Z-Turn suspension worth it?

[gstrom99]

You can put ZGlides on your Z530. I put them on my Z960 and they made a huge difference!:

ZGlide John Deere Z500R Series ZTrak Mower Suspension JDZG500R - ZGlide Suspension

For a set of 2 ZGlide Suspension forks.

zglidesuspension.com

I just ordered a set of ZGlides, for my JD Z530R. Kinda pricey, but I hope they work as good for me, as I've seen/read. They teamed up with Michelin, for the rubber part.

 

[Carl_NH]

Another Ferris user here IS2000 with full suspension and highback seat very comfortable. I have been mowing reclaimed forest for a lawn for last 15 years and no complaints.

When we had it cleared and stumped then fill and top soil in the early years it was smoother, then as things settled and rocks grow up there's a lot of uneven areas and the suspension works well.

 

[N80]

I am seriously looking at the Ferris ISX 800 with a 60" deck and Kawasaki engine. From what I've read it is between a consumer and commercial grade unit. It has the front and rear suspension and a suspension seat. It costs well over twice as much as the Cub Cadet that I have now. But, financing is available (ugh).

The other thing that is motivating me a little is that my daughter and her husband need a Z turn for their property and can't afford a new one. I could give them a deal on mine and that would help with the down payment on the Ferris.

I don't know that I will do this any time soon. Not until closer to spring anyway. But I'm coming to grips with the fact that if I want to keep doing the sort of things I do (managing my property, operating my (very manual) sawmill, mowing 4-5 acres every week, etc) I'm going to need to make some accommodations for getting older in regard to the gear I use. It might be expensive but the alternative is cutting back more and more on those activities some of which are necessary and some of which I enjoy.

Anyway, I've put about 120 hours on the Cub Cadet in 4 years which isn't very much compared to commercial use. I've seen reviews of the Ferris model I'm looking at going good at 500 hours with only minor issues and typical maintenance. That would be nearly 20 years of use for me at which time I'd be well over 80. Spread over that much time the cost seems like it might be worth it.