A review of (2) 2019 Ferris Z3X mowers with over 1000 hours after 4 seasons of mowing and leaf removal. Our season is 6 months of mowing and 3 months of leaf removal.
Thanks for the honest review! Man that seems like allot of maintenance cost to me. I have a toro 3000 at 680 hours with zero maintenance cost beyond oil changes
Nice records👍on my 2 (500 hrs) replaced a deck belt on my 61”, and that’s it as far as repairs. I guess I’ve been pretty lucky! On that deck belt, I think a stick got caught up in it. If I had a lot more repairs, still would be on my Z3X’s👍
Awesome review! I agree. The Oil guard system is a must for any future mower that we own 😉👍 I need to do a review on our 3200 . It's got close to 2200 hrs now. We have gone through 3 clutch /PTO packs so far but, no major problems 🤷
Thanks for mentioning the clutch issue. I checked on mine, 2019 I believe, and the serial is prior to issues, it's been fine so far with less than 300 hours.
Thanks for this....I picked up a Brand New Z1 36" for this year and was curious when Id have to worry certain maintenance/repairs. Have you found a good method of carrying something to put trash in? I thought about adding a spreader to the front of mine, but im worried because the fertilizer is corrosive, I also want to add a set of lights to mine for evening into dark mowing.
Where the lever pivots in the middle there is a rivet. I drilled out the rivet (I believe it was a 1/4") and put a bolt, washer, washer, nylon lock nut, in it's place. Tighten it up until you like it.
Handy guy, when you say throttle control arm, do you mean on the top panel where you control the street if and move the throttle lever, or do you mean at the bottom of the throttle cable where it attaches to the engine? My throttle broke twice, 1st time under warranty, now again.. actual throttle cable “z” end disconnected, very weird, aggravating, I don’t like how the cable has to bend. Dealer told me not to lube the cable?? Thanks for any input. Throttle cable system is bad design. Jim.
Can you do a video of greasing all the fittings on your ferris z3x please? I have a 52” z3x and want to make sure I’m getting each fitting. Also how often do your grease. Thanks!
Awesome, Bud! More helpful information I am now aware of. I have over 400 hours on my Z2 and have not yet had any belts changed. I guess this needs to be a priority for my end of season to do list. BTW, I did not see any evidence in your recent videos that you're still using the Jungle Jim's string trimmer holders. Did you find they were not as practical as you first thought?
It might be a good idea whenever you buy the new belts for the hydros, get another se each time you go so you have extras and you can save your self time. Good review
Sir Great Video , Was wondering if your using Ferris Hyro Belts on 52 inch for or aftermarket, and if soo what part number or vendor your using thks again,
@@HandyGuy2016 I would like to know what brand you try, I have a z1 and a z3x. It would be nice if the drive belts would last at least as long as an oil change.
Have you noticed better results out of the 60” z3x vs the 61”z3x, If so what? Just curious I’m looking to upgrade my 48” Ferris to a 52” z3x potential a 60”.
@@HandyGuy2016so, yes, the 60” is an improvement? Worth it to not get discounted 61” leftover? Upgrading from Z2 to Z3 for more efficiency on larger properties. Hoping it’s worth all the extra money for 2 more mph and 8 more inches. Is the Z3 a better cut than Z2? Thanks for the review!
How hard is it to change cutting height on the z3, is it just the lever and pin. I looked at manual and it shows 1.75 to 5" deck height. My question how how hard is it to go from 2.75 to 4" deck height. I don't believe my landscaper knows how to adjust deck height he's mowing around 2.5 inches. He claims it's at top height. I have old equipment and not familiar but I looked at ferris sight and it says 1.75-5.00 cutting height.
Have you had any trouble getting your decks level and pitched correctly? I have tried and tried on my z2 to get it completely square and pitched 1/4 inch from front to back and it has been impossible. I cut Bermuda, zoysia and fescue so for the fescue it makes no difference but on the thicker turf you can really tell.
