Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Reviews 2023. Small stand on mower

Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Reviews 2023

Deciding on the best self-propelled lawn mower isn’t as easy as it used to be. Do you need commercial or residential quality? Do you want to use gas or batteries for power? How much grass do you need to cut? Are you a mulcher or a bagger?

Having tested dozens of the best walk-behind lawn mowers from entry-level residential to the top professional models, we got our Pro team together to choose our top mowers in a range of scenarios.

One of the big things changing in the market is Honda’s announcement that the brand is exiting the lawn mower market. While you can still buy Honda mowers until they run out of stock, 2023 marks the end of production. We still highly recommend them, but due to the news and iffy availability, we’re not considering Honda as part of our choices this year.

Want to see more, including ride-on and robotic recommendations? Read out Best Lawn Mower Reviews main article!

Best Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower

Commercial: Exmark Commercial X-Series Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

As we bid adieu to Honda this year, the HRC series still gets two thumbs up from us while you can get them. From there, we turn to Exnark and its Commercial X line that complements its Lazer Z zero-turn mowers well. Some professionals will certainly turn to the higher-capacity 30-inch model, but we expect the 21-inch model will find its way onto more trailers.

Exmark wisely uses a Honda 163cc GXV engine with a legendary reputation for reliability. It’s fed by a generous 1-gallon fuel tank and turns the blade at tip speeds up to 18,500 fpm. There’s also an option for a Kawasaki FJ180V engine if you’d like to step up to a 179cc engine.

The deck is 1/4-inch aluminum construction that keeps the weight down (112 pounds) while maintaining high durability. The deck is adjustable from 4.5 inches on the high side all the way down to 1 inch while the drive runs at speeds up to 4.2 MPH.

Residential: Toro Super Recycler Series 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Toro runs deep in the residential lawn mower sector and our favorite among them is the Super Recycler series. Getting the best of all the technology Toro has to offer, our top recommendation (model 21565) includes the Personal Pace drive system and the Smart Stow design that allows you to vertically store the mower even though it’s a gas model.

It uses a 163cc Briggs Stratton engine that produces 7.25 ft-lbs of torque and just under 17,000 fpm blade tip speed.

Toro touts a commercial-grade construction on this model and includes a lighter aluminum deck rather than steel. In addition to that, you get outstanding cut quality, especially on the mulching side (you better with the name Super Recycler!). Wrapping it up, the Personal Pace drive system adjusts to your walking pace so there are no levers or dials to adjust.

Best Self-Propelled Electric Lawn Mower

Just a few years ago, if you wanted to find the best battery-powered lawn mower, you could only find residential models. Now, there’s an emerging class of professional-grade options and we have picks for both Pros and homeowners.

Professional: Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

There aren’t many true commercial self-propelled lawn mowers with lithium-ion power sources. Milwaukee launched their effort in 2022 with a monstrous 10 ft-lbs of torque that tops what you typically see from a 200cc gas engine. It’s more than just muscle, though. Its blade and deck combine to handle mulching and bagging better than most.

As you roll into fall, the mower’s high-lift mode keeps the blades at 3300 RPM to help pull those lightweight leaves and clean up your lawn. Other features include 180° LED lighting, LED battery indicators facing you, variable speed thumb bar (in addition to the speed wheel), a durable build, and much more.

Price: 1099.00 with two 12.0Ah batteries and dual-port Rapid charger

Residential: EGO Select Cut XP 21-Inch Lawn Mower with Speed IQ

The evolution of EGO’s flagship mower is interesting. It started with the dual-battery Peak Power model that raised the bar of what lithium-ion is capable of. Then, we saw the first stacked-blade SelectCut options that improved cut quality and effectiveness in tall grass. The two technologies combined in the SelectCut XP. Now EGO adds Speed IQ to the mix.

Speed IQ is a self-propelled drive system that automatically adjusts to your pace. However, it’s not a spring-loaded set of handles like Toro uses on its Personal Pace models. Instead, there’s a sensor doing some serious engineering magic… and it works like a charm from our brief time with it at Equip Expo 2022 (formerly GIE).

Price: 599.00 bare, 999.00 with a 12.0Ah battery and Turbo charger

Best Large Walk-Behind Lawn Mower

Commercial: Greenworks Commercial 30-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Can a battery-powered commercial mower really displace gas models? Greenworks Commercial has an 82V 30-inch model that got our attention at the Equip Expo in late 2022, and it’s hard to ignore as a legitimate option. It has the power to replace a 200cc gas engine with blade speeds up to 16,000 FPM. On a full charge, it can cover up to 2 acres.

There are drive system features worth considering as well. Independent hub wheel motors engage what Greenworks calls the Easy Turn System (ETS), making the mower easier to maneuver. Another big deal is that there is a powered reverse function—something that’s incredibly helpful with the weight of mowers in this class. The controls are all up next to your hands and there’s even a display to help you keep track of your battery levels.

Price: 1999.99 bare, 2999.99 with three 8Ah batteries and a dual-port charger

Residential: Toro TimeMaster 30-inch Personal Pace Mower

With 10 ft-lbs of torque delivered from its Briggs Stratton 223cc engine, the 30-inch Toro TimeMaster is our pick as the best large walk-behind lawn mower. Not only does it deliver big power to turn its time-saving 30-inch blade, but it also features Toro’s Personal Pace self-propelled drive and Spin-Stop that lets you stop the blade without shutting off the mower.

It all adds up to big-time savings on larger lawns. Grab model 21200 if you want an electric start or the 21199 if you don’t mind a recoil start and want to save 100.

Price: 1599.00 (21199), 1499.99 (20200)

Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower for the Money

Toro’s 21-inch Recycler (21352) offers an excellent value for budget-minded homeowners. It’s a Made in the USA rear-wheel drive system powered by a Briggs Stratton 140cc engine. It comes ready to mulch, bag, or side discharge and you don’t have to worry about changing the oil. Just check the levels and add more when it’s necessary.

Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Brand

No one in the self-propelled lawn mower market dominates like Honda. Their engines enjoy a reputation for quality and durability every other manufacturer is shooting for, and their mowers are simply outstanding.

They typically run at a premium, though. Both Honda mowers and Honda-powered mowers are more expensive than similar designs from other brands. The big kick in the pants is Honda leaving the market, though.

That opens the door for Toro. There are a lot of Toro models we recommend for good reason and hit a wide range from budget-friendly homeowner mowers to commercial zero turns. It’s one of the best-selling brands of walk-behind mowers.

Getting hard sales figures is tough to come by, and it’s always possible we missed the mark. However, we see more Honda and Toro walk-behind mowers on commercial trailers and residential lawns than any other brand.

Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower for Bagging

You don’t have to ditch your current self-propelled lawn mower and buy a whole new one to improve your bagging efficiency. In most cases, adding a high-lift blade to your current mower will make a significant difference. With the exception of electric mowers, you don’t need to worry too much about matching the brand making the blade, but you do need to match the arbor style and the length. The package should tell you which brands it is compatible with.

