Zero Turn Mower

[toddler]

I found a snapper s150 52" with 300 hr and got it for 3500 out the door. 12 cc hydro pumps with fans and separate wheel motors, Michigan seat, rops... I actually prefer separate wheel motors and pumps since repairs are easier and cost less. Can see where a pro might prefer the version with the 5400 transaxles since there might be less service trips for repairs and time is money to a pro. Either way, deals are out there.


Sorry, was responding with phone during a moment of boredom and missed that the OP had already bought a Hustler. They make nice mowers and I'm sure it will serve you well! Husqvarna does too.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Gary, how long have you had the Ferris? I have been considering one along with a Husqvarna MZT-52. For someone mowing 2 hours or less week do you think it is worth it to spend an extra $1,000?

I mowed with it last year and so far I love it. It is great on fuel consumption, uses about 1/3 less than my Craftsman ZTS 6000 mowing the same area, goes about 3 MPH faster and is 1000% more comfortable with the coil spring over shock suspension system. Mine is somewhere between high end residential and low end commercial use with the fabricated deck, FS grade Kawasaki engine compared to the FX for commercial. So far I am extremely happy with the purchase and price of $6200 for this machine with 52" deck. The do offer a 60" deck but for more than $1000 extra, I couldn't see paying for the extra 8" and besides, a 52" just barely fits between my shop and the back fence.

 

[Tompet]

I am sure the op will be happy with his choice.

I saw Simplicity was mentioned along with Ferris. The current Citation in the Simplicity line is the same as the Ferris IS 700Z with the 52 deck but with the Kawasaki FX engine and headlights as standard (or for a little less a Briggs engine). I purchased this OTD for $6870. last year.
I also got the mulch kit (which I had on two other z turns and keeps me dust free) and some after market wave mulching blades. Yes, I did take off the ROPS, IMO it is more dangerous with it on overall with a z-turn. I am very happy with it and the ride. The Simplicity top of the line is the Cobalt which is like the Ferris 2100Z with a 60 deck and it is around 10k.

The older Simplicity Citations were like the current Ferris IS600Z (similar to the current Simplicity ZT3500 or the new Champion XT, both for less $), but I think they wanted to give the Simplicity dealers a couple more commercial models the same as Ferris for their sales. Hence the Kawasaki FX engine options etc. The dealer said they come off the same production line and if you compare them they are exactly the same except for paint, decals, lights and engine options on these two models. Check out the websites.
I think it was Simplicity that bought Ferris ( or visa versa) and in turn they both wound up bought by Briggs.

Ferris does offer many more models and commercial options beyond Simplicity. But the prices go up accordingly.

I had a Simplicity Champion (now they also have a Champion XT with fab deck) that I sold. I was happy with it, ran and cut great, but went from mowing a couple acres to 10-12 acres a week and that would have been to much for it.

Anyway, I just thought I would throw this in as part of the Ferris/Simplicity discussion that occasionally comes up.

 

[MESSMAKER]

I looked at those, like how they looked and handled. Bad thing for me was no dealers very close by. I went with a Husqvarna MZT 52 for $4850, we will see how it does, picked it up one day and the next day we had the biggest snow of the season. I jokingly asked the dealer if I could trade it back in for a snow blower.

I think that is the "best buy" out there for a commercial zero turn. I guess the motor is the weakest link, but I have had good luck with Briggs. It sure is a good looking machine. You could put a motor on it in ten years and still be under 6 grand. That's not bad.

 

[toddler]

I always figure 5400s or separate pumps and motors were commercial. Are the 3400 or the new 4400s listed on hydrogear site considered commercial
?

 

[Not a member]

I always figure 5400s or separate pumps and motors were commercial. Are the 3400 or the new 4400s listed on hydrogear site considered commercial
?

They consider the 3100s and up as commercial.

 

[Not a member]

I always figure 5400s or separate pumps and motors were commercial. Are the 3400 or the new 4400s listed on hydrogear site considered commercial
?

They consider the 3100s and up as commercial.

 

[toddler]

They consider the 3100s and up as commercial.

Went to their website, and that makes sense. Can you replace or rebuild just the pumps on those?

 

[tcartwri]

I went with the Hustler Raptor SD. Once I get a few hours on it I will let everyone know what I think of it.

So what do you think of the machine now? I was looking at one today and it seemed like a decent mower. My other choice is also the Husky you were considering but they are $1000 more expensive in Canada for some reason.

 

[Nissan197]

So what do you think of the machine now? I was looking at one today and it seemed like a decent mower. My other choice is also the Husky you were considering but they are $1000 more expensive in Canada for some reason.

I am very happy with it. It has around 28 hours on it now and is going strong. I would recommend it. It is amazing how quick I get the mowing done now.