Comparing Top Commercial Walk-Behind Mowers
Does Deck Size Affect Mowing Efficiency?
Heck yeah it does! Sure, maneuverability is cool, I’m looking at you zero-turn mowers, but when it comes to raw mowing muscle, deck size matters, especially when you’ve got a big commercial job on your hands. Deck size is more than just a number. A 60-inch deck? That’s straight-up mowing muscle. Fewer passes, quicker jobs, and more time to take on new ones. Big jobs need big decks, plain and simple. But bigger isn’t always better. If you’re working in tight spots, trying to get a 60-inch deck around obstacles is like trying to parallel park a school bus. That’s where the smaller decks, like the 36 or 48 inches, shine. They’re agile, quick, and way easier to maneuver when you’ve got shrubs, lots of corners, or tight walkways.
Here are the top contenders out in the market. Each one brings something different to the table. Pricing is included in the individual reviews, but it’s hard to give firm numbers because of discounts, sales, and special incentives. What you see is what was available at the time of publication. Check with your local dealers. Be sure to spring for the sulky whatever size you buy!
Exmark Turf Tracer: The People’s Choice
First up, we’ve got the Exmark Turf Tracer, easily one of the most popular mowers in the biz. It’s a crowd pleaser for a reason, coming in at 36, 48, 52, and 60 inches. You can’t go wrong with this one—Exmark is a name a lot of landscapers trust, and with deck sizes that fit most types of jobs, this mower delivers both versatility and power. It may not be the fastest, but it’s like that reliable best friend you call when you’re moving ‘cause you know they show up and get the job done. Pricing ranges from $8,599 – $12,499 when paying cash as of the publish date. There were also special incentives listed.
Ferris FW45: Crank It Up
Next, we’ve got the Ferris FW45, and this commercial walk-behind mower adds a little unexpected motion to the mix. It has a crank that easily raises and lowers the deck. No more pins! You don’t see that every day, right? Available in 48-, 52-, and 61-inch decks, this mower might not have the most size options, but that crank adds a little extra somethin’ somethin’ you didn’t even know you needed. Plus, it’s a Ferris—so it’s built like a tank. Prices range from $10,009 – $11,109 as of the publish date.
Toro Pro-Line: Deck for Days
The Toro Pro-Line comes in a range of 36, 48, 54, and 60 inches, with one of the 48-inch models CARB Compliant. Whether you’re trimming a modest-sized HOA or taming the back lot at a huge office park, Toro’s got you covered. And with options like these, it’s all about having the right deck size for the job. You want to flex a 60-inch deck? Toro’s got your back – which is good because you’re going to need help pushing that thing up the ramp. The Pricing for Toro Pro-line looks like the 36-inch is about $7,721 and the 61-inch is around $8,399. You’ll have to call your local dealer to see what it is near you.
Gravely Pro-Walk Mower: Heavyweight Champ
Speaking of size, the Gravely Pro-Walk Mower doesn’t mess around either. It comes in 36, 48, 54, and 60 inches, just like the Toro, but this beast can mow at speeds up to 8 MPH. You could finish a marathon in under three and a half hours running this thing at full throttle. Those joggers better move out of the way. If you’re looking for speed and size, Gravely can make sure you’re cutting through your job list at a record pace. Pricing was hard to find. It, looks like the 36-inch can range from $3,999 to $6,999 depending on the model. The 52-inch was around $7,699 and the 60-inch was listed at $9,049 at one dealer.
Hustler TrimStar: Big Deck, Small Tank
You can’t talk about big decks and leave off the Hustler TrimStar who offers 36, 48, 54, and 60-inch sizes. Hustler got the goods when it comes to variety. However, that tiny 3.4-gallon gas tank is a bit of a buzzkill. You’ve got this giant deck, but a tiny tank? This means you are going to have to stop and refuel more often. If size matters more than staying power, this commercial walk-behind mower could be a good choice. Pricing was hard to find, but seemed to range from $6,999.00 to $8,625.00. Check your local dealer.
John Deere: These go up to 61
Like in the cult-classic Spinal Tap, where the band’s amplifier’s turn up to 11, John Deere’s commercial walk-behind mower tops out at 61 inches instead of the more standard 60. And if the buzz is correct, they might be about to introduce something that will cause a lot of size envy out there. As of now, they offer 36, 48, 52, and 61- inch decks, all with a 5.4 gallon gas tank. If bigger is better – John Deer is for you. Pricing ranges from $6,982 to $10,899 as far as we can tell. Check local dealer!
Who’s the Winner?
When it comes to choosing the commercial walk-behind mower with the biggest deck, Exmark, Toro, and Gravely all have a 60-inch option. John Deere and Ferris up the ante with a 61-inch deck and John Deere is teasing a massive 72-inch model. The real question is what (and where) are you cutting? In California? Toro’s CARB compliant models are pretty compelling. If you’re mowing large, open spaces, those bigger decks will get you in and out of a job faster. But, if you’re dealing with smaller areas, gates, or a landscape full of shrubs, you’ll want something a little more nimble—like a 36- or 48-inch deck.
In the end it’s all about what you’re cutting and what’s more important to you when comparing commercial walk-behind mowers: Exmark’s rock-solid reliability, Ferris’ easy-to-use deck crank, Gravely’s speed and power, Toro’s choices, Hustler’s snappy yellow color, or John Deere’s size.
Check out our side-by-side chart for an easy comparison of these commercial walk-behind mowers. As for pricing? Well, it’s a bit like buying a car—factors like deck size, financing, incentives, and the dealership can all impact the bottom line. Hopefully, there’s no “let me check with my manager” moment.
Job #1 – Staying Profitable
At the end of the day, whether you’re weaving a 36-inch deck through tight spots or cruising across wide-open lawns with a 60-inch beast, staying profitable is the only thing that matters. So, how do you keep your business running like a well-oiled machine?
Momentum’s GPS tracking shows you the location and status of every vehicle, mower, and crew member, so you’re never wondering what’s going on out in the field. Our driver safety tech (dash cams, in-cabin safety alerts & driver scorecard) makes sure your crews get home in one piece and cuts down on insurance costs. And our automated job costing system tracks every penny to make sure you’re hitting your margins and not losing money.
Read more about how Momentum is the choice for landscaping pros like you. There are no contracts, no hidden fees, and the first month is free.