If you’re still in the market for a new mower, higher RPMs make for better airflow and bagging. Check mowers with a 160cc or higher engine and compare the top blade speeds. You can always swap blades, but you can’t change the speed.

Pro Tip: If you have a 2-point or 4-point deck height adjustment, set the front wheels of your mower one notch higher than the rear to improve bagging.

Best Self-Propelled Mulching Lawn Mower

Similar to a high-lift blade for bagging, you can improve your mulching efficiency with a mulching-specific blade. These usually have additional cutting edges that cut the clippings more times before they drop back into the grass. Keeping the blade sharp ensures you get the best mulching results every time you mow.

If you’re in the market for a new mower, look for a 160cc or higher engine to give you the torque you need to keep your blade speed high in thicker grass. Remember, you can always add a mulching blade, but you can’t make up for an underpowered engine.

Pro Tip: You get the best mulching results if you’re only taking an inch or two off the top of your grass, so make sure you stay on top of lawn maintenance during the peak cutting season.

Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower – Priorities

Best Rear-Wheel Drive Self-Propelled Lawn Mower for Hills: YBravo Gen II 25-inch Commercial Mower

After running into issues with other commercial walk-behind mowers, we turned to YBravo 25-inch commercial mower to take care of a 3-acre soggy field that our ZTs only bogged down in. Its Kawasaki 180cc engine kept the blade turning where others simply stalled.

When it’s time to move out of the radio station swamp and you’re going for a more professional look, its cut quality is excellent as well. Available in a 21-inch and the 25-inch model we tested, Ybravo is worth serious consideration.

If you have a Bad Boy dealer closer to you, check out the same model sold under the Bad Boy brand name.

Price: 1299.00 (25-inch model)

Best All-Wheel Drive Self-Propelled Lawn Mower: Toro 22-inch Personal Pace All-Wheel Drive Mower 21472

AWD mowers are what you turn to for work on slopes and uneven terrain where it’s possible to have a wheel or two lose traction. For the best all-wheel drive self-propelled lawn mower, we like the Toro 21472 Personal Pace model.

Its 22-inch deck is on the larger size of standard mowers and the Personal Pace system is easy to work with once you get used to it. If you switch between mulching and bagging, the mower’s lever system is super simple.

Packing plenty of power with its 163cc Briggs Stratton engine, it’s not so much that it destroys the competition. It’s that its performance is excellent and the innovations are genuinely helpful while keeping its price in check.

Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Recommendations

Not every mower earns an award, but there are several other models we recommend that didn’t find a place earlier in the article. Check these options out if one of the others doesn’t fit your needs.

Best Lawn Mower Buying Guide – What We Look For

Gas vs Battery

Gas power still wins the day when you’re highest priorities are keeping your purchase price down and your power level high. With advancements in battery and motor technology, the OPE world is shifting towards battery power, though. It’s cleaner and quieter to run and requires less maintenance.

However, you have to look at premium models to get true gas power, and runtime can be a limiting factor. It’s also less likely you have a service center nearby that can get you back up and running quickly if there’s a problem.

If your lawn is a 1/4-acre or less, there are a lot of battery-powered options available. Once you get beyond that size, you need to consider how many batteries you’ll need and legitimate options really start to thin out once you hit 1/2 an acre. With larger lawns, newer battery-powered zero turn mowers are a legitimate option.

Take a deeper look at the comparison between gas and battery power in this article.

Commercial vs Residential

This might be better titled “professional vs homeowner” considering there are both commercial and residential professional crews. Regardless, commercial mowers are built with better components and commercial engines, creating a machine that is built to last for years of high-hour daily use.

If you’re a homeowner mowing once a week or so, a good residential mower can still last for 5 or 10 years (or more) if you take care of it. It just uses components and engine designs better fit for occasional use.

Engine Size and Cutting Power

If you stay on top of your mowing and cut quality isn’t a high priority, an engine as small as 140cc is likely fine.

Move up to the 160cc–180cc class for better performance when the grass is thicker and taller, or when you want to make sure you get excellent mulching, bagging, and/or clean cuts. The greater power improves lift and is less likely to bog down in thick patches.

When you’re looking at deck sizes beyond 22 inches, you should start looking for engines in the 180cc–200cc range (or higher) to ensure it can keep the RPMs high while it’s cutting such a large swath.

Cut Quality

We look for three major components of cut quality: evenness, mulching size, and bagging efficiency.

Evenness is pretty straightforward. When we’re testing, we look for grass blades that weren’t cut and indications that there wasn’t enough lift to clip all of the blades at the same level.

When mulching, smaller clippings are better since they drop down closer to the base of the remaining grass. We also look to see if a mower is prone to leaving trails and clumps.

For bagging, it’s all about how much grass is collected, if the chute tends to clog while we’re cutting, and how much grass is deposited back to the ground.

Noise Level

One of the major benefits of battery-powered mowers is the lower noise levels compared to gas, but that doesn’t mean gas mowers have to be obnoxious. We expect higher levels than battery-powered models and that is typically the case.

When we test noise levels, we measure from our operator’s ear to get an idea of what the person using the mower should expect. Even though some mowers are quieter than others, we still recommend hearing protection when you’re using a gas model.

Fuel Efficiency

How efficient gas mowers use fuel has a very direct effect on your wallet, especially when you’re mowing every day as a Pro.

Fuel efficiency testing is more than just a runtime calculation. The cutting swath of a mower comes into play, especially on those 25 and 30-inch models. With larger lawns, it’s possible to get more cutting done per gallon of gas with an engine that uses more gas per hour.

Deck Size

21 or 22 inches is pretty standard for most mowers. Jumping up to a 25-inch or 30-inch mower may seem tempting, but it’s not for everyone.

If your lawn is a 1/4-acre or less, the time you gain with a larger deck might not mean a whole lot of time savings. Where you really gain some time is on lawns that are a 1/2-acre or more.

Keep in mind, larger deck-size mowers are heavier. When you have to mow wet or soggy areas, the weight can work against you.

Steel vs Plastic (Poly) Deck

The vast majority of gas mowers have steel decks while battery-powered models have a much higher percentage of plastic poly decks.

Those poly plastic decks are tougher than they look, but they probably won’t hold up as well as steel in the long run. It’s still highly unlikely that you’ll wear through one before it’s time to replace the mower, though.

However, there’s a whole lot more design flexibility that comes with poly decks, and engineers can do some amazing things to help with airflow that directly affects cut quality along with bagging and mulching efficiency.

Deck Height

Here in Florida, we have a lot of St. Augustine grass that we cut at 3 1/2 inches, so we prefer a mower that has at least a 4-inch maximum deck height.

Depending on what species of grass you have, you might be able to get away with a lower height, but 4 inches is a good all-around benchmark.

On the low end, most of us aren’t cutting golf course greens (you’d use a reel mower for that, anyway), so the minimum deck height usually isn’t an issue.

However, if you use a blade that dethatches or scalps for maintenance or re-seeding, you might want to make sure the deck height gets low enough—typically 1 1/2 inches or less.

