New Ferris 36" Walk Behind - Woo Hoo! (pics)

[Hedgemaster]

I went back with the trailer and picked it up today. Side note: Noobs, don't buy a 5x8 trailer unless you only ever plan to haul push mowers. I'll be able to haul this and my push mower, but there isn't a lot of room left over. PLAN AHEAD for growth! The dealer, knowing that I am unfamiliar with it's operation, gave a very thorough explanation of all of the controls before starting it up (ohhh... that baby purrrrrs) and showing how to work the controls. He pointed out all of the grease fittings, demonstrated the deck adjustment, explained the belt usage for different cut heights (yes, Mark, the blades ARE timed), and more before we headed out into the parking lot for me to familiarize myself with it's operation. There's definitely a learning curve. The cruise control bar took some getting used to. I just assumed that all control - forward and back - would be done with the levers under the handles, but those are just for steering, "temporary neutral", and reverse. You push the CC bar forward to begin forward motion until you are at the desired speed (infinitely adjustable - not "set" speeds) and let go of it. From there, you steer by squeezing the levers, and by squeezing both equally, at the midpoint the unit will come to a stop. By continuing to squeeze, it begins to move in reverse. Stopping all forward motion after using the levers to stop requires you to pull/slap the CC bar back towards you into neutral. This can be done while in motion with the left hand, or after having used the levers to slow down. (It's hard to explain) There's also a foot pedal you can step on with the right foot that pushes the CC bar back into neutral giving you different options for operation. I'd say that maneuvering a zero turn is easier to pick up on, but it's not like it requires a degree from community college, or anything. Gotta go upload some more pics. Be back later!

[mark123]

Lawn care business tips

Originally Posted by Hedgemaster ... There's definitely a learning curve. The cruise control bar took some getting used to. I just assumed that all control - forward and back - would be done with the levers under the handles, but those are just for steering, "temporary neutral", and reverse. You push the CC bar forward to begin forward motion until you are at the desired speed (infinitely adjustable - not "set" speeds) and let go of it. From there, you steer by squeezing the levers, and by squeezing both equally, at the midpoint the unit will come to a stop. By continuing to squeeze, it begins to move in reverse. Stopping all forward motion after using the levers to stop requires you to pull/slap the CC bar back towards you into neutral. This can be done while in motion with the left hand, or after having used the levers to slow down. (It's hard to explain) There's also a foot pedal you can step on with the right foot that pushes the CC bar back into neutral giving you different options for operation. I'd say that maneuvering a zero turn is easier to pick up on, but it's not like it requires a degree from community college, or anything. Toro T-bar has similar instructions. To go, push forward. To stop, pull back. To turn, steer right or left. Well, I guess it's nothing at all like that.

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Boughter's Lawn Care Services Mowing and Fertilizing in New Castle, PA

[Hedgemaster]

Originally Posted by mark123

Toro T-bar has similar instructions. To go, push forward. To stop, pull back. To turn, steer right or left. Well, I guess it's nothing at all like that.

LOL! I figured you'd have something like that to say!

[mark123]

Originally Posted by Hedgemaster

LOL! I figured you'd have something like that to say!

You know everyone around here is like that.

[Hedgemaster]

PHOTO TIME!!!

For the love of God, if you quote this post EDIT out at least SOME of the pics!


New arrival at the Hedgemaster household...






I discovered a problem with having added sides to my trailer - nowhere to attach tie down straps for something that weighs this much.
I do have D-rings attached to the inside, but while OK for holding a push mower or tying down a tarp, they would have ripped right out if I had used a ratchet strap on them to secure a 550 lb mower.
I couldn't really run anything over the side to hook on the frame on the outside, or it would have applied too much pressure on the top edge of the sides. The mesh floor isn't something I'd trust to hold either. I was able to go through the mesh and catch a few of the frame supports, but I have to figure out a better way to secure it.










Bad lighting, but here's the pics anyway...
























Did I miss any angles?

[wandfsmall]

Originally Posted by mark123

You know everyone around here is like that.

I would stick with the Hustler trimstar if I had to use it often, you can control it one handed and drink with your other hand... they have a motorcycle looking steering wheel you control and only need to have one hand on the unit to run it.

[Hedgemaster]

Originally Posted by wandfsmall

I would stick with the Hustler trimstar if I had to use it often, you can control it one handed and drink with your other hand... they have a motorcycle looking steering wheel you control and only need to have one hand on the unit to run it.

I can run this with one hand too. So long as I'm going straight, or want to turn right.



It's really amazing how much the controls can vary between manufacturers.
If I were in a position to be more choosy, I'd have tried different types. As it stands, my options were limited to essentially Toro, Exmark, and Ferris. (with a few others that they had catalogs for, but none to see)
Of those, the Ferris was the only one that fell in my price range with the features I wanted. I'll adjust.

Or does anyone think I should return it for that $1,000 Chinese-made 33" WorldLawn fixed deck gear drive with the 10.5 hp B&S?

You got me thinking about getting a Ferris now.....hmm

Toro/Ferris dealer is a 5 minute WALK from my place.

Any other dealer is at least 20 minute drive IF i hit green lights....

Old boss recommends the Ferris...your pics are pretty.

2 half acre accounts with a bid on a 1/4 acre out.

Hmmmm, I ain't gonna sleep tonight ya know.

[mark123]

Originally Posted by SaberLawnCare

You got me thinking about getting a Ferris now.....hmm ...

Their zero-turns are smoooooth riding. Give them a try.

[wandfsmall]

Originally Posted by Hedgemaster

I can run this with one hand too. So long as I'm going straight, or want to turn right.



It's really amazing how much the controls can vary between manufacturers.
If I were in a position to be more choosy, I'd have tried different types. As it stands, my options were limited to essentially Toro, Exmark, and Ferris. (with a few others that they had catalogs for, but none to see)
Of those, the Ferris was the only one that fell in my price range with the features I wanted. I'll adjust.

Or does anyone think I should return it for that $1,000 Chinese-made 33" WorldLawn fixed deck gear drive with the 10.5 hp B&S?

I was just kidding, I did not suggest the Hustler for you when you asked as I did not think you had any support for it. You are better off going with a good dealer. I think you made a good choice personally. But I do admit the trimstar control system is kinda sweet that you can fully control the unit with one hand after starting the blades.