Deciding between Ferris 700z 52" and Hustler Fastrak 54"

[shanewoodsman]

djdicetn, thank you.

Update: The mower has been returned. I drove it to verify that the left hydraulic is functioning correctly, and it is. In fact, it handles much, much better now, as you would expect. I must assume, for now, that the deck has been adjusted properly. I will end up measuring it, but I'm not in a rush as I can't cut for a while until my new seed has fully established.

Murphy's Law though: The three rear protective bars were damaged while it was away. I spoke to the mechanic, and he suspects that the guys who delivered the mower back to me drove another mower into the back of it when loading the trailer. I told him that I understand that things happen (though it sucks). I explained to him that the damage was deep enough that it was scraped to bare metal, and he agreed at my request to send me some touch up paint to at least protect against rust. At least Ferris had the foresight to install the protective bars to begin with! If the engine had been exposed like I have seen on several homeowner grade models, it would have most certainly caused real damage to the engine.

I am going to assume that there will be no issue with the deck height adjustment. The only other issue hanging out there is the bill. I bought a spare set of blades and a hitch kit from the dealer, and he will be mailing me the invoice. Only then will I know if Ferris/Briggs agreed to pay the full pick-up and delivery fee. Even if they don't, after the delivery damage, the dealer will likely just write it off or should at the very least.

To close, I'd like to restate that the Ferris IS 600Z appears to be a well made mower, which is the reason I purchased it. Obviously, I have issue with Briggs and Stratton's marketing department, as I just checked online, and they still have not corrected the specs. (I do understand not going through the expense and headache of correcting thousands of catalogs that are already in distribution, but how about making one simple correction on your website?! It only seems right seeing as you've now known about this since August 26!) I also have less than full confidence in the dealer network based on my experiences thus far, but I believe I will be in decent hands with the dealer 40 miles away (so long as I install a bumper on this thing next time.) :laughing: The mower blades and other parts and accessories seem pretty expensive and can only be bought through dealers, but that is a business model that I knew about going into the purchase. I expect that I will be very happy in the long run with my mower. I am excited to finally be able to cut higher that 3.5" and will be extremely excited next summer to be able to keep my lawn from burning out once temperatures get above 90 degrees.

Thanks again to everybody for your input.

Hello - I know this is an older thread, but are there any new comments as to the debate on a new Hustler vs Ferris purchase. I am in all of this now, and enjoyed reading this thread (although it seemed to go elsewhere for a while). I am looking at the Ferris 700 and a Hustler Raptor (SD) which I know is not as "rugged" of a mower. I like the Hustler though because I found the last Kawasaki engine at the Lowes near me (new, but last years model) vs. possibly having to get the B&S most likely (due to cost) of the more expensive Ferris model. Any feedback on the Ferris 700 with the Briggs engine? Any feedback on the Hustler SD? I am cutting a rough few acres (sloppy at times, somewhat bumpy, and various roots/stumps to avoid) and leaning to the Ferris for durability/smoother ride, but the Hustler for the lighter weight and engine. Just a retired dude, here, not a professional - will only cut every 3 or 4 weeks or so, mainly from April until October.

 

[Shughes717]

Hello - I know this is an older thread, but are there any new comments as to the debate on a new Hustler vs Ferris purchase. I am in all of this now, and enjoyed reading this thread (although it seemed to go elsewhere for a while). I am looking at the Ferris 700 and a Hustler Raptor (SD) which I know is not as "rugged" of a mower. I like the Hustler though because I found the last Kawasaki engine at the Lowes near me (new, but last years model) vs. possibly having to get the B&S most likely (due to cost) of the more expensive Ferris model. Any feedback on the Ferris 700 with the Briggs engine? Any feedback on the Hustler SD? I am cutting a rough few acres (sloppy at times, somewhat bumpy, and various roots/stumps to avoid) and leaning to the Ferris for durability/smoother ride, but the Hustler for the lighter weight and engine. Just a retired dude, here, not a professional - will only cut every 3 or 4 weeks or so, mainly from April until October.

The Raptor sd has a residential Kawasaki engine and zt2800 hydros, which are also residential. The Ferris IS 700z has a commercial B&S engine and commercial zt3400 hydros. There is no Comparing the two. One is a residential mower, and the other is a commercial mower. How many acres are you mowing? The Ferris IS 600z is a 48" commercial mower and can handle several acres very easily as well. If you like the Kawasaki engine better the IS 600z comes with the Kawasaki FS600v as an option, and the same zt3400 hydros at a lower price than the IS 700z.