Height Adjustment

Single-point height adjustments are the easiest since you can raise or lower the deck with just one lever. It’s common on battery-powered lawn mowers, but not so much on their heavier gas counterparts.

Part of that is because the single-point mechanisms tend to introduce additional flex into the system and the weight of a gas mower puts more strain on the mechanism. So while we generally prefer single-point, we understand why gas mowers may opt away from them.

Pro Tip: Set the front wheels one notch higher than the rear wheels to improve bagging efficiency on 4-point or 2-point adjustable mowers.

Adjustment Levels

If you’re really OCD, more height adjustments mean more precise cutting. Realistically, most of us are going to find a good height on any mower as long as it hits the maximum and minimum heights we mow at.

Setting the Speed

The type of speed adjustment your self-propelled lawn mower has can make or break your experience. There are pull levers, thumb push levers, full push bars (Toro’s Personal Pace), and iterations on those.

Try it at the dealer before you buy it. If you hate working the mechanism for a couple of minutes, imagine what it’s going to feel like after 30 minutes or an hour.

Front-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, or All-Wheel Drive?

Front-wheel drive lawn mowers are typically the least expensive and work well for even terrain. They also help you turn the easiest since you lift up the drive wheels as you make your turns.

Rear-wheel drive mowers add some cost but create better traction on hills and slopes. They’re particularly good at pushing the mower’s weight uphill where front-wheel drives start to lose traction as they try to pull the weight.

All-wheel drive mowers are the most expensive and generally do the best job on hills, slopes, and uneven terrain. On particularly bumpy areas where it’s likely one or more wheels will lose traction, it’s the best bet.

Wheel Size

Larger wheels tend to handle bumps and uneven terrain better than smaller wheels according to manufacturers. However, it’s a claim that Consumer Reports says isn’t really the case.

Electric Start

If you’ve used a gas engine, there’s a good chance you’ve worn out your arm pulling the cord to start it. There’s no doubt that having an electric start on your mower can take away a lot of the frustration.

It won’t make up for poor maintenance, though. A well-maintained mower starts easily on the first or second pull. That begs the question as to whether the electric start is worth an extra hundred dollars.

It’s totally up to you, but if it’s in the budget, we want it.

Mulch, Bag, or Side/Rear Discharge?

Most quality mowers are 3-in-1, meaning you can bag, mulch, or side/rear discharge. Less expensive models often only provide options for bagging and mulching. Which one you choose depends on what type of grass you have, how fast it grows, and your personal preference.

In central Florida where St. Augustine, Zoysia, and Bahia dominate our landscapes, the summer heat and rains make our grass grow incredibly fast. Most of us mulch out of necessity since we almost need a dumpster for the volume of clippings we create.

Handle Positions

Most lawn mowers have 3 handle positions you can set. For tall guys like me or average-height guys like Clint, it helps you find a more comfortable grip. Some mowers opt for 2, or sometimes just 1 handle position.

Value

Value is more than just price. We take a broad look at the performance and features compared to the price to determine the value of each mower.

Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

Ever check out a “review” site and you can’t tell if they actually tested the tools or if they’re just “recommending” the Amazon top sellers?

That’s not us. We only recommend what we’d actually use, even if we don’t earn a commission from it. It’s all about giving you a legitimate recommendation and our honest opinion of each product.

We’ve been in business since 2008 covering tools, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the construction, automotive, and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field.

Each year, we bring in and review more than 250 individual products. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year.

We consult with innovators in the technology and design of tools to gain a broader grasp of where these products fit and how they work.

We work with more than two dozen professional contractors around the United States who review products for us on real job sites and consult with us on testing methods, categories, and weighting.

We’ll provide more than 500 pieces of new content this year absolutely free for our readers—including objective evaluations of individual tools and products.

The end result is information you can trust because of the editorial, scientific, and real-world professional experience we collectively utilize each and every time we pick up and test a tool.

Small stand on mower

Toro walk behind mowers are a popular choice for homeowners and businesses alike. They are reliable and easy to use, but they can occasionally experience problems. One of the most common problems is a dull or damaged blade. If your Toro walk behind mower is not cutting grass as well as it used to, it may be time to replace the blade.

Troubleshooting a Dull or Damaged Blade

There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot a dull or damaged blade. First, check the blade for any obvious signs of damage, such as chips, cracks, or dents. If you see any damage, the blade will need to be replaced. You can also check the blade for sharpness by running your finger along the edge. If you feel any burrs or nicks, the blade will need to be sharpened or replaced.

Replacing the Blade

• Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug.
• Use a wrench to loosen the blade bolt.
• Remove the blade bolt and the blade.
• Install the new blade and tighten the blade bolt.
• Reconnect the spark plug wire.

Tips for Replacing the Blade

• When replacing the blade, make sure that the blade is installed in the correct direction. The blade should be installed so that the cutting edge is facing down.
• Be careful not to overtighten the blade bolt. Overtightening the bolt can damage the blade or the mower deck.
• If you are not comfortable replacing the blade yourself, you can take your Toro walk behind mower to a qualified service technician.

How to Change Toro Sno.

The Toro 36002 24″ SnowMaster 724 QXE Snow Blower is a powerful and efficient machine that can help you clear your driveway and sidewalks of snow quickly and easily. One of the most important parts of your snow blower is the deck belt, which drives the blades that cut through the snow. Over time, the deck belt can wear out and may need to be replaced. In this post, we’ll show you how to change the deck belt on your Toro 36002 SnowMaster

Tools you’ll need:

Steps to change the deck belt:

• Turn off your SnowMaster and unplug the spark plug wire.
• Lower the snow blower’s chute to the ground to prevent it from falling.
• Tilt the snow blower onto its auger housing and secure it in place.
• Remove the screws that secure the belt cover and take off the cover.
• Take a picture or note the routing of the old belt, then remove the old belt from the pulleys.
• Loosen the bolts that secure the idler pulley and move the pulley away from the belt.
• Thread the new belt onto the pulleys, following the same routing as the old belt.
• Move the idler pulley back into place and tighten the bolts.
• Reinstall the belt cover and secure it with the screws.
• Test the snow blower to ensure that the new belt is working properly.

Changing the deck belt on your Toro 36002 24″ SnowMaster 724 QXE Snow Blower is a simple task that can help keep your machine running smoothly. Be sure to schedule regular maintenance and service for your snow blower to ensure that it stays in good working order. If you need replacement parts or service, be sure to use our parts lookup tool to find what you need. Don’t forget to schedule service or look for replacement parts for your snow blower before stowing it away for the season.

Stand-On Mower vs. Zero-Turn Mower

Your lawn should make a good impression on people. A tidy property often translates to a tidy home and a professional, trustworthy business. Commercial buildings with large lawn areas can attract potential customers or impress prospective clients with a well-manicured outdoor space.

Getting the best lawn requires the right tools, and the most important tool for lawn maintenance is the lawn mower. Stand-on mowers and zero-turn mowers are two good options for keeping the grass and gardens of commercial properties in tip-top shape, but each has its own unique features and benefits. This comparison guide can help you decide if your commercial lawn would benefit most from a stand-on mower or a zero-turn mower.

