Cadillac of Zero Turn Mowers (ZTR)?

[Turbys_1700]

My son works at the golf course in maintenance during the summer...
They have had the best service out of Toro commercial units...
The Ferris units have been more problematic...

 

[NOTV8]

When I was shopping for ZTR.... Gotta test drive it or aint getting it. Test drove a lot and went home with Bad Boy Lightning 60" Liquid Cool Kawasaki Eng. with some upgrades. Price is not cheap but been happy with it. Going for 4'th year now by September.
Sooooooo.... which one did you get?

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

I'm shopping for a good mower now. Also looking for the "Cadillac" in terms of long lasting machine.
Been all over the web looking at different MFR's and searching for advice.
Considereing mid mount deck and front mount. I like some of the front mounts that will take other equipement - but if I bought that the wife would question the need for the big tractor, so that's out :laughing:
My list of requirements is: fabbed deck that floats, good ride (frame suspension or suspended seat), low CG and excellent maneuverability to get around the obstacles. Don't really need anything too large since there's not a lot of wide open space to cut. Our place is 7 acres with about 3 acres to mow spread out through the woods and around all the buildings and whatnot.
Seriously looking at Ferris, but also like some others. Walker looks like it will actually cut into the tightest spots. I guess I won't really be able to decide 'till I sit on it and try it out.
I was planning on going for new anyway, but looked for used also just to see. There doesn't seem to be much out there for good stuff, Just lots of box-store crap - I'm guessing once people get the good ones, they keep 'em for life! Which makes sense for the price......

 

[loghouse511]

I, am also shopping for a ZTR I have read a lot of the post, and they all seem to have a lot of good information.

My research, is preliminary. But, I have narrowed it down to Hustler,or Scag. I have, 2 reputable dealers within 5 miles.

I, have about 6 acres that I cut, it is, fairly rough.

Could anyone help me with this comparison?

Any, help would be appreciated

 

[beppington]

I, am also shopping for a ZTR I have read a lot of the post, and they all seem to have a lot of good information.

My research, is preliminary. But, I have narrowed it down to Hustler,or Scag. I have, 2 reputable dealers within 5 miles.

I, have about 6 acres that I cut, it is, fairly rough.

Could anyone help me with this comparison?

Any, help would be appreciated

I believe Ferris ZTR's have suspension, so maybe that would make sense?

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

I believe Ferris ZTR's have suspension, so maybe that would make sense?

Correct, but my research (prompted by some info here) has revealed the higher end models of Simplicity ZTR's (Citation model was one I saw) have the same suspension....of course they seem to be about the same price as Ferris, too.....

 

[Carl_NH]

Simplicity models are made by Ferris. The Ferris 500 and 1500 models are pretty much the same as the Simplicity Citation and Champion models - the selection of engines are B&S and kawasaki. The Ferris IS2000 with a full front suspension is the same as the Cobalt model in Simplicity.

Price wise, the Simplicity and Ferris are very close. The list on the Cobalt is $9500 range - same as Ferris IS2000. Same I think for the 500/1500 these range from $5-7500 typically.

Where Ferris and Simplicity have no similar models are the IS2500 (Yanmar Diesel) then the IS3000 and 5000 series - these are bigger machines, with 37HP Kawasaki, B&S, or Cat or Yanmar diesels.

If its ride you are looking for I can attest the IS2000 is great on rough ground and it makes a nice cut as well. Look around for deals on leftovers in the next few months - you will likely find the IS2000 52" in the low $7K range if you wait. I got mine for $7K delivered last year as an 09 model.

 

[PossumHound]

When I was making my decision earlier this year I used this website to help me compare features and prices:

Riding Lawn Mowers | Used Riding Lawn Mowers | Riding Lawn Mower Reviews

Easy to use the left navigation bar to select mowers by brand, and you can see new and used machines from individuals and dealers, mostly dealers. Check it out.

Agree with the earlier post that Toro makes the best cutting machine and great support, but others have their strengths too, i.e. durability, engine, comfort.

PH

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

Simplicity models are made by Ferris.

And guess what else I learned this weekend -- they must both be owned by Briggs and Stratton Power Products Group....not saying that's good or bad, just interesting...I noticed the B&S name one the serial number tag and then saw it listed in the bottom corner of the manuals that came with the machine.....

Oh, yeah, did I mention I bought one this weekend?:laughing:

 

[PossumHound]

And guess what else I learned this weekend -- they must both be owned by Briggs and Stratton Power Products Group....not saying that's good or bad, just interesting...I noticed the B&S name one the serial number tag and then saw it listed in the bottom corner of the manuals that came with the machine.....

Oh, yeah, did I mention I bought one this weekend?:laughing:

Congratulations HMD! I bet you'll love that Ferris.

I tested one during my research and really loved the ride/speed (and the paint, do they powder coat that pretty red on?), but eventually went with a used Toro since I felt it was heavier duty and had the Kawa 29 engine for less $$$ than the new Ferris IS2500.

PH