Zero Turn Kubota ZD1211 vs Ferris IS3200Z

[gcrabb]

I currently have a Ferris IS 3200Z with a 72" cut side discharge and over the last year it has been very unreliable, something triggers a safety on the Brigs Engine it has under 200 hours. The engine shuts down after maximum of 45 minutes and sometimes just a few minutes, you have to get off wait a minute and then it restarts. It's been to the dealer 7 times in the last year returning with same issue . Currently cutting about 10 acres around the farm, pond, and around the house. This is one 3 mowers I own, John Deere F1145 with 72" deck, and John Deere 2305 with Curtis Cab and a 60' deck. The F1145 has been very reliable with about 1800 hours with 3 deck rebuilds and 1 gear box replacement, the only issue is it beats you up pretty good when in rough area's. The 2305 is used exclusively for leaf pickup and snow snowblowing, also beats you up pretty good over rough terrain. I am considering selling the Ferris IS3200Z and replacing it with Kubota ZD1211 rear discharge. I have read the threads on rear discharge and realize people don't think it cuts as good. My biggest concern is that the Kubota will cut slower and ride rough. The other thought is fuel consumption I think the Kubota would go though a lot less fuel since it's a diesel, the Ferris does use a lot of fuel. I will not consider any new John Deere stuff anymore because the UTV's and Tractors have reliability issues. Any thoughts?

 

[stevem5215]

Trade your Ferris in on another one at the dealer who is trying to fix it. They should take it as they know they are not helping.
You won't find a better machine for ride quality from anyone else. Except maybe a Stihl dealer with a different name on it.

 

[RjCorazza]

Definitely true that the ferris mowers will give the best ride, so if you're trying to get an equally smooth ride out of a Kubota you'll be disappointed.
I have a Kubota ZD1211 and zd326, and the fuel consumption is a giant plus. Both mowers have over 1600 reliable hours each.
My seasonal average is about 0.84 gallons per hour.

I believe Ferris makes a diesel mower, but it is WELL out of my price range.

 

[gcrabb]

Ferris makes a small diesel IS 2600 but it only comes with a 60" deck. Pricing is comparable to Kubota ZD1211. I think in time 12" would make a difference in time.

 

[mikester]

I can't comment on these newer models but I will recommend getting a seat time demo of each machine on your property before you buy.

I demoed a ZD331-72 rear discharge and a Ferris diesel with 72" cut side discharge. I ended up buying a ZD326-60 side discharge.

At the time I found the rear discharge left lots of clumps. I didn't feel any difference with the Ferris suspension and felt that a machine that cost more than the Kubota should at least have a hydraulic deck lift. I went with the smaller side discharge mower because I liked the way the deck was fabricated better for mowing around rows of trees and obstacles. I also felt the K was a smoother operating machine operator wise.

That was 14 years ago. My ZD326 is built like a tank and will probably go another 15 years without problems.

I would consider upgrading to a front mount mower with a flip up deck to make deck maintenance easier on me as I get older. Last year I saw my exact 14 year old machine with higher hours on sale at the dealership for more than I paid for mine new in 2010. Tempted to flip it for an F series until I saw the prices....

 

[D&D]

something triggers a safety on the Brigs Engine it has under 200 hours. Any thoughts?

I’m guessing there’s a short or faulty switch in the wiring harness. Too many service techs don’t look very hard into problems. They want to shotgun parts and not look for the real issue.

 

[workinonit]

Trade your Ferris in on another one at the dealer who is trying to fix it. They should take it as they know they are not helping.
You won't find a better machine for ride quality from anyone else. Except maybe a Stihl dealer with a different name on it.

Magnificent ride quality doesn't mean much when they won't ride.

 

[Hay Dude]

I currently have a Ferris IS 3200Z with a 72" cut side discharge and over the last year it has been very unreliable, something triggers a safety on the Brigs Engine it has under 200 hours. The engine shuts down after maximum of 45 minutes and sometimes just a few minutes, you have to get off wait a minute and then it restarts. It's been to the dealer 7 times in the last year returning with same issue . Currently cutting about 10 acres around the farm, pond, and around the house. This is one 3 mowers I own, John Deere F1145 with 72" deck, and John Deere 2305 with Curtis Cab and a 60' deck. The F1145 has been very reliable with about 1800 hours with 3 deck rebuilds and 1 gear box replacement, the only issue is it beats you up pretty good when in rough area's. The 2305 is used exclusively for leaf pickup and snow snowblowing, also beats you up pretty good over rough terrain. I am considering selling the Ferris IS3200Z and replacing it with Kubota ZD1211 rear discharge. I have read the threads on rear discharge and realize people don't think it cuts as good. My biggest concern is that the Kubota will cut slower and ride rough. The other thought is fuel consumption I think the Kubota would go though a lot less fuel since it's a diesel, the Ferris does use a lot of fuel. I will not consider any new John Deere stuff anymore because the UTV's and Tractors have reliability issues. Any thoughts?

Wonder if it’s a simple bad ground that shows up after warming. I’d check and clean any grounding points.
Running a mower around a pond may also cause some premature corrosion.
Also, pull the gas tank off and clean it out completely and replace the fuel line.

I’ve had similar symptoms and it’s always fuel supply or a bad electrical connection.

I have (2) 1211-72’s. Good machines. The seat is comfortable enough. The traction is remarkable compared to my previous ZD-331-72. I think you’d be happy with one. I also cut around ponds and very steep slopes.