Top Commercial Walk-Behind Mowers for 2025 

With Honda’s commercial mowers phasing out, landscapers are on the hunt for the next go-to walk-behind workhorse. Fortunately, brands like STIHL, Exmark, and YBravo have stepped up with serious contenders.

In this article, we break down the key features, strengths, and best-use scenarios for the most talked-about models of 2025.

Commercial Lawn Mower Advantages 

Why use a commercial walk-behind mower?

There are several reasons: Pros need a powerful machine that’s built for rigorous use. Commercial lawn care calls for wider decks, the ability to navigate uneven ground, and precision cutting – which means a mower’s got to be reliable, durable, and designed to last. 

These four top models all fit the bill:

YBravo 25”

Highlights

YBravo is out to save you time and money with the YBravo 25” mower. Adding 4” to the mowing deck gets the job done quickly, saving time and money and increasing efficiency. The 2-speed heavy-duty transmission delivers power and speed to zip through your properties and – bonus –  YBravo built this to be just 127 lbs with the handling characteristics of a 21” mower. That means you get a great commercial cut with the ease of a lighter machine. Nine-inch ball bearing rubber tires offer a great balance of maneuverability and stability regardless of steep slopes and rough terrain.

Pros

• Powerful engine. The reliable FJ 180V Kai Kawasaki engine has plenty of oomph.
• Superior bagging capabilities. A rolled-under lip design draws grass into the bag like a vacuum.
• Vented XL bag. Beyond its impressive size, the bag’s built-in vent directs dust and debris away from your face.
• Spindle-mounted blade. The blade is belt-driven and mounted to the spindle, so if you hit something, you’re not wrecking the crankshaft—and that means it’s a cheaper, easier fix.
• Durable handles. The 34mm aluminum handles are considerably larger in diameter than handles on a 21” mower, providing extra strength.

Cons 

• Mulching ability. The strong vacuum design is great for grass clippings but it doesn’t make this a great option for mulching, especially when the turf is wet.
• Belt-driven blade. This stretches and may require a bit of maintenance to adjust. It’s not a deal breaker but it’s worth noting. 

If you’re constantly loading and unloading mowers, you won’t need to worry about the cables on the YBravo 25” catching on brush or getting bent on the trailer on your way to the next job – the cables are tucked in along the massive aluminum arms so there’s almost no chance of them getting damaged. Are curbs and sidewalks a regular part of your work? It’s easy to replace the black rings that protect the mower if it bangs up against an object. If you’re looking for an efficient cut with the user friendliness of a lightweight and nimble machine, this should be a strong contender.

STIHL RM 756 YC 

Highlights

Let’s face it — we’re all looking to get jobs done quickly because it saves money, is efficient, and means we’re not wiped out afterward. STIHL’s RM 756 YC offers a hydrostatic gearbox for a wider range of ground speeds to reduce operator fatigue and increase productivity, and the hydrostatic transmission, which can run up to 3.7 mph, delivers excellent power-to-weight ratio. With a 22” magnesium mowing deck and the Kohler Command Pro 200cc engine, you get professional performance, longevity, and dependability. 

Pros

• Solid deck. This mower’s magnesium deck with wear guards is heavy duty and durable enough to last for years.
• Built-in protection. Features like a crumple zone to protect the crankshaft, and a replaceable poly liner that protects against corrosion, mean this machine stands up to rugged use.
• Uni-handle design. A solid, innovative handle lifts up and out of the way, making it a cinch to remove and replace the bag.
• Break blade clutch. Safely keep the engine running, even if you need to step away.

Cons

• Front lever. The reverse handle operation might feel a bit awkward until you get used to it.

This mower is ideal for areas with varied topography. Thanks to the wide range of speeds, you can work quickly through flat areas and slow down on slopes or for more precision cutting. The fingers on its high lift blade easily break up chunks of grass, making this a great option for those who may be working with taller grasses. 

Exmark Commercial 21 

Highlights

If you’re searching for a simple and streamlined design in a self-propelled lawn mower, look no further than Exmark’s Commercial 21 model. With less than half the parts of other walk-behind mowers in its class, maintenance and service couldn’t be easier. Designed to be shallower on one side and deeper as it curves, this mower creates a strong vacuum that draws up clippings like nobody’s business. The FJ180V Kai Kawasaki engine and 1-gallon gas tank mean you’ve got the power and the fuel to go for hours and the 9” wheels ensure you can maneuver this machine wherever you need to go.

