If you have a medium to large-sized residential lawn or property, keeping it under constant maintenance; having the grass neatly mowed and trimmed can sometimes be a struggle. However, not anymore! There is one machine that can save you time and effort: a ride-on mower, and not just any ride-on mower, a zero-turn mower.
A zero-turn mower has normally been the main tool of the trade for commercial landscape contractors. However, now this gardening gem is firmly within a householder’s grasp, due to its affordability.
Once you buy a zero-turn mower, you may find yourself fighting with the kids over whose turn it is to mow the lawn.
The 6 Best Zero-Turn Mowers
- Ariens 991151 Apex 24 HP FR730 Zero-Turn Riding Mower
- Craftsman Z525 Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
- Husqvarna Z142 42-inch 17 HP Zero Turn Riding Mower
- Husqvarna MZ61 24 HP Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower (Our Top Pick)
- Ariens IKON XD 52-inch 23 HP Zero Turn Mower
- Husqvarna Z254 54-inch 26 HP Zero Turn Riding Mower
- Simplicity 2691321 48-inch Zero Turn Courier Mower
Our Top Pick for the Best Zero-Turn Mower
Our top pick for the best zero-turn mower is the Husqvarna MZ61 24 HP Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
With a superior mowing performance, intuitive transmission, outstanding durability, great cut quality, improved grass lift, anti-scalping wheels, and an ergonomic design, you will love working with this amazing machine.
Any challenging mowing task will be done with complete ease and your lawn and property will have a professional finish.
Check the price on AmazonTraditional Ride-on Mowers vs. Zero-Turn Mowers
While traditional (steering wheel controlled) ride-on mowers or tractors are a good choice for medium to large-sized properties, they have many deficiencies. They can find it difficult to negotiate sloping gradients, hills, curves, slants. They are also difficult to maneuver in tight spots and do not mow effectively around trees and other obstacles.
And with the heavy engine located in the back of the mower, using a traditional ride-on mower can make mowing up and down hilly areas quite dangerous as well.
What is different about a Zero-Turn Mower?
The zero-turn mower has multiple design advantages over a traditional ride-on mower.
Zero Degrees Radius
The term ‘zero-turn’ means the mower has a zero-degree turning radius. It can pivot in a circle, allowing you to spin 180° so that you don’t leave any uncut grass and it provides a better view of your mowing cutting tracks.
Rear Wheel Design
Unlike a traditional ride-on mower, most zero-turn mowers come with 2 levers or lap bars (although some models do have steering wheels).
Each lever is connected to the rear wheels (one for the right and one for the left), and they have their own individual transmission. The levers control forward and backward momentum, and you can curve left or right or spin just by using the levers.
Front Mowing Cutting Deck
With zero-turn mowers, the mowing desk is located in front of the mower instead of underneath such as traditional ride-on mowers. This nifty idea allows you to get up close and personal in tight spaces such as around flower beds and under bushes.
Overall, the levers, the individual wheel motors, and the front mowing deck provide you with effective maneuverability, greater mowing control, and faster-cutting speed.
Unlike a traditional ride-on mower/tractor, a zero-turn ride-on mower is more versatile and is a ‘must-have’ for both domestic and commercial properties. Its unique mowing capabilities make it the ideal choice for all your mowing needs.
Eight Benefits of Using a Zero-Turn Ride-on Mower
- Models with a cutting deck over 42-inches work well on sloping and steep gradients.
- They can turn 180° on the spot, which means you can mow in a single pass. And there is no need to have to turn back and re-mow the grass. You can just manipulate the levels and spin and then continue on mowing.
- Faster due to a powerful engine, from 19-24 horsepower.
- Hydrostatic transmission provides greater maneuverability.
- Highly durable with reinforced stamped steel.
- Wide anti-scalping wheels that provide great grips even on damp grass.
- Trim difficult areas around small bushes and narrow flower beds.
- Extra attachments are available such as ergonomic control panels, integrated LED lights, adjustable controls, anti-slip foot area, comfortable mid-back seat positioning, and cup holders. Some models come with one-touch starting and keyless security.
What is the cost?
