The Best Commercial Zero-Turn Mowers of 2022

Exmark Lazer Z is one of the most commonly seen zero-turn mowers on all kinds of commercial landscape jobs. With a top speed of 11.5 mph and deck sizes of 60, 72, or 96 inches, the X-Series covers lots of acreage quickly. The mower is competently powered by a 25.5 hp, 852 cc Kawasaki V-twin engine, fueled by a 12-gallon gas tank to keep it running all day long.

Some of the features that set the Lazer Z X-Series apart include no-maintenance sealed spindles that never need to be greased; adjustable, hydraulically dampened levers for smooth operation; and a deluxe vibration-controlling seat with three-way motion isolation for superior comfort. Large 24-by-12 drive tires help cushion the ride and give excellent traction on sloped terrain. A foldable ROPS protects the operator on steep ground.

Those shopping for zero-turn mowers should be prepared for sticker shock, as this true commercial mower sells for about the same price as a good used automobile. But for a reliable all-day, everyday mower, this is one of the best.

Product Specs 

• Engine: 852 cc, 25.5 hp Kawaski gas
• Deck: 10-gauge steel top; 7-gauge steel skirt; 60-, 72-, or 96-inch deck
• Weight: 1,302 pounds (with 60-inch deck)

Pros

• Highly functional and efficient
• Smooth and comfortable ride
• Extensive selection of sizes and engines
• Easy maintenance

Cons

• Not the fastest commercial zero-turn mower on the market
• Premium price point

Get the Exmark commercial zero-turn mower at your local Exmark dealer. 

Although it is technically a residential-grade mower, the Bad Boy ZT Elite zero-turn mower has the power and heavy-duty construction to tackle commercial projects, and it comes at a budget-friendly price. This mower features a stout 7-gauge steel deck, commercial-grade hydraulics, and a 26 hp, 747 cc Kohler engine, but it weighs in at just 841 pounds. It’s easy to use, easy to haul, and includes comfort features like an adjustable 18-inch high-back seat and a patented independent front suspension system.

A few residential-level features remain, like the smaller 6.5-gallon fuel tank (good for several hours of mowing per fill-up, but maybe not all day) and the moderately sized 22-inch tires, which may not get as much grip as truly commercial-grade equipment. But for those just getting a landscaping business off the ground—or folks with an extra-large property to maintain—the Bad Boy ZT Elite has what it takes to do the job while saving you money.

Product Specs 

• Engine: 747 cc, 26 hp Kohler gas
• Deck: 7-gauge steel 60-inch deck
• Weight: 841 pounds

Pros

• Heavy-duty 7-gauge steel deck
• Upgraded hydraulics
• Suitable for flat or rolling terrain
• Commercial-grade components at a residential mower price

Cons

• Not as fast as other commercial mowers
• Fewer comfort features

Get the Bad Boy commercial zero-turn mower at Tractor Supply Co., Rural King, or your local Bad Boy dealer.

Scag has been a leader in the commercial zero-turn mower industry for decades, and the Turf Tiger II builds on that legacy. This heavy-duty machine is available in an assortment of configurations with deck sizes ranging from 52 to 72 inches and a choice of commercial engines in 25 hp propane; 31, 37, or 40 hp gasoline; or a 25 hp diesel engine. It boasts a top speed of 12 mph and a 12-gallon fuel tank to minimize refueling stops. Easy maintenance features, like toolless belt covers and conveniently placed air and oil filters, eliminate unnecessary downtime.

In varied or hilly terrain, the Turf Tiger II excels because of its heavyweight construction, excellent power, and lower center of gravity. On sloping ground, the standard ROPS and seat belt help keep the operator safe. The drive system is made up of 16 cc Hydro-Gear pumps and Parker wheel motors for smooth, powerful performance. The suspension seat may be a weak point, since comfort ratings are not as high as for others in our lineup. Also, while the Velocity Plus deck excels at pulling grass blades upright for a crisp cut, it’s somewhat more likely than competitors to cause scalping in larger configurations and uneven terrain. For pro-grade speed, power, and overall performance, particularly in hilly terrain, Turf Tiger II would make an excellent choice.

Product Specs

• Engine: 25 hp Kohler propane; 31 hp Kawasaki gas; 31, 37, or 40 hp Briggs Vanguard gas; or 25 hp Kubota diesel
• Deck: 7-gauge steel 52-, 61-, or 72-inch deck
• Weight: 1,418 to 1,739 pounds, depending on the configuration

Pros

• Smooth, easy operation from heavy-duty hydraulics
• Heavy machine that’s well built for hilly terrain
• Velocity deck leaves an excellent finish
• Easy-access maintenance features

Cons

• Premium price
• Scalps easier than the competition in some configurations/terrain

Get the Scag commercial zero-turn mower at your local Scag dealer.

