10 Best Commercial Riding Lawn Mowers

In a Hurry? Check Our Top 3 Picks!

1. Husqvarna Z254
2. Husqvarna Zero Turn Riding Mower
3. Ariens Zero Turn Lawn Mower

A lawnmower, also known as grass-cutter or mower, is a machine with revolving blades to cut the grass evenly. It can be manually-operated, battery-powered, or with an electric motor. The smallest type is the manually-operated push mowers, which are appropriate for small gardens. On the other hand, the best commercial riding lawn mowers are more fitting for a medium to large residential lawn. 

There are also commercial riding lawn mowers, which can cut grass in large areas at high speed. This type of grass-cutter can be considered as the best commercial riding lawn mower for its added advantage. Nowadays, a lot of people are choosing the riding lawn mowers over the push mowers for convenience.

Here is the List of 10 Best Commercial Riding Lawn Mowers:

1. Husqvarna Z254
2. Husqvarna Zero Turn Riding Mower
3. Ariens Zero Turn Lawn Mower
4. Husqvarna Hydrostatic Riding Mower
5. Husqvarna Zero Turn Riding Mower
6. Snapper Riding Mower Zero Turn, Red
7. Ryobi Lawn Mower RY48110
8. Snapper 2911525BVE
9. Craftsman Gas-Powered Riding Lawn Mower
10. Troy-Bilt 46-Inch Riding Lawn Mower

Top 10 Best Commercial Riding Lawn Mowers Reviewed

Finding the best commercial riding lawn mower will depend on your needs and the size of your garden. Below are ten of the best commercial riding lawn mowers you might want to choose from:

1. Husqvarna Z254

Mowing your lawn has never been as fun as when you use the Husqvarna Z254 54 inches. With its 26 horsepower Kohler hydrostatic engine, this zero turn riding mower is high-powered and durable. It has an automatic and exclusive braking system and very reliable startups. It is made of sturdy flat-stock steel frames. With its Three and a half-gallon fuel capacity tank, it can run to a maximum speed of 6.5 miles per hour.

The high-performance blades can give you a full clear cut deck of 42 inches cutting width. The air induction mowing technology draws air from the top and bottom of the floor, thus, delivering superior grass cutting. The deck also has an extensive bagging system for grass collection efficiency.

PROS:

• High-back seat
• Steering lever can move inward or outward
• Durable with flat-stock steel frames
• Clippings can be bagged, mulched, or discharged (attachments sold separately)

CONS:

• The only issue you will have with this heavy machine (678 pounds) is the limited warranty, which is only good for three years. It could have been better if it can extend for a couple of more years since this machine is sure to last longer than that.

Why should you choose Husqvarna Z254?

This high-performance zero turn mower boasts of innovative design with a maintenance-free transmission. With its 54-inch cutting deck, it makes mowing jobs faster for large-sized yards without having a problem on tight turns. These features make this riding mower a super machine you cannot afford to pass, listing it along with the best commercial riding lawn mowers.

2. Husqvarna Zero Turn Riding Mower

The Husqvarna Z242F does not require maintenance due to its high-performance hydrostatic system. Its efficient transmission makes it work perfectly in any condition. With 18HP Kawasaki engine and three and a half-gallon fuel capacity tank, it can go as fast as 6.5 miles per hour. 

The ergonomic seat is ideal as added support for people with back problems. The mower also has an anti-slip foot area for comfort and safety. It has reliable startups and an automatic and exclusive braking system. It features a wide clear cut deck of 42 inches cutting width from its high-performance blades. This machine is durable with its tube steel frames.

PROS:

• Hydrostatic system
• Steering lever can move inward or outward
• Clippings can be bagged, mulched, or discharged (attachments sold separately) 

CONS:

• The only disadvantage you can find on this high-performing machine is that you cannot use it for steep hills. You might be able to operate it on an inclined angle of up to 10 degrees, but no more than that.

Why should you choose Husqvarna Z242F?

If you want a high-powered, high performance zero turn lawn mower, then this Z200 series of Husqvarna is perfect for you. At its price of less than $3,000, you can be sure of getting a power-packed riding mower at a valued price.

3. Ariens Zero Turn Lawn Mower

If you are looking for an efficient machine, this 19HP Kohler 6000 series V-Twin engine will work to your expectations. The 660cc displacement will give you a sturdy and durable mower engine that can give you a maximum speed of six miles per hour. 

