Running a lawn care business means buying reliable cutting tools, including the best commercial walk-behind mower. The only problem is that not everyone can pick apart commercial lawn mowers from residential models, leading them to mistakenly buy tools for a smaller yard.
So rather than blindly guessing which suits your mowing needs, here are several walk-behinds recommended and tested by our lawn care experts.
Reviews of the Top Commercial Walk Behind Mowers
1. Honda 664100 GCV200
Commercial push lawn mowers are meant to do more than just mowing, so we decided to test Honda 664100 GCV200 with its mulching and bagging features. Fortunately, it operates with hydrostatic cruise control that allows adjusting speed from 0 to 4 MPH.
Unlike other lawn mowers, the unit features an exclusive select drive. Through this intuitive lawn mower system, users can find more convenience and control during cutting operations.
Another feature that sets this commercial lawn mower apart is its seven mowing height adjustments. During our hands-on experience, this function allows us to cut grass at ¾-inch to 4-inch cutting specifications.
What We Like
- Smooth wheel movements in hilly terrain
- Capable of mulching, bagging, discharging, and shredding
- Accurate speed control and excellent cut quality
- Multiple cutting surfaces for finer grass clippings
- Variable speed configuration for better user control
What We Don't Like
- Will need to be cleaned after use
- Colors are not so bright as the other models’
2. Swisher WRC10224H
Although not the most affordable option, Swisher WRC10224H proved its place in this list with its G6 Gator commercial cutting blade. It’s built tough and can easily slice through grass fields, no matter what condition your lawn is in.
Given its large pneumatic chevron tread parker wheel, our testers don’t recommend using this push mower on smaller yards. However, we don’t doubt that you can rely on it for mowing the roughest terrain.
This lawn mower also has a reverse mode and four-speed transmission that you can find handy when you need to navigate away from tough lawn spots.
What We Like
- Equipped with a powerful motor and wide cutting range
- More suitable for hills and swamps than residential mowers
- Adjustable speed transmission for personal preference
- Safety deflectors built-in front and side of the unit
What We Don't Like
- Sold at a higher price than other self-propelled mowers
- Not the best walk-behind lawn mower for tight spaces
3. Greenworks 25022
For a more economical and affordable lawn care experience, getting an electric lawn mower like Greenworks 25022 should do the trick. Despite its lower price tag, this commercial lawn mower serves the 3-in-1 purpose of side discharge, mulching, and rear bagging.
It operates with an electric power source, but its runtime does not rely on one battery. As long as the lawn mower is plugged into an outlet, your grass-cutting activities will continue uninterrupted.
Thanks to its 10-inch rear-wheel drive, we didn’t counter issues maneuvering through rugged grass terrain. Its 12-amp motor also did wonders in providing maximum cutting performance.
What We Like
- Integrated with an electric cord lock
- Compact and foldable grip handles
- Maneuverable than most commercial mowers
- No need for extra batteries or charging
What We Don't Like
- More suitable for small yards
- The power cord can limit mobility
4. Worx WG779
Another cordless and budget-friendly commercial lawn mower you can consider is Worx WG77. If you’re not covering a vast grass field, its 40V maximum power should be enough for commercial use.
One of the reasons we chose it as one of the best commercial walk-behind mowers despite being cordless is because you can utilize it in different seasons. Using a single built-in lever, you can adjust the mower height in six positions without hassle.
We also liked that it’s designed with foam-padded handles. This way, we could grip the mower firmly and maneuver it without experiencing muscle fatigue.
What We Like
- Built-in with battery level indicators
- More affordable than other walk-behind mowers
- Lighter and easy to maneuver in rough lawns
- Dual port charger for faster-charging sessions
What We Don't Like
- Not the best lawn mowers for big yards
- Must be stored with extra care and caution
5. Earthquake 40314
It may not be as popular as other commercial mowers, but Earthquake 40314 has 14-inch durable wheels that can sweep through rough grass and weeds. One look at it, and it’s not hard to see how its solid steel mower deck can dampen vibrations caused by the unit’s wheel motors.
We didn’t struggle to assemble this walk-behind mower because all there is to do is to unfold and secure the handles. There’s no need for tools to tighten the knobs as it offers tool-free adjustments that can also come in handy when storing the tool. There’s also 4-cycle fuel and starting strings included upon purchasing the unit.
What We Like
- It comes with a five-year limited warranty
- No external tools are needed for the assembly
- Compact storage and easy to store
- Powerful enough to chop down tough bushes
What We Don't Like
- Not from a well-known brand
- Not as powerful as other walk-behind mowers
6. Snapper XD 82V
Thanks to its load-sensing technology, it’s impossible not to talk about Snapper XD 82V when it comes to walk-behind mowers in the lawn care industry. You may not know, but this exclusive feature allows the mower to deliver optimal performance through maximum efficiency and power.
Unlike some walk-behind mowers that run on batteries, this self-propelled model can cut, mulch, or bag grass for up to 90 minutes.
The rear wheel of this mower is only around 10 inches, so we doubt you’ll have difficulties storing it. If anything, its easy assembly should save you at least 70% of the usually needed space for a typical mower.
What We Like
- It comes with seven height adjustments
- Compact and maneuverable mower
- Long battery life and quick charging time
What We Don't Like
- Limited operation runtime
- Heavier than most walk-behind mowers
7. Makita XML08Z
Another familiar brand name you’ll encounter when buying push mowers is Makita XML08Z. Given its variable speed settings ranging from 1.5 MPH to 3 MPH, you should be able to match the needs of the lawns you’re cutting.
