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Unprepared Dad
#1
P
Pine Rider
P
Pine Rider
Greetings Y'all from Southwest Mississippi ! I'm a new member, but have been " lurking" for some time as I researched ZTRs for my next purchase. The level of knowledge and helpfulness on this forum is outstanding.
So, why am I looking for a new mower? Well, it's been my son's job to cut the grass. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement. He got to sleep inside and be fed and watered regularly and I had more time to do the things his mama told me to do. Coincidentally, the pay was the same for me. However, it never bothered me how long it took him to cut it or how comfortable he was doing it. His moving off to college has forced me to reevaluate my attitude towards such matters.
I have about 6 acres of the toughest, obstinate, contrary Bahia grass in Ms to cut. Around here we call it Mother-In-Law grass. Some of it is reclaimed horse pasture, there are some ditch/drainage areas and a couple of small areas with some nice centipede grass. There are areas that I bush hog (brush hog for my northern brothers) once a month instead of mow just to be able to keep up.
Currently I have a Land Pride Z52 Razor with a 20HP Honda. It's been a a tough dependable mower, but much like the summer heat, it's rough on a fat boy. I'm researching mowers in an effort to make an informed decision. I've narrowed my choices down to Ferris and Hustler. ExMark would have been in the mix if the local dealer kept a selection on hand. I compared the Hustler Fastrak SD 60" with a Kaw FX 730 and the Ferris IS. 700Z. I was prepared to go with the Ferris ($7300 + tax) over the Hustler SD ($6800 + tax) when another Hustler dealer threw a Super Z, 60", Kaw FX 850 at me for $8190 + tax. The Super Z is a demo with 9 hours on the clock. Comes with full warranty, initial service and a new set of blades (old ones thrown in). Looking at the S/N 13090015, it appears to have been manufactured Sept 13. I don't think the dealer had any other Super Zs or Super Z HDs. In my area, most residential customers stay with a 54" or below deck primarily because of trailer widths. Commercial guys have the trailer size but most run JD, Scag and ExMark. So he may be having trouble moving the higher end 60" Hustler models. Another example is his prices on the Hustler X-One. The 54" is $8800 and the 60" is $8200, same Kaw FX 850 engine. Would the FBI call that a clue? Maybe there's room for more movement on the price as time passes? Or am I taking a chance of missing a good deal?
So, I'm interested in any advice, thoughts, questions or opinions. I'm sure I left something pertinent out.
Thanks for the opportunity to be apart of this forum and for all the support you guys give.
So, why am I looking for a new mower? Well, it's been my son's job to cut the grass. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement. He got to sleep inside and be fed and watered regularly and I had more time to do the things his mama told me to do. Coincidentally, the pay was the same for me. However, it never bothered me how long it took him to cut it or how comfortable he was doing it. His moving off to college has forced me to reevaluate my attitude towards such matters.
I have about 6 acres of the toughest, obstinate, contrary Bahia grass in Ms to cut. Around here we call it Mother-In-Law grass. Some of it is reclaimed horse pasture, there are some ditch/drainage areas and a couple of small areas with some nice centipede grass. There are areas that I bush hog (brush hog for my northern brothers) once a month instead of mow just to be able to keep up.
Currently I have a Land Pride Z52 Razor with a 20HP Honda. It's been a a tough dependable mower, but much like the summer heat, it's rough on a fat boy. I'm researching mowers in an effort to make an informed decision. I've narrowed my choices down to Ferris and Hustler. ExMark would have been in the mix if the local dealer kept a selection on hand. I compared the Hustler Fastrak SD 60" with a Kaw FX 730 and the Ferris IS. 700Z. I was prepared to go with the Ferris ($7300 + tax) over the Hustler SD ($6800 + tax) when another Hustler dealer threw a Super Z, 60", Kaw FX 850 at me for $8190 + tax. The Super Z is a demo with 9 hours on the clock. Comes with full warranty, initial service and a new set of blades (old ones thrown in). Looking at the S/N 13090015, it appears to have been manufactured Sept 13. I don't think the dealer had any other Super Zs or Super Z HDs. In my area, most residential customers stay with a 54" or below deck primarily because of trailer widths. Commercial guys have the trailer size but most run JD, Scag and ExMark. So he may be having trouble moving the higher end 60" Hustler models. Another example is his prices on the Hustler X-One. The 54" is $8800 and the 60" is $8200, same Kaw FX 850 engine. Would the FBI call that a clue? Maybe there's room for more movement on the price as time passes? Or am I taking a chance of missing a good deal?
