Archive for the ‘Tips for Lawncare Pros’ Category

Is a Stand-On Mower Right for Your Business?

Tuesday, May 1st, 2018

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.