Commercial zero-turn lawn mowers help you keep your lawn trim and neat. The best commercial zero turn mower features an operator with a clear forward view and can turn and pivot, hence radically reducing your mowing time.

We listed the top 5 commercial turn lawn mowers in the market and created a guide outlining factors to consider when buying the best zero turn lawnmowers.

The Best Zero Turn Mowers

1. Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP Kawasaki

Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
  • 24 HP Kawasaki engine provides reliable startups and high ground speeds
  • Roll-over protection system (ROPS) ensures safer operation in all conditions
  • Fabricated 11-gauge steel cutting deck offers an excellent 61 in. cut with an ergonomically designed deck...
  • Clippings can be discharged, mulched or bagged with a 9-bushel triple bag collection system (mulching kit and...
  • High-back seat with armrests, foam-padded hand grips and vibration dampeners make mowing comfortable for hours...

The Husqvarna’s MZ series of lawn mowers are designed to provide the best in performance and convenience.

The Husqvarna MZ61 is no different and considered one of the best mowers in the whole series. The zero-turn riding mower features a wide 61-inch cutting deck and is powered by a strong and reliable HP motor. The mower is designed to mow through any lawn effortlessly and is ideal for large commercial work or residential lawns.

The Husqvarna MZ61 is equipped with a 24HP Kawasaki engine that provides reliable power with easy start-up and high ground speed. It features an 11-gauge steel cutting deck that is ergonomically designed and easily adjusted from the operator’s seat via convenient and easy-to-use controls. This allows you to mow through the tough jobs quickly and easier.

The Husqvarna features a rollover protection system that ensures safety while mowing on any terrain and easy recovery if the machine were to tilt over. It also features a high-back seat designed for a comfortable ride. The seat includes armrests, foam-padded hand grips and vibration dampeners that make mowing comfortable for hours on end.

The Husqvarna MZ61 is constructed with a durable, all-steel, oversized chassis and frame, guaranteeing durability that will last through the tough jobs. The mower features extra-large wheels and a durable axis that provide it with all-terrain manoeuvrability. It also features a 9-bushel triple bag collection system that allows for clippings to be discharged, mulched and bagged. The mulching kit is sold separately.

  • Pros
  • Well built.
  • Powered by a 24HP Kawasaki engine.
  • Comes with a 61-inch, 11-gauge, steel cutting deck.
  • Has a high back seat designed for comfort.
  • Designed for all-terrain mowing and features vibration reduction technology.
  • Cons
  • The rollover protection system is tricky to install.
  • The mulching and bagging kit is sold separatelySlides on hills.

2. Poulan Pro P46ZX

Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
  • 24 HP Kawasaki engine provides reliable startups and high ground speeds
  • Roll-over protection system (ROPS) ensures safer operation in all conditions
  • Fabricated 11-gauge steel cutting deck offers an excellent 61 in. cut with an ergonomically designed deck...
  • Clippings can be discharged, mulched or bagged with a 9-bushel triple bag collection system (mulching kit and...
  • High-back seat with armrests, foam-padded hand grips and vibration dampeners make mowing comfortable for hours...

The Poulan Pro P46ZX Mower features a 46-inch cutting deck, two blades, and a dual hydro gear EZT drive mechanism. The mower is equipped with a 22 HP Briggs & Stratton V-twin pro engine for superior performance. It has a 3.5 Gallon fuel tank, and the engine is capable of propelling up to 6 miles per hour, and can comfortably mow up to 2.4 acres in an hour. 

The zero-turn mower boasts up to 6 different cutting height settings and allows users to select between 1.5 and 4 inches of cutting height. Lastly, the clutch is electric.

  • Pros
  • It's easy to set up.
  • Has a powerful engine.
  • Reduces your cutting time.
  • It has a fuel capacity of 3.5 gallons and a maximum speed of 6 miles per hour.
  • Capable of cutting up to 2.4 acres per hour.
  • Cons
  • Has weak control on slopes

3. Husqvarna Z254

Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
  • 26 HP Kohler engine provides reliable startups and a max speed of 6.5 MPH
  • A patent-pending park brake system automatically activates or deactivates as the steering levers are moved...
  • Air induction mowing technology draws air from the top and bottom of the deck, improving grass and delivering...
  • Reinforced steel stamped cutting deck is made of heavy flat-stock steel for maximum durability
  • Clippings can be discharged, mulched or bagged (mulching kit and bagger attachment sold separately)

The Husqvarna zero-turn lawn mower is powered by a 26 HP Kohler engine that provides a powerful and reliable startup reliable and a maximum speed of 6.5 miles per hour. It features a 52-inch cutting width, and the cutting deck is made of heavy flat-stock steel for maximum durability.

