Department of Labor logo UNITED STATESDEPARTMENT OF LABOR. Stand on riding mower

Stand-On Mowers – Is one right for you?

In this article, I want to show you the different models of stand on mowers available and discuss the pros/cons of whether a stand-on mower may be the best choice for you. Stand-on mowers have dramatically improved the way lawns are mowed. Before 1995 I was using Toro Groundsmasters and Jacobson Turf Cats, as my primary mowers. They would mow a lot of lawn but they were big, heavy and didn’t like small spaces or hills. Because of that the mowing crews also needed to have 36-60 inch walk-behind mowers, 21-inch push mowers, and multiple string trimmers. It was common for me to have crews of five to nine people.

But that all changed in the spring of 1997. My local dealer convinced me to demo a new to the market stand-on Great Dane Surfer and a mid-deck Exmark Lazer Z zero-turn. By the end of the summer, I had replaced all of my equipment with these new mowers, reduced my crews to two or three people and they were getting more lawns mowed! The new mowers quickly paid for themselves in reduced labor and maintenance costs.

What is a stand-on mower?

Stand-on mowers were born out of the need for a mower that was faster and more productive than a walk-behind mower yet lighter weight and more agile than sit-down zero-turn mowers.

The first stand-on mowers used commercial walk-behinds as the template. Bill Wright, in particular, saw that he could move the controls up and over the engine and permanently attach the Velke (sulky) to the mower. The idea of the stand-on mower was born. About the same time, another individual in Florida was working on the same idea and Dane Scag saw the potential there.

Dane Scag was the first to market with the “Surfer” stand-on but Bill Wright was the actual inventor/patent holder and spent another year engineering out all the bugs from the “Stander” before putting it on the market.

1997 Great Dane Surfer with upgraded front casters

As with any industry, it took quite a few years before established landscapers were willing to switch from “what they knew” to the new design of the stand-on. But the hard work and dedication to the idea finally paid off for Mr. Wright and it became accepted that stand-on mowers were much faster than walk-behinds and more efficient and lighter than ZTRs on smaller and medium size lawns.

Because of interest in the Wright Stander, many other manufacturers tried to get in on the action and designed some really strange mowers to compete with it. Almost all of those designs have disappeared to the point that even the Internet doesn’t remember them. (Anyone remember the Excel Hustler FastCat?)

Today Wright Manufacturing not only makes the fast and agile stand-ons that excel on small to medium lawns but also larger and more powerful stand-on mowers that outperform many conventional sit-down ZTRs. Stand-on mowers have become so popular that there are now over 15 brands competing for your dollars.

Below is a list of Pros and Cons to help you decide if a Stand-on is the best choice for you. After that is a list of the 2019 manufacturers and links to their websites.

Finally, All the current stand on mowers are commercial grade designed for harsh use by landscape contractors. Even the cheapest model will last you many, many years.

Pros of using stand-on mowers compared to lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers

In summary, experienced landscapers like myself prefer stand-on mowers for small and medium sized lawns. After mowing lawns all day we all state our back is less sore, we are not as tired and we get a lot more done than using mid-mount ZTRs and lawn/garden tractors.

Four Categories of Stand-on mowers

Small: 32-46 inches Gated communities and other small lawns with very few slopes. These mowers excel at mowing intricately landscaped properties. They are not designed for berms, ditches, and slopes. The Gravely ProStance 36FL is a good example of this class.

Medium: 48-60 inches Lightweight compared to most other mowers so they won’t leave ruts on soft turf. Because of their agility, these will easily mow more lawn in less time than conventional zero-turns. With a little training, you can mow slopes and berms with these mowers. Experienced landscapers always have two or three of these that are used for small and medium-sized residential/business properties. The Wright Stander B is a good example of this class of stand on mower.

Large: 48-72 inches These stand on mowers are direct replacements to the commercial Zero-Turn mowers most landscapers use. They are fast, agile and mow perfectly at over 10 MPH! The Toro GrandStand is a good example of this class of mower.

Production: 72 inches These mowers are true heavy-duty, large frame, high production mowers. Heavy frame, Big bore EFI engines. Some, like the Wright Stander ZK even have dual rear wheels! The result is the most productive and versatile large frame mower ever built. Big bore EFI engines provide power without compromising efficiency. High flow hydraulics propel high traction 23” or 24” tires for excellent hill holding, and dual-sided fuel tanks provide all-day run time. Take on your next season with a ZK. It’s the ultimate stand on mower. Period.

