June Mower Extra: Bad Apples

A zero-turn mower is only affective if it’s in the field working for the landscape contractors and not in the shop awaiting repairs.

Bob Laurin, engineering and research and development manager for Munnsville, N.Y.-based Ferris Industries, warns not all zero-turn models are alike with regard to quality and durability. Contractors, he says, must make sure they’re buying the correct machine when they’re adding zero-turns to their mowing fleets.

“A lot of machines that are out there today look like commercial-grade zero-turn machines,” he says. “But they’re being made with light-duty components that won’t stand up to the rigors of commercial mowing.”

Likewise, contractors need to make sure the zero-turn’s engine is made by a reputable manufacturer.

“Within the past year we’ve seen some engines come on the market that are not of a commercial-grade quality,” he says. “For the unsuspecting contractor this will lead to a significant amount of downtime.”