Ferris 2500 Diesel or Ferris 2000 gas?

[425awstojd2320]

We have 6+ acres to mow weekly. Hundreds of trees to go around and most is somewhat bumpy. Pretty much set on a Ferris brand ZTR. Suspension really allows us to max out mowing speed better than others we have demoed. Now just have to decide on model. The 2500 61" diesel is $10,995 and the 2000 27hp Kawasaki gas 61" is $8600. Leaning towards the 2500 due to longer life and better fuel economy. Figure if we save 1/2 gallon/hour (about$1.50) would take 1600 hours to make up the difference in fuel savings, sooner if fuel costs rise. Would expect the mower to last atleast that long. That would not take into account the increased resale value expected w/ the diesel. Besides the engine both mowers are essentially the same. My CUT is diesel also so would only need 1 type of fuel on hand. Plan on keeping this unit for 15+ years so I dont mind paying a little extra to get a better machine. Thanks.

 

[ModMech]

I am inclined to agree with the diesel idea UNLESS the gasser has EFI in which case I would save the $$ and go gas.

Smaller gasoline powered engines with carbs can suffer terrible problems when used with the newer "oxygenated" gasoline mixtures. Some people report no problems, others report ruined engines. I know that, as a mechanic for 25+ years, blended gas is NO GOOD for carbed engines, period. It is also not great for modern cars and trucks either (reduces fuel efficiency and can cause fuel system problems). But small engines with EFI seem to have very little, if any, trouble with oxygenated gas and new Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel has it's problems with moisture and algea, so it's not perfect either.

I don't believe a diesel will save you anything ever after accounting for resale value, especially if any repairs would ever be needed. In that case, a diesel would put you WAY behind the preverbial "8-ball". The only time a diesel is actually a benefit in terms of cost per mile, is if you drive the equivelant of 25,000mi/year or more (1,000 hours of operation with equipment).

But if it were a carbed gasser or diesel, it would be diesel all that way for me.

 

[MarkV]

For non commercial use and $2400 I believe I would stay with the gas. The newer gas engines on commercial mowers are really good. Thats just me though.

Mark V

 

[3BPercherons]

I faced the same decision when I bought my exmark. I ultimately went for diesel:

1. I already had a 150 gallon diesel tank for my tractor
2. It's a kubota diesel; reliability and familiarity (my tractors have always been kubota)
3. Less problem with engine lugging in thick or wet grass.
4. Chicks dig diesel

 

[American Bulldog]

From my experience, there is a significant difference in mileage between gas and diesel. Air cooled gas engines are notorious for being fuel hogs.

One thing you will also save with diesel is time. Less time getting fuel, less time filling up the tank, etc.

Diesels are more temperamental for sure. God forbid you actually get a slug of water in the tank. All that saved time will be gone.

Never had a problem with new gas killing an engine, but I have heard some rumors.

 

[whistlepig]

For engines that do hard work a water cooled diesel is the only way to go. Whatever extra the diesel costs would be well worth it to me.

 

[art]

If your dealer has one get it quick! They are on short supply basically built per sale right now. The current production run is sold.

 

[coobie]

+++1 for diesel.I have a diesel 26hp Kubota ZTR and it sips fuel compared to my ingersoll lawn tractor 4020 with a 20hp onan.coobie.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have studied this long and hard and the Diesel makes sense for a homeowner. For a commercial mower the gas usually is the way to go. For these guys they wear out the mower quick compared to a homeowner.

My neighbor is a commercial mower and runs Ferris and one old Scag. The Ferris is hands down the best he has had, I do all the maintenance, and the Kawasaki is top notch. I do not think you could go wrong with either.

At the end of the day its your money and your machine so get what makes you happy.

Chris

 

[mytimeshareattorney]

For non commercial use gas.its really cool