7 Best Mowers for Commercial Lawn Care
As someone who enjoys tending to outdoor spaces and transforming them into beautiful landscapes, you know how valuable your time is.
The last thing you need is to constantly waste time fixing a stubborn mower or dealing with continuous engine problems.
At Steveco Power, we get it. We know you need a reliable, comfortable mower that delivers professional results.
So, read on to discover the best mowers available for commercial lawn care.
Types of Commercial Mowers
Spending a few hours each week mowing a smaller property is one thing.
However, mowing large areas such as parks and large commercial spaces or spending days mowing countless residential properties or HOAs is much more demanding.
This requires a lawnmower built for the rigorous demands of all-day performance and powerful enough to contend with various terrains and grass types. And since you'll be spending a lot of time on it, comfort is just as important as performance.
Various types of commercial mowers are available, including the prevalent zero-turn, walk-behind, and stand-on mowers. Each offers distinct advantages and features, so evaluating your specific requirements is important when selecting your mower.
Let's explore the key factors to consider when selecting your mower.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Mower
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Engine Power:
The engine is a crucial component of any mower, so when selecting a mower, it's important to prioritize the quality of the engine. Opt for a mower with a powerful engine capable of effectively handling your mowing conditions and enduring frequent use.
While the up-front investment for mowers with high-end engines may be greater, their durability will result in long-term advantages and savings.
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Cutting Width:
Remember that bigger isn't always better when selecting the appropriate cutting width for your new mower. The size of the mower deck plays a significant role in determining the efficiency and effectiveness of lawn mowing, and each deck size offers distinct advantages based on the layout of the lawn.
Smaller deck sizes are well-suited for lawns with confined spaces, tight corners, and intricate landscaping such as trees and flower beds. These compact decks provide excellent maneuverability, making it easier to navigate around obstacles and ensuring a more precise cut in tighter corners. Moreover, they are lighter and more economical, requiring less power and fuel consumption than larger decks.
On the other hand, larger decks are favored for covering larger areas in a shorter time. Specifically designed for large, open lawns, they are ideal where efficiency and speed are important. With a wider cutting path, these decks reduce the number of passes required to mow the entire lawn, saving time and effort. Additionally, mowers with larger decks are often equipped with more powerful engines, making them capable of handling more demanding mowing conditions.
Ultimately, your mower deck size should align with your lawn's specific characteristics and intended mowing requirements. To select the most suitable deck size and achieve optimal results, consider factors such as lawn sizes, terrain, and obstacles. Whether choosing a smaller deck for enhanced maneuverability or a larger deck for increased productivity, the appropriate cutting width can make or break your mowing experience.
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Durability:
When considering a commercial mower, it is vital to recognize the strain it endures. Operating at peak performance for long periods, being transported on a trailer, and navigating uneven terrain places considerable stress on the mower.
Hence, it is crucial to ensure that a mower has a robust frame, high-quality components, and a dependable warranty.
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Maneuverability:
Each lawn has unique characteristics. When choosing your mower, consider the presence of slopes and uneven surfaces you will navigate.
Zero-turn mowers effortlessly navigate around obstacles. On the other hand, because of their compact frame, wheelbase, and lower center of gravity, stand-on and walk-behind mowers are more suited for mowing in compact areas and on steep slopes.
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Ease of Maintenance:
Proper maintenance is the key to ensuring the longevity of any machine. However, keep in mind that the time you spend on maintenance is nonbillable downtime. While maintenance is crucial, downtime directly impacts your financial performance.
When selecting a mower, ensure it has simple maintenance requirements and readily accessible components. This prevents the need for extensive disassembly when addressing minor issues. Choosing a mower with readily accessible parts is also important; there aren't many things more frustrating than having extensive downtime because the parts you need aren't readily available from your local dealership.
For further in-depth guidance, please check out our detailed blog post on lawn mower maintenance.
Pros and Cons of Each Mower Type
Now that we’ve explored what you should look for in a mower, let’s discuss how the major types of mowers perform.
Zero-Turn Mowers
Pros
- Zero-turn mowers can make a 360-degree turning radius within their own footprint, allowing easy navigation around obstacles and tight spaces, such as mowing around trees and posts.
