John Deere Z425 vs. Ferris Z1500...advice

[Mad_Russian776]

I need some advice. I will be purchasing a Z rider within the next week. I'm going one of two ways...John Deere Z425 or a Ferris 1500

I am strongly leaning towards the John Deere, even though it's a residential mower. By the figures, it just seems to be the sounder investment for a solo lawn operation.

John Deere = 23HP 54" for $4000

or
Ferris = 21HP 48" deck for $6500.

I realize the rule of thumb is to always buy commercial, but i'm leaning towards the John Deere. It seems like a solid machine. Anyone familiar with these machines, what would u suggest?

[beano]

Ferris all the way, you know the deere is residential so why waste your money if your getting into this commercially. That deere is meant to run once or twice a week on a big property, not multiple days all day. Its a waste of 4G's. I love ferris' and they are dependable machines.

[ProTouch Groundscapes]

i own a ferris 48" 21hp is1500z, got it brand new for 5300 out the door. i love this machine, we do cut some bigger properties where a 61" machine would be ideal, but because of the suspension we can cut at full speed. ive demoed a cub tank 54" and i couldnt stand it compared to the ferris. it felt underpowered and like it was gonna shake itself apart, just didnt feel as solid as the ferris does.

[Mad_Russian776]

Protouch,

How were you able to get the Ferris at $5300? did u buy during the winter or something? My dealer is asking $6400.

[ProTouch Groundscapes]

i bought the unit in jan/feb of 06 i believe. i was calling around looking for basically any model 48" zturn, scags, exmarks, jd's etc... just trying to find a good price. everything i found was over 6K closer to 7K. i called this one dealer asking for a price on a toro, and they said they also sell ferris and have an is1500z for $4800. i told them id be in to take a look at it and if it was true id have $500 in cash with me to put a deposit on the machine. sure enough it was a brand new is1500z with .1 hour on the meter. still have the machine and love it. gonna be getting a scag pro v wb this year and then a 61" turf tiger and i dont want to sell the ferris if i dont have to! it has been totally problem free.

[derekarbeiter]

I would get the Ferris. As stated before, the JD is for large residential use and the Ferris is a full commercial machine. You will spend less in the long run.:)

[cutsit]

There is no comparison between those two mowers.

I really wanted to buy a Deere. The dealer is 1 mile from the house. I was looking at the 445. Couldn't get past the cheap stamped deck compared to the competition. Went with a Bad Boy ZT. Much more mower for the money.

[wheels910]

if you go the residential deere route, please please buy the z445 with kawasaki motor. you'll be much happier in the long run.