7 Best Commercial Zero Turn Mowers (2024)

In the world of commercial landscaping, zero turn mowers have become essential for their efficiency and precision. These mowers surpass traditional tractor-style models, offering unparalleled maneuverability and speed, which can significantly boost productivity. With a variety of models to choose from, it's important to select one that aligns with your specific landscaping needs.

As you contemplate upgrading your lawn care arsenal, take a closer look at the top contenders in the zero turn mower market for 2024. Each model has distinct features and capabilities that cater to a range of professional demands, ensuring that you invest in a machine that will serve you well for years to come.

Best Commercial Zero Turn Mowers at a Glance

1. Scag Turf Tiger II
2. Ferris ISX3300
3. Exmark Laser Z X-Series
4. Toro 6000 Series
5. Hustler Super Z
6. John Deere 900R
7. Wright ZXT

Benefits of a Zero Turn Mower

There’s a good reason landscaping crews across the country have begun to rely on their zero turn mowers. These agile and popular machines offer many benefits that their conventional ride-on cousins can’t match.

One of the most important of these is their maneuverability. As their name implies, zero turn mowers don’t need to perform bulky multiple-point turns to move around. They typically possess a transaxle in each of their back wheels, allowing the operator to move each one of them independently from the other with a simple push or pull of a lever.

So while one wheel goes backward, the other can go forward, and the mower can perform a smooth spin, cutting all the grass in its radius of operation perfectly.

Not only does this allow it to get into tighter spaces than other ride-on mowers can, but it’ll also cut down mowing time in half. No more driving up and down lawns for you. Once you get the hang of driving a zero turn, you can easily glide across the grass and quickly mow around trees, sheds, houses, and garden beds. The time saved on large jobs will make a zero turn well worth it.

Quicker mowing also translates into less fuel used overall and less wear and tear on your equipment, saving you money on gas, repairs, and replacement parts in the long run. A zero turn’s higher blade speed and advanced maneuverability also mean a cleaner, more precise cut every time.

Since a zero turn can cut in a 360-degree radius, you’ll also spend less time going back and trimming leftover patches of grass and weed-wack corners and edges.

When to Use a Zero Turn Mower

Homeowners with small to medium yards can get away with using a more conventional walk-behind or ride-on mower, but anyone with a large yard that needs cutting, especially landscaping professionals with lots of jobs to do, can benefit from adding a zero turn to their toolbox.

If you have to cut more than an acre of yard space regularly, you will enjoy the convenience and time saved when using a zero turn mower.

Even if you have a smaller yard, a residential zero turn mower may still be for you. If you have many garden obstacles to mow around, such as bushes, islands, trees, and flower beds, you’ll appreciate the ease of use and convenience of a zero turn.

With conventional equipment, you’d have to go back and trim around all these areas by hand. A zero turn mower can effortlessly and accurately cut closely around these delicate areas, leaving an even and beautiful-looking yard with only half the effort.

Which Zero Turn Mower Should I Get?

With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to choose the best zero turn mower for your needs. So many variables go into making an informed decision, like deck height, blade speed, and engine power. But don’t worry.

Below we’ve put together an easy-to-read guide that will assist you in understanding some of the differences between seven of the top zero turns available on the market right now. We’ll review what makes each unique and give you our recommendation for which to get.

• Best Overall:Exmark Laser Z X-Series
• Best For Open Ground: Scag Turf Tiger II
• Best Value:Bad Boy Renegade
• Best for Hills:Hustler Super Z
• Best for Comfort: Ferris ISX3300

How do we Choose?

It is very simple: we demo all of the major commercial zero turn brands on the market, research each mower's reviews, and finally, aggregate the data to come up with the best zero turn on the market.

You'll see many articles that show Husqvarna MZ61 or Husqvarna Z254 in their reviews. This is to try and sell these mowers through the Amazon affiliate sites… these aren't commercial mowers, and they are not legitimate reviews. Don't be fooled by these.

We have used each mower and are aware of its similarities and differences. We also know the most important specifications and what matters most to professional lawn care owners.

Best Commercial Zero Turn Mowers

*Pricing is updated as of March 2024. Pricing may vary by dealer and by region. Note: some mowers offer a 52″ or 54″ model while others don't… this will cause the price to appear lower if you are comparing the same deck size. If you need pricing for a specific mower, please email us or leave a comment below. However, the most accurate pricing info will come from your local dealer.

1. Scag Turf Tiger II – Best Overall

It is a new and improved version of the previous “Turf Tiger” model… Although it has been out for awhile. These mowers are absolute tanks. They are built extremely tough and hold up under the toughest of conditions. This makes it our pick for the best commercial zero turn mower on the market.