So, I'm interested in any advice, thoughts, questions or opinions. I'm sure I left something pertinent out.
Thanks for the opportunity to be apart of this forum and for all the support you guys give.
#2
Briana
Briana
Welcome to LawnWorld!
We moved your thread to the Mower & Equipment Buying & Pricing forum.
We moved your thread to the Mower & Equipment Buying & Pricing forum.
#3
S
Shughes717
Hello unprepared dad, I must say you have good taste in mowers. I am a big fan of ferris and hustler. I would agree with going for the is700 over the fast track, but the hustler super z is one of the best mowers out there IMO. I rank the is 2100 in the same ball park. That is a great price for the super z. When you negotiate make sure you get them to throw in the flex forks and the suspension seat. May be standard equipment on that model, but definitely make sure they are on there. I would also get them to let you demo the mower on your property to make sure it's the one you want. You are on the right track with the fx series Kawi. Great engine.
S
Shughes717
Greetings Y'all from Southwest Mississippi ! I'm a new member, but have been " lurking" for some time as I researched ZTRs for my next purchase. The level of knowledge and helpfulness on this forum is outstanding.
So, why am I looking for a new mower? Well, it's been my son's job to cut the grass. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement. He got to sleep inside and be fed and watered regularly and I had more time to do the things his mama told me to do. Coincidentally, the pay was the same for me. However, it never bothered me how long it took him to cut it or how comfortable he was doing it. His moving off to college has forced me to reevaluate my attitude towards such matters.
I have about 6 acres of the toughest, obstinate, contrary Bahia grass in Ms to cut. Around here we call it Mother-In-Law grass. Some of it is reclaimed horse pasture, there are some ditch/drainage areas and a couple of small areas with some nice centipede grass. There are areas that I bush hog (brush hog for my northern brothers) once a month instead of mow just to be able to keep up.
Currently I have a Land Pride Z52 Razor with a 20HP Honda. It's been a a tough dependable mower, but much like the summer heat, it's rough on a fat boy. I'm researching mowers in an effort to make an informed decision. I've narrowed my choices down to Ferris and Hustler. ExMark would have been in the mix if the local dealer kept a selection on hand. I compared the Hustler Fastrak SD 60" with a Kaw FX 730 and the Ferris IS. 700Z. I was prepared to go with the Ferris ($7300 + tax) over the Hustler SD ($6800 + tax) when another Hustler dealer threw a Super Z, 60", Kaw FX 850 at me for $8190 + tax. The Super Z is a demo with 9 hours on the clock. Comes with full warranty, initial service and a new set of blades (old ones thrown in). Looking at the S/N 13090015, it appears to have been manufactured Sept 13. I don't think the dealer had any other Super Zs or Super Z HDs. In my area, most residential customers stay with a 54" or below deck primarily because of trailer widths. Commercial guys have the trailer size but most run JD, Scag and ExMark. So he may be having trouble moving the higher end 60" Hustler models. Another example is his prices on the Hustler X-One. The 54" is $8800 and the 60" is $8200, same Kaw FX 850 engine. Would the FBI call that a clue? Maybe there's room for more movement on the price as time passes? Or am I taking a chance of missing a good deal?
So, I'm interested in any advice, thoughts, questions or opinions. I'm sure I left something pertinent out.
Thanks for the opportunity to be apart of this forum and for all the support you guys give.
Hello unprepared dad, I must say you have good taste in mowers. I am a big fan of ferris and hustler. I would agree with going for the is700 over the fast track, but the hustler super z is one of the best mowers out there IMO. I rank the is 2100 in the same ball park. That is a great price for the super z. When you negotiate make sure you get them to throw in the flex forks and the suspension seat. May be standard equipment on that model, but definitely make sure they are on there. I would also get them to let you demo the mower on your property to make sure it's the one you want. You are on the right track with the fx series Kawi. Great engine.
#4
DSepe
DSepe
For your needs I would check out the Ferris 2100z. Sounds like you might need it. I like the Hustler Super Z price also. Those dealers are crazy on the 700Z price I could of got it for 6900 OTD Kawasaki 61"...but could be a regional thing since your in Mississippi and I am in Ohio.
#5
S
Shughes717
I agree that the is2100 would be my first choice as well. It would be hard to pass on the super z at that price.
