Best Commercial Walk Behind Mowers
There are various forms of lawn mowers in the landscaping industry, but the walk-behind form factor does it for a lot of people.
The reason for that is not far-fetched. These kinds of mowers are great for working residential spaces to the best cut accuracy and landscape management. Besides, they are also ergonomically customized to work into tight spaces and get the job done.
However, choosing a great walk behind lawn mower is very important to get the best output from it. That is why we have created this list of the top five walk behind lawn mowers to put on your list when you are going shopping for one of these.
Why a commercial walk behind mower?
Many people ask me if walk behind mowers still has a place in the commercial market. My answer is it depends. I really only see walk behind mowers behind a good investment if you have steep hills or small gates. Otherwise, I would go with a stand on mower.
Even for small gates, I’m not sure I would go with one of these commercial walk behind mowers below. It would ultimately depend on the size of the yards with small gates. If they are large yards I would probably go with a stand on. If they are small yards I would probably go with something like a Ferris FW15 or Toro TurfMaster.
It is entirely up to you and commercial walk mowers definitely have a place it just depends on many different factors. It is very rarely a one-size-fits-all approach to setting up a trailer for commercial lawn mowering.
Hydrostatic VS Gear Drive
The difference is in the drivetrain. The hydrostatic is going to have either 2 transaxles or 2 pumps and wheel motors… similar to a stand on or zero turn mower. The gear drive mowers will use belts to drive the mower.
Personally, I would only go with a hydrostatic walk behind mower. There is no way I would ever buy a gear drive… trust me I have made this mistake. Not only are they more difficult to drive and control but if it is raining you are screwed. Wet grass or rain is the worst enemy of a belt/gear drive walk behind mower.
Best Commercial Walk Behind Zero Turn Mower Comparison
| Cut Width | 52″ and 60″ | 48″ and 52″ | 36″, 48″, 54″, or 60″ | 36″, 48″, 54″, or 60″ | 36″, 48″, 52″, or 60″ |
| Engine | Kohler Command EFI | Kawasaki FX651V, FX730V, or Vanguard with oil guard | Kawasaki FS451, FS600, FS651, or FS691 | Kawasaki FS or FX | Kawasaki FX481V, FS600V, or FS691V |
| Drive System | Hydro-gear pumps and Parker wheel motors | Hydro-Gear ZT-3400 | Hydro-Gear ZT-2800 | Hydro-gear ZT-2800 | Hydro-Gear ZT-2800 |
| Speed | 6.75 mph | 7 mph | 6.3 mph | 7 mph | 8 mph |
| Fuel Capacity | 5 gallons | 5 gallons | 3.4 gallons | 5 gallons | 5.8 gallons |
| Warranty | 2-year unlimited hours | 2-year unlimited hours | 2-year unlimited hours or 5-year / 1200 hours | 2-year unlimited hours | 2-year unlimited hours or 4-year/750 hours |
The defining features of every mower in the Exmark Turf Tracer series are a combination of speed, durability, and the efficiency that they bring on board. These mowers are made in such a way that they maximize your productivity while taking care of your comfort and needs in the same vein.
Coming with options of 52- and 60-inch cutting decks, the mowers can attain ground speeds of up to 6.75mph on either of the Kohler EFI, Kawasaki, or Kohler EFI propane engine types which you can opt for.
With special optimizations to allow you to pay less on operational costs, you get to make more on your commercial lawn mower business without having to cut corners.
Simple and durable are the words that come to mind when discussing these mowers. They are built tough and without any moving parts to break. Simple is sometimes better, especially when it comes to mowers.
Check out Exmark’s website for more info and for their dealer locator!
Pros:
Ferris FW35 Walk Behind Mower
2022 Update: The FW35 has been replaced by the new FW45 mower. There are some great changes and additions to this mower that make it even better than the previous mower. Check out the full review of this mower here.
We made the Ferris FW35 walk behind mower second place simply based on popularity. This mower and the Turf Tracer are incredibly close and really just comes down to personal preference.
