A zero-turn mower offers comfort and speed to a variety of applications, catering to both homeowners and professionals.
With their zero-degree radius of turning, they allow making narrow turns quickly and are thus, perfect around obstacles.
Here, we will discuss how to find the best zero-turn mower and compare two popular brands, Ferris vs. Exmark.
How to Find the Best Zero Turn Mower?
Since every mower is made different, you can find the best one for you based on how you are going to use it.
Thus, spotting the right level of mower helps you narrow down your choices easily.
Different Levels of Zero Turn Mowers
Typically, zero-turn mowers are divided into the entry, mid, semi-pro, and commercial grades based on their application.
Entry-level Mowers
These mowers are great for homeowners who mow occasionally and need a budget-friendly option. Besides, these are also good for beginners.
Typically, entry-level mowers offer a cutting width of 42 to 46 inches. Similarly, the range of horsepower lies within 18 to 22 HP and the cutting height ranges from 1.5 to 4 inches.
Other typical specifications of an entry-level mower are 3.5-gallon fuel capacity and 75. mph maximum speed.
They feature easy maneuverability with smaller stamped decks and are suitable for a yard of 1/2 to 3/4 acres.
Mid-level Mowers
This grade of mowers packs some heavy-duty components where required. They serve weekend mowing chores quite easily.
The cutting width of mid-level mowers lies between 42 and 54 inches while the horsepower lies between 18 and 26 HP.
Twin-cylinder engines and 2-4 gallons of fuel capacity are other features of this grade of zero-turn mowers.
The mower decks in these machines are usually heavy-duty fabricated steel, strengthened with welding at critical joints.
Comfortable high back seating, foot-controlled adjustment for deck height, and stronger transmissions are also available with mid-grade zero-turn mowers.
In addition, mid-grade mowers use engines from popular brands like Kawasaki and Briggs and Stratton to offer high performance and reliability.
Semi-Pro Zero-turn Mowers
Prosumers, another term used for semi-pro, refers to the grade of zero-turn mowers that serve both commercial and residential customers.
These mowers are recommended for homeowners having huge land to take care of and professional contractors who need budget machines.
Semi-pro mowers offer a cutting width of 48 to 60 inches with a horsepower range of 23 to 24 HP.
Powered by twin-cylinder engines, these mowers come with a fuel capacity of 3-6 gallons.
Featuring heavy-duty transmissions, big fuel tanks, and heavy-gauge single-piece steel frames, these mowers cater to daily mowing needs.
They also pack comfort features like cruise control, multiple cup holders, adjustable armrests, and a high back seat.
With a top speed of 8 miles per hour, these mowers are suitable for mowing 4-5 acres of lawn.
Commercial Mowers
As the name states, the commercial grade caters to professionals who need a machine for everyday hard use. They have the highest cutting width of 60 and 66 inches.
Powered by twin cylinder engines, they produce a horsepower of 23 to 31 HP. A commercial mower can carry 5 to 8 gallons of fuel to suit mowing needs.
Thus, commercial-grade zero-turn mowers feature the biggest fuel tanks, mowing decks, fastest speeds, and most powerful engines.
And all this comes at a big price tag as well.
The Steering Wheel
Besides the grade, this one’s another decision you should make when making the Ferris vs. Exmark decision. Let’s learn about different steering options you can buy.
Lap Bar Steering
This option gives you two bars to steer the machine where each bar controls one wheel. This ensures better maneuverability.
However, you will need to learn how to use bars first and that could take a bit of your time.
Steering Wheel
If you don’t want to get involved in a learning curve, go for a steering wheel instead.
With a wheel, you can control your mower just like you do with a tractor or a golf cart.
Choosing Your Mower – Ferris vs. Exmark
With Exmark and Ferris being on the list of most popular brands, here’s how each manufacturer performs.
Exmark Mowers
Exmark began as a turf care company in 1982 in Beatrice, Nebraska. Soon, the brand made its inception into the field of commercial grade mowers.
Its zero-turn mowers are quite popular and are popular among residential and professional applications alike.
Exmark deals in a lineup of rear discharge decks, stand-on, walk-behind, and propane-fueled mowers. It offers separate product series for residential, commercial, and flagship needs.
The deck widths of Exmark mowers range from 34 inches to 96 inches, catering to a wide range of applications.
Ferris Mowers
Similar to Exmark, Ferris also didn’t begin its journey into the lawn mower industry but made an entry later.
In upstate New York, it began as a milking machine manufacturer in 1909. However, the company created its first mower in the 1980s.
With a patented seat suspension, Ferris offers a wide range of mowers with decks from 44 inches to 72 inches wide.
Moreover, the brand also uses powerful engines from brands like Vanguard and Briggs and Stratton.
Ferris mowers offer a range of power options with engines starting from 23.5 HP and going up to 33.5 HP.
Is Ferris better than Exmark?
Both have their benefits and drawbacks. Ferris offers a smooth and comfortable ride that makes it good for various landscaping applications.
However, Exmark is likely to be better in some departments. It works better for commercial needs because scalping this mower on a hill or turn is difficult.
Are Ferris Zero Turn Mowers any good?
Ferris offers a good value for money. Those who have bought and used its zero-turn mowers aren’t likely to switch to any brand soon.
Verdict – Ferris vs. Exmark
In this comparison of Ferris vs. Exmark, we learned about how to find the best zero-turn mower.
Moreover, both brands weren’t lawn mower manufacturers at the start.
Thus, you should consider your mowing needs, frequency, and lawn to choose the right grade of mowers.
Then comes the decision on the right cutting deck, steering, and other features.