[TOP 10] Best Commercial Lawn Mowers Worth Every Penny

When it comes to homeowners, most of us tend to want lawn mowers that are simple and clean. Got a small lawn, we purchase a push-mower or a self-propelled lawn mower; unless we’re really rich, then we might get a hover mower or a robotic lawn mower. If we’ve got larger than life lawns, we’d likely buy a riding lawn mower so we don’t have to scald our feet and wear out our knees with endless walking and side-stepping. These are the simple details us normal consumers think of when purchasing lawn mowers.

But what if we aren’t looking to use our grass-cutter for just personal use? What if we need a mower for our business? After all, grass does still grow out in the public sector! What do we get for that?

What we get, ladies and gentlemen, is a nice lawn mower that can be used for commercial use.

What Are Commercial Lawn Mowers?

What do you usually think of when you hear the word “commercial”? Kids eating breakfast on TV? Salesmen advertising knife sets? Teaser trailers hyping you up for the new episode of Game of Thrones?

If you said yes to any or all of the above, then you’ve got a general idea of what a commercial lawn mower is!

These mowers are specifically built to tend to the needs of businesses. Commercial lawn mowers are usually made to be much stronger than normal consumer models. Whether it be sturdier building materials, more powerful engines, longer lasting batteries, or longer warranty deals, these babies are the by-all, end all of lawn mowers. And the best thing about it is the fact that literally anyone can own a commercial lawn mower!

What Lawn Mowers Are Considered Commercial?

All of them!

Believe it or not, any kind of lawn mower can be used for commercial purposes. Hell, even small weed-eaters can be commercial! Of course, there are some mowers that are specifically designed to be used for commercial purposes. You can often spot these out by how much stronger and dependable they’re built to be.

Commercial walk behind mowers are much like their consumer counterparts, though you’ll rarely ever find a commercial reel mower. There’s nothing wrong with reel mowers, of course. It’s simply the fact that rotary mowers are less of a hassle to operate and they can mow backwards (reels can’t, unfortunately). Commercial push-mowers can be both electric or gas-powered.

Self-propelled lawn mowers are also fantastic choices for using commercially. Thanks to their easily switchable modes, you can save so much time with your cutting jobs. If you want the control that a normal push-mower brings, you got it. If you want to relax, the self-propelled mode’s got you covered!

Riding lawn mowers, or should we say zero-turn lawn mowers, are the most popular type of commercial mower. Not only do you not have to break a sweat using them, but their engine is so powerful that you can hack away at the biggest yards around without worrying about mechanical issues. While any kind of riding lawn mower can be used commercially, most people prefer zero-turners because they can cut at angles most riders can’t. Not to mention that zero-turn lawn mowers are very fast, so you can save more time than you would with other mowers.

[TOP 10] Best Commercial Lawn Mowers

Comparison Chart

Product	​Our Rating	Type of Mower	Cutting Width	Image
Troy-Bilt 382cc	#1 ​ Editor Choice	Rear-Engine Rider	30 IN.
DEWALT DCMW220P2	#2	Push-Mower	19 IN.
Snapper P2185020E	#3	Self-Propelled Mower	21 IN.
Snapper CRP218520	#4	Self-Propelled Mower	21 IN.
Ariens 915223 IKON-X	#5	Zero-Turn Riding Mower	52 IN.
Husqvarna MZ61	#6	Zero-Turn Riding Mower	61 IN.
Husqvarna Z254	#7	Zero-Turn Riding Mower	54 IN.
Ariens Zoom 34	#8	Zero-Turn Riding Mower	34 IN.
Swisher ZTR2454BS Response	#9	Zero-Turn Riding Mower	54 IN.
Ariens 991151 Apex	#10	Zero-Turn Riding Mower	60 IN.

[TOP 10] Best Commercial Lawn Mowers

Reviews

  1    Troy-Bilt 382cc

A fan favorite commonly seen on these top ten lists of lawn mowers, the Troy-Bilt 382cc is an extremely well built machine that makes mowing grass easy for both personal use and commercial. While it’s not within the tradition of commercial zero-turn lawn mowers, rear-engine riders have perks that arguably trump the status quo. Despite zero-turners being very fast and having superior maneuverability, they aren’t that great with slope-climbing. Rear-engine riders, on the other hand, are specifically made for hill climbing, due to the boosted power coming from the back of the mower.

