I have a Ferris IS 2100 with a 61” deck. Love it. However, with that being said, the biggest issue with any zero turn is wet damp conditions. It is extremely easy to get one stuck if you unexpectedly hit a muddy area. Mine weighs 1300 pounds and once stuck it stays there until you get some sort of vehicle to help pull it out.

A ZT is the quickest way to mow a bunch of grass.

And... Another happy Ferris user here.
2100z 61" deck and the 28 HP Vanguard fuel injected engine.

Also posting a chart showing mowing capability in acres per hour if speed and width deck are known. A good way to compare the effects of different deck widths.

An important consideration is the quality of the dealerships in your area. Hang out around the parts and service counter for a little while and listen to how the counter folks deal with the customers. What kind of feel do you get off the sales staff.
We are running a couple of Gravely Pro-Stance units commercially, and will not buy another based on the local dealer support.

All other things being equal, I'm another vote for the Ferris.

few more.
Great Dane 36" hydro. Had a guy drive from St Louis to get this one.


42" Hustler Raptor 21 hp Kaw 3 yr old $1300


Forest Gump

I love my Scag Patriot 52”!... but sort of wish I got the 62” instead. Regardless, The Scag has been outstanding for me (homeowner with 2 acres)

quote:

Originally posted by batex:
I love my Scag Patriot 52”!... but sort of wish I got the 62” instead. Regardless, The Scag has been outstanding for me (homeowner with 2 acres)

I have this one too. I mow 2 acres in about an hour. Even if I let the grass go about 2 weeks this just blows through it and I'm done.
I did just replace the blades after 2 years. Cuts much cleaner now.

Personally I feel if you're going to buy a zero turn you should get a pretty good one and with good maintenance and upkeep it'll last most residential owners a very long time. If you have a LOT to mow probably should go up to a commercial rated unit. I (unfortunately) have a good bit to mow so when I was shopping for one last year I focused on commercial grade ZTR's by Exmark (Toro), Skag, Hustler, Kubota, Deere, Ferris, and Grasshopper, which had dealers within an hour or so away. All offer good quality, residential and commercial mowers.

I had been spending more time than I wanted to mowing with a Kubota tractor with a 72' deck. The problem was the ex field now "lawn" has a number of trees plus is bumpy which restricted me to going fairly slow. I wanted a mower that not only turned quicker but also had a smoother ride so I could go faster, so after much study and tire kicking I chose the Ferris 2100 (which has a suspension) with the Kawasaki engine and 61" deck.
Even though the deck is a foot narrower I mow the same area now in around 3 hours where it took over 5 hours with the tractor. If what you mow is pretty smooth Ferris' suspension wouldn't be as beneficial. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orCkLOny1OY

Her she is last year just delivered.



I even use it on my trails.

Bobcat or Kubota....

My mother, sister & myself all have Bad Boy 72" with 27 horse Kawasaki motors. We all three love them. They are built like a tank and run great. We all paid about $9500. Mom bought one probably 15 years ago when they were first coming out. The only problem she had was with the belt driving the blades. I modified it and it has ran great ever since. They changed the design in between hers and mine, which we bought about 6 or 7 years ago. My sister got hers last year. Other than mom's belt issue, we have never had any problem's. We all mow at least 5 acres each and it is all farm type use, including me mowing pasture grass along electric fence.

quote:

Originally posted by justsigin:
Bobcat or Kubota....

Does Bobcat even make a zero turn? Or do they just buy them from an other manufacturer and rebadge them, and if so from who?

Bob-Cat is made by Schiller Industries and they are totally different companies than the skid steer Bobcat.

Schiller has several brands in their stable, Bob-Cat absorbed Bunton mowers/Textron industries several years ago. Hell of an overbuilt mower.

https://www.schillergc.com/

Whichever one you pick do NOT use ethanol if you can help it! The Hustlers we used when I worked for a guy doing lawn work would need carb work every other year due to that junk fuel. Definitely check dealer reputation as mentioned before. My local Deere dealer is worse than any used car lot nightmare you could imagine. I drive 30 miles to deal with an honest location.

I'm starting my 3rd season with an Exmark Radius X series and have been nothing but pleased with it. Its got a 60" deck, upgraded hydro units and a Kawasaki motor. Both Exmark and Toro are big with the commercial guys around here and excellent dealer support is why I chose Exmark. And while it does not have the suspension of the Ferris, the adjustable suspension seat is very nice.

I'm going to sell my Dixie Chopper and get a Ferris for the suspension. Not sure the suspension is good enough to keep your Guinness from going flat in about two passes but I know my back will appreciate it. I have a suspension seat on the chopper and it helped immensely but I want more.

Last year I bought a Bad Boy and love it. I'm not an expert in these things at all and only use it on my private lawn. I bought it because my dealer/service center sells them and because they are made in the USA. So far, I'm very happy.

quote:

Originally posted by Krazeehorse:
I'm going to sell my Dixie Chopper and get a Ferris for the suspension. Not sure the suspension is good enough to keep your Guinness from going flat in about two passes but I know my back will appreciate it. I have a suspension seat on the chopper and it helped immensely but I want more.

Well, the Ferris suspension does work, especially on harder jolts and uneven, rough ground. You can watch the shocks working from the seat. BUT, it still ain’t no Cadillac. My yard is nearly 4 ac. and quite rough. Im thinking of adding the suspension seat in addition to the suspension.

quote:

BUT, it still ain’t no Cadillac. I'm thinking of adding the suspension seat in addition to the suspension.

Maybe a bigger motor?



Rebels and Rednecks Mower Racing Association

quote:

Originally posted by chellim1:

quote:

BUT, it still ain’t no Cadillac. I'm thinking of adding the suspension seat in addition to the suspension.

Maybe a bigger motor?



Rebels and Rednecks Mower Racing Association

Funny you posted that. I happen to have been ranked number one in points at one time nationally on the USLMRA circuit and have two regional championships! My mower, pictured below, would not not cut grass but it would rip it out by the roots!

quote:

Originally posted by mas4363:
I have a Ferris IS 2100 with a 61” deck. Love it. However, with that being said, the biggest issue with any zero turn is wet damp conditions. It is extremely easy to get one stuck if you unexpectedly hit a muddy area. Mine weighs 1300 pounds and once stuck it stays there until you get some sort of vehicle to help pull it out.

A ZT is the quickest way to mow a bunch of grass.

That's the truth. They get stuck so easy.

Scag all the way. This one is 20+ years old and still going. The only thing not original is the motor. Somewhere along the line, someone replaced the original Kohler motor with a Kawasaki.