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Why Deck Size Matters More Than You Think

If you're mowing serious acreage, the deck size on your zero-turn mower isn't just a spec on a sheet — it determines how many hours you spend in the seat, how clean your cut looks, and how fast you can turn a job around. Ferris builds commercial mowing decks across a range of sizes, and each one is engineered for a specific kind of work. Choosing the right one up front saves you time, money, and frustration down the road.

Here's a straightforward breakdown of how Ferris mower deck sizes stack up and which one fits your operation.

Ferris Deck Sizes: Matching the Machine to the Job

Ferris offers cutting decks ranging from 36 inches up to 72 inches depending on the model series. Picking the right width comes down to your terrain, obstacles, and total acreage.

• 36" – 44" Decks: Best for gated residential properties, tight commercial spaces, and anywhere maneuverability matters more than pure speed. These decks let you get into spaces a wider machine simply can't reach.

• 48" – 52" Decks: A solid mid-range option for landscaping contractors who move between multiple properties in a day. Enough width to cover ground efficiently without sacrificing agility around trees, beds, and curbs.

• 61" Decks: This is the sweet spot for most commercial operators. Wide enough to knock out large open areas fast, still manageable on properties with moderate obstacles. The 61" is one of the most popular sizes in the Ferris lineup for good reason.

• 72" Decks: Built for open acreage — farms, estates, roadsides, and large commercial campuses. When you're covering 10, 20, or 50 acres at a stretch, a 72" deck cuts your time on the machine significantly.

Every Ferris deck is constructed from heavy-gauge fabricated steel. These aren't stamped decks that flex and wear out after a few seasons. They're built to hold a precise cut year after year under real commercial workloads.

How Ferris Suspension Changes Everything

Deck size is one part of the equation. The other part is what the machine does when the terrain gets rough.

Ferris is the only major manufacturer that builds independent suspension directly into their zero-turn platform. That suspension works with your deck to maintain consistent blade-to-ground contact even when you're mowing over roots, ruts, and uneven ground. On a flat-deck competitor, that same terrain produces scalped spots, uneven cut heights, and a rougher ride for the operator.

If your property has hills, drainage swales, or anything other than a billiard-table surface, Ferris suspension pays for itself in cut quality alone — before you ever factor in operator comfort.

Which Ferris Deck Size Is Right for You?

Here's a simple way to think about it:

• Under 2 acres with tight spaces: Go 36"–48". Prioritize maneuverability.

• 2–10 acres, mixed terrain: The 52" or 61" with IS suspension handles this range well and gives you speed without sacrificing control.

• 10+ acres, open ground: Step up to the 61" or 72". The time savings add up fast at this scale.

• Commercial contractors running multiple jobs daily: Match deck width to your most common job type. Many contractors run a 61" as their primary machine and keep a smaller deck on a second unit for detail work.

Not sure which configuration fits your operation? The team at Dykes Motors can walk you through the full Ferris lineup and help you spec the right machine before you commit.

Browse current Ferris inventory and pricing at dykespower.com. We ship nationwide and work with buyers from all over the country.

Built for Work. Built for Farms.

When you're shopping for a used diesel truck, the price tag is only part of the story. What really tells you what you're buying is the service history — that paper trail of oil changes, repairs, and maintenance records that shows how the previous owner treated the truck. A clean service history can mean thousands of dollars in avoided repairs. A spotty one can mean a headache before the first harvest is done.

Here's how to evaluate a pre-owned diesel truck's service history the right way, before you sign anything.

Start With the VIN — Before You Even Kick the Tires

Pull a vehicle history report using the VIN the moment you're seriously interested. Services like Carfax or AutoCheck will show you reported accidents, title changes, odometer readings at different service visits, and whether the truck was a fleet vehicle or a personal rig. Fleet trucks are often well-maintained, but they're also worked hard. Personal trucks can go either way.

Pay attention to gaps in the mileage timeline. If a truck shows 40,000 miles at one service entry and then jumps to 90,000 at the next with nothing in between, that's a red flag. Either maintenance was skipped or the records weren't kept — neither is a good sign on a diesel engine that depends on clean oil to protect injectors and turbo components.

