Purchasing a new riding lawn mower for commercial use or for mowing large rural properties is a bit different than buying a small model for a single residential yard. The following are a few things to consider as you shop.
1. Mower Deck Size
The deck on a mower contains the cutting blade. The larger the deck, the larger the cutting blade, and the wider a section you are cutting as you mow. You want to opt for a larger mowing deck if you will mainly be mowing large commercial or rural properties with lots of lawn. A smaller deck is desirable if you tend to mow in more narrow confines, such as spaces between close-set buildings.
2. Accessory Options
There is a range of accessories that can be added to a commercial riding mower. If you need four-season tools, then choosing a mower that has the option to attach a snowplow to the front can be quite handy. Grass collection bins, towable tool trailers, and power rakes are other optional accessory attachments that may make your job easier. Make sure the model you choose can support any accessories you need.
3. Power Source
You have two options when it comes to power — electric or gasoline. Electric riding mowers are quieter and environmentally friendly, but they are not as powerful as gas-powered mowers. For commercial mowing operations or if you are mowing large rural properties, then a gas-powered mower will provide you with more powerful options. Just make sure the mower comes with sufficient gas tank size so you don't need to refill it frequently during a job.
4. Comfort Concerns
For those that will be sitting on a lawnmower for long periods of time as they mow multiple properties or a single large property, comfort is a very important thing to look at when shopping for a riding lawnmower. A cushioned seat is more comfortable than a hard molded plastic seat. Cup holders for water bottles may also be a good comfort accessory to look for. Test drive a few models with an eye toward comfort.
5. Turning Radius
The ideal riding mower will have a zero turn radius, which means it pivots in place when you need to turn. The reason this is ideal is that it saves time — you don't have to loop back over an area you already mowed in order to turn around. It also makes it easier to mow into and get out of any tight spaces. If the areas you mow don't have a lot of obstacles, you can save money and skip the zero turn mowers.
Contact a commercial lawn mower dealer to learn more about the available options.
