Ferris IS 700 vs ISX 2200: Which One to Buy

The two questions we get most from commercial buyers right now: "What's the difference between the IS 700 and the ISX 2200?" and "Is the ISX 2200 worth the extra money?"

Short answer: they're more different than the names suggest. Longer answer below.

The Price Gap Is Real — So Is the Reason

The IS 700 Series starts at $9,049 for the 52" and $9,199 for the 60". The ISX 2200 Series starts at $12,699 for the 52" with the Kawasaki EVO, up to $13,749 for the 60" with the Vanguard EFI and Oil Guard.

That's a $3,500–$4,500 price spread depending on deck size and engine choice. For a commercial buyer, that difference has to earn its keep in productivity, durability, or both.

Here's where it goes.

What Changes Between the IS 700 and ISX 2200

Drive system. The IS 700 runs dual Hydro-Gear ZT-3200 transaxles. The ISX 2200 runs ZT-5400. Both are proven — but the 5400 is the commercial-duty unit. It handles higher torque loads, dissipates heat better under sustained use, and is built for heavier hours. If you're running 500+ hours a year, that's not a small detail.

Suspension. The IS 700 has Ferris's independent suspension system — the same core technology that separates Ferris from most of the competition. The ISX 2200 gets ForeFront suspension, which adds a front-axle pivot and tighter four-wheel coordination. If you're mowing rough or hilly ground all day, the ForeFront system is noticeably smoother, especially at higher ground speeds.

Cutting system. The IS 700 uses Ferris's iCD deck. The ISX 2200 uses iCD+, a 2-belt drive system that maintains blade tip speed more consistently at speed. The practical difference shows up on striping and in thick or wet grass — iCD+ handles it cleaner.

Ground speed. The IS 700 tops out around 10 mph forward. The ISX 2200 goes up to 12 mph. On a large property, two extra mph compounds. A crew mowing 8 acres per day gains real time over a season.

Engine options on the ISX 2200. The Vanguard 810cc EFI with Oil Guard is worth knowing about. EFI tuning adapts to load and altitude. Oil Guard extends oil change intervals to 500 hours — significant on a high-use machine. If you're tracking maintenance costs per hour, that changes the math.

Side-by-Side Comparison

	IS 700 (60")	ISX 2200 (60" Kawasaki)	ISX 2200 (60" Vanguard EFI)
Price	$9,199	$13,349	$13,749
Engine	27 hp B&S CXi	27 hp Kawasaki FX781V EVO	31 hp Vanguard 810cc EFI
Drive	Hydro-Gear ZT-3200	Hydro-Gear ZT-5400	Hydro-Gear ZT-5400
Suspension	IS independent	ForeFront 4-wheel	ForeFront 4-wheel
Cutting system	iCD	iCD+ (2-belt)	iCD+ (2-belt)
Ground speed	~10 mph	12 mph	12 mph
Oil change interval	Standard	Standard	500 hr (Oil Guard)

When the IS 700 Is the Right Call

If you're mowing 3–6 acres per day, the terrain is reasonably flat, and you're running 300 hours or fewer per year, the IS 700 delivers everything you need at a much better entry price. It's a commercial machine — suspension, commercial deck, commercial engine. It will outlast residential equipment by a wide margin.

Commercial landscapers in Brookhaven and around Lincoln County who are running one or two machines on smaller residential accounts often land here. The IS 700 holds up, parts are available through us, and the price makes it easier to have a backup unit when the fleet grows.

When the ISX 2200 Is Worth It

If you're running 6–12 acres per day, mowing rough terrain, or putting 500+ hours per year on the machine, the ISX 2200 earns the premium. The ZT-5400 drive, ForeFront suspension, iCD+ deck, and the Vanguard EFI with Oil Guard option all stack up to a machine that stays productive longer and costs less to maintain per hour over a full commercial season.

For golf course grounds, sports turf, and larger farm or timber properties in the area, the ISX 2200 is often the smarter long-term purchase. The suspension and drive system are the bigger factors than the upfront price difference.

Our Take

Both are solid machines. The IS 700 is a strong commercial zero turn at a price that makes sense for moderate use. The ISX 2200 is a step up across the board — drive, suspension, cutting system, ground speed — and justifies the cost if your hours and terrain actually demand it.

If you're not sure which fits your operation, come by 3069 Hwy 49 in Collins and we'll talk through the specifics. We stock the IS 700 60" and can order any ISX 2200 configuration. Financing is available through top national lenders — as low as 4.9% APR for qualified credit. Browse both models in the catalog or reach out at (601) 909-5380.