Comparing Stand-On Mowers vs. Zero-Turn Mowers

While you might think the only difference between these two types of mowers is that one requires you to stand on it to drive it while the other has a seat, there is more to consider than you might expect. The following are six key differences to determine if a zero-turn mower or a stand-on mower is the best choice for your commercial property’s maintenance.

Property Suitability

An influential factor to consider is the size of your commercial property’s lawn area. Stand-on mowers are best suited to cutting large yards with many tightly spaced obstacles that need to be maneuvered around. Commercial stand-on mowers are more durable and have faster blades than residential ones, making them better suited to larger areas that need to be mowed. While stand-on mowers are good at handling obstacles and hills, they are slower than zero-turn mowers by a small percentage.

Zero-turn mowers are the best choice for commercial properties with large, flat lawn areas. They are fast, safe, and reliable choices for commercial properties with simple layouts and few obstacles. If you have a large, level property that needs frequent cuttings during the spring and summer, then a zero-turn mower is the right fit for you.

One of the biggest factors that go into which mower best suits your property are the turf conditions. If you have low ground, high shade, and wet areas, you will more than likely want a stand-on mower used. They are half the weight of their zero-turn counterparts, which helps reduce turn marks in the turf and helps to eliminate tire ruts or black streaks from mud.

Deck Size

Something to keep in mind is a mower’s deck size. Deck size varies depending on the mower’s model and manufacturer. The deck size of a mower determines how fast it can cut your lawn and how tightly it can take corners. Both stand-on and zero-turn mowers have varying deck sizes. Larger ones can speed up the mowing process but may be more challenging to maneuver when mowing tighter corners or around obstacles.

A stand-on mower with a smaller deck size will be the best for a property that is between.5 and five acres in size. A stand-on mower with a bigger deck size might be what you need for large properties with intricate turns and many obstacles.

Functionality

A unique advantage to stand-on mowers is improved visibility and ease of use. By standing on a mower, the driver will get a better view of the area they are mowing and the trim edge of the mower. The crew will be more accepting of having to get off of the mower to pick trash up, move debris out of the way, and clear any other objects that interfere with mowing. Having a greater range of motion to watch for obstacles helps improve accuracy, reduces trimming mistakes, and is an overall time saver. It also makes mowing your lawn safer, especially if you have workers or other pedestrians in the vicinity.

A drawback to the stand-on mower is the fatigue that may happen after a full day of standing on the platform. A stand-on mower is better for people with back problems as all the bumps on a stand-on mower are not felt in your spine compared to a zero-turn mower.

Zero-Turn Mowers

Zero-turn mowers are made for maneuvering and speed. The most significant advantage of a zero-turn mower is the almost nonexistent turning radius. This feature means that riding and stand-on zero-turn mowers have much more to offer than their standard counterparts. You can navigate obstacles easily and deliver a close cut that removes the need for edge trimming. If your commercial property has flat areas between one and ten acres large with infrequent obstacles like plants, trees, and shrubs, then the zero-turn might be just what you need.

The steering mechanism of zero-turn mowers is typically slightly different compared to a stand-on mower. They both have smooth and precise controls for delicate trimming work and maneuvering around ornaments, flowerbeds, and trees. Zero-turn mowers can also be distinguished by their low profile and large rear tires that improve traction, and help spread the weight out of the machine.

Transport and Storage

As previously mentioned, knowing the right size of the mowers you need is essential. When using a professional service for lawn maintenance, the size of the mower affects how they are transported to and from your commercial property. Companies with smaller trailers could transport more stand-on mowers as they are more compact than zero-turn mowers. If you are doing the maintenance yourself, storage space must be considered when choosing a large mower with a big deck size.

Transporting a single zero-turn mower is easy when your commercial property’s mowing area is small and only requires one mower. You may be able to fit two stand-on mowers on a trailer, whereas before, you could only fit one zero-turn.

Comfort

Various factors affect how comfortable it is to use a mower, especially for longer jobs. Stand-on mowers may be more comfortable for your lower back than zero-turn mowers. Standing is better for your lower back than the sitting position adopted to drive a zero-turn mower, and when you stand, your lower back is less affected by the engine’s vibrations. Stand-on mowers are also easier to mount and dismount as no seat or armrest is in the way.

However, during long jobs with big properties, it is more comfortable to sit down rather than stand up. Zero-turn mowers are more accessible for those with limited physical abilities, as stand-on mowers can be more physically demanding. Green Black has switched to all stand-on mowers as of 2018 and has not looked back. Our crews don’t argue over who gets to sit down on the mower. They are more productive, trash gets picked up, and our turn-mark complaints have decreased by 72%.

Perfect Tools for the Perfect Services

Knowing the best maintenance tools is the best way to keep your commercial property in pristine condition. Green Black LLC offers a wide range of commercial property services beyond lawn care and maintenance. We provide excavating services, winter services, lawn renovations, landscape lighting, and any other service that will bring out the best in your commercial property’s lawn and exterior. Get in contact with us for a free quote on any of the services we offer, and rest assured that we have the perfect tools for the job.

The 3 Best Stand On Mowers On The Market Today

A growing number of American houses today have large lawns. While having a large lawn is desirable, maintaining one can be quite a daunting task for the average householder, especially without the aide of a good quality lawn mower. This is one of the reasons for the growth in lawn maintenance services.

• Why use a stand on mower
• Best stand on mowers comparison chart

• Why use a stand on mower?
• Why we chose Bradley Mowers as the best stand on mowers

• 52″ Bradley Stand On ZT Commercial Mower:- the best commercial stand on mower

• 52″ Bradley Stand On Features
• 25HP Briggs and Stratton Commercial Turf Series Electric Start Engine
• It’s Almost Maintenance Free
• 52″ Cutting Deck
• Twin Hydro-Gear Hydro Drive System with Zero-Turn Controls
• The Controls
• Sometimes It’s The Little Things that Matter
• Final Verdict

• Engine Options on the 48″ Bradley Stand-On ZT Commercial Mower
• 18HP Kawasaki Electric Start Engine
• 25HP Briggs Stratton Commercial Turf Electric Start Engine
• 48″ Wide 7 Gauge Steel Cutting Deck
• Trio-Blades
• Twin Hydro-Gear Hydro Drive System with Zero-Turn Controls
• Speed Range
• Additional Features
• Final Verdict

• The 23HP Briggs Stratton Commercial Turf Series Electric Start Engine
• The 36″ Width Twin Blade Heavy Duty 7 Gauge Steel Cutting Deck
• Twin Hydro-Gear Hydro Drive System with Zero-Turn Controls
• Additional Features
• Final Verdict

• The Beast

Why use a stand on mower

Stand on mowers are becoming a very popular way of dealing with large lawn among both residential users and commercial users who need something more powerful than a walk behind but less bulky than a riding mower.

Although the invention of lawn mowers in 1830 has made it a lot easier to take care of your lawn without spending hours on it every day even an average walk behind mower can require a large investment of time when it comes to large residential lawns.

