Z-Turn suspension worth it?

N80 · Saturday at 2:46 PM

I have a home-owner level 54" Z turn that I mow 3-4 acres down at my cabin. It is the first one I've ever owned. I've had it about 4 years. Most of what I mow is closer to what you would call a field than what you'd call a lawn. It looks like a nice smooth lawn when I'm done but it is rough as heck and that's starting to take a toll on my back and my rear end (I'm skinny). The seat is basic and still in good shape but sometimes I add a thin cushion to it.

I can live with it. The mower does a good job and seems to be holding up well despite the beating its getting.

However, I do see commercial mowers that have suspension on the front caster wheels. I've even seen a few with suspension on all 4 wheels (Stihl). I'm sure those are inanely expensive.

Anyway, I'm very curious about other folk's experience with Z-turns with suspension vs. those without. Does it make a difference? Is it worth the cost? Are their tradeoffs other than cost? Does anyone have experience with one that has 4 wheel suspension?

I would also assume that models with larger rear tires would ride better than ones with smaller back tires?

camshawn · Saturday at 9:57 PM

We have a toro with the suspension seat. I had a back injury a while ago and I would definitely recommend a suspension of some kind.

kozal01 · Saturday at 10:39 PM

Ferris is known for their suspension on their ZTR's, that's who makes the Stihl BTW. While I haven't had a Ferris I've heard the suspension works very well. I recently upgraded from a residential Exmark to an entry level commercial Exmark and it has the suspensions platform, my residential one had a nice seat but only had springs under it for suspension. The suspension platform of my new machine makes a huge difference in ride, its far more comfortable.

stevem5215 · 2025-08-31T10:03:38-0400

I have two Simiplicity ZTR's here. One with suspension and one without. The one with is the primary machine and you can run it full speed across the field. The other, no way. It's just too brutal on the body. You can imagine which one is used the most. The other was my first one and I learned about suspension after buying it. Cry once and buy once. Full suspension on a ZTR is worth it IMO.

gstrom99 · 2025-08-31T10:36:14-0400

The SIL has a Gravely, with some sort of suspension, like the (made by?) Ferris. He loves it, but it was like $10k. Someone makes springed fronts that you can retro fit. I wanted a set but not avail for my JD 5 series.