What to Look for in the Actual Service Records

Ask the seller or dealer for physical or digital service records. A well-cared-for diesel — whether it's running a Powerstroke, a Cummins, or a Duramax — should have documented oil changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles under normal use, and more frequently under hard farm or towing conditions. Here's what you want to see:

• Regular oil and filter changes at consistent intervals

• Fuel filter replacements — often overlooked but critical on diesel engines

• DEF system and EGR maintenance if the truck is 2008 or newer

• Transmission fluid changes — especially if the truck has been used for heavy towing

• Coolant flushes and water pump records — diesels run hot, and neglecting the cooling system is expensive

Ask About Any Major Repairs

Service records don't always tell the whole story. Ask directly: Has this truck had any injector work? Has the turbo ever been replaced? Any head gasket issues? These are common on high-mileage diesels, and they're not dealbreakers — but you need to know. A rebuilt injector on a 200,000-mile Duramax isn't necessarily a red flag if the work was done right and documented. What's a red flag is when nobody can tell you why the truck went to the shop three times in one year.

Know What You're Getting Into with Emissions Systems

Trucks built after 2007 come with emissions equipment — DPF filters, EGR valves, DEF tanks — that require their own maintenance. If a truck has had its emissions system deleted or modified, that's something you need to weigh carefully. In some states, that can make the truck illegal to register. In Mississippi, the rules differ, but it can still affect warranties, resale, and financing options. Know what you're buying before you fall in love with the price.

At Dykes Motors in Collins, Mississippi, we stand behind the trucks we sell. We offer financing options, trade-ins, and nationwide delivery — so you can find the right pre-owned diesel without settling for whatever happens to be on the lot nearest to you. Browse our current inventory and find a truck whose service history backs up what the seller is telling you.

View Our Pre-Owned Diesel Truck Inventory

Built for Work. Built for Farms.

Why Deck Size Matters More Than You Think

If you're mowing serious acreage, the deck size on your zero-turn mower isn't just a spec on a sheet — it determines how many hours you spend in the seat, how clean your cut looks, and how fast you can turn a job around. Ferris builds commercial mowing decks across a range of sizes, and each one is engineered for a specific kind of work. Choosing the right one up front saves you time, money, and frustration down the road.

Here's a straightforward breakdown of how Ferris mower deck sizes stack up and which one fits your operation.

Ferris Deck Sizes: Matching the Machine to the Job

Ferris offers cutting decks ranging from 36 inches up to 72 inches depending on the model series. Picking the right width comes down to your terrain, obstacles, and total acreage.

• 36" – 44" Decks: Best for gated residential properties, tight commercial spaces, and anywhere maneuverability matters more than pure speed. These decks let you get into spaces a wider machine simply can't reach.

• 48" – 52" Decks: A solid mid-range option for landscaping contractors who move between multiple properties in a day. Enough width to cover ground efficiently without sacrificing agility around trees, beds, and curbs.

• 61" Decks: This is the sweet spot for most commercial operators. Wide enough to knock out large open areas fast, still manageable on properties with moderate obstacles. The 61" is one of the most popular sizes in the Ferris lineup for good reason.

• 72" Decks: Built for open acreage — farms, estates, roadsides, and large commercial campuses. When you're covering 10, 20, or 50 acres at a stretch, a 72" deck cuts your time on the machine significantly.

Every Ferris deck is constructed from heavy-gauge fabricated steel. These aren't stamped decks that flex and wear out after a few seasons. They're built to hold a precise cut year after year under real commercial workloads.

How Ferris Suspension Changes Everything

Deck size is one part of the equation. The other part is what the machine does when the terrain gets rough.

Ferris is the only major manufacturer that builds independent suspension directly into their zero-turn platform. That suspension works with your deck to maintain consistent blade-to-ground contact even when you're mowing over roots, ruts, and uneven ground. On a flat-deck competitor, that same terrain produces scalped spots, uneven cut heights, and a rougher ride for the operator.

If your property has hills, drainage swales, or anything other than a billiard-table surface, Ferris suspension pays for itself in cut quality alone — before you ever factor in operator comfort.

Which Ferris Deck Size Is Right for You?

Here's a simple way to think about it:

• Under 2 acres with tight spaces: Go 36"–48". Prioritize maneuverability.

• 2–10 acres, mixed terrain: The 52" or 61" with IS suspension handles this range well and gives you speed without sacrificing control.

• 10+ acres, open ground: Step up to the 61" or 72". The time savings add up fast at this scale.

