Zero turn mowers

[RMP82]

Probably about to start clearing 4 or 5 acres to eventually build on so in turn, it'll be time to trade in my 48" Husqvarna riding mower in for a zero turn. Anyone have any preferences or recommendations on a solid residential zero turn? I'm not wanting to break the bank on one but would like something better than a Wal Mart Snapper. I've read up on the Ariens from Lowe's, Bad Boy Mowers, and my Father in Law has a Scag. 60" deck is plenty wide enough for all that I'd need it for.

 

[_Mav_]

Unless you're gonna mow in one continuous strip, aren't you gonna need a mower that turns?

 

[H-D cat]

Shameless plug - If you are interested in a used mower, I have one just like the link below with 101 hours that I'm looking to sell. Great mower, but I just moved to a house where I don't need anything more than a push mower. My last couple experiences on ebay and facebook have been horrendous so I'm looking to sell without wading back into either of those cesspools.

https://www.mowersdirect.com/Cub-Cadet-17CSDALD010-Lawn-Mower/p62672.html

 

[cat_in_the_hat]

I have had 5 acres for the last 26 years. I really like Grasshopper mowers. I have the front mount 725DT. I think the front mount rides a lot more comfortably than the mid mount mowers I have driven. I'm sure there are other brands that are just as good, but I've been very happy with my grasshopper.

 

[drawing_dead]

commercial engine
welded/fabricated deck

you will want a commercial mower in the end with 5 acres to mow, unless you want to spend a lot of time in the seat.

be very careful in the used market. some folks swap out hour meters to hide age of mower (not aimed at H-D). always test drive them and make sure the hydros pull evenly and straight.

 

[drawing_dead]

look here
https://kentucky.forums.rivals.com/threads/best-residential-commercial-z-turn-mower.325467/

 

[BlueRaider22]

I recently did A LOT of shopping and research online. My info comes from 2 different people (1 salesperson, 1 mechanic turned salesperson) at Central Equipment in Lexington. 1 salesperson in Georgetown. 1 salesperson/mechanic in Richmond.

***The following pertains to residential mowers.....things change quite a bit when stepping up to commercial mowers.***

1. The added cost of a zero turn mower will usually take care of itself. Many say that residential lawn mowers last 300-500 hours if commonly maintained.....whether tractor or ZT style. Since, ZT mowers often will reduce mowing times it takes them longer to accumulate hours. Therefore, it is common for ZT mowers to run for another few years beyond tractor styles. This can often just about off-set the cost difference since you aren't buying a new mower as often.

I've also heard that because mowing times are quicker with ZT mowers that it lowers the amount of gas used.....thus lowering costs slightly. But I've heard some conflicting reports on this.



2. Transmission - The big difference between the tractor style and ZT mowers is the transmission. The parts that usually will need repair on any mower are the deck and engine. The deck and engine are similar, if not the same, on both styles. The ZT has a special transmission. While these are generally quite durable, they are an additional failure point that tractors don't have. To some, this matters. To most, it doesn't.

What is worth noting is that many of the residential brands use the same brand/series of transmissions. Hustler and Cub Cadet for example use HydroGear Transmissions.....and usually the same series. Many, many other brands use HydroGear Transmissions.



3. Engine - Every engine manufacturer has a few levels/grades of engines. In general, the level/grade trumps brand. Every single person I talked to said Kawasaki makes the best engines across the board. This DOES NOT mean that Briggs or Kohler produce a bad product. The difference between Briggs/Kohler was really where people differed. Some said Briggs was better.....some said Kohler......some said Briggs makes the better low grade engines and that Kohler makes the better higher grade engines.....and a few said the opposite. All said that a well maintained anything is infinitely better than non-maintained.

Look for variations. For example, John Deere is a great example. JD will very often modify the engines they use. When JD uses a Briggs engine, they will change out a few of the engine parts that more commonly break......thus increasing the quality. While such changes might move the needle slightly, it is something worth noting.


4. Deck - The deck is one of the largest failure points of mowers. The people I talked to basically said that every deck needs pretty consistent maintenance. Fabricated decks usually do better than non-fab. Sometimes brands matter.....sometimes not.