Manufactured by Ariens, it has a 34-inch cutting deck and can mow your garden very fast. The Ariens Zoom 34 is truly the best commercial zero turn mower for the money available in the market today.

The high back seat feature is an advantage if you are going to use the riding lawn mower for long periods. It is equipped with a 34-inch cutting deck, three sharp blades, and a seven-height setting, which can be adjusted from a half-inch to four and a half inches. It is sturdily built and has durable parts, but does not weigh heavily. It weighs 425 pounds, while the average commercial riding lawn mower will weigh about 600 pounds or more.

PROS:

• Three-year warranty, including its engine
• Reasonable price 
• Fuel efficient

CONS:

• The cutting deck is quite small, thus limiting its capacity to handle clippings
• The high-back seat is not adjustable
• Limited fuel capacity (two-gallon fuel tank)
• Not advisable for uphill, downhill, and slanted grounds
• Not ideal for harsh terrains. Recommended for use on residential lawns only.

Why should you choose the Ariens Zoom 34?

The main reason to buy the zero-turn mower Ariens Zoom 34 is for its premium 19HP Kohler 6000 series and 660cc engine. For this type of engine, it is genuinely reasonably priced. Even with only a two-gallon capacity fuel tank, it will be enough to do your lawn mowing job at much lesser time. It truly is one of the best commercial riding lawn mowers for small to medium-sized residential gardens.

4. Husqvarna Hydrostatic Riding Mower

The Husqvarna YTH24V54 is a riding lawn mower that gives quality results through superb performance. With a 24 horsepower Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin engine, this mower has a secure start mechanism. Husqvarna offers mowers that are very simple to operate and maneuver with its ergonomic steering wheel. With a three-gallon fuel capacity tank, it has a maximum forward speed of 5.5MPH and 2.5MPH maximum reverse speed.

This best commercial walk behind lawn mower is designed with a step-through and high-back adjustable seat for comfort. Plus, its compact size makes it easier to keep, requiring less storage space.

PROS:

• Foot pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission (for optimum driving control)
• 54-inch triple blade
• Reinforced cutting deck (plus an air induction mowing technology)
• Four anti-scalp wheels

CONS:

• Might be a bit pricey for some
• Its 16-inch turning radius may not be helpful for cornering
• May require more force when turning due to its weight (590 pounds)

Why should you choose Husqvarna YTH24V54?

The adjustable seat and ergonomic steering wheel make this mower attractive and comfortable to maneuver. For additional benefit and versatility, you can equip it with various attachments like baggers, carts, and mulch kit. The Husqvarna YTH24V54 can be your riding mower machine for years to come. As it is, it belongs to our list of the best commercial riding lawn mowers.

5. Husqvarna Zero Turn Riding Mower

According to zero turn mowers reviews, Husqvarna MZ61 is an excellent super-powered riding mower with a high-powered 27 HP Briggs & Stratton hydrostatic transmission engine. With an exclusive start-up, high-performance, and speed, it is ideal even for commercial use. 

With a steel cutting deck material, it covers a vast cutting area of 61 inches, thus making the work much more convenient and faster. Aside from its comfortable high seat, this mower guarantees a 4-year warranty. It is longer than other riding mowers in the market that give only two to three-year warranties. 

This best commercial push lawn mower has a maximum forward speed of 8.5MPH and 4.5MPH reverse gear and a five-gallon fuel tank capacity. Plus, it has a nine-bushel triple bag collection capacity, which gives you a lot of space for grass, debris, and garden materials.

PROS:

• Vibration dampeners
• Foam padded grips
• Armrest

CONS:

• Expensive compared to other commercial riding lawn mowers
• Very heavy at 770 pounds

Why should you choose Husqvarna MZ61?

If lawn mowing is your job, this can be the best commercial riding lawn mower for you. With its high-powered engine and wide cutting width, you will surely finish your work faster. For residential gardens of small to medium sizes, this riding mower might be a little bit too expensive and too powerful for you. Thus, there’s no doubt that it is listed among the best commercial riding lawn mowers in 2020.

6. Snapper Riding Mower Zero Turn, Red

This high-performance Briggs & Stratton zero turn engine mower is sturdily built with a fully welded steel frame and thick wall front axle. As such, you can do so many gardening activities with the Snapper 360z riding mower. Aside from cutting grass, you can collect dirt, carry tools, plants, and pots. This Snapper can give efficient mowing service for small to medium-sized lawns.