Stand-On Mower Manufacturer Guide

NOTE! All stand on mowers with the exception of the Bradley are sold at dealers only. There are no Internet retailers or big box stores selling them at this time. Because of that, I suggest doing your research online for the best model for you but select a few brands that have dealers you trust close to you.

Dixie Chopper: Stryker. the Dixie Chopper brand is officially gone but there are still dealers who may have this mower in stock.

Havener Enterprises: Bradley Stand-on Compact ZT. Note: The Bradley is about half the cost of all the other stand on mowers but it is still a commercial grade mower capable of giving you many years of service. Havener Enterprises has been in business for 20 years and can sell these mowers for less because they do not have an extensive dealer network and they make their mowers in small batches so they don’t have the overhead costs of most other manufacturers. If you do your own maintenance this is one of the best value mowers on the market. If you need maintenance parts all you have to do is call them and the parts are quickly shipped out.

Havener Enterprises: Bradley Stand-on Compact ZT.

Mean Green Mowers: Stalker SK-48 Stand-On Electric Commercial

Mean Green Mowers: Stalker SK-48 Stand-On Electric Commercial

The Toro Company: GrandStand and Grandstand MULTI-FORCE

Toro GrandStand and Grandstand MULTI-FORCE

Worldlawn Power Equipment: Venom Encore Rage

Stand on riding mower

A riding mower is a self-propelled vehicle operated by a person in a seated or standing position. It is designed for cutting grassy areas such as residential lawns, golf courses, cemeteries and parks.

Riding mowers are distinct from agricultural and industrial tractors, which “are designed as utility machines for multiple uses with a variety of implements and attachments.” (State of California Department of Industrial Relations). Roll-over protection for agricultural tractors is covered by the OSHA standards in Section 1928 subpart C, Roll-Over Protective Structures.

A sulky is a “[r]emovable trailing seat or stand-on platform with wheels or skids designed to carry an operator while controlling a self-propelled, pedestrian-controlled lawnmower.” (Source: ANSI/OPEI B71.4-2012, page 5). This webpage is not meant to apply to mowers with sulkies attached. Workers and employers should see other guidance, such as ANSI/OPEI B71.4-2012, Sections 10.5 and 20.7.

Incidents

On August 30, 2004, a groundskeeper at a mission in Santa Barbara, California, was mowing near the top edge of a retaining wall when his riding mower hit a rock and went over the ledge. The mower fell three feet and landed on top of the groundskeeper, killing him instantly.

On May 7, 2012, a groundskeeper for the National Park Service (NPS) was mowing alongside the Blue Ridge Parkway at an overlook near Asheville, North Carolina. He was operating a zero-radius-turn riding mower that was equipped with a roll-over protective structure. As he maneuvered his mower behind a trash can in a narrow section of the terrain, his mower went over an embankment and fell at least 100 feet, killing the worker.

Safety Considerations for Using Riding Mowers

Workers operating riding mowers face serious safety issues. Their employers need to make sure that the equipment in use is designed and maintained with safety in mind. The employers must make sure that workers are trained to avoid hazardous surroundings. Finally, the employers must ensure that mowing operations are performed safely.

The guidelines discussed below are based on safety principles issued by the California Department of Industrial Relations, which includes Cal/OSHA; the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety; and the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).

Employers Must Ensure Equipment Safety

Use and maintain all available safety equipment. Pay particular attention to the following points:

