Opinions On Ferris Zero Turn

[MoKelly]

I have done lots of comparisons on a new zero turn mower for about a month. I will mow roughly 10 acres every 2 weeks on average (little more often in Spring little less in Summer). It is my property and I won't be doing any other work.

Rightly or wrongly, I have decided on a commercial unit vs. homeowner unit. I really want reliability.

I believe I have decided on the Ferris 2000Z with a 52" deck and a Kawasaki 26 hp engine. I have been quoted $7700 which is an approx. 10% discount. It is a 2011.

So, can you all give me your opinions on both the unit and the price?

Thanks.

MoKelly

 

[Birdhunter1]

Yes, definitely go with a commercial unit, you would wear out a homeowner unit in one season.

I never liked the Ferris mowers much, no real reason I just don't. However I would look at a 60" deck at least, 8" isn't that big of a difference until you are mowing 10 acres. Diesel vs. gas is a whole subject all it's own. Personally I went with a Grasshopper front deck over a midmount because they ride smoother, but then again Ferris has their suspension system. Don't be afraid of a used unit in good shape either.

 

[art]

I'd wonder why the 52" deck and not the 60" deck for your work. I always like the largest deck and the smallest tractor! I don't like push mowers to trim with if I don't need to own one!!!

 

[MoKelly]

I'd wonder why the 52" deck and not the 60" deck for your work. I always like the largest deck and the smallest tractor! I don't like push mowers to trim with if I don't need to own one!!!

Art- I would like the 60" deck but my issue is I have quite a lot of berms on the property. I have found that a 52" deck is the biggest I can use on the berms and not bottom out and scalp the ground. Even with 52", I need to be careful.

I hear you regarding trimming.

MoKelly

 

[PossumHound]

I just tested a Ferris 2000 w/ 60" deck. They wouldn't let mow with the brand new unit, but it sure did ride good over some fairly rough lawn. The construction looked a wee bit lighter duty than other commercial brands I've looked at, but overall it looked pretty good. I did not get a 10% discount quoted however. Perhaps you should jump on that deal quick!

PH

 

[om21braz]

I will mow roughly 10 acres every 2 weeks on average (little more often in Spring little less in Summer). It is my property and I won't be doing any other work.

Ten acres and a 52" mowing deck, I don't expect you'll have time to do much else MoKelly! That's a lot of property to keep mowed with 72". Being serious now, the Ferris should be as good as any in that price range and probably better than most. Good Luck with your decision!

 

[art]

Rule of thumb for time on equipment to cover the ground is width X mph divided by ten for acres per hour. This formula normally covers mower trimming as well as all turns. It also works well for ag equipment.

 

[MoKelly]

Ten acres and a 52" mowing deck, I don't expect you'll have time to do much else MoKelly! That's a lot of property to keep mowed with 72". Being serious now, the Ferris should be as good as any in that price range and probably better than most. Good Luck with your decision!

Good point. I did fail to mention that some of the area (maybe half --- not sure) I cut with my CT 235 and a 72" 3 point finish mower. The other areas (with the berms and tight turnaround areas, etc. is what I use the zero turn.

To be honest with you, it take sme roughly 7 hours to cut the whole property ... about every 2 weeks.

However, I sort of enjoy the time.


MoKelly

 

[om21braz]

Good point. I did fail to mention that some of the area (maybe half --- not sure) I cut with my CT 235 and a 72" 3 point finish mower. The other areas (with the berms and tight turnaround areas, etc. is what I use the zero turn.

To be honest with you, it take sme roughly 7 hours to cut the whole property ... about every 2 weeks.

However, I sort of enjoy the time.


MoKelly

Glad to hear the Ferris is not going to be responsible for all of 10 acres. I don't believe you would enjoy that after a while.

 

[Carl_NH]

I had a similar decision last year - a IS2000 with 61" and water cooled kawasaki or the 52" with air cooled. I wanted the water cooled but 61" was too tight for 4-5 areas around the yard so ended up with the 52". Also in reading various forums the wider deck can scalp rougher areas so another reason to stick with 52".

So far its been great - only cut 2 acres a week but the ride and quality of cut is very good. On the construction aspects, the IS2000 is in my opinion is as HD as the other units in its class - if you look at the weight most are within 50 Lbs (Scag/Exmark etc) for a given deck/engine size.

$7700 a great price for a new unit - last year locally they wanted $8400 for that machine - I offered $7900 - no go, so got an 09 leftover for under $7.