Very hard to beat a Ferris ride. Always had a Cub Cadet rider, when I switched to a zero turn I tried several makes. First test “ride” on a Ferris was sold. 4 yrs later, even more convinced.
In our fleet which is large we have found Hustler to be the most dependable zero turns. We have owned them all Xmark, Scag, Ferris and a few others and nothing done us a better job than Hustler. I know they have grown considerably in the last five years and you certainly see a lot more of them each year so many must feel the same as we do.
I've used a few brands but I've got to say, kubota mowers are really strong and good and ferris's suspension is just amazing. They are both the most comfortable mowers I've ever used.
Hey Néil, want to thank you on your review of zero turns. Started out with 48 inch ferris. Now have 61 inch 3100z. Wouldn't trade for any other brand. Mowing four acres with extra suspension helps.
After being a 6yr JD owner, jumped ship to kubota and picked up my first zero turn. Z251 with the 25hp kohler and 54in deck. Was also looking at a cub cadet ztx but kubota was having a finance offer I couldn't pass up.
I run Ferris commercially, with several lawn care helpers. I run the newer Ferris 800s with the improved front suspension, and of course the same famous ICD deck that you also get on the more expensive models from Ferris. You can really mow fast over rough ground and have a good cut (I am in central MN). Johnny Mow (on you tube) says from his 20 plus years in the commercial biz that the top 3 cutting decks for northern blue grass and fescue are XMark, Toro TurboForce, and the Ferris ICD deck. By the way, for very steep hills and banks, I use a John Deere X739 garden tractor, with 4 wheel drive and 4 wheel steer.
Dave Allen agreed, I think eXmarks ultracut leaves a nicer cut on manicured properties because it’s so tightly baffled. Ferris makes one hell of an all rounder though.
Been running a 72" Ferris 3200Z for several years. Zero problems. After test driving several ZTRs, one ride on the Ferris and I knew I didn't want anything else. Ride quality is head and shoulders above anything else I tried.
I have ran several different brands in my business. I have currently hustlers and will buy them again. They are the best bang for the buck in my opinion. Not overly complicated or alot of unnecessary parts items, easy to work on, built heavy duty. After 3 years of use with the hustlers by far they have so far held up better then say the exmark for example. The exmark the seat would start to tear or plastic parts were getting brittle or would fade incredibly bad (all my mowers are stored in a shop when not in use but I live in Georgia and it's hot here). Also mower support for the exmark around my area has started to fall off. Dealers are starting to dump them and go to another brand. Not sure why.
Any long term and frequent operator of commercial zero turns should consider the Ferris with it's patented suspension to save their backs. ExMark has come out with a seat suspension system that looks promising also.
I’ve been in the Lawncare industry for about 20 years. Had one of the original cub tanks. They were solid mowers with solid frames. I heard they had some problems with the hydraulic transmissions in the early days but I never experienced that. I would still buy another if in the market for a sit down zero turn. I think the mower had over 2500 hrs on it by the time we traded it. Hustler mowers always looked cheap to me and was never impressed by the build quality. With that said many companies run them. I am currently running scag v rides and they have been solid mowers. And will cut anything u run them through and if it is a manicured lawn it will leave one of the best cuts in the industry. I have also ran Toro, sister company to exmark, Bad Boy( avoid), and Dixie chopper. Over the years there’s only one company I would never consider buying or operating again. Nice video
Between my Dad and I, we have owned and heavily used 3 different brands of mowers. Exmark, Hustler, and Kubota. My Dad's first ZT mower was an Exmark and lasted nearly 16 yrs. I have a Hustler Z that is currently in its 14yr of nearly trouble free operation. Now, my Dad is also on his second Kubota zero turn mower. The first Kubota had a deck issue that could not be resolved by the dealer and rendered the mower very unreliable. Dealer and a rep offered a replacement on trade after multiple attempts to make the mower work. My Dad's second mower has been better but is far from perfect. Uneven cuts, jerky transmission (especially at slow speeds while turning.) We have a 93 Kubota tractor that is rock solid, but they have a way to go with thier mowers in my opinion.
Very good video. Enjoyed the subject. I have a Farris that I purchased several years ago from a local small equipment company. They said it was between a commercial model and a residential model. Very well built. Hope it last me many years. Eric Duck
@@dg1019 Kawasaki, kohler or briggs Basically those are your choices for gas commercial mowers. I've had shit luck with kohlers. I like the briggs oil guard concept. I'd buy 1 of them. Got a 72" zd this year, no more gasoline at all. I'm liking it.
