The Best Zero Turn Mowers Reviewed

Zero Turn Lawnmower

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably dread mowing the lawn. It’s hot, it’s sweaty, and it’s time-consuming. But what if I told you that there was a way to make lawn mowing faster and easier? Introducing the best zero turn lawn mowers on the market!

Walk behind lawn mowers and traditional riding mowers are fine for smaller yards, but they can’t compete with a great zero turn riding mower for a larger lot. This article explains how these machines work, and recommends a few models worthy of being in contention for the best zero turn mowers list.

What Makes A Great Zero Turn Mower?

There are many models of zero turn mowers available to buy – both online and in the store. We’ve found the best zero turn mowers share the following characteristics.

When shopping for any type of mower, the size of the mower deck should always be your first consideration. With a larger cutting deck on your zero turn lawn mower, you can cut all the tall grass in your yard with just a few passes. This saves you both time and money.

One good thing about zero-turn mowers is that most of them have large cutting decks. This, coupled with the zero turning radius, gives you a significant boost in operation speed and maneuverability.

It’s essential to determine how big a cutting deck you’ll need. Some commercial zero turn mowers like the Husqvarna MZ61 have a 61-inch mower deck. With such a large cutting deck, you can also easily tackle stubborn grass with your zero turn mower.

But if you’re not dealing with a big plot of land or thick grass, a 50 to 54-inch cutting width for your mower deck on a residential zero turn mower will do the trick. Keep in mind that the bigger zero turn mowers will also need larger storage spaces.

Apart from deck size, the type of deck is another aspect you should keep in mind when shopping for the best zero turn mower. You have two options to choose from: a stamped or fabricated deck. The stamped deck consists of a single piece of steel whereas the fabricated is made up of several pieces of heavier plate steel.

Each type has its fair share of merits and drawbacks for your zero turn mower. Fabricated decks boast excellent rigidity and durability.

Stamped decks, are lighter, and have better airflow. Given these attributes, fabricated decks are often used in commercial zero turn mowers while the stamped models are fit for mulching and bagging.

Another aspect that can help you narrow down your options when comparing zero turn lawn mowers is the size of the engine. As you’ll see in our reviews, zero turn mowers have different engine sizes, and subsequently, they differ in the amount of horsepower they generate.

If you’re purchasing this zero turn mower for commercial applications, you should go for the largest engine size you can get. Can you ever have too much power – especially when time is literally money for someone running a lawn service.

But if you’re shopping for residential zero turn mowers, having the most powerful engine shouldn’t be a concern. Even an entry-level mower will compete with residential lawn tractors and riding mowers for your needs.

Apart from use, the kind of grass will also determine the engine size. If you own a large lawn with thick stubborn grass- the likes of St. Augustine or Bermuda grass- a larger engine size will come in handy.

The reason for this is that smaller engine sizes struggle to cut thick or wet grass. If you buy a zero turn mower with too weak of a gas motor, it’s going to mow very slowly. Your zero turn mower will be worn down prematurely because it’s constantly cutting tough grass. This translates to more repairs and pricier maintenance.

While a side concern, the size of your engine will dictate how much fuel tank capacity your zero turn mower will require. A more powerful engine will usually require a larger gas tank, all other things equal.

If you’re a landscaping professional, your goal is to mow every lawn in the shortest time possible and move quickly on to the next job. That’s why you are looking to buy the best zero turn lawn mower you can.

But even for the rest of us who are not landscaping experts, finishing a mowing task quickly means we have more time to relax or spend it with family.

Thus, another factor to consider is the speed of your zero turn mower. In particular, an entry-level mower will have a lower max speed than mid-level or semi-commercial-grade mowers. The first two categories of mowers reach speeds ranging from 6 to 7 mph.

The semi-commercial zero turn mowers move a notch higher and they average a top speed of 8 to 9 mph. However, commercial zero-turn mowers are the ones that really raise the bar as they reach a max speed of 13 mph. Though this seems like a small difference, it enables you to spend up to 70% less time mowing than it would take you with a semi-commercial model.

It’s easy to get caught up in talks about speed and horsepower and forget about comfort. But your wellbeing is just as important a factor.

If your property is that big to warrant using a zero turn mower, chances are that you’ll be spending dozens of hours a month operating the machine. If you’re not comfortable navigating with the control levers, you’ll get fatigued quickly.

So what features determine how comfortable you are when mowing the lawn?

  • Seat

With the seat, it should be covered in good fabric and have a higher back. These two features enable you to sit for long hours without experiencing fatigue. More importantly, the type of fabric used determines the amount of vibration you’ll feel from the zero turn mower during operation. A good seat is one that has cushioning to absorb a significant amount of these vibrations.

  • Armrests

In some models like the Ariens IKON-X, armrests are a standard feature. However, these are not included in other zero-turn mowers , which means you’ll need to buy them separately.

