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Suspension seat for ZT
#1
F
fox5flyer
F
fox5flyer
My current ZT mower is a Husqvarna MZ5225ZT with about 70 hours on it and still like new. It replaced my previous Husqvarna commercial 18/48 that I used for about 15 years with no problems, but traded up because I had a buyer for the old one and got a good deal on the new one. I have a lot of lawn and an airstrip. My problem is that this new mower is way way faster than the older unit and that speed is showing up with a much rougher ride when I hit the bumpy stuff. If I keep going on the way I am I'm certain I'll be having some serious disc problems in my back before long. At 70 years old, I'm surprised I don't already.
Now, with that intro, I'm considering either selling the Husky and buy something like a Ferris IS700z to take advantage of the suspension, or go the cheap way, keep my Husky and add a suspension seat. Norther tool sells a Michigan V5300 that isn't cheap, but appears to be a simple install and it may be money well spent rather than to shell out the big bucks for a new mower and have to sell the old(new) one. The downside is that the mower still rides rough, but the seat supposedly (maybe) soaks it up. With the Ferris, the whole mower rides smooth.
Does anyone have any constructive advice for me regarding this? Anyone with direct experience with this particular seat or maybe different brand or model? I hate to install one to find out it doesn't really help much. I know, I could just slow down, but that isn't in my genetic makeup. Can't do it. Any and all input will be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Deke
NE Michigan
Now, with that intro, I'm considering either selling the Husky and buy something like a Ferris IS700z to take advantage of the suspension, or go the cheap way, keep my Husky and add a suspension seat. Norther tool sells a Michigan V5300 that isn't cheap, but appears to be a simple install and it may be money well spent rather than to shell out the big bucks for a new mower and have to sell the old(new) one. The downside is that the mower still rides rough, but the seat supposedly (maybe) soaks it up. With the Ferris, the whole mower rides smooth.
Does anyone have any constructive advice for me regarding this? Anyone with direct experience with this particular seat or maybe different brand or model? I hate to install one to find out it doesn't really help much. I know, I could just slow down, but that isn't in my genetic makeup. Can't do it. Any and all input will be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Deke
NE Michigan
#2
gfp55
gfp55
You might try lowering the air pressure in your tires some, helps with rough ground. I can't help you with seat thing.
#3
F
fox5flyer
Thanks. I've already lowered the air as much as I dare. Didn't really make a noticeable difference. I'm running out of options. Either a suspension seat or sell the mower and buy something different. If I knew the suspension seat would make a reasonable difference I would go with it in a heartbeat.
Deke
F
fox5flyer
You might try lowering the air pressure in your tires some, helps with rough ground. I can't help you with seat thing.
Thanks. I've already lowered the air as much as I dare. Didn't really make a noticeable difference. I'm running out of options. Either a suspension seat or sell the mower and buy something different. If I knew the suspension seat would make a reasonable difference I would go with it in a heartbeat.
Deke
#4
gfp55
There are some people on this forum that know way more about Zero turns then me. Maybe you should search this forum for something thats called flex forks or something like that that you put on the replace the front wheel mounts. I'll try to find more info on them or find someone that knows more about them then me. Now as for the seat you will get a much better ride with a suspension seat, thats why big rig truckers use them. I go find some more info on the forks and get back to you, OK
gfp55
Thanks. I've already lowered the air as much as I dare. Didn't really make a noticeable difference. I'm running out of options. Either a suspension seat or sell the mower and buy something different. If I knew the suspension seat would make a reasonable difference I would go with it in a heartbeat.
Deke
There are some people on this forum that know way more about Zero turns then me. Maybe you should search this forum for something thats called flex forks or something like that that you put on the replace the front wheel mounts. I'll try to find more info on them or find someone that knows more about them then me. Now as for the seat you will get a much better ride with a suspension seat, thats why big rig truckers use them. I go find some more info on the forks and get back to you, OK
#5
F
fox5flyer
Hey, thanks for the input. It all helps. If I can improve the comfort level without spending a fortune on buying a new machine, I would prefer that. It seems that the more popular the ZTs become, the more the price goes up. I guess that's simple "supply and demand" business. I look forward to anything you can find that will make a difference. Meanwhile, I'll search "flex forks".
