In 1963 an odd-looking machine cut grass in a backyard in Moundridge, Kansas. The mower was not especially large nor particularly powerful, but it could turn – as they say – on a dime. In fact, it could reverse directions, 180 degrees, in an instant. A turn with a radius of, exactly, zero degrees; a turn completed within the length of the mower itself.

The zero-turn mower was born in the agile mind of John Regier, a tinkerer of the first rank who found his inspiration in necessity. With his wife in open revolt over her grass-cutting responsibilities on the Regier homesite, he adapted a design for a steering system and transmission first used on haying equipment a decade earlier. He named his invention the “Workhorse,” a reference perhaps both to the mower’s and Mrs. Regier’s propensity for hard labor. And perhaps because John Regier had no formal education in engineering or industrial design, his employer (the patent-holder on his hay-swather model) showed no interest whatsoever in the new-fangled mower. He promptly resigned his position and set to work putting a 36-inch zero-turn mower into production.

Mr. Regier built 24 of his mowers, now rechristened the “Hustler,” a name belonging to the B-58 fighter-bomber he encountered in the pages of Popular Science magazine. As he recalls, “I lost money on every sale,” but his efforts at accelerating the business of mowing did not go unnoticed.
In nearby Hesston, Kansas, Roy Mullet and his partners at Excel Industries, Inc. were busy building tractor cabs, but everyone at Excel understood the vagaries of a fickle agricultural marketplace. Excel was looking to diversify. “We were very impressed with John’s design,” Mr. Mullet remembers, “and we could see the potential of the zero-turn concept.” Excel quickly threw its manufacturing capacities behind the new mower after deciding that, with all the price sensitivities of the homeowner landscape market, only a larger, commercial-grade machine seemed viable. And so the first Hustler rolled off the assembly line with 65 inches of cut behind a 12-horsepower engine, all aimed at the folks who cut grass for a living.
Initial acceptance among turf professionals proved solid. The mower’s first customers welcomed the Hustler’s maneuverability. They applauded the mower’s ease of handling. They appreciated its immediate contributions to productivity.
They did not enjoy the belts, however.

John Regier’s original design relied on belt-drives – truth be told, a welter of belts in multiple sizes spinning in multiple directions in a mass that did not admit of easy admission. And truth be told again, belts do demand adjustment in increments approaching near continuous attention. And they slip at the worst possible times, on slopes for example, when power is needed most. A conversion to hydrostatic drive seemed the answer – and indeed it was! – but, if all those original belts were an ongoing source of problems, Excel’s first attempts at hydraulics were an even bigger headache.

Throughout its 40-year history, Excel has valued simplicity: simple design, ever more simple methods of manufacture, simple and straightahead warranties. Excel Hustler mowers have always embodied the benefits of simplicity: economy, strength, durability, ease of maintenance, accessibility. Excel learned all about the value of simplicity in that first experiment with hydrostatic drive. Its own engineering department deluged with work, Excel farmed its first design project to alleged experts in hydraulics at nearby Wichita’s aircraft plants. The results of the borrowed expertise? In Roy Mullet’s words, “a plumber’s worst nightmare.” A mechanized jumble of valves, elbows, pipes, hoses, heat-transfer radiators, oil reservoirs, pumps, and motors. Over-engineering at its best: a machine with an 18-horsepower engine and a top speed of four miles an hour. Oh, and an inability to cut so much as a single blade of grass at that speed. “We stood around and looked at that monstrosity, and we were ready to abandon the project,” Mr. Mullet recalls.
But then, as has happened so often in this company’s four decades, a great idea emerged from an unexpected source. Ray Rilling was the head of maintenance in Excel’s Hesston facility when he approached Roy Mullet with a promise – a workable hydrostatic mower in one year. Like John Regier, Mr. Rilling was fascinated with mechanical things, and he honestly thought that in 52 weeks he might deliver a drive system capable of cutting grass on the straightaway and then turning in a split second at the end of the row. In a tiny shop behind a restaurant in Walton, Kansas, Ray Rilling tinkered and thought, thought and tinkered and built his own components, and a year later – almost to the day – he was back in Roy Mullet’s office with a hydrostatic mower that could actually cut grass at a reasonable rate of speed.

