So the search begins . . . for a new ZTR

[Poopdeck Pappy]

I've decided it's time to move on from my John Deere GT235e and get a ZTR or front-mount mower. I'd love to hear your thoughts on brands, models, motors, features, etc.

I looked at a used Ferris (IS2000Z) that rode like a Cadillac, and a used Grasshopper with a Kubota diesel in it. Love the Kubota diesel motor, but the ride was definitely not in the same league as the Ferris. I also looked at some brand new Gravely commercial models 100, 200 and 400 series), but didn't test any of them. The Gravely 460 model was really a beast, but I'm not looking to spend $11,000.

I'm mowing 2.5 acres regularly, and I bought 30 acres that has some ditch banks and a pond I'd like to mow around. I have some slopes on both properties that are somewhat pucker-inducing on my little GT235e, so hillside stability is important. Will a front-mount mower (even 2wd) handle slopes better than a mid-mount?

 

[Carl_NH]

All the ZTR will be similar in stability and like you found the Ferris ride is great, but if your GT235 is uncomfortable on these slopes I believe a ZTR will be even more so. I see lawn guys running ZTR's on slopes that I wouldn't be comfortable on, so maybe its experience..

For slopes the Kubota F series with 4WD is a good machine and JD also make a front mount but you will find them expensive. I know John Thomas has an F series - at least he did at one time (unless he traded it) and he has slopes to contend with.

You might see if a dealer will allow you to demo a ZTR to see how it feels and go from there.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I only have experience with the commercial duty machines with the Ferris mower and as you said, the ride is very smooth compared to others. I also have a craftsman ZTS 6000 that will beat you like a slow pony and the seat is much higher than on the Ferris. I think you have already tried the best on in its class. I love my IS 700Z model with the FS 690V Kawasaki engine. While it is only rated at 23 HP compared to the Craftsman's B&S @ 26 HP, it does not suffer from lack of power with the 52" cut. I mow weekly and try never to get more than 4" high then cut it to 2" setting and I can mow wide open without stalling or choking with grass. During heat of the summer I will raise the deck to 3 inches and let the grass grow to 5-6" and still mow as fast as I care to go.
The Kawasaki engines burns less than half the gas of the B&S mowing the same area. I mow about 6 acres with about 2.5 being irrigated and the rest depending on mother nature (former pasture). It takes me about 2.5 hours to mow the full 6 acres and about 1.5 to mow the 2.5 acres because it has about 100 trees and bushes to mow around. The pasture land is pretty well open so I can haul *** in it.
I don't know how the 2000 series stacks up to the 750 in specs. The 750 has the 3800 hydrostat transmission which is the major difference in the higher number models. I mow some pretty steep hills with mine and it goes up and down with ease. On the Craftsman it will run away going down hill but the Ferris will hold or even stop on a 30 degree slope. I have one that climbs about 8 feet in 12 and it mows it up, down or even sideways without any problems, although on steep slopes it will scalp a bit on the low side but the mower holds true.

DID I SAY< I LOVE MY FERRIS?

 

[Citydude]

The importance of stability on slopes over rides any other criteria IMHO. I've found myself in conditions that happened unexpectedly working slopes and without front wheel assist, would have been in a real pickle.

 

[Scooby074]

I've decided it's time to move on from my John Deere GT235e and get a ZTR or front-mount mower. I'd love to hear your thoughts on brands, models, motors, features, etc.

I looked at a used Ferris (IS2000Z) that rode like a Cadillac, and a used Grasshopper with a Kubota diesel in it. Love the Kubota diesel motor, but the ride was definitely not in the same league as the Ferris. I also looked at some brand new Gravely commercial models 100, 200 and 400 series), but didn't test any of them. The Gravely 460 model was really a beast, but I'm not looking to spend $11,000.

I'm mowing 2.5 acres regularly, and I bought 30 acres that has some ditch banks and a pond I'd like to mow around. I have some slopes on both properties that are somewhat pucker-inducing on my little GT235e, so hillside stability is important. Will a front-mount mower (even 2wd) handle slopes better than a mid-mount?

