What type of mowers you need for your business depends very much on where and what you mow, but in the right conditions, a stand-on mower may be the most efficient choice. Stand-on mowers like the Exmark Vantage S-Series can be easier to maneuver in tight spaces. Operators may also have a better vantage point on a standing mower than when sitting. Here are some of the primary considerations when trying to decide if a stand-on mower is right for your business.
Property Size
If you primarily mow large lots – more than an acre and a half—without a lot of obstacles to navigate around, you will be better served by a riding or zero-turn mower. Stand-on mowers are great for medium and smaller lots with landscaping and irregular features. Think suburban lawns: The average lot size for new home construction in the US is .35 acres, too small for a riding mower, but large enough that a business wouldn’t want to be mowing with a 21” push mower. A stand-up mower can make quick work of small- to medium-sized lawns, especially if, like the Vantage S-Series, it can operate at speeds up to 8 mph.
Transportation
Trailer space is limited. A stand-on mower typically has a smaller footprint than a zero-turn with the same size deck, and that footprint gets even smaller when the operator platform is folded away. Fitting two stand-on mowers on a trailer may be easier than fitting two riding or zero-turn mowers.
Terrain
Mowing in flat to rolling terrain, as in the Midwest, is different from mowing in a hilly or mountainous terrain. Stand-on mowers can perform well on hilly terrain, because they have a low center of gravity and the operator can shift their body weight to counteract the slope.
Operator Control and Precision
The operator of a stand-on mower has a higher vantage point than a riding mower operator, allowing enhanced visibility. Stand-on operators can hop on and off the machine more easily, which can be crucial when operating in areas with a lot of obstacles to move. Many operators prefer a stand-on for just this reason. Another trade-off is that because the operator stands, they need greater strength in their legs, core and back to support themselves through a full-day of mowing.
Price
The bottom line is the most important line for any business, and in competitive industries, any reduction in fleet operating costs makes a big difference. Stand-ons cost 10 to 20 percent less than zero-turns, which, when factored across a fleet, can be a big savings.
Bottom Line
If you primarily mow medium to small lawns, work in tight spaces with a lot of obstacles, or mow hilly terrain, and can work at a slightly slower pace, a stand-on may be the right mower for your business. Exmark’s Vantage S-Series offers industry-leading durability, performance and value in 36-, 48-, 52-, and 60-inch deck widths. See your local Exmark dealer for a demo.
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