5 Best Commercial Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers [2024 Guide]

Commercial self-propelled mowers offer the perfect solution for those seeking professional-grade results without the exhaustion that comes with push mowers.

These lawn care powerhouses are designed to last a lifetime and can tackle large areas evenly in no time.

Stick around as we’re about to highlight our top picks for the best commercial self-propelled lawn mower in 2024.

We’ll also go over a number of factors that you should consider before buying a commercial lawn mower to ensure the best bang for your buck.

5 Best Commercial Self-Propelled Mowers of 2024

With key factors like performance, durability, and user-friendliness in mind, here are our top picks for the best commercial walk-behind mowers of the year:

1. Toro ProLine HDX 54 – Best Overall

Kicking off our list is the Toro HDX 54, the second-largest model from the ProLine HDX Mid-Size Gas series.

Housing a 22 HP Kawasaki FX engine, this is a mower that’s designed to withstand the rigors of daily commercial use while offering the performance and reliability you’d expect.

FYI: The Kawasaki FX series is designed solely for commercial-grade mowing, nothing else.  

Key Features:

• 54-inch cutting deck
• 22 HP engine
• 7/10-gauge steel deck construction
• Single-point height of cut adjustment
• 20-inch rear wheels
• Optional two-wheel sulky

Durability is the strongest selling point of this commercial Toro.

The 7/10-gauge steel deck, coupled with the bull-nose jumper, can weather day-to-day operations with flying colors.

It can handle hidden obstacles and accidental impacts without showing any notable signs of wear.

The 54-inch cutting deck provides ample coverage for most commercial landscapes and expansive residential lawns. That said, you can always size up or down based on your needs.

For quick and easy adjustments between properties or different areas of the same lawn, Toro has incorporated a single-point height of cut adjustment that your operators will surely appreciate.

This flexibility is especially valuable in the Midwest where you’re likely to encounter different grass types and growth rates.

The 20-inch rear tires provide excellent traction and stability, particularly on slopes or slightly damp conditions, which in turn improves maneuverability and safety on uneven terrain.

For larger properties, the sold-separately two-wheel sulky is worth considering, as it significantly reduces operator fatigue on extensive jobs, and its ability to fold away is a major plus for transportation between sites.

It’ll enable you to take on a wider range of projects without sacrificing productivity.

The one thing we don’t like about this mower is that there’s no easy way of knowing how much fuel is in the tank—no indicator on the control panel and no gauge or sight glass on the tank itself.

The only way of knowing how much fuel you have left is to either run out (you definitely don’t want that) or open the tank and take a look inside (not very convenient).

Aside from that, this is a high-performance mower that can meet the demands of professional landscaping any day of the week.

2. John Deere W52R – Best Value

You simply can’t go wrong with John Deere’s M&R series if you’re looking for a reliable self-propelled lawn mower.

Our favorite of the six available models is the W52R because it strikes an excellent balance between deck size, power, and user-friendliness.

Key Features:

• 52-inch deck size
• 19 HP engine
• Ergonomic control layout
• Self-propelled hydrostatic drive system
• Positive reverse
• 8.5 inches of ground clearance

We’ve found the 52-inch floating deck to be suitable for most commercial properties.

It provides wide coverage without sacrificing maneuverability all the while allowing for efficient mowing even in moderately tight spaces.

And paired with a 19 HP V-twin engine, the W52R can handle thick Midwest grass with ease and maintain consistent cutting quality even after periods of rapid growth.

Note: There’s a larger 61-inch model (W61R) if a 52-inch deck isn’t wide enough for you.

What we like the most about this self-propelled walk-behind mower is its focus on operator comfort.

The ergonomic control layout reduces hand fatigue during long mowing sessions.

We’ve noticed that this translates to more precise mowing and fewer operator errors, especially near the end of a long working day.

The hydrostatic drive system is another standout feature.

It provides smooth transitions and responsive handling, which we’ve found particularly useful when backing up in tight spots and working around landscape features.

Additionally, the ground speed adjustments allow you to fine-tune your speed to match the terrain and grass conditions you’re working with.

For properties with uneven terrain or numerous obstacles, the 8.5-inch ground clearance is a game-changer.

It easily handles curbs and small elevation changes without the need for additional trimming or edging work.

3. Exmark Turf Tracer X 52 – Highest Precision

The Turf Tracer X 52 from Exmark is another top-of-the-line hydrostatic mower (self-propelled) that blends power, precision, and durability.

We’ve put both the 52- and 60-inch models through their paces, and we’ve found the 52-inch variant to be more than enough for most commercial landscaping jobs.

Key Features:

• 52-inch deck size
• Kohler® EFI 21 HP engine
• Ground speeds up to 6.75 mph (2.25 mph in reverse)
• Patented Enhanced Control System (ECS)
• Full-floating UltraCut™ Series 4 deck
• Heavy-duty canister air filtration system
• Large-capacity electromagnetic PTO clutch

The full-floating UltraCut™ Series 4 is by far one of the best decks we’ve come across. It responds very well to bumps and terrain inconsistencies.

There’s also a side-charge chute with the option to bag or mulch to accommodate different preferences.

Though we usually lean towards Kawasaki and Honda engine-powered models, this unit’s Kohler EFI engine was quite the surprise.

