Unprepared Dad

[Pine Rider]

Greetings Y'all from Southwest Mississippi ! I'm a new member, but have been " lurking" for some time as I researched ZTRs for my next purchase. The level of knowledge and helpfulness on this forum is outstanding.

So, why am I looking for a new mower? Well, it's been my son's job to cut the grass. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement. He got to sleep inside and be fed and watered regularly and I had more time to do the things his mama told me to do. Coincidentally, the pay was the same for me. However, it never bothered me how long it took him to cut it or how comfortable he was doing it. His moving off to college has forced me to reevaluate my attitude towards such matters.

I have about 6 acres of the toughest, obstinate, contrary Bahia grass in Ms to cut. Around here we call it Mother-In-Law grass. Some of it is reclaimed horse pasture, there are some ditch/drainage areas and a couple of small areas with some nice centipede grass. There are areas that I bush hog (brush hog for my northern brothers) once a month instead of mow just to be able to keep up.

Currently I have a Land Pride Z52 Razor with a 20HP Honda. It's been a a tough dependable mower, but much like the summer heat, it's rough on a fat boy. I'm researching mowers in an effort to make an informed decision. I've narrowed my choices down to Ferris and Hustler. ExMark would have been in the mix if the local dealer kept a selection on hand. I compared the Hustler Fastrak SD 60" with a Kaw FX 730 and the Ferris IS. 700Z. I was prepared to go with the Ferris ($7300 + tax) over the Hustler SD ($6800 + tax) when another Hustler dealer threw a Super Z, 60", Kaw FX 850 at me for $8190 + tax. The Super Z is a demo with 9 hours on the clock. Comes with full warranty, initial service and a new set of blades (old ones thrown in). Looking at the S/N 13090015, it appears to have been manufactured Sept 13. I don't think the dealer had any other Super Zs or Super Z HDs. In my area, most residential customers stay with a 54" or below deck primarily because of trailer widths. Commercial guys have the trailer size but most run JD, Scag and ExMark. So he may be having trouble moving the higher end 60" Hustler models. Another example is his prices on the Hustler X-One. The 54" is $8800 and the 60" is $8200, same Kaw FX 850 engine. Would the FBI call that a clue? Maybe there's room for more movement on the price as time passes? Or am I taking a chance of missing a good deal?

So, I'm interested in any advice, thoughts, questions or opinions. I'm sure I left something pertinent out.

Thanks for the opportunity to be apart of this forum and for all the support you guys give.

 

[Briana]

Welcome to LawnWorld!

We moved your thread to the Mower & Equipment Buying & Pricing forum.

 

[Shughes717]

Greetings Y'all from Southwest Mississippi ! I'm a new member, but have been " lurking" for some time as I researched ZTRs for my next purchase. The level of knowledge and helpfulness on this forum is outstanding.

So, why am I looking for a new mower? Well, it's been my son's job to cut the grass. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement. He got to sleep inside and be fed and watered regularly and I had more time to do the things his mama told me to do. Coincidentally, the pay was the same for me. However, it never bothered me how long it took him to cut it or how comfortable he was doing it. His moving off to college has forced me to reevaluate my attitude towards such matters.

I have about 6 acres of the toughest, obstinate, contrary Bahia grass in Ms to cut. Around here we call it Mother-In-Law grass. Some of it is reclaimed horse pasture, there are some ditch/drainage areas and a couple of small areas with some nice centipede grass. There are areas that I bush hog (brush hog for my northern brothers) once a month instead of mow just to be able to keep up.

Currently I have a Land Pride Z52 Razor with a 20HP Honda. It's been a a tough dependable mower, but much like the summer heat, it's rough on a fat boy. I'm researching mowers in an effort to make an informed decision. I've narrowed my choices down to Ferris and Hustler. ExMark would have been in the mix if the local dealer kept a selection on hand. I compared the Hustler Fastrak SD 60" with a Kaw FX 730 and the Ferris IS. 700Z. I was prepared to go with the Ferris ($7300 + tax) over the Hustler SD ($6800 + tax) when another Hustler dealer threw a Super Z, 60", Kaw FX 850 at me for $8190 + tax. The Super Z is a demo with 9 hours on the clock. Comes with full warranty, initial service and a new set of blades (old ones thrown in). Looking at the S/N 13090015, it appears to have been manufactured Sept 13. I don't think the dealer had any other Super Zs or Super Z HDs. In my area, most residential customers stay with a 54" or below deck primarily because of trailer widths. Commercial guys have the trailer size but most run JD, Scag and ExMark. So he may be having trouble moving the higher end 60" Hustler models. Another example is his prices on the Hustler X-One. The 54" is $8800 and the 60" is $8200, same Kaw FX 850 engine. Would the FBI call that a clue? Maybe there's room for more movement on the price as time passes? Or am I taking a chance of missing a good deal?

