Ferris leverages the capabilities of Briggs & Stratton’s Vanguard®
Turf equipment provider, Ferris, is working with Briggs & Stratton’s commercial brand Vanguard to power its new FRC7 slope mower, designed to tackle the toughest of mowing conditions.
Paired with Vanguard’s state of the art engine, the innovative FRC7 redefines what’s possible when tackling steep hills and difficult terrains.
The remote-controlled FRC7 is a low-profile slope mower designed to solve one of landscaping’s most persistent challenges: safely and effectively mowing steep terrain. Featuring a hybrid e-drive system and dual-direction mower deck, the FRC7 delivers consistent performance even on slopes as steep as 55 degrees. Briggs & Stratton’s long history of powering Ferris mowers made it a natural choice for the FRC7, with its commercial Vanguard gross 17,2kW* EFI horizontal shaft engine selected for seamless integration, size and, importantly, for its upward-facing cylinder orientation. This design prevents inefficiencies caused by the pistons working against the oil column in the engine sump when operating at extreme inclination angles.
At the heart of the machine is a mild hybrid drive system, where two power sources—combustion and electric—work in tandem to enhance performance. A generator, directly linked to the Vanguard engine, charges a 48-volt battery bank that acts as the main energy buffer for the mower’s electric drive system. This hybrid e-drive setup combines the strength of the combustion engine with the smooth, efficient responsiveness of electric motors. In addition, Vanguard’s Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system enhances engine performance by improving efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and minimising emissions. Managed by the CAN-bus controller, the Vanguard 17,2kW EFI horizontal shaft engine seamlessly integrates into the mower’s advanced communication network. This system enables real-time data exchange between components, ensuring dynamic, efficient operation and optimised performance.
In addition, the Vanguard engine comes with a three-year manufacturer warranty to ensure long-term reliability of this critical component. Patrick Limberg, Manager of Regional Sales for Central Europe at Briggs & Stratton, says: “The Vanguard 17,2kW horizontal shaft engine is a reliable and powerful product and an excellent choice for demanding professional applications no matter the requirements. Combining this powerful and dependable Vanguard commercial engine with Ferris' cutting-edge mower created the perfect solution to a long-standing mowing issue.”
Dennie Smeets, Product Manager at Ferris, said: “We were thrilled with the outcome of the incorporation of the 17,2kW engine from our sister brand Vanguard into the FRC7. Capable of CAN-bus communication and a design optimised for easy integration, this Vanguard engine fully supports the mower’s groundbreaking remote controlled hybrid system including remote diagnostic capabilities, delivering exceptional performance on steep slopes and challenging terrains.”
