Husqvarna MZT 52 or Ferris IS700Z

[tom-ky]

Seeing some decent pricing this fall on these. I have driven the MZ and a older Ferris, never got to cut with either. Any thoughts?

 

[djdicetn]

Seeing some decent pricing this fall on these. I have driven the MZ and a older Ferris, never got to cut with either. Any thoughts?

Personally, I would choose the M-ZT 52 hands down.

 

[tom-ky]

Personally, I would choose the M-ZT 52 hands down.

Curious as for what reason? The mower I got to use and the MZT have rigid front wheels, no float in the axle. I saw a front wheel leave the ground a lot, thought a axle with suspension at one that al least pivots would be better. I like the thought of a smoother ride.

 

[djdicetn]

Curious as for what reason? The mower I got to use and the MZT have rigid front wheels, no float in the axle. I saw a front wheel leave the ground a lot, thought a axle with suspension at one that al least pivots would be better. I like the thought of a smoother ride.

Personally, I consider the suspension on the Ferris ZTR's, the massive rubber EZ-Ride systems on the top-of-the-line Bad Boy ZTR's and the Flex Fork attachment for the Hustler ZTR's to be more "gimmick" than "functional". They may "smooth" the ride out "slightly" on extremely rough terrain, but IMHO it is mostly a "placebo effect" just because you know the ZTR has "additional suspension". If the area you are mowing is rough enough for a noticable difference(if say you mowed the same area with a Husqvarna M-ZT 52 over the same area), then really you should consider a different machine than a ZTR for mowing that area(like a bushog & finishing deck on a real tractor). My Gravely commercial ZTR has "rigid front wheels" and I don't bounce around when I use it. My 1.5-2.0 acres is by no means "pasture" but has its somewhat rough/uneven areas. I focused more on machine durability, performance and longevity than I did "smooth ride" when I was looking. To me(again a personal opinion) I'm not going on a Sunday drive.....I'm mowing the yard. You won't find the bell & whistles suspension on the expensive top-of-the-line Kubota, John Deere, etc. tractors.....right???? My suggestion would be...don't mow at 9-10mph on a ZTR(slow down to 4-5mph which is still moving along) if the area is a little rough and you'll be fine.

 

[tom-ky]

Personally, I consider the suspension on the Ferris ZTR's, the massive rubber EZ-Ride systems on the top-of-the-line Bad Boy ZTR's and the Flex Fork attachment for the Hustler ZTR's to be more "gimmick" than "functional". They may "smooth" the ride out "slightly" on extremely rough terrain, but IMHO it is mostly a "placebo effect" just because you know the ZTR has "additional suspension". If the area you are mowing is rough enough for a noticable difference(if say you mowed the same area with a Husqvarna M-ZT 52 over the same area), then really you should consider a different machine than a ZTR for mowing that area(like a bushog & finishing deck on a real tractor). My Gravely commercial ZTR has "rigid front wheels" and I don't bounce around when I use it. My 1.5-2.0 acres is by no means "pasture" but has its somewhat rough/uneven areas. I focused more on machine durability, performance and longevity than I did "smooth ride" when I was looking. To me(again a personal opinion) I'm not going on a Sunday drive.....I'm mowing the yard. You won't find the bell & whistles suspension on the expensive top-of-the-line Kubota, John Deere, etc. tractors.....right???? My suggestion would be...don't mow at 9-10mph on a ZTR(slow down to 4-5mph which is still moving along) if the area is a little rough and you'll be fine.

Drove the MZT 52 yesterday, pretty nice and a decent seat. I think it would be ok for the amount I mow. They are asking $4675 plus tax, now I have to decide if I want to make payments this winter or pay more next year.

 

[tom-ky]

Dealer also has a PZT 54 left over from last year, normally $7700 asking $5800, not much different from the MZT 52 but more money and a Kawasaki engine.

 

[djdicetn]

Dealer also has a PZT 54 left over from last year, normally $7700 asking $5800, not much different from the MZT 52 but more money and a Kawasaki engine.

That's a decision($1,125 more) that you will have to decide is worth it. The "notable" differences I see bertween the two ZTR's(I believe the PZT is built on the Dixon DX100 Commercial ZTR platform) is:

Engines: MZT-B & S / PZT-Kawasaki FX Commercial(much better engine).
Gas Tanks" MZT-5Gal / PZT-11Gal(you'll be filling up a lot less often).
Deck material: MZT-11Gauge /PZT-10Gauge(heavier built deck)
Height Settings: MZT-1.5"-4.5"(12 settings) / PZT-1.5"-5.5"(17 settings)-The PZT a little more versatile there.
Warranty: MZT-1Yr Commercial / PZT-2Yr Commercial(shows that PZT is more "Commercial").
Seat: MZT-Regular / PZT-Premium(more comfortable?-demo will tell).
Weight: MZT-760lbs / PZT-1070lbs(again, PZT's additional 310lbs indicates heavier commercial build).

Bottom line, though, is like I said....are those differences worth the extra money for you?????