3 Best Commercial Riding Lawn Mowers – Reviews and Buying Guide 2022
If you own more than half an acre of lawn or provide professional landscaping services, ensuring that the properties are well maintained and manicured requires a lot of effort. While ensuring that the grass and trees are adequately irrigated and fertilized are an enormous task in their own right, preventing weeds or crabgrass from invading your lawn can be a massive headache. Cutting your lawn is a colossal task, which may exhaust you; Riding lawn mowers are designed to swiftly and efficiently provide effective cutting services. The rider operates the machine on top of the mower as the blades whirl in the cutting deck below.
See also:
- Best Commercial Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers
- Best Commercial Zero Turn Mowers
- Best Commercial Walk-Behind Floor Scrubbers
Types of Riding Mowers
Riding mowers are available in three versions— rear-engine riding mower, zero-turn mower, and lawn tractor.
Rear-Engine Riding Mower
For lawns that are too big for walk-behind lawnmowers and small for a tractor or a zero-turn mower, a rear-engine riding mower is a good alternative. Lightweight and agile, rear-engine riding mower uses a traditional wheel steering system and comes with a single-cylinder engine ranging from 34 to 38 cc that can generate 11 to 15 horsepower(hp).
Rear-engine riders are mostly equipped with a CVT transmission operated by a shift-on-the-go hand lever and have narrower decks, anywhere from 30 to 33 inches. These machines provide good visibility and excellent mobility around trees, flowerbeds, and other landscape topographies due to the rear-mounted engines. At the same time, their smaller cutting decks are ideal for narrow passes such as fence gates. Rear-engine riders are an affordable alternative to tractors and zero-turn mowers and take less storage space. However, rear-engine riders are considerably slower and aren’t designed to pull attachments; some machines have a jerky gear drive and do not have higher-end features such as a high-back seat or cruise control.
Zero-Turn Mowers
The zero-turn mower is designed to cut lawns swiftly and efficiently. Powered by a rear-wheel-drive system that facilitates the tightest possible pivoting, these efficient grass-cutting tool can seamlessly do a complete 180-degree turn with ease.
The zero-turn mower utilizes dual hydrostatic transmissions at the rear wheels, each controlled by a lap bar in front of the seat – each providing power to a different wheel. Pushing one lever forward makes the mower turn in place. When both wheels get the equivalent amount of power, the machine moves in a straight line. When one wheel is receiving more power than the other, the mower moves in a curved line, and when one wheel receives power when the other wheel is stopped, the mower will pivot on its central axis. These “lap bars” may seem intimidating, but the controls quickly become second nature for most users.
Deck size on the zero-turn mowers ranges from 32 inches to 60 inches, allowing them to quickly and efficiently cut grass. The decks are either stamped or heavy-duty fabricated, while deck adjustment is made via a manual hand lever or foot pedal. Engine size on zero-turn mowers ranges from 452 cc up to 700 or more, generating 12 hp to 25 hp, typically powered by a single-cylinder or commercial-duty V twin. These machines can zip around the lawn at speeds up to 8 mph, and their steering system allows you to make agile 360 degrees turns quickly and making them the most maneuverable riding mowers on the market.
Zero-turn mowers can side-discharge, bag, and mulch clippings. With a rear engine and rear-wheel steering, these machines can easily maneuver around obstacles, such as trees and flower beds. However, zero-turn mowers are expensive machines. The rear steering wheels can tear up grass during turns, and the machines are not ideal for lawn or yard with hilly areas as they can lose traction and be challenging to control on slopes.
Lawn Tractor
A lawn tractor is designed for properties larger than half an acre. These machines come with a classic front-engine riding with a steering wheel and brake, similar to an automobile. These gas-powered machines have engines ranging between 15 and 25 horsepower and can mow a forty to 60 inches swath and can easily cut half an acre of grass within an hour. Most of the budget lawn tractors tend to be lever-operated gear transmissions, while high-end models are equipped with a pedal hydrostatic or continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Lawn tractors can easily handle and maneuver around trees or garden beds and can bag, mulch, and side-discharge clippings. They can also be attached to several accessories such as baggers, lawn sweepers, and dethatchers. High-end models come with comfy, high-backed seats and make it easy to engage the blades and adjust the cutting height for the perfect cut.
Lawn tractors have a wider turning radius and lower top speed than zero-turn mowers. While these machines also create exhaust emissions and the additional bagging kits tend to be expensive. Furthermore, they require a large space for storage.
Things to Consider While Buying a Lawn Mower
When shopping for a lawnmower, it is important to consider factors such as number of obstacles on the lawn? Type of terrain in the yard, lawn size etc. Some essential factors are listed below.
Yard’s Terrain: Get a riding mower that best matches the size and slope of your property. All riding mowers can handle varied terrain, although some mowers handle better on slopes than others. If your yard resembles an agility training obstacle course, you might want to consider a zero-turn mower; that type is favored by professionals.
