I mow with the Ferris (600-some hours), and it is very easy to maneuver (with swivel wheels up front). The drive is so strong that it can climb a hill easier than you can. The drive system is open differential which sends all the power to the wheel that has the least resistance to rotation causing the outside drive wheel on a turn to have all the torque allowing the mower to turn with ease. The Ferris does win-row when mulching, and it is unsatisfactory for me. I have the mulch kit which I took off. I now use an operator controlled chute discharge when I need to prevent debris from blowing into beds. This mower can go through deep grass without bogging down and has a very nice cut/stripes. I have used to Toro Timewaster and it bogs easily and is nowhere near the build that the Ferris is. Yes, the Toro/Exmark Turfmaster is half the price, but it is also half the machine. I have done repair favors for friends with the Toro/Exmark, and I can say that their machines break down with far greater frequency and cannot handle zone 5a cool season grasses in the Spring time near as well or as fast as a Ferris. To date, my only repairs have been the blade engagement cable (twice), but I found a factory defect where the bracket below the mower was in the wrong place causing abrasion to the engagement cable. I relocated the bracket and I have not had any issues in the past 400 hours. I cannot say the same for the lighter built Toro/Exmark. I hope this may help someone out there.

@BillyGoatLawnService

10 ай бұрын

Greatly appreciate your comment. You mentioned many valid points. I agree the FW15 is twice the machine compared Toro and Exmark and even the Scag 30. The FW15 is in a class of its own, nothing really compares to it (That I know of).

@M.TTT.

3 ай бұрын

yep, I'd agree simply looking at the components plus I got a timemaster with a blown engine for free and fixed it up. I'd never buy one new, it is not that good of a mower for what they cost.

@leadnsteel1428

3 ай бұрын

@@M.TTT. I upgraded the Timemaster with a Kohler engine, Exmark pulleys and Ballard ripper blades. It's a different machine now. Also sprayed the underside with Teflon to prevent clogging.

@M.TTT.

3 ай бұрын

@leadnsteel1428 ah nice, I upgraded my deck pulleys and swapped a $40 "7hp" briggs on it and did belts. It's not bad, I got it for free with a blown engine. I got a Honda GCV200 I plan to swap, the briggs is worn out. The blade/pto belt seems to wear/crack kinda quick. Somehow the oem transmission hasn't blown up yet, I split it and put in 10w-40 atv oil

@leadnsteel1428

3 ай бұрын

@@M.TTT. that's the only weak link is the pto belt.

Loving the videos man keep ‘em coming !! I’m shocked with the Ferris issues !

I use both the Ferris and the Toro. I can carry both in my truck with out a trailer. I cranked up the govener on both machines to about 3800 rpm they cut much nicer now. Keeping the blades sharp is key too.

@BillyGoatLawnService

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for commenting! I like the idea of increasing the rpm’s.

@M.TTT.

3 ай бұрын

oof, toro is gonna blow up quick

@leadnsteel1428

3 ай бұрын

@@M.TTT. I use good oil and keep the blades sharp. And I have a Kohler engine on the Toro.

@M.TTT.

3 ай бұрын

@leadnsteel1428 ah ok, lil better than the briggs and I for some reason forgot standard rpm is 3600 and not 3000, so it's really not that bad if you used a meter to read it. I usually set the rpm by ear on smaller mowers anyway lol.

Very informative. Thank You for the video. I like the Ferrus period.

@BillyGoatLawnService

2 жыл бұрын

I’m a big fan of Ferris as well. Trying to figure out how to get the FW15 to cut better.

These Mowers Are Awesome

@BillyGoatLawnService

2 жыл бұрын

Yes they are! Thanks for commenting!

@cameronwilliams6611

Жыл бұрын

You Welcome

Timemaster speaks to me prior to every season, telling me to buy it, use it and abuse it.. But unfortunately I haven't seen the reason to get one since the scope of my business remains relatively the same regarding the number and size of the lawns I have (you loose a few customers, you win a few). And I'm handling it just fine with 2 Honda 21" mowers.. Hopefully I will get a few larger lots this year but if that happens I'll be getting some cheaper residential zero turn like the Toro Timecutter and skip the 30" Timemaster since the finishing mowers will still be those Hondas.. But man I can't explain it to you guys how much I would like to own this puppy.. Maybe in a few years when my business inexplicably explodes ten fold.. 😅😅😅.. But then I guess I'll be eying the FW15...

