One of the options available when choosing commercial lawn mowers is the stand-on zero-turn mower. Stand-on mowers combine the maneuverability of a zero-turn riding mower with the compact design of a wide-deck walk-behind mower for ease of use even on challenging mowing jobs.
Why Choose a Stand-On Mower
Over the last ten years, stand-on zero-turn mowers have become safer and more economical with improved design and performance. The stand-on mowers on the market today have many features that can make them a great addition to the list of mowers you use professionally.
Stand-on mowers are perfect for landscapers and lawn care processionals who need to maneuver in small spaces. They are smaller than zero-turn mowers with a seat, but still offer the opportunity for an operator to ride. They also have an improved capacity to handle slopes, making them ideal for maintaining small properties, heavily landscaped areas, or places with slopes in the lawn. Stand-on mowers can also mow quickly in open areas, making them a good choice for multi-purpose mowing as well.
A Good Stand-On Mower
The Toro GrandStand Mower is a well-reviewed, versatile mower for commercial use. A key feature of Toro’s GrandStand Mower are a foldable operator platform that lets you convert the mower from a stand-on to a walk-behind. This is great for very tight spaces, areas around ponds, and steep slopes. The folding platform also makes the mower easier to transport.
This video shows the mower in operation and explains key features. The GrandStand offers improved operator comfort with a shock-absorbing platform that minimized operator fatigue. With simple controls that are easy to reach, you can adjust speed with out slowing down the engine. The cutting deck can also be raised or lowered from the platform.
Stand-On Mowers and Slopes
One of the biggest concerns for zero-turn mowers is slopes, and stand-on mowers are no exception. However, there is some evidence that stand-on mowers are less likely than other zero-turn mowers to tip over on hills because it is easier to shift your weight. The Toro GrandSlam is one of the stand-on mowers that features improved traction on slopes, and it is wide enough to offer stability and room for operators to shift their weight so they can better control the mower on hills. Other safety tips for stand-on mowers include keeping both feet on the platform while mowing, avoiding sudden acceleration or deceleration, only using the highest speed when you are on level areas with high visibility.
Stand-on mowers are a good addition to your professional mower fleet. Since they are smaller than sit-down zero-turns, they can be transported more easily. The smaller size, improved performance on hills, and maneuverability make them ideal choices for properties with landscaping, ponds, and slopes.