Aside from this perk, the Troy-Bilt 382cc works just as great (actually better) than most zero-turn lawn mowers. The unfortunate downside of most rear-engine riders, however, is that they struggle with more challenging grass. Yards that are exceptionally weedy and rough (think crabgrass) might not only clog the mower’s blades, but you might hit one too many snags while cutting your grass. In other words, you might accidentally scalp your yard if you aren’t careful.

PROS

 – Extremely affordable
 – Handles very smoothly
 – Built very well
– Strong engine
– Master of hill mowing

CONS

 – May scalp more rugged grass
  2    DEWALT DCMW220P2

The Dewalt DCMW220P2 is another lawn mower on this list that doesn’t fit into the traditional “commercial mower” type of zero-turn lawn mowers. That doesn’t mean that this push-mower isn’t supposed to be on this list, however. Thanks to this baby being a battery-powered grass-cutter, it’s much more likely pass the various environmental regulations within each of the United States (especially California, Oregon and Washington!). With this in mind, it’s no wonder this lawn mower (and other electric mowers, for that matter) are often bought for commercial uses!

Thanks to the strong battery life on the Dewalt DCMW220P2, there’s no worry about how you’ll finish your grass-cutting. It will last plenty long enough to finish the job while not being tied down by a cord. Keep in mind, however, that the blades have a particularly short cutting width. This is primarily due to it being a simple push-mower, so don’t worry.

You’re still getting a great cut at half the price of most zero-turners, making this the best commercial walk behind mower!

PROS

 – Affordable
 – Cordless
 – Three-year warranty
– Can mulch or bag very well

CONS

 – Short cutting width
  3    Snapper P2185020E

While not a fancy riding lawn mower like some of the entrants on this list, the Snapper P2185020E proudly represents the realm of self-propelled grass cutting. While push-mowers are good for those who want more control over their cutting jobs, self-propelled lawn mowers cater to the crowd who’s limited with what they can physically do to their grass. Whether those limits be the result of time management or health-wise matter not, as one simple button click/switch turn is enough to get this bad-boy started! Oh yes, these can be put to commercial use and more often than not, they are!

Another way the Snapper P2185020E tends to one-up the riding lawn mower faction of this list is by proving to be a better hill-mower than most of the riders combined. Extra grip control aside, this self-propelled lawn mower is rear-wheel drive as opposed to front-wheel drive. This means that, like the Troy-Bilt 382cc, more power is found at the back of the mower…meaning more power to climb steep hills. And with that nifty electric start, you can bet your last quarter that you will fall in love with this lawn mower!

PROS

 – Powerful engine
 – Electric start
 – Self-propelled
– Maneuvers well
-Mows hills with ease

CONS

 – Can be a little expensive
  4    Snapper CRP218520

The Snapper CRP218520, like the Snapper P2185020E, is a Grade-A self-propelled lawn mower that has impressed us enough to be featured on our illustrious top ten list of the best commercial lawn mowers. Granted, that’s not much of a shocker since both mowers come from Snapper, which is already a highly-esteemed grass-cutting brand. And while this bad-boy doesn’t have the convenience of an electric starter, it does have mulching capabilities that the Snapper P2185020E doesn’t have.

Nothing wrong with checking out your options within the same brand, right?

PROS

 – Self-propelled
 – Strong engine
 – Very good at mulching
– Quiet motor

CONS

 – A little expensive
  5    Ariens 915223 IKON-X

The Ariens 915223 IKON-X comes from a rather unknown brand and takes over as the champion of zero-turn lawn mowers on this list. When looking up customer reviews for this glorious machine, we found very few that seemed to have any complaints. For the most part, this zero-turn lawn mower has wowed customers with its stalwart engine, fast speed on big lawns, and its effortless maneuverability. Not only that, but taking care of this mower is incredibly easy and maintenance isn’t an everyday necessity. Hell, it’s not even a once a month necessity!
Wicked, right?!

PROS

 – Powerful engine
 – Excellent maneuverability
 – Fuels lasts a long time
– Maintenance is easy

CONS

 – Expensive
– Motor is pretty loud
– Ariens customer service leaves much to be desired at times
  6    Husqvarna MZ61

The Husqvarna MZ61 is a sight to beyond, for sure. From mulching to effortlessly hacking away at unwanted grass, you know you’re taking home a winner when you pick a Husqvarna mower. This beauty is a commercial zero-turn lawn mower will make quick work of your yard work. Get it? We’ll be here all week!

