Z-Turn

[ChuckinNH]

I'm just in from a bit over three hours of mowing on my big Simplicity, and I'm feeling a bit beat up. I have tumors now on my hip, and in my back I guess, and the ones on bones raise cain with my legs sometimes, and the big Simplictiy has a stiff hydro pedal. So, here's the question. Mowing at the same speed 3-4 mph probably will a Z turn give me at least as good a ride as the Simplicity? The full width rear roller on my deck adds to the jerky ride on my rough areas. I see that the tires are smaller on Z-turns, and I would put a deck on my B2620, but I have tons of obstacles to mow around. I drove a Ferris 1500 the other day, and it sure felt smoother, but I don't know if the field was smoother than mine, or not. That is the first, and only Z-turn that I have been on so I'm a real newbie with all of this. I mow a bit over three acres at least once a week. (didn't finish it today!) How does everyone like the Ferris deck, and the way it is suspended....... any issues. Dealers in a 35 mile radius include a few Ferris, X-Mark, John Deere, and some yellow machines, bad boy perhaps? I've never paid much attention to tell you the truth, but they are starting to make sense to me.

 

[art]

With a zero turn just find the smallest hole you need to drive though and measure it! Buy the next smallest deck and don't look back!

With Zero turn mowers the better the hydro's quality and the smoother the levers work!
Ferris's suspension is a plus but big tires and the right seat can work very well.

A more expensive zero will have a higher ground speed than a lower cost one and you cn find decks that can mow clean at better speeds.

Cadets now have steering wheels instaed of the twin sticks.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Thanks for your input Art. I'll look a bit more at models with larger tires, etc. My yard can be rough on inexpensive equipment, and it's so rocky that it would be very hard to change that. I've removed a pile of rocks, and stumps, but in many areas I have at least one, and often several obstacles to mow around on every lap. I've been adding a bit of topsoil here, and there, and that helps, but 3+ acres is quite a bit to do that to also. I'm glad the dealer talked me into trying one that another guy was demoing ( he bought it), and now I'm thinking that is the way for me to go if only the ride is reasonable, and it can handle all my off camber, and short steep areas. That dealer does have a large bank at his dealership that is probably as steep, or perhaps steeper than anything I have that he does mow with a big Ferris. Dixie Choppers are also available around here, and they have larger tires too.

 

[Carl_NH]

Hi Chuck,

I have rocks, ledge and 1.5 ac of lawn created from the forest floor and have been cutting with my cub cadet 1811 for 15 years. Also just cleared and stumped another 2 ac that is rougher than the present yard, so will have about 3 ac or so to maintain now so wanted something to handle the larger area.

Been looking at Z turns for 5 years finally wife said "get one" and preferences were Kubota and Ferris but kubota diesels were too rich $ and too big 60" so settled on a 52" Ferris IS2000 after driving a IS1500 and IS2000. The IS2000 has a true independent suspension and much beefier in the front axle/suspension than the IS1500 and rides better over rough areas. The IS2000 also has a better seat and more leg room (I am 6-4) so this was the other reason I went with that unit. There are options too for a suspension seat - that is really nice, but only on the larger IS3000 I think.

The local dealer wanted nearly $2K more than a dealer up in Augusta Me who has 2009 models albeit the 09 leftover have the older style deck, but for $2K I didnt think it was worth the diff. Scott at Scotts Recreation in Augusta has more of these too so check them out - also zero % financing helps too..

I dont have mine yet - its coming next week and as soon as I have some more cutting time I will give you some more feedback, but from my trials it will be a big improvement in ride and speed of cutting.

Carl

 

[ChuckinNH]

Thanks Carl. I have 3 Ferris dealers within 25 miles so I guess that says something too. The dealer I went to said that the 1500 was "entry level professional", and if I had the money he would recommend the 2000 for my conditions....... sounds like that is tracking with what you are saying.

 

[Carl_NH]

Chuck,

Its was a $1300 delta from the IS1500 48" to the IS2000 52" and for a unit that I will likely have for the next 20 yrs I thought that's a good ROI given the more robust construction, overall comfort and frame suspension elements.

Also Art's suggestion to find the smallest space and get one size smaller is good advise. I walked around my yard measuring where I could fit and couldn't although my Cub Cadet is 53" overall width (44" deck) fits in these areas so I already sort of know where a wider deck would/would not work.

The other decision was the new ICD deck on the 2010 Ferris IS2000 since they offset the blades it is actually 58" overall with the chute up and the older deck is 53" overall so this was the deciding factor for me to get the IS 2000 09 leftover unit.

Like you, I have ledge outcroppings, lots of trees (my wife calls them "rooms" - an English garden type place) lots of shrubs, rock borders, and plantings in different areas means I have a lot of manuevering - very little straight line mowing.

Delivery is next Saturday so I will do the perimeter mowing with my cub near all the walls and obstacles to start with so I can get a feel for running the new machine (dont want to break it in on the tight spots and ledge) then finish off with the new machine. Will let you know how it goes.