ZTR are very sketchy on any hill over 20*. Doubly so in the wet. Remember you have no "steering" per se. If your rear wheels gum up with wet grass or clay you're along for the ride, and you will slide sideways down the hill (guess how I know)

That said, with practice (and mowing on the right days) it can be done. Safety is important, there have been many drowning of people on ZTR's going into ponds. Upgrading the rear tires from turfs to bar tread can make a difference and i may end up doing it. There is nothing like a ztr for speed.

My Kubota ZD is pretty expensive new, but can be found well within your price range as a barely used model (under 1000hrs). The suspension seat will take out most of the bumps.

 

[DK35vince]

I only have experience with the commercial duty machines with the Ferris mower and as you said, the ride is very smooth compared to others.

How do you know how the other commercial grade machines ride if the Ferris is the only commercial machine you have experience with.
Just because your low end Craftsman rides bad does not mean all others do.

 

[RoMad]

I have a gravely 44" ZTR and it does ride rough. Lucky for me my wife or son does all of the mowing at our house. It does mow fast and it is good on gas with the Kawasake engine. We have had it about 5 years now and it has been very dependable.

I also have a Kubota TG 1860 diesel that we keep at our rental property. I love the smoothness and how effortless the engine seems to run even when mowing grass that is a bit high. It also rides great. I prefer it over the gravely even though it takes longer.

Both my wife and son said they would rather mow on the gravely.

 

[Creamer]

For slopes you want the chevron type tires - not turf tires. Look for a low Center of Gravity, i.e. a low seat, it will a lot more stable. 20 degree slopes anything will do, when you get a low Cg you can go to 30 easily.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Gary, I was actually shocked at how well the suspension worked on the Ferris.

The IS2000V has the full suspension, which I think is supposed to be an upgrade from the IS700 series. It has the front independent adjustable shocks. Also, it has separate hydro pumps and wheel motors and, I think, an upgraded seat.

While I love the Kubota diesel in the Grasshopper, the Ferris has the Kawasaki FX730V, which is supposed to be a great all-around motor that should provide many hours of excellent service.

I only have experience with the commercial duty machines with the Ferris mower and as you said, the ride is very smooth compared to others. I also have a craftsman ZTS 6000 that will beat you like a slow pony and the seat is much higher than on the Ferris. I think you have already tried the best on in its class. I love my IS 700Z model with the FS 690V Kawasaki engine. While it is only rated at 23 HP compared to the Craftsman's B&S @ 26 HP, it does not suffer from lack of power with the 52" cut. I mow weekly and try never to get more than 4" high then cut it to 2" setting and I can mow wide open without stalling or choking with grass. During heat of the summer I will raise the deck to 3 inches and let the grass grow to 5-6" and still mow as fast as I care to go.
The Kawasaki engines burns less than half the gas of the B&S mowing the same area. I mow about 6 acres with about 2.5 being irrigated and the rest depending on mother nature (former pasture). It takes me about 2.5 hours to mow the full 6 acres and about 1.5 to mow the 2.5 acres because it has about 100 trees and bushes to mow around. The pasture land is pretty well open so I can haul *** in it.
I don't know how the 2000 series stacks up to the 750 in specs. The 750 has the 3800 hydrostat transmission which is the major difference in the higher number models. I mow some pretty steep hills with mine and it goes up and down with ease. On the Craftsman it will run away going down hill but the Ferris will hold or even stop on a 30 degree slope. I have one that climbs about 8 feet in 12 and it mows it up, down or even sideways without any problems, although on steep slopes it will scalp a bit on the low side but the mower holds true.

DID I SAY< I LOVE MY FERRIS?

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

For slopes you want the chevron type tires - not turf tires. Look for a low Center of Gravity, i.e. a low seat, it will a lot more stable. 20 degree slopes anything will do, when you get a low Cg you can go to 30 easily.

I know that chevron tires are available for the Grasshopper. And I'm sure I could find some for the Ferris too.