S
Shughes717
For your needs I would check out the Ferris 2100z. Sounds like you might need it. I like the Hustler Super Z price also. Those dealers are crazy on the 700Z price I could of got it for 6900 OTD...but could be a regional thing since your in Mississippi and I am in Ohio.
I agree that the is2100 would be my first choice as well. It would be hard to pass on the super z at that price.
#6
P
Pine Rider
Thanks, Shughes717 for the advice. The suspension seat is standard, but the Flex Forks are not. My thinking was to give the seat a try before adding the FFs. Hopefully, it will suffice. The dealer isn't pushing them and said they can cause problems by dipping the deck on stops. A small change in technique would probably cure that.
The demo on the enemy's turf (pun intended) is a good idea and can, most likely, be arranged.
I'll let you know what happens. Thanks again.
P
Pine Rider
Hello unprepared dad, I must say you have good taste in mowers. I am a big fan of ferris and hustler. I would agree with going for the is700 over the fast track, but the hustler super z is one of the best mowers out there IMO. I rank the is 2100 in the same ball park. That is a great price for the super z. When you negotiate make sure you get them to throw in the flex forks and the suspension seat. May be standard equipment on that model, but definitely make sure they are on there. I would also get them to let you demo the mower on your property to make sure it's the one you want. You are on the right track with the fx series Kawi. Great engine.
Thanks, Shughes717 for the advice. The suspension seat is standard, but the Flex Forks are not. My thinking was to give the seat a try before adding the FFs. Hopefully, it will suffice. The dealer isn't pushing them and said they can cause problems by dipping the deck on stops. A small change in technique would probably cure that.
The demo on the enemy's turf (pun intended) is a good idea and can, most likely, be arranged.
I'll let you know what happens. Thanks again.
#8
S
Shughes717
Dipping shouldn't be a problem with anti scalping wheels. My buddy has them on his x one and says they make a difference with the ride. He has no issues with the deck dipping.
S
Shughes717
Thanks, Shughes717 for the advice. The suspension seat is standard, but the Flex Forks are not. My thinking was to give the seat a try before adding the FFs. Hopefully, it will suffice. The dealer isn't pushing them and said they can cause problems by dipping the deck on stops. A small change in technique would probably cure that.
The demo on the enemy's turf (pun intended) is a good idea and can, most likely, be arranged.
I'll let you know what happens. Thanks again.
Dipping shouldn't be a problem with anti scalping wheels. My buddy has them on his x one and says they make a difference with the ride. He has no issues with the deck dipping.
#9
P
Pine Rider
The dealer said the 2100z is 1700 more than the 700z. So around 9000 + tax. I'm not sure what engine is on the 2100z in stock, but the 700z has the B&S 810cc Vanguard. You're right, the prices may be a regional issue. I've checked other dealers and they are a couple of hundred higher. I stopped by one "dealership" (co-op that carries Ferris) and they had a 2000z for 9200 + tax. Yes, a 2000z.
The Super Z is more than I wanted to spend, but if it's a good deal and if will last me many years, then I can justify the cost. Thanks, DSepe.
P.S. In Mississippi, we pronounce Ohio, I O W A. Different regional dialects, I suppose.
P
Pine Rider
For your needs I would check out the Ferris 2100z. Sounds like you might need it. I like the Hustler Super Z price also. Those dealers are crazy on the 700Z price I could of got it for 6900 OTD Kawasaki 61"...but could be a regional thing since your in Mississippi and I am in Ohio.
The dealer said the 2100z is 1700 more than the 700z. So around 9000 + tax. I'm not sure what engine is on the 2100z in stock, but the 700z has the B&S 810cc Vanguard. You're right, the prices may be a regional issue. I've checked other dealers and they are a couple of hundred higher. I stopped by one "dealership" (co-op that carries Ferris) and they had a 2000z for 9200 + tax. Yes, a 2000z.
The Super Z is more than I wanted to spend, but if it's a good deal and if will last me many years, then I can justify the cost. Thanks, DSepe.
P.S. In Mississippi, we pronounce Ohio, I O W A. Different regional dialects, I suppose.
#10
P
Pine Rider
Good to know. Thanks. Do you know if your friend also has the rear anti scalp wheels? I think they are an option?
P
Pine Rider
Dipping shouldn't be a problem with anti scalping wheels. My buddy has them on his x one and says they make a difference with the ride. He has no issues with the deck dipping.
