ZTR pivoting axel

[Spiffy]

Thought I replied to this, but the computer's been a bit haywire lately.

Too many parts is probably personal taste; can't get simpler than pivoting, but IS is proven, even if not so much on mowers.

Since you're riding over the rear, I can't think that IFS has huge gains over a pivoting axel. Now 4 wheel IS and a nice seat, that's got to be awesome, even if overkill for mowing speeds. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I'd say between the pivoting and IS (unless one does just feel right) base your choice on other factors first. Of course, I'm the one still trying to how to not void my warrenty by modding the front end. But in 2 seasons you guys may have the IS or pivot question solved...maybe the wait isn't so bad! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

By the way were those prices MSRP, sticker, or final quote? I understand that B&S might be a bit cheaper than the Kaw, but for 3 cousins the prices seem a bit erratic. The 05 Snapper 21hp Kaw 52in is $7100, stickered at $6599.

Chad

 

[Nasty135]

Seams this post is also eluding to rider comfort as well as keeping 4 wheels on the ground.
Something I just remembered reading in my owner operating manual is that the ZTR's come shipped with 25-30lbs in the tires, which will bruise your kidneys in a heartbeat /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

It recommends between 8-10lbs. in rear and 15lbs in front , It makes a world of difference /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif as would also a good seat help make for an acceptable ride for that Hi-speed cutting experience /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif WHOOSH ,what was that ETHEL!!

 

[sportzkat]

I'm being quoted $5799 for a 1500 w/ 48" deck. Haven't negotiaited with them yet, though.

 

[vicory]

I was quoted $5,490 for the 48" Ferris with 21 HP Kawasaki engine. The same model in Simplicity is the Citation, differences are it doesn't have the front shocks but it pivots and it has the 21Hp Briggs Vanguard. I like the Simplicity's ride a bit more but I believe that's because the shocks on the Ferris were adjusted to most firm position. Price for the Simplicity quoted was $5,399. I've not tried to negotiate down but plan to do so. I'm leaning towards the Simplicity but not sure about the Vanguard, anyone have comments on that, I've read post noting Kawasaki, Kohler and Briggs Vanguard are all good engines with Kohler getting the most favorable comments.

 

[Nasty135]

vicory, When I started looking ,I was only seeing kohler stuff and heard all good things about them so thats what I was going to get .
Butwith that said My lesco ZTR has the kawasaki because they didn't offer kohler and it seams to have plenty of power and runs smooth enough only time will tell if it was a good choice /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I was looking at the specifications of both kawasaki and kohler and according to the hustler website the kawasaki engine 25hp puts out 41lb of torque @ 2400rpm and they kohler 27hp has 42.7 @ 3000 rpm . So there is only a slight difference and at a lower rpm for the kawasaki.

What would be nice is a fuel consumption rate for acres mowed on all lawn mowers /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif HMMMM? maybe I could start a new career on that one /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Spiffy]

Rear IS and front pivot, I'm thinking that is a nice marriage between simple and IS. I'm really relishing the fact that you like the ride, since I pondered in an earlier post that the rear IS may be nice.

As far as the solid mounting, I tried mowing some rough ground with the Snapper this morning. I didn't have any issues with control or anything else awkward when one wheel didn't make contact. However, regarless of one or two front wheels making contact, I could feel every bump that went under the rear wheels. The seat took some shock out, but I can see where other threads eluded to damage of internal organs if you mow anywhere near full speed over rough ground. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

The dealer was trying to sell me on a couple other mowers at the same time, so I asked the engine question as well; he told me the 21HP Kaw would out-perform the 23Hp Kohlers and some B&S he pointed out too. Dealer's opinion may or may not be biased, but I sure liked how it pulled through some tough stuff I tried this morning (tall and wet; tried some thick layers of leaves too); first maybe couple hundred RPM dropped instantly off, but then just purred. Despite all the bad things you hear about B&S, the Vangard is sounding pretty good, but I can't give you any first hand there.

Overall, I'm very pleased with the Snapper, but if I had tried something with IS, maybe things would have been different.

Lined it up right beside a M48 and M54: like many of the comericial units, the critical parts so are close it's scary. Same price, I'd probably went with the CC (for the spindle bearings and pivoting front end); but Snapper has it's features too, and I actually like the hydralic layout a bit better (assuming the pumps and motors are identical units).

Chad