I'm looking at a purchase of a used Ferris IS3100z mower and looking for feedback from people who know this market well. The mower was purchased in 2014 and only has 25 hours on it. It's has the 36hp Vanguard Big Block engine with a 61" deck. It was purchased new for a little over $12K and is being sold for ~9K. I've been looking at the IS2100z mowers and can get the 28hp Briggs EFI with 61" cut for a little over $8K brand new. I've recently purchased a new 20 acre rural property and will have 2-3 acres to mow and want something that will get the job done quickly. Any feedback on buying the used 3100 vs a new 2100 for my needs would be appreciated, along with any input on engine size.
BFB
I bought my 2012 IS3100z in early June of 2014. I was told it sold for over 12K new with the 37hp Kawi DFI...mine also has the 61" deck. I bought mine with 537 hours on it for $5490 + tax ((so about 5800). I have put about 200 hours on it and have really grown to love it. I was very close to selling it and getting a TT or Cheetah, but plan to keep this until I HAVE to sell/trade it. I hope that's a couple more seasons at least!!
Any questions you have about it, feel free to ask (on here or PM).
Any questions you have about it, feel free to ask (on here or PM).
We have a few of them with the 31hp Briggs and have 1300 hrs on them. There about 3 years old and have not had a problem with them besides belts. One belt at 1100 just use factory belts and no problems
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Go buy the 3100 tomorrow and don't look back, if not that mower could very easily be sold. That is an excellent mower, and the price is good, you are getting a new mower, it just happened to have been manufactured in 2014. The 3100 is a class act of which the ride is in a class of its own.
Thanks for the feedback. I talked to a local dealer and he told me for just a little more money he could get me into a new 3200z since the list price on these are lower than what the 3100z's originally listed for. Do you think the 3200z is a better machine since it's a new design and replaced the 3100z? He also mentioned he has seen transmissions go out on the 3100z with the big block engine. Any truth to this or is this just a way to get me to buy a new machine from him?
And should I be worried about the warranty on this used machine transferring? The Ferris website clearly states the warranty doesn't transfer but the local dealers I spoke with said it shouldn't be an issue. I would hate to pay this much and not get any warranty protection.
And should I be worried about the warranty on this used machine transferring? The Ferris website clearly states the warranty doesn't transfer but the local dealers I spoke with said it shouldn't be an issue. I would hate to pay this much and not get any warranty protection.
No idea about warranty issues. Sounds like the dealer is going to handle that. I would say get it in writing.
In terms of transmissions on the OLD one's, I believe it's one of the most tried and true set ups out there - same as the TT I believe???? Before I bought mine, I called two local dealers (in addition to the dealer selling it) and talked to them about that particular issue on that particular machine (because that would be expensive to fix!!) and NONE of them EVER saw ANY problems with hydros or wheel motors...not once. Could just be my area. I'm sure you can find somebody who's had issues with their ferris 3100z and it's hydros and wheel motors. But I don't think it's been a pattern (at least not that I've observed).
As far as the difference between the two, I've never been on the 3200. It's not 4 wheel independent suspension. Not sure if that's a deal breaker or not. If I were buying new, I'd buy a TT or a Cheetah because the deck is a little better in wet conditions. I'd demo the 3200 and the 3100 before pulling the trigger!!
Good luck!!
In terms of transmissions on the OLD one's, I believe it's one of the most tried and true set ups out there - same as the TT I believe???? Before I bought mine, I called two local dealers (in addition to the dealer selling it) and talked to them about that particular issue on that particular machine (because that would be expensive to fix!!) and NONE of them EVER saw ANY problems with hydros or wheel motors...not once. Could just be my area. I'm sure you can find somebody who's had issues with their ferris 3100z and it's hydros and wheel motors. But I don't think it's been a pattern (at least not that I've observed).
As far as the difference between the two, I've never been on the 3200. It's not 4 wheel independent suspension. Not sure if that's a deal breaker or not. If I were buying new, I'd buy a TT or a Cheetah because the deck is a little better in wet conditions. I'd demo the 3200 and the 3100 before pulling the trigger!!
Good luck!!
I've run both machines and would need to flip a coin to decide which gave the better ride. Your' dealer cannot put you into a new 3200 with the Vanguard 37 hp EFI engine for $9000, and the reason the 3200 is cheaper is for the fact it has the Hydro-Gear 5400 transaxle. This is installed as one unit (less labor for manufacturer install) and is cheaper to purchase than the separate parts of the 3100s hydraulic system, which is the individual pumps and wheel motors for both drive wheels.
