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.

 

[Carl_NH]

N80 I average the same 32 hours per year on my Ferris IS2000 in 15 years - now at 475 hours with no major issues, Installed my second battery this fall, the Kawasaki FH721 -25HP has had 2 valve adjustments a new stator and voltage regulator in 15 years.

Then hydrogear pump/parker wheel motor fluid and filter changes at 100 and 350 hours. So yes it's been reliable over the long haul - was $7200 in 2010 and it should easily last another 15 years if I am fortunate enough to last to 85 YO it was $ well spent,

 

[stevem5215]

Same thoughts here. By buying something better it'll last that much longer. I spent $6000 on mine and it was a few years old sitting in the dealership. Worth every penny I spent though on the smooth ride at full speed cutting. Floats like a Cadillac.

 

[mikester]

I demoed a Ferris and a commercial Kubota diesel on my property mowing the same areas. The Ferris had a Kubota diesel and manual deck controls and cost more than the comparable Kubota ZD. The Kubota had a heavier duty built deck and overall was built like a tank in comparison to the Ferris.

I didn't feel any benefit of the suspension from the Ferris and felt the manual deck lifter was a PITA. I bought the ZD326-60P with side chute and hydraulic deck lifter.

The front suspension is a nice idea but the reality is I sit over the rear wheels that have no suspension. An air suspension seat is worth spending money on IMHO. The hydraulic deck lifter is a must have in my books.

 

[gstrom99]

The front suspension is a nice idea but the reality is I sit over the rear wheels that have no suspension. An air suspension seat is worth spending money on IMHO. The hydraulic deck lifter is a must have in my books.

I swapped ZT's with my SIL, to fix his Gravely plugged gas line, and parking brake issue. The Gravely has a suspension seat, my JD has the ZTrac front kit but does not have a suspension seat. Significant difference in ride. I will look into a suspension seat, or Trac Seat suspension "kit" when I get mine back.

$700 seat vs $180 kit...

 

[dieselscout80]

I demoed a Ferris and a commercial Kubota diesel on my property mowing the same areas. The Ferris had a Kubota diesel and manual deck controls and cost more than the comparable Kubota ZD. The Kubota had a heavier duty built deck and overall was built like a tank in comparison to the Ferris.

I didn't feel any benefit of the suspension from the Ferris and felt the manual deck lifter was a PITA. I bought the ZD326-60P with side chute and hydraulic deck lifter.

The front suspension is a nice idea but the reality is I sit over the rear wheels that have no suspension. An air suspension seat is worth spending money on IMHO. The hydraulic deck lifter is a must have in my books.

Interesting I thought the Ferris zero turn mowers had front and REAR suspension. Maybe not all have the rear suspension which I know some Badboy models don’t have the rear suspension.