Quote Originally Posted by TonyL View Post
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.
Tony said it well. I'm probably going to repeat basically what he said.
I have worked on zero turn and commercial mowers for over 20 years. Seen and repaired many. The following is my opinion from experience. Many of the manufactures make price point and high end models. My favorites are scag, ferris, kubota, exmark, hustler, there is another yellow brand that Im not a fan of for many reasons. They do build some higher end models that are not to bad. I prefer the scag. I have owned one for 18 years and I cut a lot of grass. The only thing besides oil and filters that I have changed is the blades. I have known people that use them in Christmas tree farms and really like them. Again like tony said. you will spend upwards of $7000 to get a good well built unit that will hold up for many years.