Deke
F
fox5flyer
There are some people on this forum that know way more about Zero turns then me. Maybe you should search this forum for something thats called flex forks or something like that that you put on the replace the front wheel mounts. I'll try to find more info on them or find someone that knows more about them then me. Now as for the seat you will get a much better ride with a suspension seat, thats why big rig truckers use them. I go find some more info on the forks and get back to you, OK
Hey, thanks for the input. It all helps. If I can improve the comfort level without spending a fortune on buying a new machine, I would prefer that. It seems that the more popular the ZTs become, the more the price goes up. I guess that's simple "supply and demand" business. I look forward to anything you can find that will make a difference. Meanwhile, I'll search "flex forks".
Deke
#6
Carscw
Carscw
I say just slow down and enjoy the ride.
You can just upgrade the seat.
I was looking at a nice high back seat at tractor supply yesterday. It also has about 3 times the padding as most ztr seats.
I put it on the floor and sat in it for awhile
Not sure I want to spend $280 on a seat but it sure felt good.
I have not used flex forks. I have done a dew hours of research on them. I think they are fine for a homeowner with a flat yard. No steep hills.
But for me I mow to many hills I should not.
You can just upgrade the seat.
I was looking at a nice high back seat at tractor supply yesterday. It also has about 3 times the padding as most ztr seats.
I put it on the floor and sat in it for awhile
Not sure I want to spend $280 on a seat but it sure felt good.
I have not used flex forks. I have done a dew hours of research on them. I think they are fine for a homeowner with a flat yard. No steep hills.
But for me I mow to many hills I should not.
#7
Ric
Personally I'd go with the suspension seat. I view the Ferris and their shock system as nothing more than a gimmick and a waste of money and the reason I say that is because if that type of system actually worked as well as they claim why doesn't every manufacturer use it on there mowers in one way or another. As far as the flex forks go I believe Dixie Chopper has been using them for years on a couple of there models and they tend to wobble at certain speeds which can be most uncomfortable. Seat is the way to go IMO.
Ric
My current ZT mower is a Husqvarna MZ5225ZT with about 70 hours on it and still like new. It replaced my previous Husqvarna commercial 18/48 that I used for about 15 years with no problems, but traded up because I had a buyer for the old one and got a good deal on the new one. I have a lot of lawn and an airstrip. My problem is that this new mower is way way faster than the older unit and that speed is showing up with a much rougher ride when I hit the bumpy stuff. If I keep going on the way I am I'm certain I'll be having some serious disc problems in my back before long. At 70 years old, I'm surprised I don't already.
Now, with that intro, I'm considering either selling the Husky and buy something like a Ferris IS700z to take advantage of the suspension, or go the cheap way, keep my Husky and add a suspension seat. Norther tool sells a Michigan V5300 that isn't cheap, but appears to be a simple install and it may be money well spent rather than to shell out the big bucks for a new mower and have to sell the old(new) one. The downside is that the mower still rides rough, but the seat supposedly (maybe) soaks it up. With the Ferris, the whole mower rides smooth.
Does anyone have any constructive advice for me regarding this? Anyone with direct experience with this particular seat or maybe different brand or model? I hate to install one to find out it doesn't really help much. I know, I could just slow down, but that isn't in my genetic makeup. Can't do it. Any and all input will be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Deke
NE Michigan
Personally I'd go with the suspension seat. I view the Ferris and their shock system as nothing more than a gimmick and a waste of money and the reason I say that is because if that type of system actually worked as well as they claim why doesn't every manufacturer use it on there mowers in one way or another. As far as the flex forks go I believe Dixie Chopper has been using them for years on a couple of there models and they tend to wobble at certain speeds which can be most uncomfortable. Seat is the way to go IMO.
#8
gfp55
There you go fox5flyer I think you just got the best advice from two guys who know ZTs. I'm glad they posted so you get the low down on the flex forks and seat. I hope their advice will help you with the rough ride of your ZT. Keep us updated on things so others can learn also. Good Luck "But that's just me"
gfp55
Hey, thanks for the input. It all helps. If I can improve the comfort level without spending a fortune on buying a new machine, I would prefer that. It seems that the more popular the ZTs become, the more the price goes up. I guess that's simple "supply and demand" business. I look forward to anything you can find that will make a difference. Meanwhile, I'll search "flex forks".
