Originally Posted by
TonyL
Generally speaking, ZTR's ride rough. There are exceptions, Scag introduced a model with an isolated operator capsule that supposedly is pretty smooth, haven't been on one yet myself. Ferris has independent suspension, and they ride good, but the deck follows the suspension travel so cut quality is a complaint I hear from time to time. Hustler had a flex-fork option that helped a lot.
The biggest thing, is to get a good seat....a VERY good seat ($$$). The suspension seats offered on the commercial models make all the difference. I do service and repair on outdoor power equipment, and I have seen most models. The best built units I am familiar with come from Kubota...nice stuff. My personal mower is a Scag, and I like it a lot. Hustler, Ferris, Exmark and Toro all build nice units also. The trick, irregardless of the brand, is to buy up into the full commercial models. Most companies will build a price point model for the consumer market....you get what you pay for. If you decide on a commercial, I would expect to pay a minimum of $6-$7000 ...and that's for a smaller, entry level commercial unit. The sky's the limit.