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Buying Guide
Ferris 500S vs ISX800: Which One Do You Actually Need?
Comparing the Ferris 500S and ISX800 side by side. Which zero turn mower fits your property and budget in South Mississippi?
April 12, 2026 · Dykes Motors Power Equipment — Collins, MS
Two of the most popular Ferris mowers we sell at our Collins, MS dealership are the 500S and the ISX800. Buyers from Taylorsville to Seminary ask us the same question — which one should I get? The answer depends on what you're mowing, how much of it, and how rough the ground is.
The Ferris 500S — Built for the Crossover Buyer
The 500S sits right at the line between residential and commercial. It's a real commercial frame and deck with Ferris's ForeFront Suspension Technology — not the full independent suspension you get on the ISX models, but a genuine suspension system that makes a huge difference compared to rigid-frame mowers.
What you get:
- 25 HP Briggs & Stratton CXi engine
- Dual Hydro-Gear transaxles
- 48", 52", or 61" fabricated deck options
- Up to 8.5 mph ground speed
- Starting at $6,799
The 500S is the right call for homeowners with 3–10 acres, hobby farms in Smith County, or anyone who wants commercial durability without the commercial price tag. If your terrain is mostly flat to moderate, this mower handles it without issue.
Browse all 500S configurations →
The Ferris ISX800 — When You Need More Machine
The ISX800 is a step up in every way that matters for demanding properties. The suspension upgrades to Ferris's full system, the transaxles jump to Hydro-Gear ZT-3400s, and the top speed hits 10 mph. This is the mower landscaping crews in the Pine Belt rely on to run 40+ hours a week.
What you get:
- 24–25 HP engine options (Kawasaki FT730V or Briggs & Stratton CXi)
- Hydro-Gear ZT-3400 transaxles (heavier duty than the 500S)
- 52" or 60" fabricated deck with iCD cutting system
- Up to 10 mph ground speed
- Starting at $10,699
If you're running a crew, mowing commercial properties around Seminary or Taylorsville, or your property has rough, uneven terrain — the ISX800 earns its price difference every time you sit on it.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | 500S | ISX800 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $6,799 | $10,699 |
| Engine | 25 HP B&S CXi | 24–25 HP Kawasaki or B&S |
| Transaxles | Hydro-Gear standard | Hydro-Gear ZT-3400 |
| Suspension | ForeFront | Full Independent |
| Top Speed | 8.5 mph | 10 mph |
| Deck Options | 48", 52", 61" | 52", 60" |
| Best For | Residential / light commercial | Full commercial / rough terrain |
So Which One?
Go with the 500S if: You're a homeowner mowing 3–10 acres, your ground is relatively flat, and you want a mower that'll last 10+ years without paying for features you don't need.
Go with the ISX800 if: You're mowing commercially, your terrain punishes rigid mowers, or you want the most productive machine you can run. The upgraded drive system and full independent suspension pay for themselves in ride quality, speed, and longevity.
Both are real commercial machines built to last in Mississippi heat and humidity. The difference comes down to how hard you're going to push it. If you're not sure, come see them side by side — that usually settles it in about five minutes.
We're an authorized Ferris dealer at 3069 Hwy 49, Collins, MS. Customers from all over Smith County, Covington County, and the Pine Belt region make the drive because we carry the full lineup and actually know these machines.
Call (601) 641-5475 or browse the full Ferris catalog. Financing available — rates as low as 4.9% APR for qualified credit.
Ready to find your mower?
We're an authorized Ferris dealer in Collins, MS — in stock, ready to demo, and financing available.