Thanks Mark
Planning to visit Ferris dealer this week for look at 2100... Kubota Z700 and Snapper Pro s150xt next choices
I am currently running a 48" s150xt. I mow 4.2 acres with it, and it's a great mower. The is2100 and the s150xt are very similar. The frame and controls are the same. The main differences are the different drive train options, different deck size options, and of course the suspension offered on the is2100. The is2100 would probably be the mower I would purchase if I could afford one. The kubota z726 is another great mower, and my favorite of the kubota line. All are high end commercial mowers with heavy duty decks that leave a great cut.
The best ride of the three would be the is2100 by far. It has the new commercial zt4400 hydros with top of the line kawasaki fx series or briggs & Stratton vanguard engine options. Price should be in the $9k to $10k range.
The s150xt will be the most affordable and has the largest heavy duty commercial hydros (zt5400) offered in hydrogear's line with the fx series Kawasaki or vanguard engine options. Solid built mower that offers more bang for your buck than most of the other mowers out there. Price should be in the $7k range. If you want to step up to the s200xt you can get a 61" deck with the big block 36hp vanguard in the $8500 price range.
The kubota z726 is one of their newest ztr mower models. Also offered with the fx series Kawasaki engine. Comes with parker pumps rather than the hydrogear transmission offered on the other brands. One great quality about kubota is dealer support. No matter where you go in the U.S. You should be able to find a kubota dealer. Price should be in the $8k to $9k range.
I am a big fan of all three brands you are looking into. I don't know if you have looked at other brands and narrowed it down to those three, but if you haven't I would suggest kicking the tires on every brand available in your area. Get a feel for the dealers and see if they will let you demo their mowers. Every brand offers similar drive train options with commercial decks, but each offer different extra features that you may like over other brands.
If you are only mowing 2 or 3 acres you don't have to purchase an $8k mower to get a mower that can handle your lawn with ease. You can get a well built mower in the $4k to $5k range that will last you a very long time if you take care of it.
