Well, not sure of the age. The Ferris model number is H2222K, with a serial number in the 5000s. The grasshopper I believe is a middle to late 90's model. The grasshopper I have used for 2 years and the motor has issues from overheating.( Grass packing in the shroud). I just bought the Ferris for a song, and even with 1000 hours, run really well. Will find out more in mowing season. I mow about 10 to 12 acres on our hilly Ky. property so they get a workout. Hope is to run the Ferris and work on the grasshopper motor, see if it can be fixed. It has a Kohler 20 command pro. Serious oil buring in 1 cylinder. The Ferris has a 22 horse Kohler that runs great.