 

[shanewoodsman]

The Raptor sd has a residential Kawasaki engine and zt2800 hydros, which are also residential. The Ferris IS 700z has a commercial B&S engine and commercial zt3400 hydros. There is no Comparing the two. One is a residential mower, and the other is a commercial mower. How many acres are you mowing? The Ferris IS 600z is a 48" commercial mower and can handle several acres very easily as well. If you like the Kawasaki engine better the IS 600z comes with the Kawasaki FS600v as an option, and the same zt3400 hydros at a lower price than the IS 700z.

Those are really good points, thanks! I was comparing these two because the local Hustler dealer is terrible so I was comparing the best Hustler I could buy from Lowes (the SD) vs. what I'd really like to get (but can't get local) which is the Ferris (my local Ferris dealer caught fire and is closed). Anyway, I'd be spending more on the Ferris, but gaining suspension (vs. optional flex forks that did nothing beneficial on my last Hustler) but would be purchasing online which is basically purchasing without a warranty..... vs. Lowes that comes and get a broken ZTR and fixes it with the Extended Warranty if you purchase it. Apples vs. Oranges - that is true, but I am also jumbled by the other considerations. I am a textbook case of overthinking this... and the engine cost vs. potential reliability thing. I am not sure how much I will mow - was mowing 1.5 acres but recently bought the 1.5 next to it, but not all of it is growing or needing to mow yet, plus lots more trees on the 2nd property (so now I am confused on the deck size). Plus it is soft right now (gets rock hard later in the Spring/Summer) so also concerned about the mower weight. And, that bad back/suspension thing! Seems to be a "mower therapy" session - it began when I put a deposit on a Hustler, and then saw the Ferris!

 

[Shughes717]

Those are really good points, thanks! I was comparing these two because the local Hustler dealer is terrible so I was comparing the best Hustler I could buy from Lowes (the SD) vs. what I'd really like to get (but can't get local) which is the Ferris (my local Ferris dealer caught fire and is closed). Anyway, I'd be spending more on the Ferris, but gaining suspension (vs. optional flex forks that did nothing beneficial on my last Hustler) but would be purchasing online which is basically purchasing without a warranty..... vs. Lowes that comes and get a broken ZTR and fixes it with the Extended Warranty if you purchase it. Apples vs. Oranges - that is true, but I am also jumbled by the other considerations. I am a textbook case of overthinking this... and the engine cost vs. potential reliability thing. I am not sure how much I will mow - was mowing 1.5 acres but recently bought the 1.5 next to it, but not all of it is growing or needing to mow yet, plus lots more trees on the 2nd property (so now I am confused on the deck size). Plus it is soft right now (gets rock hard later in the Spring/Summer) so also concerned about the mower weight. And, that bad back/suspension thing! Seems to be a "mower therapy" session - it began when I put a deposit on a Hustler, and then saw the Ferris!

I am a big fan of Hustler and Ferris mowers. If you want to make a fair comaprison then you should compare the Fastrack SD to the IS 600 and IS 700. The suspension on the Ferris IS 2100z models and up is great, and is the most comfortable riding mower I have ever used. The suspension on the IS 600 and 700 doesn't have near as much travel. The suspension on the IS 600 and 700 does improve the ride some, but you can get a suspension insert or suspension seat and get just as good a ride on other brands. As for the acreage you are mowing, the IS 600 could handle 3 acres easily. I mow over 4 acres with a 48" snapper pro s150xt (same design as Ferris, just doesn't have the suspension) in a little over two hours. Lots of trees and some hills. Are there any other brands available in your area? There are several great mower brands out there that offer a mower that will suit your needs.

 

[shanewoodsman]

I am a big fan of Hustler and Ferris mowers. If you want to make a fair comaprison then you should compare the Fastrack SD to the IS 600 and IS 700. The suspension on the Ferris IS 2100z models and up is great, and is the most comfortable riding mower I have ever used. The suspension on the IS 600 and 700 doesn't have near as much travel. The suspension on the IS 600 and 700 does improve the ride some, but you can get a suspension insert or suspension seat and get just as good a ride on other brands. As for the acreage you are mowing, the IS 600 could handle 3 acres easily. I mow over 4 acres with a 48" snapper pro s150xt (same design as Ferris, just doesn't have the suspension) in a little over two hours. Lots of trees and some hills. Are there any other brands available in your area? There are several great mower brands out there that offer a mower that will suit your needs.

