7 Best Commercial Walk Behind Mowers [In-depth 2023 Buying Guide]
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Whether you’re a landscape gardener or just have a large lawn to mow, the best commercial walk behind mowers can take the strain out of a difficult task.
Not only are they great for making precise cuts and customizing tricky lawns, but they are often excellent for working around different terrains and tight spaces.
Essentially, they should be able to do it all so it is always best to do a little research. This is why we have created our list of the best options so you can find a reliable commercial walk behind mower.
Table of Contents
Matt's Top Picks for Best Commercial Walk Behind Mowers
Matt's Top Picks for Best Commercial Walk Behind Mowers 2023 | ||
 | Best for Hills John Deere W48R | |
 | Best for Home Owner John Deere W48M | |
 | Best for Money John Deere W36M | |
 | Best In UK AS Motor AS 63 E-Allmäher | |
 | Best Small Swisher WB11524BS Predator | |
 | Best for Striping John Deere W61R | |
 | Best for Gear Drive Swisher WRC10224H | |
Who Is The Commercial Walk Behind Mower For?
These mowers are ideal for anyone who mows day in day out, or as part of a landscaping business. When you have deadlines to adhere to and large lawns to tackle, a commercial grade mower is a must.
You never know when a customer is going to have a steep hill where pushing a mower can be difficult. A walk behind mower will take the strain away.
How to Choose Best Commercial Walk Behind Mower?
Choosing any mower can be difficult without a little prior knowledge, and this is even more the case when it comes to commercial walk behind mowers.
Let’s take a look at some of the essential criteria for making a good decision.
Types
The two main types are hydrostatic where the drive comes from either two transaxles or two pumps as well as wheel motors, and gear drive mowers that use belts to move the mower.
Gear mowers are considered more difficult to drive, so anyone who wants an easy mowing experience will likely opt for hydrostatic.
Budget
As always, budget is a major factor when choosing a commercial mower. Before making a decision, it is always best to decide on a budget.
Not everyone needs a mower that can power through the thickest grass if it isn’t going to be used for this capability. The same goes for electric mowers.
If you’re mowing acres at a time, there may not be easy access to a power outlet to recharge. Match the mower to your needs, and your budget.
Terrain Capabilities
Is the mower going to be used to cut different types of terrains or is it just for personal use?
Different terrains can mean you will come up against different lengths of grass, foliage, and slopes. Select a mower that matches your customers needs.
Cutting Height & Width
A mower with different height options means you can offer a varied service for customers, and cut at different times of year.
Cutting grass too short in the build up to the cold months can be detrimental to the grass and cause issues. Multiple cutting heights gives you versatility to tackle a lawn all year round and means the mower can take on unkempt lawns.
Safety Features
As always, safety should be a top priority when it comes to commercial mowers.
Most will have a blade that stops turning when the user’s hands are moved from the controls. Other safety features include a rear rope pull that keeps the user out of harm’s way.
Maintenance & Spare Parts
A commercial mower can be a significant investment, so it is always good to find a product that is easy to fix and maintain.
Reputable companies will make spare parts available, and the upkeep of any mower should be uncomplicated.
Weight & Maneuverability
Any walk behind mower is going to require a fair amount of work to push them over large areas.
This is where weight comes in. There needs to be a balance between weight and power to tackle heavier grass such as Bermuda or Zoysia. Electric mowers are lighter and a self propelled mower will weigh more due to its engine that cuts and powers the propeller.
Available Storage for Lawn Mower
The size of the storage bag is important as it will save the user from making quite so many trips to empty.
7 Best Commercial Walk Behind Mowers
Best Commercial Walk Behind Mower For Hills
John Deere W48R
V-twin 19hp engine | 48-inch deck | 36 months warranty
John Deere is a brand that needs no introduction, and the W48R is the best commercial walk behind mower for hills by a long stretch. It has a 48 inch floating mower deck that will mean fewer strokes required to cut a large lawn and a powerful 18.5 hp air cooled engine that can cut through tough grass such as Bermuda with ease.
The additional horsepower and torque provides better fuel efficiency, lower oil consumption and cooler operating temperature.
The self propelled hydrostatic drive system makes it easy to maneuver and the large 5.4 gal top draw fuel tank is easy to fill, making spills less common and saving time so you can get back to doing what you do best, mowing.
