36 Inch Mowers – Are They Worth It?

36 Inch Mowers – Are They Worth It?

When it comes to mower size, every pro has an opinion. Some swear by the efficiency of 60-inch decks, while others won’t give up the maneuverability of smaller machines. What about the middle ground, specifically, 36-inch mowers?

We went straight to the pros to get the real story. Do these machines earn their keep, or are they more trouble than they’re worth? Here’s what the pros had to say.

Why Some Pros Swear by 36-Inch Mowers

For many, 36-inch mowers fill a very specific niche. They’re not designed to replace your main production mower, but they can play an important role in a well-rounded fleet.

Key advantages mentioned by pros:

• Gate access – The number one reason pros invest in a 36. They fit through tight gates where 48- or 60-inch mowers won’t.

• Saves time vs. push mowing – A 36 can turn an hour-long push-mowing job into a 15-minute cut.

• Backup mower – Even if not used daily, it’s valuable when a larger mower breaks down.

• Versatility on small lots – In certain neighborhoods, they can mow almost as fast as bigger decks.

• Reasonable resale (if bought used) – Pros noted that used 36s often hold their value if well-maintained.

Pro Quote: “My 36 V-Ride has truly been a game changer. Was sick of pulling out a push mower and can pick up small fenced yards a lot of guys won’t do.” – C. Gregory

Pro Quote: “For a lot of our yards, it’s almost as fast as the 60s. Worth keeping as a backup when one of the 60s go down.” – D. Joseph

The Downsides of Owning a 36-Inch Mower

Not everyone was sold on the 36-inch mower. A recurring theme from pros was that a 36 is a niche tool. If you don’t have enough gated yards, it can sit unused.

Common regrets and complaints:

• Limited use – Several pros said they could only use it on a handful of properties.

• Awkward handling – Some found them “too awkward” compared to bigger or smaller machines.

• Poor resale value on new units – Many stressed that new 36s don’t hold value well.

• Cut quality issues – Certain models, like the Deere 36, got complaints for poor performance on tall Bermuda.

• Fleet complexity – A few pros dropped gated yards altogether just to avoid needing multiple mower sizes.

“Kind of regret. I only have two yards I can use it on. Faster to trim than swap equipment.” – M. Noon

“I got customers to widen their gates for a 52. The few who didn’t, I dropped. I don’t want multiple size mowers.” – MJ Kole

Buy Used, Not New

One point nearly every pro agreed on: don’t buy a 36-inch mower new.

• Resale on the new is “horrible.”

• Buying used minimizes risk — you can often flip it later for close to what you paid.

• Some pros came out ahead — one even sold his used mower years later for more than he paid.

“Bought used and sold it four years later. It went up in price. Basically had a free mower.” – M. Jones

When 36-Inch Mowers Make Sense

✔️ You service a lot of gated yards with narrow access
✔️ Your route density includes small properties that can’t fit larger decks
✔️ You’re tired of dragging out a push mower for small fenced lawns
✔️ You want a reliable backup machine for when your main mower is down

When They’re Probably Not Worth It

❌ Most of your properties are wide-open and accessible to 48–60 inch decks
❌ You don’t want to manage multiple mower sizes in your fleet
❌ You expect strong resale value from a new purchase
❌ You only service one or two yards that require it — trimming may be faster

Final Takeaway

So, are 36-inch mowers worth it?

It depends on your route. If your business picks up a lot of cookie-cutter yards with tight gates, a 36 can be a money-maker and a huge time saver compared to push mowing. For pros who primarily service wide-open properties, however, they may sit in the trailer unused.

The consensus from the pros is clear:

• Buy used. Avoid taking a big hit on resale.

• Know your customer base. If gated yards are common, the 36 is essential. If not, it may not justify the cost.

• Have a plan. Whether as a backup or a gate-access machine, make sure it fits into your route strategy before pulling the trigger.

At the end of the day, a 36-inch mower isn’t for everyone — but in the right situation, it can help increase profits. Most importantly, stop wasting time chasing the wrong jobs. Use GreenPal to match with the right properties.