- Due to their design, zero-turn mowers are typically faster than traditional riding mowers, which increases efficiency and productivity when mowing large areas.
- Zero-turn mowers are known for providing a clean, meticulous cut due to their ability to mow sharply and precisely.
- Many zero-turn mowers have ergonomic features, such as comfortable suspension seats and adjustable controls, making them more comfortable to operate for extended periods.
- Zero-turn mowers can have various attachments, such as baggers and mulching kits.
Cons
- Perhaps the biggest challenge zero-turn mowers present is associated with their incredible maneuverability. You can risk tearing up the lawn if you aren't careful when you turn.
- Commercial zero-turn mowers are a great choice if you're looking for comfort, efficiency, and precision. However, you might have better options depending on your budget and terrain conditions.
Walk-Behind Mowers
Pros
- Walk-behind mowers are efficient and often more budget-friendly if you mow small to moderate lawns.
- Because of their low center of gravity, optimal weight distribution, and compact frame and wheelbase, walk-behind mowers provide exceptional stability and traction on slopes.
- Because of their compact frame, walk-behind mowers are ideal for navigating tight spaces and around obstacles like trees, flower beds, and other intricate landscaping.
- Walk-behind mowers can also have various attachments, such as baggers and mulching kits.
Cons
- Prolonged use of a walk-behind mower can be physically demanding, leading to operator fatigue and affecting efficiency and comfort during long workdays.
- Compared to zero-turn and stand-on mowers, walk-behind mowers have a slower operating speed, impacting productivity and making them less efficient for large areas.
- Due to limited accessory options, walk-behind mowers are less versatile than zero-turns in some applications.
- While walk-behind mowers are popular for their durability, performance, and versatility, drawbacks such as physical exertion, slower operation, limited comfort, and overall cost should be considered.
Stand-On Mowers
Pros
- Stand-on mowers are popular among lawn care professionals due to their compact and comfortable design, offering similar benefits to walk-behind mowers.
- Stand-on mowers offer an improved line of sight, better visibility of the mowing area and potential obstacles, and enhanced safety during operation.
- Stand-on mowers allow you to quickly mount and dismount, making them ideal for properties with obstacles that would typically slow you down with a zero-turn or traditional riding mower.
- Stand-on mowers also have a 360-degree turning radius along with a compact frame, making them ideal for navigating tight spaces and obstacles like trees and flower beds.
- Due to their low center of gravity, optimal weight distribution, and ideal wheelbase, stand-on mowers provide optimal stability and traction on slopes.
- Stand-on mowers can be equipped with various attachments, like baggers, mulching kits, sprayers, fertilizer spreaders, dump buckets, and snowplows, transforming them into year-round equipment.
Cons
- While stand-on mowers have made significant advancements in operator comfort, they require you to stand all day, which can lead to fatigue during prolonged activity.
- Stand-on mowers are a premium choice if you're looking for efficiency, precision, and versatility. However, consider your budget and terrain conditions to ensure they are your best option.
Top Mower Brands for Commercial Lawn Care Professionals
We realize there are many different opinions and preferences on the best commercial mowers available, but based on years of research, using each brand listed below along with many other brands that aren't included below, and prioritizing factors such as durability and performance combined with comfort, we came to the following conclusion.
Ferris
When considering all-day comfort along with overall durability and performance, Ferris is a cut above the rest. They are known for their innovative suspension systems. Competitors have tried various methods and designs to match the comfort that is only guaranteed with Ferris, but they have yet to come close to replicating it.
Ferris's ForeFront™ Suspension Technology utilizes an automotive-style suspension system featuring an independent front axle and innovative control arms. This design ensures that the front wheels closely follow the contour of the terrain and remain in contact with the ground, regardless of the landscape, maximizing stability and traction on slopes and enhancing operator comfort. To add to your comfort, select models also feature an adjustable suspension seat with armrests. This allows you to finish your jobs faster, extends your mower's life span, and increases your profits.
