Landscaping professionals endure long, physically demanding days, often spending more hours in a mower seat than in their own beds. With the industry’s relentless pace, operator comfort has become a critical factor in productivity, employee retention, and even injury prevention.
Steve Bennett, president of Bennett’s Lawncare in Maiden, North Carolina, understands this firsthand. His fleet of eight Ferris mowers, equipped with an Independent Suspension (IS) system, allows each wheel to move independently—absorbing shocks and reducing operator fatigue. His crews typically work from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., making comfort a necessity, not a luxury.
“Other mowers left me exhausted,” Bennett recalls. “I’d finish the day feeling every bump in my spine. Switching to Ferris changed that—it’s smoother, and my team can work longer without strain.”
The Science Behind a Smoother Ride
A mower’s suspension system plays a bigger role in comfort than just seat design. Ferris’s patented IS technology ensures stability by allowing wheels to adjust to uneven terrain while keeping the deck level. This not only enhances operator comfort but also improves cut quality, as the mower maintains consistent contact with the ground.
The system also boosts efficiency. Operators can mow faster over rough surfaces without sacrificing stability, reducing fatigue while maintaining precision—a game-changer for commercial landscaping.
Health, Safety, and Employee Retention
For John Rowland, regional director of Fun Fair Soccer in Houston, comfort is non-negotiable. Managing 22 soccer fields requires reliable equipment, and after multiple back surgeries, he refuses to use mowers without proper suspension.
“Some mowers would land me back in the hospital,” Rowland says, only half-joking. His organization relies on four Ferris mowers, emphasizing that operator well-being directly impacts productivity.
Bennett adds that comfortable equipment leads to happier crews and fewer injuries, reducing turnover and workers’ compensation claims. “If my team isn’t fatigued or in pain, they’ll stay longer and work better,” he says.
As the landscaping industry evolves, the demand for ergonomic, high-performance equipment continues to grow—proving that comfort isn’t just about ease, but sustainability in a demanding profession.