When there’s lots of ground to cover, going fast is as important as going big. Fortunately, the Hustler Super Z does both. The Super Z platform is available in four deck sizes, up to 72 inches, and four powerful gasoline engine options up to 38.5 hp. With a top mowing speed of 14 mph, it is capable of cutting 6 to 7 acres of grass per hour on mostly flat, open ground. The 11.7-gallon gas tank keeps it working all day long.

The Super Z gets its speed from engine power driving its heavy-duty 21 cc PY pumps and Parker wheel motors. The suspension seat and 24-inch drive wheels provide a well-cushioned ride at top speed. Any concern about the deck’s ability to lay down a quality finish at that pace is unfounded. The 5.5-inch-deep decks, in either side or rear discharge configuration, create an excellent vacuum to pull grass upright for a clean cut. This is the mower to choose for wide-open spaces and linear mowing, such as on-road medians or utility right-of-ways.

Product Specs 

• Engine: 27, 35, or 38.5 hp Kawaski gas; or 36 hp Vanguard gas
• Deck: 7-gauge fabricated steel 54-, 60-, 66-, or 72-inch deck
• Weight: 1,420 to 1,566 pounds (rear discharge)

Pros

• Top speed up to 14 mph
• 21 cc PY pumps and Parker wheel motors
• 5.5-inch deck depth stands grass up for a clean cut
• Mows up to 7 acres per hour

Cons

• Hills, turns, and obstacles reduce mowing speed
• Premium price

Get the Hustler commercial zero-turn mower at your local Hustler dealer.

The Kubota Z700 Series of commercial zero-turn mowers are built tough for difficult mowing conditions. They come with a 48-, 54-, or 60-inch deck, and are powered by 22.5 to 29.5 Kohler or Kawasaki FX air-cooled gas engines. They may not be the fastest zero-turn mowers, with top speeds of about 11.2 mph, but they’ve got plenty of deck power and a low center of gravity to power through tough grass and rough terrain. And the 21.2-inch high-back seat receives top marks for comfort, with adjustable seat suspension providing 3 inches of vertical travel and 6 inches of front-to-back travel.

The Z700 Series offers several key features that lend durability for tough mowing conditions. The mower frames are manufactured of heavy-duty 2- by 3-inch tubular steel (compared to the industry standard 1.5- by 3-inch steel) for greater strength and rigidity. The fabricated 8-gauge steel decks are 6 inches deep, creating an outstanding vacuum for an impeccably clean cut. Plus, the Parker transmissions integrate the hydro pumps and wheel motors into single units with individual oil supplies. And the low-profile 24-inch tires, mounted on 14-inch rims, provide improved traction while decreasing ground pressure. Where power and precision trump speed, the Kubota Z700 series may be the best bet.

Product Specs

• Engine: 22.5, 23.5, or 25 hp Kohler gas; or 23.5, 25.5, or 29.5 hp Kawaski gas
• Deck: 8-gauge steel-fabricated 48-, 54-, or 60-inch deck
• Weight: 1,168 to 1,285 pounds

Pros

• 2- by 3-inch tubular steel frame
• Dual Parker transmissions with individual oil supplies
• Fabricated 8-gauge steel 6-inch-deep decks
• Outstanding comfort ratings

Cons

• Not as fast as some of the others on our list

Get the Kubota commercial zero-turn mower at your local Kubota dealer.

The basic mower configurations in John Deere’s ZTrak Pro 900 Series lineup offer solidly competitive performance. The series includes powerful 25, 27, and 35 hp gasoline engines as well as a 24.7 hp and a 37.4 hp diesel option. The standard 7-gauge stamped steel decks come in 48-, 54-, 60-, and 72-inch sizes. Operating at speeds of up to 12 mph, these mowers keep pace with the competition and produce an excellent quality finish. The standard fuel tank holds 11.5 gallons.

Like the rest of the industry, John Deere offers shade canopies, baggers, lighting, and several other optional features to solve unique user needs. But what really stands out is the full extent of the available options. For starters, no-maintenance, flat-free Michelin X Tweels come standard on several models and are offered as an upgrade for others, providing three times the wear life over standard air-filled tires. Also, some deck sizes can be upgraded to mulch-on-demand, while others may be upgraded to rear discharge. To top it off, recent introductions include a string trimmer rack, tool cargo tray with 20-pound capacity, and tool carrier for long-handled tools like rakes and shovels. For next-level functionality, check out the ZTrak Pro 900 Series.