These mowers have competitive specs… engine, drive system, and suspension seat are all similar to others in the industry. Where this mower stands out is the Velocity Plus deck. It arguably gives the best cut in the industry.

Besides cut quality, the mower is a beast built to last. It has a simple and straightforward design. This mower isn't going to blow you away with a ton of bells and whistles, but it will give a great cut and last a long time.

Features:

• Cut Width: 52″,61″, 72″
• Engine: Vanguard, Kohler Command Pro or Kawasaki FX
• Drive System: 16cc Hydro-Gear pumps and Parker wheel motors
• Fuel Capacity: 12 Gallons
• Speed: 12 miles per hour
• Suspension: Suspension seat
• Warranty: 2 Year Unlimited Hours OR 3 Year / 500 Hour Commercial

2. Ferris ISX3300 – Most Comfortable

The ISX3300 is the king of suspension. It is hands down the most comfortable riding zero turn on the market. Not only is the suspension about comfort, it allows you to mow grass quicker as well!

With a cut speed of up to 7.2 acres per hour and a ground speed of 12 mph, the Ferris ISX3300 is a true beast. Choose between engines with 37 – 40 horsepower. No matter which you choose, you can be sure they’ll be able to take on even the most challenging of jobs.

This zero turn mower has been specifically designed with the dependability and toughness commercial landscapers need in mind.

Its strong, fabricated cutting deck and large 26” drive tires offer increased productivity in all mowing conditions and give it greater traction, allowing it to cover more ground faster, even in uneven terrain.

This mower hasn’t changed much the past couple years outside of adding a new USB port and new 60 inch deck to replace the old 61 inch. However, as the old saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Features:

• Cut Width: 60″, 72″
• Engine: Vanguard with Oil Guard or Kawasaki FX
• Drive System: Hydro-Gear ZT-5400 Transaxles
• Fuel Capacity: 11 Gallons
• Speed: 12 miles per hour
• Suspension: Suspension seat and full front/rear suspension
• Warranty: 2 Year Unlimited Hours OR 4 Year / 500 Hour Commercial

3. Exmark Lazer Z X Series – Most Reliable

The Exmark Lazer Z is the “O” “G” of commercial zero turn mowers. With so many models and features, the Exmark Lazer Z Series packs quite a punch. It has led the pack for many years and is without a doubt one of the best mowers available.

The Lazer Z has several engine options including Vanguard with oil guard, Kohler, and Kawasaki. There are also several deck sizes.Choose between 52”, 60”, 72”, and even a 96″ cutting widths on the 10-gauge floating stainless steel deck. Exmark’s unique seating design offers unparalleled comfort and a handy 12-volt adapter to charge your devices.

This mower also allows for tool-less installation of the deck and hydro belts, making maintenance a snap. Including patented RED technology ensures seamless communication between key system features, keeping your mower running smoothly for longer.

The rest of this mower remains the same as years past minus a few minor changes and updates. This mower probably has the least amount of changes from last year, but it is still one of the best!

Features:

• Cut Width: 52″, 60″, 72″, and 96″
• Engine: Kohler Command Pro or Kawasaki FX
• Drive System: 16cc pumps and 17.1 cubic inch motors with shock valves
• Fuel Capacity: 12 Gallons
• Speed: 11.5 miles per hour
• Suspension: Suspension seat and Platform Suspension (optional)
• Warranty: 5 Year / 1500 Hour Commercial

4. Toro 6000 Series – Most Durable

The Toro 6000 series is VERY similar to the Exmark Lazer Z X series. After all, they are both made by the Toro company. So for the 6000 series, you’ll see the same engine options and deck options as the Lazer z.

The one noticeable difference is the deck design. Though they aren’t extremely different they do have some slight differences. Its deck is made from 7-gauge high-strength steel that’s capable of withstanding even the toughest of jobs. A patented adjustment baffle allows users to fine-tune the deck to seasonal and environmental changes for greater efficiency.

In my opinion, choosing Toro or Exmark comes down to which has the better dealer support in your area.

Outside of that, you really can’t go wrong with either mower. The 6000 is built very durable, stripes grass well, and is pretty comfortable.

Features:

• Cut Width: 60″, 72″, 96″
• Engine: Kohler Command Pro or Kawasaki FX
• Drive System: 16cc pumps and 17.1 cubic inch motors with shock valves
• Fuel Capacity: 12 Gallons
• Speed: 11.5 miles per hour
• Suspension: Suspension seat and MyRide Platform Suspension (optional)
• Warranty: 5 Year / 1500 Hour Commercial

5. Hustler Super Z – Fastest Mower

See Also

10 Best Zero Turn Mowers (Reviews for 2024) - Best Home Gear

The Hustler Super Z is probably the most with the most changes over the past couple of years. This mower went from a decent commercial zero turn to a bad ass zero turn. This thing not only looks way better, but it performs better too!

