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9 / 10

Pros:

• Platform adjusts according to operator weight
• Large cushioned thigh pad
• 23-inch tires for stability over curbs
• Convenient fuel tank design

Cons:

• Lower fuel capacity than similar-sized options

For users who prefer to minimize jostling and bouncing while mowing, consider the Ferris SRS Z2 Soft Ride mower and its suspension platform system. This system offers five positions to choose from, customizable to the rider’s weight—lower positions for lighter users who need more cushioning, and higher for heavier riders who benefit from a stiffer, more rigid platform.

A large ergonomic thigh pad further enhances operator comfort and increases overall productivity. The controls are positioned to be easy to reach and operate, so quickly raising the deck and adjusting the speed is a simple procedure. The 23-inch drive tires are beefy enough to ascend curbs and terrain, providing superior traction, stability and maneuverability.

The extended neck of the fuel tank is simple to fill up when you’re ready, and the greaseable spindles are great for those who prefer to do their own mower maintenance.

10 / 10

Pros:

• Durable and easy-to-clean deck
• Convenient fuel tank position
• Deck adjustments are spring-assisted
• Large caster wheels increase maneuverability

Cons:

• Less powerful engine compared to other mowers

A well-recognized name in lawn care, the John Deere Q810E QuikTrack stand-on mower offers a 36-inch cutting deck and is powered by a fuel-efficient, 19-hp air-cooled engine. Its heavy-duty 7-gauge steel deck is manufactured to create a smooth underside with minimal welds and sharp corners, which reduces material buildup and makes cleaning much easier.

The external fuel tank has a nice wide mouth for easy filling, and unlike some mowers that conceal their tank inside the frame, this mower provides convenient access. The recessed caster wheels also offer a tighter turning radius and improved maneuverability and are less likely to snag on terrain obstacles.

Another nice touch: The mower features a quality leaning pad to enhance operator comfort, and the controls are easy to locate for increased productivity.

What to Consider When Buying a Stand-On Mower

According to Poole, the main things to consider when choosing a stand-on mower are how steep any slopes being mowed are, other terrain features that could cause issues, and how maintainable the machine is.

Poole explains, “Mowers with larger deck sizes often have a wider stance and a heavier operating weight. If mowing hills this greatly improves hillside stability.” If your terrain features rocks or large roots, Poole recommends a mower with a deck that’s easy to raise and lower while mowing. When it comes to maintenance, Poole recommends maintainable components, explaining that maintenance-free components generally have a shorter lifespan.

If you need to navigate gates and turn tight circles around beloved bushes and trees, a smaller deck is often better. If you have more wide-open spaces, look for a mower with a wider deck.

Types of Stand-On Mowers

Although there aren’t specific types of stand-on mowers, you could roughly group them into these two categories:

• Commercial Stand-On Mowers: These are used by professional lawn care companies and require maximum durability to withstand the abuse of frequent, nearly everyday use. Commercial mowers also usually have larger deck widths.
• Residential Stand-On Mowers: Residential users tend to have smaller yards, and since they’ll only be mowing once a week, these stand-on mowers sometimes skew narrower and are more likely to have thinner decks.

Why You Should Trust Us

I spent more than five years as a residential and commercial carpenter in NYC–specializing in custom furniture construction and installation and am now a freelance writer focusing on home improvement, DIY and appliances. I use my hands-on experience and expert insight to craft product reviews, buying guides and how-to articles. Since I’ve spent so much time using various tools and equipment during my time in the field, I know exactly what to look for when suggesting the highest-quality, reliable products.

We consulted Zach Poole, owner of Advance Lawn Care to learn more about the specific features buyers need to keep in mind when purchasing stand-on mowers. Advance Lawn Care is a lawn care and home services company based in Hot Springs Arkansas. A lot of the work they do requires ride or stand-on tools, so Poole knows what makes a stand-on mower worth your money.

How We Found the Best Stand-On Lawn Mowers

Having spent years working as part of a large landscaping team at a state park, I’m familiar with operating, maintaining and repairing large, commercial-style mowers. I kept this experience in mind when assembling this list of mower options, and also called upon the expertise of Zach Poole, owner of Advance Lawn Care, to add even more professional insight. With Zach’s advice and recommendations—along with my own extensive online and customer review research—I evaluated potential options based on brand reputation, maintenance requirements, user-friendly controls, durability and overall performance, finally landing on the 10 models listed here.

FAQ

Are stand-on mowers good for large yards?

Yes, stand-on mowers are an efficient way to mow large yards, especially if you’re dealing with bumpy or hilly terrain. Since you can shift your weight easily, it’s easier to maintain the ideal center of gravity when driving or bumps and turns, unlike riding mowers that jostle you around every turn and bump. Stand-on mowers also tend to have higher cutting speeds than other types, which is preferable when cutting larger areas.

Are stand-on mowers better than zero-turn mowers?

According to Poole, neither mower is necessarily better than the other, as both have advantages that make them useful for different functions. If you’re planning on using your mower for bagging leaves, for example, stand-on mowers don’t offer as much capacity as sit-down, zero-turn machines, and won’t be a good choice for larger lawns in that respect. Stand-on mowers do offer better visibility though, and as Poole explains, “the ability to directly see the tires greatly reduces the risk of tearing the turf during turns.” Finally, your personal preference will determine which mower is more comfortable for you. Some find stand-on mowers help reduce lower back pain, while others prefer the stability of a seated zero-turn mower.

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