• Commercial contractors running multiple jobs daily: Match deck width to your most common job type. Many contractors run a 61" as their primary machine and keep a smaller deck on a second unit for detail work.

Not sure which configuration fits your operation? The team at Dykes Motors can walk you through the full Ferris lineup and help you spec the right machine before you commit.

Browse current Ferris inventory and pricing at dykesmotors.com/ferris-mowers. We ship nationwide and work with buyers from all over the country.

Built for Work. Built for Farms.

If you're hauling heavy equipment, pulling a loaded flatbed, or running feed to the back forty every day, the configuration of your diesel truck matters as much as the engine under the hood. One of the most overlooked decisions farm and ranch buyers face: dually or single rear wheel? Get this wrong and you'll either be underpowered for the job or hauling more truck than you need.

What's the Difference Between a Dually and a Single Rear Wheel Truck?

A dually — or dual rear wheel (DRW) truck — runs two tires on each side of the rear axle, giving you four rear tires total. A single rear wheel (SRW) truck runs one tire on each side, like a standard pickup. Both configurations are available across the major diesel platforms: Ford's Powerstroke, Ram's Cummins, and Chevy/GMC's Duramax. The question is which one fits the work you're actually doing.

Here's what each setup does better:

• Dually trucks offer higher payload ratings — often 6,000 lbs or more in the bed. They're more stable under heavy fifth-wheel or gooseneck loads, especially on uneven terrain or during crosswinds. If you're moving cattle trailers loaded to the limit or hauling heavy construction equipment, a dually is the right tool.

• Single rear wheel trucks are more maneuverable, easier to park, and better suited for daily farm driving on tight paths, around barns, or through muddy fields. A 3/4-ton SRW with a Powerstroke, Cummins, or Duramax diesel can handle serious towing — often 18,000–20,000 lbs — without the added width of duals.

Which Setup Makes Sense for Your Operation?

The honest answer depends on two things: how much you're hauling and how you're getting there. A beef cattle producer who runs a loaded 24-foot gooseneck trailer three or four times a week needs the stability and capacity of a dually. A row crop farmer who occasionally pulls a planter or grain wagon to the field might find a 3/4-ton SRW does everything he needs at lower cost and with more flexibility around the farm.

Ask yourself these questions before you buy:

• What's my heaviest regular load — trailer, equipment, or bed cargo?

• Am I running highways or tight farm lanes most of the time?

• Do I need to back into tight spots regularly?

• What's my budget for tires? (Duallies run six tires — that adds up at replacement time.)

Don't Forget: Cab, Bed, and Engine Still Matter

Whether you go dually or SRW, the engine choice still drives long-term value and capability. Ford's Powerstroke delivers strong torque at low RPM — great for heavy pulls. Ram's Cummins is known for longevity and fuel efficiency under load. The Duramax in Chevy and GMC trucks offers smooth power delivery and solid towing numbers. All three platforms are available in both SRW and DRW configurations, so you don't have to sacrifice engine preference to get the axle setup you need.

Pair the right axle setup with the right cab (crew cab for families, regular or extended cab if it's strictly a work truck) and bed length (long beds give more cargo space; short beds are easier to maneuver), and you've got a rig built for your actual operation — not just someone else's idea of what a farm truck should be.

Browse Dually and SRW Diesel Trucks at Dykes Motors

At Dykes Motors in Collins, Mississippi, we stock both dually and single rear wheel diesel trucks — Powerstroke, Cummins, and Duramax — ready to work. We offer nationwide delivery and flexible financing, so geography doesn't have to be a factor. If you've got a truck in mind, we can help you find it or trade up from what you're running now.

Browse our current diesel truck inventory at dykesmotors.com/inventory.

Built for Work. Built for Farms.

Why Operator Comfort Matters on an 8-Hour Mowing Day

If you're running a commercial mowing operation, a resort property, or managing hundreds of acres on your own, your body takes a beating. Vibration, hard bounces over rough ground, and hours in the seat add up to fatigue, soreness, and slower work toward the end of the day. That's not a minor inconvenience — it directly affects how much ground you cover and how well you can do the job.

Ferris built their commercial zero-turn mowers around a straightforward idea: a more comfortable operator is a more productive operator. Their patented suspension systems aren't just a selling point — they're the reason Ferris mowers stand apart from everything else on the market when the hours start stacking up.

