Ultimate commercial petrol vs battery zero turn, Comparing the Cramer Optimus ZTC182R to the Ariens Summit Pro 572
Electric Zero Turn vs Petrol Zero Turn – Professional Grounds Care
Choosing the right commercial zero‑turn mower matters for productivity, operating cost, operator comfort, and long‑term investment. Below is a direct comparison of two high‑performance machines: the Cramer Optimus ZTC182R electric zero‑turn and the Ariens Summit Pro 572 petrol zero‑turn.
Key Specifications & Features
Cramer Optimus ZTC182R – Electric Zero Turn Ride‑On
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power Source | 36 kWh Lithium battery |
| Drive Motors | Dual 6.5 kW electric hub wheel motors |
| Equivalent Output | Approx. 70 HP petrol equivalent |
| Cutting Width | 182 cm (72″) |
| Cutting Deck | Welded commercial deck with electric height adjustment (17 positions) |
| Runtime | Up to ~8 hours (per full charge) |
| Noise Output | Very low |
| Emissions | Zero on site |
| Deck Lift | Electric |
| Diagnostics | 4G fleet telemetry (Cramer Connect) |
| Charging Time | ~10–12 hours (standard) |
| Slope Capability | Up to ~20° |
| Special Features | LCD display, programmable blade tip speed, power ports |
| Best For | Noise‑sensitive sites, emission‑restricted areas, daily contract mowing |
Ariens Summit Pro 572 – Petrol Commercial Zero Turn
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | Kawasaki commercial petrol engine |
| Engine Power | Approx. 23–26 HP (model dependent) |
| Drive | Commercial hydrostatic transmission |
| Cutting Width | 183 cm (72″) |
| Cutting Deck | Fabricated commercial deck |
| Runtime | Unlimited (with refuelling) |
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Noise Output | Moderate to high |
| Emissions | Petrol engine emissions |
| Deck Lift | Manual or foot assist |
| Diagnostics | Standard mechanical gauges |
| Refuel Time | Minutes |
| Slope Capability | Excellent (hydro traction) |
| Special Features | Suspension seat options, ergonomic controls |
| Best For | Continuous operation, long contracts, traditional petrol reliability |
Side‑by‑Side: Optimus vs Summit 572
Power & Performance
Optimus ZTC182R: Electric motors provide instant torque with consistent cutting performance throughout the day. Zero vibration and low noise make it suitable for noise‑sensitive locations.
Ariens Summit Pro 572: Petrol engine delivers reliable torque for heavy grass conditions and continuous mowing. Refuelling is fast and convenient for extended contracts.
Cutting & Productivity
Optimus ZTC182R has a professional 182 cm deck with electric lift and programmable settings that can improve cut quality and reduce operator fatigue.
Summit Pro 572 uses a robust 183 cm fabricated deck with proven cutting performance in commercial settings.
Runtime vs Refuelling
Optimus: Up to ~8 hours on a single charge — ideal for scheduled daily mowing. Recharge overnight.
Summit 572: Run indefinitely with fuel refills — preferred when continuous, multi‑shift operations are required.
Comfort & Controls
Optimus: Modern LCD, 4G fleet connectivity, low vibration, electric adjustments.
Summit 572: Ergonomic petrol controls, comfortable suspension seating, mechanical simplicity.
Operating Cost & Maintenance
Optimus: Lower energy cost, fewer mechanical components, reduced servicing intervals. Battery lifespan is a planning factor.
Summit 572: Petrol cost and servicing are ongoing, but expertise and parts availability are established in professional networks.
Environmental & Site Compliance
Optimus: Zero on‑site emissions and very low noise — advantageous for councils, residential contracts, estates, and regulated sites.
Summit 572: Petrol emissions and higher sound levels — acceptable on open commercial contracts and rural sites.
Summary Comparison Table
| Feature | Cramer Optimus ZTC182R | Ariens Summit Pro 572 |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | 36 kWh battery | Petrol engine |
| Cutting Width | 182 cm | 183 cm |
| Runtime | Up to ~8 hrs | Unlimited (refuelling) |
| Noise | Very low | Moderate to high |
| Emissions | Zero | Petrol emissions |
| Deck Adjustment | Electric | Manual |
| Operator Displays | LCD + telematics | Standard gauges |
| Best Target Use | Urban contracts, noise‑restricted sites | Continuous contracts, remote sites |
Which Machine Fits Your Operation?
Choose Optimus ZTC182R if:
- You operate in noise‑sensitive areas
- You want zero emissions
- You prioritise lower operating and maintenance costs
- You have a predictable mowing schedule
Choose Ariens Summit Pro 572 if:
- You require continuous operation without charging stops
- Fuel infrastructure is simple and readily available
- You favour established petrol reliability and mechanical simplicity
- Multi‑shift or back‑to‑back contracts dominate your workload
Final Recommendation
Both machines are powerful, professional tools — but they serve slightly different commercial needs:
- Optimus ZTC182R leads in technology, environmental compliance, and daily contract optimisation.
- Ariens Summit Pro 572 excels in continuous runtime, traditional petrol convenience, and widespread servicing familiarity.
Want a Direct Demo or Site Consultation?
At ZeroTurns.co.uk, we help UK commercial operators, councils, and contractors select the right mower for their business. Contact us to compare machines side by side, get fleet pricing, or organise a demonstration around Norfolk & Suffolk.