Right Size: If your lawn is large and mostly open, riding lawn mower with a generous cutting width would be ideal. However, if there are many obstructions, such as trees and bushes, it would be better to consider a small riding mower that can go through tight passages.
Bagging, side discharge, or mulch? Bagging eliminates the need to rake clippings after cutting saving time and effort, and it also helps prevent allergic reactions to grass and decrease weed seeds’ spread.
Side discharge is ideal for taller, wilder grass, coarser grass types, and seldom-cut lawns. Mulching works well if you mow often and want a pristine lawn. The finely chopped grass clippings fertilize the property and help make it more drought resistant.
Transmission Type: Manual or gear-driven transmission requires using the clutch when changing speeds. If you don’t have many trees or flower beds to mow around, this can be a cost-saving feature for your purchase. On the other hand, a riding lawn mower with a hydrostatic transmission is much easier to operate as it makes it easier to slow down without stopping the machine every time you change gears.
Engine Considerations: You need to consider the amount of power and torque you want through the machine, as it impacts the ability to cut reliably through thicker varieties of grass. Besides the engine power, you should also look at whether the engine has a decent cooling system, is the machine comes with an oil filtering system, whether the air filter easy to access, etc.
Cutting Path: Riding lawn mowers come with a variety of cutting widths. Riding mowers deck widths typically start at thirty inches and can go as high as fifty or sixty inches on commercial grade riding mowers. This massive deck sizes significantly reduce the amount of time you will have to spend on mowing your lawn. A larger deck size means you have to make fewer passes to cut your property, resulting in less time and less labor spent on the job.
Additional Features: Consider a riding mower that can be attached to accessories and attachments such as baggers, aerators, mulchers, and lawn sweepers.
Best Riding Lawn Mowers For Commercial Use (With Review)
1. Husqvarna Z254 Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
The Husqvarna Z254 zero-turn mower is powered by a 26 HP Kohler engine with a displacement of 747cc, and a maintenance-free transmission that makes quick work of trimming sizeable flat lawn areas. The machine features a 54-inch reinforced steel cutting deck, made of heavy flat-stock steel that provides optimal performance and maximum durability. The Husqvarna Z254 can mow up to 2.8 acres per hour at speeds up to 6.5 mph and comes with a full pressure lubrication system with an easy spin-on filter.
The Husqvarna zero-turn mower comes with a patent-pending park brake system that automatically triggers or disables as the steering levers are moved to provide smooth power delivery, outstanding durability, and quieter operation. The machine also features air induction technology that draws air from the top and bottom of the deck, thereby providing better grass movement and ultimately giving your lawn a remarkably even trim. The grass clippings can be easily mulched, bagged, or discharged through the 3 in 1 cutting options.
The Husqvarna Z254 comes equipped with ergonomic seats that provide comfort in extended shifts and also features a 15-inch spring suspension sliding seat, hour meter, a deck wash port, and a cup holder. The device comes with an automatic choke system that makes starting the machine effortless. The engine, as well as the device, comes with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros
- Reinforced steel cutting deck
- Precision steering and effortless maneuverability.
- Ergonomic designs and easy control
- Durable construction from industry-grade parts
- Easy to start the automatic choke system
Cons
- Grass clipping builds up on the deck
- Doesn’t allow horizontal cuts on the sharper slopes
Why Buy: The Husqvarna Z254 combines cutting-edge design, proven performance, and innovative features to make lawn maintenance an event instead of a chore. This reliable and robust zero-turn mower is also a pocket-friendly option.
2. Troy-Bilt 382cc 30-Inch Premium Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower
The Troy-Bilt Neighborhood Rider is powered by a single-cylinder 382cc Auto Choke OHV engine with a top speed of 4.25 mph. The machine features a 30-Inch cutting deck with five adjustable settings that blends the advantages of a wide cut walk behind mower with a conventional riding lawnmower. The machine’s durable 13×5-inch front wheels and 16×6.5-inch rear wheel turn tightly on an 18-inch radius.
The sturdy 14-gauge steel body of the Troy-Bilt packs all the hardware to perform admirably for a mower weighing just under 340 pounds. Easy to store in the garage or shed due to its compact size, the rear riding mower is ideal for standard lawns with a medium-sized landscape and relatively even terrain. The machine comes with a 1.3-gallon fuel tank with a fuel sight window that provides clear visibility of how much gas is left in the tank.
The Troy-Bilt Neighborhood Rider features manual power take-off (PTO) for easy and fast blade engagement. The seat can be raised to mid-back for added comfort and feels fantastic even at higher speeds. The company is offering a 2-year limited warranty on the machine with extensive coverage. The rear riding mower mulches and side-discharges clippings effectively, however, the container size can be increased to need fewer unloading stops.
Pros
- Easy start and maintain
- Light and maneuverable
- Even cutting
Cons
- Changes gears roughly
- Noisy
- Slightly unsteady on hills
Why Buy: The compact Troy-Bilt 382cc Neighborhood Riding Mower is reasonably priced and provides exceptional power, reliability, and comfort. The rear riding mower turns well and can dramatically cut down the time and effort required to cut the grass.