Fun fact, Ferris was actually the first company ever to introduce a hydrostatic walk behind back in the 1980s.
There are two main engine choices for this machine – the Kawasaki and Briggs Stratton Vanguard options. They have all been specially built to give you the maximum power and run on the best efficiency levels available for the mowers in this level, consuming lesser fuel in the process.
This mower has two control options, Centralized Controls(CC) or pistol grip. The CC controls are similar to Exmark’s controls but with one less step. The mower is so easy to use and operate.
The height adjustment is so simple on this mower. There is a crank that raises and lowers the deck… no more using pins! This is a huge time saver and just a lot easier on the operator.
Sporting a fabricated 10-gauge deck on top of the dual commercial Hydro-Gear transaxles, this mower represents one of the very best value for money on the market.
Gravely Pro Stance Stand On Review
The Gravely Pro Stance Mower has been garnering rave reviews from far and wide, and the reason for that is not far-fetched. The good thing about this unit is that it is not only easy on the eyes but the operator too. With a specially-designed engine, refined deck and better operational efficiency to boot, this Read …
Ferris ISX3300 Zero Turn Mower Review
The ISX3300 zero turn mower is the newest mower added to the Ferris lineup. It was introduced at the 2019 GIE show alongside the ISX2200 (smaller version.) This mower features the all-new suspension technology that has been named Forefront Suspension. If you follow Ferris you may remember this suspension was introduced last year on the Read …
Wright Stander ZK Stand On Review
The Wright Stander ZK is the largest stand on mower offered by Wright. It is a huge mower and comparable to the new Ferris SRS Z3 mower. It comes in a 52″, 61″, and 72″ deck size with 3 huge engine options. It allows for quick turns because of how short the machine is. This Read …
Replies to “ 5 Best Commercial Walk Behind Mowers ”
My number one as best as I can tell, and I’ve been looking at this for a while, is Bradley 48″ and 52″ hydro walk behinds. The current sale price not including shipping (which will add an average of 300 depending upon how far away one is from Bradley, IL) is 3,100 for the 48 and 3,400 for the 52; The problem with this “best 5” review is that it doesn’t consider “VALUE”, and so the list’s number one also happens to have a list price that is 3,900 more than the same-size Bradley hydro adding in shipping. The list expensive on the list above has the number 5 spot; the Hustler TrimStar, and it is still at least 6500,000 more list price than a Bradley that is more powerful, a thicker gauge still deck, albeit a fixed deck. Besides the fixed deck (which could be a non starter for some) and, debatably but not proven, inferior engine brand, and maybe, but not proven, inferior steel quality, the Bradley WB hydro 48s and 52s have industry standard wheels/tires, bearings, pulleys, belts, thicker than most deck (7 gauge side and 10 gauge top), industry-standard Hydro Gear brand ZT2800 transmission, 25 HP commercial engine, 3 yr residential and 2 yr commercial warranty, 18 inch rear and 11 inch front wheel/tires. There have been some so-called negative reviews from folks who have never seen or used Bradley products or have never dealt with the company or dealers or have never attempted to get parts or service, but those are folks making assumptions based on non participation or rumor. But as for real, first-hand experience with Bradley WBs and/or standers, I’d say the positive review rating is near 90%, and since the price is from 6500,000 to 3,900 less than competitors (at least comparing list prices) with the only negatives being a fixed deck and more traditional T-bar controls, I’d put Bradley at number 1.
Very great and informative reviews, What push mower would be a good starter for my new lawn care business? What are your thoughts on that? Thanks.
dont pay more than 150 for 1, get a mulching self propel if possible so you dont really work when using it. I found a returned to Walmart snapper self with a bs 5.5 for like 160. I also have a turf tracer 36 which I love. When my 50 inch zt dies I will buy a bradley because of the price. The 36 was to expensive but the dealer is like 1/4 Mi from my house. convenience is a big factor. Bradley dealer less than 6 Mi away though. Toro dealer is pretty close to
Great list, however, i wish you would have mentioned the scag swz hydro drive mower. yes it does have a fixed deck and some people dont like the pistol grips but there is a reason they haven’t changed the design of them much in 20 years. they tend to last longer than the business that bought them, from my experience. cut quality is great, tons of power, lasts a lifetime,the only con being that they are pricey.
