Lawn mower engine brands. Are Lawn Mower Engines Interchangeable? (An Accurate Guide)

Are Lawn Mower Engines Interchangeable? (An Accurate Guide)

Everyone’s patch of lawn is their pride and joy. It’s almost seen as a status to have immaculately manicured grass. One defining factor that affects the quality is whether or not a lawnmower is used and used effectively.

The problem is, they are easily ruined if not maintained correctly, especially the engine. The simplest way to check out the engine’s condition is by first having a listen out for knocking, rattling and sputtering sounds.

Now let’s face the question, are lawn mower engines interchangeable?

Yes, the good news is that the lawn mower engines are widely interchangeable. Most models within a power range even have the same bolt pattern.

An old engine with the same power range can be unbolted, removed then changed over to one with a similar power range.

Luckily, we have laid the groundwork for you and laid it out in a simple understanding guide so you can walk away without further questions. Let’s dive deeper into if lawn mower engines are interchangeable and how they can be achieved.

How do I know if my lawn mower engine is bad?

The signs of engine wear will start to become more prevalent with time. In fact, some apparent signs can help you determine if your lawn mower engine needs maintenance or a changeover. The signs may include:

• Knocking sounds or even rattling and sputtering. It can even screech when attempting to start.
• There may be excessive vibrations.
• You may see and smell smoke coming from the exhaust.
• You may notice that it is chewing through a greater than normal amount of oil and fuel
• It can shudder on heavy grass. It may even be just ineffective in general.
• It’s inconsistent and may just be difficult to get started. It may not even start at all.

Do all lawn mower engines have the same bolt pattern?

Most common lawn mower brands have the same engine mounting bolt pattern.

It can’t be said that every single engine is the same because there are always brands that produce things with the thought of cutting costs. This can see some being a little bit different.

But across the board, you will find it easy to change a motor without messing around with bolt patterns.

Are lawn mower engines interchangeable?

Lawn mower engines are interchangeable. The process isn’t too difficult to perform yourself. Of course, it’s advised that a qualified technician in the mechanical field changes it over for you, though.

The engine mounting points are often standard and don’t pose many issues with sourcing and installation.

Lawn mowers are great pieces of equipment in that the rest of the mower might be in immaculate condition, and just changing out the engine will almost make it an all-around brand new lawn mower. The costs involved will always depend on the quality of the lawn mower, to begin with.

How much does it cost to replace a lawn mower engine?

Considering the engine of a lawn mower is the most important part, it will always be the most costly. Replacing a lawn mower engine and the costs involved will largely depend on the type, size and availability of the new one.

Generally speaking, the labor costs can range between 90-150 per hour, depending on the mechanic.

The changeover shouldn’t take longer than 2-3 hours, so that’s a max of 450 on labor, then you have the cost of a motor. They can range from 250 anywhere up to 1800. Another thing to consider is that the engine can be for a push mower or ride-on. Ride-ons are larger, so they will cost a lot more.

Is it worth replacing a lawn mower engine?

It is definitely worth replacing a lawn mower engine. A bit of common sense and personal preference will come into play here. If the engine needing replacement is quite old, it’s worth it. If it’s a newer engine, it’s a good idea to have a mechanic check over it first to save money, time and convenience.

Sometimes even a drive belt or another smaller part connected to the engine could need changing out instead of the whole engine. The great thing about lawn mowers is that they are easy to get a hold of the parts and the actual engines.

The bolt patterns are standard, so changing them can be seamless. Additionally, as we progress through technology upgrades, you can pick up a newer, more advanced modeled engine for that little bit extra. That way, you get a new lawn mower without purchasing the whole thing.

Types Of Lawn Mower Engines?

When thinking about changing the engine in your lawn mower, we often think about the common push mower. Similarly, the ride on is another type of mower engine that could need replacing. They both work in the same way; they are both internal combustion-type engines.

One is much larger than the other, so it may cost some more to fix. Let’s have a look at the 2 compared to each other.

