When searching for used lawn equipment, you may wonder whether to invest in a residential mower or opt for commercial-grade equipment. Residential mowers are optimized to fit the needs of the average homeowner, while commercial mowers are designed to work more hours and take on heavy-duty jobs. Commercial mowers are typically sought out by professional landscapers, but some homeowners could benefit from the enhanced features as well. In this blog, we’ll dive into what sets them apart and how to determine which option is right for you.
Commercial mowers are designed with heavier, high-grade materials and components to endure longer hours of operation than residential mowers, making them ideal for daily use. The high-grade materials extend their lifespan, making them likely to outlast residential mowers.
Residential mowers have a simpler design with more lightweight features that make them more suited for occasional, less frequent use, such as 1 to 2 times a week. Most last around 500 hours or 5 to 6 years before it’s time for a replacement.
Commercial mowers are equipped with high-grade engines that boast upwards of 35 HP, delivering greater performance to withstand tough conditions like dense grass or slopes.
Residential mowers typically run on single or twin-cylinder engines that range around 15-25 HP, more than enough horsepower to handle most residential mowing on properties less than 2 acres.
Commercial mowers have higher blade tip speeds and feature decks with fabricated steel, so you’ll experience quicker cutting times and sharper, cleaner cuts. They’re created to be effective even in thick grasses or damp areas.
Residential mowers often run at slower blade tip speeds and are formed with stamped decks rather than steel. This is efficient for light workloads on flat turf, but can be limiting in challenging areas.
Commercial mowers can deliver ground speeds of up to 12 mph, so you can cover more ground quicker, excellent for large properties with multiple acres.
Residential mowers commonly reach speeds of up to 7 mph, which can greatly increase productivity on most residential lawns but lag on more expansive turf.
Commercial mowers can require more attention due to more intensive and prolonged use. It’s crucial to regularly maintain service points like oil, filters, fuel, and blade sharpening. Since the mowers feature commercial-grade components, it’s likely you will need to go to a trusted technician for service.
Residential mowers can get by on service every 50 hours, and common service points like oil changes, filter replacements, and blade sharpening are made simple and user-friendly, so you can DIY most of your servicing.
Commercial mowers are often more expensive than residential mowers since they feature more robust components. Used commercial mowers can be a more affordable option that allows you to get the same performance, and they typically hold more value due to their enhanced durability.
Residential mowers are the more economical option of the two for the initial investment, but can cost more in repairs for older models. It’s also important to note that they can lose some value over time since they’re more likely to experience additional wear.
If you plan on using your mower frequently to mow properties that span several acres and have challenging terrain, a commercial mower could be beneficial for you.
If you have a typical residential property on flat land that only requires weekly or biweekly mowing, a residential mower might be a good fit.
For more information on our John Deere riding mowers, contact the experts at Koenig Equipment today.