Ferris 300S 42 Kawasaki

Ferris 300S 42 is worth a look when a homeowner wants a compact cutting width and some suspension equipment. The important buying detail is the exact size: the 42-inch machine does not inherit every feature advertised elsewhere in the 300S range.

Read the 5902263 column

The current Ferris specification table identifies 5902263 with a 21.5 gross hp Kawasaki FR651V, Hydro-Gear ZT-2200 transmissions and a maximum forward speed of 7 mph. It lists front suspension for this configuration. The 48- and 52-inch entries use a different drive package and include rear suspension, so their specifications should not be copied into a quote for the 42.

The seat has an 18-inch back, bolstering and springs. That gives the operator features to try, but it does not establish how comfortable the machine will feel on a particular lawn. Use the seat and chassis suspension guide to distinguish what actually moves during a demonstration.

Check the cutting setup

Ferris lists a 12-gauge fabricated deck, greasable aluminum spindles and a cutting range of 1.5 to 4.5 inches. Ask the dealer to demonstrate the height adjustment and identify the spindle lubrication points and intervals in the supplied manual. A fabricated shell is a construction detail, not proof of a better finish on every lawn.

The three-gallon fuel tank is another practical detail. It does not support a claimed number of mowing hours without consumption data. The included hour meter is useful for recording service work. Compare these ownership details with the Country Clipper Avenue 42, which offers a different control and deck-access arrangement at the same nominal cutting width.

Keep its role residential

If the proposed work is frequent paid mowing, compare the drivetrain, applicable coverage and service arrangements before buying on suspension alone. The larger Ferris 400S 48 is a useful adjacent reference, but requires its own access and equipment comparison.

Ferris's warranty information distinguishes three-year consumer machine coverage from 90-day commercial coverage for the 300S, with separate component terms. Have the dealer identify the policy that applies to your use and country.

Our buying view: shortlist this exact 42-inch version for home mowing when its seating and front suspension suit you. Measure the complete machine through the access route; the cutting width does not establish gate clearance. Research checked October 16, 2026.

Our ZT Score

7.3/10 — our research-based editorial assessment using the ZeroTurn scoring method.

• Cut quality (30%): 7.2/10. Fabricated deck and useful cutting range support home mowing; actual finish is untested.
• Build & durability (25%): 7.0/10. Greasing access is useful, while ZT-2200 drive and commercial coverage keep the assessment residential.
• Comfort (20%): 7.6/10. Front suspension plus a sprung bolstered seat offer fit options without evidence of full-chassis isolation.
• Value (15%): 7.2/10. Compact suspension equipment may be worthwhile for the property, conditional on price and support.
• Ease of use (10%): 7.5/10. Hour meter and accessible setup aid routine use; the precise width and service procedure still need checking.

Provisional research-based editorial assessment of documented equipment, not a hands-on test. Cut finish, ride, service life and fuel consumption have not been measured by ZeroTurn. Reliable model-specific owner consensus and comparable delivered US/Canadian prices were not established. Value depends on the complete quote, local support and actual work.