Ferris Rover Series User manual

2 ferrismowers.com
Table of Contents:
General Information..............................................................3
Identifying Your Unit............................................................ 3
Operator Safety..................................................................... 4
California Proposition 65.................................................. 4
Operating Safely...............................................................4
Read the Manual..............................................................4
Chemical Safety............................................................... 4
Training.............................................................................5
Preparation....................................................................... 5
Children.............................................................................5
Enclosed Areas................................................................ 6
Safe Handling of Gasoline............................................... 6
Operation.......................................................................... 6
Slope Identification Guide................................................ 7
Slope Operation................................................................7
Operating On Slopes........................................................8
Maintenance, Storage, and Safety...................................8
Safety Interlock System....................................................9
Safety Decals................................................................... 9
Features and Controls........................................................11
Features and Controls....................................................11
Operation............................................................................. 14
Before First Time Operation...........................................14
Checks Before Starting.................................................. 14
Starting the Unit ............................................................ 14
Stopping the Unit............................................................14
Operating the Spreader..................................................14
Transporting the Unit......................................................14
Calibration............................................................................15
Spreader Flow Rate Calibration..................................... 15
Centering the Spread Pattern........................................ 15
Maintenance Schedule....................................................... 16
Troubleshooting.................................................................. 17
Machine Does Not Start................................................. 17
Spreading System Operates Incorrectly.........................17
Specifications...................................................................... 18

3
General Information
Thank you for purchasing this quality-built Ferris product.
We’re pleased that you’ve placed your confidence in the
Ferris brand. When operated and maintained according to
the instructions in this manual, your Ferris product will provide
many years of dependable service.
This manual contains safety information to make you aware
of the hazards and risks associated with this machine and
how to avoid them. This machine is designed and intended
to be used and maintained according to the manual and
operated by trained professionals for the application of dry
and wet material to established lawns and is not intended
for any other purpose. It is important that you read and
understand these instructions thoroughly before attempting
to start or operate this equipment. Save these original
instructions for future reference.
The images in this document are representative, and
are meant to complement the instructional copy they
accompany. Your unit may vary from the images
displayed.LEFTandRIGHTare as seen from the operator's
position.
Ferris is a registered trademark of Briggs & Stratton.
ferrismowers.com
Identifying Your Unit
The following products are covered by this manual:
5901750, 5901751, 5901999, 5902000
The product identification tag (A, Figure 1) can be found in
the location as shown in Figure 1.
1
A
Your unit may feature a serial tag that looks like either one of
the following options:
PRODUCT REFERENCE DATA
Unit Model Number:
Unit Serial Number:
Dealer Name:
Date Purchased:
ENGINE REFERENCE DATA
Engine Make:
Engine Model:
Engine Type/Specification:
Engine Code/Serial Number:
When contacting your authorized service dealer for
replacement parts, service or information you MUST have
these numbers.
Note:For the location of the engine identification numbers
refer to the engine owner's manual.
The Illustrated Parts Lists for this machine can be
downloaded fromferrismowers.com. Please provide model
and serial number when ordering replacement parts.