Riding lawn mower engines

The engines used on a ride-on are usually 4 cylinder variants. 4 stroke engines offer much more torque and are much more fuel efficient. They are easier to start, more powerful and reliable.

The only real downside is that they are more expensive to run. The benefits outweigh this one downside, though. Most riding mower engines are interchangeable with each other.

Electric mower engines

Standard electric mower engines or ‘push mowers’ usually run on 2 cylinders. 2 stroke engines are generally cheaper overall. This is because they are a lot smaller and weigh much less. They are also louder and produce more smoke. Most electric mowers are interchangeable with each other.

Lastly, it’s not ideal to put an electric mower engine into a ride-on lawn mower as it just wouldn’t offer enough torque to push around the weight of a ride on. On the other hand, you could add a 4 stroke engine to a push mower. You would need to make a few extra modifications, though.

Things to consider before Are Riding Lawn Mower Engines Interchangeable?

If your ride on lawn mower engine shows signs of excess wear and tear, it may need to be replaced. It’s generally a pretty easy procedure for the right mechanic. They will usually know what to look for as they will do the changeover for you.

• Matching nuts and bolts – These are easy to skip over, but they hold it all together.
• Throttle Cable – Make sure the right connection is available and/or purchased so that it can all be connected once the engine is in.
• Lawn Mower Blades – The lawn mower blades should either be new or well maintained. It’s ideal for sharpening them after every 4-5 uses.
• Fittings in the crankshaft – Ensure that the fittings are the correct size for the new engine. The crankshaft needs to be running at optimal speed and pace.
• Matching sizes of pin holes – The pin holes must be the right size, or the engine won’t even mount, let alone start.
• Fuel Lines – The fuel lines should be clean and well kept. Try to flush them out before reinstalling to avoid any blockage causing debris.
• Starter connection to engine – This should be one of the last things you reattach, so ensuring it’s clean and in working order is essential.
• Wiring, Clamps and Hoses – All wiring, clamps and hoses should generally be cheap, so it’s almost worth buying new ones. This will ensure that the installation process runs smoothly. Some older parts can be jagged and unkept.

Some Easy Steps To Change a Riding Lawn Mower Engine

It’s probably best to have a mechanic changeover the engine in your ride-on lawn mower. If you are one to endure a challenge, though, the process isn’t that difficult. It goes a little something like this:

• Source a similar-sized engine. Make sure the power is like for like.
• Remove the motor mount bolts and pull attached to the engine shaft (usually found under the engine)
• Lift the engine cover/hood and disconnect the lighting wires
• Completely remove the engine cover, so it’s not in the way. You should be able to pull it upwards.
• The next part will require some kind of jack or lift to raise the front end. It makes it easier to remove the motor mount bolts and pulley bolts.
• Tip Putting the parking brake on will help loosen up the drive belt.
• Slide down the top belt (above the pulley)
• Pull down the unbolted pulley to release the lower belt.
• Remove the motor engine mount bolts. (usually 4) There may be a hidden bolt depending on the model.
• Tip Keep the fuel line higher than the fuel tank; the fuel won’t leak.
• Disconnect the fuel line
• Remove the starter motor wire.
• Disconnect any other wires to free up the engine. There may be a few zip ties that need to be cut.
• The engine should now be free to lift out.
• Before installing the new engine, give the mounting surface a good clean.
• Some new engines come without the holes being threaded for the mounting bolts. You may need to tap new threads to suit the bolts. Lubing the holes will allow the taps to do their thing more easily.
• Connect everything back together in reverse order, including bolting down the engine and connecting all wires and clamps over hoses.
• Run the fuel and oil in before use.
• Enjoy

Frequently Asked Questions (fAQs)

What is the most common lawn mower engine?

Ride on lawn mower engines is often 4-cylinder or 4-stroke. They are much larger, more effective, and more expensive but, on the other hand, more robust. Compare that to the 2 cylinder variants usually used on push mowers. Push mowers are often much louder and smaller, so they weigh less, but they are also much cheaper.