Good to know. Thanks. Do you know if your friend also has the rear anti scalp wheels? I think they are an option?
#11
DSepe
DSepe
I have dealer pricing on Ferris for the state of Kansas. I took a lot of digging but I know exactly how much the dealers pay and make off these machines. If your interested I'll see what the IS700z and 2100z cost them and post it. Shipping cost is most likely the biggest difference. Neat fact about pronunciation lol. The super z is looking very tempting...should last you 1000's of hours.The dealer said the 2100z is 1700 more than the 700z. So around 9000 + tax. I'm not sure what engine is on the 2100z in stock, but the 700z has the B&S 810cc Vanguard. You're right, the prices may be a regional issue. I've checked other dealers and they are a couple of hundred higher. I stopped by one "dealership" (co-op that carries Ferris) and they had a 2000z for 9200 + tax. Yes, a 2000z. The Super Z is more than I wanted to spend, but if it's a good deal and if will last me many years, then I can justify the cost. Thanks, DSepe. P.S. In Mississippi, we pronounce Ohio, I O W A. Different regional dialects, I suppose.
#12
S
Shughes717
I believe he does, but honestly i havent paid attention. I dont on mine though. Not an issue unless you are mowing in reverse on uneven terrain. I had an Issue while striping up hill, but i corrected it after the first time i mowed with it. Does just fine without them, but if they are not expensive it may be worth getting them.
S
Shughes717
Good to know. Thanks. Do you know if your friend also has the rear anti scalp wheels? I think they are an option?
I believe he does, but honestly i havent paid attention. I dont on mine though. Not an issue unless you are mowing in reverse on uneven terrain. I had an Issue while striping up hill, but i corrected it after the first time i mowed with it. Does just fine without them, but if they are not expensive it may be worth getting them.
#13
S
Shughes717
S
Shughes717
I do know my buddy got the dealer to throw the flex forks in at no extra cost when he purchased the mower last year.
#14
P
Pine Rider
If you can post them, I would be interested in knowing. Is the dealer cost nation wide and the cost difference dealer to dealer or is dealer cost higher farther from Kansas (shipping cost, as you said)?
P
Pine Rider
I have dealer pricing on Ferris for the state of Kansas. I took a lot of digging but I know exactly how much the dealers pay and make off these machines. If your interested I'll see what the IS700z and 2100z cost them and post it. Shipping cost is most likely the biggest difference. Neat fact about pronunciation lol. The super z is looking very tempting...should last you 1000's of hours.
If you can post them, I would be interested in knowing. Is the dealer cost nation wide and the cost difference dealer to dealer or is dealer cost higher farther from Kansas (shipping cost, as you said)?
#15
P
Pine Rider
Mowers on up to clippers? Yeah, I have a 5 foot King Kutter I Bush hog with now. I haven't looked at the mowers yet. I do have a friend nearby that has one. It's worth a call to get his take. Thanks.
P
Pine Rider
I think with your description I would go to a Bush Hog dealer and look over the line.
Mowers on up to clippers? Yeah, I have a 5 foot King Kutter I Bush hog with now. I haven't looked at the mowers yet. I do have a friend nearby that has one. It's worth a call to get his take. Thanks.
#16
P
Pine Rider
I asked the dealer the price and he said around $250. I am interested in a more comfortable ride. I've got a bad disc in my lower back and a day on the tractor or mower can leave me bent over the next morning. I thought the combo of the suspension seat and FFs would make the most difference.
As for throwing them in on the deal, I dont know. He seems to have come off the mower price quite a bit. He said it lists for $9200. All he can do is say no, though.
P
Pine Rider
I believe he does, but honestly i havent paid attention. I dont on mine though. Not an issue unless you are mowing in reverse on uneven terrain. I had an Issue while striping up hill, but i corrected it after the first time i mowed with it. Does just fine without them, but if they are not expensive it may be worth getting them.
I asked the dealer the price and he said around $250. I am interested in a more comfortable ride. I've got a bad disc in my lower back and a day on the tractor or mower can leave me bent over the next morning. I thought the combo of the suspension seat and FFs would make the most difference.
As for throwing them in on the deal, I dont know. He seems to have come off the mower price quite a bit. He said it lists for $9200. All he can do is say no, though.