A lot of well-known manufacturers, such as Husqvarna, are synonymous with zero-turn ride-on mowers, and prices can range from an affordable $2,800-$10,000 depending on the engine size, design, and also cutting deck width.
To be able to find the best zero-turn mower that will ultimately be your perfect gardening partner will firstly depend on whether you have a small to medium residential property or large acreage.
Secondly, it will depend on what type of lawn, garden, or acreage you have: flat ground, hilly uneven areas, rough terrain or trees, and bushes.
Seven Important Tips for Maintaining Your Zero-Turn Mower
To get the best performance out of your mower there are a few things to remember.
- Read the manual thoroughly before using the machine for the first time and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Grease your machine regularly for optimal performance.
- Sharpen the cutting blades so that your grass is cut smoothly every time.
- Clean the machine. Ride-on mowers cut through high-level amounts of grass and other kinds of vegetation, so keeping your machine clean will guarantee better performance and increased longevity.
- Maintain regular oil changes. Just like your car, a zero-turn mower function at its best when it has clean oil.
- Take care when mowing on wet grass. Some of the larger-sized mowers can slide on slopes even if the grass is only slightly wet.
- Protect your eardrums, wear noise protection earplugs.
Getting to Know Your Zero-Turn Mower Sizes
Zero-turn mowers come in different sizes, which relates to the size of the cutting deck. They range from smaller models at around 34-inches which is ideal for small lawns and up to 72-inches for large estates and commercial properties.
Whether you own a residential property, acreage, an estate, or a commercial property, the size of the cutting deck can make all the difference to your mowing experience.
30″: This small-sized entry-level cutting deck is good for narrow gates and flat lawns. However, it is not suitable for any type of slope as it still has quite a heavy build.
34-42″: This style of zero-turn mower is more effective for flat lawns and larger properties up to 2-acres. They can maneuver well around detailed landscaping and trees.
46″: This type of mower is ideal for medium-sized lawns, landscape tripping, and for getting underneath bushes, and sloping gradients.
48″: The 48-inches mower can handle medium-sized lawns, gentle to moderate slopes, and hills up to 15°.
50-54″: This larger model is good for a property up to 3-acres, and it can handle slight to moderate slopes, and large open areas, and rough terrain. It has a larger frame, which gives you more stability when mowing up or down slopes, especially diagonal mowing of moderate slopes.
60-72″: These heavy-duty models can effectively mow large areas, rough terrain, sloping gradients, and hills up to 15°.
These larger cutting decks are commonly used by landscape professionals, and can easily cut up to 5-acres an hour.
When it comes to the size of the cutting deck, size is everything.
6 Best Zero-Turn Mowers – Reviews
1. Ariens 991151 Apex 24 HP FR730 Zero-Turn Riding Mower
The Ariens 991151 Apex 24 HP FR730 Zero-Turn Riding Mower has an extra powerful 24 HP engine which makes this mower a great choice for a large residential lawn.
You can easily raise the 60-inches mowing deck to go over tree roots or tall grass with the foot-operated deck lift system and it discharges clippings with minimal clumping. This zero-turn mower will help you to complete any cutting job fast as it has a maximum forward speed of 8 MPH and 4 MPH in reverse.
Its durable hydrostatic transmission is designed to deliver highly responsive, smooth, and effortless control in tight spots. Its large tires and high-back seat with padded armrests offer extra comfort for those longer jobs.
Pros
- Extra powerful
- Ideal for a large residential property
- Easy to adjust the foot-operated deck lifting system
- Good for tall grass
Cons
- Engine is very noisy
- Not ideal for mowing wet grass
2. Craftsman Z525 Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
With a heavy-duty design, the Craftsman Z525 Zero-Turn Lawn Mower is perfect for maintaining a larger lawn or a commercial property.
The high-performance 679cc twin gas engine with an auto-choke feature provides you with a quick, efficient start. Get to mowing in no time.
Built strong for long-term durability, this commercial-style mower has a sturdy steel frame, a thick-walled axle, a reinforced stamped steel mower deck, and reduced chassis flex.
Featuring an operator-friendly design, the dual hydro-gear EZT drive system with easy-to-operate dual levers allows you to turn on a dime while the high back cushioned seat provides operator optimum comfort. This mower can continue to cut when in reverse; so there is no need to pause your yard work.