  • Steel chassis

Zero-turn mowers that come equipped with premium-quality steel chassis are a better option. The chassis keeps the machine steady, and this translates to fewer vibrations and less noise.

Traditionally, most zero-turn mower models have been controlled using a dual-lever system. Each of the two control levers controls how much power goes to each of the rear wheels.

By keeping these levers at the same level, you can steer the mower in a straight line. If you need to turn right/left, just push one of the levers farther than the other.

The good thing about this system is that it’s highly responsive and makes navigation less tedious. But it has a couple of drawbacks. For instance, it takes a while to get used to it and some homeowners have complained that it’s slightly unwieldy.

To overcome these issues, manufacturers have come up with better inventions. I’m talking about the joystick-like controls found in great zero turn mower models like the Swisher ZTR2454BS ZTR.

With this ‘joystick’ you can operate your zero turn mower with one hand and keep the other free. Even better, it offers a more ergonomic operation than the push-and-pull lever system.

Even though I’ve listed price last, it’s a major aspect to take into account because zero turn mowers don’t come cheap. Expect to pay $2,000 or more for an entry-level model and up to twice as much for commercial zero turn mowers.

That said, it’s wise to have a budget of how much you’re planning to spend on this affair. Once you’ve set the price, check the features of the mowers in this price range. Then, pick the one that offers the most value for your money.

If you’re getting a mower for your landscaping business or are required to mow more than a few acres every week, getting pricier zero turn mowers that have more features is better. Chances are, the more expensive zero turn mower will have a larger cutting deck, a more powerful engine and more ergonomic features.

Ultimately, weigh the cost of the machine against its strengths and weaknesses, and find the one that strikes a good balance. You may decide you don’t need a zero turn mower. Maybe a less expensive lawn tractor or riding mower can do the job. You need to decide for your own situation.

As we just discussed, a zero turn mower is a significant investment. You’ll need to take into account how much upkeep your lawn mower requires. This entails taking its ease of use and maintenance costs into account.

Checking warranty length is a good place to start. Most mower manufacturing companies provide several warranties at once. One might cover the steel chassis while the other covers the engine.

Double-check the final print and establish whether the warranty covers the whole machine and parts and labor, or just some of its parts. Labor isn’t cheap, especially these days.

Keep in mind that different dealers can offer varying warranties for the same product. Thus, you shouldn’t automatically assume that a particular dealer will honor the warranty given by the brand.

 You should also inspect the mower before purchasing it. This way, you can determine whether it has any flimsy elements that will need frequent repairs or replacements. Any part that’s too wobbly or made of cheap plastic is going to require a replacement sooner rather than later.

If you’re purchasing online, inspecting might be a little difficult. But then you can always go through other customer reviews. If the mower is raved for providing years’ of service, then it’s a worthy buy.

Zero-turn mowers are highly versatile. Many homeowners consider this equipment the workhorse of their properties. But as we’ve seen, a zero turn mower is a different beast than a lawn tractor or one of the many push mowers on the market.

A few zero turn lawn mowers are fitted with additional features to increase their functionality. For instance, some mowers are designed to work with mulching attachments, which are either built-in or available for purchasing separately.

If mulching is an important function, then the best zero turn mower for you will have this feature available.. A good example would be the Swisher ZTR2454BS, which mulches as it mows.

Another component that comes in handy is a zero mower that can double up as a snowplow. If you live in an area where snow is a yearly occurrence, this accessory can be very useful as you won’t have to buy a separate snow blower or shovel.


The Best Zero Turn Mowers Compared

Ariens Edge 52 Zero Turn Mower
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Husqvarna MZ61 61 inch
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The Five Best Zero Turn Mowers

Top Overall Pick For Best Zero Turn Mower: Husqvarna Z254F

We like Ariens Edge 52 Zero Turn Mower

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If you’re looking to mow your lawn in a practical, easy and hustle-free manner, the Z254f Zero Turn Mower by Husqvarna is an excellent choice.

It’s fitted with a powerful 26HP engine from Kohler, which can handle up to 2.8 acres within 60 minutes, going at speeds of 6.5 miles per hour. This makes it a suitable machine for mowing large areas within a short amount of time.

Another perk of the Z254 is that it’s fairly quiet- which is a real bonus if you’re mowing in the wee hours of dawn and don’t want to wake your neighbors. (We don’t recommend doing this often though – it’s still a gas-powered lawnmower.)

You can also tell that Husqvarna put a lot of thought when making the hydrostatic transmission. The transmission on this zero turn mower is maintenance free. There’s no need for oil changes or checking for lubrication levels – one less thing to worry about. With a three year warranty, they are signaling their confidence in how well this zero turn will hold up.