4 ferrismowers.com
Operator Safety
Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to
obey these rules could result in loss of control of the unit,
severe personal injury or death to you, or bystanders, or
damage to property or equipment.
The safety alert triangle ( ) in text signifies important
cautions or warnings which must be followed.
California Proposition 65
WARNING
This product can expose you to chemicals including
gasoline engine exhaust, which is known to the State of
California to cause cancer and carbon monoxide, which
is known to the State of California to cause birth defects
or other reproductive harm. For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Operating Safely
Congratulations on purchasing a superior-quality piece of
lawn and garden equipment. Our products are designed and
manufactured to meet or exceed all industry standards for
safety.
Do not operate this machine unless you have been trained.
Reading and understanding this operator’s manual is a way to
train yourself.
Keep both feet on the operator platform at all times. Power
equipment is only as safe as the operator. If it is misused, or
not properly maintained, it can be dangerous! Remember,
you are responsible for your safety and that of those around
you.
Use common sense, and think through what you are doing.
If you are not sure that the task you are about to perform can
be safely done with the equipment you have chosen, ask a
professional: contact your local authorized dealer.
Read the Manual
WARNING
• This operator's manual contains important safety
information you need to be aware of, understand, and
apply BEFORE you operate your unit and DURING
operation.
• Safe operating techniques, an explanation of the
product's features and controls, and maintenance
information is included to help you get the most out of
your investment.
• Read this operator's manual thoroughly before use and
follow all safety precautions. Improper use can cause
serious or fatal injury.
Chemical Safety
WARNING
Any spreading materials used in this machine may be
hazardous if inhaled or if it makes contact with your skin.
Caustic liquid or chemical burns could occur if spreading
materials are not used properly.
• Read and follow all the instructions and warnings on
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) from manufacturer
for all spreading materials used.
• Become familiar with and follow all warnings,
recommendations, instructions and procedures for: first
aid measures, safe use, mixing, handling, applying, spills
clean-up, storage and disposal of all spreading materials
as listed on the manufacturer’s label or MSDS of any
spreading materials.
• Wear all personal protective equipment as recommended
on the manufacturer’s label or MSDS of any spreading
materials. Personal protective equipment may include
safety glasses or goggles and/or face shields, chemical
resistant gloves, rubber boots, and a respirator or air
purifying filter mask.
• Before working on this machine, clean the hopper
thoroughly according to the recommendations of the
chemical manufacturer (see MSDS and product labels).
• Obtain the proper training before using or handling any
spreading materials. Follow all local, state and federal
requirements for the handling and spreading of spreading
materials.
• Be sure to verify there is an adequate supply of clean
water and soap nearby and immediately wash off
any spreading materials that may contact you, as
recommended on the manufacturer's label or MSDS of
any spreading materials.

5
• Handle spreading materials in a well-ventilated area.
• Keep clean water available for immediate rinsing off
and clean-up of any spilled spreading materials, as
recommended on the manufacturer's label or MSDS of
any spreading materials.
• Never enter the hopper without the correct personal
protective equipment (PPE), as recommended on
themanufacturer's label or MSDS of any spreading
materials.
WARNING
• Reduce your speed and minimize the weight of your
load (in the hopper) when operating on hills or rough
terrain to avoid possible instability, tipping or rollover of
the machine.
• Granular materials in the hopper may shift during
operation.This is most common while turning, going up,
down or across hills, when suddenly changing speed, or
operating on rough terrain.This shift in load may cause
possible instability, tipping or rollover of the machine.
Reduce your speed in these situations.
Training
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the
manual and on the unit before starting. If the operator(s)
or mechanic(s) cannot read the language this manual is
provided in, it is the owner’s responsibility to explain this
material to them.
• Become familiar with the safe operation of the equipment,
operator controls, and safety labels.
• All operators and mechanics should be trained. The
owner is responsible for training the users.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate the unit.
• Never let children or untrained people operate or service
the equipment. Local regulations may restrict the age of
the operator.
• The owner/user can prevent, and is responsible for,
accidents or injuries occurring to themselves, other
people, or property.
Preparation
• Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and
attachments are needed to properly and safely perform
the job. Use only accessories and attachments approved
by the manufacturer.
• Wear appropriate clothing including safety shoes, safety
glasses, and ear protection. Long hair, loose clothing, or
jewelry may get tangled in moving parts.
• Inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and
remove all objects such as rocks, toys, and wire, which
could possibly damage the unit's tires.
• Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
• Use only an approved container for gasoline.
• Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not
smoke. Never refuel or drain the machine indoors.
• Check that safety switches and shields are attached and
functioning properly. Do not operate unless they function
properly.
• Become familiar with and follow all warnings,
recommendations, instructions and procedures for safe
use, handling, applying, storage and disposal of all
chemicals as listed on the manufacturer’s label of any
herbicides, pesticides or other chemicals.
• Wear all personal protective equipment as recommended
on the manufacturer’s label or MSDS of any herbicides,
pesticides or other chemicals. Personal protective
equipment may include safety glasses or goggles and/or
face shields, chemical resistant gloves, rubber boots and
a respirator or filter mask.
WARNING
It is a violation of California Public Resource Code, Section
4442, to use or operate the engine on any forest-covered,
brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the exhaust
system is equipped with a spark arrester, as defined
in Section 4442, maintained in effective working order.
Other states or federal jurisdictions may have similar laws.
Contact an Authorized Service Dealer to obtain a spark
arrester designed for the exhaust system installed on this
engine.
• OSHA regulations may require the use of hearing
protection when exposed to sound levels greater than 85
dBA for an 8 hour time period.
WARNING
This machine produces sound levels in excess of 85 dBA
at the operator’s ear and can cause hearing loss though
extended periods of exposure. Wear hearing protection
when operating this machine.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the unit
and operating activity. Never assume that children will remain
where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the operating area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn the unit off if children enter the area.
• Before and while driving in reverse, look behind and
down for small children.
• Never carry children, even with the spreader spinner off.
They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere
with the safe operation of the unit. Children who have
been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the
operation area for another ride and could be run over or
backed over by the machine.
• Never allow children to operate the unit.