Highly versatile, the Craftsman riding lawnmower comes equipped with a wide 46-inches, 9-position deck for cutting, trimming, and clipping grass in one quick sweep. You can also purchase a bagger to collect any leftover clippings and an optional mulching kit to give your lawn that perfectly trimmed look.
Keeping your zero-turn mower super clean after mowing is made so much quicker and easier due to the included deck wash feature.
Ideal for rough terrain, the Z525 has robust 11-inches front anti-scalp tires and 20-inches rear tires, which makes it so much easier to navigate over uneven ground and around small obstacles.
Craftsman offers a 2-year limited warranty on the zero-turn mower.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Commercial design
- Ideal for a large lawns
- Made tough with a long-term durable design
- High-performance
- Powerful engine
- Auto-choke feature provides you with a quick, efficient start
- Operator friendly design
- Comfortable seat
- Cuts in reverse
- Hydro-gear EZT drive system with easy-to-operate dual levers
- Nine position deck
- Reinforced stamped steel mower deck
- Sturdy steel frame
- Thick-walled front axle
- Durable fabricated steel deck
- Reduces chassis flex
- Deck wash
- Large anti-scalp wheels
- Bagger and mulching kit available
- Two-year limited warranty
Cons
- Need to use ethanol-free gas
- Can be a bit bumpy over uneven terrain
- No armrests
3. Husqvarna MZ61 24 HP Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower
If you have residential or light commercial mowing tasks, you will experience an efficient mowing experience with the Husqvarna MZ61 24 HP Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower.
Featuring a tough 61-inches 11-gauge steel deck, a mega-sized welded steel frame, 3 super strong cutting blades, the MZ61 is ready to work. Its 24 HP, 26cc Kawasaki FR730V Series V-Twin engine provides smooth power output, quieter operation, an excellent cut, and outstanding durability season after season.
Incredibly fast, the Hydro-Gear ZT3100 Hydrostatic transmission allows you to mow up to 4.2-acres per hour at speeds up to 8.5 MPH.
Designed to create the ultimate mowing experience on any type of terrain, the MZ61 has an 18-inches high sliding-back seat with spring suspension that provides great lumbar support. The armrests, foam-padded handgrips, and vibration dampeners make mowing comfortable for hours on end.
Intuitive controls allow for easy steering and smooth speed transitions. Commercial hydraulics and durable 6-inches wide anti-scalping caster pneumatic wheels mean every zero turns will be made effortlessly. A roll-over protection system (ROPS) ensures a safe ride and reduces the risk of accidents in case the mower should rollover.
An ergonomically designed pedal-assisted deck lifting system offers you quick and precise cutting height adjustments straight from the operator’s seat. A removable foot pan allows for easy mower maintenance. An hour meter is also included to remind you when the mower needs to be serviced. It even has a large 5-gallon tank that lets you work for longer.
Clippings can be discharged, mulched, or bagged with a 9-bushel triple bag collection system. However, a mulching kit and bagger attachment are sold separately.
Husqvarna offers a 4-year warranty on the zero-turn mower.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Heavy-duty design
- Comfortable to ride
- Easy to use and maintain
- Economical
- Powerful and reliable 24 HP motor
- Smooth running transmission
- Pedal-assisted cutting deck lift
- High ground speeds
- Excellent 3-blade cutting system
- Cuts up to 4.2-acres per hour at speeds up to 8.5 MPH
- Highly responsive zero-turn capability
- Fabricated 11-gauge steel cutting deck
- High-back seat with armrests, foam-padded handgrips, and vibration dampeners
- Ergonomically designed deck lifting system
- Quick and easy adjustments from the operator’s seat
- Reduced noise and low vibration
- Roll-over protection system
- Clippings can be discharged, mulched, or bagged with a 9-bushel triple bag collection system
- Removable foot pan
- 5-gallon fuel tank
- 6-inches wide anti-scalping caster wheels
- Hour meter
- Four-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Not very effective on tall grass
- Mulching kit and bagger attachment sold separately
4. Ariens IKON XD 52-inch 23 HP Zero Turn Mower
Maintaining a professional-looking lawn is effortless with the Ariens IKON XD 52-inch 23 HP Zero Turn Mower.
