A good lawnmower is the backbone of a successful lawn care business. Commercial work places high demands on lawnmowers, and professional-grade mowers are up to the task. The right mower will provide quality lawn cutting, run reliably through the growing season, and be comfortable for you and your employees to use.
While you’ll likely need some walk-behind mowers in your fleet as well, zero-turn mowers are the top choice for commercial use. They offer speed and maneuverability to make mowing jobs go quickly and smoothly. This increases crew productivity.
But not all mowers are created equal. When asked to rate top brands, landscape contractors consistently highlight Exmark, Toro, and Scag as the best zero-turn riding mowers. And for those looking for a battery-powered zero-turn mower, EGO has several quality options available.
Top Commercial Gasoline-Powered Brands
In 2012 and again in 2015, Green Industry Pros asked their readers to rate top mower brands. In both surveys, Exmark, Scag, and Toro were the top three positively rated zero-turn mower brands. These three brands were also highly rated for stand-on mowers and commercial walk-behinds.
Exmark’s Lazer Z has been considered the gold standard in commercial-grade, zero-turn performance for over 30 years. It can reach a maximum speed of up to 10.5 mph. It provides powerful engine options, ergonomic design, and superior cutting capabilities with 48-inch, 52-inch, 60-inch, and 72-inch cutting decks. The stand-on Vertex models are also designed for landscape professionals.
Toro’s Z Master is their commercial-grade zero-turn mower series. A maximum speed of 10 mph and quality cutting decks ensure fast, clean work. These mowers feature a comfortable high-back suspension seat. It’s available with 48-inch, 52-inch, and 60-inch cutting decks. For a stand-on commercial option, their Grandstand series offers 10 mph forward speed and reduced maintenance time with no hydraulic hoses, no daily/weekly grease points, and an engine designed for easy service access.
The majority of Scag’s mowers are commercial-grade. Turf Tiger II, Cheetah II, Tiger Cat II, and Patriot series mowers are all designed for the rigorous demands of commercial use. They are built tough and feature some of the fastest mowing speeds available, up to 12 mph for Turf Tiger II and Tiger Cat II and up to 16 mph for the Cheetah II mowers. Torsion-spring suspension seats adjust to each rider for maximum comfort. Available cutting deck sizes include 48-inch, 52-inch, 61-inch, and 72-inch. Scag also offers V-Ride stand-on mowers.
Top Commercial Battery-Powered Brands
Battery power is catching on among Green Industry Pros, especially for hand-held tools. No emissions, quiet operation, lower maintenance, commercial-grade power from lithium-ion batteries, and saving money on fuel make battery-powered tools a great option for hand-held tools like trimmers, blowers, and edgers.
For larger tools like lawn mowers, the cost-savings advantage is not as pronounced. According to Brandon Haley, Senior Project Manager, Grounds and Sustainability for SSC–Services for Education, there’s a clear ROI benefit to purchasing battery-powered hand tools, but you might not get a great return on investment for larger equipment like a battery-powered zero-turn mower. However, there are still benefits to buying battery-powered lawnmowers, particularly environmental ones.
If your company is committed to going green and using battery-powered mowers, there are good commercial options available that can do the job. EGO is one of the top-rated, top-recommended battery-exclusive brands. They offer several zero-turn riding mowers with 52-inch and 42-inch cutting decks and one lawn tractor.
Stand-On or Sit-On Mowers
The term “zero-turn mowers” typically just refers to sit-on mowers. However, there are also stand-on commercial mowers with zero-turn performance. Stand-on riding mowers typically have a lower center of gravity than sit-on mowers. This means they’re less likely to tip on slopes. Since the operator is standing, they also have greater visibility. Plus, stand-on mowers have a smaller footprint than sit-on mowers with the same deck size. The smaller footprint can be a big advantage for commercial fleets, where space on the equipment trailer is at a premium.
Sit-on zero-turn mowers still have an advantage for large, wide-open properties. They’re typically faster than stand-on mowers, though that does depend on the models you’re comparing. The sit-on mowers can also be easier for operators to use, especially when mowing large commercial properties like a campus or golf course. Whether you choose sit-on or stand-on zero-turn mowers, Exmark, Scag, and Toro remain the top brands.
Features of Commercial Mowers
The most important features to look for in commercial mowers are ones that improve durability, reliability, efficiency, and comfort. You need mowers that hold up to daily use, keep running reliably, get the job done efficiently, and are easy for your crews to use. Investing in mowers with quality engines and durable cutting decks is essential.
The Exmark Lazer Z mower is available with powerful engine options, including Kohler and Kawasaki engines. Toro Z Master mowers feature Toro, Kawasaki, or Vanguard engines. Scag mowers feature Kohler, Kawasaki, or Vanguard engines. They also offer models with Kohler propane-powered engines and Kubota diesel engines.
The Exmark Lazer Z mowers boast a heavy-duty, welded steel deck. Toro Z Master mowers use a 7-gauge steel TURBO FORCE® cutting deck. Scag commercial-grade mowers have two deck options, depending on the series. Velocity Plus™ decks deliver amazing cut quality, ultra-tough cast-iron spindles, and Tri-Plate construction to ensure solid performance and long life. The Hero™ Cutter Deck is an extra-strong, fully fabricated and welded deck with maintenance-free aluminum spindles.
Where To Buy Professional Grade Mowers
If you’re wondering, “Where can I buy a zero-turn mower for my landscaping business?” Richardson Saw & Lawnmower is the answer in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We’re a Scag Pro-Gold Dealer, a Toro Master Service Dealer, and an Exmark Turf Star Dealer. With top-class dealer recognition from each of these brands, you can trust Richardson Saw & Lawnmower for all your commercial mower needs.
When you buy from a local dealer, especially a dealer with a service center, you’ll have access to parts, service, and support that you won’t get with big-box stores. Expert technicians at the dealership can provide top-quality advice and repairs as needed. They can also help you narrow down your options when you’re shopping for a new mower.
