Toro Timemaster vs Ferris FW15 - Cut Quality (Round One) 

Thanks for commenting! I recently sold the FW15. We put 300 hours that mower. Used both mulch and hi lift blades and not sure why the cut quality was not as good as the timemaster.

@@BillyGoatLawnService lol stupid comparison should of been @ same deck height

@@billybobbob3003 yes, it would have been nice to cut at the same height but the timemaster height increments are a quarter inch difference than the FW15. If the Ferris was set on 3 inches the Timemaster would be either 2.75 or 3.25.

Yup The Ferris Blades Are Not Sharp !

Thanks for commenting! For homeowner use, the timemaster is the way to go if you mow somewhat often. The Ferris is nice but is twice the price.

@BillyGoatLawnService I wonder if the blade was just dull or needed a better blade. It just doesn't sit well that a commercial mower would leave so many stragglers on heavy grass. As that's the whole point of a bigger more powerful machine.

Yep! I’m impressed with the Timemaster. Will see if the FW15 does any better in mulch mode. Round 2 coming soon.

Why Is Every Word Capitalized?

@@robertsaca3512 I LIKE IT LIKE THAT

youre not going to see yellowing immediately.

Good eye! A lot of my videos have little things that most viewers don’t see and/or catch what I say during the videos. Here’s a link to the side discharge chute: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oT9pbeZAIlE.html

Appreciate the comment! Glad you liked the intro, others not so much.

Appreciate the feedback! I agree… the FW15 is well built.

I did another video (Round 2) with both mulching ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_p8Jxm7p5HY.html. I’m trying to figure out why the Ferris cut quality not as good as the timemaster.

Ferris has a major manufacturing defect on their hands. That's inexcusable!

The timemaster is the most expensive residential push mower on the market but at the same time the least reliable mower for the price (in my opinion). It’s definitely a high maintenance mower but the replacement parts a readily available.

I totally agree! Thanks for commenting!

Thanks for commenting! The FW15 is definitely a good solid mower for the price. I recently sold my FW15 to a friend. Here is the link to the video before I sold it. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-TVFicGYLv0c.html

Dont forget to use the choke!

Appreciate the feedback. Will be doing more comparisons in the future.

Been a very busy spring and didn’t post as much as I wanted. More videos coming soon. I was very impressed with the cut quality from Timemaster in tall grass. Round 2, will see if the mulching blades on the FW15 do any better.

I agree! I’m not sure why I’m getting stragglers with my FW15.

Thanks for commenting! I agree, I could have done a better job comparing both of these mowers. I put nearly 300 hours on the FW15 and really don’t know why the cut quality wasn’t any better than the Timemaster. I tried both mulching and hi-lift blades. I sharpen them on a regular basis but really didn’t see much difference in quality. There were always stragglers.

@@BillyGoatLawnService It could be a number if things. Type of blades, type of grass, shape of belts, pulleys and so on. While I like my Toro I truly love the Ferris. I live in East Texas, we have to deal with all type of tough grass like bahia. But I have never had stagglers with the FW15. I have had to double cut if not triple cut with my Toro if I let the grass get to tall. But I mulch with the Toro so the blades do not have much lift. The FW15 has a deeper deck but the lift volume especially if I use mulching blades will not leave very many stragglers if none at all. You said your FW15 had over 300 hours, perhaps your belt tension has to much slack. Things like that can affect performance.

I was surprised as well. Blades were sharp. I was cutting grass/weeds nearly a foot tall with high lift blades. Next test will be mowing with the stock mulch blades.

I have had my FW 15 for about two years and have over 200 hours in it. I've never had any stragglers or areas uncut areas like you have in this video. I'm betting there is a defect with this mower because I get a near perfect cut every time. Here is a video of my cut quality.. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qp2zyXrdF5k.html

@@NorthBoroughsLawnCareLLC I agree! Not sure why the FW15 cut so badly. Im going to do more videos soon. Do you run hi-lifts or mulch blades?