Deke
There you go fox5flyer I think you just got the best advice from two guys who know ZTs. I'm glad they posted so you get the low down on the flex forks and seat. I hope their advice will help you with the rough ride of your ZT. Keep us updated on things so others can learn also. Good Luck "But that's just me"
#9
V
vaskeet
the answer is ferris had good patent lawyers
V
vaskeet
Personally I'd go with the suspension seat. I view the Ferris and their shock system as nothing more than a gimmick and a waste of money and the reason I say that is because if that type of system actually worked as well as they claim why doesn't every manufacturer use it on there mowers in one way or another. As far as the flex forks go I believe Dixie Chopper has been using them for years on a couple of there models and they tend to wobble at certain speeds which can be most uncomfortable. Seat is the way to go IMO.
the answer is ferris had good patent lawyers
#10
Nwatson99
Nwatson99
I would look into this thing, I read where a commercial mower put these on three of his machines and really likes them. ZTR Lawn Mower Replacement Seat - ZTR Puffer
If you are not interested in this, then I would definitely get a good suspension seat and they do help with a bad back, also I do not know what tires you have on the front, but I changed out my run flats for pneumatic tires and that really helped with the front end bunny hop you can get with the run flats.
If you are not interested in this, then I would definitely get a good suspension seat and they do help with a bad back, also I do not know what tires you have on the front, but I changed out my run flats for pneumatic tires and that really helped with the front end bunny hop you can get with the run flats.
#11
F
fox5flyer
Again, thanks for the input. It all helps.
First, I think one of the previous posters was correct about the reason other mowers don't use 4 wheel suspension. Patents. In my opinion, Ferris is selling faster than they can produce them and the suspension is the main reason. There are lots of us old farts out here with big lawns and need to save what is left of our crippled up backs. I have a local Ferris dealer here who told me he can't keep them in stock and sells at MSRP. Eventually, the patents will run out and I think we will see the other manufacturers start producing similar setups. Just my opinion only.
Now, the various suspension seats, kits, etc. I've come to the conclusion after spending beau coup hours searching and reading reviews, that both the Michigan and Puffer units have merit and will surely help. However, these are mostly band aid fixes and what is need is complete redesign of mowers. The reason is, I think, that we have mowers now that used to travel at speeds of around 5 mph which took the bumps without much problem, but now they are moving twice that speed which magnifies the severe shock and jarring directly to the spine of the rider. This equates to increased fatigue and latent injuries that will likely manifest themselves over time with back problems that can plague a person indefinitely.
I don't mean to make a speech, but it probably sounds like it. I still haven't decided whether to use the band aid or bite the bullet and upgrade to something with a better ride.
Meanwhile, I might keep bothering you folks until I get the answer I'm looking for, which at this time is unknown.
Thanks, again.
Deke
F
fox5flyer
I would look into this thing, I read where a commercial mower put these on three of his machines and really likes them. ZTR Lawn Mower Replacement Seat - ZTR Puffer
If you are not interested in this, then I would definitely get a good suspension seat and they do help with a bad back, also I do not know what tires you have on the front, but I changed out my run flats for pneumatic tires and that really helped with the front end bunny hop you can get with the run flats.
Again, thanks for the input. It all helps.
First, I think one of the previous posters was correct about the reason other mowers don't use 4 wheel suspension. Patents. In my opinion, Ferris is selling faster than they can produce them and the suspension is the main reason. There are lots of us old farts out here with big lawns and need to save what is left of our crippled up backs. I have a local Ferris dealer here who told me he can't keep them in stock and sells at MSRP. Eventually, the patents will run out and I think we will see the other manufacturers start producing similar setups. Just my opinion only.
Now, the various suspension seats, kits, etc. I've come to the conclusion after spending beau coup hours searching and reading reviews, that both the Michigan and Puffer units have merit and will surely help. However, these are mostly band aid fixes and what is need is complete redesign of mowers. The reason is, I think, that we have mowers now that used to travel at speeds of around 5 mph which took the bumps without much problem, but now they are moving twice that speed which magnifies the severe shock and jarring directly to the spine of the rider. This equates to increased fatigue and latent injuries that will likely manifest themselves over time with back problems that can plague a person indefinitely.
I don't mean to make a speech, but it probably sounds like it. I still haven't decided whether to use the band aid or bite the bullet and upgrade to something with a better ride.
Meanwhile, I might keep bothering you folks until I get the answer I'm looking for, which at this time is unknown.
Thanks, again.
Deke
#12
F
fox5flyer
I lowered all air pressures to 10psi which helped a tad, but not near enough. I even put a 4.10 tire under the seat (someone elses idea on this forum) which helped a bit too, but again, not near enough.