For residential users with large lawn areas and for commercial users who want a great addition to the mower fleet, a stand on mower can be a great way to deal with large lawn areas especially if the terrain is challenging and if storage space is at a premium.

Best stand on mowers comparison chart

We cannot end our review guide without a comparison chart of the 3 mowers. By taking a look at this chart, you’ll know which one is teh best fit for your needs. Spoiler alert: you won’t really see much of a difference.

Why use a stand on mower?

There are several factors a buyer needs to consider before picking a lawn mower. The right mower largely depends on your personal requirements and of course the size and terrain of your lawn.

Obviously there are a myriad of mowers to choose from zero turn riding mowers to standard walk behinds.

However, there are several reasons why you would want to opt for a Stand On Mower not lest of which is because you have the same power as a riding mower without taking up as much space and in most cases you can alternate between standing on the mower and walking behind it. This is why these machines are often called stand on riding mowers.

In this review, we will be discussing three of the best stand on lawn mowers on the market today split by deck size.

However, before settling on out top 3 picks we considered the price tag, the quality of build and the overall performance and final cut. These are the main three criteria you should always use when considering the purchase of any lawn mower. To make things simpler, we have also added a comparison chart below the review section.

Surprisingly, even to us, our final top 3 picks are all Bradley mowers. We ended up having the same manufacturer for our top 3 stand on mowers for good reasons as outlined below.

Why we chose Bradley Mowers as the best stand on mowers

Although they may be, relatively speaking, “the new kid on the block” Bradley has more than 20 years experience manufacturing lawn mowers and other outdoor equipment.

By providing well-built, high performing and high-spec outdoor equipment while simultaneously keeping their products at affordable Bradley have quickly gained a reputation to equal their bigger brand name rivals and allowed the company to muscle in on the hard-fought multinational market; Bradley would not have been able to survive, let alone thrive, in the market among names like Husqvarna, Troy Bilt and Poulan if they hadn’t been able to offer something unique to buyers.

In fact they would not even have got a foothold in the USA market let alone been able to branch out worldwide if it had not been for their quality products.

Each manufacturer, in almost all retail markets, will specialize and excel in at least one area of their chosen market (such as Snapper in the walk behind mower range). This is indeed the case with Bradley Mowers; in our opinion Bradley Mowers is the best brand out there when it comes to stand on mowers.

The 3 best stand on mowers by size

Here are the three best stand-on mowers we’ve chosen:

• 52″ Stand-On Commercial Zero TurnThe 52″ Bradley Zero Turn Commercial Mower 25HP Briggs Stratton Commercial Turf Electric Start Engine.
• 48″ Commercial Zero Turn.The 48″ Bradley Stand-On Zero Turn Commercial Mower 25HP Briggs Stratton Commercial Turf Electric Start Engine.
• 36″ Commercial Zero Turn.The 36″ Bradley Stand-On Zero Turn Commercial Mower 23HP Briggs Stratton Commercial Turf Electric Start Engine.

52″ Bradley Stand On ZT Commercial Mower:- the best commercial stand on mower

If you’re looking for a lawn mower that can cut with precision, deliver commercial-use power, is affordable and can mow a big lawn (around an acre), then this lawn mower is for you.

The 52″ Bradley Stand On Zero Turn Commercial Mower packs everything that a great lawn mower should have. If you compare this lawn mower’s specs with any other commercial lawn mower, you’ll see why it is most people’s first choice when they step out to make a purchase.

One of the major reasons this mower is such a massive success is its low price compared to competitor machines with similar specs. The price tag is similar to zero turn riding mowers that have similar specs but being a stand on mower this machine takes up much less space.

However, do not let the low price tag fool you, this powerhouse of a machine compromises on nothing.

52″ Bradley Stand On Features

Main Features of 52″ Bradley Stand On ZT Commercial Mower:

25HP Briggs and Stratton Commercial Turf Series Electric Start Engine

Briggs and Stratton American built engines are the most popular engines for lawn tractor because they are renowned for their power, durability and innovation.

These engines feature OHV (overhead valve), meaning you get the powerful performance you need but with less maintenance and lower fuel consumption. Additionally OHV adds to the life of the engine so this innovative technology also makes the engines highly durable.

You will not have to worry about the engine needing regular repairs as it’s solid high quality manufacture means it will last for decades even when under regular heavy use and its clever design was created to seriously reduce the need for maintenance.

The engine design itself is well-balanced. Thanks to the twin V-Twin cylinder and the overhead valve you’ll get a powerful punch from it equal to any riding mower in its class.

The engine is 25HP, making it powerful enough to mow all kinds of lawn, even when the it’s very bushy, has uneven terrain or is obstacle challenged.

In the past most engines built with the type of capacity necessary to deliver the power you get in the Bradley range of stand on mowers did not last long, but innovative new features such as the mechanical governor, cast iron sleeve, float feed carburetor, and integrated cyclonic air cleaner as well as the previously mentioned OHV ensure that your engine remains safe from wear and tear much, much longer than previous version and these new engines will lasts for decades with just minimum maintenance.

It’s Almost Maintenance Free

The engine is almost maintenance-free. You just have to keep an eye on the oil levels as letting any engine get low on oil is never a good idea. Change the oil often (every 100 hours of use) and you should never have a problem with it.

The Commercial Turf Series engines also have a higher torque than standard models, which means you’ll be getting optimum power from the engine making sure the mower truly packs a big punch.

We also found the electric start capability to be very useful. You just have to twist the key, and the engine starts immediately under normal conditions. However, like any engine it might take one or two tries when the weather gets very cold.

When tested on a rough terrain with 6″ long grass the engine performed exceptionally well. The cuts were precise, and the stand on mower had no trouble clearing the lawn, even in tight corners and harsh terrain. The finish was neat and tidy with just one pass.

52″ Cutting Deck

Let’s take a look at the 52″ width 3-blade heavy duty 7 gauge steel cutting deck.

Of course a crucial part of any lawn mower is its cutting deck. If the mower has all the “bells whistles” of top-end riding mowers but the cutting deck and the blades lack quality then the lawn mower is not going to produce the type of professional cut lawn professionals, and customers, have come to expect.

Thankfully Bradley’s engineers understand this, which is why you get a sharp, smooth and precise cut from all the machines across the Bradley Stand On Mower range.

The trio blades are made of solid steel, enabling them to cut anything that comes in their path, without trouble.

The composition and quality (of the steel) also ensures that the blades last longer than traditional mower blades.

Although these blades will take a lot of abuse to ensure that you get the most from them and to ensure you get the maximum lifespan from them a little simple, quick maintenance is always advisable.

One major step would be to sharpen them twice a year if the mower is being used for commercial purposes to keep the blades at top level of functionality.

Since the cutting deck is comprised of 7 gauge steel, with a heavy-duty fabricated steel frame, you don’t have to worry about the deck developing problems. Due to its composition, the deck can last for a lifetime, if you take good care of it – it’s always a good idea to clean the mower after use and to keep it in a dry damp-free environment to avoid rust developing.