3. Craftsman T225 Briggs & Stratton Gas Powered Riding Lawn Mower
The Craftsman T225 comes with a powerful 19 horsepower Briggs and Stratton Gold gas engine with a mowing power suitable for larger yard jobs. At the same time, ReadyStart technology provides a quick and efficient start.
The Craftsmen Lawn tractor comes equipped with an expansive 46-Inch cutting deck for cutting, trimming, and clipping grass in one quick sweep. The unit is equipped with a foot adjustable hydrostatic transmission and a deck wash that saves time when underside cleaning. Just hook up a hose to effortlessly clean the bottom of the mower in minutes.
The craftsmen T225 comes with a mow-in-reverse to easily maneuver in and out of trouble spots while cutting and weaving. The device comes with a high-back cushioned seat provides optimum comfort. The lawn tractor features 15-Inch front wheels and 20-Inch rear wheels for better clearance and easy, long-lasting maneuvering around your yard. A 2-year limited manufacturer warranty backs the lawn tractor.
Pros
- Reverse mowing function
- Anti-skid tires
- Deck wash port
- Good value for the money
Cons
- Not suitable for lawns larger than 2 acres
Why Buy: The Craftsmen T225 comes with a reverse mowing function, while the anti-skid tires came in handy when riding over short or wet grass. Overall, the Craftsmen is a compact riding mower with great features and won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
4. Ariens 991151 Apex Zero-Turn Mower
The Ariens APEX 60 zero-turn riding mower comes packed with commercial features, including a 5-1/2 inch fabricated deck design made from 10-gauge steel and fully formed tubular steel frame to tackle difficult mowing conditions. Powered by a 24 HP V-Twin 726b CC Kawasaki engine, the Ariens 991151 features cast-iron cylinder liners, automatic compression release, and an internally vented carburetor, for long life and better fuel management.
The Ariens APEX 60-in zero-turn riding mower uses a constant belt tension system (CBT) that lessens wear and heat during operations and providing enhanced belt life with minimal adjustments. The device is equipped with industry-leading 22 x 10 inch rear tires that deliver improved traction and an overall smoother ride. This Ariens APEX zero-turn travels up to 8 mph forward and four mph in reverse for efficient mowing.
The Ariens 991151 comes with 60 inches triple-blade cutting deck that mows more grass in fewer passes and less cutting time. The device features an intuitive foot-operated deck lift system that provides effortless adjustments between 15 cutting positions in 1/4-in increments with a simple vertical pin selection and generates 18,000 feet per minute blade tip speed. Furthermore, self-adjusting belt tension technology keeps deck belt tension constant, maximizing belt life reduces wear and tear and delivers a consistent, quality cut with minimal adjustments.
The zero-turn mower is equipped with Hydro-gear ZT-3100 commercial-grade Transaxles designed for increased torque and load capacity with less vibration and smooth control. The device also features maintenance-free aluminum spindles that reduce bearing temperature for cooler operation. The Apex zero turn mower is backed by a 3-year limited consumer or 1-year limited commercial warranty by the manufacturer.
Pros
- High-performance pressurized lubrication
- Hydro-Gear ZT3100 transmission
- XL aluminum spindles with steel housing shafts
- Commercial Grade Welded Tubular Steel Frame
- Category Leading Large Tires
- Produces less vibration for more comfortable operation
Cons
- The zero-turn mower is too big to fit on the lift gate for delivery.
Why Buy: The Ariens 991151 Apex Zero-Turn Mower is a powerhouse of performance with its industry-leading features that can tackle any kind of grass effortlessly be it in a residential backyard or for professional landscaping.
Bonus – Riding Mower Maintenance and Repair Considerations
Riding mowers are complex machines and need regular engine service and the occasional repair to other moving parts such as deck lowering mechanisms. It can be challenging to bring a riding mower to a repair shop, so you may need to find a pro who can pick up and return the mower after repairs are completed.
Lawn Mower Safety Tips
As per the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 60,000 injuries are treated by hospitals annually due to the hazardous working of power lawnmowers. Taking some safety precautions will go a long way in ensuring that you have a risk-free operation every time:
- Wear protective eyewear and gear while operating the machine
- Try to mow the lawn or yard in daylight.
- Ensure that the grass is dry before mowing
- Check the mowing area for objects that could pose a hazard while mowing
- Keep your children and pets out of the mowing area.
- Look three to four feet directly ahead of you while mowing
- Always keep all four mower wheels on the ground.
- Never tilt the mower
- Take special care when mowing hills and inclines
- Always turn off the mower when crossing a sidewalk or driveway
- Never leave the mower unattended
- Never adjust mower height, clean grass chute, or remove the grass catcher with the engine running
- Never de-activate safety devices
- Never try to lift or repair the mower with the motor running
- The machine mufflers can reach temperatures up to 1200F, so stay clear of the hot machine
- Read the operator’s manual thoroughly before operating on the riding mower
- Children should not be allowed to use a riding mower
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