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Farm downsize - Thoughts on this narrowed down ZT list?

#1

R

Rooster336

Hello all,

Without boring you with the details we have downsized and this is the first time I will be mowing without a tractor then using a push mower to clean up. I still need to maintain ~5 acres broken down into five pastures and another acre the house is on.

Factors
- Not bagging
- Uneven terrain (down right rough in some spots) but no slope greater than 15 degrees
- Have the occasional fire ant mound (in the never ending war against them)
- LOTS of fence lines and obstacles
- No gates smaller than 16'
- Only to be used for mowing (no towing)

Concerns
- Hydros - Do I need 3100+?
- Reliability (I am about 45 minutes away from all major dealers)
- Ease of maintenance
- Availability of parts
- I would like to stay around $6,000

Narrowed down list...

Ferris IS 600Z 52'' - People swear by the Kawi but is the Briggs Commercial a bad engine?, Does not have the ICD deck and clumping complaints abound
Toro Titan HD 1500 52'' - More than I want to spend, is it worth it? , Toro engines any good?
Scag Liberty 52'' (23HP) - Are 2800 hydros enough?

Any insight on durability/reliability from people who have purchased one of these would be great. Or, is my list enough "machine" to get the job done for many years? Thanks.


#2

H

Heygents

I am currently shopping for mowers in a similar price range ($5K to $6K). I haven't made my purchase yet but I have driven several of the options in the price range and will give you my thoughts:

1. Scag Freedom Z 52" - I liked how it drove but it felt small (Smaller wheels, sit lower). I also don't like that it comes with a Kohler engine
2. Exmark Radius E 52" - I liked everything about it but I don't like that it has an "exmark" engine
3. Ferris IS600 52" - I really liked this mower and love that it comes with the commercial Kawasaki engine - Problem is that it is right at the very top of my price range - Didn't like placement of e-brake
4. Gravely ZT HD 52" or 60" - My favorite so far and this is what I will probably get. Drove great and felt beefy enough to handle some rough spots. Also comes with a Kawi engine
5. Kubota 125S 54" - I liked some of the features on this mower (Suspension seat, lights) but for whatever reason I just can't pull the trigger with this one
6. Toro Titan HD 1500 52" - The dealers close to me are selling this at $5,700 so you should be able to get this in your price range - I liked this but I couldn't get past the "toro" engine - Also I am a taller person and no matter how I had the seat positioned, the handlebars felt like they were cramping my knees when pushed forward.
7. Toro Timecutter HD with My Ride - Suspension set up is fantastic - Same concerns with the "toro" engine

Good luck with your search.


#3

H

HawkFanatic74

Hello all,

Without boring you with the details we have downsized and this is the first time I will be mowing without a tractor then using a push mower to clean up. I still need to maintain ~5 acres broken down into five pastures and another acre the house is on.

Factors
- Not bagging
- Uneven terrain (down right rough in some spots) but no slope greater than 15 degrees
- Have the occasional fire ant mound (in the never ending war against them)
- LOTS of fence lines and obstacles
- No gates smaller than 16'
- Only to be used for mowing (no towing)

Concerns
- Hydros - Do I need 3100+?
- Reliability (I am about 45 minutes away from all major dealers)
- Ease of maintenance
- Availability of parts
- I would like to stay around $6,000

Narrowed down list...

Ferris IS 600Z 52'' - People swear by the Kawi but is the Briggs Commercial a bad engine?, Does not have the ICD deck and clumping complaints abound
Toro Titan HD 1500 52'' - More than I want to spend, is it worth it? , Toro engines any good?
Scag Liberty 52'' (23HP) - Are 2800 hydros enough?

Any insight on durability/reliability from people who have purchased one of these would be great. Or, is my list enough "machine" to get the job done for many years? Thanks.

What is the closest implement or dealer near you? My local dealer will come pick up any machine (even out of warranty) and repair it. There's a lot to be said for that sort of service, especially when you're spending that kind of cash.


