Ferris is a US manufacture or zero turns mowers and has a good reputation among homeowners and professional users. Ferris makes comfortable and strong mowers. The company’s slogan is “No Pain. More Gain.”
However, there are 6 common problems with the zero turn mowers from the Ferris brand that we’ve seen reported as well as experienced some of ourselves. If you’re experiencing these problems, don’t worry we will also provide the fixes and troubleshooting guides.
The following problems are the most common with Ferris ZTMs:
- Engine starting problem
- Vibration
- Cutting problem
- Electrical problem
- Emits Smoke
- Leaking Gas
Summary of Ferris Zero turn Mowers Problems and their quick solutions
| Ferris Zero Turn Mower Problems | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Engine starting problem | • Check the fuel level • Check the fuel type • Check and clean the carburetor • Clean the radiator fan • Use a coolant to cool down the engine temperature |
| Vibration | • Check and balance the mower blade • Inspect the pulleys and blade spindle for any stuck debris • Properly sharpen the mowing blade to avoid any unevenness |
| Cutting problem | • Check the blade’s evenness • Change the damaged blade(s) • Inflate the tire properly • Keep up the right angle when mowing rough or sloppy terrain |
| Electrical problem | • Check the batteries and wiring • Check the terminals for corrosion or damages • Check and change the PTO switch if necessary |
| Emits Smoke | • Clean the air filter • Check the oil level • Inspect the piston • Drain excess oil from the crankcase |
| Leaking Gas | • Clean or replace the carburetor • Replace the fuel pump • Replace the fuel line if cracked • Check and replace the gas seal cap if necessary |
In Detail: 6 Ferris Zero Turn Mower Problems With Solutions
Below are the details of these 6 common types of problems that users are reporting on these commercial types of zero turn mowers from Ferris..
1. Engine starting Problem
You can attest to the sophistication of the Ferris zero turn, designed for the most demanding job. However, this range of mowers frequently struggles to start up. There may be a variety of causes for the engine not to start.
Most problems with Ferris mowers can be avoided by reading the operator’s manual and performing regular maintenance. If you’ve avoided this, then read below on how to fix your engine starting problem.
Conducting an appropriate and in-depth investigation is necessary before drawing conclusions or searching for solutions.
A major factor that may prevent the engine from starting is an inadequate supply of gasoline or fuel. But if that isn’t the problem, it’s possible that the fuel/ gas you’re using isn’t compatible or the wrong kind.
Most gas engines are made to run on fuel with a maximum E10 rating (10 percent ethanol). Higher ethanol concentrations can result in early engine problems. In addition, fuel that has been resting for a while may cause difficulties while igniting the engine.
The following are some problems other than the fuel/ gas that might also make the engine stutter when starting.
- Clogged fuel pipe
- Dirty carburetor
- Choke cable
- Overheating of the engine, etc.
Troubleshooting engine starting problems
As previously stated, various factors may prevent the engine from starting or igniting as expected. Therefore, you should look for solutions based on the problem(s) your Ferris zero-turn mower is having.
But this section will discuss some of the most popular fixes to help your engine start quickly.
The fuel tank should be checked first. If the fuel level is low, you might need to fill the tank to the designated level or line. Next, check the fuel you are using if the fuel level is satisfactory.
We’ve already mentioned that ethanol concentrations over 10% in fuel tend to cause engine issues. Hence, choose the fuel accordingly.
If the fuel part is functioning well, your attention should turn to the carburetor. Cleaning the carburetor is essential because it causes engine problems. If necessary, replace the old carburetor with a new one or try cleaning it with a carburetor cleaner.
Overheating can also cause your Ferris zero-turn mower’s engine to fail to start. In such cases, cooling down the engine temperature is critical. You should also inspect and clean the radiator fins. A coolant can also be used to cool the engine to room temperature.
2. Vibration
Your zero-turn mower may vibrate for various reasons, some of which are listed below.
- Failing clutch
- Uneven blade
- Incorrect installation of the mower blade
- Foreign material, like wood clippings, in the blade spindle
- Worn pulleys
- Missing parts of the mower, etc.
Troubleshooting vibration issues
Constant (excessive) vibration can be extremely annoying and can even lead to aches and pains. In addition, numerous components in your deck and zero-turn could break or wear out, causing your zero-turn to tremble.
Therefore, it’s time to give the mower a thorough inspection if you notice that it is shaking excessively and making you feel uneasy, as though everything will collapse.
