8 Common Ferris 400S Problems
With over a hundred years of experience in the industry, Ferris mowers have made a good name for themselves among landscapers who pride themselves in keeping their lawns clean and tidy. They offer a wide variety of mowers, and their Zero-turn models are considered some of the finest available in the market.
What sets them apart from the competition is their use of high-end suspension systems ensuring optimal cutting performance regardless of the terrain. The Ferris 400S is an entry-level, compact zero-turn mower that offers amazing versatility and value at an affordable price.
Considering the number of abuse lawnmowers have to endure on a regular basis, it’s natural for them to develop some issues over time. And the problems can even accelerate if you are the type who doesn’t maintain his mower regularly. Even a high-end machine like the Ferris 400S is no exception to this.
But the silver lining here is that most of the issues can be fixed without too much hassle as long as you know what to do. In this article, I will talk about the common problems that you might have to deal with in your Ferris 400S lawnmower and how you can fix them. So, let’s get started.
8 Common Issues In The Ferris 400S Lawnmower And How To Fix Them
Here are some common issues people have complained about in their Ferris 400S lawnmower and their solutions.
1. Starter Issues
If your Ferris 400S refuses to start, it can be a pretty annoying issue to diagnose. There can be a couple of different reasons here, but the most likely culprit here is the starter or the fuel tank.
The first thing you need to check, though, is the fuel tank. Make sure the fuel is not stale, and the oil level is optimal, as that can cause most of the starting issues in the lawnmower.
Then you should check the starter switch and make sure the wires are connected properly. Sometimes, the starter switch can get damaged, and you need to replace them.
You should also check the carburetor and the hydraulic system and make sure they are working as they should.
2. Uneven Cuts
If your mower suddenly starts leaving patches of grass after passing, then you might have a problem with the blades or the mower decks. By design, the Ferris 400S lawnmower is supposed to cut through your lawn grass smoothly. And if that changes, then you need to fix the problem.
The first thing to check here is the condition of the blades. If the blades seem dull, you need to re-sharpen them. Occasionally, you might notice that the blades are chipped or dented. In that case, you need to replace the blades as soon as possible.
3. Excessive Vibration
Excessive vibration during operation is a common problem with most zero-turn mowers out there, including the Ferris 400S. Thankfully, the fix is pretty easy and straightforward.
In most cases, the reason behind excessive vibration is a faulty drive belt. You need to inspect the drive pulley belt and replace it if it seems damaged. However, if it simply slipped off, then you can put it back in place, tighten the tension, and call it a day.
If that doesn’t fix the vibration issue in your tractor, then there might be dirt or debris stuck between the blades. So, turn off the tractor and check between the teeth of the blades to scoop out any small debris. You might also need to reseat the blades and tighten the screws while you’re at it.
4. Unresponsive Brake
Using a mower with a faulty brake is extremely dangerous. If you suddenly notice the parking brake in your Ferris 400S mower is not responding properly, there can be two reasons behind it. Either the brake calipers are faulty, or they need to be readjusted.
First, you need to check the condition of the brake. If the brake seems damaged, then replace it right away. However, if the condition of the brake looks good, then you need to readjust the calipers so that they activate when you press down on the brake pedal.
5. The Mower Deck Won’t Rise
The mowing deck in the Ferris 400S comes with height adjustment options that allow you to cut different lengths of grass. However, sometimes, you might notice that the height adjustment level will not respond or is stuck in a single position.
There can be a couple of different things happening here. While it might seem like a mowing deck-related problem, you should first check the air filter. If it’s blocked with debris, then when you start the engine, the filters will not send enough fuel to the engine to lift the deck. So, clear the blockage first.
If that doesn’t fix the problem, check the connections around the lever and look for any loose or damaged wiring. It might be caused by loose connections, and restoring those connections should fix the issue.
But if that still doesn’t solve your problem, the best thing to do is take it to an authorized service center.
6. Transmission Issues
The Ferris 400S is equipped with a Hydro-Gear transmission system which is quite excellent. But like all transmission systems, it can act up if air gets into it. The pump struggles to create pressure which can cause your mower to move efficiently.
To fix the transmission, you need to purge the system. Start with moving the control lever to the neutral position and engaging the brakes and clutch. Then you need to push the control lever forward and backward for five seconds alternatively. This should purge the air from the system.
Then shut down the engine, wait for a minute, and start it again. This should fix the transmission issues in your lawnmower.
7. Poor Engine Performance
If the engine in your Ferris 400S is performing poorly, there can be a couple of different things going wrong with it. The first thing to check is the quality and condition of the fuel.
If you are using the wrong weight of fuel, that can degrade the engine, so make sure you are only using high-quality gasoline. Besides, if the fuel in the tank is stale, your engine will struggle to perform at its optimal level. In that case, you need to drain the tank and refill it with fresh fuel.
You also need to check the condition of the spark plugs, and if they are damaged, you need to replace them. In addition, clean out the air and fuel filter and adjust the choke in your carburetor. Finally, reset the gap between the spark plug and ignition coil, and it should fix any engine issues you may have had in your lawnmower.
8. Unable To Mow Wet Grass
While most lawnmowers are designed only to cut dry grass, the Ferris 400S can cut both wet and dry grass with ease. However, sometimes, you might notice that it struggles to cut smoothly when the grass is wet.
First, check that the blades are sharp enough to cut through grass smoothly. Then make sure you are moving your mower at a slower speed when you are cutting through wet grass. If the mower is set at high-speed, it won’t be able to mow wet grass efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Ferris 400S is a reliable, top-tier mower with an affordable price tag. But it’s natural to have doubts still if you are considering buying one for yourself.
In this section, I will address some of the common questions people have asked me about this model in the past to help you decide whether getting this mower is worth it.
What Are The Main Features Of The Ferris 400S Lawnmower?
The Ferris 400S has an extremely user-friendly design with a high-grade suspension system. It features a 21.5 HP Kawasaki engine with a displacement rate of 726 ccs. The mower has a cutting deck that’s 48 inches wide and comes with a Dual Hydro-Gear transmission system.
Can You Use The Ferris 400S On A Rough Terrain?
Yes, because of the patented suspension design in the Ferris 400S, it can work perfectly well in rough terrain. And the chassis is also made well enough to survive the occasional bumps and collisions that come from using your mower on uneven terrain.
Final Thoughts
If you are getting into the landscaping scene and want to keep your lawn fresh and tidy, the Ferris 400S is a fantastic option to go with. It is truly a beast when it comes to cutting down your lawn grass, and also durable enough to survive a good while without complaints.
Of course, some occasional issues will pop up in the mower, but you can fix them pretty easily. And taking your maintenance duties seriously can help prevent most of the issues from ever coming up in the first place.
I hope my extensive look at the different issues of the Ferris 400S lawnmower could help you diagnose and fix any troubles you might be having with it. Good luck.
