Ferris z1500 v/s Craftsman Professional ZTR v/s Badboy MZ---Recommendations

[gts0018s]

Wassup guys I am extremely new to the site and ZTR's.

First off I placed an order and cancelled that order on a Toro Timecutter 4035 after some research.

I am going to be mowing all residential 4.5-3 acres. Some grass, some weeds...and maybe a rock or two. I am looking for a solid mower thats not under kill or overkill. I think the timecutter is too light of a unit for what I will be mowing...IMHO. If I'm wrong let me know. I want a dependable 10 year service life mower with as few problems as possible and a solid deck.

I really like the ferris IS z1500, it's a left over from 2009 with a 5999.99 price tag. This is the max I am looking to spend.

My uncle just bought a Craftsman professional series ZTR (bobcat made) that he loves. Problem is that this has a integrated hydrostatic transmission, correct? Could this be problematic? This one came in at 5400.00

Last is the BadBoy MZ...downfall is the integrated trasmission again. Solid deck build, and farrrr cheaper at 3500.00.

The ferris Dealer is about 2 miles away which is a plus....I also looked at JD as they are about 1.5 miles...just doesn't seem I can get the commercial quality of the ferris for 6K.

Thanks guys...help me out...I want a solid ZTR that has a nice STRONG deck.

[dwost]

I'd look at the ZT series Bad Boy or if you can spend a bit more check out the Pup. You can get the ZT with a 60" deck and 27 kohler for about $5k. Of the other two you mentioned I'd probably go with the Ferris and I'd also check out the Hustlers.

[gts0018s]

I was wondering if I stepped up to the titan series of toro's....would it be the best bang for the buck? I like the idea of true dual hydrostatic transmissions to each wheel...as I could see where diverting the power would cause stress on the system. Is this correct?

And the toro titan line a good option?

[RTR Landscaping]

I'm a Scag guy for all my mowers, but given these two choices, go with the Ferris. Your dealer is close and if you plan to use this mower for 10 years, you're going to need parts and service. The Craftsman is made by an outside company and where will you get parts for it? Sears really isn't known for after the sale service or parts availability. The Ferris is made well and the suspension is a nice benefit.

[gts0018s]

The IS 1500Z is also a 44" cut with the 19HP Kawasaki...do you guys think this is enough motor to push the mower through thicker stuff. My schedule as a police officer doesn't afford me the opportunity to mow exactly when it needs it so It can get to about a foot high with dandelions...but the yard looks terrific when mowed.

[gts0018s]

I am going to go and look at the badboy zt at TSC in about an hour, it seems like a strong unit.

I s a Dual Integrated Hydrostatic Transaxle really a bad design...the guy at TSC said it true Dual hydrostatic transmissions but the BadBoy site says no. How long do you think this mower would last for my needs? And Monday I am gonna see if I can find a PUP to look at.

[Dugann]

Bad Boy pup IMO. Stay away from the Craftsman IMO.

[dwost]

Originally Posted by gts0018s

I am going to go and look at the badboy zt at TSC in about an hour, it seems like a strong unit.

I s a Dual Integrated Hydrostatic Transaxle really a bad design...the guy at TSC said it true Dual hydrostatic transmissions but the BadBoy site says no. How long do you think this mower would last for my needs? And Monday I am gonna see if I can find a PUP to look at.

It doesn't have separate pumps/wheel motors. If that is what you are really looking for you will need to get into a full commercial unit (i.e. Pup) In reality the ZT will fit your needs fine. You will have plenty of life out of the tranny (like everything else) as long as you do regular maintenance.

[rtharris]

The bad boy zt is an awesome machine for the money 4995 and should serve u well
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[gts0018s]

thanks guys...I'm going to go and get an idea, maybe they will let cut some grass nearby or something. I may still hold off until tomorrow so I can go to a listed BB and Hustler dealer thats only about 25 miles away.