2011 Ferris IS 500Z - Value and Utility?

[savaytse66]

We are in the process of purchasing a large piece of property. The current owner no longer has a need for her Ferris IS 500Z 52" zero-turn mower, and she offered it to us (at a price, of course) if we are interested. It is either a 2011 or 2012 (Probably 2011) and has just under 200 hours on it.

I already have a Kubota BX25 with a 54" belly mower. However, I use that at two different properties right now, so having a dedicated mower is appealing to an extent. I've never owned a dedicated mower, let alone a zero-turn, so I don't know if this is worth having or how to even valuate it to make an offer. Does anyone have any experience with this mower, and if so, do you find it useful? Any idea what kind of cash value it holds?

About 1-2 acres of this property is maintained lawn around the house; there are some trees, the house, and a gravel driveway to contend with, as well as a few random, smaller obstacles. The lawn is relatively flat.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

There is a learning curve with zero turns learning how to turn without messing up the grass (think three point turning) but zero turns way super efficient mowers of lanes and why you see them used everywhere.

I know nothing about the Ferris 500 itself apart from the basic zero turn platform is great for anything not requiring four wheel drive or the size of a faraway.

 

[vgd]

I have a is500z. With a 61 inch deck and it is an awsome machine , and easy to maintain . I bought mine 4 years ago and looked at all makes and ferris is by far superior .

 

[bm3]

Ferris has a smoother ride compared to the others and run fine , Exmark cuts better and Scag is built tougher , I am buying a Scag due to my hilly land. Scag sits lower to the ground and take slopes better from what I test drove . All said , the Ferris would be my pick if land was level

 

[Gary Fowler]

My land is all uphill and or downhill with some of my mowing on fairly steep hills (sides of pond dam). My Ferris will go up and down or sideways any hill up to 20 degrees and hold a straight line when mowing sideslope. I don't have any info for you on the IS 500Z but my IS 700Z with 52" deck and 23 HP Kawasaki engine is great. If I recall correctly I paid $6200 for mine a couple years ago.
What is the asking price for the 500Z?

 

[Gary Fowler]

One more thing, IIRC there was almost $1000 difference in the 52" and 61" mower. I couldn't see the value in getting 9" for $1000 at least not in lawnmowers.