6 ferrismowers.com
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
Enclosed Areas
Only operate this unit outdoors and away from unventilated
areas such as inside garages or enclosed trailers. The
engine emits poisonous carbon monoxide gas and prolonged
exposure in an enclosed area can result in serious injury or
death.
Safe Handling of Gasoline
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources
of ignition.
• Use only approved gasoline containers.
• Never remove the gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow the engine to cool beforerefueling.
• Never fuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel container where there is
an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as near a water
heater or other appliance.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck bed
with a plastic bed liner. Always place containers on the
ground away from your vehicle before filling.
• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,
then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
• Keep nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
• Never over-fill the fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten
securely.
• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They
are flammable and vapors are explosive.
• If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but
move the machine away from the area of spillage and
avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors
have dissipated.
• Replace all fuel tank caps and fuel container caps
securely.
Operation
• Keep both feet on the operator platform at all times.
• Never run an engine in an enclosed area.
• Operate only in the daylight or with good artificial light,
keeping away from holes and hidden hazards.
• Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is
engaged before starting engine. Only start engine from
the operator’s position.
• Be sure of your footing while using pedestrian controlled
equipment, especially when backing up. Walk, don’t run.
Reduced footing could cause slipping.
• Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Be sure to
travel in the recommended direction on hillsides. Turf
conditions can affect the machines stability. Use caution
when operating near drop-offs.
• Do not Operate in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while traveling
in reverse.
• Slow down and use caution when making turns and when
changing directions on slopes.
• Never leave a running unit unattended. Always disengage
the spreader spinner, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting. Keep hands and feet
away from the rotating parts.
• Disengage the spreader spinner when not operating.
• Never operate with guards not securely in place. Be
sure all switches are attached, adjusted properly and
functioning properly.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed
the engine.
• Stop on level ground, lower implements, disengage
spreader spinner, engage parking brake, shut off engine
before leaving the operator’s position for any reason.
• Look behind and down before backing up to be sure of a
clear path.
• Never carry passengers and keep pets and bystanders
away.
• Do not operate the unit while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
• Slow down and use caution when making turns and
crossing roads and sidewalks. Disengage spreader
spinner if not operating.
• Use care when loading or unloading the machine into a
trailer or truck.
• Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees
or other objects that may obscure vision.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep unit free of grass, leaves &
excess oil. Do not stop or park over dry leaves, grass or
combustible materials.