Product Specs

• Engine: 23.5, 25, 25.5, 27, 31, or 35 hp gas; or 24.7 or 37.4 hp diesel
• Deck: 7-gauge stamped steel 48-, 54-, 60-, or 72-inch deck
• Weight: 1,178 to 1,841 pounds

Pros

• Tons of comfort and convenience upgrades available
• Competitive power and performance
• Competitively priced

Cons

• May be confused with the residential ZTrak lineup
• Less comfortable than competitors with the basic configuration

Get the John Deere commercial zero-turn mower at your local John Deere Dealer.

As far as overall power and performance are concerned, the Ferris ISX 3300 Series mows on par with the industry leaders. Powered by one of four Kawasaki FX or Vanguard Big Block gas engines, and equipped with either a 61- or 72-inch deck, these mowers cruise at speeds up to 12 mph. The 11-gallon fuel tank will keep them running all day.

Standout comfort features on ISX 3300 mowers include large 26-inch drive tires that cushion the ride over bumpy ground and a premium suspension seat with three-way adjustability in the headrest, lumbar, and back tilt. The icing on the cake is the ForeFront Suspension System, which is made up of four control rods and shocks that hold the front caster bearings vertically for outstanding motion control. The result is a smoother ride, a better cut, and improved long-term durability.

Product Specs

• Engine: 31 or 38.5 hp Kawasaki FX gas; or 36 or 40 hp Vanguard gas
• Deck: 61- or 72-inch deck
• Weight: 1,470 to 1,717 pounds

Pros

• Powerful Kawasaki FX and Vanguard Big Block engine options
• Premium adjustable suspension seat
• ForeFront Suspension System
• 26-inch drive tires

Cons

• Lighter 10-gauge steel deck
• 2-belt cutting system instead of single belt

Get the Ferris commercial zero-turn mower at your local Ferris dealer.

For yards riddled with bumps and ruts, the Toro Titan is the answer. This affordable mower was designed for the residential market but includes commercial-grade features throughout, including the MyRIDE Suspension System. The patented system features a suspended operator platform that floats on front and rear adjustable shocks. It lets the whole mower frame absorb the bumps and keeps the deck level with the ground so that users can comfortably mow at top speed.

The Toro Titan features a fabricated 10-gauge steel 60-inch deck and is powered by a 26 hp Kohler V-twin gas engine. It mows at speeds up to 8.5 mph, and the fuel tank holds 5 gallons of gas. This mower weighs in at just 819 pounds and is not designed for hilly terrain. It makes a great choice for landowners with up to 7 acres or small-scale commercial operators who want to save half the price compared to full-on commercial-grade equipment.

Product Specs

• Engine: 26 hp Kohler gas
• Deck: Fabricated 10-gauge steel 60-inch deck
• Weight: 819 pounds

Pros

• Outstanding comfort
• Pro-quality cut at a residential mower price
• Available at The Home Depot or Tractor Supply Co.

Cons

• Not as fast as the true commercial mowers
• Not designed for slopes greater than 15 degrees

Get the Toro commercial zero-turn mower at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply Co., or your local Toro retailer.

DeWalt’s recent introduction of commercial lawn equipment was a long time coming, but it was worth the wait. The recently released Z260 fills the gap between large residential-grade equipment and heavy-duty commercial zero-turn mowers. Unlike residential equipment, the Z260 is built for everyday use, with a rugged frame made of 1.5- by 3-inch tubular steel, 23-inch drive wheels, and a pro-grade 24 hp Kawasaki engine. It weighs in at a hefty 1,130 pounds and is designed to grip the slopes as well as the flats, mowing up to 9 mph.

This machine is sized well for large residential landscaping jobs and for repeatedly loading and hauling on a landscape trailer throughout the day. The 5.5-gallon gas tank will keep it running for about a half day per fill-up. Unlike most residential mowers, the Z260 comes with a standard ROPS and is rated for hilly terrain. It offers all the capability a landscaper would need, but it comes across as somewhat spartan in terms of comfort due to the lack of a suspension seat.

Product Specs

• Engine: 24 hp Kawasaki FS gas
• Deck: Fabricated 10-gauge steel 60-inch deck
• Weight: 1,130 pounds

Pros

• Affordable option for a budget-minded start-up
• Excellent performance for the money
• Great for most terrain and mowing conditions

Cons

• Lacks a comfortable suspension seat
• 10-gauge deck is a bit light for extended commercial use

Get the DeWalt commercial zero-turn mower at The Home Depot or Northern Tool + Equipment.