Commercial lawn mowers are not a one size fits all type of purchase. However, there is enough diversity and offerings among the various types of mowers to fit any need from the weekend warrior to the large-scale property management business owner.
Assuming you need a mower for your landscaping or property management business or have a rather large amount of property to maintain.
No one knows your business better than you. Whether that’s the equipment you need to get the job done or the amount you have in your budget to spend on equipment.
Business owners need to save money wherever possible yet acquire the equipment they need to get the job done. Considering all things, I have compiled several mowers ranging from walk-behind to zero-turn mowers that may be suitable for your commercial lawn mower needs.
Walk-Behind Mowers
If you run a small to medium scale landscaping business, walk-behind mowers may be a good option. They are cost-efficient and are a lot easier to transport to and from various job sites. The first walk-behind mower you may want to consider is the Snapper SP100 775ex Series.
Snapper SP100 775ex Series 175cc Rear Wheel Drive 21 Inch Mower
The Snapper SP100 features an electric start, is variable speed, and self-propelled. The mower deck is 21 inches which are fairly small for a commercial mower.
One of the great features of this mower is the ability to adjust the cutting height and the operation height as well. This mower can adjust for operators of just about any height. There are a total of 3 operating height settings and adjustment handles for ideal cutting height.
3 settings are allowing for a side discharge, mulching, and bagging (on most models). It’s easy to maintain and clean, and the Briggs & Stratton engine has plenty of power to get the job done.
I would recommend this mower to anyone starting in the landscaping business or for a medium business that already has equipment on hand. Of course, for a large-scale outfit, I recommend a zero-turn mower.
Snapper SP100 775ex Series Highlights
- Self Propelled, 175cc Rear Wheel Drive
- Electric Start
- Cutting Deck Width- 21 Inches
- Height Adjustment
- Price (+)
Mclane 21 Inch 6.75 Gross Torque Gas-Powered Mower
The Mclane is a bit of a step up from the Snapper SP100, though the mower deck is equal at 21 inches. The Mclane also has a Briggs & Stratton gas-powered mower and is self-propelled. The cutting height can adjust from 1/2 inch up to 3 inches, and a grass catcher is included. I should also mention this is a CARB-compliant mower and can be sold in California.
The Mclane is a heavy-duty machine built to last. It’s not uncommon for Mclane mowers to last well over 10 years. It has plenty of torque and is another great option for the small to medium size landscaping business. The only common complaint that I’ve heard about the Mclane is it can be difficult to turn and maneuver, and it requires a bit of strength.
Mclane mowers have been in business since 1946. They have a solid reputation for building a quality product that lasts.
Highlights
- Briggs & Stratton Engine
- Cutting Deck Width- 21 Inches
- Durability
- CARB Compliant
- Price
Stanley 36 Inch Commercial Duty
The previous mowers we’ve discussed are intended for a small operation. I wanted to take budget constraints into the picture by providing various options. The mowers I will be reviewing are strictly commercial duty mowers for medium to large-scale operations from here on out.
The Stanley 36 inch features a quick-adjust floating deck. It comes with a 530cc Honda motor and a 4.8-gallon tank. It can reach a top speed of 8 mph, so you have to be careful not to let it get away from you! The Stanely as a V-Bar Easy Hydro for control and variable speed control.
Several attachments can be bought separately, making this a great landscaping tool in addition to the precision cutter. There is a separate mulching attachment as well as a brush mower conversion kit. Currently, Stanley is not CARB compliant and may not be purchased in California.
The Stanley is highly efficient, allowing you to cut more grass in less time. It is extremely well built and comes with a commercial lifetime warranty on the mower frame.
Highlights
- 530cc Honda Engine
- Cutting Deck Width- 36 Inches
- Variable Speed Control
- 4.8 Gallon Tank
- Precision Cut
Stanley 54 Inch 530cc Walk Behind Commercial Mower
The Stanely 54 inch is a step up from the previous model. A 54-inch deck is significantly larger, resulting in a larger surface area being cut nearly half the time. The 54 inch also comes with a v-bar and a floating deck.
The blade tip speed of 54 inches is 18,750 feet per minute. This eliminates the need for a grass catcher as blades of grass are cut so small they become nearly non-existent. Though, cut grass that is left behind is equivalent to fertilizer providing nourishment and a healthy-looking lawn.
The Stanley 54 inch features an electric starter and a soft start clutch. The 54 inch also comes with a commercial lifetime warranty on the mower frame. Each Stanley mower is tested before shipping. Also, they come fully assembled; all you need to do is add oil and gas, and your off!
Highlights
- Electric Start
- Cutting Deck Width- 54 Inches
- Blade Tip Speed
- Available Attachments
There are some great options in the walk-behind mower models. Other commercial lawn mowers include pulling behind mowers, yard tractors, and of course, zero-turn mowers. Zero-turn mowers choose many professionals as they can turn on a dime and are highly efficient and versatile. The only drawback to zero-turn mowers is they don’t function well on properties with slopes or steep hills. If you need a more diverse machine that can operate on various terrain, I recommend reading some of my lawn tractor reviews. I will now discuss a few zero-turn mowers that might be a great option for your business needs.
