The CAT diesel-powered mower is equipped with a larger engine than that of a Honda Civic.

      Ferris

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      For a car website, we focus quite a bit on lawn mowers. But if you’re an auto enthusiast who isn’t part of the online lawn care community, how else would you learn about the EPA’s decision to put an end to the double-dually Ventrac 4200 XVD? Or the Ferris IS6200, a massive zero-turn mower equipped with a Caterpillar turbodiesel engine that surpasses the size of a Honda Civic engine? This blog entry centers around the latter, which is truly an impressive machine.

      The Ferris is powered by a CAT C1.7 engine, a three-cylinder turbodiesel commonly used in wood chippers and trenchers. As you might have deduced, its displacement is 1.7 liters, or 1,700cc. This engine produces 48 horsepower and can generate up to 122 lb-ft of torque, lasting an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 hours. I used to think my Hustler with an 18-horsepower Kawasaki was noteworthy.

      This engine is paired with a transmission featuring dual 21cc hydro gear pumps and 20.6-cubic-inch Parker wheel motors with an external oil cooler. This powertrain setup allows the mower to achieve speeds of 12 miles per hour forward and 6 mph in reverse. While speed is important, the 72-inch deck equipped with a hydraulic lift is designed to efficiently cut grass while navigating around landscaping elements such as ponds, rocks, and trees.

      Ferris

      The Ferris IS6200 includes several features that are reminiscent of automotive technology. The mower is equipped with a digital gauge cluster that shows engine speed, torque, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and battery charge. Even cooler is its independent suspension with adjustable coilovers, making it somewhat akin to a track car. (Well, sort of.)

      Its weight is comparable to that of a car, too. According to Ferris' specifications, the dry weight is 2,518 pounds, not including the 15-gallon fuel tank. All of this indicates that the IS6200 is not the typical riding mower your grandfather would use.

      Caterpillar

      Anyone interested in purchasing this for personal use or starting a lawn care business will need to invest a minimum of $41,854. The warranty is quite appealing as well; all non-engine and non-suspension components are covered for either two years with unlimited hours or four years with a limit of 500 hours—whichever comes first. Ferris guarantees the suspension for 10 years, while the engine is backed by CAT for 24 months or 2,000 hours (with no hour limit during the first 12 months).

      I may not have a need for this now, but perhaps in my future Lawn Dad phase. Though I’ll need to win the lottery first.

      Have a tip or question for the author? Reach out directly at: caleb@thedrive.com