One benefit of ZT mowers is that usually the deck is easier to access and repair.



5. Usage -What is your yard like? ZTs are not thought to be the best for significant hills. But ZT's do really well going around and under trees/bushes.


6. Misc - Some things that people often don't think about.
-Spartan mowers are one of the best and coolest looking brands.....but what if you live 2 hrs away from a dealer? Can you get it repaired somewhere closer or would you have to drive 2 hrs?
-When I was at Central Equipment, they had Kubota ZT mowers. Both of the salespeople said that they were getting complaints because the front wheels were small......which led to a rough ride.
-Ferris boasts a suspension system for their ZT mowers. Some people say that it works well. My neighbor has a Ferris and says that it doesn't help at all.

 

[birdforbogey]

Dixie Chopper

 

[BlueVelvetFog]

Mowing sucks

 

[HUBER]

#1 Always buying from your local servicing dealer. Whatever you buy is going to need service, parts, maybe repairs. If you buy your new mower from the local servicing dealer, they are going to be able to take care of you well after the sell.

#2 HydroGear pretty much rules the residential / prosumer market for transmissions. make sure you get something that has ZT2800 or above. The reason for that is the 2800 all the way up to the 5400 transmissions are fully serviceable with filters. Below that model is a sealed transmission that you really cant do much with. When it has issues, you basically scrap it and replace it. The serviceable transmissions can be repaired.

#3 Make sure you get an engine that's designed for heavy usage. Id make sure you get something with a Kawasaki FX series engine, and Kohler Command Series Engine, or a Briggs Vanguard Engine. 4-5 acres is more than the lighter weight residential engines can handle for many years unless you're ok replacing the engine every so often.

#4 Make sure the deck is fabricated. Do not buy anything with a stamped deck when mowing that kind of acreage.

#5 Is the land bumpy or flat? If its pretty bumpy, you may want to upgrade to something that has a suspension seat as it makes a world of difference to the person whos actually riding on it for hours at a time.

#6 Are you planning on keeping it for years or do you see your self selling the unit at any point in the future? The reason I ask is some brands have extremely high resell while others have no resell. Make sure you are buying an Exmark, Scag, Ferris, Deere, Kubota, or one of the other top brands if you are ever planning on selling it in the near future as to not take as much of a loss.

If you're near Lexington, visit us at Central Equipment and we can show you the 6 different brands of zero turns we carry and explain the differences between them.

 

[drawing_dead]

#1 Always buying from your local servicing dealer. Whatever you buy is going to need service, parts, maybe repairs. If you buy your new mower from the local servicing dealer, they are going to be able to take care of you well after the sell.

#2 HydroGear pretty much rules the residential / prosumer market for transmissions. make sure you get something that has ZT2800 or above. The reason for that is the 2800 all the way up to the 5400 transmissions are fully serviceable with filters. Below that model is a sealed transmission that you really cant do much with. When it has issues, you basically scrap it and replace it. The serviceable transmissions can be repaired.

#3 Make sure you get an engine that's designed for heavy usage. Id make sure you get something with a Kawasaki FX series engine, and Kohler Command Series Engine, or a Briggs Vanguard Engine. 4-5 acres is more than the lighter weight residential engines can handle for many years unless you're ok replacing the engine every so often.

#4 Make sure the deck is fabricated. Do not buy anything with a stamped deck when mowing that kind of acreage.

#5 Is the land bumpy or flat? If its pretty bumpy, you may want to upgrade to something that has a suspension seat as it makes a world of difference to the person whos actually riding on it for hours at a time.

#6 Are you planning on keeping it for years or do you see your self selling the unit at any point in the future? The reason I ask is some brands have extremely high resell while others have no resell. Make sure you are buying an Exmark, Scag, Ferris, Deere, Kubota, or one of the other top brands if you are ever planning on selling it in the near future as to not take as much of a loss.