• Some riding mowers are designed by their manufacturer to be equipped with a roll-over protective structure (ROPS). The ROPS can either be standard or optional equipment. See the footnotes in the “Applicable Consensus Standards” section of this Hazard Alert for links to consensus standards governing which mowers must be equipped with a ROPS.
• If the mower a worker will be using does not have a ROPS, look for unused bolt holes or brackets near the seat or frame to see if the mower should be equipped with a ROPS. Do not operate any mower that was intended to be equipped with a ROPS without its ROPS in place. In many cases, retrofit kits are available. Contact the manufacturer to see if there is a kit for the mower you will be using.
• Mowers with a ROPS should also be equipped with a seat belt. Provide and use approved seat belt assemblies on all riding lawn mowers on which a ROPS has been installed.
• Where vertical clearance does not allow for a ROPS to be in the raised (active) position, the ROPS may be temporarily placed in the lowered (inactive) position. Also, workers should not wear a seat belt while operating a riding mower with the ROPS in the lowered position. Return the ROPS to the raised position as soon as the riding mower is in an area where the vertical clearance allows its use and reconnect the seat belt.
• Equip riding mowers with an operator presence control system that shuts off the blades when the operator dismounts the machine or rises out of the seat.
• Equip riding mowers with interlocks that ensure that the engine cannot start while the mower is in gear or if the blade is engaged. Inspect mowers to ensure that operator presence systems and all safety features are always in place and operable.
• Keep riding mowers in good working order, and inspect them periodically for an insecurely or incorrectly attached ROPS or seat belt.
• Mower operators should use a standard checklist to do a general inspection of the equipment before use. For example, the checklist should include checking the tire pressure and checking for missing or damaged guards, etc.
• Experienced service personnel should inspect riding mowers for the necessary safety features and overall maintenance at least annually. Only qualified personnel should service and repair riding mowers.

While it is essential to have the proper safety equipment in place on riding mowers, you should think of that step as just the beginning of your safety program.

Determining the Safety of the Surroundings

Employers should be familiar with the conditions of the terrain on which their mowers are being used. They should ensure that their workers take the following precautions:

• Do not operate mowers on slopes that exceed the angle limits specified by the manufacturer. Look for a label on the mower with this information.
• When the manufacturer’s instructions are not available or do not specify the angle limits for operating on sloped surfaces, evaluate the terrain and slope conditions to ensure that the mower is operated in a safe manner. Avoid mowing on slopes with an angle of over 15 degrees if there is no other information available.
• Use a slope indicator, also known as a clinometer or inclinometer, if you need one. Used to determine slope angles, inclinometers are devices that attach to equipment; applications for mobile devices; or printable versions that can be downloaded online. Refer to the “Additional Resources for Employers and Workers” section of this webpage, and Figure 1 (Slope Indicator) below. Clicking on the indicators will open separate printable documents.
• Always remove the key when you are leaving a mower unattended, but never leave mowers unattended on a slope. After turning off a mower, the rider/operator should set the brake, remove the key and wait to make sure that all the moving parts have stopped before leaving. The rider cannot assume that the moving parts will stop.
• Do not operate mowers in areas where the drive wheels are within five feet, as measured from the outside wheel edge, of the unprotected edges of retaining walls, embankments, levees, ditches, culverts, excavations, or similar locations that present an overturn or roll-over hazard. Use a string trimmer or a push mower instead.
• When it is necessary to operate riding mowers near ponds, creeks, reservoirs, canals, sloughs, lakes, golf course water hazards and similar bodies of water, evaluate the terrain and any slope conditions. Establish a safety zone to ensure that the mower is operated at a safe distance from such hazards. Sometimes, a distance of two mower widths is sufficient.

Training for Workers

Employers are responsible for providing workers with training before they can operate any lawn-mowing equipment. Training ensures that each operator is competent to operate a riding mower safely. Training must be provided in a language and vocabulary that workers can understand. Training should cover topics on the safe operation of specific riding mowers and other equipment that workers will use. These topics include:

• A review of all safety devices to ensure that ROPS, guards, seat belts, and shields are securely in place and properly used.
• The importance of surveying the terrain for hazards prior to mowing.
• How to identify obstacles in the mowing path, such as large rocks, man-made hazards such as signs and trash receptacles, tree stumps, soft or wet spots, and the areas where the use of riding mowers is prohibited.
• Reading and understanding the operations, maintenance, limitations and warning sections of the equipment manual.
• Speed control, steering and maneuvering such as:

• Decrease speed when the mower is traveling down slopes or around sharp corners to prevent tipping.
• Be particularly alert when backing up or while operating in low-light conditions.
• Do not mow from side-to-side when operating mowers on unlevel or sloped ground. Always mow slopes in the up-and-down direction.

• Use all required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times: hearing and head protection, safety glasses, work boots, etc. Avoid wearing jewelry and loose-fitting clothing that can easily become entangled with moving parts.
• Never carry passengers. Riding mowers are one-person machines.
• Always start the mower from the driver’s seat. Never start the machine while standing beside it. Keep both feet on the machine at all times while it is running.
• Never place the mower in motion until a worker is ready. Putting the mower in gear unintentionally could make it jerk forward without warning.
• Never mount or dismount a mower while it is running, as there may be enough space for an operator’s toes to pass under the mower housing and be struck by the blade. Perform proper shutdown procedures before dismounting.
• Never stop or start a riding mower suddenly when it is going uphill or downhill. Avoid all sudden starts, stops, or turns.

