Ferris is700z 52 vs Huslter Fastrak 54

[T2015]

I narrowed my search to the IS 700 52" and the Fastrak 54" on my first ZTR. First, I personnel know the owner at the small/medium size dealer and he sells both of these mowers. Second, I like both ZTR and have read good things about both of them.

I am now doing the grass cutting at my mom's house, 1.5 acres around the house and driveway. I also will help my uncle and cousin cut grass (3+acres) on the property where kids ride motor bikes and mancured grass around the pond. Some hills on the property with fields and trails being somewhat rough.

The Ferris has the suspension but I have read that the is700 suspension is limited compared to the is2100. So how will the IS700 ride compared to Fastrak with flex forks? As far as my budget, it had been set at $4000. The Huslter Raptor SD was my first choice but I am not liking the reviews on RSD deck. The new new budget is $6000

The Ferris IS700 52" with the Kaw FS691 23hp $6499
IS700 with Briggs Comm Turf 27hp $5999

Huslter Fastrak 54 Kaw. FR691 23hp $5799 (add flex forks) $6099

Ferris has the ZT3400, weight 200 more at 1059, rear tires 22x11-10 smaller tires on front 13x5-6

Fastrak has the ZT3100, weight 860, rear tires same at 22x11-10, frt tires 1.5" wider 13x6.5-6

I like the Ferris but I'm worried about the extra weight in soft areas. I have not tested them yet and that may also be the deciding factor.

Should I also stay away from the Briggs engine?

The FS kaw on the Ferris is an upgrade over the FR on the Fastrak but by how much?

Any help is appreciated

 

[Ric]

I narrowed my search to the IS 700 52" and the Fastrak 54" on my first ZTR. First, I personnel know the owner at the small/medium size dealer and he sells both of these mowers. Second, I like both ZTR and have read good things about both of them.

I am now doing the grass cutting at my mom's house, 1.5 acres around the house and driveway. I also will help my uncle and cousin cut grass (3+acres) on the property where kids ride motor bikes and mancured grass around the pond. Some hills on the property with fields and trails being somewhat rough.

The Ferris has the suspension but I have read that the is700 suspension is limited compared to the is2100. So how will the IS700 ride compared to Fastrak with flex forks? As far as my budget, it had been set at $4000. The Huslter Raptor SD was my first choice but I am not liking the reviews on RSD deck. The new new budget is $6000

The Ferris IS700 52" with the Kaw FS691 23hp $6499
IS700 with Briggs Comm Turf 27hp $5999

Huslter Fastrak 54 Kaw. FR691 23hp $5799 (add flex forks) $6099

Ferris has the ZT3400, weight 200 more at 1059, rear tires 22x11-10 smaller tires on front 13x5-6

Fastrak has the ZT3100, weight 860, rear tires same at 22x11-10, frt tires 1.5" wider 13x6.5-6

I like the Ferris but I'm worried about the extra weight in soft areas. I have not tested them yet and that may also be the deciding factor.

Should I also stay away from the Briggs engine?

The FS kaw on the Ferris is an upgrade over the FR on the Fastrak but by how much?

Any help is appreciated

Personally if your spending $6499 I'd go $6949 and get the Hustler Fastrak SD because you'd get the Kawasaki FS engine and the 3400 drives, a 5 gallon tank and it's the same weight at 860 lbs as the Ferris and a lot better mower than the other two being a commercial grade mower for just a few hundred more. I run the FS engine on my Grandstand with almost 700 hrs and never had an issue. It's a better engine than either the FR or Briggs and yes I'd stay away from the Briggs. You could probably buy the SD a little cheaper than MSRP, around $6200 without much problem.

 

[T2015]

I found the MSRP price for the Fastrak SD 54 to be $7933 with state of Florida Bid price at $5800.
MSRP on Fastrak at $6999 with bid price at $5100. The Fastrak is tagged at the dealer for $5799.

Having a new mower now would be great but I can wait for a buyers market. I have heard the Oct.-Nov is the time to buy. Others have said Feb. or March.

Do we know what Kaw did to the FS series engines to make them better than the FR series?

 

[Mad Mackie]

Go to kawpower.com and check out what Kawasaki says about their engines.

 

[T2015]

Only see two stage air filter (foam around paper filter) and 2.5 lbs heavier for the FS series engine