The W48R’s controls are simple, and allow for better comfort – an important attribute when tackling large terrain. What sets it apart is the quality of the floating deck. Worried about expelling clippings? This commercial mower has a discharge deflector for even distribution.
The suspension works to enable the best cut and there are reinforced edges to provide additional strength. Combine this with wheels that have three adjustable positions to match the cut height and the option for mulching, and this is as good as it gets.
Matt Loves:
- 48 inch floating mower deck
- Easy handling
- 5.4 gallon fuel tank
- Self-propelled hydrostatic drive system
Consider:
- May be a bit pricey for some
Best Commercial Walk Behind Mower For Home Owner
John Deere W48M
V-twin 14.5 hp engine | 48-inch deck | 24 months warranty
This is the best large walk behind mower for home use and has plenty of power to tackle large lawns thanks to its 14.5 hp twin engine that runs smooth, even on difficult to mow grass like Bermuda.
The floating mower deck measures 48 inches meaning fewer strokes across those many acres of land and has a suspension that facilitates different lengths and troublesome areas and corners. The blade tip speed is an incredible 18,000 fpm, meaning this has the capability of cutting large areas quickly, and accurately.
Height cut changes can be made without tools, saving time when the user reaches a different terrain and there is also an optional grass catcher that makes it easy to discard the cuttings.
A neat feature lies in the levers – they are clearly marked and buttons are simplified making it easy to use.
On top of this, the choke and throttle are separate, taking a lot of the guesswork out of handling the choke, whilst protecting the spark plugs.
A speed control lever and easy controls makes this a joy to use, and yes, it is another mower from John Deere with a self propelled hydrostatic drive system that allows you to move between speeds with ease.
Matt Loves:
- 48 inch floating mower deck
- 18,000 fpm blade speed
- Optional grass catcher
- Powerful 14.5 hp engine
- Easy to use
Consider:
- Other mowers are better suited to commercial use
Best Commercial Walk Behind Mower For The Money
John Deere W36M
V-twin 14.5 hp engine | 36-inch deck | 24 months warranty
Anyone considering an industrial walk behind mower but doesn’t quite have the budget for the larger mowers will appreciate what John Deere’s W36M has to offer. The user can enjoy the time saved from its 36 inch floating deck and powerful 14.5 hp engine that is found in a lot of the pricier options.
Again, it offers a self propelled hydrostatic drive system for ease of use and has the power to make light work of acres of grass. Its recoil start is convenient to use and it has a consistently strong torque no matter what speed it is used at.
The top draw fuel tank has a bug 5.4 gallon capacity and is easy to fill thanks to the large opening, making it easy to make pit stops when the acres have racked up. It is excellent value for the money and the only significant compromise seems to be on the size of the deck.
Matt Loves:
- 14.5 hp engine
- 36 inch floating deck
- Good value
- Easy to control
Consider:
- Come may want a larger deck
Best Commercial Walk Behind Mower UK
AS Motor AS 63 E-Allmäher
56V 28Ah Battery powered | 24-inch deck (61cm)
| Warranty Unknown
This is the best commercial push mower for UK customers and is battery powered, making it ideal for steep slopes as it is lighter than most. A slope mower by name and nature, it has pneumatic tires and a differential lock to ensure it can climb slopes without any issues.
There is an engine brake to allow it to maintain the same speed for cutting accuracy downhill. There is also a cross blade system that makes light work or tall grass, even light brush that measures up to 90 cm tall. The cutting width of 24 inches isn’t as wide as some of the competition, but it can still handle large lawns swiftly.
Its 56 volt drive has the same power as a high end gas engine which also gives it a large range, ideal for substantial landscape gardening projects. To top it all off, there is an optional mulching kit to make good use of the clippings.
Matt Loves:
- Excellent value
- Tackles slopes with ease
- Can cut grass up to 90cm tall
- Powerful engine
Consider:
- 24 inch cutting width isn’t as wide as others
Best Small Commercial Walk Behind Mower
Swisher WB11524BS Predator
Briggs and Stratton 11.5 hp engine | 24-inch deck | 12 months warranty
Convenient for storage but still with enough power to tackle tough grass, the Swisher WB11524BS Predator still packs a punch.
Despite its size, it still has a 24 inch cutting deck which will allow the user to make fewer passes over the lawn than regular mowers. It is the best commercial self propelled walk behind mower at the price and has a 11.5 hp engine powering every cut.