@BillyGoatLawnService

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for commenting! I would stick with smaller yards if all possible. Profit levels are higher using 21” mowers. Bigger yards require bigger and more expensive mowers to maintain, not to mention the need of trailers to haul them around. Which means more overhead expenses. I agree, residential zero turn mowers will do just fine if you don’t have a lot of big yards to mow but still would need a trailer. We definitely do our share of push mowing with the Timemaster 30. It is a timesaver over the 21” mowers. They very efficient on weekly yards.

You gotta do round 3 💯✂️I’m just a Ferris fan because of the zero turn I have a toro zero turn also…see which one does the job the fastest and is the most comfortable

@BillyGoatLawnService

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment and suggestion to do an Round Three. I’m also a big fan of Ferris mowers and trying to figure out to improve the FW15 cut quality.

Still can't believe the Farris issue. Toro timemaster mulching is good . .I think the side baffle is not low enough... . It. I want to see the mowing around in yards how the back up is compared... good video 📹 👍

@BillyGoatLawnService

2 жыл бұрын

I totally agree! The baffle maybe to small. I’ll do more videos on the Ferris is summer.

@danbsimpson

Жыл бұрын

also looked to me like he was traveling about twice as fast with the Ferris in the thick areas vs the Toro

Significant weight difference for sure. Where I’m at there’s virtually no Ferris dealers so ya don’t really see these ever. The time master is the homeowner version of turf master which is everywhere, that and the exmark 30; I’ve ran them both and I love that machine although it does tend to go through belts.

@BillyGoatLawnService

Жыл бұрын

Appreciate the comment. Even though I’m a fan of Ferris mowers, they need to make some improvements to the cut quality and handlebar assembly. I have to admit, the hydro drive is nice but still takes muscle to maneuver in tight spaces and on hills.

I ran the timemaster for a few years and loved it but also hated it at the same time lol. It broke alot of parts. I plan on upgrading to the feris fw15 in the future

@BillyGoatLawnService

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for commenting! I sold the FW15 to Carlo at the end of last season. Nice to hear from you. Sure do miss your videos. Hope you are doing well?

@JonsDailyHustle

Жыл бұрын

@Billy Goat Lawn Service yessir, went through some stuff but I am back now

@leadnsteel1428

4 ай бұрын

I replaced the pulleys on the Toro to commercial grade and I haven't had any problems. I've had the Toro for 2 seasons now.

I had the Ferris, very heavy on fuel, useless on hills, especially if you want it to reverse, wouldn't budge. The hydraulic break never worked. Had it six months, was hardly ever used as everyone hated using it. Bought at f25 instead, it is a far superior mower.

@BillyGoatLawnService

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for commenting! I agree…we ended up selling our FW15 as well. kzread.info/dash/bejne/hop6y8WAia_cYMY.htmlsi=DjIln_xTorprxW1l

@leadnsteel1428

3 ай бұрын

Yeah Ferris is like Exmark they always break.

I took my mulch blades off Farris and put high lifts on mowing with mulch kit, the cut quality is much better, it does have a little bit of blow out at the discharge but very little and I have continued to keep high lift blades on, maybe try that and let me know what you think!

@BillyGoatLawnService

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! appreciate the suggestion. Hopefully that will help with better cut quality. I did order a set of Ripper (Gator) Blades from Ballard Inc. I’m curious if gator style blades would cut any better. I’ll let you know once I get them, may even do a video. We both need to do more FW15 videos. They seem to get a good amount of views.

@eddieh6429

2 жыл бұрын

@@BillyGoatLawnService I Agree! Please let me know how new blades cut, I LOVE the FW15 but there’s a few things Farris needs to work on! They cost to much to even have the smallest issues!

@TheIronDuke502

Жыл бұрын

@@BillyGoatLawnService I also was wondering about the blades in that the Ferris would give a much neater cut quality with the same type blades as the Toro. Does Toro refer to their blades as “Atomic Blades” for the Timemaster as they do with the Recycler and Super Recycler mowers - Yeah they look like Gator/Predator blades to me as well. I have compared the different types of blades on my John Deere and absolutely love the cut quality of the G6 Gator blades over the other types of blades that I have tried out.

I think walking at the same pace on both is the most fair comparison.

