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.
- Spartan Spartan Defender — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 48-inch deck; gas powered
- Ferris 500S Zero Turn Mower (48 in / 5902101) — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 48-inch deck; gas powered
What’s different? The 5 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
- Spartan Defender uses a Kawasaki engine; 500S Zero Turn Mower (48 in / 5902101) uses a Briggs & Stratton® CXi 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.
- Spartan Defender holds 5 gal (18.9 L) of fuel; 500S Zero Turn Mower (48 in / 5902101) holds 3 gal (11.4 L) of fuel, a 2 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.
- Spartan Defender cuts from 1 in (25 mm) to 5 in (127 mm); 500S Zero Turn Mower (48 in / 5902101) cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm). The cut-height range is the shortest and tallest cut the deck offers. Most lawns are kept well inside it.
- Spartan Defender lists at $6,799; 500S Zero Turn Mower (48 in / 5902101) lists at $7,478, a $679 difference. List price is the maker's own figure before tax, freight and dealer setup. Dealers set the final price.
- Spartan Defender has a 23 hp engine; 500S Zero Turn Mower (48 in / 5902101) has a 25 hp engine, a 2 hp difference. Published horsepower is the maker's rating at a stated engine speed. It is a different measure from displacement, and two engines of equal rating can pull differently.
1 more difference, calculated figures and what isn’t comparable
Other verified differences
- Spartan Defender has a published top speed of 8 mph; 500S Zero Turn Mower (48 in / 5902101) has a published top speed of 8.5 mph, a 0.5 mph difference.
Calculated by MowerFacts
- Spartan Defender works out to 3.1 acres/hour; 500S Zero Turn Mower (48 in / 5902101) works out to 3.3 acres/hour, a 0.2 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 Spartan Defender.
- Transmission: not published for Spartan Defender.
- Fuel Type: not published for Spartan Defender.
- Deck Material: not published for Spartan Defender.
- Deck Construction: not published for 500S Zero Turn Mower (48 in / 5902101).
- Start Type: not published for Spartan Defender.
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 | Spartan Defender Spartan · Zero-Turn |
500S Zero Turn Mower (48 in / 5902101) Ferris · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $6,799 | $7,478 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | — | 44.2 ci (724 cc) |
| Engine Power | 23 hp | 25 hp |
| Engine Make | Kawasaki | Briggs & Stratton® CXi |
| Fuel Type | — | Gas |
| Cylinders | — | 2 |
| Start Type | — | Electric |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 48 in (1219 mm) | 48 in (1219 mm) |
| Min Cut Height | 1 in (25 mm) | 1.5 in (38 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | 5 in (127 mm) | 4.5 in (114 mm) |
| Deck Material | — | 10-gauge, Fabricated |
| Deck Construction | 4.5", 7 gauge deck | — |
| Deck Gauge | — | 10 |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | — | Dual Hydro-Gear® ZT-2800® transaxles with 7" cooling fans |
| Ground Speed | 8 mph | 8.5 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | 22x11-10 Carlisle Turf Armor | — |
| Reverse Speed | — | 4 mph |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 765 lbs (347 kg) | 775 lbs (351.5 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 5 gal (18.9 L) | 3 gal (11.4 L) |
| Length | 81 in (2057 mm) | 78.5 in (1994 mm) |
| Width | 43.5 in (1105 mm) | — |
| Height | 74 in (1880 mm) | — |
| Commercial / Pro | ||
| Frame Construction | 1.5" by 3" Powder Coated Frame | — |
| Seat Type | Premium | — |
| General | ||
| Warranty | 3 yr | 3 yr |
Where these models differ, explained
Spartan Defender: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — joinspartannation.com.
500S Zero Turn Mower (48 in / 5902101): 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.