John Deere Z930A PRO
Cub Cadet TANK S
Kubota ZD323
Toro GrandStand
Scag V-Ride
Gravely Pro-Turn 200
Wright Stander ZK
Ferris Evolution
Exmark Vantage
Dixie Chopper Xcaliber Eco-Eagle
For lawn-maintenance contractors looking for a competitive edge – like cutting more grass in less time and more comfortably – the new crop of commercial mowers will turn some heads. With features ranging from bigger cutting decks and eco-friendly and more economical engines to enhanced creature comforts and simplified engineering, these workhorses help increase productivity, minimize downtime, cut costs and reduce operator fatigue and employee turnover. And they put a cut on a lawn that would make a ballpark lawn-care worker proud.
1. Gravely Pro-Turn 200
Sporting a simplified design that reduced the number of parts by 20 percent and leak points by 89 percent, the new Pro-Turn 200 line of riding mowers from Gravely (a division of Ariens Co.) minimizes maintenance and downtime and lowers costs. Powered by either a Kawasaki 27- or 31-hp engine, the four mowers in the line feature 52-, 60- and 62-inch cutting decks; 17 cutting positions in 1/4-inch increments; a foot-operated deck lift system; a wheel-motor transmission delivering 25 percent more torque; double-sided anti-scalp brackets that boost scalp-wheel longevity; and a wider stance and lower center of gravity for better hillside stability and traction. Comfort features include a rubber-isolated foot platform; a boxed frame around the engine and transmission to help reduce vibration and noise; a dual-position footrest; and a lower, full-suspension seat. 920/756-2141; www.gravely.com.
2. Cub Cadet TANK S
The TANK S from Cub Cadet replaces the traditional lap bar with a steering wheel to provide operators with intuitive zero-turn control, which makes the riding mower easier to steer and more maneuverable. Unlike traditional free-rotating front casters, the mower’s Synchro-Steer technology gives operators full directional control of the front wheels, increasing stability on hillsides. Along with dual foot-pedal operation for forward and reverse control, the new steering technology reduces training time and boosts productivity. The TANK S also features an adaptable cutting deck that delivers a clean cut regardless of terrain, grass type or weather conditions. Available with 60- or 72-inch cutting decks, the TANK S offers a three-way adjustable steering column; an adjustable suspension seat with lumbar support; adjustable arm rests and reclining seat-back; 31- and 37-hp Kawasaki engines; power steering; and single-lever deck-height adjustment. 330/273-8669; www.cubcadet.com.
3. Dixie Chopper Xcaliber Eco-Eagle
The Xcaliber Eco-Eagle from Dixie Chopper (owned by Magic Circle Corp.) runs on compressed natural gas. Powered by a 990 cc Generac engine, the Eco-Eagle riding mower features a 66-inch cutting deck; springer forks; an electric-powered deck lift; cutting heights from one to five inches; a deck-height indicator; an operator-controlled discharge chute; 2,000-pound towing capacity; an hour meter for easier maintenance monitoring; tachometer; hydraulic-oil cooler; flip-up floor pan; high-performance air filters; nine-gallon fuel capacity; factory-installed roll bar; and 12-volt adapter outlet, which powers everything from iPods and cell phones to walkie-talkies or emergency lights. 765/246-7737; www.dixiechopper.com.
4. Wright Stander ZK
Aimed at reducing operator fatigue and boosting productivity and stability, the Stander ZK from Wright Manufacturing Inc. offers stand-up operation, speeds up to 13 mph and larger wheels. It’s available in deck widths of 52 and 61 inches. The deck adjusts in quarter-inch increments from 1 1/2 to 5 1/2 inches. A 27- or 31-hp Kawasaki engine with electric start and an hour meter power the mower. The ZK features a 17 1/2-gallon fuel tank; low center of gravity for hillside stability; shorter overall length for added maneuverability; and a rapid-height adjustment system enabling operators to raise or lower cutting height without getting off the mower. And with no seat, arm rests or seat belts, operators can easily get off the machine to pick up debris. 301/360-9810; www.wrightmfg.com.