So, I'm interested in any advice, thoughts, questions or opinions. I'm sure I left something pertinent out.

Thanks for the opportunity to be apart of this forum and for all the support you guys give.

Hello unprepared dad, I must say you have good taste in mowers. I am a big fan of ferris and hustler. I would agree with going for the is700 over the fast track, but the hustler super z is one of the best mowers out there IMO. I rank the is 2100 in the same ball park. That is a great price for the super z. When you negotiate make sure you get them to throw in the flex forks and the suspension seat. May be standard equipment on that model, but definitely make sure they are on there. I would also get them to let you demo the mower on your property to make sure it's the one you want. You are on the right track with the fx series Kawi. Great engine.

 

[DSepe]

For your needs I would check out the Ferris 2100z. Sounds like you might need it. I like the Hustler Super Z price also. Those dealers are crazy on the 700Z price I could of got it for 6900 OTD Kawasaki 61"...but could be a regional thing since your in Mississippi and I am in Ohio.

 

[Shughes717]

For your needs I would check out the Ferris 2100z. Sounds like you might need it. I like the Hustler Super Z price also. Those dealers are crazy on the 700Z price I could of got it for 6900 OTD...but could be a regional thing since your in Mississippi and I am in Ohio.

I agree that the is2100 would be my first choice as well. It would be hard to pass on the super z at that price.

 

[Pine Rider]

Hello unprepared dad, I must say you have good taste in mowers. I am a big fan of ferris and hustler. I would agree with going for the is700 over the fast track, but the hustler super z is one of the best mowers out there IMO. I rank the is 2100 in the same ball park. That is a great price for the super z. When you negotiate make sure you get them to throw in the flex forks and the suspension seat. May be standard equipment on that model, but definitely make sure they are on there. I would also get them to let you demo the mower on your property to make sure it's the one you want. You are on the right track with the fx series Kawi. Great engine.

Thanks, Shughes717 for the advice. The suspension seat is standard, but the Flex Forks are not. My thinking was to give the seat a try before adding the FFs. Hopefully, it will suffice. The dealer isn't pushing them and said they can cause problems by dipping the deck on stops. A small change in technique would probably cure that.
The demo on the enemy's turf (pun intended) is a good idea and can, most likely, be arranged.
I'll let you know what happens. Thanks again.

 

[possum]

I think with your description I would go to a Bush Hog dealer and look over the line.

 

[Shughes717]

Thanks, Shughes717 for the advice. The suspension seat is standard, but the Flex Forks are not. My thinking was to give the seat a try before adding the FFs. Hopefully, it will suffice. The dealer isn't pushing them and said they can cause problems by dipping the deck on stops. A small change in technique would probably cure that.
The demo on the enemy's turf (pun intended) is a good idea and can, most likely, be arranged.
I'll let you know what happens. Thanks again.

Dipping shouldn't be a problem with anti scalping wheels. My buddy has them on his x one and says they make a difference with the ride. He has no issues with the deck dipping.

 

[Pine Rider]

For your needs I would check out the Ferris 2100z. Sounds like you might need it. I like the Hustler Super Z price also. Those dealers are crazy on the 700Z price I could of got it for 6900 OTD Kawasaki 61"...but could be a regional thing since your in Mississippi and I am in Ohio.

The dealer said the 2100z is 1700 more than the 700z. So around 9000 + tax. I'm not sure what engine is on the 2100z in stock, but the 700z has the B&S 810cc Vanguard. You're right, the prices may be a regional issue. I've checked other dealers and they are a couple of hundred higher. I stopped by one "dealership" (co-op that carries Ferris) and they had a 2000z for 9200 + tax. Yes, a 2000z.

The Super Z is more than I wanted to spend, but if it's a good deal and if will last me many years, then I can justify the cost. Thanks, DSepe.

P.S. In Mississippi, we pronounce Ohio, I O W A. Different regional dialects, I suppose.

 

[Pine Rider]

Dipping shouldn't be a problem with anti scalping wheels. My buddy has them on his x one and says they make a difference with the ride. He has no issues with the deck dipping.

Good to know. Thanks. Do you know if your friend also has the rear anti scalp wheels? I think they are an option?