@@HandyGuy2016 any tips or tricks you used? Ive tried completely backing off all the adjustment and starting over but for some reason I can’t get my right rear corner to pitch any higher without it also bringing up the left rear corner. My blade nearest the discharge is completely level or even a slight negative pitch
@@HandyGuy2016 my outside blades at the front tips are within an 1/8th but when measuring the back of the blades the left rear sits high and the right rear sits low, when I try to raise the right rear it also raises the left rear and the right front. It’s almost like I need more room for adjustment. I do have some new front caster tires which will give me an extra inch to play with I think.
I have followed your channel for a while. Since Ferris is known for their superior suspension on all of their mowers, is rhe stand on easier on your knees than their sit down on your back?
@@HandyGuy2016 Some people are thinking that the stand on mowers would be harder on your knees than the sit downs on your back even with a Ferris? What are your thoughts?
Time will tell, but I don't have any issues besides my lower back from an injury. I don't have any pain or fatigue from the stander at the end of the day, but I definitely did when I was using sit ons.
@@HandyGuy2016 That would be lit! At what hours did you change the hydro belt? We do year round maintenance contracts with very little mowing, but I want to replace before there's an issue. Thank you for the hydro service video, too. Got my mower with dark fluid at 220 hrs used from dealer demo model, 61" z3, and I think it wasn't changed... ever. But half-price... So, going to do that now. Cheers.
@@HandyGuy2016 check your pulleys... maybe a burr slowly cutting the belt as it rubs it.bon my deck belt the dulley pulley came lose and slapped center spindle deforming the pulley some. that belt eventually cut.... I bent the pulleys tips back out but didn't check for sharp edges and cut another belt after awhile. at 102 for a new pulley I pulled the deck and flap disc ground the inside of that pulley where it was sharp and the new belt doesn't show any damage. also the clutch they came out with a water guard plate on the 2021 models as my clutched smoked itself as well
I own 2 Z2 52" with 28 Vanguard EFI. Never again. Havent jad a wiring harness make it more than 250 hours. Both are currently sitting in the shop waiting for a harness. One of them has been in the shop since February and still waiting. Otherwise good machine. Just buy one with a carburetor.
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Thanks for the honest review! Man that seems like allot of maintenance cost to me. I have a toro 3000 at 680 hours with zero maintenance cost beyond oil changes
Miss your videos. Hope to see you back sometime!
I wish I had a ferris dealer closer to me, I really want to give them a try. I will definitely own the fw15 in the future
Nice records👍on my 2 (500 hrs) replaced a deck belt on my 61”, and that’s it as far as repairs. I guess I’ve been pretty lucky! On that deck belt, I think a stick got caught up in it. If I had a lot more repairs, still would be on my Z3X’s👍
Awesome my friend thanks for the review 👍👍
Thank you for watching.
Awesome review! I agree. The Oil guard system is a must for any future mower that we own 😉👍 I need to do a review on our 3200 . It's got close to 2200 hrs now. We have gone through 3 clutch /PTO packs so far but, no major problems 🤷
That is awesome to hear! You really should do a review! Knowing that, gives me even more confidence in my decision to stick with Ferris.
Thanks for mentioning the clutch issue. I checked on mine, 2019 I believe, and the serial is prior to issues, it's been fine so far with less than 300 hours.
Thanks for this....I picked up a Brand New Z1 36" for this year and was curious when Id have to worry certain maintenance/repairs. Have you found a good method of carrying something to put trash in? I thought about adding a spreader to the front of mine, but im worried because the fertilizer is corrosive, I also want to add a set of lights to mine for evening into dark mowing.
Thanks Bud, nice content as usual. I am replacing my throttle control arm and was wondering how you added the bolt to the old one to fix problem?
Where the lever pivots in the middle there is a rivet. I drilled out the rivet (I believe it was a 1/4") and put a bolt, washer, washer, nylon lock nut, in it's place. Tighten it up until you like it.
@@HandyGuy2016 thank you I will give it a try, I have my fair share of throttle control arms.