Our pick for the best zero turn mower has a generous deck size of 54 inches, which can be adjusted between six positions. The cutting deck constitutes 3 cutting blades, each of which is made of 12-gauge steel for durability.

A great addition to this construction entails the 4 anti-scalp wheels that prevent you from messing up your turf when maneuvering on a bumpy terrain.

Pros

  • Powerful; uses a 26 horsepower engine
  • Ergonomic additions that make it easier to operate
  • A large cutting width of 54 inches
  • Fuel tank capacity of 3.5 gallons prevents frequent refilling

Cons

  • Does not cut thick grass with ease

Runner Up For Best Zero Turn Lawn Mower: Ariens Edge 52 Zero Turn Mower

We like Husqvarna MZ61 61 inch

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With its large cutting deck and padded seat, the Ariens Edge is our runner-up zero turn mower.

The machine has a 21.5 horsepower engine (or 726cc), which is slightly smaller than our first pick. However, it’s equally speedy. It averages a speed of 6 mph and 3 mph in reverse. Ariens mowers are made in Wisconsin – a state with a long lineage of quality machine manufacturing.

The cutting deck is also a bit smaller at 52 inches, and is created from fabricated 10-gauge steel. The good thing about this construction is that it maximizes airflow, which translates to more precise cuts. Another reason why this mower is a favorite is because it can be used even on uneven terrain. The commercial-style hanging deck allows you to mow even on such bumpy surfaces.

Better yet, the Ariens zero turn mower offers you 3 steel cutting blades. You’ll be able to select from 13 different cutting positions by simply turning a dial. We recommend using the 4.5-inch option for the first cut of overgrown grass and the 1.5-inch for the final finish.

Ariens has a standard warranty across all their Edge models of 2 years or 150 hours of usage.

Pros

  • Multiple cutting positions
  • The padded seat is extremely adjustable
  • Equipped with 4 support positions to prevent excessive movement when cutting
  • Steel cutting blades for extra durability

Cons

  • Design of the front wheels can be improved
  • Only a 2 gallon fuel tank capacity on this model.

Best Commercial-Grade Zero Turn Lawn Mower: Husqvarna MZ61 61 inch

We like EGO Power+ ZT4204L 42

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If you’re looking for a zero mower with a really large cutting deck, the Husqvarna MZ61 is your best bet.

It has a massive 61-inch cutting deck, which is perfect for mowing areas with very tall grasses. This larger cutting deck also makes it suitable for tackling stubborn grass. If you factor in its adjustability, you have varying degrees of the quality of cut you want.

Under the hood of this monster machine is a Briggs & Stratton engine. If you’ve shopped for a lawnmower before, you’ve probably come across these powerful engines.

Based on this engine specs, you get an incredible 27 hp engine, which gives you a forward drive of 8.5 mph and a reverse drive averaging 5 mph. This translates to a coverage of 3 to 4 acres of land within 60 minutes.

The strong build of the Husqvarna MZ61 is another plus. Both the body and cutting surface are constructed using steel, making it one of the most durable machines.

Also important to note is that the mower comes with a high ergonomic seat and armrests for improved comfort. The armrests help to minimize fatigue on your arms during operation. Positioning the cutting deck controls on the pedals also adds to comfort as it makes them easy to access.

Pros

  • High speed and efficient
  • Equipped with a powerful 27hp engine
  • Adjustable height for the cutting deck
  • High seat with vinyl padding for utmost comfort

Cons

  • Too bulky for some applications

Top Electric Zero Turn Mower: EGO Power+ ZT4204L 42″

PRODIMG

If you don’t mind splurging on a highly-advanced battery-powered zero mower, the is just what you need.

That’s right – EGO has managed to launch an electric riding mower that can compete with gas powered zero-turn mowers. And they have succeeded.

A rider can use 4 to 6 EGO 56V ARC batteries to provide this mower with the same power as a 22 HP gas engine. You’ll get comparable speeds of 3-7 mph depending on what mode you are in. With the included 4 batteries, you will be able to cut 2 acres of grass – that number will go up if you add more batteries on your own.

It’s not an industrial cutter. It’s 42″ cutting width is fine for most large lots but wouldn’t be very practical for commercial purposes. But if you like quiet and maintenance free mowers, an electric one should be on your list. My guess is we’ll see more battery electric zero turn mowers over the coming months and years – but this is a great option as the first in the category.

Pros

  • Quietest operation in the class.
  • No oil or gasoline to deal with – just charge the batteries and go!
  • Cut heights from 1.5″ to 4.5″ give you many choices for your lawn.
  • You’ll be unique in your neighborhood – not many people have even heard of an electric zero turn mower let alone own one.
  • Rated best battery zero turn mower by Consumer Reports

Cons

  • While a relatively fast recharge at 2 hours for 4 batteries, there still could be downtime if you run out of juice.
  • Doesn’t come with a bagger kit.