It is ideal for cutting trails and clearing fields since it can clear undergrowth of up to 1.5 inches in diameter. The steel blade tips are fixed hardened meaning it can cut through brush without any issues and for added safety, the blade is enclosed. The controls are mounted on the handlebar giving maximum control when mowing acres at a time.
The four speed transmission is a great feature and makes it an excellent climber, so different terrain is easy to handle. Topping it all off are front and side safety deflectors to ensure debris never flies towards the user.
Matt Loves:
- Reverse feature
- 4 speed transmission
- Excellent safety features
- Easy to handle
- Convenient to store
Consider:
- 24 inch cutting deck isn't the biggest
Best Commercial Walk Behind Mower For Striping
John Deere W61R
V-twin 23.5 hp engine | 61-inch deck | 36 months warranty
If you want a mower that allows you to get creative, then the W61R is the best commercial walk behind mower creating lines.
It has an incredibly powerful 25 hp twin engine to make light work of the toughest grass and brush and a massive 61 inch floating mower deck to hasten the time it takes to mow acres at a time.
It has the easy controls you would expect from John Deere, so it is still convenient to use despite its incredible size. It offers additional mulching options, fast, convenient starts, and a self propelled hydrostatic drive system.
It has adjustable heights for striping and its smooth, high quality cutting experience is complemented by its 5.4 gallon capacity. It is also the best commercial walk-behind mower for mulching as it makes fine cuttings, even at speed.
Matt Loves:
- Huge 61 inch deck
- Excellent for striping
- 25 hp engine
- Self propelled hydrostatic drive system
Consider:
- May be a bit pricey for some
Best Gear Drive Commercial Walk Behind Mower
Swisher WRC10224H
Honda 12V 10.2 hp engine | 24-inch deck | 12 months warranty
Another excellent option from Swisher, the gear shift access is located on the handlebars, making it easier to switch between settings.
The 10.2 hp recoil start engine might not be the most powerful, but it still has plenty of power to get through thick grass with ease.
The 4 speed transmission means it can tackle different terrain and it climbs well even when up against steep sections. There is also a reverse option when needed.
The adjustable handlebars make it convenient for anyone to use, so a commercial landscape gardener business can allow different users to take turns. The adjustable cutting height ranges from 3, 3.8, 4.3 and 4.8 inches making it a versatile, and convenient mower.
Matt Loves:
- A range of adjustable cutting heights
- Easy shift gear access
- 4 speed transitions
- Good value
Consider:
- 10.2 hp isn’t as powerful as other options
FAQs
What is the best commercial walk behind mower?
The John Deere W48R is the stand out option because it has a large 48 inch floating mower deck and a powerful 18.5 hp engine that combines power and convenience. It ticks all the important boxes in terms of speed, maneuverability, versatility, and fuel efficiency, making it ideal for commercial and even home use.
What is the best commercial walk behind mower?
The John Deere W48R is the stand out option because it has a large 48 inch floating mower deck and a powerful 18.5 hp engine that combines power and convenience. It ticks all the important boxes in terms of speed, maneuverability, versatility, and fuel efficiency, making it ideal for commercial and even home use.
Who makes the best commercial walk behind mowers?
The best commercial walk behind mowers offer plenty of power to cut through thick grass, and can tackle different terrains. This means they need a powerful engine, different speeds, and a wide deck.
What’s the best 52″ commercial walk behind mower to buy?
The best large deck is even bigger than the 52 inch options, and the John Deere W61R has 61 inches to make large lawns and acres of land a breeze.
What’s the best 48″ commercial walk behind mower to buy?
For home use, the John Deere W48M cannot be beaten. It has a powerful 14,.5 hp engine, and a blade tip speed of 18,000 fpm, and height changes can be made without tools.
Final Words
Our best commercial walk behind mower review shows what the best of the best should be capable of.
We found mowers to suit various budgets, and they all offer the important attributes associated with reliable mowers that are designed to cut large lawns.
Welcome
Howdy, I’m Matt and welcome to my site Mowing With Matt. I’ve always been a self confessed lawn mowing nut and have learnt plenty about looking after lawns.
I’d like to share this knowledge by providing valuable information and tips from buying the right lawn mower to keeping your grass green.
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