Zero-Turn vs. Walk-Behind Mowers
Walk-behind mowers are standard residential mowers that you’ll see running in your neighborhood this summer. They use a small motor and hand controls to drive the mower forward while the operator walks behind. Zero-turn mowers are mowers with 360-degree steering. They’re a high-powered, perfect fit for commercial landscaping or maintaining larger residential yards.
If you’re a homeowner in the market for a new mower, the size of your lawn is the most important factor to consider. Mowing any lawn larger than.5 acres can take a lot of time and energy with a walk-behind mower, which might make zero-turn the better fit. Of course, every piece of land is different. Here are some details of each type of mower to help you make the right choice for your lawn.
Walk-Behind Mower Advantages
For most households, a standard walk-behind mower will get the job done. The right walk-behind mower will have enough power to handle any small-to-medium-sized lawn. While they may not be as fast as a zero-turn mower, walk-behind mowers have their own advantages.
Cost A walk-behind mower is a less expensive option when looking to purchase, operate, and maintain than a zero-turn. This makes them perfect for households without large lawns that don’t need the power of a zero-turn mower.
Convenience Walk-behind mowers are typically much smaller than zero-turn mowers, taking up far less room in the garage or tool shed. By collapsing the handles and removing any attachments, you can even fit your mower in the trunk of a car or store vertically in your garage. This makes bringing them in for service and storage much simpler.
Maneuverability The smaller size of walk-behind mowers gives them an edge in yards with narrow spaces and hard-to-reach spots. They’re also much lighter and can be carried or rolled to new locations with ease.
Zero-Turn Mower Advantages
Zero-turn mowers are highly maneuverable riding mowers that quickly cut through even the most overgrown lawns. They can be driven in a standing or seated position, depending on the model, turning your mow into a comfortable ride that’s much faster than it would be with a walk-behind mower.
For large lawns and commercial applications, zero-turn mowers have an edge over walk-behind mowers for many reasons.
Speed Zero-turn mowers are substantially faster than their walk-behind counterparts. With some practice, you’ll be able to mow (on average) twice as fast as you would with a walk-behind. This makes them perfect for commercial use, potentially doubling the number of lawns your business can mow in the same time period.
Control You might think that a riding mower can’t be very maneuverable – but that’s not the case. Zero-turn mowers can turn on a dime. Practiced drivers can finish entire lawns in no time without missing a single patch of grass.
Power Acre after acre, hour after hour, a zero-turn mower can quickly cut through anything in its path. powerful models can even use a hitch to pull a small trailer behind, which is great for fertilizing and other yard treatment tasks.
Honda Commercial Lawn Mower
The Honda HRC216K3HDA commercial lawn mower from Honda Power Equipment is designed from the inside out for simple starting, easy operation, and quick stopping. It features a host of advanced technologies with durable, lightweight 9″ NeXite wheels with precision-sealed ball bearings.
“This new Honda self-propelled commercial mower expands the popular Honda HRC product line from two models to three, offering more choices of premium, reliable Honda lawn mowers to the professional landscape market,” said Michael Rudolph, vice president, Honda Power Equipment Division. “With reduced weight for better maneuverability, rugged, durable construction, and lower upfront costs, the new Honda HRC216K3HDA commercial mower is a Smart choice for lawn and landscape professionals.”
The Honda HRC216K3HDA allows the user to save time by starting the engine while standing behind the mower. The flywheel brake safety system stops the engine and blades when the user lets go of the brake lever on the handle.