How long should a lawn mower engine last?

The length of time that a lawn mower can last depends on a few specific factors. Things such as engine quality, frequency of use and maintenance play a huge role in the longevity of a lawn mower engine. Using it as normal as possible with a proper maintenance schedule will allow around an 8-10 year lifespan. For a smaller engine, that would be about 300 to 500 hours. The larger engines may push on up towards 750 to 1000 hours.

Are Briggs and Stratton engines interchangeable?

Most mower engines are universal these days. Briggs and Stratton are no different and can be interchangeable if needed.

Conclusion:

So as we can see, most lawn mower engines are interchangeable. There may be an odd exception depending on the brand, but most brands are universal. A push mower usually has less power and is louder but can be much cheaper.

Riding lawn mowers have much more power, can cover more ground, and are more reliable but cost more to run and maintain. Changing over the engine isn’t always necessary, depending on the issue that needs to be resolved. If a changeover is needed, at least we know it’s not a tough task!

Glenn Gissing

Hi! I’m Glenn and I am the creator of The Skilled Gardener. I love to share knowledge, offer advice and help answer any questions related to a range of garden based topics. I’ve watched and helped my family grow their own produce for years. Now it’s my turn to share the wealth of information I’ve acquired. I love what I do and I want to show you how you can achieve the same results! From little things, big things grow.

Kohler vs. Briggs Mower Engines

If you’re looking to buy a new lawn mower chances are that you’ve come across Briggs and Stratton and Kohler that are two of the leading engine manufacturers in the US.

In this article we’ll explore the differences between these two brands to help you decide which one is right for your needs.

What is the Difference Between Kohler and Briggs?

Kohler and Briggs are two of the leading engine manufacturers used in lawn mowers. While both brands offer reliable, durable engines, there are some differences between them:

Application

Kohler engines are designed for heavy-duty use in commercial lawn mowers, while Briggs Stratton designs its engines mainly for home-use.

Durability

Kohler engines have a longer life expectancy than Briggs Stratton engines due to their higher quality materials used in construction and better engineering design.

Performance Power

Kohler engines produce more power, torque and run quieter than Briggs Stratton engines. They also have better fuel efficiency, cleaner emissions, and easier starting capabilities.

Warranty

Both Kohler and Briggs Stratton offer a warranty on their products; however, the length of coverage differs. Kohler warranties range from 2-3 years depending on the model, while Briggs Stratton offers warranties up to 2 years.

Price

Kohler engines are typically more expensive than Briggs Stratton, due to their superior quality and performance. This makes them a great option for those who use their lawn mower on a daily basis or need the extra power that Kohler has to offer. Most professionals therefore choose Kohler over Briggs Stratton.

Who Manufactures Kohler Engines?

Kohler lawn mower engines are manufactured by Kohler Engines, a division of global manufacturing company Kohler Co. Based in Wisconsin, USA, the company has a lot of experience in designing and producing world-class lawn mower engines for commercial and residential customers around the world.

Who Manufactures Briggs and Stratton Engines?

Briggs and Stratton engines are manufactured by Briggs Stratton based in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. They are widely recognized as a trusted name when it comes to lawn mower engines.

Briggs Stratton has been around since 1909, so when you buy a lawn mower with a Briggs Stratton engine, you can be sure that there will be spare parts available for it. Something that is not always the case with some of the newer brands that are manufactured in China.

What Brands Use Kohler?

Kohler engines are used in a variety of lawn mower brands, including Toro, Ariens, Craftsman and Husqvarna. If you’re looking for an engine that offers reliable performance and long-term durability, then Kohler is an excellent choice.

What Brands Use Briggs Stratton?

Briggs Stratton engines are mostly used in lower-end lawn mowers, but they can also be found in some mid-range models from brands such as Husqvarna, Ferris and Craftsman. Briggs Stratton engines provide a good balance of performance and value for money, which makes them a great choice for homeowners.

Is Briggs Stratton Popular Than Kohler?

