7 Top Commercial Lawn Mower Brands Ranked For 2024

Whether you’re tending to corporate parks in downtown Chicago or manicuring golf courses in Kohler, your choice of mower can make all the difference.

But with so many options out there, how do you separate the grass from the weeds? 

We understand the unique challenges faced by lawn care professionals in the Midwest, from humid summers and diverse terrain to tough native grass.

So we’re here to help you make an informed decision by highlighting the top 7 commercial lawn mower brands of 2024. 

The 7 Best Commercial Lawn Mower Brands

Now before we dive into the details, we should underline that the brands listed below have been evaluated based on their performance in Midwest conditions. 

We’ve taken into account factors like durability in different weather and terrain conditions, ability to handle various types of grass, and overall efficiency for both large and small-scale operations. 

1. Scag 

Having been around since 1983, Scag has earned its stripes as a true heavyweight in the commercial mowers market as well as debris/turf management equipment.

The brand offers something for every landscaping pro including zero-turn, stand-on, and walk-behind mowers. Their machines are built to last, delivering consistent results day in and day out. 

What sets Scag mowers apart the most however is their resale value.

The initial investment might be higher than some of the other brands on the list, but you’re getting a machine that will serve you well for years and still fetch a good price if you decide to upgrade down the line. 

The Turf Tiger II is a good example. It’s insanely pricey (MSRPs ranging from $17,000 to $25,000), but it’s a high-value machine that can take on whatever nature throws at it. 

2. Husqvarna

Husqvarna continues to showcase why they’re a go-to for landscaping professionals with their newest lineup.

Take the MZ61 zero-turn, for instance. With its robust 24HP Kawasaki engine and generous 61-inch cutting deck, it’s a powerhouse unit that can handle large areas in no time. 

But Husqvarna isn’t just about raw power; they’ve put serious thought into operator comfort and safety too.

Many models feature ergonomic designs to reduce fatigue during those marathon mowing sessions. And with reinforced steel decks, you know these mowers can take a beating. 

Safety-conscious operators will appreciate the roll-over protection systems (ROPS) that come standard on many Husqvarna models.

It’s this attention to detail that makes this brand a smart choice for pros who demand both performance and peace of mind. 

FYI: ROPS is a roll bar or cage frame designed to form a zone of protection around the operator of an industrial vehicle. 

3. John Deere

John Deere has become synonymous with innovation and reliability in the landscaping world, and their commercial mowers show why.

The ZTrak series in particular is packed with features that make your job easier and more efficient. 

One standout feature is the electronic fuel injection system, which optimizes fuel consumption in a way that delivers power when you need it the most.

Couple that with adjustable cutting heights and you’ve got a mower that easily adapts to a variety of lawn conditions. 

The brand is also leading the charge on the sustainability front with a focus on reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency.

Add in their stellar customer support and extensive dealer network and it’s clear why John Deere is a top choice for landscaping professionals. 

4. Exmark

Exmark mowers are built to handle the demands of commercial use without a hitch.

They offer robust engines and advanced features like ergonomic controls and cutting-edge deck technology for a clean cut every time. 

There’s a lot to like about Exmark’s commercial mowers.

For example, we’re huge fans of their RED Technology, an onboard intelligence platform that allows different mower components to communicate, optimizing performance and alerting you to potential issues before they become major problems. 

But perhaps the brand’s biggest selling point is how it combines low maintenance costs and high productivity. So if you’re looking to maximize your ROI, get yourself an Exmark. 

5. Toro

When you think of lawn care, Toro likely springs to mind, and for good reason. The brand’s commercial line shines in professional settings like sports fields, golf courses, and what have you. 

Additionally, most of their models come equipped with either Kawasaki or Kohler engines—both renowned for their reliability and efficiency. 

The brand’s strongest selling point is its focus on cut quality. Their precision-cut blades deliver smooth and even cuts that will make your clients’ lawns look like they’ve been trimmed with scissors.

And you don’t have to worry about dense patches or wet grass; Toro’s robust engines will power through with ease. 

While Toro mowers often come with a steep price tag, remember that you’re investing in superior build quality and performance. This translates to less downtime and more satisfied customers. 

