When you run a landscape maintenance business, every equipment purchase directly affects your productivity, quality of cut, and bottom line. A high-performing mower helps crews stay on schedule and delivers the consistent results customers expect. Whether you manage a fleet or operate solo, your mower is a core revenue generator and business builder.
So, how much should you spend if you’re just getting started, expanding your fleet, or looking for a reliable backup machine?
Buying a used mower can be a smart business move, much like purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle. You avoid the initial depreciation of new equipment while still getting reliable performance—if the machine has been properly inspected and maintained.
Here’s what to look for when evaluating a used mower for commercial use.
The engine is one of the most critical and most expensive components of a mower to repair or replace, and it often provides the clearest insight into how well the machine has been maintained.
When evaluating a used mower’s engine, begin by checking the hour meter, but don’t stop there. High hours alone aren’t necessarily a deal breaker. What matters more is
whether those hours were supported by consistent maintenance. For example, a Grasshopper mower with many well-maintained hours can be a better business purchase than another lower-hour machine that was neglected.
Next, get a feel for how the engine runs. Start it from cold and assess starting performance and idle stability. It should achieve idle quickly, maintain consistent speed, and exhibit no sputtering or abnormal mechanical noises. Watch for smoke, especially blue or white smoke, which can signal oil consumption or internal wear.
Look closely for oil leaks around seals, gaskets, and fittings. Check for signs of gases escaping through a vent or hose, which can indicate worn piston rings or excessive internal pressure. Because commercial mowing puts sustained heat stress on engines, also look for signs of overheating, including cracked parts, gasket residue, or a burnt oil smell.
A clean engine area, intact engine cover, and clear airflow paths usually indicate the mower was well cared for, not just cleaned up for resale.
Takeaway tip: An engine with more hours that was carefully maintained is better than a mower with fewer hours and a questionable maintenance record.
When you’re evaluating used commercial mowers, engine type can influence how much productive life a machine may still have left. Diesel engines such as those in Grasshopper’s Kubota® Clean Diesel models, are designed for sustained, heavy workloads and often operate at lower RPM with higher torque than gasoline engines. This combination typically results in less internal stress and longer service life in commercial applications.
For contractors covering large properties or running long days, diesel can also offer better fuel efficiency and fewer refueling interruptions, which supports productivity and operating cost control.
As with any used mower, condition matters more than the number on the hour meter, but diesel power can shift what “high hours” actually means.
Takeaway tip: Diesel power offers durability and efficiency, which is especially valuable in high-use commercial settings.
The hydraulic system is responsible for mower movement and power delivery, and because commercial mowers operate continuously all day long, even small problems can quickly impact productivity.
When looking over a used mower, be sure to check the hydraulic oil level and condition. Clean, clear oil suggests routine service, while dirty or gritty oil is an indicator of neglect and accelerated wear.
During a test drive, a healthy hydraulic system will allow the mower to move smoothly, respond predictably to the controls and track straight with even pressure on both handles. Jerking, hesitation, whining noises, or drifting can suggest internal wear.
Takeaway tip: Uneven response, noise, or drift often point to internal hydraulic wear.
Your customers judge your work by the quality of the cut, so the deck deserves close attention. Inspect the deck shell for cracks, welded repairs, or rust-through. Spin the spindles by hand and listen. They should turn smoothly and quietly.
Next, check the blades for chips, nicks, or impact damage. While blades are replaceable, heavy damage often reflects rough use.
Also consider deck construction. Fabricated decks are generally more durable in commercial environments than stamped decks, especially if you’re mowing uneven ground or thick turf. For example, Grasshopper Mower’s fabricated decks are constructed with reinforced steel and wrapped edges to improve durability and strength compared with lighter stamped decks.
Takeaway tip: Spindle noise and deck cracks indicate true wear, while surface rust generally does not.
One of the strongest predictors of how a mower will perform for you is how it was treated before you owned it. A well-maintained mower shows: clean air filters, fresh fluids, and components that look routinely serviced, not run into the ground. A clogged or filthy air filter suggests dust and debris may have been pulled into the engine, accelerating wear.
Ask when the mower’s engine oil, hydraulic oil, and filters were last changed. Was the mower stored indoors? Also find out if the mower was serviced on a schedule. Even simple maintenance records can help indicate whether the machine was treated as a business asset.
Takeaway tip: Maintenance history is one of the best indicators of future uptime.
A test drive can reveal issues that are not visible during inspection. The mower should start easily, run smoothly, and feel stable. Vibration, noise, or inconsistent behavior may indicate deeper problems. If something feels off now, it won’t improve when the mower is used for hours-long work days in the summer heat.
During the test drive, vary your speed, make a few turns in both directions, and engage the blades. The mower should respond predictably, track straight, and maintain steady power. Some warning signs include hesitation while accelerating, pulling to one side, or changes in sound or feel while the machine is operating.
Also pay attention to how the machine feels through the seat and controls. A comfortable, vibration-controlled ride helps reduce operator fatigue and is a sign that the mower is structurally sound and well aligned.
Takeaway tip: Test the mower like you’ll run it on the job, not just by how it feels when the engine is idling.
A used Grasshopper mower can be a smart investment for your landscaping business when you know what to look for. By focusing on the engine, hydraulics, cutting deck, and maintenance history, you can choose a machine that delivers reliable performance season after season.
Learn how Grasshopper mowers deliver a quality cut, comfortable ride, and multitasking capabilities so you can power through a wide range of property maintenance needs. Our network of dealers can answer your questions about new and used Grasshopper mowers to suit your workload.