If you're near Lexington, visit us at Central Equipment and we can show you the 6 different brands of zero turns we carry and explain the differences between them.

hey guy, i went and checked out a Ferris iSX800 today with 52 inch deck. very nice! it has the 3400 hydro's but a Briggs & Stratton Commercial Turf 27HP.
dealer also had a Scag Patriot with an FX Kawasaki and a Hero deck.

both were priced at $7400 but the Ferris seemed like a better deal. what say you? too high or a fair price?

i really want a Kubota but damn they are proud of them.

i am going to Hustler/Toro dealer tomorrow... then the Deere dealer.

 

[warrior-cat]

Mowing sucks

Get a goat.

 

[BlueRaider22]

hey guy, i went and checked out a Ferris iSX800 today with 52 inch deck. very nice! it has the 3400 hydro's but a Briggs & Stratton Commercial Turf 27HP.
dealer also had a Scag Patriot with an FX Kawasaki and a Hero deck.

both were priced at $7400 but the Ferris seemed like a better deal. what say you? too high or a fair price?

i really want a Kubota but damn they are proud of them.

i am going to Hustler/Toro dealer tomorrow... then the Deere dealer.

To me, I would go Scag. They're legendary......plus it has a Kawasaki.

 

[drawing_dead]

Scag is nice. the Patriot looks great too. the one selling point for Ferris is the suspension system.

 

[HUBER]

hey guy, i went and checked out a Ferris iSX800 today with 52 inch deck. very nice! it has the 3400 hydro's but a Briggs & Stratton Commercial Turf 27HP.
dealer also had a Scag Patriot with an FX Kawasaki and a Hero deck.

both were priced at $7400 but the Ferris seemed like a better deal. what say you? too high or a fair price?

i really want a Kubota but damn they are proud of them.

i am going to Hustler/Toro dealer tomorrow... then the Deere dealer.

I really like the ISX800 unit. The ride quality is unmatched versus everything else in the marketplace and for that series, the 3400s are about as big as you see. The Scag 60" Patriot uses those transmissions but the 52" is only using the 3100s. I do like the FX engine the Scag is using, but the Briggs Commercial Turf engine was the first engine ever fully designed for use only in zero turn mowers, so it has alot of good stuff in it for a Prosumer package. We've been selling those engines on Ferris units for almost 10 years and for someone with 5 acres like yourself, its been a great option.

Id say their pricing is pretty dead on where it needs to be on the Ferris unit.

Where are you located at?

 

[drawing_dead]

I really like the ISX800 unit. The ride quality is unmatched versus everything else in the marketplace and for that series, the 3400s are about as big as you see. The Scag 60" Patriot uses those transmissions but the 52" is only using the 3100s. I do like the FX engine the Scag is using, but the Briggs Commercial Turf engine was the first engine ever fully designed for use only in zero turn mowers, so it has alot of good stuff in it for a Prosumer package. We've been selling those engines on Ferris units for almost 10 years and for someone with 5 acres like yourself, its been a great option.

Id say their pricing is pretty dead on where it needs to be on the Ferris unit.

Where are you located at?

i am in Durham, NC.

are these two models considered pro-sumer or commercial offerings?

what can you tell me about the Kawasaki FT730V engines? it is an option for the Ferris but it's a bit lighter on horsepower vs the Briggs.

 

[BlueRaider22]

the one selling point for Ferris is the suspension system.

I've heard mixed reviews. About half of the salespeople I talked to said the ride is a little better......the other half said it doesn't make a difference. My neighbor bought a Ferris simply because of the suspension system....(he has a bad back). He said that it doesn't help at all.

 

[argubs2]

Thoughts on best ZTRs with steering wheels? I'm looking for something 54''+ and I've heard steering wheel is the best way to go for hillier land as opposed to lap bar. Doesn't seem like there are a lot of options out there.

 

[cat_in_the_hat]

I've heard mixed reviews. About half of the salespeople I talked to said the ride is a little better......the other half said it doesn't make a difference. My neighbor bought a Ferris simply because of the suspension system....(he has a bad back). He said that it doesn't help at all.

Not that I have driven a bunch of them, but in my experience, a mid mount mower just does not ride very well no matter who makes it. I think they are all bumpy and rough. There is a huge difference in the ride quality between a mid mount mower and a front mount mower. I switched from mid mount to front mount years ago and it made a huge difference in ride quality. Someone would have to come out with something pretty revolutionary for me to go back to a mid mount mower.

