Mark_G
Silver Member
Just picked up a new Ferris IS500Z ZTR mower. Unfortunately I also came down with the flu so all I could do was get it home and in the garage. Hoping I can take it for a spin (literally) tomorrow....
New owner of a Ferris IS500Z
- Thread starter Mark_G
- Start date
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vwnotrunning
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2011
- Messages
- 516
- Location
- Central, OK
- Tractor
- jd 1050 LS I3040H. CASE SC farmall Super M
Let us know how you like it. I am getting close to needing to get a new mower. Just hard to part with the cash or make payments!
Carl_NH
Elite Member
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2002
- Messages
- 3,782
- Location
- Coastal NH
- Tractor
- 01 Kubota B21TLB, 2010 Ferris 52" ZTR, Cub Cadet 1811, Gravely Super8
Congrats on your new Ferris - and hope you feel better soon too. What size machine did you get?
Just a few tips if this is your first ZTR (i have the Ferris IS2000 52" 25HP Kawa). The handles are adjustable F>B and height and the unit should track straight with both handles all the way forward - test this on your driveway.
If it doesnt you can adjust the screws near the bottom of the handle swivel.
Check the hydro motor relief valve and make sure they are snuged - if they are loose it will also affect the steering due to lower pump output.
Test drives - do it on your driveway is suggested get used to the turning and wheel spin, then practice on some rough areas / non grassy areas to get used to making turns - thats the biggest thing with ZTR they can tear up your turf if not careful. I have weak turf areas with fine fescue thats damp with not a lot of root stucture and i still have to repair some of these areas even when I am careful.
You will figure out that very little movement of the handles is all it takes to turn and move the unit so go easy and slow to start.
Carl
.
Just a few tips if this is your first ZTR (i have the Ferris IS2000 52" 25HP Kawa). The handles are adjustable F>B and height and the unit should track straight with both handles all the way forward - test this on your driveway.
If it doesnt you can adjust the screws near the bottom of the handle swivel.
Check the hydro motor relief valve and make sure they are snuged - if they are loose it will also affect the steering due to lower pump output.
Test drives - do it on your driveway is suggested get used to the turning and wheel spin, then practice on some rough areas / non grassy areas to get used to making turns - thats the biggest thing with ZTR they can tear up your turf if not careful. I have weak turf areas with fine fescue thats damp with not a lot of root stucture and i still have to repair some of these areas even when I am careful.
You will figure out that very little movement of the handles is all it takes to turn and move the unit so go easy and slow to start.
Carl
.
9973720wb19
Platinum Member
is your Ferris the one with shocks? if so, let us know how they work. i bought a JD 997 and saw the Ferris shock ones after the fact. i don't have one of those smooth lawns so the bumps are what slows the ground speed - it will buck you if you go too fast.
Carl_NH
Elite Member
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2002
- Messages
- 3,782
- Location
- Coastal NH
- Tractor
- 01 Kubota B21TLB, 2010 Ferris 52" ZTR, Cub Cadet 1811, Gravely Super8
997,
All the Ferris have suspension - the IS500 and 1500 have basic suspension and shocks, the IS2000-3000-5000 series have a more of a full (independent) suspension setup on the front.
All the Ferris have suspension - the IS500 and 1500 have basic suspension and shocks, the IS2000-3000-5000 series have a more of a full (independent) suspension setup on the front.
archerynut
Platinum Member
Just seeing what the initial thoughts of the 500 are. I just looked at one today and I am interested.
I now have 3.5 hours on mine. I LOVE it. I have 5.5 acres of mostly woods. I have been reclaiming areas. I have cut brambles, scrub brush weeds etc. It works great, it also does a great job on my lawn! I have one area with a steep slope, and it also works far better there than I would have guessed.
It seemed far faster than I needed the 1st hour of operation, and very quick for the 2nd... Now at hour 3.5 I could handle another 2 mph.. I can cut more in an hour or 2 than I could in 6 with my DR. There are still a few places I will use the DR to I can get the tractor in and smooth them out but the DR will be getting far less use.
The suspension really does make rough ground comfortable. I am very pleased with the mower. I did throw the idler spring yesterday for the belt to the hydro pumps, but it was an easy fix. I think the dealer had it a bit too loose. I will probably get the solid front tires as well as I lost air in one, but I am not babying it.
I test drove a number of machines and for the terrain I have I am sure I got the right machine. I have the 52 inch deck.
It seemed far faster than I needed the 1st hour of operation, and very quick for the 2nd... Now at hour 3.5 I could handle another 2 mph.. I can cut more in an hour or 2 than I could in 6 with my DR. There are still a few places I will use the DR to I can get the tractor in and smooth them out but the DR will be getting far less use.
The suspension really does make rough ground comfortable. I am very pleased with the mower. I did throw the idler spring yesterday for the belt to the hydro pumps, but it was an easy fix. I think the dealer had it a bit too loose. I will probably get the solid front tires as well as I lost air in one, but I am not babying it.
I test drove a number of machines and for the terrain I have I am sure I got the right machine. I have the 52 inch deck.
whistlepig
Elite Member
Thanks for the update on your Ferris. We have 10 hours on our new IS700Z and really like the mower. It's nice to know you still like yours after two years.