Good video Neal. I do like my Hustler Super Z HD with 37HP EFI. I have had good luck with it for the last two seasons, its been problem free. The new Cub Cadet seems like an interesting mower as well with the steering wheel. Although I might look at a stand on the next time I replace out, not sure yet, but I do like sitting. 😁😁
My exMark has been a tank but for multiple medical reasons I’ll have to let it go soon. Replaced it with a Kubota LX2610 so I can’t really complain! Haha.
diesel or gas for a home owner? 5 acres of grass to cut. side note.. you have a wonderful attentive employee back in parts that has helped me out a couple of times this year. Josiah is an awesome employee and you need to hold on to him!
I sent your message to Josiah. Thanks, your comments keep us going. I personally like how diesel mowers run, it does have to be a long-term purchase to recover the added cost in fuel savings. Good for wide open, high average. Not a place you want a 'tight and light' mower.
When I did the additional cost vs. fuel savings comparison between the gas and diesel Ferris models several years ago, I was thinking it came out to like 2600-2800 hours of operation to break even on the diesel with the fuel prices at that time. That's more than a typical homeowner will mow in a decade. Or two. I mow ~4 acres a week. I bought a 3200z with a 36HP Vanguard BigBlock. It has ample power for my 72" deck. The year after I bought mine, they came out with the EFI version of that same engine, which would close the gap in fuel consumption between the gas and diesel a little more also. I agree with Neil, it would have to be a VERY long term investment to justify the additional cost for normal residential use in my opinion. To each his own though! Good luck!
I'm probably borderline for the financial benefit of running diesels. I cut about 25 acres per week, or about 300 hours a year. For me handling diesel fuel is much easier than gas. I bought my zd326 15 years ago to cut my 6 acres and never regretted it. I still have the 326, but usually run a 72" zd331 that I bought lightly used from Messicks 3 years ago.
Granted its not a ride on, but my Uncle has a SCAG 36" Walk Behind from 1989 and still going strong...I had it over at my place for a few days doing some services on it, all new belts, blades, an idler pulley on the transmission belt, and a couple new tires, engine tune up, and oil change. Since I had it at the house and got all the services done on it I figured I'd give it a little test run so I mowed my lawn with it, damn that 31 year old mower still kicks ass....I told my uncle if he ever gets rid of it to let me know I'll buy it from him and sell my lawn tractor LOL....I wouldn't mind walking behind that SCAG, its the old gear drive too, its not hydrostatic. Now my uncle can't use it anymore due to Parkinson's so I may see about dragging it home one of these days soon.
You left out Country Clipper. They have the one joystick control that lets you hold a beer while mowing. I have a Challenger and it is outstanding. I've owned many mowers and I will never buy anything but a Country Clipper!
@@MessicksEquip except of course for the glaring hp difference. With the Legacy available with almost 40hp... (36hp to be exact) Granted it's gas over diesel and I would definitely prefer diesel power. But that's Kubota L series power...Of course not even remotely in the category in terms of capabilities. But it's still an advantage. And with the ABSOLUTELY INSANE EPA regulations for diesel engines... I wouldn't be surprised if you started seeing a resurgence in gas engine options since you can get much higher horsepower numbers within EPA regulations than you can with diesel. Without sometimes problematic emissions equipment. And yes I know on tractors and off road equipment... Emissions items are far less problematic than automotive or heavy truck equipment. I've been a diesel mechanic for over a decade. Steiner, Ventrac, Simplicity and even John Deere have gas engine options in 4 wheel drive machines. But Deere's gas machine has no actual tractor like functionality anymore. Although the previous generations did. Anyway great video as usual Neil. Keep it up!
Looking for the lightest 52/54 "Commercial" unit? .....Requirements (1) Under 1K in weight (2) 26 or above HP engine (3) ZT4400 or equivalent hydros. Good luck - only one company makes such a unit!
Wait, it takes practice? I never operated one till a few years ago on a ranch. They let me loose with a zero turn JD diesel with zero training. Never tore the ground or machine up. Like the easiest machine to operate.
Thats hard. Like I said in the video, there are far more things that are common than different. I tried pointing out the diferientators that may swing you one way or another based on your application.
Hydrogear quality has taken a turn for the worse in the last few years. Leaks and bearing failures are the biggest. Nearly everyone uses them. Not sure who makes the awful wiring harnesses but they are getting worse also. They were not ever good to begin with. The ExMark engine is really good and since its their own they also handle the warranty's and that's a good thing.