 

[drawing_dead]

checked out Hustler, Deere, and Toro today.

Toro 2000 and 2000HDX caught my eye. 2000 is a new leftover and $6500. 2000HDX is $8000, both with Toro engines. another 2000HDX had a Kawasaki, tweels, and a canopy; $9000 for it. says that these are better prices due to being last years models but all are brand new.

Hustler Fastrak $7200 looks nice but really need the X-One to get the better hydro's. X-One is ~$9500.

i liked the Deere offerings but they are as proud of their stuff as Kubota. too pricey.

i believe that it comes down to the Toro and the Ferris. Ferris has chassis suspension and Toro has the MyRide operator suspension. Toro uses ZT3800 and Toro/Kawasaki engines, while the Ferris has the Briggs commercial and ZT3400's. not sure how i feel about tweels. i have never operated a machine with them. many pros and cons is the scuttlebutt.

i have to disagree with the front mount comments above. i have put over 300 hours on a front mount Cub LT1050 hydro. rough ride compared to an old Fastrak i borrowed previously. neither are optimal due to the only suspension is a couple of springs under the seat. unfortunately, no one offers actual test cuts, only test drives in parking lot.

steering wheel zero turns are few, for sure. i think Cub makes one. personally i want to rid myself of the wheel and prefer the sticks. not sure exactly why they say wheeled versions are better on slopes. i may be wrong but i think you should avoid slopes with more than 15 degrees of slope for zero turns. seems like an operator preference but the market speaks loud and clear; if there was a hole in the market for wheeled zero turns then everyone would make one.

 

[HUBER]

i am in Durham, NC.

are these two models considered pro-sumer or commercial offerings?

what can you tell me about the Kawasaki FT730V engines? it is an option for the Ferris but it's a bit lighter on horsepower vs the Briggs.

Both models would be considered Prosumer units. SO for 5 acres would be great.

So far the FT series has been pretty solid. Its an upper end Prosumer/ lower end commercial if that makes sense, so for what you are doing would hold up for many years. The only series that Kawasaki makes that is a higher level engine is the FX series which is a full commercial.

Regardless of what you buy, get your butt in the seat of all of them. You are about to spend alot of money on a mower, so its important that you feel comfortable with the purchase. Again, make sure the dealer you buy from has a strong parts and service team to keep you up and running if an issue ever arises.

 

[HUBER]

Thoughts on best ZTRs with steering wheels? I'm looking for something 54''+ and I've heard steering wheel is the best way to go for hillier land as opposed to lap bar. Doesn't seem like there are a lot of options out there.

We sell a ton of Cub steering wheel zero turns to folks that have slopes or hills. The Steering wheel units will hold much better on a hillside than a typical lap bar mower. Another benefit is because of how the linkages on the transmissions work on those mower, you almost never get turf tear when zero turning, something many inexperienced users on lap bar units always do. They have a pretty wide offering, so just make sure you get one that designed for your size acreage.

 

[cat_in_the_hat]

checked out Hustler, Deere, and Toro today.

Toro 2000 and 2000HDX caught my eye. 2000 is a new leftover and $6500. 2000HDX is $8000, both with Toro engines. another 2000HDX had a Kawasaki, tweels, and a canopy; $9000 for it. says that these are better prices due to being last years models but all are brand new.

Hustler Fastrak $7200 looks nice but really need the X-One to get the better hydro's. X-One is ~$9500.

i liked the Deere offerings but they are as proud of their stuff as Kubota. too pricey.

i believe that it comes down to the Toro and the Ferris. Ferris has chassis suspension and Toro has the MyRide operator suspension. Toro uses ZT3800 and Toro/Kawasaki engines, while the Ferris has the Briggs commercial and ZT3400's. not sure how i feel about tweels. i have never operated a machine with them. many pros and cons is the scuttlebutt.

i have to disagree with the front mount comments above. i have put over 300 hours on a front mount Cub LT1050 hydro. rough ride compared to an old Fastrak i borrowed previously. neither are optimal due to the only suspension is a couple of springs under the seat. unfortunately, no one offers actual test cuts, only test drives in parking lot.

steering wheel zero turns are few, for sure. i think Cub makes one. personally i want to rid myself of the wheel and prefer the sticks. not sure exactly why they say wheeled versions are better on slopes. i may be wrong but i think you should avoid slopes with more than 15 degrees of slope for zero turns. seems like an operator preference but the market speaks loud and clear; if there was a hole in the market for wheeled zero turns then everyone would make one.