@BillyGoatLawnService

8 ай бұрын

Thanks for commenting! Appreciate the support.

Did the grass have some dew on it, before mowing? And/or was it just somewhat wet? Overall, the Toro held it's own! Round 3, please!!!🥊🥊

@BillyGoatLawnService

2 жыл бұрын

We did have rain the evening before but overall the grass wasn’t wet when I mowed it the afternoon after. Read “The Cutting Force” comment, he may be on the something with the baffles. This fight isn’t over, there will be more rounds coming!

Thanks for the video! I have 12,000 square feet, entire yard has a 25 degree slope. Which one do you think would handle this job best?

@BillyGoatLawnService

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for commenting! We have many yards with slopes and I believe the timemaster would be more comfortable to mow with on hills.

Grass was to long, do another cut 2 days after that then we can see how clean the mulching is

@BillyGoatLawnService

Жыл бұрын

I plan on doing more comparison videos. Thank for commenting!

@edhopkins6589

Жыл бұрын

Oh...you know 2 days after that big cut wouldn't be enough. Try comparison cut at 5 inches, pit the cut of height in the ~3 inches. That would be cool to see. ( self interest, as I am interested in the FW15, I do shift work so mowing happens when I can get it done ..and you know weather ). Seeya doing more next Spring !

@fordmodela3641

Жыл бұрын

I agree the grass was way to tall to do a mulching pass. That’s why the front wheels laid the grass down and it failed to get cut.

Both might need a little more overlap in their passes just to get that processing efficiency up a few notches.

@BillyGoatLawnService

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for commenting! I plan on doing a few more comparisons in the future.

I have a timemaster, and I've had a bad experience with it, going into season 2, i mow a few yards in my neighborhood (20ish all are every other week) and as of yesterday i have an engine knock developing.... mine also goes through blade drive belts like crazy(i mug get 3 months out of the factory belt) i took it into the repair shop abs they said it was normal. Also about last month one of my idler pulleys gave out... basically it breaks down way too much for me to rely on....

@BillyGoatLawnService

Жыл бұрын

I totally agree! The timemaster isn’t the most liable mower but the quality of cut is amazing if the grass isn’t too wet and/or high. This is surely a high maintenance mower if you use it commercially. Use far as the engine knock, make sure all 3 engine mount bolts are tight. If they are, might be a sign that the engine is getting ready to lock up. Start changing the oil more frequently may help prolong the life of the engine. I put hour meters on all of our timemasters to monitor oil changes and replacement parts. Our oldest timemaster (2017) has 625 hours of use with a slight engine knock. The 2 newer timemasters (2021) have over 400 hours each.

Wonder if the ferris cut would have been better with gator blades? Seems like it was a stonger blade cut than the toro

@BillyGoatLawnService

20 күн бұрын

Thanks for commenting! Possibly gator style blades could do a better job.

Try a mow when the grass is wet, that would be interesting.

@BillyGoatLawnService

Жыл бұрын

Yes! That would be interesting. The timemaster is know to be the Clogmaster.

The Fw15 is a compliment to a zero turn 51" deck. As a commercial machine you pay a lot of money for a heavy-duty product. depending on the configuration you'll be out between 9 to13k dollars? The time Master is an accessible lawn care product

@BillyGoatLawnService

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for commenting! I agree, the FW15 is heavy duty.

If you look into sanding and painting under your mower deck. I highly suggest an epoxy coating and apply a really hard coat paint. The grass will literally just fall off and exit the discharge chute and less clumping. Just an idea....

@BillyGoatLawnService

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for commenting! I really appreciate the suggestion. Repainting under the mower deck I’m sure will help greatly.

@Press1for

Жыл бұрын

😁

285 pounds seems like it would be little difficult to maneuver around obstacles

@BillyGoatLawnService

2 жыл бұрын

The FW15 is a bit heavy compared to the Timemaster but surprisingly you can steer the Ferris with one hand. At some point will do a “Maneuverability Round” with mowing around obstacles.

They both look good but the Toro cut looks better but the Ferris is a good looking machine

@BillyGoatLawnService

11 ай бұрын

Thanks for commenting! Appreciate the support!

The Farris is a beautiful machine, but for the cost of the Farris you can buy 2 Timemasters. It is for that reason that I own a Timemaster. However if I was using it commercially I would probably spend the extra to get the Farris, or at least step up to the Turfmaster.

