Ferris Mowers???????

[jeff44]

I'm thinking of buying a Ferris 3100. Has anyone switched from scag or bobcat to ferris?? If so how do you like one vs the other??

[wandfsmall]

Lawn care business tips

Originally Posted by jeff44 I'm thinking of buying a Ferris 3100. Has anyone switched from scag or bobcat to ferris?? If so how do you like one vs the other?? since nobody answered it I guess I will. Farris has a thinner deck the either the bobcat or scag, you will also have a cut issue with any mower that has a shock or spring system on it when they start to wear. So expect maintance cost with the suspension system. As for ride you will have to go with a scag cheetah or some other brands to even get close. And new they will most likely cut about the same if setup correctly.

[Steve]

What goes on with the suspension? Do the springs sag over time and is that what effects the cut or is it other issues?

What kind of maintenance costs are associated with mowers that have suspension?

[wandfsmall]

Originally Posted by Steve

What goes on with the suspension? Do the springs sag over time and is that what effects the cut or is it other issues?

What kind of maintenance costs are associated with mowers that have suspension?

the shocks go on the mowers. This will happen on ANY suspension system mine or someone elses. and when they go they will affect the cut, however you have to price what it costs to replace the system and figure out if it is worth it for you. In a lot of cases it is as it will take a few years to wear the shocks out. I just like to be honest when selling products.

when the shocks go on a mower it will cut in a wave pattern rising and lowering as you drive.

[jeff44]

Thank you for the advice. Are you in mowers sales, or have you had this happen to you?

[Steve]

Do you feel there is a benefit to the shocks though, even with their replacement costs when it comes to the relief it may provide to your back? Or can a comfortable seat provide just as much relief for less money?

Especially if you are a solo operator.

[wandfsmall]

Originally Posted by jeff44

Thank you for the advice. Are you in mowers sales, or have you had this happen to you?

I own and operate a dealership, I do not sell Farris but I do not think they are bad mowers. I just think you need to think about the fact the shocks will need replacing after a time. As for what I have I sell Hustler and Bobcat mowers, and Redmax Handhelds. I have been in the business for 20 years though so I can tell what parts will fail on a mower and also admit nobody makes a perfect mower, I just picked what I thought was the best for the price.

[wandfsmall]

Originally Posted by Steve

Do you feel there is a benefit to the shocks though, even with their replacement costs when it comes to the relief it may provide to your back? Or can a comfortable seat provide just as much relief for less money?

Especially if you are a solo operator.

oh forgot to answer your question. YES I do use a mower with a shock system on my own yard and would if I was cutting other yards I use the flex forks on my yard. Although I might get rid of the ZTR for a walk mower when I find a good price on one.

[hansons_lawncare]

I got a demo last year and decided it wasnt for me. i liked the smooth ride. if all of your yards are bumpy i think its the best mower available. where my problem came in was when i started going on hills. here is an example. a hill that you go down and slightly to the left as you go. as you start down the hill the weight seems to shift to the front, and as you turn it seemed that the weight shifted again and took weight off of my back tires where the springs were extended and i didnt have as much weight on the back tires as normal and trying to pull back the tires spun easily and left a mark. the same hill i ran with my exmark every week with no problem. also it seemed that the back tires have a little wider stance and they sit evenly with the deck and makes it a little harder to ride along a wall or house without getting in the way. just a few things that i noticed, but if i had yards that were bumpy and rough these would be problems i could overlook. so it all comes down to what you mow. i got a ferris walk behind. instead