So the search begins . . . for a new ZTR

[Poopdeck Pappy]

I"m thinking that the weight of the diesel in the Grasshopper would help keep the rear end planted better on slopes than a lighter weight motor would. But I don't know much about ZTRs so that theory might be flawed.

Oh, and I certainly understand the importance of stability on slopes. I'm always careful to test out slopes on ANY equipment a little at a time. I'm not in nearly as big of a hurry to kill myself as I was 30 years ago.

 

[Carl_NH]

Pappy,

I have the IS2000 like you drove with high back seat, and the Kawasaki 25HP which has a full independent suspension on the front meaning the front forks connect to the deck and separate steel frame for a full independent setup. The IS700 has the rear wheel and front articulating (mostly up/down suspension)

I mow a lot a lot of rocky and rough terrain and love the ride and the cut is good too. I use gator blades on the 52" deck. If you can get the Ferris for a reasonable $, then it will serve you well.

BTW, the IS2000 weighs in around 1150Lbs so its not a lightweight, and I would imagine the Grasshopper with the diesel is about 1500 - the water cooling, and extra diesel engine weight, and I am not sure the CG is greatly different on either machine.

Carl

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Yep, that looks just like the one I drove except it had the 61" deck. I trust that the Kawasaki FX730V has plenty of power to run the 61" deck. It's supposed to be a strong, dependable, commercial grade motor. I hear they have been having some trouble with their FX1000V big block motor, but any ZTR with that motor would be out of my price range anyway.

Kawasaki rates their motors as FR (residential), FS (entry level commercial) and FX (commercial). As far as I know, they made FR, FS and FX versions of the 730V motor.

Pappy,

I have the IS2000 like you drove with high back seat, and the Kawasaki 25HP which has a full independent suspension on the front meaning the front forks connect to the deck and separate steel frame for a full independent setup. The IS700 has the rear wheel and front articulating (mostly up/down suspension)

I mow a lot a lot of rocky and rough terrain and love the ride and the cut is good too. I use gator blades on the 52" deck. If you can get the Ferris for a reasonable $, then it will serve you well.

BTW, the IS2000 weighs in around 1150Lbs so its not a lightweight, and I would imagine the Grasshopper with the diesel is about 1500 - the water cooling, and extra diesel engine weight, and I am not sure the CG is greatly different on either machine.

Carl

 

[Carl_NH]

Yes Pappy, you are correct - the FX is Kawasaki commercial line of engines, and the Ferris IS2000 will have the FX commercial engine with the dual carbs, HD Starter and Canister air cleaner. The FS as I understand does not have the HD starter or canister type filter but all other specs are similar.

My engine is the FH series- the predecessor to the FX, with the canister filter, dual carbs so its commercial grade. It starts on the second or third crank every time and runs great. Fuel consumption as Gary mentioned is almost half that of my cub cadet 18HP Kohler Magnum.

The closest I can figure on fuel, its about 3/4 gallon per hour and I do 2.5 acres with lots of turning due to planting beds and trees in 1.5 hours . Straight runs, you can cut 4 acres an hour I easily.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

. . . The closest I can figure on fuel, its about 3/4 gallon per hour and I do 2.5 acres with lots of turning due to planting beds and trees in 1.5 hours . Straight runs, you can cut 4 acres an hour I easily.

That's great "mileage" on the fuel. I hear that most gas engines of this size will burn about 1.3 - 1.5 gallons per hour (gph), and the big block Kohler, B&S and Kaw engines are burning 2.0gph or more if they're carbureted. The EFI versions do better on fuel usage.

 

[Scooby074]

That's great "mileage" on the fuel. I hear that most gas engines of this size will burn about 1.3 - 1.5 gallons per hour (gph), and the big block Kohler, B&S and Kaw engines are burning 2.0gph or more if they're carbureted. The EFI versions do better on fuel usage.

I cant give you exact numbers, but the ZD is super fuel efficient. Im still running on the first of 2 tanks! Thats after about 10 mows of 2 acres. IT could even be more than 10 mows.

Weight on a ZTR doesnt help for traction. My ZD while heavy, has very wide tires to offset the ground pressure. The big problem with a ztr and traction is the rear wheels gumminng up not so much lack of weight.

 

[DK35vince]

That's great "mileage" on the fuel. I hear that most gas engines of this size will burn about 1.3 - 1.5 gallons per hour (gph), and the big block Kohler, B&S and Kaw engines are burning 2.0gph or more if they're carbureted. The EFI versions do better on fuel usage.

My last zero turn had a 21 HP Kawasaki (can't remember the model #'s). If I remember right it used around 1 1/4 GPH.
My current FX 1000 (35 HP) Kawasaki is using closer to 2 GPH

 

[whistlepig]

We just bought a Ferris IS700Z three weeks ago. Two of our three neighbors own Ferris. The ride makes a difference. Just so much less wear and tear on our old bones. With the suspension we can mow faster and mow longer. Ours a 52" cut with a 27HP Briggs Commercial. It uses two gallons of gas an hour.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

We just bought a Ferris IS700Z three weeks ago. Two of our three neighbors own Ferris. The ride makes a difference. Just so much less wear and tear on our old bones. With the suspension we can mow faster and mow longer. Ours a 52" cut with a 27HP Briggs Commercial. It uses two gallons of gas an hour.

I suspect your fuel consumption will decrease after the motor is broken in.

 

[jeep07]

This winter I picked up a used Grasshopper 725k Front mount Mower with a 72" deck. Thing is awesome and I love the front mounted deck. I came from a MidMount Husqvarnia mower and the Grasshopper is so much nicer and heavier duty. Used it was $2500 with about 450 hours on it. I have 2 acres in a subdivision.