#4

R

Rooster336

I am currently shopping for mowers in a similar price range ($5K to $6K). I haven't made my purchase yet but I have driven several of the options in the price range and will give you my thoughts:

1. Scag Freedom Z 52" - I liked how it drove but it felt small (Smaller wheels, sit lower). I also don't like that it comes with a Kohler engine
2. Exmark Radius E 52" - I liked everything about it but I don't like that it has an "exmark" engine
3. Ferris IS600 52" - I really liked this mower and love that it comes with the commercial Kawasaki engine - Problem is that it is right at the very top of my price range - Didn't like placement of e-brake
4. Gravely ZT HD 52" or 60" - My favorite so far and this is what I will probably get. Drove great and felt beefy enough to handle some rough spots. Also comes with a Kawi engine
5. Kubota 125S 54" - I liked some of the features on this mower (Suspension seat, lights) but for whatever reason I just can't pull the trigger with this one
6. Toro Titan HD 1500 52" - The dealers close to me are selling this at $5,700 so you should be able to get this in your price range - I liked this but I couldn't get past the "toro" engine - Also I am a taller person and no matter how I had the seat positioned, the handlebars felt like they were cramping my knees when pushed forward.
7. Toro Timecutter HD with My Ride - Suspension set up is fantastic - Same concerns with the "toro" engine

Good luck with your search.

Thanks for the feedback

I didn't hit the gravely dealer but its not much farther than the others. Hopefully be able to get by this weekend.

Found the Toro sale price you mentioned. I liked the Titan HD 1500 a lot and wish it had a different motor option.


#5

R

Rooster336

What is the closest implement or dealer near you? My local dealer will come pick up any machine (even out of warranty) and repair it. There's a lot to be said for that sort of service, especially when you're spending that kind of cash.

This is my main problem. The dealers that are closest to me are (IMO) very sub par. I almost bought a Kubota 125S because of how great the dealer was and the perks they offered but couldn't get over the sticker shock of the unit.

When I started shopping I hit the Kubota dealer first as my Kubota tractor performed flawlessly for over 1000 hours. I was very impressed with their knowledge, service area and appreciated how they didn't try to upsell me. It all went downhill from there...

Deere dealer - wasn't interested in selling a low end model (535) and wouldn't let me test any of the units.
Scag/Hustler - main business was from professionals and I barely got the time of day
Ferris - actually said to me "oh I saw your name on a demo request but we don't do that"
Toro - completely dismissed my engine concerns and kept changing the subject

This is why I am so concerned about reliability, I have ZERO faith in any of these dealers unless I break the bank and get the Kubota.


#6

H

Heygents

This is my main problem. The dealers that are closest to me are (IMO) very sub par. I almost bought a Kubota 125S because of how great the dealer was and the perks they offered but couldn't get over the sticker shock of the unit.

When I started shopping I hit the Kubota dealer first as my Kubota tractor performed flawlessly for over 1000 hours. I was very impressed with their knowledge, service area and appreciated how they didn't try to upsell me. It all went downhill from there...

Deere dealer - wasn't interested in selling a low end model (535) and wouldn't let me test any of the units.
Scag/Hustler - main business was from professionals and I barely got the time of day
Ferris - actually said to me "oh I saw your name on a demo request but we don't do that"
Toro - completely dismissed my engine concerns and kept changing the subject

This is why I am so concerned about reliability, I have ZERO faith in any of these dealers unless I break the bank and get the Kubota.

What was your quote from the Kubota dealer on the 125S? I got one two weeks ago for $5,360 from my local dealer.


#7

R

Rooster336

What was your quote from the Kubota dealer on the 125S? I got one two weeks ago for $5,360 from my local dealer.

It was just under $5,800 before tax for the 54'' for the E model which felt very high. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge Kubota fan, at that price point it was not as heavy duty as the competitors.


#8

H

Heygents

It was just under $5,800 before tax for the 54'' for the E model which felt very high. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge Kubota fan, at that price point it was not as heavy duty as the competitors.

Agreed. That does sound high especially since my quote was for the S model and $400 less. Good luck with your search and let us know what you end up getting.


#9

T

tbzep

I went with Gravely (HD 52) because of the dealer. I had access within 10 miles to Gravely (2 sources), Husqvarna, Bad Boy (big box store), eXmark. Within 40 miles Dixie Chopper and Hustler (big box store). Gravely was the beefiest within my price range and the dealer was by far the best. Would have loved to try a Scag, but there were no dealers within a reasonable distance.