I'm confused about your comments regarding mid mount and front mount mowers. I looked up the Cub LT1050 because I wasn't familiar with it. It's a small lawn tractor. It's not a front mount zero turn mower. The ride quality would not approach the front mount zero turn mowers I am talking about.

 

[BlueRaider22]

I'm confused about your comments regarding mid mount and front mount mowers. I looked up the Cub LT1050 because I wasn't familiar with it. It's a small lawn tractor. It's not a front mount zero turn mower. The ride quality would not approach the front mount zero turn mowers I am talking about.

Now I'm confused with you Cat...lol. I thought your comment above regarding ride quality was comparing regular ZT mowers with traditional tractors...... Lol....

 

[Cawood86_rivals]

I've heard mixed reviews. About half of the salespeople I talked to said the ride is a little better......the other half said it doesn't make a difference. My neighbor bought a Ferris simply because of the suspension system....(he has a bad back). He said that it doesn't help at all.

I have a Ferris and would disagree.....it helps me is all I can say

 

[BlueRaider22]

I have a Ferris and would disagree.....it helps me is all I can say

Awesome. Do you have any health issues?


The salespeople/mechanics that I talked to about the Ferris models were middle aged or younger. They seemed fairly healthy, but you can never be sure about people's health. I also took their information/account with a measure of salt because you never know people's reference. I would imagine that if you are bombing across a rough field at 10-15mph in a ZT mower that having a suspension system wouldn't matter as much.

My neighbor went from an old 1980's diesel John Deere tractor to his brand new Ferris ZT 3300.

My neighbor has a bad back. He used to mow quickly, but not he creeps along as slow as can be. I wondered if the average ZT has a rougher ride than a tractor style. So, it's worth noting that in his case, he's not comparing a few brands of ZT mowers. I feel bad for him because he likely dropped $13,000-15,000 on his mower.

 

[Cawood86_rivals]

Awesome. Do you have any health issues?


The salespeople/mechanics that I talked to about the Ferris models were middle aged or younger. They seemed fairly healthy, but you can never be sure about people's health. I also took their information/account with a measure of salt because you never know people's reference. I would imagine that if you are bombing across a rough field at 10-15mph in a ZT mower that having a suspension system wouldn't matter as much.

My neighbor went from an old 1980's diesel John Deere tractor to his brand new Ferris ZT 3300.

My neighbor has a bad back. He used to mow quickly, but not he creeps along as slow as can be. I wondered if the average ZT has a rougher ride than a tractor style. So, it's worth noting that in his case, he's not comparing a few brands of ZT mowers. I feel bad for him because he likely dropped $13,000-15,000 on his mower.

A couple of bad knees. I mow quite a bit and the suspension I feel helps. Now, certain bumps you will feel no matter what imo. Getting a good seat that has some suspension too will help. I have had my Ferris for about 5 years and I really am pleased with it and If I had to buy one today, I would go with Ferris. I need to upgrade the seat on mine.
The one I have is IS700Z. It's a commercial mower with the 27hp Briggs&Stratton engine with a 52" cut. Very satisfied with it.

 

[drawing_dead]

@HUBER

i know you are busy selling mowers but what are your thoughts on Toro 2000HDX?

is it pro-sumer too if you get the FX Kawasaki and ZT3800's?

tweels; good or bad, or worth the money?

 

[cat_in_the_hat]

Now I'm confused with you Cat...lol. I thought your comment above regarding ride quality was comparing regular ZT mowers with traditional tractors...... Lol....

I'm talking about something like this.

 

[BlueRaider22]

I'm talking about something like this.

Are they typically way more expensive or do they have cheaper models?

 

[cat_in_the_hat]

Are they typically way more expensive or do they have cheaper models?