5. John Deere Z930A PRO
Ease of operation, durability and improved productivity are hallmarks of the Z930A PRO, one of seven models in the new ZTrak 900 series of riding mowers from Deere and Co. Powered by an air-cooled 29-hp engine, the mower is available with either a 60- or 72-inch standard deck or a 60-inch mulch-on-demand deck, which allows the operator to change from wide-open side discharge to mulching mode with a single lever. The deck is stamped from 7-gauge steel, which minimizes welds and produces a smooth underside with fewer sharp corners, reducing grass build-up. The mowers travel up to 12 mph, and feature onboard self-diagnostics; run-flat tires; cutting heights that adjust with the turn of a dial; and a Brake-and-Go system so the operator sets the parking brake and starts the mower, regardless of how control sticks are positioned. www.deere.com.
6. Ferris Evolution
With forward speeds up to 10 mph, the compact Evolution zero-turn riding mower, manufactured by Ferris Industries (a division of Briggs & Stratton Corp.), cuts up to about five acres per hour. Initially introduced in two models – featuring a 19-hp Kawasaki engine with a 36-inch mowing deck or a 27-hp Kawasaki engine with a 48-inch deck – the Evolution line-up adds models offering a 20-hp Kawasaki engine with either a 48- or 52-inch deck and a 26-hp Kawasaki engine married to a 52-inch deck. Other features include a low stance, ideal for tight places or highly landscaped areas; seating and suspension that aligns the operator’s back, shoulders and neck in the most ideal ergonomic position, minimizing fatigue and discomfort; and easy-to-use controls located at the operator’s fingertips. 800/933-6175; www.ferrisindustries.com.
7. Kubota ZD323
Kubota’s ZD323 features a fuel-efficient 23-hp diesel engine and a 60-inch mowing deck that adjusts from 1 to 5 inches in 1/4-inch increments via a dial on the control panel. The deck is 6 1/2 inches deep, which allows for efficient cutting in even the heaviest of conditions. A high power-to-weight ratio translates into fuel savings. Creature comforts include a seat-adjustment lever allowing operators to change suspension characteristics while they work; a three-position lumbar support; adjustable reclining seat; cup holder; and extra-wide, high-back suspension seat with adjustable armrests. An integral lift allows quick and simple deck maintenance without time-consuming removal. 888/458-2682; www.kubota.com.
8. Toro GrandStand
Toro Co. has expanded its lineup of GrandStand stand-on mowers to include 36-, 40- and 60-inch cutting decks in addition to the original 48- and 52-inch models. The machines feature the TURBO FORCE cutting deck, which produces a quality cut even when mowing tall, wet grass. The Flex-Ride operator platform suspension system automatically adjusts to the weight of the operator and reduces operator fatigue. For added jobsite flexibility, the platform folds, converting the mower to walk-behind mode. Twin-lever, low-effort steering control levers give operators more precise control; they don’t have to take their hands off the levers to change direction. The GrandStands are faster than mid-size walk-behind mowers and comparable to moderate-sized, zero-turn riders, plus they’re smaller and lighter and take up less trailer space. 800/348-2424; www.toro.com.
9. Scag V-Ride
The ultra-compact V-Ride stand-on mower from Scag Power Equipment provides the speed and comfort of a riding mower with the space-saving convenience of a walk-behind. Available in three models, the machine features smooth drive controls; easy deck-lift and cutting-height adjustment (in 1/4-inch increments, from 1 1/2 to 4 1/2 inches); and a spacious operator platform with 3 1/2-inch coil-spring suspension that boosts operator comfort and reduces fatigue. The comfort pad adjusts to 12 different positions to accommodate operators of all heights and various riding preferences. The mower is available with either a 20-, 24- or 26-hp Kawasaki FX engine as well as 36-, 48- or 52-inch cutting decks. It also features a low center of gravity and extra-large drive tires for added stability; electric engine start; an hour meter; large-diameter, padded steering levers; a 5 1/2-gallon fuel tank; and a maximum speed of 8 1/2 mph. 920/387-0100; www.scag.com.
10. Exmark Vantage
The Vantage is Exmark Manufacturing Company Inc.’s first foray into the stand-on mower market. It offers increased operator comfort, enhanced productivity and a superior cut over earlier models. Combined with ergonomically designed controls, including a variable speed bar, Vantage’s self-compensating suspension system reduces operator fatigue and increases cutting quality. The unit’s compact size promotes maneuverability; the standing position allows the operator more visibility to spot obstacles; and superior traction and handling enables users to handle terrain changes with ease. The machine comes with either a 48- or 52-inch cutting deck and features the distinct caster position found on all Exmark mowers. 402/223-6300; www.exmark.com.
