Compare Mowers
List prices are the manufacturer’s published figures, re-checked daily; they exclude tax, freight and dealer setup.
A side-by-side reference of each model's stated specifications. MowerFacts doesn’t give opinions: where a published, spec-derived rule can separate machines we mark a Data Pick and show the rule; here, read the values and decide what fits your needs.
Best suited for
What each model is built for, from its duty class and key specs. This is a neutral reference — MowerFacts does not rank one model above another.
- Scag SWZ Hydro-Drive — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 36-inch deck; gas powered
- Ferris FW15 Walk Behind Mower — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 32-inch deck; gas powered
What’s different? The 5 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
- SWZ Hydro-Drive holds 5.5 gal (20.8 L) of fuel; FW15 Walk Behind Mower holds 1 gal (3.8 L) of fuel, a 4.5 gal difference. Tank size bounds how long a machine runs between stops. Consumption varies with engine, load and speed, so hours per tank are not fixed.
- SWZ Hydro-Drive lists at $8,449 to $11,329; FW15 Walk Behind Mower lists at $4,343, a $4,106 difference. List price is the maker's own figure before tax, freight and dealer setup. Dealers set the final price.
- SWZ Hydro-Drive weighs 515 lbs (233.6 kg); FW15 Walk Behind Mower weighs 285 lbs (129.3 kg), a 230 lbs difference. Operating weight bears on trailer payload, ramps and soft turf. On its own it says nothing about build quality. What SWZ Hydro-Drive's weight means for a trailer ›
- SWZ Hydro-Drive uses a Kawasaki® FS Series engine; FW15 Walk Behind Mower uses a Honda® GXV390 engine. The engine maker builds the engine; the mower maker chooses the model, rating and fit, so the badge alone does not settle output or longevity.
- SWZ Hydro-Drive has a published top speed of 7.4 mph; FW15 Walk Behind Mower has a published top speed of 4 mph, a 3.4 mph difference. Top speed is the maker's maximum in transport. Mowing speed is lower and depends on grass, terrain and the deck.
3 more differences, calculated figures and what isn’t comparable
Other verified differences
- SWZ Hydro-Drive has a 14 hp engine; FW15 Walk Behind Mower has a 10.2 hp engine, a 3.8 hp difference.
- SWZ Hydro-Drive has a 36 in (914 mm) deck; FW15 Walk Behind Mower has a 32 in (813 mm) deck, a 4 in difference.
- SWZ Hydro-Drive cuts from 1.7 in (44 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm); FW15 Walk Behind Mower cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 5 in (127 mm).
Calculated by MowerFacts
- SWZ Hydro-Drive works out to 2.2 acres/hour; FW15 Walk Behind Mower works out to 1.0 acres/hour, a 1.1 acres/hour difference. Calculated by MowerFacts from deck width and the published top speed at 80% efficiency; it is not a manufacturer figure, and real mowing is slower.
Not comparable
- Displacement: not published for SWZ Hydro-Drive.
- Warranty: not published for SWZ Hydro-Drive.
- Transmission: not published for SWZ Hydro-Drive.
- Fuel Type: not published for SWZ Hydro-Drive.
- Deck Material: not published for SWZ Hydro-Drive.
- Drive System: not published for FW15 Walk Behind Mower.
- Start Type: not published for SWZ Hydro-Drive.
Verified means each manufacturer publishes the figure. A bigger number is only a bigger number; nothing here says which machine is better. The full specification table is below.
Which is faster on your property? › Measure your lawn once and MowerFacts times all 2 against it.
| Spec | SWZ Hydro-Drive Scag · Push / Walk-Behind |
FW15 Walk Behind Mower Ferris · Push / Walk-Behind |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $8,449–$11,329 | $4,343 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | — | 23.7 ci (389 cc) |
| Engine Power | 14 hp | 10.2 hp |
| Cylinders | — | 1 |
| Start Type | — | Manual |
| Fuel Type | — | Gas |
| Engine Make | Kawasaki® FS Series | Honda® GXV390 |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 36 in (914 mm) | 32 in (813 mm) |
| Min Cut Height | 1.7 in (44 mm) | 1.5 in (38 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | 4.5 in (114 mm) | 5 in (127 mm) |
| Deck Material | — | 14 and 12-gauge Fabricated |
| Deck Construction | Dual-plate cutter deck constructed of 2 steel plates. Reinforcement plate at cutter deck spindles. | 14 and 12-gauge Fabricated |
| Deck Gauge | — | 12 |
| Drive | ||
| Drive Tire Size | 16″ x 6.5″-8″ | — |
| Ground Speed | 7.4 mph | 4 mph |
| Transmission | — | Peerless axle with differential chain driven by Hydro-Gear® RT-310 pump and motor |
| Reverse Speed | 3 mph | 2 mph |
| Drive System | Dual Pump and Motor | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 515 lbs (233.6 kg) | 285 lbs (129.3 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 5.5 gal (20.8 L) | 1 gal (3.8 L) |
| Length | — | 73.5 in (1867 mm) |
| Commercial / Pro | ||
| Seat Type | n/a | — |
| General | ||
| Warranty | — | 2 yr |
Where these models differ, explained
SWZ Hydro-Drive: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — scag.com.
FW15 Walk Behind Mower: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — ferrismowers.com.
Independent reference database. Specs compiled from manufacturer sources and normalized for comparison; verify with the manufacturer or dealer before purchase.