Simplicity mower or Ferris mower

[Mean Jean]

Thanks all for the replies, I really appreciate it.
I am now leaning towards the Ferris with Kawasaki engine.
Was provided a new quote of $6900 with the Briggs engine. I understand others have received a lower quote but do remember I am quoting pricing from the great white north of Canada!

 

[coobie]

Good afternoon all and thanks in advance for the replies.
I'm in the market for a zero turn mower and am looking at 2 different models.
The dealer has provided excellent services over the years I've been buying parts and will decide on 1 of 2 machines.
They earn my business every time I go there.
I know everyone prefers their own Snapper, Kubota, John Deere, Scagg etc.
I'm only interested in these 2:

Ferris IS600ZB2548
25 HP Briggs and Stratton pro series
48" deck 10 gauge ICD fabricated with lawn striper
Dual commercial ZT-3400 hydro gear transmission with 7" cooling fans. (10mph)
2 years warranty plus another 2 years or 500 hours (whichever comes first)
Includes pick up and delivery
$6725

Simplicity Champion Z turn
27 HP Briggs and Stratton pro series
50" deck
Dual hydro gear pumps with cooling fans
3 year warranty
Includes pick up and delivery
$5800


Both mowers have front and rear suspension.

Simplicity has a slightly larger deck, 2 inches. Hardly enough to sway my decision.
Simplicity does have 2 extra HP though...
Ferris has an extra year of warranty.
Is the Ferris worth the extra $925?

Go with the ferris.Better deal IMHO.

 

[tcartwri]

Thanks all for the replies, I really appreciate it.
I am now leaning towards the Ferris with Kawasaki engine.
Was provided a new quote of $6900 with the Briggs engine. I understand others have received a lower quote but do remember I am quoting pricing from the great white north of Canada!

This is in line with the number I got last year from Ferris for a IS600 and the commercial Briggs. The Kawi was another $500 I believe.

Then I found a two year old Simplicity for $5K all in, so that's what I went with.

 

[Mean Jean]

Deal is done.
Bought the Ferris for $7000 plus tax. This included the light kit, and arm rests. They deliver it tomorrow.
Stuff is just plain cheaper in the United States.

What's nice about the warranty is if it breaks they will come pick it up, drive it back to the city and fix it and bring it right back out to me.
That's worth the extra scratch in my books.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Sounds like a good deal. We would love to see pics once you get it. Congrats!

 

[Mean Jean]

Maiden voyage was this evening.
I was climbing the walls all day at work just aching to get home and fire it up. I asked for 3 things for the $7k:
-Light kit
-Armrests
-Full tank of gas

Much to my dismay the gas tank was bordering on empty! It's not a big deal but it's the principle of the matter.

I went to fire it up but figured I would check the oil first and noticed the bloody thing was overfilled. Again it comes down to the principle. That's the stuff you do prior to sending product out the door.

It mowed like a dream. Real fast with a nice cut. I figure I reduced mowing time from roughly 3 hours to about an hour and a half which is incredible. Will need to adjust the shocks a bit as they seem a bit soft.

All in all I expect MANY years of reliable mowing. Will post pics, likely tomorrow.

Thanks all for the advise,

Jay D

 

[tcartwri]

Need pics big guy. :drink:

 

[Zick]

Congrats! :thumbsup:

 

[Gary Fowler]

Well here we are 2 days later and no pictures. TO OP, you said it was overfull of oil, did you remove some before running it. Check it again after setting a while to see what the level is.
The first time I changed oil in mine @ 8 hours per manual, I put in the required amount and it was a little over full but I thought perhaps the oil filter would take up a little. I cranked it and it smoked like crazy. I stopped it, removed oil till it was correct level and restarted but it still smoked for several minutes afterward till it burned out all the excess oil is suppose. I didn't seem to hurt it overall now with about 100 hours and going strong.

 

[Gary Fowler]

WRT fuel in the tank, mine had zero fuel when I bought it and they didn't put any in. Dealer said the keep all of them that way because of the crappy fuel we have now. I know they didn't do any servicing other than putting in oil and checking the list for dealer prep items. I got mine from a New Holland tractor dealer and did talk to the mechanic about servicing. His advice was to use only Mobil 1 full synthetic in the engine which is what I have been doing even though the OEM says straight mineral 10W-40 is recommended.