It delivered more displacement and torque than an equivalent Kawasaki, which is impressive considering the latter is more expensive.

We’ve found the ECS control system to be a major ergonomic improvement, reducing operator fatigue during long mowing sessions.

Robust air filtration and a durable PTO clutch are also key features that contribute to the Turf Racer X’s long-term reliability.

4. Scag SWZT 61H-25CXI – Best Operation

If you mainly tackle vast, open expanses like golf course greens, the Scag SWZT 61-Inch should be at the top of your list.

Not only is it the most powerful mower on the list as far as engine power (25 HP), but it’s also super comfortable and comes with a ton of useful accessories.

Key Features:

• Briggs & Stratton CXi 25 HP electric-start engine
• 61-inch Hero Cutter Deck
• Ogura PTO clutch brake
• Hydro-drive accessories (grass catcher, mulch system, etc.)

The 61-inch Hero Cutter Deck is the star of the show. It makes light work of thick grass, uneven terrain, and the occasional hidden obstacle.

And seeing as it’s extra wide, it’ll enable you to cover large areas in no time. Keep in mind, however, that a deck this wide may be overkill for smaller residential properties.

Operator comfort is a standout feature of the SWZT lineup.

You get to enjoy ergonomic controls that contour to your hands to reduce fatigue and increase productivity.

Our favorite design element is the Ogura PTO clutch, which delivers excellent starting and stopping power for the cutter deck.

It also features an adjustable air gap that helps extend the clutch’s lifespan without costly replacement, meaning fewer interruptions and more uptime.

The unit comes with a bunch of accessories, including a fabric grass catcher, a mulch plate, and chrome wheel covers.

These add-ons allow you to tailor the mower to the specific needs of each job site, reducing the need for additional equipment.

5. Ferris FW25 – Most Versatile

For professional landscapers with a diverse client base, the Ferris FW25 can be an invaluable addition to your fleet, as it offers you the flexibility to choose between a 36- and 48-inch deck size.

This allows you to match the mower to the specific needs of each job—the 48-inch deck for larger areas and the 36-inch one for tighter spaces.

Key Features:

• Available in 36- and 48-inch deck sizes
• 18.5 HP engine
• 6 MPH top ground speed
• PTO switch for quick blade stop
• Dual-access neutral pedals
• 1/4-inch steel guards for transmission protection

This lawn mower’s 18.5 HP engine provides ample power for most commercial landscaping conditions.

It handles thick grass and slight inclines with ease and delivers a consistent cut quality.

The 6 MPH top ground speed is particularly useful for larger properties, allowing you to cover more ground quickly without sacrificing cut quality.

The feature that stood out the most in our experience is the PTO switch, which allows the operator to quickly stop the blades without shutting off the engine.

It can be a real time-saver when clearing obstacles or debris.

Not only does it improve safety, but it also reduces wear on the engine from frequent restarts.

Another strong selling point is the dual-access neutral pedals, which allow operators to easily find neutral with either foot, reducing fatigue during long mowing sessions.

This feature is particularly appreciated by less experienced users since it simplifies mower operation and reduces the learning curve.

Durability is crucial in our line work, and the FW25 doesn’t disappoint.

The 1/4-inch steel guards protecting the transmission have proven their worth time and time again, especially when navigating curbs or loading onto trailers.

The mower’s robust construction instills confidence that it can handle constant commercial use without frequent repairs.  

The 2-year limited warranty, while shorter than some competitors, should be sufficient given the mower’s reliability.

Also, we’ve found customer support to be responsive on the rare occasions we’ve needed assistance.

Quick Advice on Buying Commercial Mowers

Commercial-grade mowers cost a lot of money, so you want to make sure you’re eyeing the right machine for your needs before spending thousands of dollars.

First, think about the properties and clients you typically work with.

Do they demand constant perfection, or are they okay with a more natural look?

This will help you choose between self-propelled models designed for high-precision cutting like the Exmark Turf Tracer X and those better suited for larger, more rugged areas like the Toro ProLine or Scag SWZT.

It’s also smart to think about the future.

Maybe you’re hoping to land some new high-end contracts, or perhaps you want to experiment with more eco-friendly mowing solutions.

Choosing a versatile mower that can grow with your business or adapt to changing needs is key here.

Don’t forget to consider the experience level of the folks who’ll be operating the mower too. Intuitive controls and features like improved visibility can make a big difference.

And of course, your own satisfaction matters. Is the mower comfortable, fuel-efficient, and actually gets you excited to tackle the next job?

You’ll be spending a lot of time with this machine, after all.

Last but not least is reliable dealer support.

You want to know you can count on them for service, maintenance, and any other assistance your mower might need down the line.

Don’t Settle for a So-So Lawn; SunCo Can Do Better

Lush, green lawns don’t just grow by accident; they require the right equipment and a bit of know-how.

From the ergonomic controls of the John Deere W52R to the sheer power of the Scag SWZT, each of the above-reviewed machines brings something unique to the table.

At the end of the day, the “best” commercial-grade mower for your needs will depend on the size and demands of the properties you service, as well as your crew’s experience and your own personal preferences.

No matter how much these factors differ, however, we’re confident that one of our five picks will meet your needs.

Need help with your lawn care? Reach out to SunCo today to learn about our comprehensive lawn care solutions and for personalized lawn mower recommendations.