Ferris ZTR

[dgl24087]

I stopped at a Massey/NH dealer while traveling, saw a machine I'd never heard of before. It is a Ferris ZTR, made by Simplicity, that had a CAT diesel engine. Anybody seen or had experience with these machines?
Addition: I did a quick check of their website, Ferris Industries, Commercial Mower Specialist, Zero-Turn, Zero Turn, Lawn Mower, Walk Behind, Walk Behind Mowers, Riding Mower, Ferris Mowers, Mowers, Mower, Commercial Mower, Lawn Mowers, landscape, Golf Course, Professional, Lawn mowers, Lawnmower, Suspension, Independent Suspension, New York, Syracuse, New York, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, Central NY. , they offer 2 models with CAT diesels, one has a 1000cc 28 HP engine, the other a 1500cc 33.5 HP engine. Advertises a 6000 hr. engine life.

 

[VABlue]

I've never used them, but have yet to hear anything but positive words about them. The deisels will last at least 6000hrs if you take care of them, and they will not bog down in whatever you try to cut through. If can make the price, get deisel over gas any day. They are much more fuel efficient, also.

From what I understand, the Ferris ZTRs are amoung the most comfortable to drive. I do see plenty of them in commercial use.

 

[PBinWA]

I bought a 1500Z this year and so far I am pretty happy with it. The ride can't be beat! I can go flat out on my lawn if it isn't too long and it just flies over it. You still have to slow down a bit to get the really good cut but some days I just want to get it done.

I highly recommend trying one out if you can get a test drive.

 

[RWEST]

Check this thread http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/lawn-garden/105260-ferris-ztrs-any-problems.html to see some things about the Ferris mowers. My brother ended up with 2 of 'em, a 1500 and the commercial grade monster 5100 with 33 HP CAT diesel. That 5100's built forever!! The 1500's no lightweight, either.

What he, and especially his wife, who mows on the 1500, really like over the other ZTR's he had before (Cub Cadet), is the suspension. Gives a really smooth ride, so he says.

Some of the respondents to the earlier thread mentioned problems with getting under the Ferris' decks to clean them. I'd imagine any ZTR isn't that easy to get under, although there are some ZTR's out there, that have flip-up decks. Sounds like a good idea.

 

[jcmseven]

Ferris makes a really nice ZTR. My local JD dealer is going to sell them, along with Bobcat and JD as his ZTR line. He is dumping Grasshopper to take on Ferris. He just returned from a tour of the New York factory. He said it is very old school and the manufacturing technique are from the mower dark ages, but the workers take much pride in quality and these machines truly are "hand made." That sounded pretty impressive to me. I doubt a Cat diesel in this sized machine makes any real difference with regard to performance over other high horsepower gasoline or diesel engines, but it does add to the machine's curb appeal.

John M

 

[HPXDEEREDEALER]

We are Deere dealers who are taking on Ferris as well. They are impressive machines, and have tremendous potential in the market. I toured the factory as well and it really is impressive, where as I toured the Deere combine factory ( A union organization) where there were guys asleep on workbenches. I traded my 757 for an IS3100 and the difference is unbelieveable. I will post pictures of the incline I mow with mine next to my pond.

 

[Oleozz]

For sure they are built like tanks. I'm not convinced they live up to all the hype about smooth riding although I just have a 1500 and a rough lawn. The biggest complaint I've had and heard is the quality of the cut, I really don't think I could use mine commercially and have customers be satisfied with the way their lawns looked. My brother has a Walker and it is so easy to work on, the flip-up deck is great and my next mower will probably be a Walker.

 

[coobie]

We are Deere dealers who are taking on Ferris as well. They are impressive machines, and have tremendous potential in the market. I toured the factory as well and it really is impressive, where as I toured the Deere combine factory ( A union organization) where there were guys asleep on workbenches. I traded my 757 for an IS3100 and the difference is unbelieveable. I will post pictures of the incline I mow with mine next to my pond.

I bet there were all kinds of these lazy union workers sleeping on benches while you were taking a tour,give me a break.Please post pics of the lazy sleeping union workers sleeping also.I hope your John deere dealer is not located in southern michigan because me being one of those LAZY UNION types (IBEW electric lineman 31 years)sure in the heck would not buy one stinking thing in your dealership.coobie

 

[DaddyRabbit]

Word!

I bet there were all kinds of these lazy union workers sleeping on benches while you were taking a tour,give me a break.Please post pics of the lazy sleeping union workers sleeping also.I hope your John deere dealer is not located in southern michigan because me being one of those LAZY UNION types (IBEW electric lineman 31 years)sure in the heck would not buy one stinking thing in your dealership.coobie

 

[bulletproof1510]

I currently have a Ferris 1500Z and have cut with it commercially for the past 2 years. I love the machine. I have had previous different mowers, Exmark, Scag, and have yet to see one cut as clean as my Ferris. I do wish that he deck had an easier way to changing the blades, but in the old days I wished Chevrolet had of put the distributor in the front as a Ford but that didn't happen. Some times you have to over look easier ways to quality assurance.