Thanks to its robust design and composition the frame have have no problems on rough and tough terrains.

The mower comes with an adjustable cutting height ranging from a low of 2 inches to a high of 5 inches, giving very diverse cutting heights.

With the large 52″ width cutting deck this stand on mower can mow an acre in less than 15 minutes.

This means you get a similar cut-time to a high-end riding mower but without the bulk.

Twin Hydro-Gear Hydro Drive System with Zero-Turn Controls

Hydro-Gear is a global leader in the drive system industry. They have, arguably, the most productive, and high-quality turf-care equipment on the market. The highest-end component that’s installed in this lawn mower is the drive system. And the high-end specs that the drive offers comes at a price; if a lower quality (but adequate) drive system were installed the mower would be a lot cheaper to buy.

But why install a system that is so expensive when there are adequate alternatives? What’s the benefit to the user?

Well, for starters, a stand-on mower requires a lot of torque for a smooth cut and mow which simply wouldn’t be available on a lower-end drive system.

Obviously a lawn mower is packed with a 52″ heavy duty cutting deck, along with a 25HP Briggs and Stratton Commercial Turf Engine, compacted into a smaller size than a standard riding mower the drive system is going to have to shift a lot of weight.

When you add the weight of the large 5 gallon gas tank (especially if it is filled with fuel), plus the weight of the steel frame, on top of the other components previously mentioned you get a very heavy machine. The drive system therefore needs to be powerful enough to give this 52″ stand behind mower the torque it needs and to do justice to the powerful engine the machine houses – a lower quality drive system could simply not keep up and would undoubtedly have a much shorter life-span if used in this beast of a machine.

Using a traditional drive system would also result in a loss of productivity and power but the addition of the twin hydro-gear system actually provides a really comfortable ride with top forward speed of 6 mph.

The Controls

The controls come with a neutral lever, a parking brake and blade engagement capability within easy comfortable reach.

Of course, how can we forget the zero-turn maneuverability that this stander mower offers?

The zero-turn controls allow you to cut/mow the tightest corners and spots (around trees, near walls), which you just can’t pull off without this feature.

The zero-turn controls are highly responsive to the drive system and in no way compromises the quality of cut even on the sharpest of turns.

Sometimes It’s The Little Things that Matter

Of course, little features matter too.

This standing lawn mower houses 18″ rear tires, which are perfect for inclined terrains. And the H-Bushing spindles are worthy of a mention.

The patented stand on design provides a comfortable standing experience throughout the mow and has a very handy feature in that it allows you to convert the mower from a stand-on into a walk-behind mower whenever desired.

This makes this stand on mower range not only efficient but also a time-saver for commercial users who may use to swapping back and forth between riding mower for speed and walk-behind mower for finishing touches.

The big, 5 gallon gas tank ensures you have enough gas to work on any lawn no matter how large.

We can’t also ignore the fact that the Bradley range of stand on mowers comes of a host of add-ons like the mulching and steel grass catcher kit that’s available for you to purchase independently.

Even before you consider the add-ons this lawn-mower is one of the best commercial stand on mowers we have reviewed to date. But what if something breaks or malfunctions?

Well, the company has also got that covered too.

The 52″ Bradley Stand On Zero Turn Commercial Mower comes with 1 year commercial warranty or 2 year residential warranty. As with every purchase it is a good idea to check teh warranty so you know what is included and what renders it void. Click here to view Bradley’s warranty.

You should also know how to take care of the lawn mower. Every lawn mower is unique and requires a unique maintenance routine. To know what works best for this stand on lawn mower, you should read its user manual before its first use, click here to go through it now.

Final Verdict

The 52″ Bradley Stand On Commercial Mower is the perfect lawn-mower for big lawns of one acre and above.

It offers the same power and speed that a riding mower offers but without the bulk. This makes it a perfect fit for any commercial lawn business.

You’ll find that the 52″ stand on mower not only offers a large cutting deck but also packs quite a punch.

Its durable performance and amazing features make it one of the best lawn mowers for commercial use and in our opinion the best stand on commercial mower available.

Since it’s half the price of what the traditional commercial lawn mower costs, it’s the perfect lawn mower for mighty lawns.

However, the downside to this lawn mower is that it’s not available for sale in California, unless you order it online. Although, you might find some near you (if you live in California), it might be a troublesome issue to contact the dealers/representatives for additional parts/kit or even if you need to claim on the warranty.

For everyone else it’s a no-brainer.

48″ Bradley Stand On Zero Turn Mower – the best stand on mower for medium-sized jobs

Not everyone needs a 52″ deck.

If you’re looking for a mid-range zero turn stand on mower that can perform like the best of the bigger commercial monsters and are not willing to compromise on durability, features and cut then the 48″ Bradley stand on zero turn mower is definitely a great choice.

The mower offers all the same high-end specs as the 52″ but just with a smaller cutting deck.

Engine Options on the 48″ Bradley Stand-On ZT Commercial Mower

• 48″ Bradley Stand on Mower with Kawasaki 18HP OHV Engine.
• 48″ Bradley Stand on Mower with 25HP Briggs Stratton (American made) Commercial Turf engine.

18HP Kawasaki Electric Start Engine

The Kawasaki 18HP OHV engine is SAE certified. This means that, unlike many other engines that sport high HP, you’ll be getting 98% of the power you were promised, in this case, 18HP.

It’s a four cycle engine that performs like a pro. With 3 years of Kawasaki warranty, and Critical Power Certified, you can’t really can’t go wrong with this engine.

Like all Kawasaki engines this 18HP OHV engine is as durable, as powerful and as tough as any other high-quality commercial engine out there.

With features such as overhead v-valve (OHV), a pressurized lubrication system, the electronic spark ignition, along with the automatic compression release, internally vented carburetor, rotating grass screen, cast-iron cylinder liners, and single-stage air filter, this engine will last you for decades without losing much power.

However, you have to keep in mind that regular maintenance (changing oil every 100 km) is a must, if you want to keep it running at optimal performance.

Of course, you don’t have to worry about the dust/debris that eventually makes its way towards the engine. Due to its highly efficient features, the engine prevents damage and thus provides minimum maintenance-free convenience.

The Kawasaki 18HP OHV Electric Start Engine provides the power you would expected from 18 horse-power.

Of course, the electric start system is also very convenient as it doesn’t require you to exert much force to start the engine and no pulling start cords. All you have to do is push the button and the engine should spring into life immediately 9 times out of 10.

25HP Briggs Stratton Commercial Turf Electric Start Engine

The 48″ model with the 25HP Briggs Stratton performs just as well as the 52″ model which isn’t surprising as it has the same engine.

If you want a detailed review of the engine scroll above to the engine section under the 52″ Bradley stand on review on this page.

• Is American Built.
• Sports an OHV (over-head v-value).
• Has a Twin V-Twin cylinder
• Has an innovative mechanical governor
• Has a cast iron sleeve.
• Has a float feed carburetor.
• Stays debris free due to its integrated cyclonic air cleaner.

