Love that mower! I saw Plemons uses an Accelerator bagger on his and he says it works much better than the Ferris bagging system. I know you like to try different things so, I thought I'd mention it 🤷♂️
That machine looks really nice. I've used the Toro time master and the exmark commercial 30. That thing looks more ergonomic and smooth with those swivel casters and controls than a exmark or Toro
I really want this FW 15 or and Z1 36! I want to replace me Toro Timemaster because it is truly underpowered. I don't like double cutting with a push mower.... not fun.
I love mine! I own a kubota zd1211 zero turn and kubota bx1860 but I'd rather mow 5 acres with the FW15 to get my steps even if I need to refill the gas tank like 4 or 5 times LOL!
Great videos on the FW15 - it is appreciated. Hoping you can provide your opinion - I have the stock mulch kit and blades for the FW15. Blades are freshly sharpened as I had been experiencing tearing on the grass cut, but the sharpening did not seem fix the tearing issue. Did you experience this with your kit/blades? Any suggestions - like use the standard blades instead? Thanks!
Thank you. I didn't have a tearing issue, but you might try a mulch blade on the discharge side and a regular lift blade on the inside. Maybe go a little slower? Hope this helps, not sure what would cause that particular issue.
I am looking to pull the trigger on this mower. I always use an ocdc on my mowers, but this one would need the mulch kit apparently. How is the mulch kit working out since you have a month of experience with it now? We appreciate your videos on this mower. Thanks, man.
Stilll cheaper than a 36” stand on. I’m trying to see what makes sense. I feel the fw 15 gives a better cut, striping than a 36 stand on and with smaller yards it makes sense.
How do these do hitting small rocks, small roots, etc.? I have 1 acre that inevitably has all the above, and I'm looking for a stout wide deck mower that can handle it. All flat lands btw.
Handy guy I’m thinking about purchasing an FW15 tomorrow I want to use it as a back up mower and for areas on my property where my Kubota tractor with mid mount finish mower can’t get to or on areas where the Kubota will damage the turf. I would like to use the mulch kit. I have read a lot of negative reviews on the mulch kit. What are your thoughts on the mulch kit?
I have used the mulch kit quite a bit and to me it's like any other mulch kit. Mulch kits are not suitable for biweekly cuts, on weekly cut lawns it does good. I usually have to double cut when using the mulch kit, depending on the conditions.
10.2 hp Honda. The mulch kit is $100 and has the baffles for the deck, chute cover, and mulching blades. The mower alone costs $2800 and weighs 280 lbs, but it handles like it's way lighter.
I had a 36" Deere walk behind belt drive before I went to the FW 15. The reverse on a belt drive sucks lol. This 32" hydro is way more efficient than the 36" belt drive I had. I would highly recommend a hydro drive.
@@HandyGuy2016 thanks! I wish I could find a good used hydro wb here. I think I've mentioned, the fw15 w casters is 4500 here in Canada. Fw35 is 8250. What to do? A snapper 36 belt drive is the cost of a turfmaster. I'd love a hydro but wow
@@KF1 We had a 36 belt drive exmark and absolutely hated it. It would make you so exhausted especially on a hill. Do yourself a favor and get hydro anything. You will hate yourself otherwise. They shouldn't even make belt drives anymore. The problem with belt drive is they only really grip the belt in one direction so reverse only has about 1/4 the torque and this also makes the machine kind of free role down hills and also makes it a nightmare when mowing slopes.
@@HandyGuy2016 went to see this belt drive. Been in their warehouse forever. Carb gummed up and wouldn't run. Offered 1300 as is and the owner wasn't having that. "That's preposterous! This machine is worth 3 grand!" So I offered 1700 if running, and he didn't like that either. Looking like I might be saving up for a hydro. The fw35 is looking really good.
Texas veteran outdoors did a video on this mower complaining about how difficult it was to handle. Something about reverse and making turns and that it needed two hydros? Doesn’t appear you have that problem. Was he just using it wrong? What he was saying kind of makes sense if you think of the single hydro operating like a positraction rear end with the inside and outside tires fighting each other on turns. Does the outside tire just slip on the grass or is their an internal mechanism that acts like a limited slip rear? This looks like it would be awesome for small fenced yards if it is indeed easy to maneuver.
I watched the video you are referring to, and I'm not really sure what the issue was. The rear end allows the inside tire to rotate on turns to eliminate turf damage. I enjoy using mine and I don't feel like it is hard to handle or operate at all. I have used self propelled push mowers and this is pretty similar, just on a larger scale. I have also owned and operated a belt drive walk behind, that was hard to operate, not at all like the FW 15.
HandyGuy 2016 maybe the fixed wheel model is more difficult to negotiate around turns? That’s the only thing I can think of. Although I think the one Plemmons demoed in a video was the fixed wheel and he didn’t have any problems. Perhaps just operator error?
@@rogermurph101 I respect Texas Veteran Outdoors opinion, and I don't want to belittle his input on it. My take is that the FW 15 just was not for him.