Briggs Stratton is more popular than Kohler, because they offer a wide range of engines designed for home-use and they are generally more affordable.

However, when it comes to commercial lawn mowers, Kohler is the preferred engine due to its performance and durability.

Conclusion

Choosing the right engine for your lawn mower can have a major impact on its performance and lifespan. While both Kohler and Briggs Stratton offer great engines, they are designed to serve different purposes. If you’re looking for a reliable engine that will provide long-term durability, then Kohler is an excellent choice.

But if you’re looking for an engine that is more affordable and suitable for basic lawn mowing tasks, then Briggs Stratton is a great option.

Eric West is the founder of improvethelawn.com and has been blogging since 2009. His mission is to make lawn care and landscaping easy for everyone.

Types of Lawn Mower Engines ( How They Work)

The first lawn mower was patented back in 1830 by a guy called Edwin Beard Budding in Stroud, England. It was a 19-inch reel push mower made of wrought iron that was mainly used to mow sports fields and cemeteries. Here we are, nearly 200 years later, still using a very similar design reel mower. But there have been many advances in mower technology, meaning we don’t have to use a steam engine or a horse to power our mowers. So, what lawn mower engines can you have? Let’s take a look.

Different Types of Lawn Mower Engines (The Short Explanation)

There are several power sources you can have to drive your modern lawn mower. These include the following different designs:

Types of Lawn Mower Engines and How They Work (A Closer Look)

To be honest, that is a much bigger list than I expected. There are a couple here that you don’t see too often and one that has only just become available. Let’s take a look.

No Engine Rotary Mowers

Ok, so this one we will all recognize. Even Edwin Budding would think this is a familiar design. Basically, it’s a mower without an engine. The reel lawn mower. This lawn mower uses the motion of the wheels to generate the power needed to turn the cutting blade.

Reel lawn mowers are great little lawn mowers for little yards. You’ll see reel lawn mowers made by manufacturers like Scott and Fiskars stacked on the shelves at the big box stores.

These mowers are great because you get a workout, there’s no noise, they’re pollution-free, and have no additional fuel cost.

Corded Electric Motor

Greenworks, Craftsman, and Black Decker are just some of the manufacturers making corded electric lawn mowers. Oh, and let’s not forget Flymo with their corded electric hover mower. These are lawn mowers that use a blade connected to an electric motor which is then connected to a power outlet via a long cable.

These are a pretty good choice of lawn mowers for smaller yards. Corded electric mowers have plenty of power and all the features of the traditional gas-powered lawn mower. On the upside, they are a lot quieter and don’t require the same servicing and repairs you’ll expect with a combustion engine. The only downside is that you’re limited by the length of the cable.

Battery Electric Motor

Battery-powered lawn mowers have been around for some time now. They use a battery to power their electric motor the same way a corded electric lawn mower would, but they’re no longer limited to the length of a cable.

These lawn mowers can tackle much bigger yards and can run for much longer. This is down to the fact that manufacturers such as Worx, Greenworks, and EGO Power are using much more powerful lithium batteries that can be up to 80v in a single mower.

So, you no longer have to deal with small 12v lithium batteries that struggle to get you even a quarter way around the yard.

Solar/Battery Electric Motor

Ok, so solar/battery lawn mowers are pretty new, and there are only a few currently available. But this is soon going to change because a particular state has already banned gas-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers due to carbon emission targets. I’ll let you guess which state passed the ban into law. Hint: it’s on the west coast.

So, these are basically the same as battery lawn mowers, the only difference is these mowers have solar panels included within their design. You get the same features of a battery-powered mower with powerful electric motors and batteries, but you get the added feature of charging your mower with the power of the sun. Mean Green Mowers of Hamilton, Ohio, is just one of the manufacturers producing solar/batteries lawn mowers.

2-Cycle Gasoline Combustion Engine

The 2-cycle gasoline engine is a small engine you’ll find on most of your gas-powered yard tools. It uses the movement of a piston to turn a driveshaft and provide power to the cutting blade and the drive system of a lawn mower. The movement of the piston is generated by a small explosion in the cylinder head of vaporized gasoline, hence the name combustion.

