Commercial Zero Turn Mower Buying Guide

Commercial Zero Turn Mower Buying Guide

How to Pick the Perfect Commercial Zero Turn

If you’re a lawncare professional with multiple clients per day, or even a farm or ranch owner with several acres, a commercial zero turn mower will cut your grass quickly, comfortably, and powerfully.

Time is literally money when cutting grass professionally. The faster you can mow each client’s lawn, the more lawns you can mow in a day, the more money you can make. Therefore, investing in a zero turn commercial mower, while more expensive upfront, will pay for itself relatively quickly.

Why Commercial Zero Turn Mowers?

With the ability to go up to 13 mph, commercial zero turns are the fastest mowers. That plus wider decks mean you’re cutting more grass, faster.

Here are some of the key features to look for when shopping zero turn commercial mowers.

Commercial Zero Turn Mower


High Performance Engines

The engine is the heart of the zero turn mower, providing the power necessary to move such a robust machine so quickly. Leading commercial engine manufacturers such as Honda, Kawasaki, Kohler, and Briggs & Stratton build most zero turn engines.

Considered some of the best lawn mower engines available, engines such as the Vanguard, Turf Series, and Command Pro are reliable powerhouses that provide up to 38 horsepower (HP) of grass-devouring muscle.
 

Full Suspension

You never know what kind of terrain your clients will have. If you were to use a residential-grade zero turn mower or lawn tractor on rough or uneven terrain, you would be in for a very bumpy ride. That’s where a commercial zero turn mower’s full suspension system shines. 

With full-suspension, the mower provides greater steering stability, enhanced comfort, and will follow the contours of the lawn for the most consistent cut. The reduced shock also minimizes needed repairs.

Wide Mower Decks

Commercial zero turn mowers have height adjustable decks you can control with a foot pedal. The largest models have 66”-wide mowing decks—that’s more than five feet of grass you can cut at a time.

Some models come with front mount decks, which are great for mowing under low clearance obstacles. Others have mid mount decks which are more maneuverable around trees and shrubs. You can also get decks with sloped fronts, which push the grass up, resulting in a more consistent cut. The type of deck you choose should depend on the terrain types you commonly mow.

Commercial Zero Turn Mowing


Top Tier Transmission

The transmission on your mower ensures you get enough torque at different speeds and on varying types of terrain. Commercial zero turn mowers come with the heaviest transmissions so you can handle anything the terrain throws at you with power. Be sure to check out our article on lawn mower transmissions for tons of detailed info on the topic.

Comfy Ergonomics

Nobody buys a commercial zero turn mower if they’re only mowing for one hour per week. If you own a lawncare business, you might be mowing for eight hours per day, five days a week. Without proper mower ergonomics, you’re going to get sore. 

Commercial zero turn mowers come with fully adjustable, plush, bolstered seats that prevent you from sliding around during every turn. Raised foot pedals allow for better traction and arm rests provide comfort during operation. Cup and phone holders offer added convenience. With a commercial mower, you’ll mow comfortably all day. 

Robust Design and Tires

Commercial Zero Turn mowers are built to last with durable handles, heavy-gauge welded decks, and a robust frame. The tires are larger and have wider tread to handle rough terrain. On many models, no-flat front tires provide an extra level of dependability. To put it bluntly, these machines are built to take a beating. 

Commercial Zero Turn Tire


Ease-of-Maintenance

With the amount of use that commercial zero turn mowers get, they need to be regularly maintained. For this reason, you want a mower that is easily accessible and serviceable. Choose a model where you don’t have to disassemble anything to get at the oil filter and drain tube. Many come with accessible grease points to streamline lubrication. 

Don’t Settle for Less

If you mow lawns professionally or have more than five acres of land, you owe yourself a commercial zero turn mower. Not only will you get your mowing jobs done more quickly and easily, but you’ll enjoy every second of the ride. 

 

 

NEXT: Shop All Commercial Zero Turn Mowers

Dale, the Power Equipment Expert
By 
Power Equipment Expert
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