Best Commercial Zero-Turn Lawn Mower — Hustler Raptor
Of the 18 commercial zero-turn lawn mowers we tested, the one that stands out the most is the Hustler Turn Equipment 52-inch Raptor.
Here are its key specifications in a glance—
- 21.5 HP Kawasaki Engine
- 52-inch Deck
- Dual Hydrostatic
- SmoothTrak
The Raptor is packing a hefty 21.5-HP Kawasi engine with dual hydrostatic drive. Top it off, the engine’s HydroGear transmission system can reach a max speed of 6.5 MPH for mowing large lawns quicker.
This particular Raptor dons a 52-inch mowing deck to clear large fields of grass and leaves in fewer passes. The comfortable seating arrangement and suspension absorbs most of the vibrations caused by uneven terrain.
Hustler installed their legendary SmoothTrak turning system into this machine. The super-sensitive levers turn the machine effortless for mowing in and out of tight areas.
Watch this video to learn about the Huster’s Raptor lineup.
Pros
- Incredibly smooth turning
- Powerful engine
- Excellent maneuverability
- Decent fuel economy
Cons
- Holes in foot deck don’t block all dirt and clippings
Overall, the 52-inch Raptor is an excellent zero-turn lawn mower. It’s packing all of the heavy-duty features you’d want in a commercial-line mower to make long jobs go by in a snap.
The biggest issue most people have with riding lawn mowers is navigating the machine in sharp turns and into tight spaces.
A zero-turn lawn mower solves this problem due to the positioning of the mowing deck.
After personally putting over a dozen different models through the ropes by mowing over three acres of fields, both flat and hilly, to create this guide on the best commercial zero-turn lawn mower.
Top Zero-Turn Commercial Lawn Mower Compared
| Product name | Engine | Deck Size | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hustler Turf Equipment 52" Raptor |
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 | Swisher ZT2760B |
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 | Simplicity 2691318 |
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| Husqvarna Z242F42 Kawasaki |
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 | Ariens 915223 |
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| CRAFTSMAN Z560 |
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| Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit Riding Lawn Mower |
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| Troy-Bilt Mustang 54 |
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 | Husqvarna MZ61 Briggs & Stratton |
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 | Husqvarna Z254 Kohler |
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Reviews of the Top Commercial Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
We didn’t test over a dozen commercial zero-turn lawn mower models just to tell you about the Hustler 52-inch Raptor. Check out our reviews of other top-performing zero-turn mowers below.
Best Premium - Swisher ZT2760B
Key Specifications –
- 23-HP Kawasaki Engine
- 52-inch Deck
- Hydrostatic Transmission
- Plush Seat and Armrests
The Swisher ZT2760B is an absolutely magnificent zero-turn machine. It comes with a heavy-duty 27-HP engine by Briggs & Stratton that drives all 600 pounds of steel at speeds of up to 6 MPH.
The 60-inch deck comes with three mowing blades that chop tall grass and weeds into super-fine, nutrient-rich feed.
It’d be nice if you could mount a mulching kit onto the ZT2760B, but for mowing-only jobs, this lawn mower surpasses all expectations.
Its tremendous 8-gallon fuel tank allows you to clear several acres of grass on a single tank with plenty of gas to spare.
Pros
- Briggs & Stratton engine excellence
- Triple-blade deck for improved mowing efficiency
- Easy to store
- Comfortable cockpit
Cons
- Could perform better on sloped surfaces
If you’re willing to splurge on a zero-turn lawn mower, we wholeheartedly recommend picking up the Swisher ZT2760B. This is the top-boss of commercial-line mowers for flat gardens over five acres in size.
Best Budget Simplicity 2691318
Best Budget
Key Specifications
- 23-HP Kawasaki Engine
- 42-inch Deck
- Dual Hydrostatic
- 13-Position Mowing Height
As our budget-friendly pick, the Simplicity 2691318 doesn’t pack a lot of jaw-dropping features. It sports a decent Kawasaki engine that sizable 42-inch deck. It also leaves beautiful mowing lines if your clients are into that.
The 2691318 has dual hydrostatic transmission that makes moving up and down gears smoother than ever, as well as a multitude of mowing heights. For the detail-oriented user, this is a nice zero-turn lawing mower to start with.
This lawn mower pretty much covers the basics—no frills or fancy add-ons with this bad boy.