As Ray Rilling experimented in Walton, Excel sold 21 belt-driven zero-turn Hustlers to the State of Pennsylvania, a good sale for sure but still the company’s only sale for the year. With the introduction of Mr. Rilling’s hydrostatic drive in 1969, Excel began a direct-marketing campaign that took the new mowers directly to outdoor power equipment dealers. Suddenly, there were demo models bouncing along on trailers all over America. Yellow mowers, painted as such because supplies of yellow paint were already plentiful in Hesston, Kansas: Excel was building tractor cabs for a certain OEM with a most definite set of paint schemes.

And so it started.
The small-town people of Excel Hustler set about the business of serving the needs of the commercial turf industry with one large question in mind: how might these mowers accomplish more work with fewer man hours day after day, year after year? Meanwhile, Excel Hustlers went to work every morning in the company of a rapidly growing number of landscape professionals who understood the immediate and the long-term value of a machine that could accelerate around obstacles, that almost never backtracked, that could trim as it mowed..
And all along the way, Excel Hustler managed to be first, to time and again bring to market the technological innovations that have shown an entire industry the way to go.

In 1966, those earliest Hustlers were the first commercial-duty tractors mounting mower decks with offset trim capacity.
Four years later, there came the first dual-path hydrostatic drive system.

In 1983, the Hustler RangeWing™ essentially doubled wide-area mowing capacities, improving the reach and sweep and quality of cut of tractor-mounted systems – all at a fraction of the cost of adding another mower.
A year later, there came the Hustler Hi-Lift BAC-VAC™, the first clipping collection system capable of lifting and dumping a big container’s contents into a truck or a trailer.

In 1985, Excel Hustler showed the world what a mid-mount Z-rider might accomplish. The Compact 250 it was called, and it changed the way that landscape contractor’s structured their mowing fleets.

Another big question developed back in Hesston in the early1980s: what more could be asked of a tractor that cut fast, turned right now, and almost never broke down? And so Hustler completed its roster of attachments, tools that extended productivity year-round: big, omnivorous decks, snow throwers, V-blades, dozer blades, edgers, and specialized collection and mulching systems that took full advantage of the Hustler’s maneuverability.

With the landmarks established over the first 30 years of its history, Hustler has invested the past decade in the refinement of long-proven designs and in the introduction to new markets of products bearing time-honored Hustler standards of functionality and durability. Most notably, these yellow mowers are now being parked in garages and backyard sheds across America, as Hustler has entered residential mowing with a vengeance. With that entrance to the homeowner marketplace has come a huge surge in the company’s sales network. With dealers worldwide, Hustler has never been better positioned to serve specific market sectors, particularly since the arrival of new lines of walk-behinds, mini Zs, golf course equipment and, most of all, the FasTrak, a design aimed directly at ranches, farms, and larger suburban properties.

Today, Hustler operates from a 245,000 square-foot facility that’s grown by another 95,000 square feet as a new powder-coat paint system comes on line – all part of the company’s strategy of pursuing markets with higher volumes than the industrial market in which Hustler first made its name. The strategy seems to be working: Excel Industries was recently recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in Kansas.
Big ambitions indeed for a company whose first mower was built in a backyard, albeit a mower that has now revolutionized an entire industry.

More than 30 years ago, an idea combined with ingenuity inspired the beginning of a brand that revolutionized the way homeowners and professional landscapers alike cut grass.

Dixon acquired the patent to a unique mechanical transmission that allowed a Zero Turning Radius (ZTR) on a mower. This transaxle allows steering to be controlled by the power wheels on the mower instead of a steering wheel. By delivering the power independently to each rear wheel, the operator is able to turn the mower around within its own dimensions. This greater maneuverability allows for trimming close to shrubs, around trees, and in fence corners or other tight spots – places that usually had to be trimmed by hand.