Kuboat zero turns are absolutely the worst riding mowers I've ever used... You almost need a mouth guard to keep from losing teeth or biting your own tongue off... OK maybe I'm being a little dramatic but not by much. They are built like tanks but they are absolutely awful when mowing for hours on end.
Very hard to beat a Ferris ride. Always had a Cub Cadet rider, when I switched to a zero turn I tried several makes. First test “ride” on a Ferris was sold. 4 yrs later, even more convinced.
In our fleet which is large we have found Hustler to be the most dependable zero turns. We have owned them all Xmark, Scag, Ferris and a few others and nothing done us a better job than Hustler. I know they have grown considerably in the last five years and you certainly see a lot more of them each year so many must feel the same as we do.
I've used a few brands but I've got to say, kubota mowers are really strong and good and ferris's suspension is just amazing. They are both the most comfortable mowers I've ever used.
Hey Néil, want to thank you on your review of zero turns. Started out with 48 inch ferris. Now have 61 inch 3100z. Wouldn't trade for any other brand. Mowing four acres with extra suspension helps.
I just purchased a new Kubota ZD 1211 within the past two weeks. It is a great mower!
After being a 6yr JD owner, jumped ship to kubota and picked up my first zero turn. Z251 with the 25hp kohler and 54in deck. Was also looking at a cub cadet ztx but kubota was having a finance offer I couldn't pass up.
I run Ferris commercially, with several lawn care helpers. I run the newer Ferris 800s with the improved front suspension, and of course the same famous ICD deck that you also get on the more expensive models from Ferris. You can really mow fast over rough ground and have a good cut (I am in central MN). Johnny Mow (on you tube) says from his 20 plus years in the commercial biz that the top 3 cutting decks for northern blue grass and fescue are XMark, Toro TurboForce, and the Ferris ICD deck. By the way, for very steep hills and banks, I use a John Deere X739 garden tractor, with 4 wheel drive and 4 wheel steer.
Dave Allen agreed, I think eXmarks ultracut leaves a nicer cut on manicured properties because it’s so tightly baffled. Ferris makes one hell of an all rounder though.
Been running a 72" Ferris 3200Z for several years. Zero problems. After test driving several ZTRs, one ride on the Ferris and I knew I didn't want anything else. Ride quality is head and shoulders above anything else I tried.
I have ran several different brands in my business. I have currently hustlers and will buy them again. They are the best bang for the buck in my opinion. Not overly complicated or alot of unnecessary parts items, easy to work on, built heavy duty. After 3 years of use with the hustlers by far they have so far held up better then say the exmark for example. The exmark the seat would start to tear or plastic parts were getting brittle or would fade incredibly bad (all my mowers are stored in a shop when not in use but I live in Georgia and it's hot here). Also mower support for the exmark around my area has started to fall off. Dealers are starting to dump them and go to another brand. Not sure why.
To many dealers got set up w ExMark, margins fell and dealers moved on.
Any long term and frequent operator of commercial zero turns should consider the Ferris with it's patented suspension to save their backs. ExMark has come out with a seat suspension system that looks promising also.
I’ve been in the Lawncare industry for about 20 years. Had one of the original cub tanks. They were solid mowers with solid frames. I heard they had some problems with the hydraulic transmissions in the early days but I never experienced that. I would still buy another if in the market for a sit down zero turn. I think the mower had over 2500 hrs on it by the time we traded it. Hustler mowers always looked cheap to me and was never impressed by the build quality. With that said many companies run them. I am currently running scag v rides and they have been solid mowers. And will cut anything u run them through and if it is a manicured lawn it will leave one of the best cuts in the industry. I have also ran Toro, sister company to exmark, Bad Boy( avoid), and Dixie chopper. Over the years there’s only one company I would never consider buying or operating again. Nice video
What company was it that you would never consider again?
Between my Dad and I, we have owned and heavily used 3 different brands of mowers. Exmark, Hustler, and Kubota. My Dad's first ZT mower was an Exmark and lasted nearly 16 yrs. I have a Hustler Z that is currently in its 14yr of nearly trouble free operation. Now, my Dad is also on his second Kubota zero turn mower. The first Kubota had a deck issue that could not be resolved by the dealer and rendered the mower very unreliable. Dealer and a rep offered a replacement on trade after multiple attempts to make the mower work. My Dad's second mower has been better but is far from perfect. Uneven cuts, jerky transmission (especially at slow speeds while turning.) We have a 93 Kubota tractor that is rock solid, but they have a way to go with thier mowers in my opinion.
Our local Exmark dealer is excellent, parts are readily available as well.
