rjohnson82
New member
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2012
- Messages
- 22
- Location
- Niles, MI
- Tractor
- Kubota M4900SU FEL --- Ferris IS2000 27hp Kaw 61"
Ok, so Ive been in the market for my first ZT mower for my new property of around 6 acres. I want to go commercial for the simple reason of durability and speed. Most mowers I looked at ranged from 26-31 hp and were around a 60" deck. I started off at a Dixie Chopper/Hustler Dealership. Salesman told me Dixie was prolly not my best bet because they are made to go super fast and is prolly a lil more than I want. However, he showed me a Hustler X-One mower with a 31hp Kawasaki and 60" deck price was $8799. Wow, that is a well built machine! I took it out for a spin and found that it was very stiff and didnt give very much in bumpy areas. Most of my yard is pretty choppy, especially in horse areas where they have tore up the soil a bit. I did like the machine though because of just how well it was built.
Next, I went to a John Deere/Exmark Dealership. They didnt have any JD's that I could test out that fit in my requirements but they did have an exmark lazer z, E series with a 27hp kohler for $8500. I found it to be a decently built machine but am not sure about the kohler engines. I took it for a ride and found it to be quite flimsy and it also beat the **** outta my back in rough areas.
From there I went to a Ferris/Simplicity Dealer. They are noted for their patented independent suspension. The IS2000-Ferris or Simplicity Cobalt had a 61" deck and 30 hps briggs cyclonic motor and full suspension. Dealer was asking $8399. Took it out for a ride and found that the suspension really softened the ride in rough areas which I find to be a nice feature. However, I am not sure that it was as "tough" of a mower as the Hustler that I looked at first. I suppose I am not using the mower commercially, just for my own yard so I dont need something extreme but I just wasnt completely sold on the Ferris/Simplicity but realized it was probably best for my application. To make it even worse, I sat down with the salesman and they didnt want to budge at ALL on the price. Not even give me a break on a few accessories.....suspension seat, headlights, hitch. I was kinda turned off and left. Had they just given me a lil something to make me feel I was getting somewhat of a deal, I may have bought it.
After I left them, I stopped at a Gravely dealership. I looked at the 260Z which was a leftover from 2011 with a 29hp Kohler with EFI and 60" deck for $8499. Again, not too sure about the Kohler and especially the EFI???? However, the GRAVELy is one crazy, beefed up machine. Out of all of em, the Gravely was rock solid as it gets. I believe the Hustler was right up there as well. I took the Gravely out for a spin and found it to be very solid but again very rocky ride in rougher areas. Maybe I'm just used to riding mowers that are generally easier riding??? Are all ZT mowers kinda rough on the operator???
Not sure which way I"m going to go with this purchase. They are all pretty close in price with in about $500 of each other. I've been leaning more towards the Ferris because of the suspension but the Hustler and Gravely definetly stand out as better built machines in my opinion. Gotta make a decision soon as I really want to make my purchase!! Any opinions guys????
Next, I went to a John Deere/Exmark Dealership. They didnt have any JD's that I could test out that fit in my requirements but they did have an exmark lazer z, E series with a 27hp kohler for $8500. I found it to be a decently built machine but am not sure about the kohler engines. I took it for a ride and found it to be quite flimsy and it also beat the **** outta my back in rough areas.
From there I went to a Ferris/Simplicity Dealer. They are noted for their patented independent suspension. The IS2000-Ferris or Simplicity Cobalt had a 61" deck and 30 hps briggs cyclonic motor and full suspension. Dealer was asking $8399. Took it out for a ride and found that the suspension really softened the ride in rough areas which I find to be a nice feature. However, I am not sure that it was as "tough" of a mower as the Hustler that I looked at first. I suppose I am not using the mower commercially, just for my own yard so I dont need something extreme but I just wasnt completely sold on the Ferris/Simplicity but realized it was probably best for my application. To make it even worse, I sat down with the salesman and they didnt want to budge at ALL on the price. Not even give me a break on a few accessories.....suspension seat, headlights, hitch. I was kinda turned off and left. Had they just given me a lil something to make me feel I was getting somewhat of a deal, I may have bought it.
After I left them, I stopped at a Gravely dealership. I looked at the 260Z which was a leftover from 2011 with a 29hp Kohler with EFI and 60" deck for $8499. Again, not too sure about the Kohler and especially the EFI???? However, the GRAVELy is one crazy, beefed up machine. Out of all of em, the Gravely was rock solid as it gets. I believe the Hustler was right up there as well. I took the Gravely out for a spin and found it to be very solid but again very rocky ride in rougher areas. Maybe I'm just used to riding mowers that are generally easier riding??? Are all ZT mowers kinda rough on the operator???
Not sure which way I"m going to go with this purchase. They are all pretty close in price with in about $500 of each other. I've been leaning more towards the Ferris because of the suspension but the Hustler and Gravely definetly stand out as better built machines in my opinion. Gotta make a decision soon as I really want to make my purchase!! Any opinions guys????
