Are there any ZTRs with an EFI engine for about $6,000 - for residential use

[oxonian]

Hello friends,

I hope all of you are doing well. After much learning, thanks to this forum, and also learning about our property, my partner and I have decided to buy a ZTR to maintain our acreage property, about 7-8 acres of land that will need attending. Our land is not that smooth, some of it is rough, because it was not maintained too well by the previous owners.

This is for residential use only.

We will complement the ZTR with a tractor with a brush hog in a couple of months. Once we have the tractor, then the area to be maintained by the ZTR will be smaller, as the tractor will be used to cut the grass in most of the pasture area, which does not need to look as pretty or be mowed that often.

We have a budget of about 5-6k, we are located in the Houston, TX area. We are considering about a 52inch deck but can go larger if needed. We saw a lot of brands at various dealers, near and close, and are overwhelmed with the choices available.

I will post some of the options I have seen thus far, in case that helps, and maybe some of you can guide us further?

Another reason for this post is, that a friend told us that EFI engines and a suspension type seating would make the ride much smoother. This is an important consideration for me, as my partner has orthepedic issues (back and knee) and her parents will also use the machine.

Does anyone have a recommendation for sort of the entry level ZTR models with an EFI engine and good suspension?

We do not mind spending a bit more than our budget, maybe up to $6500 or so, if there is marked difference.

We really appreciate your help.

Thank you very much,
Oxonian

 

[atomchaser]

I don't think you are going to find an efi engine in that price range. The efi is going to primarily give you better fuel economy which may not be that big of a consideration in your in your situation. If you want want efi and and suspension at your price point, you are looking a used unit from a commercial guy.

 

[4570Man]

I think a Ferris IS700 is EFI. My vote is to buy a used commercial machine.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I think a Ferris IS700 is EFI. My vote is to buy a used commercial machine.

I have the IS700 Ferris and it is carbed engine. It has a choke and when used at first start up, it cranks on the first round. It may not be EFI but it sure is gentle on the fuel usage. I mow about 6 acres with it and it will have at least 1/4 tank of fuel left (tank only holds 4 gallons) when finished. I got the 52" mower deck with the Kawasaki 23 HP engine for $6200 about 3 seasons ago. You may do better if buying during the fall when dealers usually give closeout pricing of that years model.
I bought the Ferris because of the suspension which definitely rides smoother than other ZTR models. If you really want smooth, get the Ferris and add an air suspension seat for the best ride ever. Look to add at least $750 for the seat. I don't think you will get the seat as an option from the dealer or Ferris and would have to add it as a 3rd party buy.
I opted for the 52" rather than pay the extra $1000 for a 60". 10" may be worth that in some other context but not for me in mowing.

 

[kthompson]

Boy my Ferris would not cut that much at least of our grass with only 3 gallons of gas. Mine may be a 3100 also, with a 60 inch deck and 37 hp engine and it is efi I think. Is as good riding mower even at top speed but is it smooth enough for the health issues you mention, not sure. ZTR mowers are all I have seen faster than tractor design and that alone will give you rougher ride. And it is harder to run a ztr at any speed other than wide open. We have two ztrs and if I really had a bad back would not run either, would rather have slower tractor style with as big diameter wheels as I could find.

Maybe someone here has had experience with the pull type gang of reel mowers but that might be a good choice to give you wide cut so less trips and pull it with best a better ride than a mower.

 

[4570Man]

I've never had any problems running my ZTR at less than full speed. Kinda like saying it's hard to keep your truck at a consistent 45 mph because the pedal isn't on the floor. A tractor will definitely ride smoother than a fixed frame ZTR. I'm betting a Ferris with suspension going at a slower ground speed ( to make up for the time savings with the increased maneuverability ) is going to ride smoother than a Kubota B or similar sized tractor. I'm also betting a IS2100 is going to ride better than a IS700. The 2100 has true independent front suspension and larger back tires.

 

[DK35vince]

I've never had any problems running my ZTR at less than full speed. Kinda like saying it's hard to keep your truck at a consistent 45 mph because the pedal isn't on the floor. A tractor will definitely ride smoother than a fixed frame ZTR. I'm betting a Ferris with suspension going at a slower ground speed ( to make up for the time savings with the increased maneuverability ) is going to ride smoother than a Kubota B or similar sized tractor. I'm also betting a IS2100 is going to ride better than a IS700. The 2100 has true independent front suspension and larger back tires.

I have a fixed frame zero turn (Hustler Super Z with flex forks ,suspension seat and 8 PSI tire pressure) and it rides a smoother than my 35 HP tractor .