I had a Ferris Evolution for a few years, that was a very well made commercial mower.
2:22 Im 99% sure that belongs to a yamaha atv not a lawn mower. But at least there is a wet clutch somewhere in the picture. lol
Very good video. Enjoyed the subject. I have a Farris that I purchased several years ago from a local small equipment company. They said it was between a commercial model and a residential model. Very well built. Hope it last me many years.
Eric Duck
Good Job Neil !
Kawasaki engines, Parker pumps
The quality brands have the same quality parts.
I love my z726x 60", looking at a 72" ZD now.
Kawasaki is the hardest engine company to get to pay a warranty. Their engines are good, not special.
@@dg1019
Kawasaki, kohler or briggs
Basically those are your choices for gas commercial mowers. I've had shit luck with kohlers. I like the briggs oil guard concept. I'd buy 1 of them.
Got a 72" zd this year, no more gasoline at all. I'm liking it.
how about a comparison to a Walker mower line and the scag mower line
Good video Neal. I do like my Hustler Super Z HD with 37HP EFI. I have had good luck with it for the last two seasons, its been problem free. The new Cub Cadet seems like an interesting mower as well with the steering wheel. Although I might look at a stand on the next time I replace out, not sure yet, but I do like sitting. 😁😁
Not sure what that gear is at 1:31 - plastic
part of the deck height mechanism.
My exMark has been a tank but for multiple medical reasons I’ll have to let it go soon. Replaced it with a Kubota LX2610 so I can’t really complain! Haha.
Good points as usual. The Snapper SX pro series is a Ferris sans the suspension. The savings is substantial.
usually also with a lighter transmission
@@MessicksEquip Usually but not always. The sxt200 runs the 5400 hydro gear. I assume you are referring to the homeowner units from Snapper.
I like Exmark. I run bob-Cat and ferris as well. Also have a hustler trimstar
Right.....Simplicity or Hustler. Small 36 inch zero...which one should I go for and why?
diesel or gas for a home owner? 5 acres of grass to cut. side note.. you have a wonderful attentive employee back in parts that has helped me out a couple of times this year. Josiah is an awesome employee and you need to hold on to him!
I sent your message to Josiah. Thanks, your comments keep us going.
I personally like how diesel mowers run, it does have to be a long-term purchase to recover the added cost in fuel savings. Good for wide open, high average. Not a place you want a 'tight and light' mower.
When I did the additional cost vs. fuel savings comparison between the gas and diesel Ferris models several years ago, I was thinking it came out to like 2600-2800 hours of operation to break even on the diesel with the fuel prices at that time. That's more than a typical homeowner will mow in a decade. Or two. I mow ~4 acres a week. I bought a 3200z with a 36HP Vanguard BigBlock. It has ample power for my 72" deck. The year after I bought mine, they came out with the EFI version of that same engine, which would close the gap in fuel consumption between the gas and diesel a little more also. I agree with Neil, it would have to be a VERY long term investment to justify the additional cost for normal residential use in my opinion. To each his own though! Good luck!
I've seen breakeven as low as 500 hours. It depends on the premium the brand is asking for the diesel models.
@@MessicksEquip Makes sense. It was like $6000 in my case.
I'm probably borderline for the financial benefit of running diesels. I cut about 25 acres per week, or about 300 hours a year. For me handling diesel fuel is much easier than gas. I bought my zd326 15 years ago to cut my 6 acres and never regretted it. I still have the 326, but usually run a 72" zd331 that I bought lightly used from Messicks 3 years ago.
how much front end bounce is there for rough yards cmpared to cassic riding lawn mowers at big box stores?
I love my scag !
You're not the only one! Nothing beats a Scag!
Granted its not a ride on, but my Uncle has a SCAG 36" Walk Behind from 1989 and still going strong...I had it over at my place for a few days doing some services on it, all new belts, blades, an idler pulley on the transmission belt, and a couple new tires, engine tune up, and oil change. Since I had it at the house and got all the services done on it I figured I'd give it a little test run so I mowed my lawn with it, damn that 31 year old mower still kicks ass....I told my uncle if he ever gets rid of it to let me know I'll buy it from him and sell my lawn tractor LOL....I wouldn't mind walking behind that SCAG, its the old gear drive too, its not hydrostatic. Now my uncle can't use it anymore due to Parkinson's so I may see about dragging it home one of these days soon.
Scag “Simply the best”!
100%!!
I've always been a fan of Simplicity equipment
You left out Country Clipper. They have the one joystick control that lets you hold a beer while mowing. I have a Challenger and it is outstanding. I've owned many mowers and I will never buy anything but a Country Clipper!