Pros
- Comfortable ride
- Produces nice lines
- Nice starter mower for beginners
- Simple and easy to use
Cons
- Fuel tank could be bigger
The manufacturer’s name speaks volumes about what the 2691318 can and cannot do. It’s a nice starter mower at an affordable price, but commercial users may want to find something a bit beefier.
Ariens 915223 IKON X
Key Specifications
- 23-HP Kawasaki Engine
- 52-inch Deck
- Hydrostatic Transmission
- Plush Seat and Armrests
The 915223 IKON X is a fantastic commercial-line zero-turn lawn mower.
It’s rocking a 23-HP Kawasaki engine moves the mower up to speeds of about 6.8 MPH, while the 4-point suspension system allows easy height adjustments on the fly.
The 915223 is one of the most comfortable mowers we’ve tried. The plush seat and armrests offer maximum comfort by supporting your lumbar during long mowing journeys.
One neat feature is the built-in fuel gauge that, at best, gives a pretty accurate reading of what’s left in the tank. It’s not 100% reliable, but it’s better than nothing.
This video will show you what the IKON X series is all about.
Pros
- Built to last
- High-speed mobility
- High torque for better mowing performance
- Offset deck for mowing curves
Cons
- May not maintain balance on steep slopes
If you’re looking for an ultra-comfortable for cutting acres upon acres of grass, the 915223 is the commercial-line lawn mower for you.
CRAFTSMAN Z560
Key Specifications
- 24-HP Briggs & Stratton Engine
- 54-inch Deck
- Dual Hydrostatic
- Reverse Mowing
The Z560 is a decent zero-turn machine for commercial mowing. It’s not as powerful as many of the other mowers on our list, but it certainly does the job.
We’d recommend picking up the mulching kit, even if you’re discharging, since it produces a cleaner cut. Mounting the mulching kit can be a bit tricky, though.
The Z560’s engine moves the entire mower at speeds of up to 6 MPH. It maneuvers incredibly well around curves and tree trunks, and a built-in washing port makes underside cleaning a lot easier.
Pros
- Excellent mowing performance and maneuverability
- Backward and forward mowing
- 6-MPH max speed
- Decent for sloped surfaces
Cons
- Mulch kit (sold separately) produces cleaner cuts
The Z560 is an excellent zero-turn lawn mower at a reasonable price. It will handle any mowing project you have with ease.
Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit Riding Lawn Mower
Key Specifications
- 452-cc Troy-Bilt Engine
- 34-inch Deck
- Hydrostatic Transmission
- Integrated Parking Brake
Troy-Bilt doesn’t reveal a lot about it’s the Mustang Fit’s engine except that it’s a 452-cc Troy certified unit. What we’re sure of is that it works incredibly well on flat gardens while also moving the entire lawn mower up to 7 MPH.
The Mustang Fit’s deck is the narrowest on our list, so it may not be the most efficient model for large yards. However, it excels at mowing around tree trunks and curb edges.
Let Troy-Bilt tell you all about their Mustang Series in this video.
Pros
- Super-fast speeds
- Great for smaller yards
- Comfortable seating and handling
- Durable construction
Cons
- May prove inefficient for 1-plus-acre fields
Though simplistic in design and features, the Mustang Fit is nothing to mess with. It performs exceptionally, though it servers more as a starter mower than a reliable one for more demanding jobs.
Troy-Bilt Mustang 54
Key Specifications
- 25-HP Briggs & Stratton Engine
- 54-inch Deck
- Dual Hydrostatic
- Tri-Blade System
Thanks to the hefty 25-HP Briggs & Stratton engine and three mower blades underneath the deck, the Mustang 54 is a highly efficient mower that chops through tall grass in a single sweep.
The Mustang 54 sports a 54-inch deck that’s designed to tackle yards of up for five acres. Though it’s a decently large machine, the 2.7-gallon fuel tank is pretty small. Mowing for hours on end may call for multiple tank refills.
The large wheels and adjustable mowing height make the Mustang 54 capable of mowing up slight inclines. If your clients’ yards are littered with mounds, this Troy-Bilt machine is an excellent mower to have.
Pros
- Bigger and badder Mustang model
- More blades mean more efficient mowing
- Easy to maneuver
- Decent work on slopes
Cons
- Fuel tank could be bigger
If you’re fond of Troy Bilt’s Mustang series but are looking for a larger model, the Mustang 54 is for you.
Husqvarna MZ61
Key Specifications
- 27-HP Briggs & Stratton Engine
- 61-inch Deck
- Hydrostatic Transmission
- 3-Year Husqvarna Warranty
The MZ61 by Husqvarna is a fantastic zero-turn mower for flat surfaces. The 27-HP Briggs & Stratton Engine allows the tri-blade system to chop through tall grass and weeds with no challenge at all.
