If you're shopping for the toughest, most powerful commercial stand-on mowers, you'll run into the Scag V-Ride XL 72" and the Toro Grandstand HDX 72". Each one boasts serious cutting power, tank-like frames, and price tags that demand you get the choice right. The team at Main Street Mower put these machines through punishing tests in Florida's thickest grass and on steep slopes. From cut quality to comfort, controls to service access, and even the new VPO tire tech, this review breaks down everything you need to know before making a $15,000+ decision.

Testing commercial mowers at this level isn't about quick run-throughs in a patch of smooth Bermuda. It's about real-world, stress-testing the heroes of the industry. In this review, the focus is on the Scag V-Ride XL 72" and the Toro Grandstand HDX 72" , two machines respected for their brute strength and versatility. The goal: find out how each handles overgrown Florida Bea grass, hills steep enough to turn knuckles white, and all the little things that matter after you pull the trigger at the dealer.

What sets this test apart is the introduction of VPO tires—Variable Pressure Operation—a new technology now fitted on the Toro HDX. Many claim they'll solve issues that have plagued commercial operators for years, from punctured rubber to slope grip.

When you test mowers this serious, you can't pull any punches.

• Grass: Thick, recently rained-on Florida Bea grass, as heavy and stubborn as you'll find anywhere. It's the ultimate "problem grass" for landscapers.
• Terrain: An overpass with a hill steep enough to unsettle even seasoned pros. Not a place most stand-ons would try.
• Mowers: The featured pair— Scag V-Ride XL 72" (generously lent by Philip of Dino's Lawn Care) and the Toro Grandstand HDX 72" (factory-fresh and sporting the new VPO tires).

Mowers cut vast areas, climbed challenging slopes, and faced the "heat"—a push to their limits in both grass volume and terrain. If a mower had a weak spot, this setup would find it.

One of the biggest talking points in this test is the VPO tire system now running on the Toro Grandstand HDX. But what exactly is it, and why should commercial landscapers care?

• Variable Pressure Operation (VPO): A tire with an extremely thick sidewall [about 28 plies according to the testers] and an interior air pocket.
• Run-Flat Capability: Even with zero air inside—punctures, holes, or a total flat—the tire stays strong and supports the machine.
• Adjustable Pressure: You can add up to 5 psi using a standard valve stem. Extra air means extra load capacity.

Michelin TWEEL (Tweel) tires have been industry standbys for a while, using plastic gills to support the tire with no air at all. But they're not without problems:

• Price: TWEEL tires often cost $800 or more—per tire.
• Weight Limits: Most max out at around 750 pounds, with some higher-rated at 875.
• Durability Issues: If the plastic gills crack, it quickly snowballs—one failure can doom the whole tire.
• Performance Shortcomings: TWEEL tires can struggle in mud, sand, and especially on slopes.

• Cost: Projected to retail near $400—almost half the price of a TWEEL.
• Rims: Every VPO comes with an aluminum rim, and fitment is machine-specific.
• Grip & Slope Performance: Thanks to that thick sidewall, VPO tires outshine the TWEEL on slopes, proving to be the best they've tested for incline work.
• Longer Wear Life: No plastic gills to crack. VPO should last longer under tough commercial use.
• Traction Everywhere: Works well in sand and mud, so you don't have to worry as much about specialty tires for specific terrains.

Availability: If you're eager for an edge, VPO tires are projected to hit the market in early 2026, with early-access potential for those interested. Comment "VPO" on the video or their social channels to get updates or to request a shot at a VPO destruction test—yes, they're planning to attack these tires with axes and arrows.

The thick Florida Bea grass stands as the great equalizer for commercial mowers. Both the Scag V-Ride and Toro Grandstand HDX put on a clinic.

Key Findings:

• Clean Cuts: Both mowers left almost no stragglers, even in dense, wet grass. "If you can cut this grass well, you can cut anything."
• Throw Distance: Grass clippings shot far from the deck, with no sign of clogging—both models handled airflow and discharge with ease.
• Power and Speed: The engines on both units faced heavy loads but refused to bog down. Drag races showed matching ground speeds.

