Why do companies use commercial walk behind mowers?

Question

Why do most landscapers use commercial walk behind mowers when the cost of a brand new garden or yard tractor is so much less? I was looking to start up a buisness and I found that a 8 - 10 year old walk behind commercial mower (32-48 inches) is the same price as a brand new tractor? Anybody with lawn mowing buisness experiance an answer would be appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

Since its been mentioned a in a few other posts- lets do a little comparison from a few years ago. A John Deere STX 38 had the same engine, same transmission, and same differential as the commercial walk behind from John Deere, however the components inside where NOT the same. So if you used a homeowner rider to do the same as a commercial walker, the rider would wear out faster because it wasn't built to take the abuse, the frame wasn't strong enough either. The commercial walk behind will last a LONG time if you take care of it (grease it /change blades daily, change oil, filters, plugs, etc on a routine basis, it will last quite a few years over a residential rider. BTW- you WILL look more professional when you are making great stripes over the yard and it looks like a professional baseball field when your done.

Answer 2

A home owner type lawn tractor is made to run for a few hours a week. A commercial mower is built to run 6 -10 hours a day 6 days a week. You can use a home owner type tractor but expect it to need a lot of maintenance and repairs. This down time will waste you and your employees time which as we know time is money.

Answer 3

I own a landscaping company in south Florida. Longevity and dependability are Paramount in this business. The others are right on! Home tractors are not meant for the torture that these crews put them through. If you are looking to start a business, invest in the best equipment you can afford. It will pay off in the long run. Good Luck!