Ferris IS 700 vs ISX 800: Which One Should You Buy?

Two of the most common questions we get when someone walks in ready to spend real money on a Ferris: "What's the difference between the IS 700 and the ISX 800?" and "Is it worth the extra $1,300?"

Here's the straight answer.

What They Share

Both the IS 700 and the ISX 800 are full-suspension commercial zero turns built on the same Ferris platform. Both use the Ferris independent suspension system — that's the four-wheel independent setup that takes the shock out of bumps instead of sending it through your spine. Both run the iCD™ cutting system. Both are welded commercial decks in 52" or 60" configurations.

If you're coming from a residential machine or a budget commercial mower, either one is going to feel like a different category of equipment.

Where They Actually Differ

The gap isn't the suspension — that's the same. It's the drivetrain and the engine options.

Transaxles

The IS 700 runs Dual Hydro-Gear® ZT-3200® transaxles. The ISX 800 steps up to Dual Hydro-Gear® ZT-3400® transaxles. That's not a marketing number — the 3400 is a physically larger unit, rated for higher continuous-duty use. If you're putting 600 to 800-plus hours per year on a mower, the 3400 is the right call. The 3200 is a solid unit for lighter commercial use and serious residential, but it's not what a full-time crew should be running.

Ground Speed

The ISX 800 tops out at 10 mph. The IS 700 is rated lower. On a 60" commercial route, that extra 1–2 mph compounds into real time across a day's work.

Engine Options

This is where the ISX 800 pulls ahead for commercial buyers who care about maintenance costs.

The IS 700 comes one way: 27 hp Briggs & Stratton® CXi.

The ISX 800 gives you choices:

• 24 hp B&S CXi — the base, $10,449 for a 52"
• 24 hp B&S CXi (60") — $10,649
• 25 hp B&S CXi EFI-ETC with OilXtend™ (60") — $10,999
• 24 hp Kawasaki® FT730V (52" or 60") — $10,649–$11,249
• 24 hp Kawasaki® FT730V EFI (60") — $11,699

The EFI options matter for fuel cost. Electronic fuel injection adjusts the air/fuel mix on the fly, so you're not burning carbureted-rich all day. On a full-time route, that adds up fast. The OilXtend version extends oil change intervals significantly — useful if you're running multiple machines and want to keep service intervals predictable.

By the Numbers

	IS 700 (52")	IS 700 (60")	ISX 800 (52", B&S)	ISX 800 (60", Kawi EFI)
Price	$8,899	$9,349	$10,449	$11,699
Engine	27 hp B&S CXi	27 hp B&S CXi	24 hp B&S CXi	24 hp Kawi FT730V EFI
Transaxles	ZT-3200	ZT-3200	ZT-3400	ZT-3400
Max Speed	~8 mph	~8 mph	10 mph	10 mph
Suspension	IS Independent	IS Independent	IS Independent	IS Independent
Deck	52" fabricated	60" fabricated	52" fabricated	60" fabricated

Who Should Buy the IS 700

If you're mowing 3–7 acres on a personal property, running a part-time landscape account, or you're a farmer who wants commercial suspension and reliability without the full commercial price tag — the IS 700 is the machine. At $8,899 for the 52" and $9,349 for the 60", you're getting Ferris suspension and commercial deck quality at the most accessible entry point in the commercial IS lineup.

The IS 700 60" is currently in stock at Dykes Power in Collins.

Who Should Buy the ISX 800

If you're running a landscaping crew, managing a larger property commercially, or you expect to put 700-plus hours per year on this machine — buy the ISX 800. The ZT-3400 transaxles will outlast the 3200 at those hours. The EFI and Kawasaki engine options reduce fuel and maintenance costs over the life of the machine. The extra 10 mph ground speed puts more acres behind you each day.

We sell both to customers across South Mississippi — buyers from Laurel to Prentiss who've done the math know that $1,300 more up front looks different when you're still running the same machine in year six.

The Honest Take

The IS 700 is a genuinely good commercial mower. The ISX 800 is better, in specific ways that matter if you're working it hard. If you're buying for occasional use or light commercial work, the IS 700 won't leave you wanting. If you're buying for a working crew or a serious operation, the ISX 800's drivetrain pays for itself.

Come see both at 3069 Hwy 49, Collins, MS, or browse specs and pricing at /catalog. Questions? Call (601) 909-5380 or ask about financing options — we work with top national lenders.