Talk with your dealer and see how well he can treat you on the price of a 3200, I would be interested in hearing the numbers myself. Question him about the Vanguard 37 hp EFI also.
So would you rule out the purchase of the new 2100z over the used 3100z? You feel the 3100z is that much better of a machine to purchase the older / used machine over a brand new 2100z. These are the prices I recently received on the 2100z:
Ferris 2100 BS S-5901343 32HP 61” Deck - $8699
Ferris 2100 BS S-5901344 28HP 61” Deck - $8200
Ferris 2100 BS S-5901346 26HP 61” Deck - $7899
Ferris 3100 37hp Kawasaki EFI, 61" mower (40 hour demo machine) - $9500
I don't have any prices on the 3200z since I wasn't even considering this model until the 3100z came up for sale on the used market.
Ferris 2100 BS S-5901343 32HP 61” Deck - $8699
Ferris 2100 BS S-5901344 28HP 61” Deck - $8200
Ferris 2100 BS S-5901346 26HP 61” Deck - $7899
Ferris 3100 37hp Kawasaki EFI, 61" mower (40 hour demo machine) - $9500
I don't have any prices on the 3200z since I wasn't even considering this model until the 3100z came up for sale on the used market.
The 3100 is a true commercial grade machine, where as the 2100 is considered to be much less of a commercial grade than either the 3100 or 3200.
The 3100 with the BB Kawasaki drinks gas like a funnel, and I personally own and operate a BB Kawasaki. I would get the price on a 3200 with the Vanguard 37 hp EFI just to see what the difference may be.
You are the one that will need to make the decision, I personally don't cut corners and buy what "I" want, no matter the cost, and if I were buying tomorrow it would be the 3200 with the Vanguard 37 EFI, you get all the power while saving 20% of the fuel used by the carburetor version.
That is really a good deal on the 3100 with the BB 36 hp Vanguard for the fact it only has 25 hrs. This engine will use more fuel, but not as much as the BB Kawasaki.
This is your money and you need to spend it on a mower that best fits your need.
One thing I have noticed. You do not want to small of an engine! I am in NY the grass grows fast is damp and thick. I have a 52" Ferris IS 700. Now that I have the deck set up and found the blades that work I am very happy with it. I will say that if I had a choice I'd go with a bigger motor at least 30 HP. If I had a 61" I'd like at least 36 HP. Just my opinion and experience.
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The 3100 is just flat out more mower than the 2100, but if a 2100 is satisfactory for your application, then buy new which gives you a full warranty. The 2100 is an excellent and well built mower, just in a different class than the 3100 and 3200. For some reason I get the impression a 2100 will suit your need, and you are leaning in that direction from how you've been posting.
Didnt you also mention a Demo 3100 at some point? Demo's come with the same warranty as a new machine. If you are really worried about warranty go with new or demo. If not go with the used.
As has been said, the 3100 is a pretty big step up from a 2100. Its probably one of the nicest machines around.
Well guys...in the end I couldn't turn down the deal I got on the new IS2100z. I ended up going with the 61" deck and the 28hp Vanguard EFI. I think this combination will better suit my needs and provides a full manufactures warranty. It will be delivered in the spring all shiny and new! I'm pretty excited about the purchase if you cannot tell! Thanks for all of the advise and feedback.
Good move with the 2100z. I think that will suit you well if your just doing the 2-3 acres. Hell i used to have a Ferris is600 with a little 48 inch deck and 18.5 hp and i would mow 8 acres with that thing.
Lots of good reviews of the 28 EFI Vanguard too.
My experience with the Ferris ICD deck (48") is that it'll clump up in the wet stuff pretty bad, but the cut is hard to beat when dry. Very similar to the Exmark Ultra Cut.
Congrats on the purchase!
Lots of good reviews of the 28 EFI Vanguard too.
My experience with the Ferris ICD deck (48") is that it'll clump up in the wet stuff pretty bad, but the cut is hard to beat when dry. Very similar to the Exmark Ultra Cut.
Congrats on the purchase!
Great buy!!! The 2100 should suffice most mowing needs, it has for us. Still has one of the bet rides ever on mowers, except for its bigger brothers and sisters the 3100'sbandb3200's. It's been a great mower for us and it's great on hills. W have the 61" and couldn't be happier.
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