I really don't know other than to say they have several models. Mine was fairly expensive because I wanted a diesel and a 60" deck. I think mine is a Kubota diesel engine. I have had it for several years. It's been perfectly reliable so far and rides very comfortably. I had a gasoline one before that and when the grass was really high and wet, it bogged down some. I got the diesel to improve that because it has higher torque than the gasoline. Before that, I had a mid mount and it beat the hell out me, lol. I tested several mid mount models, skag, Ferris, grasshopper, etc., before I bought my first front mount. I haven't really looked at all their models to see the price ranges. They have both mid mount and front mount mowers.

 

[drawing_dead]

I really don't know other than to say they have several models. Mine was fairly expensive because I wanted a diesel and a 60" deck. I think mine is a Kubota diesel engine. I have had it for several years. It's been perfectly reliable so far and rides very comfortably. I had a gasoline one before that and when the grass was really high and wet, it bogged down some. I got the diesel to improve that because it has higher torque than the gasoline. Before that, I had a mid mount and it beat the hell out me, lol. I tested several mid mount models, skag, Ferris, grasshopper, etc., before I bought my first front mount. I haven't really looked at all their models to see the price ranges. They have both mid mount and front mount mowers.

yeah, not what i was referring to. these types of machines are just too long and heavy for my purposes. i can see how they may ride better than a traditional zero turn, but these new suspensions may offset your previous poor results. the Ferris i am looking at has an actual 4 link front suspension sort of like a UTV. a lot more travel than the two previous Ferris front suspensions. your Grasshopper likely does have the Kubota diesel. i know they used Kubota in the past.

 

[Cawood86_rivals]

Grasshoppes are good mowers but they are a little on the high end. Depends on what you are willing to spend concerning Grasshoppers. Very good mowers though.

 

[1977 Cat]

#1 Always buying from your local servicing dealer. Whatever you buy is going to need service, parts, maybe repairs. If you buy your new mower from the local servicing dealer, they are going to be able to take care of you well after the sell.

#2 HydroGear pretty much rules the residential / prosumer market for transmissions. make sure you get something that has ZT2800 or above. The reason for that is the 2800 all the way up to the 5400 transmissions are fully serviceable with filters. Below that model is a sealed transmission that you really cant do much with. When it has issues, you basically scrap it and replace it. The serviceable transmissions can be repaired.

#3 Make sure you get an engine that's designed for heavy usage. Id make sure you get something with a Kawasaki FX series engine, and Kohler Command Series Engine, or a Briggs Vanguard Engine. 4-5 acres is more than the lighter weight residential engines can handle for many years unless you're ok replacing the engine every so often.

#4 Make sure the deck is fabricated. Do not buy anything with a stamped deck when mowing that kind of acreage.

#5 Is the land bumpy or flat? If its pretty bumpy, you may want to upgrade to something that has a suspension seat as it makes a world of difference to the person whos actually riding on it for hours at a time.

#6 Are you planning on keeping it for years or do you see your self selling the unit at any point in the future? The reason I ask is some brands have extremely high resell while others have no resell. Make sure you are buying an Exmark, Scag, Ferris, Deere, Kubota, or one of the other top brands if you are ever planning on selling it in the near future as to not take as much of a loss.

If you're near Lexington, visit us at Central Equipment and we can show you the 6 different brands of zero turns we carry and explain the differences between them.

Knows what he is talking about. I've got three Ferris ZT that I've bought from Jason at Central Equipment. Most knowledgeable dealer I have talked to.

 

[jedwar]

Husqvarna MZ 61 Semi Professional

I purchased the above nearly 3 years ago. I upgraded from a Husqvarna 54 in ZT residential mower. The upgrade was well worth it. I mow several acres, about 6 per week, and this mower is very good and good quality for about $5300. Even got a free weed eater from the dealer. I do prefer the Kawasaki engine as well.

 

[HUBER]

@HUBER

i know you are busy selling mowers but what are your thoughts on Toro 2000HDX?

is it pro-sumer too if you get the FX Kawasaki and ZT3800's?

tweels; good or bad, or worth the money?

