Stand-On vs Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers

When you're choosing a lawn mower, especially for a landscaping business, you can opt between stand-on and zero-turn mowers. You may wonder which one is better for your needs. We have some insight to help you make this difficult and sometimes costly decision.

Is a Stand-On Mower Better Than a Zero-Turn?

This can be a difficult question to answer because both serve their purposes and have particular benefits. Stand-on mowers are better for smaller areas, like residential lawns. The mower itself is more compact and easier to store or haul on a trailer if you need to.

In wooded areas, it’s easier to maneuver around trees than with a zero-turn mower. It’s also easier on a person’s body because the vibrations are dispersed more evenly. Not to mention, you can react to certain situations, like a fallen branch, more easily and quickly.

On the other hand, if you have a large, flat yard or many clients with flat yards, a zero-turn mower is probably the better choice. It can run at a higher speed and allows you to get your mowing done sooner. Plus, since you'll be mowing the area quicker, you'll use less gas. In terms of maneuverability, it's generally easier because it consists of dual-wheel motors, allowing you to control the front and back wheels separately.

How Many Hours Do Stand-On Mowers Vs. Zero-Turn Last?

Several factors will influence which type of mower has a longer life span, such as the brand and how well you maintain it. The conditions in which you operate it also have an impact since operating any mower in harsh conditions can reduce its life span.

As a general rule, though, a stand-on mower has the capability of lasting longer. On average, it’ll last 1,500 to 3,000 hours. On the other hand, a zero-turn mower usually lasts between 1,500 and 2,000 hours.

Are Stand-On Mowers Good for Hills?

Safety on hills is a major factor when using commercial lawn mowers. You never quite know what you're getting into, seeing as how every yard and landscape differs. Fortunately, stand-on lawnmowers work well in hilly areas. In fact, it's one reason why they are growing in popularity.

When you’re maneuvering a stand-on mower, you can shift your weight easily to counter the slope of the hill. Because you’re standing, you can do this quickly, making even a steep hill with less of a challenge.

Besides being able to shift your weight, stand-on mowers are recommended for hills because the center of gravity is lower than that of a zero-turn mower. This decreases your chances of tipping when you’re mowing a hillside.

Keep in mind that no matter how well this works on hills, you still need to take precautions, such as avoiding mowing hills when it's wet out and lowering your speed when tackling steep inclines.

Are Zero-Turn Mowers Good for Hills?

In terms of the battle between stand-on lawn mowers vs zero-turn lawn mowers, zero-turn mowers have the downfall of not being able to take on hills as well. So, if you own a business and may need to take on clients with hills or even have a hill in your own yard, you may have safety concerns.

Because Zero-turn mowers have caster wheels in the front, they are quick and efficient. In particular, this feature helps with steering. With that being said, these wheels aren’t designed to handle steep slides because they don’t have enough traction or stability for them.

Because the definition of steep is vague, know that anything with a grade of more than 10 to 15 degrees may be tricky for this type of mower. However, that’s only an average. Before you purchase a zero-turn mower, you'll want to research what type of incline the particular model can handle first.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Zero-Turn Lawn Mower?

As noted before, a zero-turn lawn mower can't handle steep hills very well, though it's stable enough for a slight incline. Even when you're mowing a lawn with a minor grade, you'll need to reduce the speed, which can slow down how quickly and efficiently you can finish a job.

It's also vital to note they don't have four-wheel drive, making them more prone to rolling over if you try to turn too quickly or take a hill too fast. Moreover, when compared to stand-on mowers, these are bulkier and heavier, making the possibility of tipping more likely.

While wet terrain is a challenge in general, it’s particularly an issue for zero-turn mowers. In these conditions, this kind of mower is more likely to slip and is harder to control. This makes tipping an even greater possibility.

Zero-turn mowers are also expensive, and the more features they have, the higher their price tag. But, when you consider how quickly they can help you finish jobs, it might be worth it.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Stand-On Lawn Mower?

Although these mowers can handle hills well, you must go slower on these devices because they aren't made to go as fast as zero-turn mowers. A yard with many obstacles is more difficult to maneuver on a stand-on mower due to its length, though it handles tightly spaced obstacles well. You may also wear yourself out during a long day of work, considering you have to stand to operate them. In addition, their compact size makes them more challenging to service.

When you opt for a stand-on lawn mower, you won't be able to carry a high-capacity bagger, at least not as easily. Because of the size of this variety of mowers, it can't carry as many tools, nor does it have as many aftermarket accessories or special features.

When it comes to choosing between stand-on lawnmowers and zero-turn lawn mowers, it's important to note that both have their share of benefits, especially commercial lawnmowers. However, both have certain drawbacks, especially on certain types of landscapes. This can hinder the safety of the mowing process and affect its efficiency. Make sure you compare your options, and rest assured that both are good mowers in the right conditions.

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