This sleek but heavy-duty zero-turn mower is a smart investment for any residential or commercial gardening enthusiast.
Offering superior power and performance, the strong 23 HP Kawasaki FR V-Twin engine drives the efficient 3-blade system and provides a maximum speed of 7 MPH and a reverse speed of 3 MPH.
Specifically designed to thrive in the dirtiest conditions, the engine has a rotating metal grass chopper screen to keep debris out and a full-pressure lubrication system with a full-flow filter. The highly responsive fan-cooled dual Hydro-Gear Hydrostatic drive transmission system provides smooth operation with no shifting required.
Extremely durable, the tubular steel frame has welded joints for added strength and stability. The 52-inches 11-gauge fabricated steel deck can take a beating and its commercial-style 4-point dual-arm hanging system prevents any excess deck movement.
Decreased chassis flex and the large 11-inches front tires and 18-inches rear tires allow for an improved cut and easy zero-turns on flat terrain with no obstacles.
Ergonomically designed for superior comfort, you can relax in the plush high-backed spring suspension seat that has armrests that are adjustable in 3 directions. You can easily control the level of cut with the height selection dial which has 13 optional cutting positions. Adjusting the deck height is extremely easy too and can be done from your seat with the mechanical foot lift.
For your convenience, the Ariens IKON zero-turn mower has a massive 300lbs towing capacity.
Ariens offers a 3-year warranty on the zero-turn mower.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Good price
- Ideal for residential use or commercial gardening
- Powerful engine
- Efficient 3-blade system
- Can mow up to 5-acres
- Fast maximum speed of 7 MPH and a reverse speed of 3 MPH
- High responsive smooth transmission
- Features a large 52-inches cutting deck
- Ergonomic design
- Rotating metal grass chopper screen keeps debris out
- Full-pressure lubrication system with a full-flow filter
- Extremely durable and stable tubular steel frame has welded joints
- Large durable high-gauge fabricated steel deck
- Commercial-style 4-point dual-arm hanging system prevents excess deck movement
- Decreased chassis flex and large tires ensure an improved cut and easy zero-turns on turf
- Ergonomic plush high-backed spring suspension seat provides superior comfort
- Adjustable armrests can be moved in 3 directions
- 13 optional cutting positions
- Easy-to-use height selection dial
- Mechanical foot deck lift
- Massive 300lbs max towing capacity
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Blades can clog up easily in wet grass
- Consumes a lot of gas
5. Husqvarna Z254 54-inch 26 HP Zero Turn Riding Mower
Delivering a premium mowing performance, the Husqvarna Z254 54-inch 26 HP Zero Turn Riding Mower will help you to power through challenging mowing jobs fast and efficiently.
Tackling tough grass-cutting tasks is no problem for this semi-commercial beast of a machine. It is powered by a strong 26 HP Kohler engine that provides reliable start-ups, higher ground speeds of 6.5 MPH, and plenty of power when you need it season after season.
Equipped with an extra-large 54-inches heavy reinforced flat-stock steel deck and a 3-blade cutting system, this durable mower cuts a huge path through thick grass on every pass. Air induction mowing technology improves grass lift and delivers a superior cut.
Sturdy 6-inches front tires and 11-inches back anti-scalping tires not only provide you with easy zero-turns on turf and hilly ground but also allow for a clean cut every time. The rugged frame also ensures long-term durability, reduced chassis flex, and improved ride quality,
Amazingly efficient, the smooth Hydrostatic Hydro-gear transmission allows the Z254 to cut up to 2.8-acres per hour. Running out of gas will not be an issue due to the large 3.5-gallon tank.
You will be the master of the machine as you sit in the 15-inches high back seat. Mowing is so easy as the handle has foam-padded hand grips and adjustable steering levers boost operator comfort. The ergonomically designed lever-operated deck lifting system offers 6 precise cutting heights that you can adjust right from your chair.
Additional features include a hard plastic side chute that ejects grass clippings evenly. A control panel is conveniently located right near the operator’s seat and it displays an hour meter. The mower even has a cup holder so you can stay hydrated in hot weather.
