The Ferris IS 2100Z Lawn Mower Doesn't Care About Little Bumps in Your Lawn
The Ferris IS 2100Z lawn mower was in stores in no time. It's been a few weeks since we've had a near-non-stop mowing round for the best gas lawn mower vs. best battery-powered lawn mower battle. Frankly, the grass is starting to get a little messy again. The Ferris' unique suspension system and its anti-oil system piqued our curiosity. We first saw this technology at the 2016 GIE Expo in Kentucky. Finally, we can try it out.
advantage
- Unique suspension provides a comfortable ride and consistent fit
- Oil protection system shortens oil change intervals to 500 hours
- solid build quality
shortcoming
- nothing to say
talking points
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Ferris 400S models and higher include the company's patented suspension technology. Of particular note is the use of advanced adjustable rear shocks and independent front shocks on ISX 800 models and above (including IS 2100Z, IS 2600Z and IS 3200Z).
The result of this suspension is a cutting deck that floats almost independently of the mower. The deck maintains a more stable height even as you drive quickly over the humps and bumps in the yard. Are we talking fast? The mower travels at a brisk pace—up to 10 mph while cutting.
Second, the floating suspension seat provides a truly comfortable ride. Usually when you hit uneven terrain at a brisk 7-10 mph, you feel it right away…so you slow down to compensate. The Ferris IS 2100Z significantly smoothes out these bumps. It allows you to maintain speed while maintaining cut quality. More on that later.
Oil Guard
Ferris offers Oil Guard technology on the Vanguard 810cc model. After the initial break-in, you can operate the mower for 500 hours between oil changes. This is a huge improvement over the typical 100 hour oil change intervals other engines require.
Specifically, what does it mean for an engine with five times longer oil change intervals? Ferris claims to reduce oil maintenance costs by up to 60%. You also get faster, easier, mess-free oil changes. You can also expect longer engine life since Oil Guard engines run cooler and provide better filtration (see below).
In the end, the less time you spend changing oil, the more time you can spend working. The Ferris 2100Z Oil Guard with Vanguard increases your overall productivity.
About the Vanguard Oil Guard System <br>With Oil Guard, the oil reservoir is kept away from the engine oil pan, preventing thermal breakdown of the oil. The 5-quart volume of oil and the cooling properties of the aluminum bulk oil tank work together to dissipate heat. This combination extends oil change intervals from 100 hours to 500 hours. Oil Guard also enhances oil filtration, thanks to an 82 percent larger auto-style filter and a cyclonic filter action that helps reduce oil aeration. Oil changes are easier because you just open the top drain and remove and replace the filter in no time. The wide mouth opening also supports 5 quart oil bottles without the need for a funnel.
deck adjustment
Ferris opted for a foot-operated deck lift on the 2100Z. For deck sizes 61 inches or smaller, many professionals prefer the simplicity of manual over hydraulics. An adjustable pedal lets you set the cutting height from 1.5 to 4.75 inches in 1/4 inch increments. It also has a travel mode setting that locks the deck in up to 5 inches.
other features
- Serviceable Commercial Hydro-Gear ZT-4400 Transaxles
- Removable base plate for quick access to deck top
- Pillow block bearings on control brackets
- Flip-Up Seat – Serviceable Parts
- 2 ROPS
- cup holder
cut the grass
I'm always grateful when we're around the store getting a new zero turn lawn mower because it means I'll have the opportunity to spend hours zipping around the yard, go-kart style. For reference, we had our Cub Cadet Pro Z 560 on hand to compare against another ZT from Husqvarna.
With 28 horsepower and a displacement of 810cc, the Ferris 2100Z ZT has plenty of power. Up to 10 mph in forward and 6 mph in reverse. It actually feels much smoother than most other mowers we've used. We attribute this to the excellent suspension.
The steering feels a little tighter, which I actually prefer. If you accidentally nudge the knee lever, the mower will not take off. Instead, the lap rods provide enough resistance to mow with some precision. Your "green" crew can get very close to corners or obstacles without easily oversteering.
pruning mess
We've had flood-level rainfall here recently. So we've created some little ruts in the yard. If it weren't for the fact that I could see some of these areas with my own eyes, I might not have realized how well a lawn mower can handle them. Bumps and ruts don't bother you nearly as much on the Ferris 2100Z mower.
Of course, I did all of this with the cutting blade engaged. When I circled back, I half expected the lawn to be half stripped, but it actually looked fine. The suspension system combined with the iCD cutting system enables excellent cutting results even in less than ideal conditions.
About the iCD Cutting System
The iCD cutting system includes a reinforced foredeck edge and multi-layer heavy-duty steel construction. Additionally, a debris guard on the idler pulley protects the bearings from moisture and debris. Slanted nose design and offset center point allow for better airflow and suction. Finally, a 6mm Marbain steel blade gives this cutting platform its business.
come on
The Ferris 2100Z includes dual 5.5 gallon fuel tanks with a capacity of 11 gallons. An on-board switch to the left of the seat lets you switch between tanks.
Ferris IS 2100Z Mower Recommendations
The Ferris 2100Z Zero Turn Mower is an easy product to recommend. We've reviewed Comfort mowers with very solid builds before, but the Ferris suspension actually feels pretty unique. I'm not sure how many mowers out there can handle uneven lawns like the Ferris 2100Z. Extended maintenance intervals also contribute to the appeal and value of this zero-turn mower. Comfort and fit quality scores very high, which we give warm thumbs up.
Pricing and Warranty
The Ferris 2100Z zero-turn mower retails for $10,799. Given Oil Guard's maintenance benefits, build quality, and smooth ride suspension, we think the price and value are excellent.
Mowers are covered by a 4-year or 500-hour limited warranty, with unlimited hours for the first 2 years. Ferris offers a 5-year warranty on the coil overshock and all suspension related components. Coverage for other components varies. For a complete list, see the operator's manual on the Ferris website.
Ferris 2100Z ZT Mower Specifications
- Model: 5901578
- Engine brand: Vanguard EFI with Oil Guard
- Engine Rated Power: 28.0
- Displacement: 810cc
- PTO: electric
- Cylinders: 2
- Starter: Electric
- Fuel Capacity: 11 gallons (total)
- Cutting width: 61 inches
- Cutting Height: 1.5 – 5 inches
- Spindle: cast iron lubricated
- Deck construction: iCD cutting system
- Suspension: Adjustable rear coilover shock and front independent coilover shock
- Transmission: Dual Commercial Hydro-Gear ZT-4400 propshafts with 8.3" cooling fans
- Drive tires: 23 x 12 inches
- Caster Tires: 13 x 6-5/6 inches
- Ground Speed: 0-10 mph (forward); 0-5 mph (reverse)
- Overall Length: 82.5 inches
- Overall Width: 78 in (deflector down); 61.5 in (deflector up)
- Dry Weight: 1295 lbs.
- suspension seat
- Certified ROPS: standard, 180° foldable
- Parking Brake: Internal Transaxle
- Warranty: 4-year limited warranty or 500 hours, whichever comes first
- Price: $10,799