With its new design and a plan to carve a niche in the riding mower market, Dixon rolled its first ZTR mowers off the assembly line in 1974. Then, beginning with a group of distributors in the Midwest, Dixon convinced the world that there was a better, faster and easier way to mow. The rest is an American success story. Today, Dixon ZTR mowers are sold across the United States and throughout the world.

1940: The Wisconsin Marine Company formed. It manufactured boat hoist equipment, floating docks and piers and underwater salvage equipment.
1950: The first BOB-CAT 2 Stage Snowthrower was built. This was the sole power product for 20 years.
1958: Wisconsin Marine moved from Pewaukee WI to Lake Mills WI.
1972: The designs, machinery and inventory of Wisconsin Marine were purchased and a new company was formed under Wisconsin Marine.
1974: Wisconsin Marine is dealt a severe blow when a fire destroyed a major portion of the factory.
1975: Wisconsin Marine rebuilds and launches a 12” trimmer, 21” push mower, 32”, 36” and 48” midsize walk behind mowers and full range of riding mowers.
1978: Extreme growth of the company demanded more manufacturing and warehouse space. 3 locations were leased in Lake Mills, Helenville and Madison WI. Employment grew to 90 people. Ransomes Sims and Jefferies bought a minority interest in the company and were awarded the distribution rights for Europe.
1979: Wisconsin Marine bought 40 acres of land in neighboring Johnson Creek WI and built a 90,000 square foot manufacturing facility. All four of the facilities moved under one roof in Johnson Creek.
1981: Ransomes Sims and Jefferies buys the remaining shares in Wisconsin Marine and forms a new company called Ransomes America. The Johnson Creek WI facility is called Ransomes Inc.
1982: A 23,000 square foot warehouse was added in Johnson Creek WI.
1985: A 48,000 square foot manufacturing expansion was added in Johnson Creek Wi
1988: Ransomes America purchased Steiner Turf in Dalton Ohio
1989: Ransomes America purchased Cushman Inc. which included the Ryan Turf Renovation Products and Brouwer Turf in Keswick Ontario Canada.
1992: The Brouwer plant in Keswick Ontario was closed and all the manufacturing was moved to the Dalton Ohio plant.
1997: Continued growth and new products required additional space and a 38,400 square foot manufacturing addition was completed.
1998: The Ransomes plc worldwide group was purchased by Textron Inc. and formed a division called Textron Golf, Turf & Specialty Products. In late 1998 the Bunton product line was moved from Louisville KY to Johnson Creek WI plant.
1999: In August of 1999 a 19,720 square foot addition along with a new state of the art powder paint and wash system were completed.
2002: The Steiner and Brouwer plant in Dalton Ohio is closed and the products are moved to Johnson Creek WI.
2006: August 19, 2006 Textron sold the Johnson Creek facility along with 5 brands including BOB-CAT, Bunton, Brouwer, Ryan and Steiner to JEP Management. They formed a new company called Commercial Grounds Care, Inc. In October the Brouwer brand and all of its products were sold to Kesmac of Keswick Ontario Canada.

1909: Ferris Industries began as the Uebler Milking Machine Company in 1909. William Uebler, the inventor of the milking machine and Jesse Ferris, a businessman, saw this venture as an opportunity to serve the many dairy farmers of Oneida county in the rolling hills of upstate New York. For the next 80 years, the company thrived, earning a reputation for producing quality, reliable machinery for dairy farmers.

In the mid-80′s, the third generation owner of the Uebler Milking Machine Company, Dave Ferris, predicted that the company’s profits were going to disappear along with the small dairy farmers it served. In 1986, he saw his opportunity.

