upstate NY.

 

[hawkeye08]

The only way to tell how it is for you is to try the mowers you are interested in on the same lawn. I have the IS700Z Ferris and it is smoother than the box store rider we had for almost 20 years. I enjoy mowing more now for sure. If I had the money, I might have gotten the IS2100Z, which takes the front suspension to the next level (my 700 has a simple setup, the 2100 is more complex, but appears to have a even better suspension). I would have loved to be able to have the mowers I was looking at delivered to my house for a comparison mow, but that did not happen.. I have the B&S commercial turf engine and so far it seems fine.

If your lawn is smooth or nearly so, you might not ever notice a difference in mowers with suspension and those without.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I need to make a video of my is2100 and air seat. It is sort of like like riding a short-travel UTV that mows. Very comfortable.

Downside? Heavy. So heavy that it struggles on 13% grades to hold a line.

That is bit weird. I can mow a 30 Degree side slope with mine (IS700Z) with no problem other than trying to stay in the seat.