Z-Turn suspension worth it?

[N80]

I have a home-owner level 54" Z turn that I mow 3-4 acres down at my cabin. It is the first one I've ever owned. I've had it about 4 years. Most of what I mow is closer to what you would call a field than what you'd call a lawn. It looks like a nice smooth lawn when I'm done but it is rough as heck and that's starting to take a toll on my back and my rear end (I'm skinny). The seat is basic and still in good shape but sometimes I add a thin cushion to it.

I can live with it. The mower does a good job and seems to be holding up well despite the beating its getting.

However, I do see commercial mowers that have suspension on the front caster wheels. I've even seen a few with suspension on all 4 wheels (Stihl). I'm sure those are inanely expensive.

Anyway, I'm very curious about other folk's experience with Z-turns with suspension vs. those without. Does it make a difference? Is it worth the cost? Are their tradeoffs other than cost? Does anyone have experience with one that has 4 wheel suspension?

I would also assume that models with larger rear tires would ride better than ones with smaller back tires?

 

[camshawn]

We have a toro with the suspension seat. I had a back injury a while ago and I would definitely recommend a suspension of some kind.

 

[kozal01]

Ferris is known for their suspension on their ZTR's, that's who makes the Stihl BTW. While I haven't had a Ferris I've heard the suspension works very well. I recently upgraded from a residential Exmark to an entry level commercial Exmark and it has the suspensions platform, my residential one had a nice seat but only had springs under it for suspension. The suspension platform of my new machine makes a huge difference in ride, its far more comfortable.

 

[stevem5215]

I have two Simiplicity ZTR's here. One with suspension and one without. The one with is the primary machine and you can run it full speed across the field. The other, no way. It's just too brutal on the body. You can imagine which one is used the most. The other was my first one and I learned about suspension after buying it. Cry once and buy once. Full suspension on a ZTR is worth it IMO.

 

[gstrom99]

The SIL has a Gravely, with some sort of suspension, like the (made by?) Ferris. He loves it, but it was like $10k. Someone makes springed fronts that you can retro fit. I wanted a set but not avail for my JD 5 series.

 

[Racer4]

I like the Toro my ride. Very good at smoothing out the ride.

 

[sklunk]

Someone makes springed fronts that you can retro fit. I wanted a set but not avail for my JD 5 series.

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

Back to the OP -- there are also suspension plates you can put under your standard seat that help a lot too:

Seat Suspension Kits

Tractor Seats, Suspension Seats, Lawn Mower Seats, UTV Seats, Gator Seats, Buddy Seats, Forklift Seats, Contstruction Seats. FREE SHIPPING! Shop Today!

tracseats.com

 

[MinnesotaEric]

I have a Ferris 2100 with an air seat and 5400 HST motors (That only come on the 3100 series in Ferris' line, but my mower has them without the 2-speed shift linkage). I first tried a Grammer air seat, but found out that the Grammer seat had too much lumbar support for my fused back. That led me to trying out a Milsco Michigan V5400 airseat, which I am super happy with. All of this was ten years ago.

I go into "seat theory" in this video.

 

[Duds13]

Ferris owner. I can vouch for the full suspension. Can mow for hours and not feel like you just rode a horse.

 

[IXLR8]

I have a JD Z-turn and as I age my back is not liking the bumps on our lawn. I am going to start with a suspension seat kit. If that doesn't work well enough I'm going to have to step up to a Ferris suspension mower. I have talked with a few mowing contractors who have the Ferris setup and they really like it. Although they do admit that mowing 8 hrs per day, 5 days a week, even the Ferris will beat up on you a bit.