Newer Toro from HomeDepot, or older Ferris IS500z?

[roachslayer]

For about the same price ($3k range) I found the following:

Toro MX 4260 42" 23hp w/bagging and striping kit. 32hrs (about 2 yrs old, "time cutter" series, still sold at HD)

Ferris IS500z 44" 24hp w/blower and bags, 900 hrs (probably about 8+ yrs old?)

I've got a half acre, flat, with some tight areas, so I dont need a big deck. I'm a noob to zero-T mowers but a huge fan of going commercial (I can't stand residential quality anything, it pretty much means sub-standard right out of the gate, be it dishwashers, tools, etc). Anyway... despite my loathing of residential equip, anyone have info on the toro here? I'm confident that Ferris is AWESOME according to many reviewers and forums, but a machine with 900 hrs vs 32 hrs.... kinda hard to justify the $$.

 

[Bird]

I would expect you to be happy with either one. Purely a personal preference from me, but I'd go with the newer Toro, mostly because I have a Toro Timecutter SS3200 and I have a pretty good local dealer if I should have a problem with it. Mine is only 3 years old and only has 115.7 hours on it.

 

[phiferpharm]

I had a Ferris and loved it, but alas, the 1100 hours signaled the end of the motor. I would have to say go with the Toro due to the hours.