Even the baddest mower on the lot won't win over crews if it's uncomfortable to use or awkward on the job. Here's what stood out:

• Operator Platform: Many operators prefer the stand-behind setup of the Toro Grandstand for its open view and flexibility. The fold-out platform lets you step down or operate while walking in tight or dicey situations.
• Comfort: The Scag V-Ride's padded platform and suspension give a smooth ride, but space is tighter and feet feel more confined.
• Controls Accessibility: Toro puts PTO and throttle controls in plain sight, up front and away from the wheel controls. Scag tucks these under the steering levers, which slows down blade or throttle adjustments.
• Stepping Off: Toro allows operators to step off and keep the blades running (as long as the handles are held). Scag shuts down if the operator leaves the platform—adding steps to re-engage.
• Deck Adjustment: Toro’s deck height dial is quick to spot and change on the fly. Scag requires stepping around both sides to read numbers and set the height.

Commercial mowing means downtime is lost money. Quick, tool-free service access can make or break the ownership experience.

• Deck & Belt Access: Front plate lifts easily, and all covers use thumb knobs for quick swaps. The belt can be changed without tools.
• Oil Changes: The Oil Guard system stretches oil changes to 500 hours, and the oil drain is right up front.
• Battery: Right under a simple access cover, making swaps easy.

• Battery: Located behind the seat, tucked inside the main column.
• Fuel Tank: Can come off quick with four bolts—helpful if you need to reach the hydros or the right engine side.
• Blade Spindles: Scag uses a long through-bolt design. Swapping blades on the center spindle can be a nightmare without a long reach, especially in the field. Many shops charge extra for sharpening Scag blades vs. Toro.
• Belt Access: Engine is more compact and over the deck. Hands need to go near the muffler—not fun if the mower’s hot.
• Covers: All are bolted down. The owner in the video leaves deck covers off, since removing them is labor-intensive.

Field takeaway: The Toro is far simpler and safer to keep running, especially if you have to fix something on a job site.

Testing on a scary, steep overpass hill highlights just how much small design tweaks can matter for safety and control.

• Toro Grandstand HDX: Wider wheelbase and wider front and rear tires give a sense of stability. Forward weight balance helps the platform dig in. The fold-out platform is a lifesaver on tricky slopes, letting you walk behind if you feel at risk.
• Scag V-Ride XL: Riders reported needing to stand on tiptoes and lean hard uphill for traction but felt less connected and secure. It had more trouble keeping grip at tricky spots, especially near the bottom.
• VPO Tires: These helped set the Toro apart, gripping into dips so well that you could actually dig holes with them if you tried. Their steady traction might've covered for some situations where the Scag struggled.

"I was really impressed with how much grip those VPO tires had. I wonder how the Scag would’ve done without them on this kind of hill."

Here's the honest answer: Both the Scag V-Ride XL 72" and the Toro Grandstand HDX 72" will slice through the toughest grass you'll throw at them. Their power and cut quality aren't in question. The differences come down to how the machine feels in your hands, how quickly you can service it, and the finer points of ergonomics and layout.

• The Toro Grandstand HDX stands out for easier controls, better service access, operator flexibility, and with VPO tires, the top slope performance tested yet.
• The Scag V-Ride XL impresses with comfort and a fast-remove fuel tank but loses points for confined platform space and more time-intensive maintenance.

But here's the bottom line: The relationship with your dealer matters more than minute spec differences. A top-notch dealer close to home who treats you right is worth their weight in gold. That will determine your experience far more than a single horsepower, deck height dial, or even tire choice.

Checklist for Buyers:

• Is your local dealer known for great service?
• Do they carry one of these brands?
• Will they help with warranty, fast parts, and advice?

If yes—buy that model and sleep easy.

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