First time Zero turn mower buyer...Ferris??

[twodogs]

FWIW, Simplicity zero turns are made by Ferris. They have a few that have rear suspension. They are offering some financing deals as well. My BIL has one and loves it. He has had it for a few years without any problems.

 

[edenfarms]

I own a Kubota ZD 331 diesel with a 72" deck. I tried out the Ferris prior to purchasing the Kubota. I did appreciate the ride of the Ferris, but the cut quality is poor in rough terrain (I think due to the suspension?). Sounds like your land is smoother than mine, but I would consider a Kubota. Far better machine on my own property than Cub Cadet, Ferris, Grasshopper and Hustler. Have the dealer bring each machine to your property - I wouldnt buy one unless I tried it on my land first.
I second the diesel as well. It will save you a fortune in the long run. I can mow about 12-15 hours on 4-5 gallons of fuel. Also, look at used ones after trying the new ones out. It will save you. I bought a two year old model with only 200 hours for less than half of the new maching. Hope this helps.

 

[Carl_NH]

Edenfarms,

If I could have purchased a Kubota ZD21/28 for $4-5K with 200 hours I would have done it in a heartbeat. New ZD's here were $11K in 2010 and best price used with 1000 hrs was $6-7K.

You did well - and the comment about the ferris cut - yes the deck does move with the suspension so it looks different than a fixed/rigid deck - IMO its a takes a very good eye to see the difference.

 

[rjohnson82]

Well thanks for all the advice! Looks like I'm going to order my Ferris tomorrow. Just cant beat the ride quality and I'm going to be spending many hours/years on it so i need to be comfortable. I called a different dealer last week and they offered to drive an hour and a half out to my property to do a demo!! Couldnt believe it. Initial dealer wouldnt do demo and wouldnt budge on price! Glad I shopped around! New dealer let me demo on my yard for a few hours on a SUNDAY and I was quite impressed. He brought a snapper pro along to compare as a non-suspension machine. Wow, I didnt last long on that snapper before being bounced off! I'm sold on Ferris. I'm getting the is2000 with the 27 horse Kawasaki and full suspension seat. List price is $9702 discounted down to $8899 and he's throwing in a headlight kit, hitch, and extra set of blades. I think its a pretty fair deal plus I'm getting 36 months 0% interest and will deliver it to my back yard in 2 days!!!!! Cant wait!!!!!!! Lookin forward to savin a bunch of time and gas on my property! Pictures to come!

 

[Carl_NH]

Congrats RJohnson on your new machine,

Assume you got the 61" deck? Also the price with the extras - the seat and blades are $400 value I would imagine - you got a very good deal with 0% to boot..

Do post some pics when you get yours!

Carl

 

[edenfarms]

Congrats, sure youll be happy. All of the dealers SHOULD be happy to bring out their products if they are your dealer. I had no problems having multiple dealers come to my property and I am in the boonies. A few of them even left them for a weekend. Anyways enjoy the ride!

 

[edenfarms]

I was very lucky. I actually was planning on buying a new one and when I was demoing the kubota units, the dealer actually told me that he was getting a used one in that he would sell to me. Not many dealers would do that, but I am lucky to have a great Kubota dealer reasonably close by. Im sure that it helps that I have a Kubota tractor that he services too, but still he didnt have to tell me about the used one that was for sale.

For me, the Kubota was so far superior that I was actually going to consider buying a batwing mower for my 7040, instead of buying a ZTR (since the others underperformed). I have a very large lawn that is quite rough throughout most of it. It was very hard to find a mower that would provide an excellent cut with enough power to mow up hills and on slopes without making me feel like I needed to see a chiropractor. I am just glad I tried out the Kubota. All around, for my property, it was the only zero turn for me.

 

[Carl_NH]

Hello Eden Farms,

I hope you dont have too much snow this evening! I was born not far from there in Kane PA - still have some land up in Elk County and have realtives in Curwensville and Clearfield. Used to fish in that area too - great part of PA.

Carl

 

[Mark_G]

I bought an IS500Z this year. I have 3.5 hours of mowing on it, so I am still breaking it in. I have a smallish lawn but 5 acres of woods etc that I am reclaiming. I am very pleased with its ability to cut brambles, scrub etc (BTW it works well on the grass too...). I can cut more in an hour or 2 than I could in 6 or more with my DR. The suspension works well. I did throw the idler spring for the hydro pump once, I think it was just too loose when the dealer set it up, but it is an easy fix. The machine is easy to work on. I take care of my equipment but I don't baby it. I am pleased with my purchase and highly recommend the Ferris mowers.

 

[kawisux]

I have a 2008 ferris 3100z with a kawasaki LC motor the mower itself is the best, however ferris goofed using this kawi engine, way under powered for the mower I literally have to engage the pto on/ off & back on to prevent the engine from stalling. never really happy with the kawi, well after this morning I hate them got in a little heavy grass & pop goes the engine, overheated & seized solid. maintained regularly , and it only had 126 hours on it.