Z-Turn

[Zick]

agreed, I used to own a Simplicity Colt (which was manufactured by Ferris at the time) and it rode much smoother than my Kubota does now.
I'm actaully contemplating selling the Kubota and buying a used zero turn (w/ suspension) and a small skid steer for the occational yard work and plowing.

 

[Maxify55]

I have 7 acres in north Florida. I purchased a used 1000Z 3 yrs ago for mowing the acreage that wasn't paddocked off for equine use.

You won't find a better ride nor cut than you'll find with your Ferris machines.

I've had spinal fusion in the past in my neck. While my machine is older, without the I/S, it still is far and away a better ride and cut than other models I've driven.

Make sure that you find a good dealer with good turn around time for PM and warranty work. No machine is worth waiting for it's mechanic to get around to yours. Far too many dealers lay off or can't get enough mechanics to satisfy their clientele's needs in a timely fashion.

Keep in mind that there are only so many manufacturers of hydro pumps, spindles and commercial engines to power these beasts. That being said all of the brands across the board will be somewhat similar.

Then there is Ferris with their independent suspension. What a stroke of genius.

Without that suspension Ferris would be "just another ZTR" and, NO, I don't sell them. I just can't stand to be beaten by a mower that bolts a chair to a mower platform.

At the end of the day the driver/operator deserves a life without feeling like his insides have been rearranged or a trip to a Chiropractor to realign his spine.

Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[Carl_NH]

Hi Chuck,

Just wanted to provide an update - Ferris IS2000 was delivered and had a nice surprise too - it has the high back "deluxe" seat with the adjustable arm rests, and one fuel gauge was damaged/broken but the dealer replaced it..

I have been cutting on my rough/rocky lawn - did it in about 1/2 the time, but with it being dry here not much to cut even tho we have irrigation I dont over water - just water enough to keep it sort of green.. Since it is dry the dips and holes are even more noticeable but with the suspension it really smooths out the ride.

The other thing is the deck is tied to the suspension on the 2000 and 3000 series and moves with the undulations for a very even cut quality. The rear suspension on the 2000 is similar to the 3000, but 3000 has the double shocks and a slightly different setup.

As far as slopes the pnly area we have is maybe 15* on one part of the yard and it has no issues and I felt comfortable zipping around the trees.

One thing about ZTR is the learning curve and ripping up the turf - so far Ive made 8 or so divots but getting better at it.. its a matter of experience. I can say its a lot of fun to run these and with our hot weather and cutting a hgher speed you never get hot.

I got the 09 52" 25HP unit for $7K delivered to NH.. So a very good value and I look forward to many years of operation..

Carl

 

[ChuckinNH]

Thanks for the input everyone! I did try to arrange a demo here, but the closest dealer is working alone right now, and this is his busy season, so I don't think that is going to happen. He did offer me a very good deal on an IS1500 with a 48" deck...... it is a hold over, but he said I could have it for less than 6K. I would like the slightly larger 52" deck anyway if I go this route, but it is sure worth thinking about. I'm getting more confidence that one would work here, but would still like to try one on my place. The next closest dealer might bring one up too, and is a larger dealership. They also sell Masseys, and Mahindra's. I actually went there to look at a replacement for my Legacy.

 

[Maxify55]

Thanks for the input everyone! I did try to arrange a demo here, but the closest dealer is working alone right now, and this is his busy season, so I don't think that is going to happen. He did offer me a very good deal on an IS1500 with a 48" deck...... it is a hold over, but he said I could have it for less than 6K. I would like the slightly larger 52" deck anyway if I go this route, but it is sure worth thinking about. .....

You'll like that 52" deck.
It has just a tad more reach on the trim side (As opposed to the discharge side).
Giving you that extra reach up under bushes and split rail fences.
Caution is to be used,though. That's also where the errant dog toy or rock usually lands.
It is surprising though. How that little extra deck can end so much trimmer work with just a flick of your hand at the control.