Vanguard, Briggs & Stratton’s commercial power division, provides an in-depth overview of Ferris’ FRC7 slope mower and the central role the Vanguard® 17,2 Gross kW / 20 HP* EFI horizontal shaft engine plays in ensuring mower performance and reliability.
The Ferris FRC7, a remote-controlled, low-level slope mower, is engineered for challenging landscaping operations within extreme mower environments, such as mowing inclines up to 55 degrees.
Traditional machines have many safety risks on steep inclines and rough terrains, with operators subject to dangerous working conditions, and greater risks of rollover accidents or loss of control. Extreme conditions also work these machines beyond their capabilities, causing excessive wear, higher fuel consumption, and increased emissions.
Ferris’ FRC7 compact FRC7 mower was designed to overcome problems associated with traditional mowing equipment, mainly developed for flat areas or gentle slopes. Vanguard’s horizontal shaft engine successfully powers this hybrid technology.
Since the FRC7 is remote controlled, CAN-bus communication was essential for seamless operation of its engine. The Vanguard technology is managed by the CAN-bus controller, enabling easy integration into the machine’s control network for optimized, real-time data exchange between components.
Vanguard’s horizontal shaft engine configuration was selected over a vertical variant for its seamless integration, ideal size and upward-facing cylinder orientation. This prevents inefficiencies occurring at steep inclination angles when pistons push against the oil column in the engine sump.
The FRC7 machine has a mild hybrid drive system, where combustion and electric power sources work in tandem to enhance performance. Vanguard’s engine supports this design, driving a generator that charges a 48-volt battery bank which forms the energy buffer for the FRC7’s hybrid e-drive system.
Vanguard’s Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) technology further improves engine efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and emissions, with these capabilities making the engine ideally suited for remote-operated, hybrid-driven platforms.
Patrick Limberg, Manager of Regional Sales for Central Europe at Briggs & Stratton, stated, “The Vanguard 17,2kW 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.”
Dennie Smeets, Product Manager at Ferris, added, “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.”
Vanguard’s engine also comes with a three-year manufacturer warranty. This ensures long-term reliability of this critical component, sustaining consistent high-performance of the FRC7 turf equipment within tough conditions.