I never got a chance to drive a Ferris (the dealer I found that had them had no demonstration mowers available) and I was wondering if it was better (the suspension) than a suspension seat (I was assuming it was). If it is "equal" to a suspension seat that opens up a wide range of mowers in that price range (Exmark, etc) - I was going to look at the Fastrak but when the Hustler dealer was so unfriendly I had to scratch that one off the list (knew I wasn't going to buy there). Toro's and Huskys are very common around here along with Cubs but those were not on my list. With any of them, and the one I purchase, I will have to get confidence cutting this ground with them because my last ZTR weighed about 500 lbs. and I could only mow after it dried up some (it is soaking wet right now) - that clay is a mess when it gets really wet, but like concrete during dry periods (when I mostly am able to cut). Then some roots and stumps to avoid and some cypress knees - I need a strong set of spindles, for sure, or I could just get a cheapie and replace periodically! The seat suspension thing is a good point I didn't consider enough - thank you for reminding me of that. I guess I should compare tire dimensions too, because if it is like a car/truck, taller tires could also improve the ride!

 

[Shughes717]

I never got a chance to drive a Ferris (the dealer I found that had them had no demonstration mowers available) and I was wondering if it was better (the suspension) than a suspension seat (I was assuming it was). If it is "equal" to a suspension seat that opens up a wide range of mowers in that price range (Exmark, etc) - I was going to look at the Fastrak but when the Hustler dealer was so unfriendly I had to scratch that one off the list (knew I wasn't going to buy there). Toro's and Huskys are very common around here along with Cubs but those were not on my list. With any of them, and the one I purchase, I will have to get confidence cutting this ground with them because my last ZTR weighed about 500 lbs. and I could only mow after it dried up some (it is soaking wet right now) - that clay is a mess when it gets really wet, but like concrete during dry periods (when I mostly am able to cut). Then some roots and stumps to avoid and some cypress knees - I need a strong set of spindles, for sure, or I could just get a cheapie and replace periodically! The seat suspension thing is a good point I didn't consider enough - thank you for reminding me of that. I guess I should compare tire dimensions too, because if it is like a car/truck, taller tires could also improve the ride!

You should compare tire dimensions. Wider tires will displace the mower weight better. Bigger tires will improve the ride. If you are mowing a rough area, then you should definately look into a commercial mower. Toro and Exmark are basically the Same mower (Exmark is a Toro brand), as is Ferris and Snapper Pro (both owned by Briggs & Stratton), Hustler and Big Dog (both owned by Excel industries) etc. You will notice that most brands offer the same drive train options (Kawasaki, B&S, or Kohler engines and most will utilize Hydrogear trannys). The main differences will be some extra features that are specific to some brands, paint color, warranty, and price. You should find a quality dealer. These commercial mowers are all very well made, but good dealer support is important when you are looking at spending $5k plus on a mower. Brands such as Big Dog, Husqvarna, Snapper Pro, and Bad Boy will give you more mower for your money. Good luck with your search and let us know what you went with.

 

[shanewoodsman]

Thanks for all of the guidance. I have been shopping for 2 weeks (between the Ferris and Hustler, mainly) and have made a complete change of thought this afternoon. I am cutting 2 mainly rough acres (or so) at the maximum deck height (just to keep it under control, and not to hurt any blades/spindles) - with everything from a trail mower, in past years (swisher deck), to a Hustler Raptor ZTR (last year) - maybe I need to get a Lawn Tractor instead - not sexy, but would do the job (I can't drive fast anyway because it is somewhat bumpy when dry), and that way I can pull a cart to throw lawn debris in it as I go. Unfortunately neither of these companies make one, so I am now seeking suggestions on that, and I am officially on the wrong thread! It was a long process to get to that mindset, for sure! Starting over, again.......

 

[Shughes717]

Thanks for all of the guidance. I have been shopping for 2 weeks (between the Ferris and Hustler, mainly) and have made a complete change of thought this afternoon. I am cutting 2 mainly rough acres (or so) at the maximum deck height (just to keep it under control, and not to hurt any blades/spindles) - with everything from a trail mower, in past years (swisher deck), to a Hustler Raptor ZTR (last year) - maybe I need to get a Lawn Tractor instead - not sexy, but would do the job (I can't drive fast anyway because it is somewhat bumpy when dry), and that way I can pull a cart to throw lawn debris in it as I go. Unfortunately neither of these companies make one, so I am now seeking suggestions on that, and I am officially on the wrong thread! It was a long process to get to that mindset, for sure! Starting over, again.......