The thing that makes a 2-cycle engine different from other engines is that oil is added to the fuel to lubricate the internal moving parts. So, are 2-cycle lawn mowers any good? Well, these smaller engines consume less fuel than a 4-cycle engine, and they are cheaper and lighter.

On the downside, they are limited in the amount of power they can produce and are pretty noisy. Companies like Briggs Stratton, a highly respected engine maker, produces 2-cycle engines for various lawn mower manufacturers.

4-Cycle Gasoline Combustion Engine

This 4-cycle engine is another combustion engine that works in the same way as a 2-cycle engine. The only difference is that this engine uses oil stored in a sump to lubricate the internal parts instead.

Now, if you are looking for the most popular lawn mower engine, then this is it. These engines start out pretty small, like 100cc, the same as a 2-cycle, but are also available in huge 1000cc models that will power even the biggest zero-turn and riding lawn mowers.

So, if you’re looking for better reliability or more power, then this is a great choice. Most lawn mower manufacturers like Toro, Husquvarna, John Deers, and Dixie Chopper all produce lawn mowers that use 4-cycle gasoline combustion engines.

You’ll see a variety of engine makers like Kohler, Kawasaki, and Honda all producing 4-cycle engines for the big-name lawn mower manufacturers.

4-Cycle Diesel Combustion Engine

Diesel engines on lawn mowers have been around for a long time in commercial and agricultural settings. But more and more manufacturers like John Deere, Walker, and Hustler are producing tractor lawn mowers and zero-turn lawn mowers with Diesel engines.

This is because diesel combustion engines have better fuel consumption, are stronger and longer-lasting, and require less maintenance and less servicing compared to a 4-cycle engine. So, diesel is a huge improvement over gasoline.

LPG/Propane Combustion Engine

These are basically the exact same engine as the 4-cycle engine, but instead of having a gasoline tank, they have an LPG/Propane cylinder. The only real mechanical difference is that the carburetor is designed to be fed with gas, not liquid.

What’s the benefit of LPG? Well, the cost of the LPG and the reduced carbon emissions. So, you can pick up an LPG push or ride-on mower from manufacturers like Green Gear or Exmark, or you could convert your existing gasoline lawn mower over to LPG.

Is One Type of Lawn Mower Engine Superior?

If you were to compare all these lawn mower power choices out in an open field, then there would be a clear winner. But this isn’t going to help you unless you have a big open field. So, how do you know what type of lawn mower engine is going to best suit you and your yard? Well, you need to see which mower uses which engine and suits your yard size.

Which Engines are Available on Which Lawn Mowers?

Which Mower Suits your Lawn Size?

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About Tom Greene

I’ve always had a keen interest in lawn care as long as I can remember. Friends used to call me the lawn mower guru (hence the site name), but I’m anything but. I just enjoy cutting my lawn and spending time outdoors. I also love the well-deserved doughnuts and coffee afterward!

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Why you should purchase a Powered by Kawasaki ride-on mower for professional use

We know that a ride-on mower is no small investment in your business. A ride-on lawn mower that can keep up with a commercial-level workload doesn’t come cheap – which is why, understandably, you want to ensure you’re making the right decision.

There’s plenty of choice in the market for ride-on lawnmowers, and they range from budget residential models meant for larger gardens to the advanced tech only a professional would require.

A key component of any ride-on mower is of course its engine: the performance of the machine relies hugely on the technology powering it.

Kawasaki Engines have been manufacturing high-performance, high-quality engines for ride-on lawnmowers for decades. Through that time, we have built a reputation for durable, efficient and powerful engines that any professional can be confident in.

Before we dive into the different types of ride-on mowers Powered by Kawasaki and their strengths, we need to look at why you should be choosing a ride-on mower with a Kawasaki engine at all.

Through decades of earning the trust of professionals, we have proven that our engines provide power that can be relied upon. For landscaping work on a commercial scale, you will find it difficult to find a more suitable engine than a model from Kawasaki Engines.