What Ferris Does Differently to Reduce Operator Fatigue

Most zero-turn mowers run on a rigid frame. When you hit a rut, a root, or a rough patch of field, you feel every bit of it. Over the course of a full day, that punishment wears you down. Ferris addresses this problem from multiple angles:

• IS® Suspension Technology: The Independent Suspension system on Ferris mowers absorbs shock at each wheel independently. The deck follows the ground contour while the operator platform stays stable and smooth — less jarring, less fatigue.

• Suspension Seat Upgrades: Ferris commercial models offer suspension seat options that further isolate the operator from ground vibration. Paired with the frame suspension, you get a noticeably smoother ride compared to any rigid-frame competitor.

• Ergonomic Control Layout: Steering levers, speed controls, and operator controls are positioned to reduce arm and shoulder strain. On long jobs, that matters more than most people realize until they switch to a Ferris.

• Reduced Whole-Body Vibration: Studies show that whole-body vibration is one of the leading causes of musculoskeletal problems in workers who operate equipment for long hours. Ferris suspension systems are engineered to minimize that vibration at the source.

What This Means for Your Operation

When your operators finish a long day feeling better, they work better. That means:

• More consistent cut quality throughout the entire job — not just the first two hours

• Fewer errors and missed passes when fatigue isn't a factor

• Lower turnover among crew members who aren't grinding their bodies down every day

• More ground covered per shift because operators can maintain pace longer

Commercial mowing is a physical job. Ferris understands that, and they built their mowers to protect the people running them. Whether you're mowing a golf course, a large resort property, a school campus, or managing a multi-crew lawn care business, that matters every single day.

At Dykes Motors in Collins, Mississippi, we're an authorized Ferris dealer. We stock commercial-grade Ferris zero-turn mowers and can help you find the right model for your operation — whether you're running one unit or outfitting a full crew. We work with customers nationwide, and financing is available.

If you're ready to stop punishing your operators and start running equipment that's built for long commercial days, take a look at what we have in stock.

Browse Ferris Mowers at Dykes Motors

Built for Work. Built for Farms.

When you're mowing hundreds of acres a season, every hour counts. One of the most overlooked advantages of a Ferris zero-turn mower isn't the suspension or the engine — it's the cutting speed. Ferris zero-turn mowers are engineered to cover ground fast without sacrificing cut quality, and that efficiency gap adds up fast when you're running a commercial operation or managing a large property.

Ground Speed That Actually Moves the Needle

Ferris zero-turn mowers are built with high ground speeds — many models reaching up to 13 mph — but raw speed is only part of the story. What matters is how much usable, productive speed you can maintain across real terrain without beating up your equipment or your body. That's where Ferris separates itself from the pack.

The patented Ferris Independent Suspension System (iCD™ and IS® technology) allows operators to maintain higher speeds on uneven ground because the deck and the operator aren't getting hammered by every bump. Competing mowers force operators to slow down on rough terrain just to stay in control. Ferris mowers let you keep your foot down.

• Maintain consistent speed across slopes, ditches, and irregular terrain

• Reduce operator fatigue, which means more productive hours per day

• Cover more ground per tank of fuel with less wasted motion

• Tighter zero-turn radius means fewer passes and less overlap on complex layouts

Zero-Turn Radius: Why It Matters More on Large Acreage

On a small residential lawn, the zero-turn radius is a convenience. On a 50-acre sports complex, a resort property, or a large farm, it's a genuine time-saving tool. Every wide turn at the end of a row is wasted time. A true zero-turn mower pivots in place, eliminating the wide sweep and the back-and-forth repositioning that adds minutes to every pass.

On large properties with trees, fence lines, outbuildings, and uneven borders, the maneuverability of a Ferris zero-turn mower means you're cutting — not repositioning. That efficiency scales up fast when you're billing by the job or maintaining property across multiple sites.

How Much Ground Can You Actually Cover?

The numbers matter when you're bidding jobs or managing a large property on a schedule. A Ferris zero-turn mower with a 61-inch deck running at 10 mph in real-world conditions can cover 5 to 6 acres per hour — significantly more than a traditional riding mower operating at half that speed. For a property owner mowing 20 acres twice a month, that's the difference between a half-day job and a full day's work.

