Traditional mowing equipment has been designed primarily for flat areas or gentle slopes, but on steep inclines and rough terrain, there are risks associated with these machines. Operators face dangerous working conditions, with a higher risk of rollover accidents or loss of control. Beyond safety concerns, these extreme conditions also push machines beyond their limits, leading to excessive wear, higher fuel consumption, and increased emissions. 

To face these challenges head-on, Ferris introduced the FRC7 slope mower, a remote-controlled, low-level machine intended to revolutionise this longstanding landscaping challenge. Featuring a cutting-edge hybrid e-drive system and a dual direction mower deck, the FRC7 is designed to deliver consistent performance in the toughest conditions, including mowing slopes as steep as 55 degrees.

The compact, hybrid design of the FRC7 required Ferris to source an engine that was not only durable and reliable but also small enough to fit within the machine’s limited space. As the FRC7 is remote controlled, the selected engine also had to communicate via CAN-bus, allowing all components of the mower to work seamlessly together.

Patrick Limberg, Manager of Regional Sales for Central Europe at Briggs & Stratton, says: “The Vanguard 17,2kW EFI 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.”

The innovative FRC7, paired with Vanguard’s engine expertise, is redefining what’s possible in the landscaping industry. 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. FRC7 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 sophisticated communication network that facilitates real-time data exchange between the various components of the mower to ensure highly dynamic and efficient operation, optimising the mower's performance. In addition, the Vanguard engine comes with a three-year manufacturer warranty to ensure long-term reliability of this critical component.

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.”