The entire appearance of the mower has been updated to a very modern look. The engine options have been simplified to only Kawasaki. The fuel tank has been changed slightly, it’s now 12 gallons. Finally, the seats have received a fairly large upgrade.

Overall, The Super Z is one of the fastest zero turns on the market, with a high cut quality, and an awesome look. I’d definitely consider checking these out if I still owned a lawn care company.

Features:

• Cut Width: 54″,60″, 66″, 72″
• Engine: Kohler Command Pro or Kawasaki FX
• Drive System: 21cc Hydro-Gear PY Pumps and Parker TG310 Wheel Motors
• Fuel Capacity: 11.7 Gallons
• Suspension: Suspension seat and Flex Forks(optional accessory)
• Warranty: 2 Year Unlimited Hours OR 5 Year / 500 Hour Commercial

6. John Deere Z900R – Best Dealer Support

Let’s address the elephant in the room… John Deere. I know I took a lot of heat for leaving them off the list a couple of years ago and maybe that was a little bias. I’ve never really been a huge fan of their mowers, but I will say they have improved quite a bit in the past few years.

They look much more modern and have some great specs and features. Honestly, the best thing about John Deere’s mowers is they have a GREAT dealer base so it will be hard to not have a good dealer in your area.

The 900R features strong Kawasaki engine options, several deck options with the 7-Iron Pro, Tuff Torq transmissions, and the option for tweel tires. Overall, you really can’t go wrong with John Deere commercial zero turns.

Features:

• Cut Width: 54″, 60″, 66″, 72″
• Engine: Kawasaki FX
• Drive System: Tuff Torq Heavy Duty Transaxles
• Fuel Capacity: 11.5 Gallons
• Speed: 12 miles per hour
• Suspension: Suspension seat
• Warranty: 2 Year Unlimited Hours OR 3 Year / 1500 Hour Commercial

7. Wright ZXT – Most Underrated

The Wright ZXT was released in 2021. It is the largest zero turn mower they have in their lineup. It is an incredibly well-built mower with many features, like the suspension platform. This mower will be in the race for the best commercial zero turns. I think it is one of the most underrated mowers on the market.

Wright has always been known for making some of the best mowers in the industry. With the ZXT, it is no different. I like their suspension platform, the hands-free parking brake, the large fuel tank, the great engine options, and the oversized hydro oil system. All of this makes for a great mower.

If you have a Wright dealer in your area, you should demo this mower if you can.

• Cut Width: 52″, 61″, and 72″
• Engine: 40 HP Vanguard EFI with Oil Guard
• Drive System: 16cc Hydro-Gear^® Pumps and 18 cu. in. Hydro-Gear Motors
• Fuel Capacity: 13 Gallons
• Speed: 13 miles per hour
• Suspension: Platform suspension and suspension seat
• Warranty: 2 years/unlimited hours or 5 years/500 hours

Commercial Zero Turn Mower – Buying Guide

Engine Brand and Power

The engine type on your mower is one of the most important parts. This isn't only because it powers almost everything on the mower but also because it is the most expensive part to replace.

Kawasaki, Briggs & Stratton Vanguard, and Kohler are the most popular commercial mower brands. Each of these brands has its pros and cons. Kawasaki FX is the most popular commercial engine and most trusted. The Vanguard is the next most popular commercial mower engine.

In most cases, for a top-of-line zero turn mower, I would probably go with the Kawasaki FX engine. It is a tried and true brand that has been around for a long time.

The one major advantage of the Vanguard is that it can come with the Oil Guard system. This allows for 500 hours between oil changes and is an incredible feature for lawn care businesses.

Transmission

We could argue transaxles or pump/wheel motors all day long. The two major brands are Hydro-Gear and Parker. Hydro-Gear is most known for its transaxles.

Cutting Deck Size

The deck size you need for your mower depends on your needs. There are 100 different scenarios where you'll need different deck sizes. The most popular deck sizes for commercial zero turn mowers are 52″ and 60″ (sometimes 61″).

Commercial mowers also go all the way up 96″ and 104″. These mowers will have batwing-style decks. They are used in very specific commercial mowing situations.

Fuel Capacity

The fuel tank size for commercial mowers is very important. At a minimum, there shouldn't be a mower in this category with a tank smaller than 10 gallons. Most tanks will be around 11 – 13 gallons. There really won't be a huge difference between these tank sizes. There are too many variables to estimate a mower's average fuel consumption rate.

