For those who spend most of their days manicuring lawns, a commercial zero turn mower is an excellent investment. I remember the day I bought my first one – an old beat up Husqvarna off Craigslist – and it changed my game. I spent 30% less time mowing that used to fill out more jobs in my route and make way more profits. A zero turn is one of the best investments a professional lawn care company can make. And if you’re a homeowner with a large lawn, a zero turn can save you hours (and increase the fun of mowing!).
Having spent several decades in the industry, I know a thing or two about commercial lawn mowers. And now it’s my turn to give that knowledge back to you dear reader. Factors considered are price, speed, maneuverability, warranty, manufacturer reputation, fuel capacity, cutting strength, and of course, my own bias and intution. I’ve personally ridden most of these, or at least predecessors of each model.
So if you’re looking to speed up your cutting with a zero turn, give one of these options a look.
Top Commercial Zero Turn Mowers – Reviews
1. Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
Our top choice mower is a winning combination of efficient and comfortable to ride and operate.
The seat is high backed and has armrests for extra support, it has vibration dampeners to keep your fillings from rattling out, and it’s even equipped with roll-over protection to be comfy on the lawn too.
Professionals will really appreciate Husqvarna’s reliable Kawasaki motor. It starts up without a fuss in any weather and will have you chugging along for years to come.
Add to all that a built in system for mulching, discharging, or bagging your clippings and you can see why it’s out number one.
Specifications:
- 24 horsepower Kawasaki engine
- 61-inch cutting deck, 11-gauge steel
- Top speed 10 MPH
- 6-gallon fuel tank
Pros:
- Reliable motor
- Large cutting radius
- Comfortable to drive
- Easy to adjust
Cons:
- No suspension system
- Expensive
Check Latest Price on Amazon
2. Snapper 560Z 61-Inch 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin Engine Zero Turn Lawn Mower, 5901558
Another long lasting zero turn mower is the Snapper. The all-steel, welded and reinforced construction helps keep this behemoth running in the most rugged conditions for many.
The Snapper is packed with helpful features including a fuel indicator readable from sitting and a super wide gas tank opening for easy filling.
Our favorite feature is the integrated cargo bed that can hold up to 100lbs of gear. No more schlepping tools all over the job site – the Snapper helps give your back a break while you mow.
Specifications:
- 24 HP Kawasaki motor
- 61-inch cutting deck, 10-gauge steel
- Top speed 9 MPH
- 5.25-gallon fuel tank
Pros:
- Highly durable
- Quality construction
- Easy to use controls
Cons:
- Expensive
- No suspension system
3. Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series
Ariens is another manufacturer with a reputation for reliability. The Kawasaki motor will start up for you as easy as day one every time and provides powerful torque even at lower speeds.
They estimate it can cut a little over 1 acre of grass per hour. So, it’s a little slower than some of the competition.
It may not be the most efficient tool for a high-volume professional lawn care service. But for a small to mid range operation, the price could be just right.
Specifications:
- 23 HP Kawasaki motor
- 52-inch cutting deck
- Top speed 7 MPH
- Unspecified fuel tank capacity
Pros:
- Reliable motor
- Mid-range price
Cons:
- No suspension system
- Slower
4. Husqvarna Z248F 26HP 747cc Kohler Engine 48″ FAB Z-Turn Mower #967844801
For a small but mighty option, check out this Husqvarna model. It’s a little slower than some with big motors, but the 26 horsepower motor can cut at a rate of nearly 3 acres per hour!
And the size doesn’t mean you have to give up some of the comfort you expect from the brand. It’s equipped with an anti-skid footwell and lumbar support for the seat.
However, prospective buyers should be aware that many customers report electrical issues with this model. The lights are particularly finnicky, and shortages can cause issues for the rest of the mower in the long term.
Specifications:
- 26 HP Kohler motor
- 38-inch cutting deck, welded steel
- Top speed 6.5 MPH
- 3.5-gallow fuel tank
Pros:
- Mid-range price
- Very efficient
- Fits in smaller spaces
Cons:
- Known for electrical issues
- No suspension system
5. Craftsman Z525 Zero Turn Gas Powered Lawn Mower, Red
For folks where comfort is the main concern when mowing, look no further than the Craftsman zero turn mower. It has a high seat back, armrests, as well as a cupholder!
Professionals will appreciate the extra wide, 20-inch rear wheels that dd stability, and the exceptionally even cut – even while driving in reverse.
The low speed and small gas tank make this a better choice for smaller volume lawn care or personal use. But the reasonable price may make it a decent backup or switch hitter for professionals.