Great Zero Turn Lawn Mower For Suburban Lawns: Ariens IKON XD 42 Inch


PRODIMG

The Ariens IKON XD is a zero turn mower designed with versatility in mind. It can be integrated with a dozen attachments to make it more functional and efficient. These include a bagger, mulching kit, trailer hitch, aerator and more.

Equipped with a 42-inch cutting deck, this mower is made to cut yards under 5 acres in a short time. The deck is constructed from 11-gauge steel for strength and touchness and consists of dual blades that have been highly optimized to mow flat areas.

The Ariens IKON sports the7000 series engine from Kohler. You’ll get a fuel tank capacity of 2.8 gallons which is fine for the size of lawns this mower is meant to tackle.

The smaller deck size means you’ll have an easier time finding space to store this mower. Larger mowers often are stored outside under a cover or have thier own garage parking spot. This 42 inch machine should be much easier to find room to park in a shed.

Pros

  • Perfect size for “smaller” yards.
  • Adjustable seat and arm rests increase comfort and reduce fatigue.
  • 13 cutting positions give you control over your grass.
  • 3 year/300 hour warranty is better than most.

Cons

  • Some reports the blades aren’t always sharp on delivery – check before you cut an sharpen if necessary

Best Zero Turn Mower FAQs

How A Zero Turn Lawn Mower Works

There’s a lot of debate on when and how zero-turn mowers were first invented. It’s not surprising considering the profound effect they’ve had in the lawn care industry.

In particular, there are two opposing theories coming from Max Swisher and John Regier. These claims place the invention of this tool somewhere between 1956 and 1963. Unfortunately, we might never know who invented this piece of lawn equipment. We do know how it works.

The zero-turn lawnmower replaces the standard wheel of a riding mower with two levers, which connect to two motors and the rear wheels. A conventional lawnmower relies on its front wheels to turn.

Does the new mechanism make the zero turn mower harder to drive? On the contrary! Operating this mower is pretty simple.

If you want to move forward, all you need to do is push the two levers forward simultaneously. To drive faster, push the bars farther in the forward direction. And if you wish to drive it backward, simply pull the levers back. As with the forward motion, the farther back you move the sticks, the faster you’ll drive in the reverse direction.

What if you want to turn right or left? To move in either of these directions, you’ll manipulate one of the handles instead of both.

For instance, turning right requires you to push the left handle in the forward direction. Doing so causes one side of the mower to rotate faster than the other; enabling you to make a turn.

What do you mean by ‘zero turn’?

Zero Turn means that the lawn mower’s turning radius is zero inches. In other words, you can make 180 or 360-degree turns without having to move forward or backward. The ability to make turns without making unnecessary movements enables you to cut more efficiently and cleanly.

It also means that you can mow in a shorter time as you’ll be able to navigate around obstacles with ease.

How do you stop a zero turn mower?

These mowers are operated using levers or handles. So to bring the machine to a halt, all you need to do is ease back on the forward push, then pull them all the way back to the neutral point. If you need to make a sudden stop, you can also use the parking/emergency brake that’s usually located on the right side of your seat.

Why are zero turns’ pricier than traditional mowers?

Zero-turn mowers are more expensive than traditional tractors because they are well-rounded. They have bigger cutting decks, more powerful engines and stronger frames; not to mention, they use steel in places where you’d find plastic construction.

Some zero mowers also have a dual-hydrostatic transmission, which enables the rear wheels to be operated independently. This type of transmission results in a major cost difference.

On the plus side, the long-term savings you get from using this piece of equipment are higher than its upfront cost.

Are zero-turn mowers only meant for large yards?

No, they aren’t. Though they’re mainly recommended for professional landscapers and homeowners who have large plot sizes, they can also be used on small yards. What’s important is that you choose the right deck size. For a small lawn, a 30 to 40-inch cutting deck is all you need.

How do zero turn mowers fare on slopes?

This is one of the few drawbacks of using a zero turn mower because it’s not suited for all slopes. In particular, experts recommend that you avoid operating them on slopes of more than 10 or 15 degrees.

These mowers rely on the back wheels both for traction and steering. When you drive it on a steep slope, the machine can easily lose its balance causing you to topple over.

Another point to keep in mind is to avoid using this mower on wet surfaces. The moisture on your lawn causes the wheels to lose traction and slip easily.

Summary

Zero-turn mowers remain unmatched for their power, maneuverability, and pace. These attributes make them ideal for mowing very large areas. Unlike other models, they can pivot 180-degree, allowing you to cut grass with precision.

If you’re looking to invest in one of these machines, the Husqvarna Z254 Zero Turn Riding Mower is a reasonable choice.

It has a wide cutting deck of 54 inches, enabling you to cut more grass with fewer passes. It’s also fitted with a powerful 26HP engine and has ergonomic features that make it easy to operate.

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