The 52-inch is equipped with a patent-pending park brake system that automatically activates or deactivates as the steering levers are moved outward or inward mower. The lawn mower is designed with the Air induction mowing technology that draws air from the top and bottom of the deck, improving grass and delivering a superior cut. It is the best zero turn mower for those seeking efficiency and reliability.

  • Pros
  • Cuts grass really well.
  • The 26 HP engine is powerful.
  • It's easy to adjust.
  • Easy to manoeuvre.
  • Cons
  • The left side's lug nuts are recessed lower than the right side.

4. Snapper 2691319 360z Mower

Snapper 2691319 360z Mower, Riding, Zero Turn, Red
  • The integrated rear cargo bed makes this zero turn more versatile than ever before. Plus, the rails allow for...
  • A fully-welded steel frame, thick-walled front axle, durable mower deck, and ball bearings in the caster...
  • High performance engine options mean you will have reliable Zero turn power Year after year.
  • A durable fabricated steel mower deck for non-stop mowing season after season. All fabricated decks come with...
  • The commercial-style foot-operated mower deck Lift easily lifts and adjusts the mower deck between 13...

The Snapper 2691319 Zero-Turn Riding Mower not only helps you cut the grass in your lawn but can also help you carry garden tools with its rear cargo bed with a capacity of 50-lb. The mower is equipped with a high-performance Briggs & Stratton Professional Series engine with ReadyStart. It is foot-operated and easily lifts and adjusts the mower deck between 13 height-of-cut positions from 1.5 to 4.5 inches. 

The mower features a completely welded steel frame, a thick wall-mounted front axle, convenient access to maintenance angles, and a long-lasting stainless steel mower deck designed to achieve a perfect cut. The cutting width is 5 inches making it ideal for lawns up to 2.5 acres in size with its 48-inch cutting deck.

  • Pros
  • Easy to manoeuvre.
  • Provides a rear cargo bed with a capacity of 50-lb.
  • Foot-operated mower deck that easily switches between 13 height-of-cut positions from 1.5 to 4.5 inches.
  • Well built.
  • Cons
  • Front wheels are quite hard and leave tracks on your lawn.
  • Fuel gauge doesn't work unless you have more than have half a talk of fuel

5. Ariens Apex 60

ARIENS COMPANY APEX 60 Lawn Tractor, Zero Turn Radius, 25-HP Engine 991157
  • Riding Lawn Mowers and Tractors
  • Mowers and Trimmers
  • Outdoor Equipment
  • OUTDOOR/LAWN/GARDEN

The Ariens mower features a 60-inch cutting deck and is ideal for large lawns/yards.

It has a full tubular steel frame with strong and resistant rails to support loads of the machine. The thick 10-gauge steel deck is welded together for superior strength, durability and impact resistance. The Ariens mower features a foot-operated deck lift system and simple pin selection providing easy adjustment between 15 cutting positions in 1/4” increments.

The 25-hp Kohler 7000-Series HD V-Twin motor provides sufficient power to the 22-inch air-filled tires, providing you with enough traction when climbing slopes or mowing wet grass.

The hydrostatic transmission provides the right balance of power between the two rear wheels while reducing your service intervals.

The Ariens mower features a comfortable, adjustable and plush high seat with two adjustable lever bars positioned in front of you for easy machine management. The armrests also help to reduce operator fatigue while mowing.

The Ariens foot bay provides plenty of legroom, and there’s a traction pad at the front to help you get on and off the machine without slipping.

  • Pros
  • Well built.
  • Features a thick 10-gauge steel deck.
  • The deck size 60 inches.
  • Features hydrostatic transmission.
  • The seat is adjustable and comes with armrests.
  • Cons
  • Has a few rattles and vibration.

Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Commercial Zero Turn Mowers

a) Levels of Zero Turn Mowers

Zero-turn lawn mowers come in different levels. The level of mower you select helps determine the power and features you get and how much it will cost. Deciding on which zero turn mower is right for depends on your application. There are four main levels of zero turn lawn mowers:

  • Entry-level: These zero turn lawn mowers are built for residential applications. They’re light-duty machines intended to fit into economical budgets. They are ideal for once-per-week use on smaller properties that have relatively flat grounds.
  • Mid-grade: These commercial zero turn lawn mowers are an upgrade from entry-level grass cutters. They’re built stronger but still have the economy in mind. They are ideal if you have a larger property or you do occasional commercial grounds keeping work.
  • Semi-pro: These zero-turn mowers strike a balance between high residential property performance and lighter commercial applications. The mowers are built with heavier-duty parts and more powerful drive systems. They are ideal if you have a property with slopes or you do full-time property management.
  • Commercial: These zero-turn mowers are best suited for industrial use. They are premium pieces of equipment designed for full-time professional work. Invest in a commercial-grade zero turn mower means you get superior performance.

b) Types of Controls

When shopping for zero-turn mowers, you'll come across four different types of controls. The controls on a mower are important factors in operator comfort and safety. It's important to note that not all mowers have these four control types available:

  • Lap bar: These controls are the most common zero turn mower type. You’ll recognize these by the two levers that sit at the operator’s lap level. You steer a lap bar control machine by pushing back and forth on the left and right levers.
  • Steering wheel: These controls tend to be popular with entry-level and mid-grade zero-turn mowers. Some people feel more comfortable with a more traditional steering wheel instead of lap-bars, but commercial mower owners tend to stay away from steering wheel controls.
  • Joystick: These controls are a newer innovation. The joystick control style allows you to move the controller in four different directions.
  • Stand-up: These controls tend to belong to the commercial-grade camp. Commercial property managers often prefer them as they offer a solution to seating fatigue since they allow the operator to stand up while driving. The stand-up control types are upscale machines and carry the highest zero turn mower costs of all the options.

c) Engine Horsepower

When deciding on the best zero turn mower, one of the first considerations is engine capability. It plays a significant role in mowing the lawn. The more horsepower your mower has, the better and faster it will be able to do its work. Depending on the horsepower, this can allow you to work continuously without taking a break.

If your lawn is small, then a zero-turn riding mower with low engine horsepower should suffice. However, if you have a large lawn or plan to mow commercially, then a commercial zero turn mower with an engine with high horsepower would be ideal.

Zero-turn mowers usually feature cutting decks ranging from 42 to 61 inches in length. A powerful engine allows for the blades to deliver and generate a smooth cut on your lawn. Most models have engines that deliver around 25 HP. A model with power less than 20 HP might not be as effective as it will wear out over time or end up leaving deep gouges on your lawn.

d) Cutting deck width

Though a powerful engine is important, a mower that cuts properly is equally important. The cut width of a zero turn lawn mower allows you to cover large areas conveniently if using a wife mowing path, but you also need to deal with the obstacles in your path. When looking for the best cutting width for your lawn, it's key to look for one with a cutting width large enough to take care of the big areas in your yard but small enough to reach the narrow spaces easily.

Cutting decks tend to from 42 to 61 inches in length. The cutting width of a 61-inch is approximately 50% greater than that of a 42-inch model. A 42-inch cutting deck would be ideal for lawns that are less than 3 acres in size, while a 52-inch model would suffice for lawns up to 4 to 5 acres in size.

e) Transmission

The transmission level of your mower depends on the size of your lawn. Low-level transmission zero turns are ideal for small yards. Bigger yards require lawnmowers with a powerful transmission. You're better off with a lawnmower with a powerful transmission that's expensive than a cheap one that's constantly breaking down.

f) Fuel capacity

The fuel capacity of a zero turn lawn mower is dependent on the type of lawn you have and how much time you have to invest in your lawn. If you have a big lawn and would prefer to mow it without taking many breaks, then a zero turn lawn mower with a large fuel capacity would be ideal. With a large capacity, you don't have to spend time constantly refilling the fuel.

g) Comfortable

Though this is an aspect that is not often considered, it is one worth looking into. The comfort of your lawnmower depends on how often you plan to use it. It's important to invest in a zero-turn mower with features that provide the right support. This may include the right legs, back and seat support. This will ensure that will mowing you don't strain yourself.

h) Durability

When buying zero turn mower, it's important to read reviews to get an idea of how durable your mower is. You don't want to buy a lawnmower and return it or take it for maintenance after using it. This is especially since commercial mowers can be quite costly. Reading reviews can help give you a rough idea of how durable the lawn is, but you can also check the material used to manufacture the mower's deck.