Listed below are a handful of reasons why you should be looking to Kawasaki Engines to power your ride-on mower.

Assured quality

With Kawasaki Engines you know you’re getting an engine that can match the service you offer. We’ve been manufacturing engines since 1957 and we’ve had plenty of time to perfect the process since.

Professionals know that Kawasaki Engines is a brand they can trust. We’ve earned the reputation of not only being a safe choice but, for many businesses, the right one. Our quality is assured through stringent and rigorous testing; we test our engines in extreme conditions to guarantee they can perform even in the harshest environments.

Proven quality is essential with such an investment – which is why no engine leaves our production facilities without being test run. Our engines are designed to be high-performance and excel in commercial environments: for professional use, why risk your reputation for anything less?

Durability

A landscape maintenance professional’s schedule places huge strain on the engine of your machine. Long days, varied terrain and tough conditions present a challenge that many engines can’t withstand.

Long-lasting strength is a key consideration in the design of any of our engines, which is why they’re made with premium quality components; often using heavy-duty metal parts.

Crankshafts and cylinder liners are forge-quality cast iron. Crankcases and cylinder heads are high-pressure die-cast, using automotive-grade aluminium. Even the rotating grass screen, which protects the engine from larger debris like grass clippings, is made from hard-wearing metal.

Extended professional use demands features that can keep up with your workload: Kawasaki Engines is more than up to the task.

Take a look behind the scenes in our Maryville, USA production facility to see exactly what it takes to build an engine of Kawasaki quality.

Efficiency

Kawasaki engines are engineered to be exceptionally efficient. Everything from the shape of the cylinder heads to the design of the filters has been carefully considered to maximise efficiency.

Keeping running costs down is part of owning a business – long-term, an engine designed with efficiency in mind, and one that works effectively for many years, potentially even decades, will be cost-effective for your company.

Reliability

Every single V-twin engine manufactured by Kawasaki Engines is test-run before it leaves the factory. We design our engines to be a reliable power source for your equipment that you can trust to keep running year after year.

An engine that requires fewer services and repairs will help you spend more time working, and less time in the workshop. We’re proud to be a safe choice for any professional landscaper.

We’re so confident in our engines that we offer a 3-year, unlimited hours warranty – proving that your engine can work as hard as you do.

Power and performance

Our overhead valve configuration delivers maximum power and efficiency, while the high-performance lubrication system and superior filtration systems help your engine achieve optimum performance.

Power and performance are always key considerations for any engine. Knowing that your engine can reach the level you need after years of tough, relentless work is priceless for a professional. With Kawasaki Engines, you know you’re going to enjoy smooth running and exceptional power, no matter the engine size.

Find the right Kawasaki engine for you

Kawasaki engines are designed to handle a demanding workload. For ride-on mowers, we have a variety of engines available – all made with that reliable Kawasaki Engines quality, but meant for different purposes.

Kawasaki engines suitable for ride-on mowers include the FR, FS, FT, FX and EFI engine ranges. Below is a brief summary of each 4-stroke V-twin engine type, and their typical uses:

• FR : a steady and efficient power source for your machine, capable of handling low-intensity commercial work.
• FS : for next-level durability and performance, the FS is a reliable choice for commercial work.
• FT : excelling in debris management, the FT minimises downtime and maximises performance.
• FX : for the most intensive jobs and schedules, an FX engine will prove its power time and time again.
• EFI : our EFI engines are our most advanced models, providing the cleanest cut through adaptive power; they offer the ultimate in performance and commercial turfcare productivity.

Which ride-on lawn mower should you choose?

There’s a surprising amount of variety under the umbrella term of ride-on mowers. From lawn tractors to zero-turn mowers, there is plenty of choice for commercial lawn care – below are some of the best.

Front mowers

Mowers with a front-mounted cutting deck are classed as front mowers.

