Went to a local dealer in Bryan interested in buying a Scag Zero Turn mower.
Anybody have a 2023 model?
They really changed quality in a bad direction during Covid, I was disappointed.

Found out Scag engine is Chinese no name and they also cut costs by eliminating hydraulic oil reservoirs. Now only have a hard to reach fill plug. Still assembled in Wisconsin.

Also looked at Ferris Zero turn at a local Bryan dealer, seems to be a very well built machine.
Anybody have issues with 2023 Ferris?

Thanks!

I have a JD big box tractor that has lasted me well on my .75 acre yard, and kept up over the last several years even though I have a yard guy that does it 90% of the time due to my lack of time b/c of chasing kiddo sports when not working. That comes to an end in about a year and a half, and in preparation I have started researching zero-turns because I will start doing it myself 100% when that time comes.

Your comment on SCAG going Chinese/cheaper might explain why the local SCAG dealer always had them lined up out front, just recently started rolling out the TORO line just as featured in their lineup. I know that parts of Toro are made overseas, but supposedly most of their stuff is American made. Their residential zero turns get great reviews.

Ferris is owned by Briggs and Stratton. Stihl just introduced a line of zero-turn mowers, that is basically a rebranded Ferris. Looks like the Snapper is as well, but has a 36" that "Ferris" does not have.

Ferris gets overall good ratings/reviews.

Most folks that have zero-turn mowers have larger yards than mine and in some cases multiple acres. These mowers all have fabricated decks, and some of the smaller ones as well and that is a good reason for a fabricated deck. They are in most cases superior to a stamped deck, but fabricated decks are heavier because of being heavier duty decks.

There is one drawback of most fabricated decks though, quality mulching. I have all St. Augustine and a smooth lawn with sturdy grass. I do, and have my lawn guy, mulch every time possible. Keeps the turf looking really good and if I am going to spend time to do it, or pay for it, I want it "my" way. Stamped decks by JD and TORO have the simplest to install and switch between mulching/non mulching mowing I have seen, and with best looking results as well. My JD "tractor" mower does a great job still, but when I take it back over full time, I will go zero-turn for time only, but will have to have the same result.

Not for everyone, but something to consider.

I have posted on this subject before. My nephew runs and owns a fairly large landscape and lawn company for a number of years. He has used just about every zero turn made... literally.
Up until 4 years ago he had Scags. Then he bought a fleet of Ferris... most now with the Vanguard engines. He sold me on them about two years ago. I have a bad back and 5 acres to mow in hilly and rough terrain. I bought a 61" ISX 3300 with the Vanguard. Liked it so much bought another one in 70". Have not had one issue with either one and I can mow all day and don't need to go see a chiropractor
afterwords like I did with the Scags.
You can also get Ferris with Kawasaki according to him and the dealer.
That's my two cents.

I've had a Ferris for 15 years. Kawasaki engine. My only regret is not getting the wider deck. Great machine.

That's why I got the 2nd one.... that and my bride took over the first one.

Get a Hustler and be done with it. Easy peasy

I upgraded my old Ferris IS 600 to a 2021 ISX 2200 with the Vanguard motor and a 61 in deck in late 2021. Best and most comfortable mower I have ever been on. The suspension and ride of a Ferris is unmatched, especially for uneven/rough terrain.

Micropterus said:

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Get a Hustler and be done with it. Easy peasy

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Can echo this. I have a Hustler Raptor with the Kawasaki and it's a beast.

Not sure what year model it is, but I bought a scagg tiger cat last year and it has a kawasaki engine

So when did Scag make the switch? I bought a Freedom Z with the Koehler engine two years ago and have loved it. Definitely wish I upgraded to a suspension seat because it can definitely be a little rough.

Most of my mowing is pasture type of conditions with clump grass like fescue and bluestem and very rough terrain. About 5-7 acres of it. I only have about 1 acre of true "lawn" yard grass.
One of my marine factory reps had a brother who was the field rep for Scag. He sold me on them so I bought two to use at the ranches.
Used them for 5 years. I felt like I had been riding a bronc after every mowing.
Went shopping again and did demo rides on Ferris, Hustler, Bad Boy, Gravely and Toro.
There was no comparison to the Ferris.
Now I can mow all day in that rough terrain and don't have any back issues.

Trust me. If you have had a few birthdays the suspension seat on the Scags won't help you much. I had two and ordered them with the suspension seats.... did not help much.

Very similar experience. 1 acre or so of good grass - 3 or so of pasture that I keep mowed. My only regret with the larger deck is that I don't get as much time on the mower. The suspension and " air ride" seat are top notch. And the cut is even regardless of terrain.