In 1987, Ferris introduced and patented the first hydrostatically driven walk-behind mower. For this innovation, the company was awarded the prestigious Innovation Award at Expo ’89. Explains Dave Ferris, “we were using the hydrostatic transmission in our feeding machines, so it was familiar to us. We decided to put it into our mowers. We didn’t invent the transmission, but until we put it into our machines, all the walk-behind mowers were belt-driven.”

In 1998, Ferris made history with its introduction of IS® — the first ever independent suspension system for the riding mower. Unlike riding mowers with fixed axles which don’t protect the rider from bumps and jolts, IS® greatly increases operator comfort and allows for faster mowing speeds and increased productivity. This breakthrough development earned Ferris the OEMmie Award for Innovative Engineering Solutions which recognizes products that.”advance the state-of-the-art, provide a unique solution, and offer a significant increase in performance.” In 1998, Ferris Industries moved into its current 85,000 square foot facility. The move allowed for consolidation of sales/warehouse and administrative operations, and for the purchase of such state-of-the-art equipment as a $550,000 powder coat paint finishing system and $450,000 Trumpf turret punch press.

In 1999, Simplicity Manufacturing purchased Ferris Industries, thereby committing extensive resources to building Ferris’ leadership position. Jim Wier, CEO of Simplicity Mfg., confirms the positive impact of the acquisition:
Mr. Wier served as president until July 2004.

2000: Within the first six months of its purchase by Simplicity Manufacturing, Ferris began to fulfill its dramatic growth objectives. Sales increased by 40% (much of the growth driven by sales of Ferris mowers featuring IS® independent suspension). The company completed a $300,000 expansion that added 9,500 square feet to its state-of-the-art factory. And, the company increased its work force by 50% and significantly increased its engineering staff to handle new product development plans.
2001: Ferris Industries started manufacturing a new line of mid-mount zero-turn mowers: the 1000Z, a compact unit for tackling tight spaces; the IS 3000Z, featuring two-wheel, rear independent suspension; and the IS 4000Z, featuring four-wheel independent suspension.
2002: Ferris Industries announces the promotion of Phil Wenzel to the position of president and chief operating officer (COO) for Ferris Industries. Ferris begins shipping the newest addition to its line of mid-mount zero-turn mowers-the IS 1000Z featuring two-wheel, front independent suspension. Ferris also announced the Fast-Vac turbo collection system for use with its IS 3000Z, IS 1000Z and 1000Z. Another industry first from Ferris this year is the introduction of the IS 5000Z. Boasting an industrial-grade Cat® diesel engine and a newly designed, four-wheel IS Independent Suspension system; this unit is set to deliver unmatched power and performance.
2003: Ferris introduces the Hydrocut 32. This single hydrostatic driven walk behind is the only one of its kindin the industry. This innovative unit combines gear drive features and benefits of a hydro-driven machine at the price of competitive drive units! This is the mower that should be on every landscaper’s trailer. Ferris also completed another expansion to its Munnsville, NY facility by adding over 50,000 square feet of new assembly area. This latest addition will allow Ferris to continue to grow faster than any other manufacturer in the industry.
2004: In 2004 Simplicity Manufacturing, along with it’s subsidiaries, Ferris, Snapper and Giant-Vac were purchased by Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group. Joseph C. Wright was promoted to the position of Vice President, President – Yard Power Products Group. This move will give Ferris the resources to continue on it’s current growth strategy. 10,000 square feet of space is added to the Munnsville, NY location to handle this continued growth.
2005: Ferris introduces four new models for 2005 the IS 1500Z, IS 3000ZL, IS 4500Z and the Hydrocut 36. The IS 1500Z and IS 4500Z boast our newly designed “Active Performance Suspension (APS).” This new suspension system is another step in Ferris’ drive to improve suspension technology for the riding mower. The Hydrocut 36 features Ferris’ exclusive “Torque Tuned Blade” system. This is a timed decksystem that allows the mower to be more maneuverable and easy to handle, while ensuring a clean and precise cut. These 4 new mowers, with more planned for 2006, continue to show that Ferris is the innovation leader in the outdoor power equipment industry.