Commercial operators running multiple crews feel this even more. Faster mowing per site means more stops per day, more revenue per day, and less equipment overhead per job. The efficiency advantage of a Ferris zero-turn isn't a marketing claim — it's math.

• 61-inch deck models can clear 5-6 acres per hour in real conditions

• Faster job completion means more jobs per day for commercial operators

• Lower cost per acre over the life of the equipment

• Ferris's suspension extends mower lifespan by reducing vibration and stress on the frame

If you're managing large acreage, running a lawn care business, or maintaining commercial or resort property, the Ferris line gives you speed, durability, and control that adds up to real dollars saved and real hours earned back.

Browse Ferris zero-turn mowers at Dykes Motors: https://dykesmotors.com/ferris-mowers

Built for Work. Built for Farms.

Why Payload Rating Is One of the Most Important Numbers on a Work Truck

Most truck buyers focus on horsepower and towing capacity. Those numbers matter, but if you haul feed, fertilizer, hay, or equipment on a regular basis, the number you really need to pay attention to is payload rating. Ignore it and you're not just riding rough — you're wearing out your truck faster, blowing tires, and potentially voiding your warranty.

Payload is the total weight you can legally and safely carry in the truck itself: in the bed, in the cab, and on a fifth-wheel or gooseneck that transfers weight to the truck's rear axle. Towing capacity is different. Towing is what you pull behind you. Both matter on a farm or worksite, but payload is what gets overlooked most often — and it's what gets people in trouble.

How to Read the Payload Sticker — and Why It Changes Truck to Truck

Every truck has a payload sticker inside the driver's door jamb. That number is not a suggestion. It's the maximum load the truck can safely carry, calculated by subtracting the truck's curb weight from its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Here's the thing most buyers don't realize: two trucks from the same model year with the same engine can have very different payload ratings depending on options and configuration.

A diesel-powered three-quarter-ton truck with a crew cab and short bed might carry 2,400 pounds of payload. The same truck in a regular cab with a long bed might be rated for 3,200 pounds. That 800-pound difference matters when you're hauling a full load of corn, cattle cubes, or fence posts.

The three diesel engines you'll find in most heavy-duty work trucks each bring something different to the table:

• Ford Powerstroke: Known for strong torque delivery and solid payload numbers in Super Duty configurations. A popular choice for contractors and farmers who live in the bed of their truck.

• Ram Cummins: The inline-six turbodiesel is legendary for longevity and low-end torque. Ram's heavy-duty trucks consistently post competitive payload ratings for their class.

• GM Duramax: Chevy and GMC's diesel option brings a smooth power delivery and respectable payload numbers. Silverado HD and Sierra HD buyers appreciate the combination of ride quality and capability.

What Farmers and Haulers Should Actually Look For

If your truck is going to work for a living, here's what you need to think through before you buy:

• Cab configuration matters: Crew cabs add passenger weight and reduce payload. If you don't need four doors, a regular or extended cab gives you more usable payload.

• Bed length matters: A long bed distributes weight better and adds structural capacity. It also gives you more room to haul.

• Single rear wheel vs. dual rear wheel: A dually (dual rear wheel) increases payload significantly — often by 1,000 pounds or more — and stabilizes heavy gooseneck loads.

• Check the actual sticker: Don't go by trim level alone. Pull the door jamb sticker and verify the number on the specific truck you're buying.

At Dykes Motors in Collins, Mississippi, we stock heavy-duty work trucks built for exactly this kind of use — diesel-powered, properly configured, and ready to haul. Whether you're looking for a Powerstroke, Cummins, or Duramax, we can walk you through the payload ratings on every truck on our lot and help you match the right configuration to the work you're doing.

We offer flexible financing options and will work with your trade-in to get you into the right truck. And if you're not local, we ship nationwide — so distance is no barrier to getting the truck you need.

Browse our current diesel truck inventory at Dykes Motors. Find the payload rating that works for your operation.

Built for Work. Built for Farms.

Why Ferris IS® Series Mowers Are the Right Choice for Rough Terrain and Large Acreage

If you're mowing more than a few acres at a time — whether you're managing a farm, a hunting property, a resort, or a commercial mowing route — you already know that not every zero-turn is built for the job. Most residential-grade machines fall apart under real workloads. They scalp uneven ground, beat up the operator, and break down when you need them most. That's why serious operators choose Ferris.