In addition, agility and quickness do not ensure invincibility. The mower involved in the North Carolina incident, for example, was a zero-radius-turn mower.

Finally, the safe operation of a riding mower is similar to the safe operation of a motor vehicle. drive defensively and expect the unexpected. Employers should train workers to operate the mower as if there were no roll-over protective structure (ROPS) in place. A protective structure is not unlimited in its ability to protect the operator, as indicated by the incident in North Carolina described above.

Retraining and evaluation are necessary to ensure that workers maintain their competency to operate a riding mower safely. Provide refresher training to workers when:

• An operator has been observed operating a mower in an unsafe manner.
• An operator has suffered an injury or been involved in a near-miss incident.
• An operator receives a new job assignment that includes operating a mower or machinery with which the operator is unfamiliar.
• An operator receives a new job assignment that includes mowing on terrain or surfaces that present hazards unfamiliar to the operator.

How One Employer Responded to an Incident

This webpage began with the descriptions of two incidents, one of which occurred at a National Park Service site in North Carolina. This NPS site covered a landscaped area of 30,000 acres along a 500-mile long parkway. Following the incident, the NPS suspended all its mowing operations and did a site assessment to identify which equipment was appropriate for use in the different types of terrain that workers have to mow. Site assessment is a good practice for employers to follow before buying equipment and starting operations, because there are different types of equipment, with some designed for use only in specific terrain or on certain slopes.

The NPS evaluated the landscaped acreage and broke it down geographically. For every area that required mowing, whether covered by string trimmers, push mowers, tractors with PTO-driven flail mowers, tractors with a side-mounted, hydraulically driven, sickle bar mower attachments or riding mowers, the officials performed a site assessment to see which equipment was appropriate. (There are tractors on which flail mowers are mounted at the end of a hydraulically positioned boom, but this employer had none of those.) String trimmers and push mowers can be used on any terrain. Beyond them, the choice of allowable equipment is based on the slope of the terrain. The slope limits of 15 and 22 degrees are based on instructions provided by manufacturers.

• 0- to 15-degree slope.- riding mowers or tractor mowers are approved for these areas.
• 15- to 22-degree slope.- tractor mowers are approved for these areas.
• 22-degree and up slope.- these areas are mowed with string trimmers, push mowers or specialized equipment. Specialized equipment can be riding mowers intended for use on slopes; i.e., slope mowers. The employer had about a half-dozen to a dozen mowers with such abilities.
• Within 5 feet of a drop-off.- a buffer zone is maintained. Only string trimmers and push mowers can be used inside this zone.

For more information on performing a risk assessment, see Managing risks and risk assessment at work. Accessed December 18, 2020.

Applicable Consensus Standards

Be prepared. Information and templates on setting up an injury and illness prevention plan can be found at this website:

Three consensus standards cover riding mowers:

• ANSI Standard B71.1-2012 contains safety specifications that “are intended to apply to products specifically intended as consumer products for the personal use of a consumer around a house. These specifications are not intended to apply to commercial products customarily used by hired operators or to products designed primarily for agricultural purpose. ” (1)
• ANSI/OPEI Standard B71.4-2012 contains the specifications for “powered (a) pedestrian-controlled machines, (b) ride-on machines and (c) implements for use with pedestrian and ride-on machines intended for marketing as commercial turf care equipment and that are customarily used by hired operators.” (2)
• ISO 21299:2009 “Powered ride-on turf care equipment. Roll-over protective structures (ROPS). Test procedures and acceptance criteria,” sets forth test procedures for roll-over protective structures. (3)

On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Services for Employers

OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program offers free and confidential advice to small and medium-sized businesses in all states across the country, with priority given to high-hazard worksites. On-site consultation services are separate from enforcement and do not result in penalties or citations. Consultants from state agencies or universities work with employers to identify workplace hazards, provide advice on compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in establishing safety and health management programs. To find the On-site Consultation programs nearest you, call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) or visit OSHA On-Site Consultation.