It was ridiculous watching him turn the mower. He appeared to be his own worst enemy while using the FW15, which makes me trust HandyGuy2016 and Plemons more as I see them one-hand operate the mower.
Ive owned ExMark and Gravely walk behind mowers for 30 years. I bought a 2021 FW15 this year to cut my 3/4 acre yard. I have to fill the tank three times to mow. I cannot believe that Ferris put a .5 gallon tank on a mower this size knowing it is such a gas hog. If anyone knows where I can get an aftermarket tank please post.
@@fredsmedley5073 Ok, yes I made a chute block while I was waiting for the mulch kit to come out. I didn't get to use the mulch kit last season because I didn't get it until I got the bagger and I wanted to try the bagger at that point. I did a video of the mulch kit install though.
That’s a nice push mower! Looks like it is doing a great job! Looks very well made👍
Thank you, I really like it.
Love that mower! I saw Plemons uses an Accelerator bagger on his and he says it works much better than the Ferris bagging system. I know you like to try different things so, I thought I'd mention it 🤷♂️
I have seen that, and I think that would be the way to go. I might try one of my side catchers on it sometime.
Nice video you look professional. That's good.
This thing is freaking gorgeous!!!!
I like it 😎
That machine looks really nice. I've used the Toro time master and the exmark commercial 30. That thing looks more ergonomic and smooth with those swivel casters and controls than a exmark or Toro
I really like it, it's the only mower I use for my personal lawn.
Can confirm the FW-15 is amazing.
Cutting in central Texas, in gated/fenced backyards, this thing fits anywhere, and the cut 😍
Can’t recommend enough.
Great video
I really want this FW 15 or and Z1 36! I want to replace me Toro Timemaster because it is truly underpowered. I don't like double cutting with a push mower.... not fun.
I love mine! I own a kubota zd1211 zero turn and kubota bx1860 but I'd rather mow 5 acres with the FW15 to get my steps even if I need to refill the gas tank like 4 or 5 times LOL!
Great videos on the FW15 - it is appreciated. Hoping you can provide your opinion - I have the stock mulch kit and blades for the FW15. Blades are freshly sharpened as I had been experiencing tearing on the grass cut, but the sharpening did not seem fix the tearing issue. Did you experience this with your kit/blades? Any suggestions - like use the standard blades instead? Thanks!
Thank you. I didn't have a tearing issue, but you might try a mulch blade on the discharge side and a regular lift blade on the inside. Maybe go a little slower? Hope this helps, not sure what would cause that particular issue.
I am looking to pull the trigger on this mower. I always use an ocdc on my mowers, but this one would need the mulch kit apparently. How is the mulch kit working out since you have a month of experience with it now? We appreciate your videos on this mower. Thanks, man.
I really like it, plan on running it for now on.
Thank you for the quick reply. It is good to hear that the mulch kit handles the heavy Spring growth.
I want one of these mowers! But i want one of every mower out there lol
It's pretty nice and I know the feeling, there are a lot of nice machines coming out all the time.
Wow where you located the season already starting? The fw 15 is like looking at a ferrari. Can’t wait to check it out in person this season
Southern MO, our season officially starts April 1st, but it is early this year. The FW 15 is pretty nice, better be for the price lol.
Stilll cheaper than a 36” stand on. I’m trying to see what makes sense. I feel the fw 15 gives a better cut, striping than a 36 stand on and with smaller yards it makes sense.
How do these do hitting small rocks, small roots, etc.? I have 1 acre that inevitably has all the above, and I'm looking for a stout wide deck mower that can handle it. All flat lands btw.
We have those too, and it's not an issue.
Handy guy I’m thinking about purchasing an FW15 tomorrow I want to use it as a back up mower and for areas on my property where my Kubota tractor with mid mount finish mower can’t get to or on areas where the Kubota will damage the turf. I would like to use the mulch kit. I have read a lot of negative reviews on the mulch kit. What are your thoughts on the mulch kit?
I have used the mulch kit quite a bit and to me it's like any other mulch kit. Mulch kits are not suitable for biweekly cuts, on weekly cut lawns it does good. I usually have to double cut when using the mulch kit, depending on the conditions.
Can you please make more videos of the fw15 mulching?
Another one coming in 2 days.
what motor is that? whats in the mulch kit exactly? cost ? weight? its a very nice designed machine. thax
10.2 hp Honda. The mulch kit is $100 and has the baffles for the deck, chute cover, and mulching blades. The mower alone costs $2800 and weighs 280 lbs, but it handles like it's way lighter.
How long does it last on a tank of gas. I see they have a smaller tank then the exmark I'm looking at. Thanks
Around an hour of mowing.
What inch are you mowing? Is that mower cumbersome?
3" - 4.5" and not at all.
Lawn is look thicc. KEEP IT UP> PITTL!!!
Thank you.
That fw15 is fascinating.
Got my eye on a new belt drive for $2k C. Is the lack of instant reverse going to be hell, or not a big deal ya think?
I had a 36" Deere walk behind belt drive before I went to the FW 15. The reverse on a belt drive sucks lol. This 32" hydro is way more efficient than the 36" belt drive I had. I would highly recommend a hydro drive.
