Ferris introduced its newest mower, the Evolution, a compact zero-turn (CZT) unit, to the trade press Oct. 9 at the Richard Childress Racing facility in North Carolina. The mower's operator forward design is ergonomically ideal, said Bill Shea, VP for Briggs & Stratton Yard Power Products Group, which now owns the Ferris brand.

Evolution mower from Ferris raises bar for ergonomics


 

Vince Shiely, president of Briggs & Stratton Yard Power Group, demonstrates the new Evolution mower from Ferris. Its ergonomic seating design gives the rider a motorcycle-like control.


CONCORD, NC—Ferris introduced its newest mower, the Evolution, a compact zero-turn (CZT) unit, to the trade press Oct. 9 at the Richard Childress Racing facility in North Carolina. The mower’s operator forward design is ergonomically ideal, said Bill Shea, VP for Briggs & Stratton Yard Power Products Group, which now owns the Ferris brand.


The Evolution’s suspension technology, coupled with what looks and feels a bit like a motorcycle seat and a design that has your legs comfortably bent, had great maneuverability during test rides. The seat is adjustable without having to adjust the operator handles.


Both 19-hp and 27-hp by Kawasaki will be available when the new mower goes on sale in January. Other features include 36-inch and 48-inch cutting width option, cut heights ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 inches, top speed of 10 mph, and grease-able aluminum spindles. The 36-inch version will sell for $6,999 and the 48-inch $7,999, according to another Ferris vice president.


Ferris will embark soon on a nationwide tour to conduct special sales programs in support of their 160 dealers, discussing mostly parts and service issues.


Shea said the main selling points for the Evolution are still performance and productivity. “The ergonomic benefit is ‘candy’,” he commented.


The units are compact enough to fit six of them on a 16-foot trailer and come with a 2-year bumper to bumper warranty. Officials said the target customers are professional landscape contractors.—by Eric Schroder