At Dykes Motors in Collins, Mississippi, we've seen what separates a machine that lasts from one that doesn't. Ferris IS® Series mowers are engineered for people who mow for a living — or who own the kind of land where cutting corners isn't an option.

What the IS® Suspension System Actually Does for You

Ferris built its reputation on one thing competitors still haven't matched: independent suspension on all four wheels. The IS® stands for Independent Suspension, and it's not a marketing gimmick. It's a patented system that lets each wheel move independently over obstacles — roots, ruts, ditches, rocky slopes — while the deck stays level and the operator stays comfortable.

Here's what that means in practice:

• Better cut quality on uneven ground. The deck follows the terrain instead of scalping high spots or missing low ones.

• Less operator fatigue. If you're spending 8 to 10 hours a day on a mower, suspension isn't a luxury — it's a health issue. Ferris IS® models absorb shock that other zero-turns transfer straight to your back and joints.

• Higher productivity. Comfortable operators work faster and longer. That translates directly to more acres per day and more jobs per week for commercial contractors.

• Reduced ground disturbance. On soft or wet turf — think golf courses, resort grounds, or manicured estates — Ferris suspension keeps tires planted evenly, reducing ruts and turf damage.

Built for Commercial Work — Not Just Weekend Use

The IS® Series isn't built around homeowners. These are commercial-grade machines designed for operators who put serious hours on their equipment. Ferris uses heavy-duty fabricated decks, commercial-spec engines, and components that hold up under daily use — not just occasional weekend runs.

Whether you're maintaining 50 acres of pasture, managing a hunting club, running a lawn care business, or keeping a resort property looking sharp, the IS® Series is built to keep up without costing you time in the shop.

Who Should Be Looking at a Ferris IS® Mower?

If any of these describe you, it's worth a serious look:

• Commercial mowing contractors who need reliability and operator comfort across long shifts

• Large landowners managing 10 acres or more with uneven terrain

• Property managers at resorts, golf courses, or private estates

• Farmers who want a dedicated finish mower that can handle rough ground without beating them up

• Anyone who has burned through cheap residential machines and is done wasting money

Dykes Motors is an authorized Ferris dealer. We stock IS® Series models and can help you find the right machine for your operation — deck size, engine, and configuration for your specific acreage and workload.

Ready to upgrade to a mower that's actually built for the work you're doing? Browse our Ferris IS® Series inventory at Dykes Motors.

Built for Work. Built for Farms.

Matching the Right Truck to the Right Trailer

Not every towing job is the same. Pulling a loaded gooseneck cattle trailer down a two-lane highway puts a completely different set of demands on a truck than hauling a small utility trailer to the hardware store. If you're moving equipment trailers, flatbeds stacked with hay, livestock loads, or heavy construction rigs, you need a truck that was built specifically for that kind of work — not just one with a towing badge slapped on the tailgate.

Before you buy, get honest with yourself about what you're pulling. Gooseneck trailers commonly run 20,000 to 30,000 pounds loaded. Equipment trailers carrying skid steers or tractors can push even higher. For that kind of weight, you need a heavy-duty three-quarter-ton or one-ton truck with a diesel engine and a proven towing package. Here's what to look at before you sign anything.

Towing Capacity, Diesel Engines, and What Actually Matters

The three diesel engines that serious haulers trust are the Ford Powerstroke, the Ram Cummins, and the Chevy or GMC Duramax. Each one has its strengths, and all three are capable of handling heavy trailer work when they're properly spec'd.

• Ford Powerstroke: The 6.7L Powerstroke in the F-250 and F-350 Super Duty is a workhorse. Towing capacity tops out over 40,000 pounds in the right configuration. It's a popular choice for contractors and farmers who put serious miles on a truck year-round.

• Ram Cummins: The 6.7L Cummins inline-six in the Ram 2500 and 3500 is known for torque — and torque is what gets a heavy trailer moving from a dead stop. Ram's 3500 dually with a Cummins is one of the strongest production towing platforms available.

• Chevy/GMC Duramax: The 6.6L Duramax paired with the Allison transmission is a smooth, reliable combination. The Allison gearbox in particular has a strong reputation for durability under load, which matters when you're hauling heavy equipment across the state.

