In the May/Jun 2012 issue of Green Industry Pro, a publication for professional landscape contractors who want to maximize productivity, select the right tools for the job and learn about landscape trends and business strategies, there is an interesting article about the many zero-turn mower brands in the industry.
Green Industry Pro conducted a recent survey of its readers asking specifically about zero-turn mowers. They asked landscape industry professionals questions about the more than 20 brands of mowers to find out what makes the industry leading brands be the go-to brands preferred by most.
When they ranked the brands in order of highest favorable opinion of the brand, here were the findings:
- Exmark – (SOLD BY HOWARD BROTHERS)
- Scag – (SOLD BY HOWARD BROTHERS)
- Toro
- Walker – (SOLD BY HOWARD BROTHERS)
- John Deere
- Kubota
- Ferris
- Grasshopper
- Hustler
- Wright
- BOB-CAT
- Gravely
- Dixie Chopper
- Husqvarna
- Snapper Pro
- Cub Cadet Commercial
- Bush Hog
- Dixon
- Encore
- Bad Boy
- Land Pride
- Country Clipper
- Big Dog
Interesting that three of the top four are brands that we are authorized dealers of and have been servicing/selling these brands for more than a decade. Even Toro is somewhat related because Exmark builds several of Toro’s commercial mowers.
Ultimately the survey found that 7 factors are examined when ranking the brands above. Number one was Dealer Support. I think this is where we shine. We don’t just sell you a mower. Howard Brothers comes along beside you and works with you. We’ll support you for the long haul with parts and service. After dealer support, these were the features wanted in a zero-turn mower brand: Productivity, Durability, Cut Quality, Serviceability, Operator Comfort, Safety.
We’re pleased with the findings and it serves as a reminder to us that we sell some of the most well respected brands in the industry. When we stop to think about it, we feel proud to have played a big part in these brands ranking high in the first place. It is no secret that most veteran contractors in Atlanta are using Exmark mowers. North Georgia happens to have a huge following of Scag mowers.