PROS:

• Durable mowing deck gives an excellent grass cut
• Adjustable 13 height-of-cut deck positions from 1.5 to 4.5 inches
• Three-gallon fuel capacity tank 

CONS:

• The rear cargo bed only comes with select models
• No anti-scalp wheels
• Limited lifetime warranty on the mower deck

Why should you choose Snapper 360z?

You can choose from the 42-inch or 48-inch model, and the 23 HP or 21.5 HP swisher zero turn, depending on the lawn you need to mow. This model can be used commercially with its fully welded steel frame and deck, making it a durable and efficient mower. Its zero turn feature conveniently saves you a lot of time maneuvering on the lawn for that excellent grass cut.

7. Ryobi Lawn Mower RY48110

The Ryobi riding lawn mower, which is fully electric and battery-operated, has three brushless motors. It gives this mower superior power and exceptional performance while being environment-friendly. It needs minimal maintenance since it has no belts, no spark plugs, and no filters.  

This 48-volt riding lawnmower is powered by 75Ah batteries, which can last for up to two hours of running time. It is equivalent to two acres of a garden area. This machine, with hydrostatic transmission and rear-locking differential, is very easy to charge. You only need a 120-volt outlet, and you are ready to go up to a maximum speed of 8 miles per hour.

It has a two-blade, adjustable 12-positional Manual Deck and also features cruise control, thus giving you a convenient and efficient mowing experience.

PROS:

• LED headlights
• USB Phone Charger
• Low maintenance
• Does not make a loud noise
• Mow-in-reverse feature

CONS:

• A bit pricey 
• A little heavy at 595 pounds (due to its battery)
• Limited three-year warranty

Why should you choose the Ryobi Electric Engine?

If you are concerned with the environment, then this is the best lawn mower for you. This lawnmower manufactured by Ryobi does not emit fumes that cause air pollution. A fully-charged battery can give you about two hours of mowing time. It is definitely the best green alternative to the traditional gas commercial riding lawn mowers out in the market today.

8. Snapper 2911525BVE

With an 11.5 horsepower Briggs & Stratton Power Built 4-Cycle OHV Engine, it has a five-speed shift-on-the-go disc drive system. It gives the rider convenience while running a maximum forward speed of 4.6 MPH and 1.9 MPH maximum reverse speed.

The classic rear-engine design of this mower from Snapper offers a 3-in-1 cutting option (bag, mulch, or discharge). This machine is a lawn mowing icon, which is ideal for those who do not want to operate complicated controls. It provides easy maneuvering forward or in reverse. Its vertical stand-on-edge capacity is perfect for easy cleaning and storage.

PROS:

• Easy to use and easy-to-reach controls (no complicated clutches)
• 18-inch mower deck with 14-gauge stamped steel
• Affordable

CONS:

• Recoil start only (There is no electric start)
• Limited fuel tank capacity (1.75 gallons)
• Two-year warranty only

Why should you choose Snapper 2911525BVE Classic RER?

Even with its less than 2-gallon fuel capacity, this machine can do the work at a maximum speed of 4.6 miles per hour. This riding lawn mower is perfect for those who want to finish their mowing task fast and easy. You will surely save time cutting your grass and cleaning the machine after mowing.

9. Craftsman Gas-Powered Riding Lawn Mower

The Craftsman T225 has a powerful 19 horsepower Briggs & Stratton gas engine, which makes it ideal to use for extensive gardens. Its mid-back seat is designed for back support and comfort. With a three-gallon fuel capacity tank, it can run to a maximum speed of 5.5 miles per hour.

You can be sure that your job of mowing, trimming, clipping of grass will be quick and efficient with its 46-inch cutting deck. Its mow-in-reverse feature can keep your machine trimming while maneuvering on difficult garden spots. And, it has durable turf saver 15-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels for easy maneuvering, identical to those of the best commercial riding lawn mowers.

PROS:

• Deck wash
• Hydrostatic transmission

CONS:

• Bagger does not come with the unit (sold separately)
• Low-speed control lever
• Limited two-year warranty

Why should you choose Craftsman T225?

The powerful Briggs & Stratton gas engine with a ready start will make you want this riding mower. The hydrostatic transmission makes the Craftsman T225 mower convenient to operate. You can choose between the 46-inch hydrostatic hand or the 46-inch hydrostatic foot, whichever you are more comfortable with for transmission. Further, the deck wash feature saves you time when cleaning the machine’s underside.