7
Slope Identification Guide
2
How to measure the slope of a lawn surface with a
smartphone or an angle finder tool:
WARNING
Do not operate on slopes greater than 8 degrees.
1. Use a straight edge at least two (2) feet long (A, Figure
2). A 2x4 or a straight piece of metal works well.
2. Angle finder tools.
a. Use your smartphone: Many smartphones (B,
Figure 2) have an inclinometer (angle finder) located
under the compass application (app). Or, search an
app store for an Inclinometer app.
b. Use angle finder tools: Angle finder tools (C & D,
Figure 2) are available at local hardware stores or
online (also called inclinometer, protractor, angle
meter, or angle gauge). Dial type (C) or digital type
(D) work, others may not. Follow user instructions
with the angle finder tool.
3. Place the two (2) feet long straight edge along the
steepest part of the lawn slope. Place the board up and
down the slope.
4. Lay the smartphone or angle finder tool on the straight
edge and read the angle in degrees. This is the slope of
your lawn.
Note:A paper gauge slope identification guide is included
in your product literature packet and is also available to
download from the manufacturer's website.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All
slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope
or if you feel uneasy on it, do not drive on it.
DANGER
LOSS OF CONTROL
Tipping Hazard: Operating on slopes can be hazardous and
cause loss of control.
• Do NOT operate on slopes over 8° degrees.
• Go across slopes, NOT up and down.
• Reduce speed and use extreme caution on slopes.
• Do NOT operate on slopes when grass is wet.
• Avoid sudden turns or rapid speed changes.
• Reduce your speed and minimize the weight of your
load in the hopper to half capacity when operating on
hills or rough terrain to avoid possible instability, tipping
or rollover of the machine.
• Avoid turning down slopes; if possible turn up slopes.
DANGER
Wet or soft slope hazard
• Wet or soft slopes can cause sliding and loss of control
• Do NOT operate on slopes when grass is wet. Tires
may lose traction and cause sliding and loss of control.
• Do NOT operate on slopes when soil is soft (such as
after heavy rains). Tires may lose traction and cause
sliding and loss of control.
DANGER
Retaining walls and drop-offs around steps and water are a
common hazard.
• Do NOT operate down slopes towards or near water,
retaining walls, or dropoffs.
• Give yourself a minimum of two machine widths of
clearance around these hazards.
• Wheels dropping over retaining walls, edges, ditches,
embankments, or into water can cause rollovers, which
may result in serious injury, death, or drowning.
• Reduce your speed when operating over rough terrain
or near these hazards.
• This machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel goes
over an edge or if the edge breaks away.
Do:
• Go across slopes, not up and down.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the unit. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a slow speed so that you will
not have to stop or change speed while on the slope.
• Use extra care with accessories. These can change the
stability of the unit.

8 ferrismowers.com
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do
not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Do NOT:
• Avoid starting, stopping, and sharp turning on a slope. If
tires lose traction (i.e. machine stops forward motion on a
slope), stop and drive slowly off the slope.
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually uphill, if possible. Never operate
straight down slopes.
• Do not operate near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The operator could lose footing or balance or machine
could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a
cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
• Do not operate on wet grass. Reduced footing or traction
could cause sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the unit by putting your foot on the
ground (ride-on units).
• Do not operate on slopes over 8° degrees.
• Do not operate on slopes if you cannot mount a slope
forwards.
Operating On Slopes
Learn how to operate the unit on slopes and use your body
position to improve traction and control of the machine.
Operation on slopes can be dangerous. Slopes are a major
factor related to accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. Using the unit on a slope that is too steep where you
do not have adequate wheel traction (and control) can cause
sliding, loss of steering, control, and possible rollover. If you
feel unsure about operating the unit on a slope, don’t do it. It’s
not worth the risk.
• This machine has a high center of gravity and may
become unstable on slopes. Always lean towards the
slope of a hill when operating on slopes.
• Do not operate on slopes when grass is wet.
Go across slopes, not up and down.
• Operation down slopes can be dangerous and cause
sliding, loss of steering, control, and possible rollover. Do
NOT operate down a slope unless absolutely necessary.
Drive very slowly in the lowest gear and be careful. Never
make a sharp turn or sudden start or stop, as this can
cause loss of traction, sliding, loss of steering, control and
possible rollover. Apply the rear brakes first to slow your
speed while descending a slope.
• Avoid turning down slopes; if possible turn up slopes.
• Lean your body towards the uphill side drive wheel,
while keeping a firm grip on the handle bar. This body
position adds more weight to the uphill side drive wheel to
maximize traction and control.
• Always be very gentle operating the controls, travel at
a slower speed than normal. Practice operating up and
down slopes before traveling at normal speed.
• Do NOT accelerate quickly or change speed or direction
suddenly while operating, as this may cause the
machine’s front wheels to come off the ground (up
slopes) and to reduce the tendency to cause the machine
to slip and slide (down slopes).
Operate up and down slopes (only if you cannot operate
across the slope):
• It is recommended to operate up and down the face of
slopes only when you cannot operate across the slopes.
This may be the preferred technique for operating on very
gentle slopes and to avoid going across a slope.
• Operate up the slope and lean your body forward
(towards the control panel), while keeping a firm grip on
the handle bar. This body position helps keep the front
wheels on the ground.
• Do NOT accelerate quickly, as this may cause the
machine’s front wheels to come off the ground.
• Exert strong force and keep a firm grip on the handle bars
to maintain control and resist the machine tendency to
turn uphill.
• Operate down the slope and lean your body rearward,
while keeping a firm grip on the handlebar. This body
position adds more weight to the rear wheels and
improves stability, downhill braking, and control
Maintenance, Storage, and Safety
• Always observe safe refueling and fuel handling practices
when refueling the unit after transportation or storage.
• Always follow the engine manual instructions for storage
preparation before storing hte unit for both short and long
term periods.
• Always follow the engine manual instructions for proper
start-up procedures when returning the unit to service.
• Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as in a water heater. Allow
unit to cool before storing.
• Do not store fuel near flames or drain indoors.
• Keep all hardware tight and keep all parts in good
working condition. Replace all worn or damaged decals.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
• Disengage spreader spinner, set parking brake, stop
engine and remove key or disconnect spark plug wire.
Wait for allmovement to stop before adjusting, cleaning,
or repairing.
• Clean grass and debris from moving parts, drives,
mufflers, and engine to prevent fires. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage.
• Let engine cool before storing and do not store near
flame.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Park machine on level ground. Never allow untrained
personnel to service machine.
• Use jack stands to support compnents when required.
• Carefully release pressure from components with stored
energy.
• Disconnect battery or remove spark plug wire before
making any repairs. Disconnect the negative terminal

