I'm in the market for a new zero turn mower. I only have 1/4 acre to mow but would rather spend 2 hours/week with my kids instead of mowing/trimming with a push mower. My home has a walkout basement with approximately 15% slope so I know I'm pushing the limits of most of the manufacturers recommendations and won't be able to mow when it's wet. I will be mowing straight up and down the slopes. I'm looking for something in the $4,000-$5,500 range and am looking for something that can lay down some beautiful stripes. I've narrowed it down to the following machines.
Ferris IS700Z with 52" deck and 27 HP Briggs - These are built 45 minutes from me and there are 5 dealers within 30 miles. The majority of the commercial guys in the area run Ferris. One dealer quoted me $5,500 for this machine. I told him that price sounded too good to be true as most of the other dealers were quoting the 700 closer to $6,500. He said it wasn't a mistake, he was able to price so aggressively because of the volume he sold. This dealer also recommended the Ferris above all others because he claimed they held their resale value better than all other manufacturers. He didn't specify but may have been referring to our geographical area.
Gravely ZTHD with 52" deck and 23 HP Kawasaki - This is at the top of the list (mainly because it looks like a tank). I don't want to make a rash decision based merely on appearances though. Gravely is offering an additional 2 years on their warranty this month (5 years total) and the dealer is offering $500 in free accessories (ROPS, LED Light kit and tow hitch). The price on this machine is $5,200.
Hustler Raptor SDX with 54" deck and 23HP Kawasaki - This mower seems to offer the most bang for the buck, coming in at $4,500.
Scag Freedom Z with 24 HP Kohler - Approximate price, $5,300. This machine seems inferior to the others in all categories however Scag has a roller striper available whereas the other manufacturers I'm looking at only offer the rubber flap striping kit.
Simplicity zero turns come standard with a roller striping system on their deck however, their Courier's seem kind of cheap, the Contender doesn't come with suspension and the Champion is a little more than I want to spend ($5,800).
I would appreciate all honest feedback, especially from anyone who's had experience with any of these. This is my first post so my apologies if I didn't post it in the right place or broke any posting rules.
Thanks!
Ferris IS700Z with 52" deck and 27 HP Briggs - These are built 45 minutes from me and there are 5 dealers within 30 miles. The majority of the commercial guys in the area run Ferris. One dealer quoted me $5,500 for this machine. I told him that price sounded too good to be true as most of the other dealers were quoting the 700 closer to $6,500. He said it wasn't a mistake, he was able to price so aggressively because of the volume he sold. This dealer also recommended the Ferris above all others because he claimed they held their resale value better than all other manufacturers. He didn't specify but may have been referring to our geographical area.
Gravely ZTHD with 52" deck and 23 HP Kawasaki - This is at the top of the list (mainly because it looks like a tank). I don't want to make a rash decision based merely on appearances though. Gravely is offering an additional 2 years on their warranty this month (5 years total) and the dealer is offering $500 in free accessories (ROPS, LED Light kit and tow hitch). The price on this machine is $5,200.
Hustler Raptor SDX with 54" deck and 23HP Kawasaki - This mower seems to offer the most bang for the buck, coming in at $4,500.
Scag Freedom Z with 24 HP Kohler - Approximate price, $5,300. This machine seems inferior to the others in all categories however Scag has a roller striper available whereas the other manufacturers I'm looking at only offer the rubber flap striping kit.
Simplicity zero turns come standard with a roller striping system on their deck however, their Courier's seem kind of cheap, the Contender doesn't come with suspension and the Champion is a little more than I want to spend ($5,800).
I would appreciate all honest feedback, especially from anyone who's had experience with any of these. This is my first post so my apologies if I didn't post it in the right place or broke any posting rules.
Thanks!