Well, since it is late in the year and not much mowing time left here in NE Michigan, after a lot of research and advice, I decided to order the Michigan V5300 suspension seat from Northern Tool. There were a lot of good things said about it, but I don't recall anyone saying anything bad about them. If I upgrade to a different mower, I can just keep the seat and install it on the new one. I'll give everyone a report once I'll tested it. I'll know right away if there is a significant difference.
Deke
NE Michigan
F
fox5flyer
Personally I'd go with the suspension seat. I view the Ferris and their shock system as nothing more than a gimmick and a waste of money and the reason I say that is because if that type of system actually worked as well as they claim why doesn't every manufacturer use it on there mowers in one way or another. As far as the flex forks go I believe Dixie Chopper has been using them for years on a couple of there models and they tend to wobble at certain speeds which can be most uncomfortable. Seat is the way to go IMO.
I lowered all air pressures to 10psi which helped a tad, but not near enough. I even put a 4.10 tire under the seat (someone elses idea on this forum) which helped a bit too, but again, not near enough.
Well, since it is late in the year and not much mowing time left here in NE Michigan, after a lot of research and advice, I decided to order the Michigan V5300 suspension seat from Northern Tool. There were a lot of good things said about it, but I don't recall anyone saying anything bad about them. If I upgrade to a different mower, I can just keep the seat and install it on the new one. I'll give everyone a report once I'll tested it. I'll know right away if there is a significant difference.
Deke
NE Michigan
#13
F
fox5flyer
Just a follow-up post regarding the suspension seat I bought. First off, it arrived in a box that appeared to have been dragged around a rodeo arena a dozen laps by a very pissed off Brahma bull. I mean, that box was huge with no internal packing and about 2 rolls of 2" packing tape that appeared to have been applied by the UPS driver. It was a mess! To be fair though, the seat is pretty robust and even as poorly as it was packed, it arrived in pretty good shape with nothing much to complain about. Install was fairly east other than I had to swap seat switches for things to work properly. That seat is heavy at close to 60 lbs. It has vertical suspension, adjustable lumbar support, and the seat back has about 30 degrees of adjustment.
After about 4 hours of mowing, mostly at full speed the seat isn't what I would call wonderful, but it's pretty damn good over what I had previously with a very noticeable difference in the ride. Bumps that previously knocked the wind out of me are now much less fatiguing. In a nutshell, for the price I think it was a good purchase and I would recommend it.
Deke from NE Michigan
F
fox5flyer
I lowered all air pressures to 10psi which helped a tad, but not near enough. I even put a 4.10 tire under the seat (someone elses idea on this forum) which helped a bit too, but again, not near enough.
Well, since it is late in the year and not much mowing time left here in NE Michigan, after a lot of research and advice, I decided to order the Michigan V5300 suspension seat from Northern Tool. There were a lot of good things said about it, but I don't recall anyone saying anything bad about them. If I upgrade to a different mower, I can just keep the seat and install it on the new one. I'll give everyone a report once I'll tested it. I'll know right away if there is a significant difference.
Deke
NE Michigan
Just a follow-up post regarding the suspension seat I bought. First off, it arrived in a box that appeared to have been dragged around a rodeo arena a dozen laps by a very pissed off Brahma bull. I mean, that box was huge with no internal packing and about 2 rolls of 2" packing tape that appeared to have been applied by the UPS driver. It was a mess! To be fair though, the seat is pretty robust and even as poorly as it was packed, it arrived in pretty good shape with nothing much to complain about. Install was fairly east other than I had to swap seat switches for things to work properly. That seat is heavy at close to 60 lbs. It has vertical suspension, adjustable lumbar support, and the seat back has about 30 degrees of adjustment.
After about 4 hours of mowing, mostly at full speed the seat isn't what I would call wonderful, but it's pretty damn good over what I had previously with a very noticeable difference in the ride. Bumps that previously knocked the wind out of me are now much less fatiguing. In a nutshell, for the price I think it was a good purchase and I would recommend it.
Deke from NE Michigan
#14
K
klg
K
klg
I bought a suspension seat for my Kubota z 724 off ebay for less than 160.00 dollars shipped, made a world of difference.
#15
F
fox5flyer
Just a followup to my previous followup. I've put several hours on the new seat and I'm glad I bought it. The improvement was immediately noticeable and now I don't feel the need to shell out thousands for a new Ferris. So, I'm happy with it.
