Let’s be honest—when most people think of commercial zero-turn mowers, the same few brands always come up. But today, I want to highlight a few that don’t always get the attention they deserve. These underrated machines are packed with power, innovation, and value—and in many cases, they outperform the big names.
Let’s dive in.
Wright Zero Turn Mowers
Wright is mostly known for their stand-on mowers—and rightfully so. They were the company that literally invented the stand-on mower, which revolutionized the commercial mowing industry.
Ed Wright, the CEO, reminds me of the Elon Musk of mowers. He’s obsessed with innovation and quality, and it shows in every machine they put out. One of their latest moves is a partnership with Greenzy, a company that turns stand-on mowers into autonomous machines. That’s some futuristic stuff right there.
Wright’s zero-turn lineup comes with Vanguard or Kawasaki engines ranging from 25 to 40 HP. These are reliable engines, and Wright pairs them smartly across their different models.
Their deck options range from 32 to 72 inches, with a standout being their Aero Core Deck. Built from 7-gauge steel and ductile iron spindles, these decks are built like tanks and deliver an excellent cut.
When it comes to the drive system, Wright mixes it up depending on the model. Larger mowers typically come with Hydro-Gear pump and wheel motors, while the smaller zero-turns and stand-ons use Hydro-Gear transaxles. It’s a solid setup that balances performance and longevity.
Speed-wise, these mowers can haul—topping out at 12 mph. Perfect for covering large properties quickly. And with fuel tanks holding up to 15.5 gallons, you can go all day without refueling. That’s a big win for lawn care pros who hate wasting time at the gas station.
Wright stands out because of their maneuverability. Thanks to their compact design, they can squeeze through tight spots and around tricky obstacles. They’re also tough. Wright has built a name on quality and durability, and it shows.
Comfort is another plus. Their mowers come with ergonomic seats and user-friendly controls. You can ride for hours without feeling like your spine's been through a blender.
The warranty is also strong—two years for defects and five years or 500 hours (whichever comes first) for their commercial models.
All in all, Wright mowers are built to work hard and last long. Whether you're a solo operator or running a fleet, they’re worth a serious look.
Bobcat Commercial Zero Turn Mowers
If you’re looking for a mower that packs power, precision, and value into one machine, Bobcat should be on your radar. Their prices are super competitive, and their warranty is one of the best in the business.
Under the hood, Bobcat mowers run on Kohler, Briggs & Stratton, or Kawasaki engines. Horsepower ranges from 26 to 38, giving you plenty of muscle for heavy-duty jobs.
You’ll find deck sizes from 42 to 72 inches, all built with reinforced steel. These decks handle bumpy, uneven ground without missing a beat.
Bobcat uses Hydro-Gear transaxles for smooth and reliable operation. It’s a solid, integrated system that makes maneuvering easy—forward, backward, tight turns—you name it.
Cutting heights are adjustable from 1.5 to 5 inches, which gives you flexibility throughout the year. Whether you’re mowing high in summer to protect the soil or going lower in winter for a clean finish, Bobcat’s got you covered.
Top speed is about 11 mph—not the fastest on the list, but more than enough for most mowing jobs. And with a 14-gallon fuel tank, you won’t have to stop mid-job.
So what makes Bobcat worth buying?
First off, they’re built like tanks. These mowers can take on rugged terrain and tough conditions without falling apart. Their cut quality is excellent—clean, precise, and consistent. They’re also low-maintenance, thanks to an open design that makes all the parts easy to reach. That saves time and headaches.
Lastly, they’re a great value. You get strong performance and solid build quality without spending a fortune. If you’ve got a local dealer, it’s definitely worth checking them out.
Ferris Commercial Zero Turn Mowers
Ferris is all about comfort—and they’ve got the hardware to back it up. They’re the only brand on the market with full four-wheel suspension. It’s like riding a UTV or side-by-side instead of a mower.
One standout from Ferris is the Z3X stand-on mower. It’s insanely smooth, and the pivoting front axle is a game-changer when it comes to holding slopes and hills.
But Ferris isn’t just about comfort. These mowers perform.
Their engine lineup includes Briggs & Stratton, Vanguard, and Kawasaki, ranging from 25 to 40 HP. Deck sizes go from 36 to 72 inches, and they all deliver a clean, professional cut.
Unlike most brands, Ferris has stuck with Hydro-Gear transaxles across their entire lineup. While others are moving to pump and wheel motor setups, Ferris keeps it old-school—and it still works like a charm.
Cutting heights range from 1.5 to 5 inches, and top speed hits 12 mph. Fuel tanks hold up to 13 gallons, which is solid for long workdays.
Ferris shines in four big areas.
First is the suspension system. It’s patented and provides a smooth, fatigue-free ride that you won’t find anywhere else. Second, the cut quality is excellent. These machines handle uneven terrain like champs. Third, they’re built tough. Rugged frames and heavy-duty components mean they’ll last for years. And fourth—comfort. The high-back seats, ergonomic controls, and vibration dampening make mowing a lot less painful.
If comfort is high on your list, Ferris should be at the top of your list.
Final Comparison
So how do these three stack up?
In terms of maneuverability, Wright takes the lead with their compact design. They’re perfect for tight spaces. Ferris and Bobcat are a bit larger, but that comes with added stability.
For cut quality, Ferris comes out on top—especially on rough terrain, thanks to that suspension system. Bobcat and Wright still perform well, particularly on flatter ground.
When it comes to comfort, Ferris is the clear winner. Wright is good, but can’t quite compete with Ferris’s suspension. Bobcat falls somewhere in the middle.
As for pricing, Bobcat is the most budget-friendly. Wright and Ferris are on the higher end but offer great value for what you get.
The Verdict
All three of these brands are underrated in their own way.
Wright is perfect for pros and operators who want quality, innovation, and compact performance. Bobcat is ideal for anyone who wants solid performance and durability without breaking the bank. And Ferris is your go-to if you want the most comfortable ride in the business.
What do you think? Have you tried any of these brands? Let me know in the comments—and if you’re looking for more tips, reviews, or lawn care advice, check out www.lawngrowth.com.
See you in the next post.
