First ZT - Gravel Pro Turn 52 - Ferris IS700 - Exmark Pioneer S - Snapper Pro Sx150t

[captain ron]

Hi All -
I've been reading the forum for a while doing some research on my own, as you can see by the table below. I've narrowed it down to these ones, but wanted to get some real feedback from real users. I have a 3 acres or so to mow, and it can be somewhat bumpy in areas. I'm looking at these high quality entry level commercial machines for years of good service. The pricing seems to be in about the same arena for the most of them here. All have reputable dealers in the area...Scag, Hustler, JD I eliminated because the dealer is too far away or the dealer didn't seem to be the right "fit" if you will. I haven't had a chance as of yet to actually test drive the Gravely and Toro, but know they are quality machines. Not so worried about striping, but want a nice clean cut. I try to mow when its not too wet, but you know how the Midwest is that isn't always an option if you don't want to wait to the point of needing a hay baler. I have a good acre out in the front of the house that I don't want to have to mow twice just to clean up dry grass. I've been looking at the Kaw on all the engines, but see the Ferris and Gravely using the FS series vs the FX here. Not sure if this is a real deal breaker to be honest, but see that top end systems are using the the FX models. Also seen some differences in the hyrdos used on the systems, again not sure how big of deal that is as I know most of the hydros are proven here.

I know that Gravely's are supposed to be great machines, although a little disappointed that the warranty is a little less than others. The Pro 152 bring the price up about 1k, but you get the FX engine and 3400 series Hydros. I'm not sure if the Pro 52 has a true suspension seat or if that requires the Pro 152, the website wasn't clear and I forgot to ask.

I called late to the Toro shop (closing time before the holiday weekend) so couldn't get the final price on the 2000 series machine assuming its close to others. (I will update once I get it here)

Also looking for some feedback on over all ride, I know the Ferris has suspension, but looks like some other posters have called it a gimmick on the lower series (like 600 and 700 series). Also if anyone has some comparable price points on these systems trying to make sure I'm getting a good deal. Not multiple dealerships close to me with most brands, so only one show in town.

I haven't heard much about Snapper Pro before starting the research, but the price point seem excellent for the deck, engine and hyrdros. Worried that something else is missing in the equation given the pricing. Ferris and Snapper are the one area where I do have two dealers (both selling both units). One dealer seemed to talk the Snapper and Ferris both up as great machines. Where as the other dealer was leaning more towards the Ferris unit, and said that they don't sell much of the Snapper unless they get into the S200xt unit. This particular dealer has 3 dealerships and said they can't keep the IS700Z in stock during this mowing season.

The last thing I had read and again not sure the accuracy is that the Toro and Exmark are the same unit almost, but use a different deck (Ultracut vs Turbo Force)

*All prices pre-tax not OTD.

Mower	Model	Deck	Engine	Engine HP	Hydros	Warranty	Warranty Engine	Base Price
Ferris	IS700z	52inch ICD	FS691V	23	3400	4 years 500 hours	3 years	6000
Snapper PRO	150XT	52inch ICD	FX730V	24	5400	4 years 500 hours	3 Years	6400
Exmark	Pioneer S-Series	52inch UltraCut 3	FX691V	22	3100	4 years 500 hours		6600
Toro	Z Master 2000	52inch Turbo Force	FX691V	22	3400	4 years 500 hours		pending
Gravely	Pro 52	52inch	FS691V	23	3200	3 Years	3 Years	6300

 

[Ric]

I know that Gravely's are supposed to be great machines, although a little disappointed that the warranty is a little less than others. The Pro 152 bring the price up about 1k, but you get the FX engine and 3400 series Hydros. I'm not sure if the Pro 52 has a true suspension seat or if that requires the Pro 152, the website wasn't clear and I forgot to ask.

I called late to the Toro shop (closing time before the holiday weekend) so couldn't get the final price on the 2000 series machine assuming its close to others. (I will update once I get it here)

Also looking for some feedback on over all ride, I know the Ferris has suspension, but looks like some other posters have called it a gimmick on the lower series (like 600 and 700 series). Also if anyone has some comparable price points on these systems trying to make sure I'm getting a good deal. Not multiple dealerships close to me with most brands, so only one show in town.

I haven't heard much about Snapper Pro before starting the research, but the price point seem excellent for the deck, engine and hyrdros. Worried that something else is missing in the equation given the pricing. Ferris and Snapper are the one area where I do have two dealers (both selling both units). One dealer seemed to talk the Snapper and Ferris both up as great machines. Where as the other dealer was leaning more towards the Ferris unit, and said that they don't sell much of the Snapper unless they get into the S200xt unit. This particular dealer has 3 dealerships and said they can't keep the IS700Z in stock during this mowing season.

The last thing I had read and again not sure the accuracy is that the Toro and Exmark are the same unit almost, but use a different deck (Ultracut vs Turbo Force)

I think if I were you I'd check around the area and talk to some professional lawncare outfits and get there opinions as well as opinions from here, see what there using and buy what they say if you want a good mower. I personally don't see the pros here using Gravely, Ferris or Snapper mowers. The businesses here are using Exmark Toro and Scag and a few Hustlers. Toro purchased Exmark in 1996 I believe that date is right so they have been making the Exmark for a while that's the reason for the similarity in mowers with the only real differences being the decks, the Turbo Force being the best cutting deck between the two. AS far as the Gravely, Ferris and Snapper goes, they never made much headway in the commercial market. So that in itself told me to forget them when I was buying.
As far as the FS vs the FX engine both are used on commercial machines and are both great engines, you wont go wrong with either one.