While the engineers at Ferris focus heavily on quality and comfort, they realize a mower is only as good as its cut. That's why they designed the iCD™+ Cutting System, which elevates the cut quality by optimizing airflow and creating a powerful vacuum. This system provides a superior cut, evenly and efficiently disperses the grass clippings, reduces clogging, and maintains mowing efficiency even in tall or thick grass.
Ferris has also made it a solid focal point to ensure maintenance is as easy and efficient as possible so you can have less downtime and increase your productivity. In addition to easy-to-reach components, Briggs & Stratton, the parent company of Ferris, created their first-of-its-kind Oil Guard™ System to extend maintenance intervals up to 500%. This innovation extends the life of the oil from 100 hours to 500 hours and provides better protection for the engine and up to 60% savings on maintenance costs. Engines equipped with Oil Guard™ Technology also run 20 to 30 degrees cooler for increased oil stability and longer engine life. This state-of-the-art technology gives you more time on the job, more money in your pocket, and more mileage from your mower.
With fuel prices on the rise, everyone is looking to increase fuel efficiency without affecting mower performance. Select Ferris mowers feature engines with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI). EFI Technology increases fuel efficiency, improves starting and performance at all temperatures and elevations, and adds more consistent and on-demand power for peak performance at faster speeds. That assurance of reliable power means less downtime and more grass being cut.
Toro
Toro is a well-established name in the lawn care industry, offering a comprehensive range of commercial mowers built for performance and reliability. Their unwavering commitment to research and development ensures you will get a superior-quality product with all the latest features.
Toro has one of the widest selections of lawn care products. From small residential walk-behind mowers to some of the largest, top-of-the-line commercial zero-turn mowers, their lineup caters to the diverse needs of commercial lawn care businesses.
Toro mowers are recognized for their cutting-edge technology, user-friendly design, and robust construction, making them a top choice for professionals seeking unmatched efficiency and quality. Their Turbo-Force deck features heat-treated steel blades and a patented adjustable discharge chute, providing an exceptional cut in both speed and quality.
Toro knows the advantages of minimal maintenance, so they incorporated the Oil Guard™ System in select models to reduce downtime. Select models also feature engines with EFI technology to increase fuel efficiency and improve performance.
Exmark
Exmark has long been known and trusted by landscapers and lawn care professionals. It might not be a well-known fact, but Exmark has been a division of The Toro Company since 1997. The acquisition helped Toro strengthen its position in the landscaping business, and the added resources of The Toro Company helped to assure Exmark's continued growth and market leadership.
Exmark's wide range of zero-turn mowers and turf management equipment is distinguished from the competition for its exceptional performance and durability. Exmark mowers are meticulously designed with innovative features that enhance productivity and deliver professional results.
At Exmark, they know downtime is lost time, so they're always looking for innovative ways to minimize maintenance. That's why select models include the Oil Guard™ System. With 500-hour oil change intervals, this saves up to 60% on oil maintenance costs, and the unique design of the Oil Guard™ System enables faster, easier oil changes to save you valuable time.
To maximize fuel efficiency and overall performance, select models feature engines with EFI technology combined with Exmark's patented RED Technology. This next-generation technology leverages the latest technologies to deliver increased machine efficiency, ease of use, and long-term durability. This technology provides users with an increased ability to control power and efficiency with defined performance modes.
The updated operating control panel has a sealed ignition switch and PTO connections, as well as a new, console-mounted LCD screen. The display screen provides an easy-to-use interface that monitors vital mower functions and displays critical data, such as fuel levels, engine temperature, and oil pressure.
Scag
Speed, high-quality components, and an outstanding cut are just a few of the many benefits you will get with Scag. A giant in the landscape industry, Scag is known for its focus on quality and durability, making them one of the most trusted brands in the American outdoor power equipment industry.
Scag's cast-iron spindles are machined with precision and assembled in America at state-of-the-art machining centers to ensure a perfect fit for the tapered roller bearings. This results in the highest-performing, most reliable spindle in the commercial industry. Scag has been using this same rock-solid design for many years and proudly stands behind its spindles with a 3-year limited warranty.