What Rights Do Workers Have?

• Work in conditions that do not pose a risk of serious harm.
• Receive information and training (in a language and vocabulary they can understand) about workplace hazards, methods to prevent harm and the OSHA standards that apply to their workplace.
• Obtain records of work-related injuries and illnesses.
• Get copies of test results done to find and measure hazards in their workplace.
• File a complaint with OSHA to inspect their workplace if they believe there is a serious hazard or that their employer is not following OSHA standards. When requested, OSHA will keep all identities confidential.
• Use their rights under the law without retaliation or discrimination.

Many states operate their own OSHA-approved safety and health program, with standards that may be different from but are at least as effective as Federal OSHA standards. For further information, please visit OSHA State Plans.

Additional Resources for Employers and Workers

Information on Regional Emphasis Programs (REPs) and Local Emphasis Programs (LEPs) can be found at OSHA’s Local Emphasis Programs website.

There are additional resources available outside of OSHA:

Slope Indicators. Inclinometers. Clinometers

An inclinometer/clinometer (slope indicator) is included with this webpage. It can be printed as separate, machine-readable pages. Printable slope indicators can be found at the websites of some riding mower manufacturers.

Inclinometers are available as applications for mobile devices that run the Apple iOS, Google Android, PalmOS, WebOS and Windows 8 operating systems. Some are free.

American Society of Safety Engineers, “Ride-On Lawnmowers. The hazards of overturning.” Accessed December 18, 2020.

ANSI B71.1-2012, “American National Standard for Consumer Turf Care Equipment. Pedestrian-Controlled Mowers and Ride-On Mowers. Safety Specifications.” American National Standards Institute (ANSI), ANSI.org. Accessed March 12, 2013.

ANSI/OPEI B71.4-2012, “American National Standard for Commercial Turf Care Equipment. Safety Specifications.” American National Standards Institute (ANSI), ANSI.org. Accessed March 12, 2013.

California Department of Industrial Relations, Title 8, §3563, Power Lawn Mowers. Subsection (e) discusses a program of training for operators of all powered mowers. Power Lawn Mowers. Accessed March 12, 2013.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, Landscaping. Riding Lawnmowers. Landscaping. Riding Lawnmowers. Accessed March 12, 2013.

This is one in a series of informational webpages highlighting OSHA programs, policies or standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.

U.S. Department of Laborwww.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA (6742)

(1) ANSI B71.1-2012, “American National Standard for Consumer Turf Care Equipment. Pedestrian. Controlled Mowers and Ride-On Mowers. Safety Specifications.” Accessed March 12, 2013.

(2) ANSI/OPEI B71.4-2012, “American National Standard for Commercial Turf Care Equipment. Safety Specifications.” Accessed March 12, 2013.

(3) ISO 21299:2009 “Powered ride-on turf care equipment — Roll-over protective structures (ROPS) — Test procedures and acceptance criteria.” Accessed March 12, 2013.

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.

Lawn mower race zero turn vs standard

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

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.

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.

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).

This dog was mowing the lawn ��

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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Why Buy a Stand-On Lawn Mower

Stand-on mowers merge the convenience of a riding mower the maneuverability of mid-size walk-behind models. They are designed for landscape professionals and make a great addition to your mower fleet if you maintain properties that require a highly maneuverable mower for precise trimming. Richardson Saw and Lawnmowers carries stand-on mowers from reliable equipment companies like Scag and Toro.

Maneuverability

Green Industry Pro recommends stand-on mowers for lawn care professionals “who have smaller, highly landscaped properties to maintain.” Stand-ons are very maneuverable; having the deck out front provides the visibility needed to take advantage of this maneuverability.

Maneuverability in stand-on mowers comes from having a more compact design and lower center of gravity than the larger zero-turn mowers and lawn tractors. Scag’s V-Ride series, for example, packs premium features into a very compact design for agile mowing. You can get maneuverability like this from a walk-behind, but stand-ons reduce fatigue by providing the option for operators to ride.

Stability on Slopes

Stand-on mowers are better at handling hilly terrain than most zero-tun models. The stand-on platform makes it easier for the operator to shift their weight and control the balance when mowing on slopes. This, coupled with their increased maneuverability, makes stand-on mowers great for maintaining residential yards, cemeteries and other places with uneven terrain and compact mowing areas.