10. Troy-Bilt 46-Inch Riding Lawn Mower

This reliable riding lawn mower has 19HP 540cc Briggs & Stratton Intek engine, which is a powerful and yet, comfortable operating machine. The patented Soft Touch steering wheel and mid-back seat features add comfort to this mower, which makes it ideal for prolonged use. The Troy-Bilt 540cc is the best automatic riding lawn mower for wide-sized garden areas.

It has a five-position adjustable deck for the desired grass cut at a maximum speed of 5.2 miles per hour. With its 46-inch durable deck rider, it is considered lightweight for its power at 490 pounds. It also has a mow-in-reverse capacity and a manual power take-off for efficiency, even on challenging yards.

PROS:

• Step-Thru frame for easy access (in-and-out 
• With an integrated deck wash system

CONS:

• Limited 1.36-gallon fuel tank capacity, which can sometimes be not enough when working on vast gardens

• Limited two-year warranty
• The shiftless, single-cylinder automatic transmission is a bit odd

Why should you choose Troy-Bilt 540cc?

The Tory-Bilt 540cc riding mower gives a superb lawn mowing experience, whatever the size of the garden maybe. Its automatic transmission system enables you to mow even on the most robust yards and obstacles around freely.

Buying Guides: What to Look for in the Best Commercial Riding Lawn Mower

The benefits of the best commercial riding lawn mowers made it more in demand. Many types and brands of riding mowers are now available in the market. However, there are several factors you must first consider before buying one.

Engine Horsepower and Fuel

The more horsepower (HP) a mower has, the more power it can distribute to various tasks for better performance. However, the more powerful a riding lawn mower is, the more expensive it gets. An engine with 20 HP or higher is ideal for spacious gardens. Remember that high-powered mowers have higher fuel capacity, thus require more fuel. But this feature can work for more substantial areas longer without the need to refuel. 

Blade Width

Just like the engine, the larger the blades, the better the lawn mowers are. It is more so for large and wide-open areas. However, for small gardens with hard-to-reach areas, edges with small cutting width will be more useful. Commercial riding lawn mowers can have a cutting width from 30 inches to 50 inches. Know what type of garden area you have to work with to be able to buy the perfect blade cutting width.

Comfort

If lawn mowing is your job and part of your daily routine, getting a mower riding with the right level of comfort is advisable. The machine should be easy to use and maneuver so that you can do more work comfortably faster. You may want to look for mowers with arm-rest, high-back seat, and spacious legroom. Riding mowers with larger deck size means shorter mowing time. An ideal lawn mowing deck size is 38 inches. 

Price

It may be true that the more expensive mowers are more powerful and more durable. However, you do not want to spend more than what you needed. Look for lawn mowers with the right engine capacity for your garden at the right price. Canvassing and comparing prices with various sellers and stores might help you find just the perfect machine at a lesser cost.

Quality, Durability, and Warranty

Look for commercial riding lawn mowers sold by reliable and trustworthy manufacturers. You don’t want to use a machine that is possible to breakdown while in the middle of a critical mowing job. It might also be a good idea to read the warranty for the riding lawn mower you are buying. You should check not only the warranty period but also what the warranty covers. As a general rule, the longer the warranty is, the more assured you are with the durability of the machine.

Additional Features 

Manufacturers are adding a lot of features into different commercial lawn mower models. Some of them may seem trivial for some people but may mean a lot for others. The following are some additional features, which you might be looking for in a commercial riding lawn mower:

• Cup-holder
• Tablet holder
• Phone charger
• Adjustable cutting control (You won’t need to leave the deck to change blades)
• Grass catcher

Benefits of Riding Lawn Mowers

There are significant benefits of getting a riding lawn mower over the best commercial riding lawn mowers as follows:

Ease and Comfort 

The commercial riding lawn mower is a best friend machine of people with health issues. It is a lot easier to use. Using a riding mower is just like driving a car. It has a sitting deck, which makes it convenient and comfortable, especially for mowing extensive gardens. There are also the best zero-turn mowers, commonly used by lawn-mowing businesses since they are much easier to maneuver. 

Efficiency

With the different blades available, you can cut grasses at a length you want in a short time. Commercial riding lawn mowers can also be used for thick grass or even when it is wet. These things are so much more challenging to do when using a push lawnmower. 

Multi-Tasking

The riding lawn mowers can also be used for other purposes, aside from mowing. With the right attachment, you can use it as snow plows or for covering seeds and fertilizers on your garden.