@@BillyGoatLawnService Hey... I use the oem blades it came with. I am really happy with this mower and its performance. These blades are definitely not high lift. I do videos on this mower too.. Take a look at the cut quality I have with mine. This is honestly the best mower I have ever owned. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qp2zyXrdF5k.html Like I said, I'm willing to bet there is a defect or bent spindle or something.

I actually make them. Here is the link to how I install them. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oT9pbeZAIlE.html

@@BillyGoatLawnService pretty nifty. I just bungee it up but I’m just a homeowner. I can see where you would need that commercially.

I will be posting another video for mulching. Yes! The chute will stay closed while mowing.

Would be nice if toro/exmark had a caster wheel option. I believe there’s still aftermarket caster kit for the timemaster but the reviews are not so great.

@@BillyGoatLawnService Yeah, that's my point. For a mower of this size and weight, caster wheels are a must!

@@BillyGoatLawnService Most of the caster kits have really small wheels

I have a Timemaster. It would be better with 12" pneumatic rear wheels and 10" pneumatic front caster wheels plus a gallon gas tank. I have begged Toro to do an upgrade kit that many would likely buy.

@@rick3747 definitely needs caster wheels!!

Now that you mentioned it, that’s a good point. Thanks!

You may want to start looking for another mower other than Honda. I heard that Honda is going to stop making lawn mowers. Not sure when. I believe they will continue to make certain engines. The Timemaster are nice mowers for weekly accounts but they tend to clog up cutting wet grass. They do bag fairly well though. We mostly bag the clippings on most of our yards anyway.

@@BillyGoatLawnService Yes, Honda is ending a development and sales of the small internal combustion engines cause those will be the first to get banned by governments..But my Honda will mow many many more lawns, I'm sure of it... That being said I love the FW15, you can see it from a mile that it's a robust commercial mower compared to the Timemaster, even compared to Toro's commercial Timemaster (I think its called the Turfmaster)... Of course the price is way too much for my business income. Costing more than $5000 it's starting to play on the level of a decent used zero turn, like Ferris 400S for example, or TORO TimeCutter MX 5075T. Although both of these zero turn mowers are residential, I would really make use of them since I hope I'll be getting few of the larger lots this season. SO the ZT would be operating 3-4 hours a week, which is not too much for the residential grade mower. Unfortunately since our market is very small there are no used zero turn mowers to buy. So if I buy this zero turn I definitely wouldn't have the money to buy the Timemaster, let alone FW15.. Honda would remain the finishing mower.. But if plans of getting larger lawns this season doesn't pan out, then maybe investing into FW15 would significantly help my productivity on the type and size of lawns I'm currently mowing...Then in a year or two that wet dream of my - the shiny zero turn mower, will come true....

Thanks for commenting! Actually I tried to record the engine sound while mowing but my phone was set for photo instead of video. Didn’t realize it until I was done. I recently posted another video, Round Two that I was able to record the sound of the engines during the initial pass. I did add music during the other 3 passes. Here the link to that video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_p8Jxm7p5HY.html

@@BillyGoatLawnService Ok Billy.. Thanks for getting back to me and thanks for the new link.. I checked it out and really liked the video and info.. Good work and thanks for posting the videos.. Super good info!!!

technically not a fair match as the toro timemaster is residential mower

Thanks for commenting! Good question… cutting in the opposite direction was to clearly to show the uncut grass (stragglers). I plan to make future videos from questions I have received from this video.

Thanks for commenting! I totally agree with you. I was just surprised that a commercial mower didn’t cut any better than a residential mower compared.

Actually I came up with my own version of a chute blocker for the timemaster. Here is a link to the video I posted ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oT9pbeZAIlE.htmlsi=wuxMmhQmhw33ZnsV

Thanks for commenting! I use to cross cut a yard twice a week for a customer. I never cut off more than 1 inch per pass.

Thanks for commenting! Ferris does offer a bagging system but it is very expensive. The last I checked, the kit was nearly $500.

@@BillyGoatLawnService idc I need my bag I hate grass clippings

Thanks for commenting. Appreciate the feedback. I should sharpen my blades more often. I plan on doing more comparison videos this summer.

