Many different American brands rule over the lawn mower equipment space. However, only one can take the top spot.
But that doesn’t mean the others aren’t good. As for this article, we will be discussing two of the most popular manufacturers in this area, John Deere and Ferris.
Although based in the USA, both share similarities and differences. And we will compare Ferris vs John Deere in different departments to spot the better one.
So, let’s begin with the basics, a short history of the brands.
History and Overview – Ferris vs John Deere
John Deere is a classic American brand. You can recognize it easily with its yellow-green appearance and the leaping deer in the logo.
However, the brand earned that presence through years of hard work and improvements. John Deere is known for some of the most outstanding products.
And in the lawn mower space, its lawn tractors enjoy quite a supremacy.
On the other hand, Ferris didn’t begin as a mower manufacturing company. Instead, it made its first appearance as Uebler Milking Machine Company in 1909.
Originally, the brand gained traction among upstate New York’s small dairy farmers for their quality milking machines.
It was in the mid-’80s that the brand entered the lawn mower industry when losses started coming in the dairy industry.
One of the descendants, Dave Ferris, thought of entering the mowing industry. He created the first hydrostatically driven mower in 1986.
After earning a patent for the first hydrostatic mower, Ferris also produced the first independent suspension for a mower, 10 years later.
And that’s how Ferris started becoming a notable brand among lawn mower buyers and users.
Comparing the Products
Machines from Ferris are usually termed as suitable for homeowners. But the construction and features can make them pass the commercial grade as well.
From components to construction, the brand induces quality in everything to make the best mowers possible.
John Deere also produces exceptionally good mowers with its lawn tractors being one of the most popular.
The products are among the most durable ones and you can also get numerous attachments to choose from.
Moreover, you can easily find the best one for you by comparing John Deere’s products with other manufacturers right on their website.
Are Ferris mowers made in USA?
Yes. Ferris Mowers are made in Upstate New York, where the company started by manufacturing milk machines.
Engine Options
Engines in John Deere products belong to a lower range of HP values as compared to those of Ferris.
The lowest HP for engines used in John Deere tractors is 17HP while 27HP is the highest. Comparatively, Ferris uses engines belonging to the 24HP to 37HP range.
Kawasaki and Briggs and Stratton are the common engine brands among the two. However, Ferris uses Vanguard engines and John Deere uses those from Yanmar as the third option.
Transmission
This is another important point of difference between the Ferris vs John Deere mowers.
John Deere uses hydrostatic transmission. On the contrary, Ferris uses hydraulic motors combined with dual hydro-gear hydrostatic pumps.
Deck Options
Ferris mowers come with triple options including mulching, rear bag, and side discharge. However, John Deere tractors offer mulching and rear bagging only.
Also, deck width variations are different for both brands. Ferris offers choices from 44-inches to 72-inches while those for John Deere are 42 to 62 inches.
To adjust the deck height, John Deere offers options of a foot-assisted lever, manual lever, and powered hydraulic device.
With Ferris, you will get a lever for height adjustment. You can also get foot control if you can spend extra.
Frame and Axle
Ferris uses pivoted fabricated steel for the front axles which are a standard option among homeowner mowers.
For the frame, the manufacturer uses fully welded steel to avoid any compromise of strength.
In this department, John Deere uses fabricated cast iron for front axles to make them the sturdiest options available.
And the frame uses a step-through design to ensure no obstruction at the driver’s front.
Accessories and Power Take Off
Ferris offers an only electric option for power take-off while John Deere provides both manual and electric choices.
In terms of accessories, both brands have a good list to choose from. But as already stated, John Deere offers the most accessories with its machines.
With a Ferris mower, you can get a mulch kit and rear bag for all models. Standard accessories include tapered drive axles, 4-wheel suspension, and roll bar.
Alternatively, John Deere tractors come with up to 19 towable tools as accessories. Sun canopy, dozer blade, snowthrower, and snow broom are among other options.
Still, you can check with the manufacturer or the distributor to get the best accessories for the specific model you are interested in.
And that brings us to the next part, lawn mower models from the brands.
Comparing the Product Line
Lawn tractors from John Deere are available in 4 series of models including 100, 300, 500, and 700. Overall, there are 30 products categorized into these 4 series from John Deere.
Ferris lawn mowers are available under the ZTR series. Comparatively, the number of products or models is less than those of John Deere.
The Lower End Models
The lower-end machines from John Deere are offered under the 100 series. And for Ferris, it’s the 500Z model on the lower end.
With 100 series, you get engine options including 19.5/21 HP single cylinder overhead valve, 22 HP twin cylinder overhead valve, and 26HP twin cylinder from Briggs and Stratton.
The 500Z comes with a twin cylinder engine from Briggs and Stratton with 24 HP and 26 HP options.
The Higher End Models
5100Z, the higher-end model from Ferris is a pumped-up machine with a 33.5 HP Caterpillar diesel engine.
On the other hand, John Deere offers its masterpieces under the 700 series. The machines are powered by a 23/27HP twin cylinder overhead valve engine from Kawasaki.
Other features of the engine include 4 strokes and a pressurized oil system. Some products also carry a 24 HP, 3-cylinder diesel engine from Yanmar.
The Verdict – Ferris vs John Deere
To conclude, the comparison of Ferris vs John Deere states that both offer high-quality mowing machines.
However, John Deere machines carry engines with a lower range of HP options than those with Ferris.
And based on the similarities and differences discussed, you can choose the best one for your mowing needs.