It’s very easy to get on and off a stand-on mower. This makes it convenient to step away from the mower to move something in the yard, but also provides an additional level of safety. If the mower does start to tip over or go into an uncontrolled slide, the operator can jump away from the mover without undoing a seat belt or climbing out of a seat.

Stand-On Perks

Since stand-on mowers are more compact than riding mowers, they are easier to transport to and from a mowing location. You can also get more stand-on mowers than zero-turn mowers onto a single trailer. The compact size also means a smaller footprint in the landscape, and they are less likely to tear up lawns than larger mowers.

Mowing speeds are slower than zero-turn models, but stand-on mowers can still cover open areas of ground at a reasonably quick speeds. For locations with flat, open areas larger than 1/2 acre, however, a zero-turn mower might be a more efficient option.

Stand-on mowers have fewer bagging options than zero-turn models, but they offer other features to help make them versatile in the landscape. Toro’s stand-on mowers, for example, offer a retractable standing platform so they can be used as a walk-behind.

Why is the 32” the standout stand-on mower for contractors?

In the last six months, we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of people purchasing stand-on mowers. There are different sized stand-on mowers, but the 32” is by far the most popular.

For cost, efficiency and less fatigue, it’s the stand-on mower of choice.

At SCAG, our motto is: work smarter, not harder

Why would you spend your entire day mowing, when you could be done by lunchtime and still make it to the pub in time for a counter meal and a pot, or continue to work and generate a greater income.

If you’re a contractor who wants to increase efficiency, then the 32” stand-on mower should be your number one choice.

Cost of the 32” stand-on mower

One question we get asked all the time is: “Why are stand-on mowers so expensive?”

It’s the most expensive thing you’ll buy, but the cheapest thing you’ll own.

The average 32” stand-on mower costs around 14,000. The cost may come as a bit of a shock, but you’re getting value for money. Most contractors are financing their mower which can be as low as 75.00 per week.

That’s right, just imagine how much money you could be making with all that time to mow extra lawns for that 75.00 per week investment.

What are the benefits of the 32” stand-on mower?

Better for your back

People who work long hours walking behind a push/self propelled mower or on a sitting mower can develop bad back problems. Standing mowers are much better because your feet and legs take the brunt of the shock absorption. Standing mowers cause far less fatigue and discomfort than other mowers.

Compact in size

The 32” stand-on mower is quite compact, so it can get through most gates. Stand-on mowers are great in metro areas where smaller, landscaped properties need to be maintained. Stand-on mowers have an ability to manoeuvre very tight spots and they are much shorter in length than other types of mowers.

Safety

It’s easy to make a quick getaway from a stand-on mower in the case of an emergency. If something dangerous happened, it would be very difficult to step off a sitting mower with the same amount of speed.

Due to the fact you are standing behind the mower, you have better visibility of what is ahead. You’ll be able to easily see any barriers or hazards sooner than you would if you were sitting down.

Speed

You can mow much faster on a stand-on mower than you can with a regular push/self propelled mower. If there are objects or obstacles ahead, you can quickly jump off a stand-on mower, move things out of the way and jump back on again. This can’t be done as quickly on a sitting mower or a push mower.

Why should I buy a SCAG 32” stand-on mower?

Our 32” stand-on mowers are popular with lawn dealers and contractors because we only sell high-quality machinery. Full commercial grade mowers loaded with heavy commercial components.

V-Ride II 32”

Our V-Ride II 32” is a great stand-on mower. It’s compact and highly manoeuvrable. You can fit plenty of machinery onto a trailer even with the V-Ride II because of its small size. This mower has a dual hydraulic pump double wheel motor with a charge pump drive system, so you’ll be able to make effortlessly sharp turns. The mowing deck provides

You’ll find a Kawasaki commercial grade engine (FX) in the V-Ride II 32”, which offers the perfect combination of power and performance you need. This stand-on mower is comfortable and provides a smooth ride for you, so you’ll finish mowing without feeling fatigued and sore.

The deck is a heavy commercial tri-plated (nearly half inch thick) top plate with heavy grade greasable spindles, split steel pulleys with heavy duty idler arms and Kevlar belts rated to a minimum 400 hours.

Another advantage of SCAG mowers is that they’re built to last and easy to maintain, so you won’t be forking out cash all the time to fix mower parts. You can also configure the 32” model to suit your lawn maintenance needs.