Landscaping as an expert or a homeowner with a large lawn can be tasking if you do not have the right tools. For instance, buying the best commercial walk-behind mowers can help significantly reduce the time you take caring for your yard and give you professional results. However, choosing between numerous options is challenging if you do not know what to look for. Hopefully, our comprehensive dive into five of the best self-propelled commercial models, along with a buying guide, will simplify your selection process.

What Is a Commercial Walk-Behind Mower?

A commercial walk-behind mower is heavy-duty lawn care equipment that is either gas or electric powered to guarantee hours of use without requiring costly repairs. In addition, the tools provide the user with unique features that ease and simplify the process while offering high-quality results. Below are our selections for the best self-propelled mowers and a helpful breakdown of how to choose the right one for you.

What is the best commercial walk-behind mowers?

5 Best Commercial Walk-Behind Mowers

1. Greenworks 25022 12 Amp 20 Inch 3-in-1 Electric Corded Lawn Mower

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Greenworks 12 Amp 20-Inch 3-in-1Electric Corded Lawn Mower, 25022
  • Durable 20-inch steel deck
  • Powerful 12 amp motor cuts through the toughest grass
  • Unlimited run-time with AC corded power
  • Durable steel 21-inch cutting deck gets the job done quicker and more efficiently
  • 3-in-1 system - mulch, rear bagging, and side discharge

The Greenworks 25022 12 Amp 20 Inch 3-in-1 Electric Corded Lawn Mower has enough power to cut tough grass with ease while still operating quietly. This model allows you to use a 100-foot cord to increase the range and help you deal with larger-sized lawns. Plus, the 20-inch steel deck helps you to finish the job much quicker.

Moreover, the 3-in-1 functions help you with mulching, rear bagging and discharging waste from the side. In addition, the electric push-start feature allows you to get started quickly without much hassle or emissions. Finally, you can adjust the height through seven positions, from 1.5 to 3.75 inches, making this model the best electric commercial walk-behind mower.

  • Pros
  • You can adjust the height through 7 positions.
  • Quiet operation.
  • It features a durable steel deck.
  • You can use a 100-foot extension cord for added range.
  • A cord-lock ensures the cable does not accidentally disconnect when pulled.
  • Cons
  • It does not cut thick grass well.
  • Suitable for small and medium yards.

2. WORK WG743 40V Power Share 4.0Ah 16" Cordless Lawn Mower

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Worx WG743 40V Power Share 4.0Ah 17" Cordless Lawn Mower (Batteries & Charger Included)
  • [TORQUE ON DEMAND] Patented Intellicut technology adds power when the grass gets thicker, then allows you to...
  • [6 CUTTING HEIGHTS] The single-lever adjustment lets you pick the right height to accommodate different...
  • [SAME BATTERY, EXPANDABLE POWER] Worx Power Share is compatible with all Worx 20v and 40v tools, outdoor power...
  • [CUTS TO THE EDGE] The cut-to-edge design gets closer than other mowers to fences and landmarks on your lawn,...
  • [BATTERY CHARGE INDICATOR] You’ll always know how much battery you have left with the on-board indicator....

The WORK WG743 40V Power Share 4.0Ah 16-Inch Cordless Push Mower is the best equipment for dealing with thicker grass as the Intellicut technology allows you to boost power to the cutter when you need it. Also, this model has a single lever adjustment feature that lets you decide how close to the ground you want to cut the grass. So if you have growths close to the fence or various landmarks around your yard, this walk-behind mower will get to those pesky nooks and crannies.

The battery level indicator in this commercial cordless mower will let you know if you need to add more juice. Additionally, the equipment will tell you when the bag is packed and requires emptying. Finally, you can collapse the handle for easy compact storage.

  • Pros
  • It is the best cordless commercial walk-behind mower since it comes with two batteries, a bushel collection bag, a dual charger and a mulch plug.
  • You can collapse the handle when storing it.
  • You can tweak between six cutting heights.
  • The cordless mowers offer quick charging times.
  • It allows you to increase power when going through thick growth in the yard.
  • Cons
  • The residential mowers are not suitable for large lawns that are more than 1/8 of an acre.
  • The smaller deck width can make work more involving.

3. Craftsman M105 140cc Gas Powered Push 21" 3-in-1 Lawn Mower With Bagger

Craftsman M105 140cc 21-Inch 3-in-1 Gas Powered Push Lawn Mower with Bagger
  • 140CC OHV GAS POWERED ENGINE: Engine comes equipped with recoil and auto choke. No more fussing with a primer...
  • 3-IN-1 CAPABILITIES: Unit has side discharge, rear discharge, and mulching capabilities.
  • 21-INCH CUTTING DECK: Efficient cutting deck helps trim grass in one quick pass for an easier yard job.
  • DUAL-LEVER ADJUSTABLE CUTTING HEIGHT: Choose from 6 different height settings to suit user’s needs.
  • DURABLE WHEELS: Zag Treaded tires measure 7 inches in the front and 8 inches in the back.