Suspension and Comfort

A mower's comfort is important and has drastically improved across the industry over the past few years. At the very least, I would ensure you get a mower with a suspension seat.

If you want to upgrade to a suspension platform style mower like Toro, Scag, and Gravely you may want to test drive them first. Some are better than others, but for some users (including me) I find them a little uncomfortable and goofy to drive.

Then you will find some mowers with flex forks and other types of suspensions that are attached to the axles or tires. From my experience, these are more for show and marketing than for improving a mower's comfort.

The most comfortable commercial zero turn mower, hands down, is the Ferris ISX3300. This goes for the rest of their ISX lineup as well. Their true 4-wheel suspension is unmatched. I've compared it to every mower, and no other “suspension” compares.

Weight

The weight of a mower is fairly important. Most commercial zero turn mowers will be between 1,000 – 2,000 pounds. The heavier a mower, the better the traction will be. The downside to a heavy mower is it can leave ruts in a lawn.

Some will argue that heavier mowers will use more fuel than their lighter counterparts. In theory, this makes sense, but how much extra fuel is used is unknown. For lawn care companies, I think it would be less about how much extra fuel your mower is using because of the weight and more about how much extra fuel your truck is using.

Choosing a lighter mower to save fuel with your truck makes sense to me. The problem is that most of these commercial zero turns are very similar in weight.

Safety

Nearly all of these zero turns will have about the same safety features. The only one in question is hill stability. Some mowers do better than others on hills for many different reasons. Usually, the width of the wheelbase, tire type, weight, and controls play into how well a commercial mower can hold hills.

Warranty

The warranty of a commercial zero turn mower will be fairly similar across brands. It is basically industry standard to have a 2-year unlimited hour warranty. The difference in warranty will come into play if you don't use your mower as much as a full-time lawn care business.

Commercial brands will have a year + hours warranty on top of the unlimited-hour warranty for those who don't use their mower as much. In all honesty, most of this is just a marketing move. Sure, you may get a longer-hour warranty with a specific brand. The reality is these companies know that if something major (or even minor) is going to break, it will almost always be under the 1000-hour mark and usually under the 500-hour mark.

Same logic for vehicles… if you're going to have a manufacturer defect on your car, it will most likely be very early on.

All that to say, if it were me, I wouldn't look too much into the warranties, and I definitely wouldn't let it make my decision on a mower.

FAQs

What is the best commercial zero turn mower you can buy?

Several top brands of commercial zero turns include Scag, Ferris, Toro, Exmark, and Gravely. The best mower will depend on your situation, including how much you will use it, what type of grass/terrain, and which brands your local dealer carries.

Once you get to the top of the line for these major mower brands, you can't go wrong with them. Many decisions will come down to personal preference and what you value the most. Each commercial mower is great in its own way for the right person/company.

Which zero turn mower is rated the best?

The Exmark Lazer Z X-Series and Scag Turf Tiger II are the highest-rated zero turn mowers. They are also among the most popular mowers on the market. Of course, there are a lot of things that go into these ratings. Every mower brand will have a few horror stories of a bad experience with a mower.

What mowers do professionals use?

Professional lawn care owners use many different brands. The mowers listed above of typically the most popular and reliable among commercial companies.

How fast do commercial lawn mowers go?

Commercial lawn mowers travel anywhere from 8mph to 16mph. The market's fastest commercial zero turn mowers are the Hustler Hyperdrive and the Scag Cheetah II. Each of these mowers goes up to 16 mph.

Of course, these types of high speeds on mowers are mainly for transport, not mowing grass. Most commercial mowers can maintain a high cut quality at up to 12 mph.

Why do commercial mowers cut better?

A commercial mower has a higher quality of cut than residential mowers. This is due to the overall deck design, engine power, spindle type/material, and belt system. All of these will play into cutting grass quicker, in more diverse terrains, and providing a better cut.

How do commercial zero turn mowers differ from residential mowers?

There are many differences between commercial zero turn mowers and residential mowers. Commercial mowers will have a frame and deck with thicker steel, larger engines with more power/reliability, larger and more reliable transmissions, better deck designs, larger tires, and much more comfort.

Overall, there is a huge difference between commercial and residential mowers. Almost every aspect of a commercial mower is built better because they are designed to be used daily under very strenuous conditions.

Wrapping it up

There you have it, the top 7 commercial zero turn mowers for 2024! In the end, it depends on your wants and needs. Each of these mowers has its place. It ultimately depends on which engine you prefer, which drive system, and how much you care about comfort.

Which Is Your Favorite?

Have you gotten the chance to try any of the top zero turn mowers of 2024? If so, let us know your thoughts on these powerful mowers.