Please don’t throw any tomatoes at us.

PROS

 – Excellent for mulching
 – Ultra powerful engine
– Amazing zero-turn capabilities

CONS

 – Wee bit pricey
– Husqvarna customer service leaves much to be desired at times
  7    Husqvarna Z254

The Husqvarna Z254 is quite the impressive commercial zero-turn lawn mower. While most zero-turners cost an arm and leg to purchase, this baby currently sells for a reasonable price on Amazon. That’s not bad, especially if you’re looking to purchase this lawn mower for your own personal home as opposed to your location of business. Of course, if you need it for your business, then it’s got the strength to cover your grass!

The best part about the Husqvarna Z254 is the built-in cooling system. While all riding lawn mowers have (and require) a cooling fan, this bad-boy has a Husqvarna-brand fan that never stalls or gets stuck. It will continue to keep blowing and keeping your lawn mower fully cool through the rigorous cutting process. If you ask us, we can’t think of anything cooler!

Get it?

Cooler?

PROS

 – Affordable for a zero-turn lawn mower
 – Advanced cooling system
– Maneuverability is top notch
– Strong engine

CONS

 – Husqvarna customer service leaves much to be desired at times
  8    Ariens Zoom 34

The Ariens Zoom 34 is a unique case on our list of top ten best commercial lawn mowers. How so, you ask? Simple; it’s a zero-turn lawn mower that doesn’t struggle with hill-climbing. Yes, you heard that right; it’s a zero-turner that can mow slopes with no trouble at all. How cool is that?!

Alas, every mechanical enhancement typically comes with one mechanical fault. While hill-climbing is a no-brainer for the Ariens Zoom 34, this zero-turn lawn mower is pretty slow when trying to back up. While most mowers can reverse at reasonable speeds, this entrant can go 3 MPH at best. That’s not a BIG downside, but it still is fault of this commercial mower.

PROS

 – Affordable
 – Engine is very strong
– Excellent maneuverability
– Better at mowing hills than most zero-turners

CONS

 – Reverse speed is not very fast
– Ariens customer service leaves much to be desired at times
  9    Swisher ZTR2454BS Response

The Swisher ZTR2454BS Response is a commercial zero turn mower with class. It’s got an ultra strong engine for you to boast about with your neighbors, that’s for sure. 724cc goes a long way when you need to complete a big job, such as a large yard for either a big home or a multi-million dollar corporation. However, the large gas tank seems to only be there to compensate for the fact that this bad-boy is a gas-guzzler and a half.

Gasoline aside, however, this mower is quite extraordinary.

PROS

 – Excellent maneuverability
 – Powerful engine
– Gas tank is pretty large

CONS

 – Expensive
– Goes through gasoline quickly
  10    Ariens 991151 Apex

The Ariens 991151 Apex is another lovely addition to our list of the top ten best commercial lawn mowers, courtesy of Ariens. Unlike some of the mowers on this list, this baby is a zero-turn lawn mower that can cut grass for a long time before needing to be gassed up again. Best of all is the fact that this mower can sometimes go many months before needing a maintenance check. Hell, you might even be able to go an entire year before having to worry about getting an oil change and tune-up!

PROS

 – Excellent maneuverability
 – Powerful engine
– Fuels lasts a long time
– Maintenance is easy

CONS

 – Expensive
– Ariens customer service leaves much to be desired at times

Concluding Thoughts

In a realm of grass-cutting machines which is often dominated by zero-turn lawn mowers, our top four slots on this list of top ten best commercial lawn mowers is ruled by four outsiders. The Troy-Bilt 382cc is a rear-engine rider that is considered an overwhelming favorite amongst homeowners and business owners due to its affordability and dependability. The Dewalt DCMW220P2 is a cordless electric push-mower that may come across as an underdog on some lists, but ultimately comes out on top due to its lack of health and safety hazards (eco-friendly energy is king, everyone!). Our two self-propelled entrants from Snapper, the P2185020E and the CRP218520, complement each other on their efficiency in hill mowing and mulching.

Regarding commercial zero-turn lawn mowers, the Ariens 915223 IKON-X reigns supreme with its overwhelming power and graceful maneuvering. While Ariens’ customer service has received flack in the past, don’t let that stop you from making the investment of a lifetime. This mower can still save your life (and lawn’s aesthetic/health).

Why not a chance today, folks?