The fuel efficient Honda GXV160 commercial engine is the source of powerful, quiet operation with noise control for operator comfort. At the same time, the precision speed control of the engine saves time by maintaining consistent speed across all conditions. The mower’s self-propelled, hydrostatic transmission includes a heavy-duty automotive style shaft drive that eliminates the belt that can slip or wear out. It offers infinitely variable speed control from 2.1 mph to 4 mph so users can change and maintain the ground speed to match mowing conditions.
The outside of the Honda HRC216K3HDA features a rugged 21″ steel deck with front axle and bumper protection for additional structural stability and durability. Ergonomic heavy-duty steel piped reinforced handles offer strength. The dry weight of 117 pounds and operating weight of 121 pounds make the product easy to maneuver. The commercial rear bagger/mulcher measures 21″.
The Honda HRC216K3HDA is backed by the Honda one-year commercial warranty (one year for the frame, two years for the engine).
The Best Large Walk-Behind Mowers for Tackling Big Lawns
If you have too much lawn for a small push mower but not enough for a riding mower, consider one of these capable machines.
By Roy Berendsohn Published: May 5, 2020
Wide-cut mowers were once the machine of choice only for landscape contractors who valued them for speed and compactness. But more homeowners are discovering the benefit of these fast, wide-cutting mowers. For many people, these are the perfect way to mow a lawn that’s either too small for riding equipment or where the lawn has features like slopes, corners and s that make the agility and stability of a wide cut mower safer and faster.
Grass Per Pass
A typical residential walk mower uses one blade to cut a swath from 20 to 22 inches wide. A wide-cut mower on the other hand, cuts a swath from 26 to at least 30 inches wide; commercial versions of these machines have a cut width from 32 to 54 inches. Cutting more grass per pass helps you get done faster.
A residential 22-inch mower will be equipped with an engine somewhere in the range of 163-cc to 190-cc. Wide-cut mowers start at 223 cc and go up to about 337 cc. That high power-to-weight ratio helps speed you through normal cutting conditions but can be a significant advantage when the going gets tough, such as when the grass is tall and lush in early spring or when there are leaves on the grass in the fall. And it can be particularly useful when mowing the border area to keep tall weeds and non-turf grasses from encroaching on the lawn.
Also, as you move closer to the heavy-duty end of the spectrum with these machines, you find not only larger engines, but other durability-extending features, such as spin-on oil filters, commercial-duty air cleaners, and grease fittings.
Wide cut mowers are powered by gear drive or hydrostatic drive transmissions that give them a top speed in the range of 4 to 6 miles an hour. At top speed, many of them move so quickly that you’ll have to trot to keep up.
W48R Commercial Walk-Behind Mower
Air-cooled engine, right front view
Air-cooled engine, left side
Walk Behind
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Scag’s Walk-Behind Mowers
Scag is one of the most respected lawnmower manufacturers in the world and they offer an outstanding line of commercial walk-behinds. Their belt-drive walk-behind mowers are powered by Kawasaki air-cooled engines. The twin power belts are designed to maximize cutting power under all weather conditions. Design is simple and efficient, so it’s easy even for new operators to use Scag mowers. These mowers have a five-speed transmission, and the mowers can travel at speeds between 2 and 6 miles per hour. Four cutting deck sizes are available: 32-inch, 36-inch, 48-inch, and 56-inch.
Scag’s hydro-drive mowers are zero-turn walk-behinds with a heavy-gauge frame designed for durability and rugged use. Independent power is supplied to each wheel with dual hydraulic pumps and cast-iron wheel motors. This, coupled with counter-rotation turning, makes it easy to maneuver around trees and landscape beds while minimizing marks on the lawn. The fixed or floating cutting decks (depending on the model) range in size from 36-inches to 61-inches.
When you’re in the market for a new commercial walk-behind mower, come see us at our location on South Central Expressway in Richardson, Texas. We’re here from 8 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday and 8 am to 4 pm on Saturday. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and help you find the perfect mower for your professional needs.