Yes sir!

I was going to be a Scag for my acre and a half but the guys at Hill Country Power Outdoors recommended the Gravely ZTR over the Scag. They said the past 3 years for every Gravely they get in they see 10 Scags. Quality control is down over the past 3 years for Scag and I am completely happy with my Gravely with the Kawasaki engine.

SCAG

I have a marine dealer that also has a ATV and lawn equipment business across the street. They sell three lines of zero turns and say the same thing. However they, for the last two years, are seeing some Kawasaki engines above 27 HP having quality issues with broken crankshafts and piston rods.

You might look at Encore. The company was started by guys who used to work at Exmark, I believe. Anyway, while their decks are built in Chinese factories (Chinese steel hasn't had price increases like US steel has, or so I'm told), the mowers themselves are assembled in Nebraska. They use Kawasaki engines. They make lesser expensive prosumer models that are consumer and lower end commercial. I think they have 3 year unlimited hour warranty, regardless of commercial use.

I don't have any experience with them, but you might talk around and see if you can get any info on them. Check out youtube.

Since you're in BCS, You could always just go up to united ag and turf for John Deere mowers. Fantastic cut quality and can cut from 4" all the way down to 1" or a bit less if you take the deck height pin out. I think you need to get at least a 5 series for a Kawasaki motor.

Teslag said:

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Micropterus said:

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Get a Hustler and be done with it. Easy peasy

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Can echo this. I have a Hustler Raptor with the Kawasaki and it's a beast.

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I have a raptor SD and a super 104. Both are great machines. The super 104 came with a grammar air ride seat. I added flex forks and it really rides nice. I would recommend flex forks on whatever you get if you don't get a ferris.

I don't know about the latest Ferris mowers, but my dad has had one for about 10 years. Smoothest riding mower out there.

Why don't all manufacturers incorporate a shock/spring system?

On year 17 for my Scag Tiger Cub and still going strong. I think that's worth what I spent on it.

Have a ferris is700z. Had it for 10 years. Mow zoysia lawn and the 5 acres of pasture in BCS with tons of trees. Love it. Mine did not come with as nice of seat as the new ones have. Bought mine on Brenham at the time

The factory rep said they have a strong patent on the suspension and Shock spring system.
Lots of manufacturers have tried to build different types of suspension but none have accomplished the ride of a Ferris.
The premium suspension seat coupled with their suspension system really does make for a comfortable ride.
Their are lots of good machines out there that are great if you mow smooth yards and lawns,.... but the addition of just the suspension seat on any brand does not a Ferris ride make.
Where a Ferris really shines is if you have back problems or mow more rough pasture type of areas where you want a better finish than a bush hog.
I have both those needs and have tried other good brands and Ferris is the only one that works for me.
The best I had owned of all the brands before was a Scags. If they would just ride like a Ferris in rough terrain.

We use a lot of Vangaurd motors with work, and we've replaced way more than we should have. Haven't been a fan.

I have a Ferris with the Kawasaki motor and haven't used it enough to form an opinion but I've liked it so far.

Suspension & seat is the selling point for me.
I'm closer to death than graduation & arthritis is getting worse.
Plus if I get a nice one that's comfortable the wife will mow.
Thanks for input.

I regret selling my Scag (long distance move).

Had a gravely, it was ok.

Thinking about the Stijl/Ferris, but it's a lot of $ for 1-2 acres.

Tempted by the Hustler, but concerned about service/maintenance if I buy from a box store.

Any input on the Hustler?

Yes sir. I am in about the same spot.

Had my hustler now for about 8 years and it's been great. Nothing more than blade sharpening and oil changes.

Have had a Hustler for many years now, only issue has been a hydro bracket break and then lost a drive belt because of the bracket. The rest has been normal maintenance.

I love my Kubota Z411 with the Air Ride Seat.

I bought Hustler SD from a dealership 5years ago and have been happy. I have not had a reason to perform anything beyond regular maintenance so no service trips required. I would not go for the BigBox.

Question for those with Ferris': Kawasaki or Vanguard? Is there a used marketplace for these anywhere?

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....used marketplace for these anywhere?

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For the last three months, I had my heart set on a certain mower (specifically, a Grasshopper Frontmount Diesel model). I tried and tried to buy a used one at auction on Proxibid site, but the prices were just too high. I also tried shopping at Tractor House. You might search there, if you are willing to drive a little (or a lot).

I bought from Landsdowne Moody in Conroe and didn't see any used there at that time. However, I'm fairly certain Dietz Tractor in Seguin has some used inventory. They also normally have quite a big selection of units in stock.