Now, let me add this. Recently I received a request from Northern Tool to provide a feedback on the seat, which I did and I gave it a good one. However, just today I received a notice from Northern Tool that my feedback was rejected. Actually, I gave the seat a great feedback, but I also said that the packing was atrocious and described the condition of the box when it arrived . That was the part that they censored and told me that I would have to rewrite it and leave that part out. I was stunned. What more can I say.
F
fox5flyer
Just a follow-up post regarding the suspension seat I bought. First off, it arrived in a box that appeared to have been dragged around a rodeo arena a dozen laps by a very pissed off Brahma bull. I mean, that box was huge with no internal packing and about 2 rolls of 2" packing tape that appeared to have been applied by the UPS driver. It was a mess! To be fair though, the seat is pretty robust and even as poorly as it was packed, it arrived in pretty good shape with nothing much to complain about. Install was fairly east other than I had to swap seat switches for things to work properly. That seat is heavy at close to 60 lbs. It has vertical suspension, adjustable lumbar support, and the seat back has about 30 degrees of adjustment.
After about 4 hours of mowing, mostly at full speed the seat isn't what I would call wonderful, but it's pretty damn good over what I had previously with a very noticeable difference in the ride. Bumps that previously knocked the wind out of me are now much less fatiguing. In a nutshell, for the price I think it was a good purchase and I would recommend it.
Deke from NE Michigan
Just a followup to my previous followup. I've put several hours on the new seat and I'm glad I bought it. The improvement was immediately noticeable and now I don't feel the need to shell out thousands for a new Ferris. So, I'm happy with it.
Now, let me add this. Recently I received a request from Northern Tool to provide a feedback on the seat, which I did and I gave it a good one. However, just today I received a notice from Northern Tool that my feedback was rejected. Actually, I gave the seat a great feedback, but I also said that the packing was atrocious and described the condition of the box when it arrived . That was the part that they censored and told me that I would have to rewrite it and leave that part out. I was stunned. What more can I say.
#16
exotion
So much for honesty.... Asshats
exotion
Just a followup to my previous followup. I've put several hours on the new seat and I'm glad I bought it. The improvement was immediately noticeable and now I don't feel the need to shell out thousands for a new Ferris. So, I'm happy with it.
Now, let me add this. Recently I received a request from Northern Tool to provide a feedback on the seat, which I did and I gave it a good one. However, just today I received a notice from Northern Tool that my feedback was rejected. Actually, I gave the seat a great feedback, but I also said that the packing was atrocious and described the condition of the box when it arrived . That was the part that they censored and told me that I would have to rewrite it and leave that part out. I was stunned. What more can I say.
So much for honesty.... Asshats
#17
F
fox5flyer
It pretty much goes to say that the feedback that is given on Northern Tool is not to be taken very seriously. Total censorship IMO. Soooo, I resubmitted it and changed the subject line and a couple other things, but left the text the same to see if I could get it past the censors. They may have a key word search intended to flag any feedback that criticizes shipping.
Will let you know what happens.
Deke
NE Michigan
F
fox5flyer
Just a followup to my previous followup. I've put several hours on the new seat and I'm glad I bought it. The improvement was immediately noticeable and now I don't feel the need to shell out thousands for a new Ferris. So, I'm happy with it.
Now, let me add this. Recently I received a request from Northern Tool to provide a feedback on the seat, which I did and I gave it a good one. However, just today I received a notice from Northern Tool that my feedback was rejected. Actually, I gave the seat a great feedback, but I also said that the packing was atrocious and described the condition of the box when it arrived . That was the part that they censored and told me that I would have to rewrite it and leave that part out. I was stunned. What more can I say.
It pretty much goes to say that the feedback that is given on Northern Tool is not to be taken very seriously. Total censorship IMO. Soooo, I resubmitted it and changed the subject line and a couple other things, but left the text the same to see if I could get it past the censors. They may have a key word search intended to flag any feedback that criticizes shipping.
Will let you know what happens.
Deke
NE Michigan
#18
S
Srqcraig
I am needing a suspension seat for my new Kubota ZG227? Can I ask what seat you bought?
S
Srqcraig
I bought a suspension seat for my Kubota z 724 off ebay for less than 160.00 dollars shipped, made a world of difference.
I am needing a suspension seat for my new Kubota ZG227? Can I ask what seat you bought?