Jokes aside, there is something to be said about a man and the size of his mower. And it might just be: Bigger isn't always
better. A 60-in.-deck mower may make quick work of most properties, but throw in a fence with a 36-in. gate and you can stop
a crew dead in its tracks. And does a larger, production unit make sense for smaller residential properties?
One option for keeping the work flowing smoothly is the compact riding mower.
"The rule of thumb is, you want the largest deck you can fit into an area comfortably," says Ken Raney, advertising manager,
Hustler Turf Equipment. "Some properties you're going to have to get that through a gate. That's where the compact mowers
come in."
Hustler's Mini Z mower skirts the edge where a mower with a larger deck would fear to tread.
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Or as John Cloutier, marketing manager for Exmark Manufacturing Co. says, "Utilized in the correct applications, compact riding
machines can safely cut large amounts of grass in less time."
There's no universal standard for what classifies a mower as a compact, but there are a number of generalizations. For example,
mowers with decks under 40 inches are usually classified as compacts. They are lighter in weight and generally have fewer
attachment options than their bigger brothers.
Whatever the configuration, the use is pretty much the same, to have a ride- or stand-on option that fits into those tight
spots in which the bigger mowers cannot maneuver.
"It really depends on the contractor," Raney says. "We've talked to a lot of guys who will only do certain types of properties
because that's what their equipment fits. I've talked to guys who have said, 'I won't even take a yard if they've got a 36-in.
gate. I just find somebody else.' "
Like other tools it's a matter of preference and need. Clustering the properties of a particular neighborhood of similar-sized
small lots or that has gates into a single route allows the efficient and profitable use of a compact. Many contractors fit
a compact onto their trailers for those odd jobs or smaller properties, even on a route of larger jobs. But if it spends too
much time on the trailer because the times of use are few, then it may not be worth the investment.
Again, it comes down to knowing your costs and serving clients in the best and most efficient way.
Most mower manufacturers offer compact models so there's lots to choose from.
What to look for
Here are a few things to consider. The first factor is the deck size, but weight is another consideration, says Raney. Many
residential areas don't want a large mower on the property, but are willing to allow the smaller compact mowers.
Cloutier lists the following as the key factors to consider:
- The design of smaller deck machines gives operators the ability to fit through small gates and have access to fenced-in areas,
and are more maneuverable.
- Compact riders are roughly the same size, weight and cost versus a comparable hydro walk-behind unit.
- Increased riding mower productivity results in increased revenues and profit versus a walk-behind.
- Improved employee comfort and morale.
Disadvantages
A compact isn't the machine to use for large projects with no width impediments. But there are a few other factors to consider.