Here is a list of possible solutions based on particular causes. So, use any of these fixes depending on what creates your tractor to vibrate unusually.
- Uneven Blade: If your lawnmower begins to vibrate excessively, turn off the engine. A blade that is damaged or uneven will vibrate. Check that you are using the right blade and that it is installed in the proper order by consulting the owner’s manual for your zero-turn mower. Fix the problem there, or bring the mower to an authorized repair facility if you notice one.
Also Read: How to Change a Lawn Mower Blade?
Unbalanced Blade: Your deck will tremble when your blades are out of balance. If a blade weighs more on one side than the other, it may become unbalanced.
It could happen that one side of your blade is being worn down by dirt more than the other. Incorrect sharpening, which occurs when more metal is removed from one side of the blade than the other, can also result in an unbalanced blade. Consequently, check your blade balance using a blade balancer.
- Debris Stuck in the Blade Spindle: The blade spindle may become wrapped in wire or clogged by wood shavings or other debris. The result is that the clogged blade spindle will unexpectedly cause the power to vibrate.
Also, the pulleys may become jammed. As a result, carefully inspect the blade spindle for any objects that might be lodged there. - Zero Turn Pulleys: On a zero-turn, pulley bearings can deteriorate and begin to wear out after a certain time of using it. A damaged pulley may not lay flat and parallel to the deck.
As a result, it may cause the mower deck to vibrate. Slowly rotate each pulley to ensure the bearing is in good condition. Replace the damaged pulley with the new one if you encounter any resistance.
3. Cutting Problem
Customers of the Ferris Zero Turn Mower have also voiced concerns about the cutting issue. Most customers have voiced their worries about being unable to mow their lawns evenly. Additionally, they have voiced complaints regarding inconsistent cut quality.
Blades that are damaged or dull constitute a significant contributor to these issues. Mowing too quickly while the engine is running slowly is the second most frequent cause of uneven mowing. Collectively, we can see that irregular cuts or streaks can be caused by an uneven or damaged mowing deck, one that is too low, along with tires that are not appropriately inflated.
Troubleshooting cutting problems
You can select any of the following fixes if your lawnmower cuts the grass unevenly. However, check and confirm the root causes of the problem before implementing any of these fixes.
- Examine the mower blade
- Maintain a right angle to the slope, if possible
- Adjust the blades as necessary
- Changing the damaged blade
- Referring to the manual’s recommended inflation, inflate the mower’s tires
- Using a tachometer, check the RPMs and maintain consistency
Note: You can check the blades, blade spindle, and pulley to ensure they’re in good condition by using the troubleshooting techniques listed for “cutting problems” above. Uneven cuts can also be caused by worn-out or clogged pulleys and blade spindles.
Also Read: How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades?
4. Electrical Problem
For various reasons, your Ferris zero-turn mower may exhibit electrical issues. Below is a list of some of the most important ones.
- Exhausted battery
- Defective PTO switch
- Incorrect grounding
- Unreliable hour meters, etc.
Your zero-turn mower may become completely inoperable due to severe electrical issues, which could cost you hundreds of dollars to fix. Therefore, prompt and early intervention are essential.
The good news is that there are a few basic solutions, provided the electrical issues with lawnmowers are not severe.
Troubleshooting electrical gremlins
Faulty batteries and weak connections may bring on electrical problems in tractors. Checking the batteries and their connections is the first thing to do. Any loose connections should be fixed right away. Also, replace any broken wires to prevent any short circuit issues.
Additionally, check the terminals and posts for cleanliness. There is a good chance that the batteries were damaged if they are not producing at least 12 Volts. So swap them out for new ones. But, again, you can confirm by having professionals examine the batteries.
The PTO switch should be checked next to see if the batteries and wiring are completely perfect. Your mower might exhibit an electrical issue if the PTO pulley or adapters are damaged or loose.
Talk to an expert to learn more about how to repair or replace a broken PTO switch.
Electrical issues could also be caused by a broken hour meter. Rusted terminals or faulty wiring can cause an hour meter to malfunction. So to solve the problem, you must check it first and then fix them.
5. Emits Smoke
Your Ferris zero-turn mower may occasionally emit smoke, indicating an internal engine issue and contributing to air pollution. It is always important to confirm the causes before moving on to potential solutions. Here are some possible causes of your mower frequently emitting smoke.
- Plugged Air Filter: Debris and dirt can get collected, clogging the air filter and preventing the airflow.