Beyond engine choice, pay attention to the truck's rated payload and fifth-wheel or gooseneck tow rating. These are different from the basic tow rating you'll see advertised. If you're running a gooseneck hitch, you want a truck with a high gooseneck tow rating — not just a high conventional tow number.

What to Look For When Buying a Heavy-Duty Tow Truck

Here's a short checklist for buyers who are serious about towing:

• GVWR and payload rating: Know your trailer weight and make sure the truck's payload rating can handle it, including passengers and cargo in the cab.

• Axle ratio: A 4.10 or 4.30 axle ratio gives you better pulling power at the cost of some highway fuel economy. For heavy towing, it's worth it.

• Integrated trailer brake controller: A built-in brake controller saves you from dealing with add-on units. Most modern heavy-duty trucks offer this from the factory.

• Receiver hitch rating: Make sure the hitch is rated for your trailer. A 2.5-inch receiver with a high gross trailer weight rating is what you want for serious equipment hauling.

• Exhaust brake: All three diesel engines offer some form of exhaust braking. This matters on mountain grades or when you need to slow a heavy trailer without hammering your service brakes.

At Dykes Motors, we stock heavy-duty diesel trucks built to handle real work — not just look the part. We offer financing, take trade-ins, and deliver nationwide. Whether you're looking for an F-350 Powerstroke, a Ram 3500 Cummins, or a Silverado 3500HD Duramax, we can help you find the right truck for your trailer.

Browse our current diesel truck inventory at Dykes Motors.

Why Ferris IS® Series Mowers Are the Right Choice for Rough Terrain and Large Acreage

If you're mowing more than a few acres at a time — whether you're managing a farm, a hunting property, a resort, or a commercial mowing route — you already know that not every zero-turn is built for the job. Most residential-grade machines fall apart under real workloads. They scalp uneven ground, beat up the operator, and break down when you need them most. That's why serious operators choose Ferris.

At Dykes Motors in Collins, Mississippi, we've seen what separates a machine that lasts from one that doesn't. Ferris IS® Series mowers are engineered for people who mow for a living — or who own the kind of land where cutting corners isn't an option.

What the IS® Suspension System Actually Does for You

Ferris built its reputation on one thing competitors still haven't matched: independent suspension on all four wheels. The IS® stands for Independent Suspension, and it's not a marketing gimmick. It's a patented system that lets each wheel move independently over obstacles — roots, ruts, ditches, rocky slopes — while the deck stays level and the operator stays comfortable.

Here's what that means in practice:

• Better cut quality on uneven ground. The deck follows the terrain instead of scalping high spots or missing low ones.

• Less operator fatigue. If you're spending 8 to 10 hours a day on a mower, suspension isn't a luxury — it's a health issue. Ferris IS® models absorb shock that other zero-turns transfer straight to your back and joints.

• Higher productivity. Comfortable operators work faster and longer. That translates directly to more acres per day and more jobs per week for commercial contractors.

• Reduced ground disturbance. On soft or wet turf — think golf courses, resort grounds, or manicured estates — Ferris suspension keeps tires planted evenly, reducing ruts and turf damage.

Built for Commercial Work — Not Just Weekend Use

The IS® Series isn't built around homeowners. These are commercial-grade machines designed for operators who put serious hours on their equipment. Ferris uses heavy-duty fabricated decks, commercial-spec engines, and components that hold up under daily use — not just occasional weekend runs.

Whether you're maintaining 50 acres of pasture, managing a hunting club, running a lawn care business, or keeping a resort property looking sharp, the IS® Series is built to keep up without costing you time in the shop.

Who Should Be Looking at a Ferris IS® Mower?

If any of these describe you, it's worth a serious look:

• Commercial mowing contractors who need reliability and operator comfort across long shifts

• Large landowners managing 10 acres or more with uneven terrain

• Property managers at resorts, golf courses, or private estates

• Farmers who want a dedicated finish mower that can handle rough ground without beating them up

• Anyone who has burned through cheap residential machines and is done wasting money

Dykes Motors is an authorized Ferris dealer. We stock IS® Series models and can help you find the right machine for your operation — deck size, engine, and configuration for your specific acreage and workload.

Ready to upgrade to a mower that's actually built for the work you're doing? Browse our Ferris IS® Series inventory at Dykes Motors.

Built for Work. Built for Farms.