Although you can’t go wrong with either engine our choice is the USA-made Briggs Stratton for only 2 reasons: It’s built in the USA and its a little more powerful.

48″ Wide 7 Gauge Steel Cutting Deck

The only difference between the 48″ stand on and its 52″ big brother is the cutting deck width.

Both of these Bradley’s Stand On Commercial models are excellent and performance is similar.

The 48″ wide cutting deck of this stand behind lawn mower provides just as smooth, sharp and most precise a cut as any other mid-range mower and that includes even the best zero turn riding mower we have reviewed to date.

Due to its heavy-duty fabricated steel frame and 7 gauge steel build, the cutting deck is almost indestructible and can withstand rough and solid objects flying through it without trouble.

Trio-Blades

The trio of blades are also made of high-grade steel, which means they’ll last longer than the traditional ones still found in many modern models.

It’s cutting is quite impressive.

These sharp blades effortlessly cut an even height regardless of the grass length, uneven terrain or even when the mower has to navigate obstacles and cut through hardy bush-like weeds while leaving finely cut grass/debris behind.

You won’t have the need to sharpen your blades every 3 months as is very often recommended in mower user manuals.

Bradley stand-ons use blades composed of the highest quality steel – Bradley have refused to compromise on cut quality even though good quality steel is still expensive as China’s thirst for steel continues and they rive up of the commodity.

However, even though these blades require no maintenance we always recommend taking care of every part of your mower and gardening equipment i.e. washing them, oiling and cleaning the respective parts after use.

Taking the short time needed to give your machine the good care you would give to your personal vehicle will add years of life to your lawn mower and in most cases it will ensure a lifetime of use.

Something that should be of paramount importance to commercial users.

The cutting height can be adjusted from 2 inches to 5 inches. As many commercial users will already be aware 2 inches is the minimum ideal grass length for cuts since cutting more than that can actually cause your lawn to be unhealthy and can weaken the roots from deepening and it will be rare to cut to a 5″ length except for a heavy use rye grass lawn or similar.

The 48″ width of the cutting deck does a a perfect job at mowing an acre of lawn in half an hour crushing the time it takes even the best of walk behind mowers, and unlike a walk behind the mower requires little to no effort to operate.

Twin Hydro-Gear Hydro Drive System with Zero-Turn Controls

As we have stated previously, the Hydro-Gear is a global standard provider of drive systems.

Arguably the best bit of kit that Bradley has installed on their lawn mowers is this drive system.

The Hydro-Gear hydro drive system is a perfect compliment to the power of the high HP engine that powers the zero turn mower.

Installing such a high quality drive system allows the engine to perform at its fullest.

The torque that this drive system provides to the lawn mower allows it to easily navigate tough and inclined terrains that may not have been possible to cover with a lesser system. In conjunction with the engine is provides enough push to carry the weight of the lawn mower, a full 5 gallon tank and driver without effecting the quality of the cut and without leaving unsightly track marks on the lawn.

The Hydro-Gear hydro drive system provides a really comfortable experience to the user since the drive system is ultra-responsive to the touch. It makes the whole experience easy despite the size and weight of the machine.

The drive system allows the lawn mower to run at speeds of up 6 mph forward, although if you want a precise and even cut we advise you to keep your speed under 4 mph which will allow for more fine cuts of the lawn. However, having a top speed of 6mph is great to have when you are in a rush.

Speed Range

Even though you can max out the machine at 6mph running the machine at lower speed has other benefits as well. It will allow you to save on gas over long strateches of use and, as well as giving a better cut, is also much more safer to operate.

However, the mower does work exceptionally well at its maximum speed and the quality of cut is still better than lower-end machines.

With other features such as a parking brake and neutral lever you’re getting the bang for the buck from this stand on lawn mower.

The blade engagement capability lets you operate the machine and drive it without cutting so you get to your target area without the need for additional lift from one area to another (believe it or not there are still some machines that do not offer this capability).

In addition to that, the zero turn capability is quite useful itself and makes the job a lot easier.

As a stand on mower takes up much less space than a riding mower it is much easier to fully utilize the zero turn capability around walls, trees, flower blades etc.

We recommend that you lower your speed (to around 2 mph) when you are maneuvering a zero turn, otherwise the lawn mower can pluck at the grass and lift clumps out of the lawn. Keep the revs low and all will be well.

Additional Features

We can’t help but mention some of the minor features that this lawn mower offers. For example, the 18″ rear tires are extremely useful to cover up rough terrains without slowing down. On the other hand, the patented stand on design is convertible – you can make this stand on lawn mower into a walk-behind one, in mere seconds and the 11″ front tires make the mower easy to push as it glides over the lawn.

Of course, the 5 gallon gas tank also becomes useful since it is more than sufficient to handle two or three acres of mowing without emptying.

The adjustable cutting height system, easy to use controls, zero-turn driving, blade-engagement, parking brake, and neutral lever, all make this lawn mower a match for any riding mower available today.

As with most mowers you get a 1 year commercial warranty and 2 year residential warranty. It is fairly straightforward to make a claim if anything unfortunate happens to the mower. But we recommend you to read the warranty guide first, to be aware of anything that can void the warranty.

To keep your lawn mower safe from malfunction, we highly recommend you to go through its user manual at least once. Maintaining your lawn mower accordingly, ensures a lifetime use. Click here to see the warranty guidelines, and here for the user manual.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a mid-sized cutting deck, (between 40 – 50 inches wide), on a zero turn commercial machine and want something with more poke than commercial walk behind mowers but don’t want the bulk of a riding mower then this is the machine you will want to go with.

The 48″ Bradley Stand On Commercial Lawn Mower comes packed with a powerful and reliable 18HP Kawasaki electric start engine or, in our choice, the 25HP Briggs Stratton Commercial Turf engine. This means that you’ll be getting a powerful punch from this stand on mower.

The amazing feature that this mower houses, are perfect to keep it running for decades.

Speaking of its downside, there isn’t any except that you won’t find it in California – not by the authorized dealers anyway.

Who’s this lawn mower for? It’s for people who need a mower that can quickly traverse a half an acre of lawn more and lawns that are a little too challenging for walk behind mowers and/or that have lots of obstacles that require zero turn capability.

36″ Bradley Stand-On Zero Turn – the best residential stand on mower

Just like the 48″ stand on commercial model the 36″ commercial stand on model is almsot identical to the 52″ Bradley Stand-On Zero Turn Commercial Mower which we reviewed above – can you see why are top 3 stand on mower picks are all Bradleys?

The only real differences between the 3 mowers (with the exception of the Kawasaki engine option in the 48″) is in engine horsepower, the width of the cutting deck and the amount of blades, and, of course, the price of course.

If you have already read the above reviews of the 52″ and/or 48″ then you don’t need to read the following information. If you have jumped straight to this section then you just need to be aware that the bigger deck models mentioned above have similar specs.

The 23HP Briggs Stratton Commercial Turf Series Electric Start Engine

Briggs and Stratton are known for their quality engines that not only American built but provide a powerful punch. They are also extremely durable and under normal operating conditions (even for commercial users) should last a lifetime.

