The Ferris F160Z Zero Turn Mower is the perfect answer to the question of how to balance performance and price. The Ferris F160Z Zero Turn Mower has all the features and benefits without the high cost to purchase or own associated with many other ZTR mowers.
With a powerful motor, durable transmission and advanced cutting deck, the F160Z is the best choice for an affordable, durable, and feature-packed mower.
Using everything they've learned in turf care, Ferris has come out with what landscapers have been wanting for years – economy and value in a great ZTR mower.
Power
Ferris offers two different engine options to meet the conditions landscapers and homeowners contend with every day.
The first engine option is the Kawasaki FX730Z engine that puts out 23.5 horsepower. This motor powers the F160Z with a 48″ or 52″ cutting deck.
The second motor option is the Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 810cc engine and it comes in two horsepower ratings. The base model Vanguard 810cc engine produces 26 horsepower and the Electronic Fuel Injected (EFI) Vanguard 810cc engine produces 28 horsepower.
| 48″ Deck | 52″ Deck | |
| B & S Engine | 26 hp Vanguard | 26 hp Vanguard EFI |
| Kawasaki Engine | 23.5 hp FX730Z | 23.5 hp FX730Z |
Each of these engine options are full commercial and plenty of power. The size of these engines is inline with most other 48″ and 52″ full commercial mowers in the industry.
Drive
The Ferris F160Z ZTR mower has two commercial Hydro-gear ZT 4400 transaxles. With up to 575 ft-lbs of torque and internal wet disc brake, this transmission is engineered to get the F160Z moving or stopped without hesitation.
This mower goes up to 10 mph forward and 5 mph reverse. Like other Ferris zero turn mowers the hydro-gear transaxles are tuned to provide incredibly smooth controls to the operator.
Cut Quality
The F160Z features the ICD deck which is the same as all Ferris mowers in their commercial lineup. While their suspension units like the IS3200Z will provide a little better quality of cut, the F160Z is still a great cut.
The only real difference is the way the deck follows the contour of the ground better on their suspension units. Since the F160Z is a fixed frame mower (like 90% of other zero turn mowers) it won't follow the ground quite as well.
We shouldn't let this take away from the great quality of cut this machine provides. We were very impressed with the stripes this mower made.
Features of the F160Z ZTR Mower
- Cutting Deck – The iCD Cutting System is designed to improve airflow through the mower deck and enable grass to stand up before being cut. A sloped nose and wide discharge chute distributes cuttings more broadly and evenly than competitive cutting decks.
- Foot-Operated Deck Lift – Most competitors make adjusting deck height a real challenge. The Ferris F160Z ZTR Foot-Operated Deck Lift makes it easy and safe to adjust deck height while on the go. Precision cuts can be accomplished from 1.5″ to 5″ in height with the deck adjustment moving in 1/4 inch increments.
- Premium Suspension Seat – A comfortable mid-back suspension seat with adjustable armrests as well as forward and back adjustment makes operating the F160Z a dream no matter what the terrain may be.
- 11-Gallon Fuel Capacity – Dual 5.5 gallon fuel cells make it possible to mow all day long without having to stop and refuel.
- Warranty – The F160Z ZTR motor has a 3-year Warranty while the remainder of the machine has a 4-year / 500-hour warranty or 2-year unlimited hours.
- Double & Triple Bag Options – The mower can have either a two or three bag collection system installed with soft or hard containers.
- High Quality Spindles – The 48″ model has aluminum spindles while the 52″ has cast iron spindles. This is one big reason to go with the 52″ if you are able to.
Durable Design and Engineering
Ferris builds the F160Z to outperform and outlast all its competitors. There's no skimping on quality when it comes to important features like Cast Iron Spindles (52″ model) with easy access grease fittings.
Ergometric improvements like grease fittings that are easy to service keep the Ferris F160Z on the job and out of the repair shop. We personally prefer grease fittings over no grease fittings (like a lot of other manufacturers have.) We like adding great to mowers so we know they are lubricated. Moving parts will also burn grease and make it dirty, whether they're sealed or not. Probably not a drastic difference at the end of the day but we like adding grease!
The large 24″ drive wheels allow the mower to clear curbs easily while maintaining a smoother ride and great traction. The caster tires are 13″ and flat-free for added longevity and to avoid those annoying flat tires.
Safe to Operate
The Ferris F160Z comes standard with a 180-degree foldable rollover bar, optional light bars, easy access to the top of the mower deck for cleaning and maintenance, and many other safety-related features.
A seat activated engine kill switch and clutch safety switch are standard as well as a parking brake safety circuit and adjustable twin steering controls.
Great Design Combined With Great Engineering Makes a Great ZTR Mower
The compact size of the Ferris F160Z along with its impressive engineering makes this the best choice for commercial landscapers and homeowners alike.
Tough, all-steel construction combined with the latest in ergometric conveniences make this the mower to keep … for a long time. Heavy-duty engines, transmissions, and wheel spindles will keep this mower in action when others break down.
Amazing Price
With all the features and advantages the Ferris F160 ZTR mower offers, it should probably be up there in price … but it's not. Ready for the best part?!
While many mowers with similar specifications can cost upwards of ten or twelve thousand dollars, the Ferris F160Z starts at a modest $8,299. This mower gives landscapers and homeowners a real advantage right from the start.
| 48″ Kawi | 48″ Vanguard | 52″ Kawi | 52″ Vaguard EFI |
|---|---|---|---|
| $8,299 | $8,299 | $8,549 | $8,849 |
When comparing these prices to other comparable mowers across the industry this one is very close to the top. This mower may be on our list for the most affordable full commercial mower on the market!
Our Rating
| Performance: |  (4.5 / 5) |
| Cut Quality: | (4.5 / 5) |
| Durability: | (4.5 / 5) |
| Comfort: |  (3.5 / 5) |
| Price: |  (5.0 / 5) |
| Overall: |  (4.4 / 5) |
The Ferris F160 Bottomline
Considering the quality of construction, the excellent warranties, operating ease, safety features, as well as many other benefits, the Ferris F160Z is the hands-down one of the best options for mowing lawns.
Engineered to be lightweight and strong, this ZTR mower is both affordable and easy to operate. This is the most logical solution for getting the best equipment to do the best job without blowing up the budget.
What do you think?
Have you used a Ferris F160Z before? What are your thoughts on this mower? Leave a comment below, we'd love to hear from you!
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