#17
DSepe
IS600z 48" Commercial turf Briggs Dealer $4398.17 Suggested retail $5299
IS600z Kawasaki 48" Dealer $4564.17
Suggested retail $5499
IS700z 52" Comm turf Briggs
Dealer $4979 suggested retail $5999
IS700z 61" Vanguard Briggs
Dealer $6058 suggested $7299
IS700z 61" Kawasaki FS730V
Dealer $5809 suggested $6999
IS2100z 52" Vanguard
Dealer $6971 suggested retail $8399
IS2100z 61" Vanguard
Dealer $7469 suggested retail $8999
DSepe
I have the excel sheet I could post later but since I'm mobile I'll post a few. In Ohio I got the IS600z Kawasaki for $5250 the dealer freighted it in for $150 since he didn't have one on hand. He told me he would make $500 off the sale...based on my calculations $536 to be exact lol. So I'd say more or less this is the nationwide average. I just happened to find the Kansas spreadsheet. Don't let the dealers fool you into thinking they have the lowest possible price...most of them stick to retail. I had 2 dealers quote me $5800 for the Kawa IS600z...yikes!! Not even retail lol just based on demand.If you can post them, I would be interested in knowing. Is the dealer cost nation wide and the cost difference dealer to dealer or is dealer cost higher farther from Kansas (shipping cost, as you said)?
IS600z 48" Commercial turf Briggs Dealer $4398.17 Suggested retail $5299
IS600z Kawasaki 48" Dealer $4564.17
Suggested retail $5499
IS700z 52" Comm turf Briggs
Dealer $4979 suggested retail $5999
IS700z 61" Vanguard Briggs
Dealer $6058 suggested $7299
IS700z 61" Kawasaki FS730V
Dealer $5809 suggested $6999
IS2100z 52" Vanguard
Dealer $6971 suggested retail $8399
IS2100z 61" Vanguard
Dealer $7469 suggested retail $8999
#18
DSepe
DSepe
Yep looks like they went full retail on the IS700z and 2100z price you stated earlier. Ferris will hate me for knowing Dealer pricing...should be locked up tight but this little spreadsheet found the internet.
#19
S
Shughes717
The most comcortable ride would be an is2100 with a suspension seat. Going to cost you, but that is my dream mower.
S
Shughes717
I asked the dealer the price and he said around $250. I am interested in a more comfortable ride. I've got a bad disc in my lower back and a day on the tractor or mower can leave me bent over the next morning. I thought the combo of the suspension seat and FFs would make the most difference.
As for throwing them in on the deal, I dont know. He seems to have come off the mower price quite a bit. He said it lists for $9200. All he can do is say no, though.
The most comcortable ride would be an is2100 with a suspension seat. Going to cost you, but that is my dream mower.
#20
P
Pine Rider
You, sir, are a wealth of information! That does line up very well with what I was quoted. As they say, "Knowledge is power." You should post that list in a new thread to the Ferris forum as a public service.
It's probably too early in the year to offer the Ferris dealer the same money on the 2100z as the Hustler dealer wants for the Super Z, ($8190). That would be sweet if he took it. I may be mired in a classic "bird in the hand" situation.
It's a shame I'm in Florida looking at waves and bikinis when I should be back home checking out mowers! Oh, the humanity!!!
P
Pine Rider
Yep looks like they went full retail on the IS700z and 2100z price you stated earlier. Ferris will hate me for knowing Dealer pricing...should be locked up tight but this little spreadsheet found the internet.
You, sir, are a wealth of information! That does line up very well with what I was quoted. As they say, "Knowledge is power." You should post that list in a new thread to the Ferris forum as a public service.
It's probably too early in the year to offer the Ferris dealer the same money on the 2100z as the Hustler dealer wants for the Super Z, ($8190). That would be sweet if he took it. I may be mired in a classic "bird in the hand" situation.
It's a shame I'm in Florida looking at waves and bikinis when I should be back home checking out mowers! Oh, the humanity!!!
#21
S
Shughes717
The super z is a fine choice as well. It is a very close second on my mower wish list.
S
Shughes717
You, sir, are a wealth of information! That does line up very well with what I was quoted. As they say, "Knowledge is power." You should post that list in a new thread to the Ferris forum as a public service.
It's probably too early in the year to offer the Ferris dealer the same money on the 2100z as the Hustler dealer wants for the Super Z, ($8190). That would be sweet if he took it. I may be mired in a classic "bird in the hand" situation.
It's a shame I'm in Florida looking at waves and bikinis when I should be back home checking out mowers! Oh, the humanity!!!
The super z is a fine choice as well. It is a very close second on my mower wish list.