It’s also made of IPX4 weather-resistant material, so its commercial steel deck is guaranteed to have extensive machine life and withstand harsh conditions.
On top of that, it houses four bay batteries on its system, unlike other battery-operated mowers. Through this, you can expect the mower to offer twice the runtime that regular cordless models have.
What We Like
- Twice runtime than a typical cordless mower
- Made of weather-resistant construction
- Capable of running up to 3 MPH
- Safe from overloading and overheating
What We Don't Like
- Not the best tool for mulching
- Not a beginner-friendly model
Commercial Walk Behind Mower Buyer’s Guide
Gas vs. Electric vs. Battery-Powered Mowers
When choosing a commercial mower, remember that the power gas models can produce is still superior. This predicament is also true regarding the tool’s runtime. And while a corded mower does operate without limit as long as it’s plugged into an electric power source, its real disadvantage still lies in its mobility hindered by its cord.
Meanwhile, cordless mower options rely on battery capacity [1]. If you ask our experts, it’s both a perk and a disadvantage.
Because it doesn’t carry a fuel tank and other components gas models may have, these tools are lighter. It also doesn’t have a cord to hinder its movement.
However, cordless mowers are limited in runtime. Although most modern units have extensive battery life, it doesn’t compare to the convenience of just plugging into an outlet or refilling fuel tanks.
It can also be costly if you invest in extra batteries and chargers.
Nevertheless, getting a gas mower is still wiser if you’re tackling tough and extensive grass-cutting activities.
Gear Drive vs. Hydrostatic
When you buy a mower with hydrostatic transmission, you can expect it to have a smooth and efficient torque application. It’s easy to operate and compact, so we highly suggest it for tasks like landscaping.
However, manual transmission or gear drive is still the ideal specification if you’ll be doing heavy-duty and ground engagement tasks.
Material Durability
Like it or not, you’ll get these tools exposed to different weather conditions and external elements. Because of this, the best mowers you can buy are those made of durable steel.
You can also consider buying mowers with aluminum constructions if you can’t afford or find ones with this material.
Always remember that your tool’s material and toughness determine how long it will last in the long run and how much pressure it can withstand during the cutting operations.
Engine
We can all agree that the best commercial walk-behind mowers must be powerful enough to tackle the harshest mowing conditions.
You can rely on units with a motor power of at least 150cc or above to handle seasonal needs. Besides that, don’t forget to check if the engine includes a cooling system to prevent overheating.
Deck Width
If you want to work as fast as possible, larger decks around 22 to 24 inches are the obvious solutions. However, you can opt for a smaller deck sized 20 to 21 inches if mobility and maneuverability are what you seek.
Deck Construction
As your mower deck will do all the work, it’s also crucial to make it durable, like steel. If your motor engine has a cooling feature, that will help ensure the deck won’t wear out quickly due to frequent usage.
Height Adjustment Controls
As you’ll be using mowers for business, it’s important to check if it has height adjustment controls. Not all models offer this function, but it will come in handy as you’ll be dealing with different lawns.
If your cutting machine has adjustments of 1.75 to 3.75 inches, that should be enough to mow most grass types and sizes.
Safety Features
As long as the handlebars are long and large enough to hold firmly, you should be safe as you maneuver these cutting tools. Besides, the deck should be strong enough to match the toughness of the area you’re working on to avoid lawn mower mishaps or accidents.
Type of Landscape
When buying, don’t forget to consider the land condition on which you’ll be using the machine. You may not know, but models with bigger and stronger tires are more suited for working on hilly slopes and rough terrain.
It’s also crucial to determine how vast the landscape is. If you’re tending to a wide piece of land, then using an electric model may not be your most effective option.
Easy to Use
Typically, self-propelled models are easier to use than other alternatives. These tools don’t require much effort to push into their cutting path. Additionally, units equipped with high tires are easier to maneuver on hilly terrain.
Price and Warranty
The price of these tools varies per model and size, so you’ll have many options according to your budget. However, most models with premium materials should range to at least $1000 or more.
As for the warranty period, you can buy mowers that offer at least 2 to 3 years of limited warranties. If you’re willing to spend more, you can consider some models that extend to 4 years.
What’s the difference between a commercial and a residential walk-behind mower?
The major difference between commercial and residential mowers is their durability. Typically, it’s easy to point this out with the materials used in making the tool. Other than that, engines on commercial models are more powerful and efficient.
Rather than massive and wide decks, a residential mower tends to be more compact and easy to store.
Maintenance Tips for Your Commercial Walk-Behind Mower
There are many ways to increase your mower’s lifespan. However, the easiest method is to buy a model with a cooling system to prevent quick wearing from usage. You can also buy an air cooler for your tool if it doesn’t include this feature.
The blade must be sharpened if you want its cuts to be cleaner and more precise. We advise doing it 2 to 3 times a year or, better yet, as often as you can.
FAQ
How do you tighten the belt on a walk-behind lawn mower?
You can tighten the belt on push mowers when it’s loose by removing the blade and other components. On the side of the motor engine, you’ll find the belt and tighten it as you please to get it back to its original placement.
What are the steps to sharpening the blades on a commercial walk-behind mower?
You can sharpen the mower blades by removing them from the tool. If it’s heavier than you can manage, use a car track lift to hold the model up until you get the blade out. After that, get your bench grinder and start sharpening it.
Our Top Pick For a Commercial Walk-Behind Mower:
Honda 664100 GCV200
After evaluating the best commercial walk-behind mowers, our tool experts decided to select Honda 664100 GCV200 as our top pick in this review. Given its height adjustments of up to 4 inches, no one can deny that this tool can tackle any cutting task with different grass types and sizes.
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