How to Start a Riding Lawn Mower?

As mentioned earlier, using the best commercial lawn mower 2020 is as easy as driving a car. So, if you have already driven a car before, starting a riding lawn mower will be a breeze. With the help of an electronic system and automatic transmission, you can start-up a riding lawn mower within seconds.  

To start using a riding mower, you need to first adjust the height of the deck most convenient to you. Most riding lawn mowers already have fender-mounting levers installed to modify it conveniently. When you already have the right level, climb into the seat of your mower, and start the engine. You can start the engine some mowers with just a push of a button or by turning a key switch. 

When the engine is on, you will have to maneuver the machine like a car with an automatic transmission. You do not need to shift gears or step on a clutch to accelerate. Just step on the gas pedal to change speed.

Related read: How to Clean a Lawn Mower Carburetor

Best Riding Lawn Mower Attachments

The advantage of a riding mower over a traditional push mower is that you can use it at any season. The amount you pay in buying the riding mower will be put into good use all year-round. All you need is the right attachment for the machine to maximize its service. Below are the possible accessories to make the most out of your commercial riding lawn mower: 

Twin Bagger

The twin bagger or grass bagger is the most popular attachment at the back of mowers. It can hold about eight cubic feet or more. It neatly keeps the grass, leaves, debris, and other dirt that are sucked by the mower in one place. 

Utility Cart

The simplest attachment you can get for your riding lawn mower is the utility cart, which can carry just about anything. For vast areas, it can save you from moving tools, soil, pots, and plants from one point to another.

Lawn Sweeper

The best alternative for a rake! The lawn sweeper is the most convenient cleaner for leaves and garden debris. By just pressing a button, you can keep your garden tidy with this helpful attachment behind your riding mower.

You may also like: How to Level a Backyard

Spreader

The best and fastest way to spread seeds and fertilizers on to your garden is by using a spreader. It can efficiently apply any chemical or plant seeds onto the soil, leaving no area untouched. 

Snow Blower

Who says that you cannot use your mower in the winter? The snowblower is usually attached in front of a riding lawn mower to quickly clear heaps of snow around your house. Some snow blowers can get rid of about 18 inches of snow from your yard.

How to Maintain Your Riding Lawn Mower?

You may have seen the best riding lawn mower commercial on TV or the internet, which made you buy one. Never assume that all you have to do is use the mower after buying it. All types of machines, including zero turn mowers need maintenance to keep them properly functioning. 

Clean It

Give your deck a good cleaning before and after mowing and use. You may use a leaf blower to blow out grass, dirt, and debris. For chunks of soil, use water and wire brush to scrub the mud. It will ensure that your mower will run smoothly without any interference from dirt and debris.

Replace Fuel

If you kept the mower for a long time with gas in it, do not forget to replace the old fuel with a fresh one. Make sure to dispose of the old gasoline according to disposal regulations in your area.

Clean or Replace Air Filter

Just like your car, you must clean the air filter of your mower regularly. You can use soap and water to do this. Make sure that the filter is thoroughly dry before putting it back into the mower. Paper filters need to be replaced every year.

Change Oil and Spark Plugs

Check and change the oil of your riding lawn mower regularly. You should check both the level and color of the mower oil. If the oil is already black and chunky, it is a sign that you need to change it immediately. Also, regularly replacing spark plugs with new ones will ensure that your mower will start smoothly and run efficiently.

If you are not sure how to do the replacement yourself, it is safe to go to the nearest hardware store. They can surely change the oil and spark plugs for you at a reasonable price.

Check Tires and Blades

Ensure that your tires are inflated using the recommended air pressure written on the mower manual. For checking the blades, you might want to call the professionals to do this for you. Well-sharpened and properly balanced blades will make your mowing a lot easier.

Understand the Machine and Follow Schedule

Understand your riding lawn mower by reading the manual. You will better understand how to operate, maintain, and deal with its various parts and functionalities. Lastly, do not delay the scheduled maintenance of your mower. Different brands have different maintenance schedules. Again, read and follow the schedule instructions on the manual.

FAQs:

There are lots of various types of commercial riding lawn mowers available in the market today. Choosing the right one may be difficult sometimes. Just keep in mind that a riding mower is an investment, which should be giving you quality service that you deserve. Remember to pick something that you need and suits your budget. With these, you are sure to have the best commercial riding lawn mowers that give you comfort and excellent style.