Thanks for commenting! I believe the blades were sharp at the time I recorded the video. As far as shooting the clippings to one side, I did that so I could see the stragglers. I plan on doing more comparisons. Will do some with different mow paths. I also have different styles blades as well to compare.

​@@BillyGoatLawnService you believe? that means no. you wanted to show toro as better. not starting with newly sharpened balanced blades is a mistake, not a good comparison.

@@MM-rr1kp I agree! The type of blade and thus more the sharpness of the blade will effect the cut quality. I put many hours on both of these mowers. Both have their issues with the cut quality, especially after mowing for several hours.

Appreciate the feedback. I do have a video of the specs for the FW15. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-uMZwI8jYJy4.htmlsi=8ECqINF_0qflTQyD

Thanks for commenting! I totally agree with you. MTD mowers do preform better on overgrown yards (in my opinion). I plan on doing a video soon comparing my 2017 Timemaster 30 to my 2017 Craftsman (MTD) Pro Series 28.

Thanks for commenting! I agree… blades do make a difference. I recently bought a set of Ballard Razor blades for the timemaster and surprisingly impressed so far. I will be posting a video in the near future comparing the difference between the blades and cut quality.

Ferris have great mowers. I will be posting more videos on the FW15.

Ok Billy

Thanks for commenting! I also did a video in mulch mode while mowing back and forth. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_p8Jxm7p5HY.html

I can relate to your frustration. Even though the Timemaster has a great cut quality (in my opinion), it greatly lacks in dependability. It can be expensive to maintain. Having to replace cables, belts and blades more often than most other name brand mowers in it’s class. Glad to hear your mower is still under warranty. Thankfully timemasters do have a high resell value if you decide to sell it. I plan to do more videos on preventive maintenance to help prolong those parts that typically wear out before it’s time. Thanks for commenting, those Honda HRX seem to be a good solid mower.

I’ve heard they are notorious for breakdowns

Sorry to hear about the problems you have had ! My Timemaster has mowed app 5 lawns per week for the last 4 - 5 years with NO issues at all. Regular oil changes and clean air filter. Always Sharp blades! It has served me well.

@@paulb2769 Thanks man yes I used mine in like 4 yards a week where my big mowers don’t fit l loved the mower had a beautiful cut but reliability was terrible after 6 months then constantly problems finally sold it good thing I didn’t get rid of my Honda HRX217 that I’ve had for 7 years and she is back in the truck.

@@victorrippe5845 Hi Victor. It's hard to believe in the near future Honda will no longer make mowers! It's also very strange that you have had so many problems with your time master and I have literally had none . You wouldn't think that the same model would vary so much in dependability. Best of luck with your future equipment !

Good eye for detail… the shutter (chute blocker) is a do it yourself modification I installed on all my mowers. Here is a link to that video ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oT9pbeZAIlE.html

Actually I designed my own chute blocker for all my mowers. Many have asked if I could make kits to sell. I did make a 3 part video on how I made it. Here is the link ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oT9pbeZAIlE.html

@@BillyGoatLawnServiceMan, you've got some skills. I wouldn't know how to install the thing if it came to me in the mail.

@@vegass04 Thanks! It took a couple of years in the making. Possibly I may make kits to sell. I’m sure a friend or family member could help you install it.

Thanks for commenting! The Timemaster is a awesome mower as long as you know its limitations. We originally had the 190cc model and ended up selling it to upgrade to the 223cc. Sorry about the Rap, some like, some don’t like the music.

I totally agree! I also have to take the plastic shroud off to clean the build up of debris. Sometimes it’s cake up to the point to where the blades won’t engage. Thanks for commenting! I greatly appreciate your feedback.

I was surprised as well. The blades on the FW15 were sharp.

@@BillyGoatLawnService you got to compair the build up under deck. To...

I agree! This video was intended to compare the cut quality. Had a lot of questions if the FW15 is worth the money over getting a timemaster. I plan on doing more comparison videos in the future.