As the zero-turn lawn mower with the widest deck, you can sweep through tremendously large fields in fewer passes.
Starting up MZ61 is an effortless task; turning the key to the right immediately starts the engine regardless of the climate. Make sure to service the engine now and again.
Husqvarna offers a 3-year warranty to homeowners and a 1-year warranty to commercial users. Whatever you use the MZ61 for, you can rest easy knowing your lawn mower is protected.
Learn all about the Husqvarna Z series in this video.
Pros
- Reliable ignition
- Ultra-wide mowing deck
- Minimal vibration
- Worry-free warranty
Cons
- Could work better on wet grass
If you’re dealing with more than 3 acres of grassy fields, the MZ61 is the most efficient zero-turn lawn mower you could have.
Husqvarna Z254
Key Specifications
- 26-HP Kohler Engine
- 54-inch Deck
- Hydrostatic Transmission
- Auto-Parking System
Where the MZ61 falls short, the Husqvarna Z254 excels. We’re talking about how well the Z254 excels at mowing through thick patches of moist grass.
The 26-HP Kohler engine delivers a reliably consistent cut on flat surfaces, while the wheels the deck prevent flawless mobility around slopes.
Husqvarna provides a range of attachments for the Z254 when you need to step up your game. This includes a triple bagger, mulching kit, and rear-hitch kit.
The shining feature in the Z254 is the unique brake system that engaged through the steering lever. This adds both safety and convenience to the Z254 when stepping off.
Pros
- Reliable mowing performance
- Unique brake system
- User-friendly for amateur and experienced landscapers
- Wide range of accessories available
Cons
- Attachment kits may not be readily available
The Z254 is a beautiful machine that’s great for flat gardens. Its added brake system also makes it a safer option for new users.
Best Commercial Zero-Turn Lawn Mower for Rough Terrain
If you need a zero-turn lawn mower for flat surfaces as well as rough terrain, the Husqvarna Z242F42 is for you.
Take a quick look at the Z242F42’s key specifications below—
- 18-HP Kawasaki Engine
- 42-inch Deck
- Hydrostatic Transmission
- ClearCut Deck
Sporting a relatively small 18-HP Kawasaki engine, the Z242F42 may appear to lack the power needed for commercial mowing, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Thanks to the ClearCut deck, the 42-inch blades deliver a deeper cut through tall grass, wet or dry, leaving a trail of fine clippings in its wake.
When moving from flat surfaces to rough terrain, the 18-inch rear wheels and suspension system keep bumps at a bare minimum, while the ergonomically designed seat and armrests will prevent the user from excessive up-and-down rocking.
Pros
- Comfortable seating arrangement
- Reliable mowing on flat and rough surfaces
- Easy to control
- ClearCut deck provides a deeper cut
Cons
- May be hard to stow away
For the most comfortable ride on rough terrain, the Z242F42 is your safest option. Not only is it easy on the lumbar, but it’s harsh on tall grass and weeds.
FAQs
Let’s take some time off to go over the most FAQs.
The lifespan of a zero-turn lawn mower varies from model to model. On average, you should get about 500 hours of use from your lawn mower, or roughly 3 seasons’ worth of use before it experiences major wear and tear.
Most zero-turn lawn mowers do not come with a bagger attachment, so you have to consider purchasing it separately. Whether you absolutely need a bagger kit or not depends on your clients’ wishes—if they want a cleaner looking yard, then you should get a bagger kit for your lawn mower. Plus, you can make your own compost with the collected clippings!
Both zero-turns and tractors are types of riding lawn mowers that are designed to relieve operators of back-breaking work. Zero-turn mowers are generally costlier than tractor types, but they are also a lot easier to control. If you’re interested in a budget-friendly tractor mower, you should check out our list of the best riding lawn mower under $2,000.
One incorrect assumption about riding lawn mowers is that they’re made specifically for professional landscapers. As you can see on our list, we’ve provided several options with different deck sizes that can be used for residential mowing, commercial mowing, or both.
Summary
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the end of our guide.
After testing over a dozen different zero-turn lawn mowers and mowing more than three acres of fields, we’re confident that you’ll find the most suitable commercial zero-turn lawn mower that fulfills your every need.
If got a question, let us know by leaving a comment down below.
Last update on 2024-12-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API