- Low Level of Engine Oil: Low oil levels mean insufficient lubrication, increasing engine tension and producing extreme heat and smoke.
- Overfilled Crankcase: Excessive oil in the crankcase can cause pressure in the engine, resulting in oil spills and burning, producing smoke.
- Faulty Piston Ring: A large amount of oil disappears, including weak acceleration, oil leaks, and blue smoke emitting from the exhaust.
Troubleshooting smoke from engine issues
Smoke emissions can be highly annoying, but in most cases, the problem can easily be solved at home. Here are some hassle-free solutions to prevent your Ferris zero-turn mower from puffing smoke.
- Remove and clean the air filter if it is clogged. Change the old air filter with a new one if the issue still exists.
- Ensure to drain extra oil from the crankcase if the fuel level exceeds the manufacturer’s suggested level.
- It is best to take the mower to the service center for a thorough inspection before addressing the oil level issue if that is the root of the problem. If the expert recommends raising the fuel level, follow their advice.
- It is always advised to take the mower to the closest service center for troubleshooting if the piston ring, valve train, or engine gasket is damaged.
6. Leaking Fuel
Do you notice any burnt greens in your yard during or after mowing? Do you smell a strong gas odor? If the answer is YES, there may be signs of fuel leaking from your mower.
Do you notice any burnt greens in your yard during or after mowing? Do you smell a strong gas odor? If the answer is YES, there may be signs of fuel leaking from your mower.
If not handled carefully and promptly, it may be dangerous. Fuel leaks can increase the risk of a fire. Since fuel frequently evaporates, smelling gas fumes is the only way to detect leaks. Therefore, a careful examination is essential.
Carburetor leaks are a frequent occurrence with zero turns. Additionally, using old gas can lead to plastics in the parts degrading and developing leaks in your fuel lines, fuel system, or fuel tank joints, which result in fuel leaks.
Carburetor leaks are a frequent occurrence with zero turns. Additionally, using old gas can lead to plastics in the parts degrading and developing leaks in your fuel lines, fuel system, or fuel tank joints, which result in fuel leaks.
The following are some additional typical reasons your Ferris zero-turn mower might leak gas.
- Damaged carburetor
- Fuel tank, fuel pump, or fuel filter holes
- A faulty fuel pump
- Fuel filter clog
- Fuel lines with cracks
- Gas seal cap failure, etc.
Troubleshooting fuel leaks
If your zero-turn mower leaks fuel, you can use the following troubleshooting techniques. But remember that the only way to act wisely and without hassle is to act quickly.
- Examine and maintain the carburetor
- If the carburetor is damaged, replace it
- If the fuel filter is no longer filtering the oil, check it and replace it with a new one
- Replace the fuel pump if necessary
- If the fuel line cracks, replace it
- Replace the gas cap seal as well if it is damaged
FAQs
Ferris zero-turn mowers typically last 1,500 to 2,000 hours, or 3 and 4 years. However, how well your mower is used and maintained will affect how long it lasts.
Your zero-turn mower may not be moving for a variety of reasons. Here are a few of the common reasons for all of them.
• Dead battery
• Overconsumption of fuel
• Overheated engine
• Bad or damaged spark plug
• Faulty safety switch
• Clogged carburetor, etc.
Since not all mowers will experience the same problem that causes them to shut off, we advise our readers to check the issue first. It is best to choose solutions based on related matters.
Your Ferris zero-turn mower might not start due to issues with the battery, the wire connection, the fuel pipe blocking oil flow, the carburetor, the engine being too hot, and so forth Please refer to the post above to find out what other problems might prevent your mower from starting.
Yes, Ferris produces high-quality zero-turn mowers. They are sturdy while still being comfortable. Additionally, most of them have strong Kawasaki and Briggs and Stratton engines. It also uses hydrostatic drive systems to function.
How many hours are sufficient on a riding lawnmower is not a fixed number. Normally lasting between 1,500 and 2,000 hours, a zero-turn mower could last even longer with proper maintenance. Therefore, how long (in hours) is too long for your mower depends on how you use and maintain it.
Summary
So, this was our take on the Ferris Zero-Turn Mower problems and their solutions. Before concluding, let’s just say Ferris is a trustworthy brand regarding lawnmowers. The company invests in producing heavy-duty, long-lasting riding mowers.
However, there is always a chance that your lawn mower will experience issues. And any brand of mower could fit this description. Therefore, the best way to handle these issues is to educate yourself on their likely causes and workable solutions.