Lol, good luck with your search. What's wrong with the Raptor you are using? You can put a trailer hitch on it.

 

[shanewoodsman]

Lol, good luck with your search. What's wrong with the Raptor you are using? You can put a trailer hitch on it.

Honestly, I owned the (base) 52" Raptor and didn't like it at all. Sure, the Kawasaki engine ran like a top, but it was so lightweight that my back felt everything. No cushion the seat either. I tried all kinds of things to make it ride better - different tires (somewhat larger, with less tire pressure). A suspension seat bracket. Flex forks (my worst experiment, because the mower was too lightweight to flex them - Hustler doesn't tell you this, on the base Raptor). It was my first ZTR, and although Lowes couldn't stop talking about it, and why I should get it, it was the wrong mower for me. The deck was also unusually noisy and shaky. I tried new blades (gator blades) but was concerned the spindles couldn't handle them, so I took those off.... just not happy with it. The only modification that I felt worked on this mower was larger ribbed tires on the back - to keep it from slipping so easily. Eventually I got Hustler to take it back (through Lowes) - didn't expect that, but was thrilled when it happened. This is why I am shopping again, but the local dealers overall are not that great, and Lowes has a limited selection of mowers, so I have been looking somewhat online too, and although the prices are better, I wouldn't have warranty coverage from local dealers, so this is pretty much where I am. I was, though, thinking the Raptor SD would definitely be better than what I had (and I can get that one at Lowes, also - and buy an extended warranty), and my back is telling me to get the Ferris, and add a suspension seat to it down the the road, if my land can handle the extra weight of the Ferris. Now I am thinking maybe I should just go back to a lawn tractor. I did like the ATV/swisher deck setup I had years ago but the swisher was constantly breaking.

 

[Shughes717]

P

Honestly, I owned the (base) 52" Raptor and didn't like it at all. Sure, the Kawasaki engine ran like a top, but it was so lightweight that my back felt everything. No cushion the seat either. I tried all kinds of things to make it ride better - different tires (somewhat larger, with less tire pressure). A suspension seat bracket. Flex forks (my worst experiment, because the mower was too lightweight to flex them - Hustler doesn't tell you this, on the base Raptor). It was my first ZTR, and although Lowes couldn't stop talking about it, and why I should get it, it was the wrong mower for me. The deck was also unusually noisy and shaky. I tried new blades (gator blades) but was concerned the spindles couldn't handle them, so I took those off.... just not happy with it. The only modification that I felt worked on this mower was larger ribbed tires on the back - to keep it from slipping so easily. Eventually I got Hustler to take it back (through Lowes) - didn't expect that, but was thrilled when it happened. This is why I am shopping again, but the local dealers overall are not that great, and Lowes has a limited selection of mowers, so I have been looking somewhat online too, and although the prices are better, I wouldn't have warranty coverage from local dealers, so this is pretty much where I am. I was, though, thinking the Raptor SD would definitely be better than what I had (and I can get that one at Lowes, also - and buy an extended warranty), and my back is telling me to get the Ferris, and add a suspension seat to it down the the road, if my land can handle the extra weight of the Ferris. Now I am thinking maybe I should just go back to a lawn tractor. I did like the ATV/swisher deck setup I had years ago but the swisher was constantly breaking.

A tractor may be the better solution for you. It is slower, and should ride better than the Raptor. You can pull things with either though. The only down side to going with a tractor is the amount of trees you mentioned. A tractor will take much longer to mow the property than a ztr mower, especially if there are a lot of obstacles to mow around. As for the weight of the commercial ztr mowers go, they are much heavier. They do, however, have larger/wider tires. The weight plus the bigger tires help them ride better than the Raptor, and the wider tires displaces the weight over a larger area. To reduce soil compaction when mowing you should mow in different directions when possible, and when it isn't possible you should make sure you don't follow the same tracks each time you mow. Are there no Kubota dealers near your area? The Kommander may be worth a look if there are.

Spending $6k on a mower is a big investment. I get that, but finding the right ztr mower can save you a lot of time mowing and last much longer than an average garden tractor. I purchased mine when I only had 1 acre to mow. I hated mowing the lawn, and wanted to get it done in as little time as possible. Went from taking me 3 hours to mow my lawn to it only taking about 45 minutes. I sold my house a year later and purchased one with a 4 acre lawn. The people I bought the house from said it took them all day long to mow the lawn with their 48" cub can't lawn tractor. I mow it in a little over two hours, and have a blast doing it. I can't see myself ever going back to a lawn tractor.