Love my single joystick Country Clipper.
HUSTLER:::AMAZING!!!
Yeah my broke
Kubota zero turn has it belts very exposed to the weeds. Constantly breaking belts in tall weeds.
you should not be mowing tall weeds with any zero turn mower. That's not what they are made for.
I like how some other brands use heavier duty belts than Kubota's to prevent that along with protective covers.
@@MessicksEquip yes i know that now, but kubota sells them as such. Buyers should know these kubotas will break even on tall skinny weeds.
Of all these brands, we would not tell you any are okay for that sort of mowing
Neil what about the Toro z master 200 zero turn I'm looking at it and a eXmark E series
I don't know anything about the Toro models.
Toro makes exmark. I have a z master 3000 with the my ride system. It’s a beast you won’t be disappointed
Would LOVE to see a comparison video between a BX and a Simplicity Legacy XL!
Agreed
not even remotely a fair fight. The BX kills it in everyway but maybe mower cut quality. We don't stock a legacy.
@@MessicksEquip except of course for the glaring hp difference. With the Legacy available with almost 40hp... (36hp to be exact) Granted it's gas over diesel and I would definitely prefer diesel power. But that's Kubota L series power...Of course not even remotely in the category in terms of capabilities. But it's still an advantage. And with the ABSOLUTELY INSANE EPA regulations for diesel engines... I wouldn't be surprised if you started seeing a resurgence in gas engine options since you can get much higher horsepower numbers within EPA regulations than you can with diesel. Without sometimes problematic emissions equipment. And yes I know on tractors and off road equipment... Emissions items are far less problematic than automotive or heavy truck equipment. I've been a diesel mechanic for over a decade.
Steiner, Ventrac, Simplicity and even John Deere have gas engine options in 4 wheel drive machines. But Deere's gas machine has no actual tractor like functionality anymore. Although the previous generations did.
Anyway great video as usual Neil. Keep it up!
Looking for the lightest 52/54 "Commercial" unit? .....Requirements (1) Under 1K in weight (2) 26 or above HP engine (3) ZT4400 or equivalent hydros. Good luck - only one company makes such a unit!
Wait, it takes practice? I never operated one till a few years ago on a ranch. They let me loose with a zero turn JD diesel with zero training. Never tore the ground or machine up. Like the easiest machine to operate.
I enjoy your video's they are educational.
Great video Neil! you deserve more subcribers.
Hey Neil what would be your choice zturn? Thanks good info ❤️
Thats hard. Like I said in the video, there are far more things that are common than different. I tried pointing out the diferientators that may swing you one way or another based on your application.
Messick's yeah I get what you mean and I would say the kubota is hands down the tank of zturns do they still make the zd325 ?
In a world of commercial grade mowers the Kubota's are industrial grade machines.
Hydrogear quality has taken a turn for the worse in the last few years. Leaks and bearing failures are the biggest. Nearly everyone uses them. Not sure who makes the awful wiring harnesses but they are getting worse also. They were not ever good to begin with. The ExMark engine is really good and since its their own they also handle the warranty's and that's a good thing.
Exmart is from Tero.
the 1 thing i wish the kubota had would be that cub cadet steering wheel
Cub must have that thing locked up with patents because you don't see others offering it.
@@MessicksEquip true that
@@MessicksEquip btw i love kubota i have 3 one is a L3901 another is B7800 and gr series lawn mower not trying to bash kubota
Neal how come we haven't seen your b3350.
Enjoyable video👍
Who can I talk to about parts number for a spinal for a Kubota z421 60inch
8772603528
I'm looking at a Ferris 3300, getting older and looking for a smoother ride...
My 2014 raptor sd is ok but it broke last year.
No green bobcat?!
Bobcat gets overlooked. I don't know why. their excellent quality machines.
Around 75 different manufacturers.
Neil you guys should buy a deere dealership and do more vids
I thought my 726x had a Parker
Nice
What? 40+ different manufactures. Actually very few just lots of Brand names.
DIDNT EVEN MENTION WALKER?!
Cause maybe there's not anything bad to say about them?😃 Walker makes awesome mowers!
Kuboat zero turns are absolutely the worst riding mowers I've ever used... You almost need a mouth guard to keep from losing teeth or biting your own tongue off... OK maybe I'm being a little dramatic but not by much. They are built like tanks but they are absolutely awful when mowing for hours on end.
what model do you have? many can be improved by dropping your tire pressure.
its for the rich