@M.TTT.

3 ай бұрын

the ferris is 3 times the machine that a timemaster is, it will outlast them by far. Turfmaster is barely an upgrade from the Timemaster other than pulleys and transmission. Definitely not worth the price.

@peterpowers4851

3 ай бұрын

@@M.TTT. turfmaster has a different engine vs the timemaster, larger fuel capacity, and one lever adjusts the deck hight front a rear, but I get your point. The Farris is far superior.

@M.TTT.

3 ай бұрын

@peterpowers4851 yes rhats true, I wasn't sure if they still offered a briggs model and a kawasaki on the turf master, kawasaki would be a lot better. Just the belts and trans don't seem to hold up very long, but it's a convenient machine with a good cut and does bag very good.

Mulching is rough on any mower, timemaster is much better sidechute or bagging.

@BillyGoatLawnService

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for commenting! I agree… Sometimes the timemaster becomes the clogmaster when trying to mulch.

I think the Ferris is not on a timed belt system where Toro is on a timed belted system as in the blades over lap one another leaving no trails behind .. I love my Timemaster ! it may be built a little cheap but with some mods to them its a great mower ! its definitely my money maker for those yards I can’t get my big mower in ..

@BillyGoatLawnService

8 ай бұрын

Thanks for commenting. The Ferris is also a timed belted system which I was surprised leaving a few grass blades uncut. I’m also a big fan of the Timemaster knowing it’s not the most reliable mower from a maintenance standpoint. We use Timemasters commercially, our 2017 has over 700 hours of use.

@freshlycutlawnservice

8 ай бұрын

@@BillyGoatLawnService ohh no kidding.. I don’t know much about the Ferris Fw15 so was just taken a guess .. sense you said that if you break down some math and spindle size and how many spins it gets on one complete revolution lol sounds like it’s spinning to slow lol .. for that kind of application .. that’s my guess .. But yes those Toros lol great little mower I can’t complain it’s a money maker that’s for sure! I don’t like the other designs with the Kawasaki engine You can’t flip the handle up for storing it back in the trailer .. it’s why I like the timer master. Better than the Time Cutter .. I need that versatility of that handle . It really does make my job faster on some of the yards I do and when I have a full trailer I need that extra space !

My Toro has a problem with the grass sticking to the deck and I have to clean out every couple of passes

@BillyGoatLawnService

Жыл бұрын

Some call their Timemaster the Clogmaster. I tend to agree, it will clog often on certain grass types especially when mowing crabgrass. For those type of yards, we will either discharge or bag the clippings. Trying to mulch the clippings is a nightmare.

@leadnsteel1428

Жыл бұрын

​@@BillyGoatLawnService clogmaster lol...

@leadnsteel1428

Жыл бұрын

Yeah just spray ceramic coating on it it will help. I also keep the discharge open I never mulch.

The real Truth is that the Ferris FW15 Is not Built for Mulching It is designed for side discharging ONLY. For (Commercial Property Mowing) Commercial property owners don't give a shit about mulching the grass they just want it cut Integrating the mulching Style Grass Cut for the commercial property is a personal preference of the operator of the Ferris FW15 they integrated a Mulch kit (For Residential Home User) and also a bagging system Kit To Extract The Grass Clipping's and The Tree leaves ect. of The Private Residential Owner" That is why 3 different type blades to use (High Lift, Medium lift Blades) for side discharging, and mulching blades to mulch Grass and leaves For the Bagging system --->( FOR THE HOME USER ONLY ) 👍

@BillyGoatLawnService

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment! I totally agree, many don’t realize most commercial mower decks are primarily designed to discharge the clippings out of the deck as quick as possible using high lift blades. I use to work for a landscaping company that had mowers with 72 inch decks. All discharge only, so you have to learn to cut so you don’t the make a total mess shooting clippings all over the place. For the most part, the FW15 is very good mower. My biggest issue is the handlebar design not being ergonomic. Definitely felt discomfort in my hands and arms when mowing with the Ferris.

Should have used the toro commercial 30. Compare commercial/ commercial mowers. Even though residential does have better cut quality

@BillyGoatLawnService

Жыл бұрын

Will have more comparison videos coming soon.