#10

H

HawkFanatic74

This is my main problem. The dealers that are closest to me are (IMO) very sub par. I almost bought a Kubota 125S because of how great the dealer was and the perks they offered but couldn't get over the sticker shock of the unit.

When I started shopping I hit the Kubota dealer first as my Kubota tractor performed flawlessly for over 1000 hours. I was very impressed with their knowledge, service area and appreciated how they didn't try to upsell me. It all went downhill from there...

Deere dealer - wasn't interested in selling a low end model (535) and wouldn't let me test any of the units.
Scag/Hustler - main business was from professionals and I barely got the time of day
Ferris - actually said to me "oh I saw your name on a demo request but we don't do that"
Toro - completely dismissed my engine concerns and kept changing the subject

This is why I am so concerned about reliability, I have ZERO faith in any of these dealers unless I break the bank and get the Kubota.

Sounds like you've run into some craptastic sales people. I've got a Deere dealership 6 miles away and they wouldn't push me away from a $4000 mower anytime/anywhere and the same dealership sells $450,000 combines. Did they have the 535 on hand? You can always order via the website but there seems to be a value to the Kubota, even if more expensive. The few gifted sales people that can keep up with the times are the ones that last. Not too many of them in the power equipment world if we're being honest here.


#11

R

Rooster336

Sounds like you've run into some craptastic sales people. I've got a Deere dealership 6 miles away and they wouldn't push me away from a $4000 mower anytime/anywhere and the same dealership sells $450,000 combines. Did they have the 535 on hand? You can always order via the website but there seems to be a value to the Kubota, even if more expensive. The few gifted sales people that can keep up with the times are the ones that last. Not too many of them in the power equipment world if we're being honest here.

They didn't. They were well stocked on the 9 series but that wasn't going to happen.

I ended up going another 15 minutes farther and found a great Ferris/Hustler dealer. I have decided to purchase from them as soon as I choose between the Ferris 700z and the Hustler Fastrak. Its going to be a two hour round trip if I need work done but I feel it will be worth it.


#12

mhavanti

mhavanti

For the ride, Ferris. For the extra wide tires, go Hustler.

I have a Raptor SD60 and all my neighbors have Hustlers although they all have the higher priced models. The Raptor does have 2800s which the only difference in a 2800 and the 3100, 3200 and 3400 is 2800 doesn't have but one shock valve, has sintered main gears where all the others have cut steel gears.

Fastrak will have the cut steel gears and now has the extra wide tires and a bit taller rear tire. I do like the deck height ease of the Fastrak over the Raptor SD. However, for the difference in price, not worth the money. You are only cutting grass and weeds after all. I have one of the best looking lawns in the neighborhood and by far the largest. I was chastised for not purchasing a Super Z or an XOne. However, since I've installed the flex forks and seat suspension kit. I would not put the money into the higher priced models.

You'll do well with either the Ferris or the Hustler.

Enjoy the new mower,

Max


#13

H

HawkFanatic74

Sounds like you've got it figured out. At least you're down to 5+ acres and won't need to spend $$$ for something much bigger.


#14

L

lamrith

I am not sure about your land layout, but if it has slope on it, you will need to pay attention using the Ferris. I bought a Ferris 400S, thier lowest level one for sure, but I found and have heard form others that the Ferris can be prone to scalping. I am having that issue with off camber mowing the low side of the machine tends to scalp. I see it anytime I am turning with the unit, so I am hoping some adjusting of the springs will help.
Just something to think about, and that said I LOVE the ride from my Ferris, my land is so rough that I will just keep working on tweaking my mower pattern and the suspension to counter the issue rather than consider going back to the dealer for another brand.


#15

mhavanti

mhavanti

lamrith,

Since you have the Rolls-Royce of rides, I'd suggest a higher tire pressure front and rear to see if that stops the scalping on the low side of the slope before you add spring energy or condense the travel length of your springs. Usually when someone asks me to take a look at their mowers on this situation, I find they've lowered the air pressures to soften the ride.

I've even done it to try that out and found on Zero Turns especially the extra few hundred pounds gives the one ply tires such a high load they flex much more than they are designed to stand up to with the lower pressures.