Carl

 

[ChuckinNH]

Thanks for the input Carl. If you have slopes, let me know how it does on them. The local dealer has offered to bring one over, but he is working alone right now, so doesn't know when he can get to it......

 

[450EXC]

Chuck,

I just bought a used Ferris 3100 and have a lot of hills on my property. So far it seems to handle them with no problem. The suspension is great and the ZTR in general has cut my mowing time in half.

I think moving from the 1500 to the 2000 model gets you independant front suspension and moving 2000 to 3100 gets you independant front and rear.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Tanks for the input! I need to get out, and look more closely at the differences. I never had given much thought to owning one, but now my garden tractor isn't worth much in trade, so I could keep it for towing trailers, leaf collection, etc. The downside is that I know zip about ZTR's.

 

[coobie]

Chuck,I have owned 3 ZTR,s simplicity,ferris,and now a Kubota pro 326 diesel ZTR.I can tell you the ferris/simplicity has BY FAR the better ride verses my Kubota.I used to think the independent ride was a selling gimmick,trust me its not.coobie.

 

[Zick]

agreed, I used to own a Simplicity Colt (which was manufactured by Ferris at the time) and it rode much smoother than my Kubota does now.
I'm actaully contemplating selling the Kubota and buying a used zero turn (w/ suspension) and a small skid steer for the occational yard work and plowing.

 

[Maxify55]

I have 7 acres in north Florida. I purchased a used 1000Z 3 yrs ago for mowing the acreage that wasn't paddocked off for equine use.

You won't find a better ride nor cut than you'll find with your Ferris machines.

I've had spinal fusion in the past in my neck. While my machine is older, without the I/S, it still is far and away a better ride and cut than other models I've driven.

Make sure that you find a good dealer with good turn around time for PM and warranty work. No machine is worth waiting for it's mechanic to get around to yours. Far too many dealers lay off or can't get enough mechanics to satisfy their clientele's needs in a timely fashion.

Keep in mind that there are only so many manufacturers of hydro pumps, spindles and commercial engines to power these beasts. That being said all of the brands across the board will be somewhat similar.

Then there is Ferris with their independent suspension. What a stroke of genius.

Without that suspension Ferris would be "just another ZTR" and, NO, I don't sell them. I just can't stand to be beaten by a mower that bolts a chair to a mower platform.

At the end of the day the driver/operator deserves a life without feeling like his insides have been rearranged or a trip to a Chiropractor to realign his spine.

Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[Carl_NH]

Hi Chuck,

Just wanted to provide an update - Ferris IS2000 was delivered and had a nice surprise too - it has the high back "deluxe" seat with the adjustable arm rests, and one fuel gauge was damaged/broken but the dealer replaced it..

I have been cutting on my rough/rocky lawn - did it in about 1/2 the time, but with it being dry here not much to cut even tho we have irrigation I dont over water - just water enough to keep it sort of green.. Since it is dry the dips and holes are even more noticeable but with the suspension it really smooths out the ride.

The other thing is the deck is tied to the suspension on the 2000 and 3000 series and moves with the undulations for a very even cut quality. The rear suspension on the 2000 is similar to the 3000, but 3000 has the double shocks and a slightly different setup.

As far as slopes the pnly area we have is maybe 15* on one part of the yard and it has no issues and I felt comfortable zipping around the trees.

One thing about ZTR is the learning curve and ripping up the turf - so far Ive made 8 or so divots but getting better at it.. its a matter of experience. I can say its a lot of fun to run these and with our hot weather and cutting a hgher speed you never get hot.

I got the 09 52" 25HP unit for $7K delivered to NH.. So a very good value and I look forward to many years of operation..

Carl

 

[ChuckinNH]

Thanks for the input everyone! I did try to arrange a demo here, but the closest dealer is working alone right now, and this is his busy season, so I don't think that is going to happen. He did offer me a very good deal on an IS1500 with a 48" deck...... it is a hold over, but he said I could have it for less than 6K. I would like the slightly larger 52" deck anyway if I go this route, but it is sure worth thinking about. I'm getting more confidence that one would work here, but would still like to try one on my place. The next closest dealer might bring one up too, and is a larger dealership. They also sell Masseys, and Mahindra's. I actually went there to look at a replacement for my Legacy.

 

[Maxify55]

Thanks for the input everyone! I did try to arrange a demo here, but the closest dealer is working alone right now, and this is his busy season, so I don't think that is going to happen. He did offer me a very good deal on an IS1500 with a 48" deck...... it is a hold over, but he said I could have it for less than 6K. I would like the slightly larger 52" deck anyway if I go this route, but it is sure worth thinking about. .....

You'll like that 52" deck.
It has just a tad more reach on the trim side (As opposed to the discharge side).
Giving you that extra reach up under bushes and split rail fences.
Caution is to be used,though. That's also where the errant dog toy or rock usually lands.
It is surprising though. How that little extra deck can end so much trimmer work with just a flick of your hand at the control.