Specifications:
- 20 HP MTD engine
- 46-inch cutting deck
- Top speed 7 MPH
- 3.5-gallon fuel tank
Pros:
- Comfortable to drive
- Low priced
Cons:
- Less powerful
- Less reliable engine
- Slow
Buyers Guide
Types of Commercial Zero Turn Mowers
Semi-commercial or Semi-pro Zero Turn Mowers
The little brother to the full on commercial zero turn mower, these mowers are ideal for smaller landscaping crews that still need to cover a bunch of lawns in a day.
Made with more durable materials than residential mowers, these are built to perform consistently at high volume use for many years.
The wheels are heavy duty and the transmission is more advanced and capable as well. Many of the components are more expensive to replace with the tradeoff that they rarely need to be.
They are available with significantly more customizable features than the typical riding mower, including adjustable seat height.
Semi-commercial zero turn mowers have larger fuel tanks and mowing decks than their residential counterparts. You’ll need to clear serious storage space in your shed for these babies.
As for specifications, you can expect semi-commercial zero turn mowers can reach speeds of up to 8 MPH and cover about 4.5 acers per tank of fuel.
Commercial Zero Turn Mowers
Landscaping pros that need to cover large acreage daily are better suited to the fully commercial zero turn mower.
This type has the biggest fuel tanks and most powerful motors of any mower. Heavy duty steel decks and frames provide superior longevity and durability, but also increase the weight significantly.
One of the biggest differences between fully commercial and semi-commercial is that these big brothers have full suspension for a more consistent cut height and rider comfort over long periods.
The back wheels are also typically much wider to accommodate for the added weight and more evenly distribute it across the lawn to prevent damage.
All of these improvements on comfort, capacity, and capabilities of the semi-commercial make this type the most expensive mower you will find. It’s serious investment, but essential for huge daily jobs.
These mowers generally reach speeds of up to 13 MPH.
Commercial Zero Turn Mower Maintenance Tips
A commercial zero turn mower is a big investment. But it’s worth it for the years and years of use you’ll get from it. Institute a proper maintenance care routine too keep your mower running smoothly and extend its lifespan even longer.
With a little TLC, your commercial zero turn mower will far outlast its warranty and may never need to be fully replaced.
Here are some of the simplest maintenance tips that any zero turn mower owner should know:
- Clean the mowing deck every day. Grass clippings and debris build up fast, especially with high volume use. And that buildup can cause a lot more damage than you may imagine. Check out Everest Landscaping’s video detailing how to care for the underside of your mower’s deck.
- Check the air filters regularly. Dirt and gunk will inevitably build on air filters as well, which can cause clogs. Clogged air filters will cause your mower’s fuel efficiency to drop. If you notice that your rate of fuel consumption is creeping up, it might be time to replace or clean those filters.
- Sharpen the blades 2-3 times a year. The blades on a commercial grade mower start out razor sharp, but with use, time, and exposure to elements will dull. A dull blade doesn’t cut grass, but tears is raggedly. You can take it in to a professional, or this Handyguys’s video shows you how to sharpen your blades right in your shop.
- Measure the tire pressure frequently. Low or uneven tire pressure can cause an uneven deck, which leads to an uneven grass cut. Use a pressure gauge to get a reading on all tires as part of your usual maintenance.
- Store your mower out of the elements. To prevent water buildup and other contaminants from blowing onto and getting inside your mower, store it in a dry shelter. Debris that makes its way into your mower this way can cause damage and rust over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a commercial zero turn lawn mower for temporary jobs?
Yes. There are a number of hardware stores that rent out their commercial grade tools and mowers at daily rates. Some will even rent out the truck to transport it in too!
Check out Home Depot’s tool and truck rental services online, or give your local hardware store a call.
Are commercial zero turn mowers faster than lawn tractors?
Yes. Not only are they capable of reaching higher driving speeds, but the blades on a commercial mower cut faster than a lawn tractor as well.
And the minute turn radius means that you can get every nook and cranny of your lawn without retreading the same ground over and over.
Is it hard to learn to drive a commercial zero turn mower?
Nope! While the features and adjustments may be overwhelming at first, if you give yourself 30 minutes in an open yard to practice before starting your new mower up for work you’ll be a pro in no time.
Conclusion
So, which commercial zero turn mower is the best for your crew?
The 24 horsepower, Kawasaki motor in the Husqvarna and superior comfort features make it an excellent choice for nearly any size of operation.
But for a budget choice, consider the Ariens. It also has the ultra-reliable Kawasaki motor, and though it’s a bit slower it’s nearly half the price.
We hope that these thorough reviews and handy maintenance tips will help you find and keep a mower running for all your green-scaping needs.
Happy mowing!
Table of Contents