@@HandyGuy2016 thanks! I wish I could find a good used hydro wb here. I think I've mentioned, the fw15 w casters is 4500 here in Canada. Fw35 is 8250. What to do? A snapper 36 belt drive is the cost of a turfmaster. I'd love a hydro but wow
@@KF1 that is terrible!
@@KF1 We had a 36 belt drive exmark and absolutely hated it. It would make you so exhausted especially on a hill. Do yourself a favor and get hydro anything. You will hate yourself otherwise. They shouldn't even make belt drives anymore. The problem with belt drive is they only really grip the belt in one direction so reverse only has about 1/4 the torque and this also makes the machine kind of free role down hills and also makes it a nightmare when mowing slopes.
@@HandyGuy2016 went to see this belt drive. Been in their warehouse forever. Carb gummed up and wouldn't run. Offered 1300 as is and the owner wasn't having that. "That's preposterous! This machine is worth 3 grand!" So I offered 1700 if running, and he didn't like that either.
Looking like I might be saving up for a hydro. The fw35 is looking really good.
Texas veteran outdoors did a video on this mower complaining about how difficult it was to handle. Something about reverse and making turns and that it needed two hydros? Doesn’t appear you have that problem. Was he just using it wrong? What he was saying kind of makes sense if you think of the single hydro operating like a positraction rear end with the inside and outside tires fighting each other on turns. Does the outside tire just slip on the grass or is their an internal mechanism that acts like a limited slip rear? This looks like it would be awesome for small fenced yards if it is indeed easy to maneuver.
I watched the video you are referring to, and I'm not really sure what the issue was. The rear end allows the inside tire to rotate on turns to eliminate turf damage. I enjoy using mine and I don't feel like it is hard to handle or operate at all. I have used self propelled push mowers and this is pretty similar, just on a larger scale. I have also owned and operated a belt drive walk behind, that was hard to operate, not at all like the FW 15.
You can literally operate this mower one handed (specifically the caster model, as I have not used the fixed front tire version).
HandyGuy 2016 maybe the fixed wheel model is more difficult to negotiate around turns? That’s the only thing I can think of. Although I think the one Plemmons demoed in a video was the fixed wheel and he didn’t have any problems. Perhaps just operator error?
@@rogermurph101 I respect Texas Veteran Outdoors opinion, and I don't want to belittle his input on it. My take is that the FW 15 just was not for him.
It was ridiculous watching him turn the mower. He appeared to be his own worst enemy while using the FW15, which makes me trust HandyGuy2016 and Plemons more as I see them one-hand operate the mower.
Ive owned ExMark and Gravely walk behind mowers for 30 years. I bought a 2021 FW15 this year to cut my 3/4 acre yard. I have to fill the tank three times to mow. I cannot believe that Ferris put a .5 gallon tank on a mower this size knowing it is such a gas hog. If anyone knows where I can get an aftermarket tank please post.
I agree that should have been thought out. An hour meter should have been added as well for the price.
I have it too, but it leaves a lot of clippers. What do you recommend
Like any mulch kit, I just go a little slower.
@@HandyGuy2016 thank you ill try that.
How does that deck do with wet grass? Does it clear well?
I'm not sure yet, but I will know soon.
Hey handy guy , great site, what is your verdict on this now that you used it all year, how does it mulch, wet grass etc
Do you find it stripes any different with the mulch kit?
Not really, but I will be able to tell better as the grass cut hight increases. It would be quite easy to add a rubber stripe kit.
Big league makes a stripe kit for that mower
Do you know what the cut heights are? The numbers on the side are not very understandable.
The bottom is 1" and each position is 1/2" up to 5"
ua-cam.com/video/4kwXVC9GzgY/v-deo.html here is the video explaining the cut height settings
@@HandyGuy2016 thank you!
Chain drive... do you lube the chain?
I have not, but I need to check the manual to see if and when I should.
I'm trying to find one, either this Ferris FW15 or the exact same thing, the Snapper Pro SW15, but local dealers are all sold out. Really bummed !!!!
I had to wait months for mine last year.
i got one brand new for 35
Where do you get the mulch kit??
Through a Ferris dealer.
How much was the mulch kit ?
$120 I think.
Love the mower, but it is very very expensive.
I agree 💯 and prices on all equipment are getting higher every day.
Full mulch kit ?
Yes, what is the question?
@@HandyGuy2016 That was the question, I remember last year you said you just had a homemade chute blocker , not the full kit.
@@fredsmedley5073 Ok, yes I made a chute block while I was waiting for the mulch kit to come out. I didn't get to use the mulch kit last season because I didn't get it until I got the bagger and I wanted to try the bagger at that point. I did a video of the mulch kit install though.
@@fredsmedley5073 ua-cam.com/video/yweZME56D-A/v-deo.html
Did the mulch kit make a big difference? I find the factory set up doesn’t do a great job of mulching even though it apparently has mulching blades.
get some james brown going help sales
How much does it cost
The mower or the mulch kit? The mower is around $2800 the mulch kit is around $150.