@firstname6208

Жыл бұрын

@@BillyGoatLawnService I put g6 gator blades on my fw15. The factory wavey blades do not lift anything. The g6 will lift acorns with the engine wide AZZ open. My turf master is parked on the stone pile, target practice is exactly what it's worth. Heave as crap, no reverse, no swivel wheels, no power, POS.

@BillyGoatLawnService

Жыл бұрын

@@firstname6208 thanks for commenting! Will definitely need to try a set of G6 gator blades.

@LuisCruz-ns3bt

Жыл бұрын

@@firstname6208 do you have the part number for the g6 blades? my fw15's cut quality is not that good even with fresh sharpened blades

@firstname6208

Жыл бұрын

@@LuisCruz-ns3bt i went to my local supplier and found the correct length g6 blades, then took them and an old blade to a machine shop where they have carbide burrs to put the correct size holes in them. Oregon doesn't yet make g6 blades for the fw15. It doubled the cost of the blades, which is why you want to start with high quality blades not the cheap crap. I did post the part numbers on handy guys channel.

I had the few 15 for 5 years. Don't block the shoot and do not mulch with it. Im in Pittsburgh , it is very hilly and the ferris climbs. And mows down heavy grass easily with the shoot off. I can't use smaller mower.. waist of time . Had Toro time master. .. dog on hills... I have a Toro grandstand as my main mower

I give both round 1 and round 2 to TM.. Ferris getting a beat down. Toro may bog down a bit because it has better suction and air flow and it suspends the clippings longer under the deck for further mulching. You can tell by the amount of clippings that fell on the ground after you stopped the blades. I bet TM will shine even more mulching 5-6" of grass when used on regular weekly mow.

@BillyGoatLawnService

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for commenting. I totally agree, the timemaster is definitely a impressive mower. I plan on doing more rounds of various comparisons to see the differences in quality and performance.

@BatangSampaloc

2 жыл бұрын

@@BillyGoatLawnService BTW - I also did the side discharge chute mod just like yours - thanks to your design and video tutorial.

@BillyGoatLawnService

2 жыл бұрын

@@BatangSampaloc that’s awesome! I would love to a see photos or a video of your version. I’m always trying to make improvements.

@temujinkhan6326

Жыл бұрын

Any chance of comparison between timemaster and turfmaster? Is it really worth spending another 1,000 for the turfmaster or just saving that extra 1000 and replace timemaster after 2 years of use

@danbsimpson

Жыл бұрын

From what I saw it appeared he traveled about twice as fast in the thick grass with the Ferris vs the Toro ... Most reviews I've seen the Ferris cuts great

Why would anyone choose a mower that weighs 140 pounds more in this situation?

@danbsimpson

Жыл бұрын

Built heavier duty, less problems and downtime, everywhere else I've seen is better results, also looked like he was traveling about twice as fast with the Ferris over thick grass

@TearsOnABlackRose

6 ай бұрын

​​@@danbsimpsongreat input 👍

I have both and I will said toro make much better lines but Ferris has more power

@BillyGoatLawnService

10 ай бұрын

Thanks for commenting! Both mowers have their pros and cons. I personally like to toro over the Ferris.

comparing a commercial mower 2x the price of the other lol

Hate the narrow wheel marks left behind from the Toro, wide wheels on Ferris look better

@BillyGoatLawnService

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment. I like the wider tires on the Ferris. Plus has better grip on hills.

Timemaster wins

@BillyGoatLawnService

Ай бұрын

Thanks for commenting! Appreciate the support!

Two entirely different leagues. The Ferris is much much better

@BillyGoatLawnService

Жыл бұрын

I totally agree! I appreciate the comment.

@leadnsteel1428

Жыл бұрын

I have both and yes I love the Ferris even though it's heavy. I took the mulch blades off and just used regular lift blades they cut nicer.

First time buyer for Toro 30. I had to return 5 and buy from 4 different Lowes stores. That sound of the belt when you engage the blades, it does that a lot then the blades wouldn't engage anymore. The one i have now works better than the last 4 but every time i use it it pisses me off for like the first ten mins, even mowing low grass. So disappointing and tomorrow i will be returning that pos. They're not gonna keep my money got me f up.

@BillyGoatLawnService

Ай бұрын

Thanks for commenting! Toro has been selling the timemaster for a decade now. They made some improvements since then but there are still a lot of customer complaints with certain parts wearing fast.