The Craftsman M105 140CC Gas Powered Push 21-Inch 3-in-1 push mower delivers reliable power that makes it excellent for commercial use. In addition, you can take advantage of the 140 cc engine that has recoil and auto choke features. Consequently, you do not need to contend with a primer or choke to get the engine started.

The 3-in-1 functions make it ideal for any landscape task. In addition, the 21-inch cutting deck makes trimming quick and straightforward. Finally, the wheels have a zag tread to increase friction while ensuring they stand the test of time.

  • Pros
  • It is easy to assemble.
  • It offers recoil and auto choke for easy engine starting.
  • It has mulching, rear and side discharge capabilities.
  • The dual lever adjusts the cutting height.
  • The 21-inch large deck makes work easier.
  • Cons
  • Compact storage requires adjusting some screws.

4. Greenworks Pro 80V 21" Push Lawn Mower

Greenworks Pro 80V 21" Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower, 4.0Ah Battery and 60 Minute Rapid Charger...
  • Up to 60 minutes run-time with fully charged 4.0Ah battery. Run-time varies based on grass condition and...
  • Highly efficient brushless motor provides more torque, quiet operation, and longer life.
  • Durable 21" cutting deck gets the job done quicker and more efficiently.
  • 3-In-1 system: mulch, rear bagging, and side discharge.
  • Single lever 7-position height adjustment for the best cut in all grass conditions.

If you want to cut thick grass in a medium yard or bigger, the Greenworks Pro 80V 21" Push Lawn Mower has the power you need. The 4.0Ah battery increases the runtime of this equipment to about 60 minutes. Consequently, you have enough time to get through your lawn care duty. Additionally, the brushless motor is efficient and provides more torque, works quietly and has a longer life span.

Quickly adjust the cutting height through seven positions and settle on the most ideal for your lawn. Also, this model works well on residential lawns, thanks to the included accessories. For example, it comes with a bag for collecting grass, a quick charger and an operating manual.

  • Pros
  • Allows for compact storage when kept vertically.
  • You can conveniently start it with the push of a button.
  • Allows for height adjustment.
  • 60 minutes of runtime.
  • Cons
  • You may need to charge it numerous times to get through large yards.

5. Sun Joe MJ403E 17" 13-Amp Electric Lawn Mower

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Sun Joe MJ403E 17-Inch 13-Amp Electric Lawn Mower/Mulcher, 7-Position Adjustment, 12-Gallon...
  • Questions, Text 563563 to chat directly with a Sun Joe expert
  • POWERFUL: 13-amp motor cuts a 17-inch wide path
  • HEIGHT CONTROL: Tailor cutting Height with 7-position Height control
  • CONVERTIBLE: Mulching + mowing function. Size of Yard - 1/4 - 1/2 Acre. No Load Speed (rpm)- 3500
  • GRASS COLLECTOR: Detachable grass collection bag for easy disposal

The powerful 13 Amp motor on the Sun Joe MJ403E 17" Lawn Mower does not offer the wide cutting range of other entries on our list, but it has the power to get the job done in a single pass. In addition, you do not need to contend with pulling a cord to get your lawn care duties started, as this quality walk-behind mower needs the push of a button to start.

Whether you are into mowing or mulching, the mulch plug and the removable bag make things easier. Additionally, you can maneuver through your yard quickly and easily, thanks to the sturdy wheels. Finally, these push mowers allow you to adjust the height to find the right level for cutting grass.

  • Pros
  • You can cut grass easily as you can operate the push mower with a single hand.
  • The lightweight model is easy to maneuver.
  • Cons
  • Thick grass can overwhelm the motor.

What Should I Consider in a Commercial Walk-Behind Mower?

a). Gas or Electric Powered?

Gas-powered lawn mowers are the most popular model for lawn care enthusiasts. This popularity is because the self-propelled models offer reliable power and will be more affordable than electric ones. Nevertheless, battery-powered walk-behind mowers are quickly gaining traction in the landscaping world thanks to more efficient motors and high-density batteries. Plus, these models operate more quietly, have fewer breakdowns and are cleaner than their gas-powered counterparts.

Unfortunately, you will need to make a selection from the premium pile if you want a commercial-grade walk-behind mower that can deliver power on par with gas models. Additionally, a battery-powered one may require expert care if it develops a problem. Since the specialized repair centers are few and far apart, it may be better to look for a gas mower instead.