9
first and the positive last. Reconnect positive first and
negative last.
• Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. If possible,
do not make adjustments with the engine running.
• Charge batteries in an open, well-ventilated area,
away from sparks and flames. Unplug charger before
connecting or disconnecting from battery. Wear protective
clothes and use insulated tools.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
• Use only factory authorized replacement parts when
making repairs.
• Always comply with factory specifications on all settings
and adjustments.
• Only authorized service locations should be utilized for
major service and repair requirements.
• Never attempt to make major repairs on this unit unless
you have been properly trained. Improper service
procedures can result in hazardous operation, equipment,
damage, and voiding of manufacturer's warranty.
WARNING
Units with hydraulic pumps, hoses, or motors: Hydraulic
fluid escaping under pressure may have suffcient force to
penetrate skin and cause serious injury. If foreign fluid is
injected into the skin it must be surgically removed within
a few hours by a doctor familiar with this form of injury, or
gangrene may result. Keep body and hands away from
pin holes or nozzles that eject hydraulic fluid under high
pressure. Use paper or cardboard, and not hands, to search
for leaks. Make sure all hydraulic fluid connections are tight
and all hydraulic hoses and lines are in good condition
before applying pressure to the system. If leaks occur, have
the unit serviced immediately by your authorized dealer.
WARNING
Stored energy device: Improper release of springs can
result in serious personal injury. Springs should be removed
by an authorized technician.
• Always disengage the spreader spinner and close the
hopper gate before performing maintenance or storing.
• Empty the fertilizer hopper before lifting or tilting the
machine for maintenance or storage.
Safety Interlock System
This unit is equipped with a transmission neutral start safety
interlock switch. These safety systems are present for your
safety, do not attempt to bypass safety switches, and never
tamper with safety devices. Check their operation regularly.
Test 1 — Engine should NOT start if:
• Transmission is in ANY gear.
Test 2 — Engine SHOULD start if:
• Transmission is in the NEUTRAL position.
• The ignition switch in in the ON position.
Note:Once the engine has stopped, the parking brake
must be engaged and the transmission must be placed in
the NEUTRAL position, after the operator returns to the
operator’s position to start the engine.
Safety Decals
Before operating your unit, read the safety decals. The
cautions and warnings are for your safety. To avoid a
personal injury or damage to the unit, understand and follow
all safety decals.
WARNING
If any safety decals become worn, damaged, or cannot
be read, order replacement decals from your local
dealer.
3
I.D. Part
A 5105774
B 5103184
C 5106504
D 5106505
E 5106506
F 5106507

10 ferrismowers.com
5105774 - Decal, Warning
5103184 - Decal, Warning, Rotating Parts
A. Safety alert triangle.
B. Amputation - Rotating parts.
5106504 - Decal, Warning, Guard
5106505 - Decal, Caution, Flooding
5106506 - Decal, Warning, Injury and Trans
Damage
5106507 - Decal, Caution, Muffler Temp
A. Safety alert triangle.