 

[Vanousb]

All the mowers on the list are solid. I just purchased a pioneer s-series. Looked at 52 and 60 inch. Decided to go with the 60 inch cut. Larger tires, more engine 27 hp, better deck, 7 gal gas tank, little more torque, etc. I feel enough upgrades for the difference in cost to me. But to each there own. Pioneer S-Series is all most (and for some it is considered) commercial. I felt the Exmark was the best ride of all listed. Have not been disappointed. Mow 3 acres with plans to mow more for a long time.

 

[Nwatson99]

Get you a JD, heck you being in Il they are everywhere and not hard to find.

 

[edd]

based on specs the snapper pro is the hands down winner.......was quoted 6150 from SLE in nashville......5400 transmission is what they put on the gravely 460 and scag turf tiger......snapper pro offers about 8 different engine choices

 

[captain ron]

Vanousb -

Just curious what did you get out the door for on your Exmark? Did you get the Kawasaki engine or the Kohler? I see they have rebate on the Kohler 60" Pioneer S series $500 off and a free suspension seat upgrade.

They list the engine as the Kohler ZX740 V Twin in the book I have from the dealer, but I can't seem to match that up to any engine on the Kohler site.

 

[Vanousb]

Vanousb -

Just curious what did you get out the door for on your Exmark? Did you get the Kawasaki engine or the Kohler? I see they have rebate on the Kohler 60" Pioneer S series $500 off and a free suspension seat upgrade.

They list the engine as the Kohler ZX740 V Twin in the book I have from the dealer, but I can't seem to match that up to any engine on the Kohler site.

Out the door at 6999 for Pioneer S-Series 60 inch. I got the CV740-3138 Kohler 27 hp motor. The 500 rebate will apply to all the Pioneer E and S series mowers, BUT the seat only comes on a certain model 60 inch model. The model number has "SS" at the end (Model PNS740KC604SS). Based on the engine hours. My dealer told me I could get one, but the engine for the seat we a 500 hour engine model. I choose model with engine that gave 1800 hour engine. If you look you will find varied ending number after the CV740... CV740-0008, CV740-0017, etc. Mine is CV740-3138 725cc. Believe that is what he was referring to. Still got 500 rebate, better model of engine at (1800 hours). Mine came with "comfort suspension seat". Rides better than others I tried out (Gravely, bad boy, dixie). Would still like to try out full suspension seat though.

 

[djdicetn]

Hi All -

I know that Gravely's are supposed to be great machines, although a little disappointed that the warranty is a little less than others. The Pro 152 bring the price up about 1k, but you get the FX engine and 3400 series Hydros. I'm not sure if the Pro 52 has a true suspension seat or if that requires the Pro 152, the website wasn't clear and I forgot to ask.


[/table]

You are correct...the Pro-Turn 52 has the upgraded seat with isolators and dampeners and the Pro-Turn 152 has the full suspension seat. I would recommend the upgrade to the 152, not simply because I own one but because of the 7gauge X-Factor deck and other improvements(including what you listed). Of the other mowers you listed the Gravely Pro-Turn 152 would be comparable to the Toro Z-Master, but really more in line with the 3000 series. In regard to riding comfort, you are better off looking for a full suspension seat rather than the ZTR "suspension". I was lucky enough to get a great deal on my 2012 Pro-Turn152($6,800 OTD) but I wouldn't trade it for ANY of the other ZTR's you listed.

 

[Vanousb]

And survey says.... each has their own preferences. All good.

 

[captain ron]

You are correct...the Pro-Turn 52 has the upgraded seat with isolators and dampeners and the Pro-Turn 152 has the full suspension seat. I would recommend the upgrade to the 152, not simply because I own one but because of the 7gauge X-Factor deck and other improvements(including what you listed). Of the other mowers you listed the Gravely Pro-Turn 152 would be comparable to the Toro Z-Master, but really more in line with the 3000 series. In regard to riding comfort, you are better off looking for a full suspension seat rather than the ZTR "suspension". I was lucky enough to get a great deal on my 2012 Pro-Turn152($6,800 OTD) but I wouldn't trade it for ANY of the other ZTR's you listed.

Thanks for the feedback Djdicetn - Gravely doesn't specifically call out there deck on the website, does the pro-turn 52 have a x-factor deck as well...its just the gauge on the Pro-152 is thicker? That's a great price I could see why you went that way, from the website that directs you to the dealer site it shows that unit closer to $7,500 sales price with MSRP in the 8k range. I have not spoke to the dealer about that unit to see if that is the actual price point they are selling at, so will have to see where they are. I would agree from a pricing perspective that unit starts to kick into the next class of units from all the manufactures I listed: like a Toro 3000, Exmark Lazer Z, Ferris 2100. This is the feedback I was looking for from real users to say hey for a couple hundred more this is well worth and here's why. I'm hoping to get there to do some test drives this week, so I'll report back as I continue the selection process