Thanks for commenting! The Ferris also has timed blades. I agree, depends on how you want to spend. I’m a fan of timemaster as well. I do have other comparison videos in the works.

Thanks for commenting! Yep… Big difference in engine cc’s, 390 vs 223. Sorry about the music. Some like some don’t. I try to do a mixture of both on some videos.

@@BillyGoatLawnService ok. have you come across a better blade for the timemaster? one that creates high lift?

@@harryharry3193 I do have a set of high lift blades from Ballard inc. to test on the timemaster. Video coming later this Spring.

@@BillyGoatLawnService ok....thanks!

Head to head between the ZT’s. That would be very interesting to watch. I’m heading over to your channel to subscribe.

I agree! The Timemaster definitely gets my vote for cut quality compared to the FW15. I’m curious if the mulching blades on the Ferris has any improvement with the cut quality. Will see on round 2.

@@BillyGoatLawnService I'm ready to see Round 2!!🥊🥊🤜🤛👍👍👏👏

I have gotten a bunch of these comments. As I make more videos, I’m doing a better job editing out the uhhs and umms!

Thanks for commenting. I agree! I’m really not sure what’s the problem could be with the Ferris. I just got a set of gator style blades, will see if that makes a difference with the cut quality. I plan to do a video as well.

It’s actually a homemade version I made a couple of years ago. Here is the link on how I designed it. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oT9pbeZAIlE.html

Thanks for the feedback! I agree too many ums.

Thanks for commenting! Appreciate your feedback. It was just a test.

Very impressed with the Timemaster quality wise even though it’s not the most reliable mower.

Both mowers are great. I didn’t cut in the same direction so the grass clippings didn’t across over to the other mower’s side.

Thanks for commenting! I would like to do a comparison with the Turfmaster 30 and also the Scag 30 as well.

Thanks for commenting! Appreciate your support!

@@BillyGoatLawnService welcome my pleasure I’d like to formally introduce myself I’m Víctor Ramirez a financial consultant who specializes in funding landscaping companies just a few days ago I helped a company obtain 300k in as little as 2 days no credit check so if you’ve ever thought of using additional capitol for the furtherance of your business feel free to contact me to ok 👍🏽

So far, the Timemaster wins the first round. Next will be mulch mode in Round 2.

@@BillyGoatLawnService I just got the high lift blades from Ballard for the 30, have you tried them?

@@cleancutslawncare I would like to try the Ballard blades. I will have to order a set. Thanks!

The only downside to the ferris is the gas tank is small. I just use a ferries 36 inch wall behind with sulky

Thanks for the comment!

Appreciate the comment. I tend to get long winded in my videos.

I totally agree! Not a fan of transmissions in the Timemasters. The Turfmaster HDX did finally put in stronger transmissions.

The toro will bog down especially when mulching the clippings.

Thanks! Appreciate the support!

🏁🐢🏆🥇👍👍👏👏

I totally agree with you. Thanks for commenting!

I totally agree, we replace the transmissions at least once a year in each of our Timemasters.

Thanks for commenting! I agree, I tend to get long winded.

Thanks for commenting! I respect your opinion.

Appreciate the comment. The FW15 is a tank compared to the Timemaster.

Thanks for commenting! Sorry for so many “uhs”. Getting better as I make and edit more videos in the future.

Lol… that would definitely put you asleep fast.

Thanks for commenting! I see you’re not a fan of the Timemaster. Although I do agree they are not the most reliable mower.

Thanks for commenting! I possibly may get a turfmaster in the future. I’m a Scag guy also wonder if the Scag 30 is any good.

Thank you for commenting on the video. To be clear, I’m both a big fan of the Timemaster and the FW15. Not really sure if you even watched the entire video or even read the title. This comparison was more from a quality of cut stand point, not so much performance per say. Don’t get me wrong, the FW15 is one beast of a mower. I’m just trying to figure out why a $3500 commercial mower doesn’t have a better or at least the same cut quality as a $1500 residential mower. Any suggestions or insight would be greatly appreciated.