Handy guy, when you say throttle control arm, do you mean on the top panel where you control the street if and move the throttle lever, or do you mean at the bottom of the throttle cable where it attaches to the engine? My throttle broke twice, 1st time under warranty, now again.. actual throttle cable “z” end disconnected, very weird, aggravating, I don’t like how the cable has to bend. Dealer told me not to lube the cable?? Thanks for any input. Throttle cable system is bad design. Jim.
The pivot point at the throttle control lever.
Can you do a video of greasing all the fittings on your ferris z3x please? I have a 52” z3x and want to make sure I’m getting each fitting. Also how often do your grease. Thanks!
I grease the spindles each month and all the pivot points 2 times a year.
Awesome, Bud! More helpful information I am now aware of. I have over 400 hours on my Z2 and have not yet had any belts changed. I guess this needs to be a priority for my end of season to do list.
BTW, I did not see any evidence in your recent videos that you're still using the Jungle Jim's string trimmer holders. Did you find they were not as practical as you first thought?
I got away from doing larger properties, which is what I used them for. They are great depending on your needs.
Is the front axle a big selling point for you? In the market for a new mower and keep coming back to this setup. Great review btw
The Ferris is hard to beat and the front suspension is awesome!
It might be a good idea whenever you buy the new belts for the hydros, get another se each time you go so you have extras and you can save your self time. Good review
I actually do keep a spare on hand just in case. I might try some different brands to see if any of them last longer too.
How hard was it to replace?
It's not terribly hard, but it is time consuming and awkward.
saving the old one in case of a break but will plan ahead to buy since we don't do many hours
Nice record keeping on when wearable parts were replaced.
Thank you, I believe it's important to keep records on any investment.
@@HandyGuy2016 true indeed.
Sir Great Video , Was wondering if your using Ferris Hyro Belts on 52 inch for or aftermarket, and if soo what part number or vendor your using thks again,
I'm using the oem Ferris belts, but I might try something else next time.
@@HandyGuy2016 I would like to know what brand you try, I have a z1 and a z3x. It would be nice if the drive belts would last at least as long as an oil change.
When I do, I will let everyone know.
What pulley are you running for your baggers on the z3x? Having a hard time finding the right one. Dealer isn’t much help.
I'm using the ones Protero provided.
Hello Bud, quick question have you changed your battery on Z3 52 and if soo what size battery did you use, thks.
I have and I replaced it with the same size and different brand.
@@HandyGuy2016 hello is there a size printed on battery like a car battery , thks
Have you noticed better results out of the 60” z3x vs the 61”z3x, If so what? Just curious I’m looking to upgrade my 48” Ferris to a 52” z3x potential a 60”.
Actually I think the cut quality is better than the 61"
@@HandyGuy2016so, yes, the 60” is an improvement? Worth it to not get discounted 61” leftover? Upgrading from Z2 to Z3 for more efficiency on larger properties. Hoping it’s worth all the extra money for 2 more mph and 8 more inches. Is the Z3 a better cut than Z2? Thanks for the review!
I noticed the absence of “tweels”
Did you decide to go back to pneumatic for a reason?
I use pneumatic tires when I'm running the baggers in the Fall and Winter.
Can you tell me what front mount bar you have ? Jrco won’t make one for my mower that fits.. same thing here but a 2023 z3x thanks so much!
It's JRCO just cut to length to fit the Z3X's
@@HandyGuy2016 awesome I’ll look into it again, thanks man
have you tried aftermarket belts? wonder if there is something better out there - 250 hrs seems low.
Not yet, but I'm going to.
How hard is it to change cutting height on the z3, is it just the lever and pin. I looked at manual and it shows 1.75 to 5" deck height. My question how how hard is it to go from 2.75 to 4" deck height. I don't believe my landscaper knows how to adjust deck height he's mowing around 2.5 inches. He claims it's at top height. I have old equipment and not familiar but I looked at ferris sight and it says 1.75-5.00 cutting height.
It's just the lever and pin, very easy, and 1.75-5" is correct.