Pros

• Fewer moving parts. The streamlined design gets rid of nuts, bolts, and clips so you can worry less about replacing gadgets.
• No frills transmission. The mower’s build makes it easy to replace the transmission, and with a low price point, it won’t break the bank to do it.
• Two bumpers. A solid bumper protects the mower deck while a front wire bumper protects the overhead valve cover.
• No throttle on handle. By positioning the throttle near the engine, the cable and throttle handle are less likely to get hit or broken.
• Hook for rear height. One hook enables height adjustment on both sides with a single movement.
• Drive cable. Simple-to-adjust cable makes it easy to change speeds by squeezing the back bar. 

Cons 

• Front-end height adjusters. With the lever adjusters built in the front versus on the side, this design may take a bit of getting used to.

The Exmark Commercial 21 is simply designed with fewer pieces to break and replace. If you mow on rocky terrain, this machine’s rugged build can handle it with ease. The tightly sealed bag stays securely attached even as the mower gets jostled around, no matter how rough the surface is. 

Exmark Commercial 30 

Highlights

Exmark married engineering and innovation to produce the Commercial 30 model. With a 30” cutting deck, and a 180cc engine from either Kohler or Kawasaki, you’ve got the power and a whopping 40% increase in efficiency to zip through jobs in no time at all – and the 1-gallon gas tank won’t slow you down to refuel too often. Exmark’s patented front height adjustment system with twin blades deliver their signature cut quality, allow for better mulching with finer pieces, and help with airflow – which is super helpful in Western Washington’s wet climate.

Pros

• Variable speeds. Speeds options from 0 – 3.8 mph allow for precision cutting as well as fast passes.
• Range of cutting heights. Adjust the height from 1.5” – 5.0” in .5 increments to tailor the mower for any landscape.
• Oil filter. The oil filter extends the time between oil changes, every 75 hours is plenty.

Cons

• Monitoring for maintenance. The air filter should be checked weekly, and the oil filter, spark plugs, and fuel filter also require regular monitoring for best performance and should be replaced every year.

If mulching is a regular part of your work, check out the Commercial 30 mower from Exmark. Dealing with a lot of uneven terrain? The variable speed transmission and self-propelled rear wheel gear let you work at your own pace, and if you’re facing a large range in turn heights, this walk-behind mower will cut any job down to size.

The Right Mower in 2025

Now that you’ve got the details on each mower, how do you decide? Begin by considering what’s most important for the properties you maintain. Think about factors like:

• Deck width. Is a 21” or 22” enough? If you’re looking to save time and money, a 25” or 30” might be the better call.
• Power. Just how challenging are the properties you maintain? Do you need an engine that turbo charges your mower to help you navigate them?
• Bagging. Are you mulching as well as bagging? If so, look for a mower that can mulch as easily as it bags, especially in Western Washington’s wet conditions.
• Dealer location. Is there a reputable dealer nearby to help you with sales, service, and questions after your purchase? Carl’s prides itself on outstanding customer service that extends from your initial store visit throughout the life of your mower (and the ones to come)! 

You should also consider your business mix. These questions should guide you to make the right call for you:

• Are you doing more residential or commercial properties? 
• Terrain is important too – slopes matter when it comes to mowers. Choose one that can handle the landscape.
• How many lawn mowers do you need for your crew?  

The Bottom Line

Have questions? Need to demo a mower or talk specs? Come on down to Carl’s Mower & Saw—we’ll help you find the right commercial walk-behind for your needs, fuel it up, and even file the warranty for you!

About

Established in 1990 by Carl and Beth Levien, Carl’s Mower & Saw remains a family-owned and locally operated business to this day. We’re committed to providing an exceptional customer experience to both contractors and homeowners. Whether you’re looking for sales, service or rentals, you’ll find quality outdoor power equipment brands known for their durability and dependability, including Exmark, Gravely, Honda, Husqvarna, STIHL, and BCS America. For inquiries, feel free to reach out by calling 360-384-0799 or emailing info@carlsmower.com.