Perhaps the most prominent feature that sets Scag apart from the competition, however, is the quality of their cut. Scag's cut quality sets the industry standard and has always given competitors a severe case of envy. Many try to duplicate the performance, but no one can match it. The Velocity Plus™ cutter deck provides the unmatched power, precision, and performance professionals demand. This revolutionary deck design delivers high-velocity discharge plus a beautifully manicured cut, even at faster ground speeds. A redesigned cutting chamber and an extra-large discharge opening, paired with the Turbo Baffle, enhance the dispersal of grass clippings in any condition.
Hustler
Hustler, along with the world's first zero-turn mower, was born when inventor John Regier recognized the simple need for a riding mower that could maneuver irregular landscapes. So, he began creating a mower from farm machinery and mower parts.
Since then, Hustler has become one of the leading brands of outdoor power equipment. Across the globe, the Hustler brand signifies innovation, quality, and superior customer care. Their products are designed by a team of innovative engineers, always living up to the highest Hustler standards. With every Hustler product, the mission remains to provide the most dependable products that complete more work in less time while maintaining unmatched customer loyalty and the best warranties in the business.
Because of Hustler's strong focus on quality, they offer an industry-leading warranty. Most of their commercial mowers carry a 5-year/1200-hour warranty, with full coverage for the first two years and no hour limit.
Cub Cadet
Cub Cadet commercial mowers are designed to meet the demands of professional lawn care. With a range of models to choose from and a reputation for quality and reliability, Cub Cadet is a top choice for commercial mowing professionals. The company has a long history of producing high-quality outdoor power equipment and provides professional support, service, and parts availability through its network of authorized dealers.
Cub Cadet offers a wide range of mowers and features industry-firsts in many categories. One of their most innovative mowers is the PRO Z™ Series zero-turn mower. Controlled with a steering wheel that allows the front wheels to be fixed instead of swiveling, the PRO Z™ Series dominates slopes, providing unmatched hillside stability and control.
Built to withstand the rigors of commercial use, Cub Cadet mowers feature heavy-duty frames, reinforced decks, and durable components, providing long-lasting performance and reliability.
Operator comfort is a priority for Cub Cadet and features such as adjustable suspension seats, ergonomic controls, and vibration-reducing systems ensure that professionals can tackle long days of mowing with less fatigue.
Bradley
Bradley Mowers aren't as popular as some other brands, but they are gaining serious traction in the commercial lawn care industry.
The biggest reason for Bradley's recent popularity jump lies in its secret to maintaining a much lower price than its competitors while still providing a high-quality and durable mower. If you are considering a stand-on mower but are hesitant about the cost, Bradley mowers are the perfect choice, especially if you are just starting your lawn care venture.
Choosing the Right Mower
The bottom line: A mower, especially a commercial one, is a serious investment. This means having a relationship with a trusted lawnmower expert is invaluable.
The good news? At Steveco Power, we are here to help you find the right mower for your needs. We sell and service outdoor power equipment throughout southeastern Pennsylvania.
We offer:
Call or text us today, or stop by our office! We look forward to helping you find your next commercial mower.
My boy and I have been mowing lawns for the last 5 years and are ready to get to next bigger mower for us. We have the Toro 22 recycler and bought the Scag 30 inch great mower on the flats! We are trying to think of we do the 36 inch Bradley or the Scag or the Ferris FW15. We are wanting to speed up the lawns a bite. Most of the lawns have gates and flower beds. Just want some direction!!! I am liking the Ferris because it has pneumatic tires and reverse which is really nice.
I’ve got a Scag 36 in Stand on mower, absolutely love it. Fits through the fences here in Texas, not overly fast but gets the job done nicely. My customers haven’t complained.
Great post! Lawn maintenance can be such a chore,But choosing the right mowers makes all the difference.I love how you coverd both electric and gas options-each has its pros and cons.Looking forward to tring out some of your tips for a healthier lawn!
Great post! Lawn maintenance can be such a chore,But choosing the right mowers makes all the difference.
I own a grasshopper best dang mower I ever had ,I cut 25 ac weekly during summer sometimes 3 times 447 hrs never changed drive belt ,blades ,oil air filter air in tires same on any mower ,an my mowing is on a farm 5 stars
Booooy you better change the oil in that thang!!