Toro owns Exmark and that unit compares the to the Radius X series mower. Pretty high quality unit as far as I'm concerned (at least on the Exmark side, there may be some internal differences I don't know about) but they do have very different decks. Exmark has been the number 1 selling brand nationally for decades for numerous reasons, but their quality of cut is one of the main reasons. The Exmark version of that mower does have run flat front tires which is nice, so Id make sure the Toro has the same. Again, dealer support in your area would be my highest concern.

Tweels are awesome, but expensive for what they are. You're looking at $600-$700 per wheel, so for a homeowner than can be at tough bite to take, but you'll never have a flat tire and the additional grip they give a ZTR on hillsides is pretty amazing. Also, you'll probably never have to worry about changing them as they typically last 3-4 times as long as a normal tire.

 

[HUBER]

Knows what he is talking about. I've got three Ferris ZT that I've bought from Jason at Central Equipment. Most knowledgeable dealer I have talked to.

How are you liking that new 40HP Ferris beast?

 

[HUBER]

My neighbor has a bad back. He used to mow quickly, but not he creeps along as slow as can be. I wondered if the average ZT has a rougher ride than a tractor style. So, it's worth noting that in his case, he's not comparing a few brands of ZT mowers. I feel bad for him because he likely dropped $13,000-15,000 on his mower.

Well I've been on every brand of mower there is, and have sold every quality brand either as a dealer, or working in distribution.

When simply comparing ride quality, there is nothing made that competes with a Ferris ISX3300 or ISX2200.

Front and rear independent suspension with a high back suspension seat on top of that.

The shocks and seat are adjustable to either add tension for a stiffer ride or can be softened up. Same with the seat.

I've sold numerous Ferris mower to people that had major back surgeries, that were unable to mow their property for years, that the Ferris allowed them to take care of their properties again.

A garden tractor is a rigid, one piece frame with no suspension, and no give other than a front axle that goes up and down alittle, and has seats that have no suspension, meaning the rider absorbs every bump.

If he bought it from us, please send him in, and I'm happy to have one of my techs look it over while he waits to see if the suspension is on the stiff ride setting, but everything well sell is sent out on the softest setting to get the maximum ride quality.

If his back is hurting riding a Ferris ISX3300, he either has rough as cob land and is driving at full speed or something in his back has changed and he should visit a doctor, because there's no way (and I'm a John Deere dealer too) that a Deere garden tractor rides better than the mower he has. Id love to chat with him and see whats going on though because we simply never hear what you're explaining that he's experiencing.

 

[BlueRaider22]

Well I've been on every brand of mower there is, and have sold every quality brand either as a dealer, or working in distribution.

When simply comparing ride quality, there is nothing made that competes with a Ferris ISX3300 or ISX2200.

Front and rear independent suspension with a high back suspension seat on top of that.

The shocks and seat are adjustable to either add tension for a stiffer ride or can be softened up. Same with the seat.

I've sold numerous Ferris mower to people that had major back surgeries, that were unable to mow their property for years, that the Ferris allowed them to take care of their properties again.

A garden tractor is a rigid, one piece frame with no suspension, and no give other than a front axle that goes up and down alittle, and has seats that have no suspension, meaning the rider absorbs every bump.

If he bought it from us, please send him in, and I'm happy to have one of my techs look it over while he waits to see if the suspension is on the stiff ride setting, but everything well sell is sent out on the softest setting to get the maximum ride quality.

If his back is hurting riding a Ferris ISX3300, he either has rough as cob land and is driving at full speed or something in his back has changed and he should visit a doctor, because there's no way (and I'm a John Deere dealer too) that a Deere garden tractor rides better than the mower he has. Id love to chat with him and see whats going on though because we simply never hear what you're explaining that he's experiencing.

We talked to him before. He did get it from Central.....that's how I've ended up there multiple times to gather information. He was a fanatic when it came to that really old JD diesel tractor.......I think a lot of it is that he just didn't want to let it go.....nor does he want to admit just how good his new mower is.

 

[drawing_dead]

i bought the 2000 HDX Limited Edition with MyRide. has canopy and tweels, and the FX Kawasaki.

i have to mow a lot of grass now to pay for it, but a good deal i think at $9K.

thanks for all of the input from you guys and especially @HUBER!