Gas mowers will be a better fit if your lawn extends to more than half an acre. However, since battery technology cannot offer the same runtime as fuel, your options for an electric walk-behind mower will be limited. In addition, land greater than a quarter of an acre presents problems if you work with battery-powered commercial machines.

b). Intended Use

If you are a professional in the landscaping industry, commercial mowers can provide hours of daily use for years without the need for significant repairs. On the other hand, homeowners can benefit from a residential-grade walk-behind lawn mower. This equipment will help you trim the yard a couple of times each week for more than five years if you follow its best practices. Plus, since the engine and other tool parts excel in occasional usage, you are guaranteed to have a dependable lawn care companion.

c). Power

If you regularly mow your lawn and are not concerned about the cut quality, a gas-powered commercial mower with a 140cc engine will get the job done. However, tending to a tall and thick grass yard requires about 160cc to 180cc power to get reliable performance. Additionally, the larger engines have better operation when you need to mulch, bag or get cleaner cuts. Finally, anything beyond that may be unnecessary since more power adds marginal improvements if any.

d). Deck Size and Construction

Most commercial lawn mowers have a deck size of 21 or 22 inches. Still, you can buy ones with larger decks from 25 to 30 inches. Ideally, a bigger deck size means spending less time mowing the lawn. Nevertheless, buying a standard-sized walk-behind lawn mower is advisable for a yard that is a quarter acre or smaller since increasing the size will not yield any meaningful reduction in mowing time.

A battery-powered commercial lawn mower will have a poly plastic deck while gas ones rely on steel for theirs. Although the kind of plastic used is durable, it pales compared to a steel deck's sturdiness. Still, the construction is strong enough to last throughout the lifetime of the self-propelled lawn mower.

Moreover, poly plastic decks offer more features in enhancing airflow to produce better cutting results. Thanks to their deck construction, you can buy walk-behind lawn mowers with more efficient mulching and bagging features.

e). Can You Change the Speed or Height?

What species of grass do you intend to cut? Answering the question will help you figure out the minimum height requirement for the cutting deck. However, unless you are interested in dethatching, scalping or re-seeding, looking for an extremely low self-propelled lawn mower may not be beneficial.

Look for commercial tools that can allow you to adjust the height of the lower deck when dealing with short or tall grass. Unfortunately, gas mowers are pretty heavy and often lack a single-point height adjustment feature. On the other hand, battery-powered walk-behinds will not strain the height tweaking mechanism since they do not have a heavy engine to consider. Plus, more than one height adjustment option is essential if you want meticulous cutting.

Finally, look for a self-propelled lawn mower with simple-to-use blade speed adjustment features. Admittedly, manufacturers utilize different technologies for speed settings. Thus, it is crucial to find a model that allows you to work quickly, as it will help you save time when mowing your lawn.

f). Is it Rear, Front or All-Wheel Drive?

An all-wheel-drive lawn mower will cost more than other models because of its performance on different terrains. For example, if your property is on a hill or is expansive with bumps in some areas, you need a tool that can deliver reliable traction. An all-wheel-drive commercial mower is the best fit since each wheel generates traction to ensure the deck height remains consistent whether you are going up or down a slope.

On the other hand, front-wheel-drive mowers work best on flat yards. Plus, these models are the cheapest options on the market while being the simplest to steer. To turn, use the handle to lift the front driving wheels and place them down in the direction you want to go.

Finally, to buy a rear-wheel-drive lawn mower, you will need to dig deeper into your pocket than the front variations. Nevertheless, the rear wheels provide more traction when cutting grass on a slope. Also, since they drive from the back, they easily carry the weight of the commercial lawn mower when driving up slopes.

g). How Does the Mower Discharge?

Using grass clippings through mulching can cool the roots in a hot area, keep moisture in the soil, and add vital nutrients. Typically, the best commercial walk-behind mowers have three functions; discharging grass through a deck opening, mulch the clippings by closing off the deck and bagging the waste for quick disposal. How you decide to deal with the refuse hinges on the kind of grass that grows on your lawn, its growth rate and whether you want to use the excess.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Commercial Lawn Mowers

1. What is the best walk-behind commercial lawn mower?

The best commercial model is the Greenworks 25022 12 Amp 20 Inch 3-in-1 Electric Corded Mower. This model features a durable cutting deck made from steel to ensure it gives you service for years to come. Finally, the 3-in-1 system, coupled with the seven-position height adjustment feature, makes it stand above the rest in functionality and performance.

2. What are walk-behind mowers suitable for?

Most lawn mowers, especially commercial ones, are designed for people who run landscaping firms or require perfectly manicured lawns. Plus, the equipment provides the efficiency of riding mowers to reduce the time it takes to cut your grass. Finally, these dependable tools work best if you frequently tend to your lawn