Zero Turn Mowers
Zero-turn mowers got their name as they have a very tight turning radius. This makes them ideal for cutting large grass areas that may have obstructions such as trees or sprinklers. Zero-turn mowers easily navigate around obstacles while still providing a nice tight clean cut.
Zero-turn mowers can range in price from right around $2000 and up. I will first start with a zero-turn mower that is relatively inexpensive yet offers quality and durability.
Husqvarna RZ4621
Husqvarna has been in the business for a while, and their name is nearly synonymous with quality. The Husqvarna RZ4621 may come with a low price tag but don’t underestimate the quality and the durability. The RZ4621 has a 46-inch cutting deck powered by a Briggs & Stratton engine that kicks out 21 HP.
The RZ4621 comes equipped with integrated twin maintenance-free transmissions, a heavy-duty steel frame, and front casters. The cutting height can adjust from 1 1/2 to 4 inches, and the anti-scalp rollers protect your lawn. You have the ability for side ejection, mulch, or collection.
The only drawback of this model is the tank size. It only has a 3 1/2 gallon tank which means you may have to refuel before finishing big jobs. Other than that, it is a quality commercial mower and priced right.
Highlights
- Briggs & Stratton Engine 21 HP
- Cutting Deck Width- 46 Inches
- Twin Maintenance-Free Transmissions
- Operator Comfort
- Durable
Husqvarna RZ5424 54 Inch Zero Turn Mower
If you’re looking for a commercial lawn mower with plenty of power, the RZ5424 comes with a 24 HP Kohler engine. It has a 54 inch stamped 13 gauge cutting deck. Not only is it heavy-duty, but at 54 inches of cutting deck, productivity is sure to increase.
The RZ5424 has a heavy-duty steel frame and front casters, and like the RZ4621, you have the flexibility of side discharge, mulching, or collection.
The foam-padded steering and adjustable seat are also featured on this model. Overall, this is a great mower for property management business owners. The only drawback is the small tank, in which case the next mower I will discuss has a larger tank and may be more suitable for a larger scale business.
Highlights
- Kohler Engine 24 HP
- Cutting Deck Width- 54 Inches
- 3.5 Gallon Tank
- Operator Comfort Features
Stanley 48ZS2 48 Inch Heavy Duty Zero Turn Mower
The Stanley 48ZS2 is powered by a 20 HP Kawasaki engine with a dual hydrostatic drive system allowing for greater maneuverability and speed. The 48ZS2 can reach speeds of up to 10 MPH, and with a 48-inch cutting deck, the 48ZS2 can get a lot done in less time.
The 48ZS2 comes equipped with some safety features you won’t find on a lot of mowers. There is a safety belt as well as a row bar. There are even headlights to extend working hours. There is an adjustable padded seat, padded armrests, and even a cup holder as far as comfort.
Highlights
- Kawasaki Engine 20 HP
- Cutting Deck Width- 48 Inches
- Hydrostatic Drive System
- Safety Features
- Maneuverability
Swisher ZTR2760BS ZTR 27HP 60 Inch Commercial Riding Lawn Mower
The Swisher ZTR is among my top picks for the best commercial lawnmowers. The ZTR is powered by a Briggs & Stratton engine with an output of 27 HP, capable of speeds up to 8 MPH, including in reverse. The ZTR has a huge tank at an 8-gallon capacity. This is a significant feature as it allows you to fill up less often to tackle the biggest jobs.
The 60-inch cutting deck makes quick work of lawns, and it comes equipped with 3 Gator mulching blades. The ZTR has a low center of gravity for easy control, allowing it to turn on a dime. It also comes equipped with rapid response controls for better comfort and control.
Other features include composite fenders with storage capacity, a front and rear hitch, cup holder, and 12-volt adapter. There is a foot-assisted deck lift, allowing you to raise the cutting deck as needed easily.
The ZTR will allow you to take your business to the next level. The ZTR turns a full 360 degrees and gives you that professionally manicured lawn look. I highly recommend the ZTR for any business or large property owner who takes pride in their work quality.
Highlights
- Briggs & Stratton Engine 27 HP
- Cutting Deck Width- 60 Inches
- Front and Rear Hitch
- Foot Assisted Deck Lift
- Rapid Response Controls
Final Thoughts on Commercial Lawn Mowers
If you have any reservations about the models I have discussed or have questions about various other commercial mowers, please don’t hesitate to contact me through the contact tab or leave a comment below. As a small business owner, I understand the importance of having quality equipment that fits my budget.
These are just a select few commercial mowers that I felt would serve well, from the small landscaping business to the large-scale property management business. I will continue to update the site with reviews of various mowers, and as I stated, if you are curious about a specific mower that I have yet to review, please let me know.
Thank you for taking the time to read through my review of commercial lawnmowers. Purchasing equipment can be stressful, but I’m here to help alleviate some of that stress by providing comprehensive reviews and recommendations. Check back often for updates and reviews.