Note: The GrandStand (stand-on) and Z Master (zero-turn) from the popular Revolution Series are currently on sale. Be sure to check them out. 

6. Hustler

If you’re in the market for a zero-turn mower, Hustler should be on your radar. They’ve been making top-of-the-line zero-turn mowers since 1964, and it shows in their most recent lineup. 

Hustler mowers are built for efficiency, with wide-area coverage and operator comfort in mind. Their almost indestructible steel frames and rust-resistant decks ensure maximum durability.

As far as maintenance is concerned, easy access to key components makes routine service a breeze. 

On top of that, most of Hustler’s commercial mowers come with a generous 5-year/1200-hour warranty, outpacing many competitors in the industry. 

We’re particularly fond of the X-Ride. It features a 34.5HP Kawasaki engine, 60-inch deck, and mowing speed of up to 13 mph. You’re pretty much unstoppable with these specs!

7. Gravely

With over 100 years in the business, Gravely is a brand that knows a thing or two about building energy-efficient, eco-friendly mount mowers. 

The Pro-Stance EV series is a testament to the brand’s expertise.

Powered by the proprietary FusionCore battery system, these units will have you cutting grass all day long—forget about constant gas refill stops.

Intuitive steering controls make Gravely mowers a breeze to maneuver even in tight spaces.

This is especially the case with the Compact Pro series, which offers nimbler units that can take you where bigger mowers can’t, all the while maintaining full commercial strength. 

And with a wide range of deck sizes available, you can easily find a model that fits your specific needs whether you’re working on small residential lawns or large commercial properties. 

Choosing the Right Commercial Lawn Mower

Picking the best commercial lawn mower for your business isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. There’s a lot to consider, and what works for one company might be totally wrong for another. 

It’s easy to get caught up in brand wars, but honestly, most mainstream commercial mower brands do a pretty good job cutting grass.

So spare yourself the brand vs. brand headaches and focus on more important factors like:

• The types of properties you service
• Your budget (consider used commercial lawn mowers if you’re on a tight budget)
• The dealers in your area

Why Brand Wars Can Backfire

While brand choice matters, it might not matter in the way you think. 

You might have heard rave reviews about a particular brand from other business owners, but if there’s no dealer for that brand in your area, you’re simply setting yourself up for a headache. 

Think about it, if the nearest dealer is a 90-minute drive away, you’re looking at a massive time sink every time you need warranty work or repairs. We’re talking at least 4 hours wasted on a single roundtrip! 

Time is money in the landscaping business, and that’s time you could be spending on paying jobs. 

Besides, what if you don’t gel with that far-away dealer? If no one else services that brand locally, you might end up driving even further.

The takeaway? Blind brand loyalty isn’t your friend when you’re running a lawn care business where every minute counts.

You should focus on brands that have plenty of local dealers who can provide quality service at a fair price. 

Our advice would be to not narrow down your brand choices until you’ve scoped out your local dealer options. 

Bigger Isn’t Always Better

It’s tempting to think that bigger is always better when it comes to lawn mowers, but that’s not always the case. The right size for your business depends on the services you offer. 

If you’re mainly working on residential properties, you’ve got to think about access:

• Can that beefy mower squeeze through backyard gates? 
• Are the yards you service so small that a push mower might be more practical?
• Do most of your clients have side or back gate access? 

Now if you’re primarily handling commercial properties, like we do with our commercial services, your main constant might just be what fits in your trailer. In that case, you might have more freedom to go big.

But for the residential specialists out there, really think about those access issues.

You don’t want to end up in a situation where you’re constantly breaking out the push mower or trimmer because your main mower can’t get where it needs to go.

Thinking through these factors will help you make a smart choice between walk-behind, zero-turn, or stand-on mowers. You’ll also have a clear idea of what deck size and features will serve your business best. 

Elevate Your Property’s Curb Appeal With SunCo

With over 30 years of experience in mowing lawns, we understand the importance of having the right tools for the job.

That’s why we use only top-quality equipment in our lawn care services. 

Whether you’re a fellow landscaping professional looking for mower advice or a property owner looking to maintain your own grounds, we’re here to help you make the best choice for your needs. 

Reach out to SunCo today to learn about our commercial mowing services, get a quote, and ask questions.