For operator safety, this zero turn mower also features a patent-pending automatic parking brake system which is very easy to operate. Maintaining your zero-turn mower is very easy too as it has a deck wash port.
Clippings can be discharged, mulched, or bagged but the mulching kit and bagger attachment are sold separately.
Husqvarna offers a 3-year warranty on the zero-turn mower.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Extra-large 54-inches heavy-duty steel cutting deck
- Powerful and reliable engine provides reliable start-ups and higher ground speeds
- Smooth running transmission
- Fast and efficient 3-blade cutting system
- Air induction mowing technology improves grass lift and delivers a superior cut
- Large 3.5-gallon fuel tank
- Anti-scalping tires
- Conveniently placed deck lifting system control panel right near the operator’s seat
- Ergonomically designed lever-operated deck lifting system
- Patent-pending automatic parking brake system
- Comfortable high-back seat
- Foam-padded hand grips
- Easy-to-use lever-operated cutting deck lift
- Cupholder and hour meter
- Easy to maintain
- Deck wash port
- Clippings can be discharged, mulched, and bagged
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- No fuel gauge
- Not very effective with tall grass
- Mulching kit and bagger attachment sold separately
6. Simplicity 2691321 48-inch Zero Turn Courier Mower
Whether you have a residential lawn to mow or a small professional landscaping management project to complete, the Simplicity 2691321 48-inch Zero Turn Courier Mower will zoom through a large lawn quickly and its compact design means it fits easily through a 55-inches wide gate.
This commercial-inspired zero-turn mower has a powerful and reliable 23 HP 724cc Briggs & Stratton Professional Series V-Twin engine that delivers premium power for all your grass-cutting jobs.
Equipped with a heavy-duty fully-welded steel frame, a thick-walled pivoting front axle, a durable mower deck, and ball bearings in the castor-aluminum spindles, the Simplicity riding mower is built to last. You can easily adjust the 13-position deck from 1.5 to 4.5-inches to suit the best grass cutting height for your lawn with just a push of the foot pedal.
An automotive-style ready/start system gives you the choice of just turning a key or pushing a button. The Hydro-Gear EZT transmission allows for quick blade engagements, and the mower has a fast 7 MPH forward speed and 4 MPH reverse speed.
For highly responsive zero-turns every time, the 2691321 has long-lasting anti-scalping 11-inches front tires and extra-large 20-inches rear tires.
You will enjoy a smoother ride due to Simplicity’s exclusive suspension comfort system that allows you to feel 25% less impact while operating the machine. The lap bars are padded and the ergonomic mesh seat is very comfortable to sit on especially in summer.
Additional features include an easy-to-use integrated parking brake, a side discharge chute, an integrated rear cargo bed, a 50lbs towing capacity, a large 3-gallon fuel tank, and a cup holder.
Simplicity offers a 3-year lifetime warranty on the zero-turn mower.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Ideal for residential lawns or professional landscape management projects
- Compact design
- Powerful and reliable engine
- Quick and responsive Hydro-Gear EZT transmission
- Key or button-activated automotive-style ready/start system
- Heavy-duty frame and durable design
- Wide high gauge aluminum deck with deck wash port
- Side discharge capability
- Cutting deck has 13 adjustable heights
- Three heavy-duty steel cutting blades
- Fast 7 MPH forward speed and 4 MPH reverse speed
- Highly responsive zero-turns
- Large anti-scalping 11-inches front caster wheels and 20-inches rear wheels
- Exclusive suspension comfort system
- Ergonomic mesh seat is comfortable
- Padded lap bars
- Easy-to-use integrated parking brake
- Side discharge chute
- Integrated rear utility cargo bed
- Good 50lbs towing capacity
- Three-year lifetime warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- No fuel gauge
- Can be an uncomfortable ride over very uneven terrain
Our Top Pick for the Best Zero-Turn Mower
Our top pick for the best zero-turn mower is the Husqvarna MZ61 24 HP Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
With a superior mowing performance, intuitive transmission, outstanding durability, great cut quality, improved grass lift, anti-scalping wheels, and an ergonomic design, you will love working with this amazing machine.
Any challenging mowing task will be done with complete ease and your lawn and property will have a professional finish.
Check the price on Amazon
