Ferris 500S 61 Kawasaki

The Ferris 500S 61 Kawasaki is a candidate for an open residential route where ride comfort matters as much as cutting width. Its useful comparison is another wide mower with a different suspension arrangement, rather than simply the most powerful engine available.

Match the engine column

Model 5902056 pairs a 61-inch deck with the 24 gross hp, 726 cc Kawasaki FR730V. The official table also lists a Briggs-powered 61-inch configuration. Their shared deck width does not make their engine specifications interchangeable.

This Kawasaki version has ZT-3100 transaxles, a forward maximum of 8.5 mph and a three-US-gallon tank. Those specifications establish the equipment package; they do not predict runtime or mowing output on your property.

Compare what moves beneath the operator

Front and rear adjustable coil-over suspension is the main reason to include this machine in a demonstration. Ask the dealer to set it for the operator, then evaluate a representative route at a pace appropriate for the ground.

The Bobcat ZT3000 61 provides a same-width comparison with spring suspension at the seat. Use our suspension guide to separate chassis movement from seat movement. We have not measured a ride advantage for either mower.

Make the width earn its place

The fabricated 10-gauge deck has greasable aluminum spindles. Include access to those service points in the demonstration, not just the driving experience.

The manufacturer's overall-width row is ambiguous, so measure the supplied mower with its deflector and attachments. Compare the 500S 48 if obstacles or storage make the 61 cumbersome. A bigger cutting path can lose its benefit when it leaves inaccessible strips.

The published machine warranty is three years for residential use and 90 days for commercial use, with separate suspension and engine terms. A delivered quote and an adjusted demonstration are needed to decide whether this wide suspension package earns its cost.

Our ZT Score

7.7/10 — our research-based editorial assessment using the ZeroTurn scoring method.

• Cut quality (30%): 7.7/10. Wide fabricated deck and adjustable height offer setup choices; finished cut is unmeasured.
• Build & durability (25%): 7.8/10. ZT-3100 and greasable spindles support the equipment assessment without a lifespan estimate.
• Comfort (20%): 8.2/10. Front and rear adjustable suspension plus armrests provide strong comfort features; ride is untested.
• Value (15%): 7.1/10. The suspension package may suit an open home route, but the local premium is unknown.
• Ease of use (10%): 7.2/10. Wide coverage is useful in open areas but complicates access and service-space planning.

Provisional research-based editorial assessment, not a hands-on test. Cutting results, ride quality and service life have not been measured. Model-specific owner consensus and comparable delivered US/Canadian prices were not established. Value depends on the actual configuration, property and local service support.