Ferris Zero-Turn Mowers: What to Know
Overview
Ferris, part of the Briggs & Stratton commercial family, made its name on one thing above all: suspension. While most zero-turns bolt the operator more or less rigidly to the frame, Ferris engineers a full suspension system into the machine, and the result is a ride that competitors spend years trying to match.
Genuine strengths
- Best-in-class suspension. Ferris's independent, coil-over-shock suspension smooths out rough, bumpy, and uneven ground better than almost anything else on the market, cutting operator fatigue on long sessions.
- Excellent mowing performance. The comfort doesn't come at the expense of a clean, consistent cut.
- Heavy, durable build. These are substantial machines engineered for prosumer and commercial duty.
Our rating, by criterion
Editorial scores on our six-criteria methodology, disclosed as opinion.
Model / lineup snapshot
Ferris spans prosumer to commercial suspension zero-turns. Verify current series, deck widths, and engine options before buying. verify specs
Limitations / who it's not ideal for
The comfort-focused engineering adds weight and cost, and the lineup is mowing-centric, you won't find Grasshopper's breadth of year-round implements. For a buyer whose priorities are versatility and all-season use, that's a real gap.
How it compares to Grasshopper
Grasshopper trades a little of Ferris's plush ride for front-mount versatility and all-season use, one machine that mows, plows, and blows through an Illinois year. If a smooth ride on rough terrain is your single top priority, Ferris is superb; if versatility and longevity lead your list, Grasshopper pulls ahead.
Read the full Grasshopper vs. Ferris comparison →
Interested in Ferris?
You can find an authorized Ferris dealer near you. We keep competitor links genuine because our recommendation of Grasshopper is based in facts, not preference. Compare for yourself and see.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ferris more comfortable than Grasshopper?
Generally yes, Ferris's four-corner suspension is class-leading and, on rough or bumpy ground, delivers a plusher ride than most competitors including Grasshopper. Grasshopper counters with seat and platform isolation plus front-mount geometry, but if pure ride comfort on uneven terrain is your single priority, Ferris leads.
Can a Grasshopper be used in winter like a Ferris can't?
Grasshopper's front-mount platform accepts winter implements, a snow thrower, dozer blade, and more, so many Illinois owners run it year-round instead of storing it. Ferris is a mowing-focused machine without a comparable all-season implement ecosystem.
Which lasts longer, Grasshopper or Ferris?
Both are built for long service lives when maintained. Grasshopper emphasizes serviceability and longevity in its design, which is a core reason we rank it first for buyers planning to keep a machine 10-15 years. Verify current warranty terms for each before buying.