Another ZTR?? Ferris evolution???

After 34 years of service the ole 51" Gravely Commercial is beginning to wear out. While looking at possible replacements I stumbled across what appears to be some type of hybrid ZTR---looks like a stand up with a long bicycle type seat. I like the compact design and the 48" is about the size I need. The ad says 20 HP Kawasaki engine with 126 hours. It seems I've read good things about Ferris products on YTmag.

At 65 years of age is this stand up/rear seat mower a bad idea? I mow a bit under an acre with lots of obstacles and odd shapes.

This mower is a 2012 and all the other 48" mowers of this type show a 27 HP Kawasaki engine.

I myself recommend you to get one with a seat,, the stand up units are ok but I think you will enjoy sitting when mowing myself
cnt

I cannot answer for you; however, I am aging
older, not younger. At age 69, that style
sounds exciting but would not be practical
for me. I had to give up my ztr with
tillers because my arms would give out and
went back to steering wheel type. Do like
the Kawasaki engine though.

(quoted from post at 06:08:37 08/20/16) After 34 years of service the ole 51" Gravely Commercial is beginning to wear out. While looking at possible replacements I stumbled across what appears to be some type of hybrid ZTR---looks like a stand up with a long bicycle type seat. I like the compact design and the 48" is about the size I need. The ad says 20 HP Kawasaki engine with 126 hours. It seems I've read good things about Ferris products on YTmag.

At 65 years of age is this stand up/rear seat mower a bad idea? I mow a bit under an acre with lots of obstacles and odd shapes.

This mower is a 2012 and all the other 48" mowers of this type show a 27 HP Kawasaki engine.

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I am 65 years old also. I want to sit DOWN when I mow. I've even used my ZTR as a butt-buggy while spraying fence rows.

For many years I spent very little on mowers. I salvaged many pushers and riders. A few years back I decided to end all that and get a zero turn mower. I wanted a stand up/walk behind. I'm so glad I didn't get that type. I've got a bad hip now. Riding/bouncing around is bad enough on my Ferris, but at least I can sort of get the strain off that hip.

I think the Evolution was intended for commercial landscapers who might otherwise use a walk-behind with a sulky. It's a lot shorter than a conventional ZTR, so it can get into places even a big walk-behind would have problems getting into. If you don't mind riding a motorcycle, I'd think the Evolution would be fine. The only downside I see is the engine is mounted right in front of the operator, so it might be a bit hot. If you only have a couple of acres to mow, I think it would be fine.

Ferris no longer lists the Evolution on its web site, so the design must not have been very successful. I think they were still in production last year. It does look weird. At 126 hours that Kawasaki is barely broken in. If the price is right I'd say get it.

Here's a dealer page with info on the Evolution: <a href="http://www.medinamower.com/Zero%20Turn%20Mowers/FerrisZTR/Evolution.htm">http://www.medinamower.com/Zero%20Turn%20Mowers/FerrisZTR/Evolution.htm</a>

Is this the type your talking about??? I know of two of them. The one fellow is younger and he loves his. The other fellow is older and he hates his. The ride is real rough as you set behind the axle. Kind of like a AC WD tractor. Any bump is magnified. Also they are not as stable on banks or hills as your acting as a counter weight on the back side of the drive wheels.

If your wanting a ZTR I would go with a traditional set down unit at your age.

The stand-up units are for kids who mow like a race car. Friend has one and I was pooooped out after several minutes. Stick to a rig with a normal seat setup.

(quoted from post at 15:04:29 08/20/16) Is this the type your talking about??? I know of two of them. The one fellow is younger and he loves his. The other fellow is older and he hates his. The ride is real rough as you set behind the axle. Kind of like a AC WD tractor. Any bump is magnified. Also they are not as stable on banks or hills as your acting as a counter weight on the back side of the drive wheels.

If your wanting a ZTR I would go with a traditional set down unit at your age.

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Yes that is what it looks like. The mower I have now has a sulky with steering wheel---kind of like a carnival already a bit crazy.

I would stick with a regular sit down Z. I have toro and exmarks similar to that one, but with no seat (Toro--"grandstand"). I have guys who like them and I only like them because I can fit more on their trailer. I'd rather sit comfortably in a nice seat. That one looks like you're riding a motorcycle.