The Briggs and Stratton Commercial Turf Series engines are housed with the OHV (overhead valve) technology that provides better fuel consumption, more durability and optimum power levels (about 95-98%).

Most of the Commercial Turf Engines are identical to one another, but this one is a little unique. This engine is housed with a V-twin cylinder design which provides more balance to the engine and the stand on lawn mower itself.

You get a whooping 23HP from this engine, which is powerful enough to move this mower effortlessly over acres of lawn quickly.

Due to the Mechanical Governor, Integrated Cyclonic Air Cleaner, Cast Iron Sleeve and Float Feed Carburetor, Briggs and Stratton engines are not only innovative but are more reliable and more durable than other traditional engines powering some alternative mowers on the market today.

The engine on the 36″ Bradley stand on, like the ones on its contemporaries reviewed above, is almost maintenance-free.

Though many users perform no maintenance at all on their Briggs Stratton engines we recommend you change the oil every 100 hours (an engine’s milestone) to keep the engine in optimal condition and to avoid wear and tear.

The electric start capability is very convenient. The engine will almost always start immediately or failing that it should start on the second try unless it has developed a fault.

On a rough terrain or steep incline the engine can take a heavy load and still result in a fine even mow.

The 36″ Width Twin Blade Heavy Duty 7 Gauge Steel Cutting Deck

The 36″ wide cutting deck does what you’d expect from a high-quality lawn mower.

However, unlike the 52″ and 48″ models, which have a trio blade system, the 36″ has only 2 blades. The twin blade set-up is more than enough for razor-sharp professional grass cuts though.

Like the larger models the 36″ has a cutting deck made of high quality 7 gauge steel, with a heavy duty fabricated steel frame. This robust foundational structure ensures the mower performs well on rough terrains over long periods of use. Since the cutting deck is also tough and rigid the cut remains smooth and even creating perfect results every time.

The dual blade system isn’t as good as the trio-blades, we discussed above, but it gets the job done quite well too. Of course, since the blades are stainless steel, you won’t need to work very hard to maintain them, but a little care can go a long way.

Sharpening of the blade twice an year, and regular cleaning of the blades would do just fine.

In fact, you can wash the blades every time you mow your lawn as long by simply wiping them with a damp cloth. Since, they are comprised of stainless steel, you can even hose them clean and you won’t have to worry about them rusting.

The blades seem to cut through anything (even stones, nails, etc.) that come in their path. Although to avoid undue stress on the blades and to eliminate the risk of chipping them it is always advisable to clear obvious debris from your path before mowing.

We are confident that under normal conditions the cutting deck should last you for decades, or even a lifetime if you keep a good care of it.

The cutting deck has an adjustable cutting height, which goes from 2 to 5 inches.

Let’s talk about another feature that makes this stand up lawn mower worth buying.

Twin Hydro-Gear Hydro Drive System with Zero-Turn Controls

There is nothing new to the hydro-drive system that we haven’t discussed above. You now know that Hydro-Gear is a global leader and makes one of the finest drive systems today. Although, the drive system is expensive, but it still is worth having in your mower.

There is a reason why Bradley have installed twin hydro-gear hydro drive systems on their stand on commercial mowers. It’s quite simple. This drive system is the very reason you’ll enjoy mowing your lawn, since it allows you to give complete and precise control over your lawn mower’s movements. You’ll feel the ultimate maneuverability, with zero turn capability, and the power to move the lawn mower along with you.

The drive system allows you to launch your lawn mower at a maximum speed of 6 mph. However, 4 mph is the recommended speed for safety and perfect cuts. No matter how expensive a lawn mower may be, it cannot cut precisely at higher speeds (more than 4 mph).

Of course, since the deck is smaller than the other two stand on mowers we have reviewed above, it would take a little longer to get through a few acres of lawn even though its top speed is the same. While it may take longer than other mowers on the list, it is equally easy to use and gives precise results. As a result you will not find the job to be daunting.

Of course, the neutral lever, along with the parking brake and the blade engagement makes it easier to have control on the mower.

But what about other features that are available in high end commercial mowers? Does the 36” Bradley Stand On ZT Commercial Mower also have such features?

The answer is yes; here are some of the other features found in this powerful machine”

Additional Features

Similar to the other lawn mowers we have mentioned in this review guide, the features of the 36″ Bradley Stand On Mower include: 18″ rear tires, 11″ front tyres, a 5 gallon gas tank, h-bushing spindles, the ability to swap between stand on and walk behind, and optional mulching and steel grass catcher kits.

With this stand on lawn mower, you get the standard 1 year commercial warranty and a 2 year residential warranty.

Of course, if you’re living in California, you’ll have a problem obtaining any of these stand on models as Bradley doesn’t sell their lawn mowers in the state. If you want to read the warranty guide, click here.

We recommend that you keep a regular maintenance of your lawn mower, according to the user manual. You can read the user manual by clicking here.

Final Verdict

The 36″ Bradley Stand On Zero Turn Commercial Lawn Mower has all the features of a high-end commercial lawn mower and is just a smaller version of the 52″ and 48″ stand on mowers reviewed above. With only a slight difference in the power of engine (23 HP instead of 25 HP) from the larger models this machine packs a real punch.

The very respectable 36″ cutting deck and twin blade set-up can make short work of even the biggest of lawns.

This is perfect for a lot of owners who own lawns and landscapes that are a few acres or less. It is also a fantastic addition to any commercial fleet especially if that fleet already obtains a larger deck riding mower.

Best stand on mower for California (to comply with emissions laws)

Unfortunately due to restrictions the mower is not available in California, which is why we thought it’d be useful to mention another lawn mower as an alternative.

The Beast

Since Bradley doesn’t sell its products in California, we have chosen another brand – the Beast.

The Beast 54 in. 22 HP Subaru EH65V Commercial Duty Dual Hydro Walk-Behind Finish Cut Turf Mower with Floating Deck is a perfect alternative.

This lawn mower is equipped with electric start Subaru (a reliable company) 22 HP Commercial Engine, which does the job quite well.

You might want to check it out on Amazon by clicking the link here.

Conclusion: The best stand on mowers

We are sure that by reading this review guide, you must have realized by now that there isn’t much of difference between all of the three lawn mowers we reviewed. You’ll also find that there is only a a few hundred dollars of a difference between each stand on mower. This should make it a lot easier to choose which works best for you based on deck size.

Obviously the 52″ Bradley Stand On Zero Turn Commercial Mower is the best value for money between the three stand on mowers but this deck size may be too large for your current needs, especially is you are a commercial users who needs a smaller deck-sized mower for your fleet. The smaller deck sizes offer the same excellent cut results and would be a great addition to any commercial mower fleet or for someone who is storage-challenged or who simply has a smaller lawn area.

We hope you would have enjoyed this review and it has given you all the info,ration you need to make a decision on which stand mower will best suit you. If you live in California, where these mowers are not officially available, we recommend you check our other lawn mowers reviews or take a look at our alternative pick The Beast – on Amazon.

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