Have you had any trouble getting your decks level and pitched correctly? I have tried and tried on my z2 to get it completely square and pitched 1/4 inch from front to back and it has been impossible. I cut Bermuda, zoysia and fescue so for the fescue it makes no difference but on the thicker turf you can really tell.
It's not a quick process, but I have managed it, to within 1/8" square and pitched at 1/4".
@@HandyGuy2016 any tips or tricks you used? Ive tried completely backing off all the adjustment and starting over but for some reason I can’t get my right rear corner to pitch any higher without it also bringing up the left rear corner. My blade nearest the discharge is completely level or even a slight negative pitch
How much is it off?
@@HandyGuy2016 my outside blades at the front tips are within an 1/8th but when measuring the back of the blades the left rear sits high and the right rear sits low, when I try to raise the right rear it also raises the left rear and the right front. It’s almost like I need more room for adjustment. I do have some new front caster tires which will give me an extra inch to play with I think.
Sounds like a twist in the deck.
I have followed your channel for a while. Since Ferris is known for their superior suspension on all of their mowers, is rhe stand on easier on your knees than their sit down on your back?
Yes, the standers are the most comfortable of all the other ones I have had or tried.
@@HandyGuy2016 Some people are thinking that the stand on mowers would be harder on your knees than the sit downs on your back even with a Ferris? What are your thoughts?
Time will tell, but I don't have any issues besides my lower back from an injury. I don't have any pain or fatigue from the stander at the end of the day, but I definitely did when I was using sit ons.
@@HandyGuy2016 Including Ferris sit downs?
Yes
Why did you stop running the tweels?
I don't run them when I have the baggers on (per manufacturer recommendation) I usually put them back on before we start mowing.
Are you still running tweels?
I will, but right now I'm using the factory tires.
I have a 52 z2 that has 1300hrs with all original belts. That seems crazy to me you are going through that many.
842. Changed belts proactively at around 790.
What blades do you use on your mowers?
Stock highlifts
Thanks sir.
Do you have a video of changing the hydro belt?
No but I will do one in the future.
@@HandyGuy2016 That would be lit! At what hours did you change the hydro belt? We do year round maintenance contracts with very little mowing, but I want to replace before there's an issue. Thank you for the hydro service video, too. Got my mower with dark fluid at 220 hrs used from dealer demo model, 61" z3, and I think it wasn't changed... ever. But half-price... So, going to do that now. Cheers.
250 hours
@@HandyGuy2016 Did you get a video made of that change? If not, any tips? I will look now. Thank you!!
Not yet
What's your thoughts on the new 60" deck?
Really liking it so far.
Same as the 61"? How does it do in wet grass
I think it outperforms the 61" and it does good in wet grass.
My previous machine (grasshopper 226) busted drive belts ever 250ish hours, it was a pain. Switched to toro grandstands now.
I have used grasshopper, and I imagine Toro is a huge improvement.
hmm... only hydro belt inhad tontouch in 400.hra was when j replaced the clutch. it kicked off on e but thats it
That's good, maybe I just keep getting bad ones?
@@HandyGuy2016 check your pulleys... maybe a burr slowly cutting the belt as it rubs it.bon my deck belt the dulley pulley came lose and slapped center spindle deforming the pulley some. that belt eventually cut.... I bent the pulleys tips back out but didn't check for sharp edges and cut another belt after awhile. at 102 for a new pulley I pulled the deck and flap disc ground the inside of that pulley where it was sharp and the new belt doesn't show any damage. also the clutch they came out with a water guard plate on the 2021 models as my clutched smoked itself as well
I own 2 Z2 52" with 28 Vanguard EFI. Never again. Havent jad a wiring harness make it more than 250 hours. Both are currently sitting in the shop waiting for a harness. One of them has been in the shop since February and still waiting. Otherwise good machine. Just buy one with a carburetor.
Sorry to hear that, that sucks.
Save your money. Spindles, electrical issues, clutches and more. Not like they used to be
hey I'm selling my isx2200 61 120 hours south missouri
Discord
Discord
Discord
???
@@HandyGuy2016 Sounds like a comment scam