The Exmark Metro is the smallest commercial walk behind mower in the Exmark lineup. It is the perfect mower for small yards or to mow inside small gates. In most cases, this mower is used as a backup or secondary mower to something larger.
The Metro walk behind has been around a long time, much like it's older brother, the Turf Tracer. While it isn't quite a popular, this is still a fan favorite as a smaller, more specialized mower.
Exmark Metro Full Lineup
| Specs | Exmark Metro 36 | Exmark Metro 48 | Exmark Metro 32 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Sizes | 36″ | 48″ | 32″ |
| Engine | Kawasaki FS481V | Kawasaki FS481V | Kawasaki FS481V |
| Drive Type | Belt drive | Belt drive | Belt drive |
| Speed | 2.0 mph (3.2 kmph) to 6.2 mph (10 kmph) forward, reverse assist. | 2.0 mph (3.2 kmph) to 6.2 mph (10 kmph) forward, reverse assist. | 2.0 mph (3.2 kmph) to 6.2 mph (10 kmph) forward, reverse assist. |
| Blades | 2 Blades at 18.00″ Length | 3 Blades at 16.25″ Length | 2 Blades at 16.25″ Length |
| Curb Weight | 507 | 554 | 477 |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
Comparison
All the Exmark Metro walk-behinds have the same Kawasaki FS engine. The only difference in the lineup is the deck sizes. Each walk-behind mower comes in five-inch deep cut decks of 32-inches, 36-inches, and 48-inches. The 32-inch works perfect for small yards and getting through gateways and smaller openings. Then the 36″ and 48″ have more expansive decks to cut more ground in less time.
It is one of three walk-behinds in its body style and is the lesser of the three. The other two are the Viking which has deck sizes ranging from 36″-48″. The Turf Tracer is the largest of the three, and it has a deck size of 36″-60″. Viking and Metro have the same engine, but the Turf Tracer has a 726cc engine with more power to cover the 60″ cut.
Power
The engine displacement is a 14.5HP 603cc Kawasaki V-Twin engine. It has up to 3,600 RPM. Like the Viking, the engine is the lesser of the three lineups, but the power is there to carry out the job working with the PTO and the speed, which is 2mph at cutting speed.
The Exmark Metro operates off of a belt-driven system. It has a direct drive from the transmission to the double-belt wheel drives. It is easy to keep up with at a forward cutting speed of 2mph. In reverse, it needs assistance, and when in neutral, it has a gearbox allowing it to be moved even while the engine is off.
Features
Each feature makes the Exmark Metro unique and is favored within the brand name of a walk-behind mower. Listed below are the special features.
- Simple drive belt maintenance: There are no tools required when changing the drive belts. The design allows for quick and easy change. Deck belts are the same and made easy to change and adjust.
- Commercial-grade engine: This walk-behind has a V-Twin FS481V Kawasaki motor with 14.5HP.
- All-around performance: Top speed in forwarding motion is 6.2mph to get from point A to point B. Its design allows for trailering and curb climbing easy with its well-balanced, high-clearance decks.
- Enhanced control system: A patented ECS keeps the operator's hands at a comfortable level to operate the machine without fatigue.
Other features include:
- Recoil starting, no battery
- Safety package
- 13 x 6.5-6, 4-ply Turf Master® drive tires
- 9 x 3.5-4, semi-pneumatic, smooth-tread,
- .38″ thick caster yoke arms casters
- The standard parking brake with brake bands
The transmission is a gear drive with ECS for easy maneuver in forward and assisted reverse. The transmission and the safety package work together as the operator is required to have the transmission in neutral with the PTO disengaged before leaving the controls. There are drive belts to control the operation of the movement with forward, neutral, and reverse options.
Cut Quality
The Exmark Metro comes with a fixed deck. It has a five-inch deep UltraCut deck. The airflow is accelerated through the flow-control baffles. This feature allows for better movement and better discharge. Blade-tip speeds have been optimized, adding the distance to the clippings discharged. This allows for better cut quality.
Mulch kits and bags are other options that can be added to add for better, cleaner quality cuts. The deck is constructed with a ten gauge top with a seam weld. It has a seven gauge side skirting with a seven gauge welded mounting for the spindles. It adds to improved strength. The cutting heights range from 1″ to 4.25″ for the desired cut.
There are no cons to this deck, and all the features are an added plus to the deck's design. The only thing that received insufficient attention was the attachments. One of the best things I can say is there is no maintenance to the deck. All the spindles are sealed with a 1″ spindle tube and 5.40: cutter housing. All the user has to do is clean the deck after each cut, which will last a long time. Underneath, it comes with two blades with blade tip speeds topping 18,500fpm.
Durability
All of Exmarks mowers are built to last. The mower comes with a limited two-year commercial warranty. One of the most talked about in the pros is the heavy-duty construction which speaks positively about the walk-behind mower. The better the structure and quality of parts, the longer the mower will last. Exmark Metro delivers. When it comes to durability, there are no weak points.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, as mentioned earlier, there is a patented Enhanced Control System which makes it easy to control without hurting the hands or the arms. It also reduces the vibration, which can wear out a person even faster.
The speed and easy control also help with the legs and feet. All around, it is built for comfort.
Aesthetics
The design and look are built for quality and comfort. With the more significant tires in the back and small one's upfront, it is easy to control with the drive tires in the back. Having the deck in between the front and rear tires adds to the cutting quality. The controls at the back with the gas tank and engine exposed make it easy to maintenance, control and operate. It has an overall professional and commercial look which I admire.
Build Quality
As mentioned in the aesthetics section, the build quality is perfect for operation, maintenance, and easy access for any repairs needed. The frame and structure are well thought of and strategically placed for endurance. It is built tough.
Pros / Cons
The most talked-about features and liked and disliked can only come from the users both in commercial and residential. Listed below are the pros and cons of the Exmark Metro.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Easy to maintenance
- The engine performance and brand name are trustworthy
- Cut quality is a professional grade
- Heavy-duty constructed
Cons
- Performance and limited availability of accessories
- Poor zero turning radius
Our Rating
| Performance: |  (4.3 / 5) |
| Cut Quality: |  (4.0 / 5) |
| Durability: |  (4.5 / 5) |
| Comfort: | (4.3 / 5) |
| Price: | (4.0 / 5) |
| Overall: |  (4.2 / 5) |
Price
The price of the Exmark Metro hovers around $3,999. The size decks only differ from $100 to $200 depending on where the mower is purchased. This mower is priced very well, especially when compared to the price tag of something like the Ferris FW15. It is much more mower for only a few hundred dollars more.
Wrapping It Up
Overall, the Exmark Metro is reliable and built tough. They are affordable and well worth the money for the performance and features listed. As it is made for commercial use, residential users can enjoy the power of a well-deserved walk-behind to last.
What Do You Think?
What do you think of the Exmark Metro walk behind mowers' line up? Let us know in the comments below!
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Images are from Exmark.
