A zero turn radius mower* is at the top of the "must have" list of tools when you get serious about your lawn care business.
Sure, you can mow with a small "garden tractor" homeowner style mower.
I started out that way, BUT when I moved up to a zero turn mower I almost doubled my mowing speed. In the lawn care industry time is money. If you've just doubled your mowing speed you just gave yourself a raise! (and also made some free time for yourself)
They are several options to consider when it comes to buying your mower.
Do you want a gas or diesel? How big of an engine? How big of a cutting width? Liquid or air cooled? I can 't answer these things for you without knowing more about your lawn business. Here is where your local lawn care equipment dealer will help you out.
You can buy new or used. Both have their advantages.
If you buy new from a local lawn equipment dealer you have someone you can depend on for quality service.
With that being said, you don't have to buy a new mower. (even from a dealer)
You can get some great deals on mowers near the end of the mowing season.
Lots of people get into the lawn care business and then decide after one season it's not for them.
You can buy a mower with low hours for a heck of a deal.
All sorts of companies make zero turn mowers. You can get them from Scag, Toro, Exmark, Dixon, Walker, John Deere and several others. I don't think you can go wrong with any of these companies. They all make the mowers for commercial use.
If you want to be a lawn care professional you owe it to yourself, and to your customers, to operate your business in a professional manner. I don't think you can provide the most efficient mowing services without a zero radius mower...
One you try one you'll now what I mean.
* If you wonder why I don't just say ZTR mower it is because this term is owned by Dixon Mowers...