After you've tried going higher on those narrow tires (remember, narrow tires requires higher pressures than wider profile tires) if that doesn't completely resolve the crop circles, give the springs another 25 pounds of energy per corner or less and that should do it.

Good luck,

Max


#16

R

Rooster336

Okay another twist...

I went to look at the kubota again and talked to the owner who sais they’re starting to carry bobcat next month.

Bobcat XRZ 61” $5596 plus tax and $125 doc fee
Hustler Fastrak $6499 plus tax and $240 doc fee.

What would y’all choose? Is the Fastrak worth the 1k more? I like both dealers.


#17

R

Rooster336

Okay another twist...

I went to look at the kubota again and talked to the owner who sais they’re starting to carry bobcat next month.

Bobcat XRZ 61” $5596 plus tax and $125 doc fee
Hustler Fastrak $6499 plus tax and $240 doc fee.

What would y’all choose? Is the Fastrak worth the 1k more? I like both dealers.

I wanted to round this out in case anyone find themselves in my shoes...

I spent an entire weekend at the different dealers doing final rides and comparing specs. If you’ve done enough research to find this posting then you know generally speaking the components are the same between brands and only a few factors really change between the ZTRs.

I ended up buying a 60” hustler Fastrak. Sale price was $6,199. The construction of the deck is bulletproof, 3100s, the 1” spindles are larger than normal, kawi 730 motor, foot operated deck lift, foldable rops. Plus 0% for 42 months. I had intended to buy the mower but I encourage anyone who can get 0% interest to do so. Take your cash and invest it in something over the same time with a decent yield. 0% interest with a $50 origination fee is free money.

I’ve cut 12 acres so far, both the house yard and pastures. Pastures bounced me around and I lowered the tires to 8PSI and that helped a lot. Great ride now. I cut 6 acres every weekend and it takes me 2-2.5 hours depending on how efficient I am. I’ve got trees, shelters, hay sheds, fence lines, goat toys and slopes that I go slow over. I’m sure someone with a more open property could be faster.

If you’re mowing anything other than a residential yard or a residential yard that’s larger than 5 acres I strongly advise an entry level commercial mower.

Good luck.


#18

L

lamrith

Congrats!!

FYI If the financing was thru Sheffield, there is monthly payments required. That said if you had the $ set aside, putting it in an interest bearing account and paying monthly out of that IS a great way to go!


#19

jekjr

jekjr

If you are going to cut that much grass go ahead and spend the money and step up the the Scag Tiger Cat. it will last you 20 years and keep on ticking. Get the Kawasaki engine. You won't regret it. It is tough enough to do the job and simple to replace a belt on when time comes and blade change is incredibly fast. There is nothing on the market that will out cut the Velocity deck. It will cost you more in the beginning but over the lifetime you will be way ahead of the game.


#20

R

Rooster336

If you are going to cut that much grass go ahead and spend the money and step up the the Scag Tiger Cat. it will last you 20 years and keep on ticking. Get the Kawasaki engine. You won't regret it. It is tough enough to do the job and simple to replace a belt on when time comes and blade change is incredibly fast. There is nothing on the market that will out cut the Velocity deck. It will cost you more in the beginning but over the lifetime you will be way ahead of the game.

This is awful advice. I get it, some people are diehard fan boys of SCAG. I have nothing against them but their entry level units are subpar when compared to other brands and their entry level commercial units are not price competitive.

Those who's income is derived from their machines and down time equals money lost, sure, pay the premium if you really think SCAG will put more cash above the line on your income statement. Me, I've got 4 years of full warranty and a dealer who will pick up and drop off for free. Then after that it's just a cold beer while I play mechanic and sort anything out. But paying upfront for perceived quality for an issue that might happen? No way.

Although with the kawi motor, 3100 hyrdros, 10ga deck, 11ga reinforced spindle mounts, aluminum spindles with 1' shafts and everything else this thing has, I don't foresee many problems.


#21

mhavanti

mhavanti

Rooster,

You've got a mower as good as any other brand out there. I say run it wide open, like you stole it. If you break it, fix it and you'll be happy. I would suggest the Seat Warehouse suspension kit and the flex forks and you'll fall in love all over again although it hasn't been two weeks yet. ha ha

Enjoy!

Max


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