The location of the deck is significant for visibility, as it allows the operator to maintain their line of sight while cutting. It can also reach more awkward areas on lawns with trees, hedges and other obstacles. You avoid flattening the lawn as you cut it with a front mower, as the weight of the machine is behind the deck, which is especially helpful when you need to mow longer grass. You can spend less time strimming, and expect a smoother flow when mowing.

There are some variables to consider with front mowers, including cutting width and if they can be used for mulching. Many front mowers can switch accessories and cutting decks; they can be changed to suit the time of year, like being used to mulch in spring.

They’re generally a solid choice for professional use and are the perfect solution for lawns in both larger gardens and more substantial pieces of land thanks to their adaptability.

Lawn tractors

Sturdy and strong, lawn and garden tractors are a versatile addition to your toolkit. With the option of connecting a variety of attachments to lawn tractors, they’re a great option year-round.

A lawn tractor can be used to collect lawn clippings or fallen leaves, and have a range of features that make them a reliable choice for professionals.

Lawn tractors aren’t as manoeuvrable as some other mowers, but have many of the same features, like cruise control, that make the lawn tractor a comfortable seat for professionals. They’re simple to use and suitable for both larger gardens and wider areas, though other options may better suit particularly rough or sloped terrain.

Zero-turn mowers

Zero-turn mowers are an increasingly common choice among landscape professionals. They can cover a large area very quickly, and are famous for their manoeuvrability.

The tight turning radius of these mowers allows you to turn on the spot to avoid obstacles like trees and flower beds. Whether you’re working on a particularly large lawn in a garden or a space considerably bigger than that, zero-turn mowers are the perfect solution for covering varied terrain, with the ability to handle slopes and more challenging turf.

These powerful mowers are fast and efficient; they excel in larger spaces. They are able to turn very quickly on the spot, making the transition from one pass to the next incredibly smooth, and helping you cover large areas quickly and efficiently. Zero-turn mowers are an excellent choice when working on a commercial scale.

One downside to zero-turns is of course price, as they tend to sit on the more expensive side of ride-on lawnmowers. Another is the learning curve on how to use it: it’s not as straightforward as just pressing a pedal, as you would for a lawn tractor. They’re typically operated with levers, which is a slight adjustment at first, but isn’t anything prohibitive to a professional user. If you’re able to invest a little more time and money, zero-turn lawn mowers are a valuable addition to your business.

Stand-on mowers

You may be surprised to see stand-on mowers in this list, but the absence of a seat doesn’t stop these machines from being ride-on mowers.

They’re not quite as common in commercial landscape maintenance, but stand-on mowers are excellent ride-on mowers for variable terrain. They have great manoeuvrability, can cope well with inclines and slightly rougher terrain, and offer excellent visibility, giving the operator complete control over the machine.

Using a stand-on mower means you’re not spending lengthy periods sitting – as well as allowing you to hop on and off the machine quicker, it can also be better for your back.

Our OEM partners

An engine isn’t going to be doing a lot of mowing on its own. You need a machine that can match the quality of its engine to know you’re getting the best performance possible.

We work with leading brands that, like Kawasaki Engines, have built a reputation for producing quality equipment, to ensure your new ride-on mower is the best it can be.

Ride-on Powered by Kawasaki equipment includes brands like Ariens. ATCO. Countax. Cub Cadet. Etesia. Husqvarna. Hustler. John Deere. SCAG. STIGA. TORO. Westwood and Wisconsin. Find out more about ride-on mowers powered by a Kawasaki engine here.

Finding the right ride-on lawn mower

We hope this guide makes your search for the perfect ride-on mower for your business that little bit easier.

There are, of course, factors outside those discussed here that have an impact on your decision; like price. Price is obviously an aspect you’ll need to consider, but advice from fellow professionals has generally been to purchase the best engine you can afford: the money you spend now will soon pay dividends in longevity and performance.

For more information on how to choose the right ride-on lawn mower, check out our buyer’s guide.

Why you should purchase a Powered by Kawasaki brushcutter

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LANDSCAPE PROS. When quality makes Heaven on Turf

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