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. But 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, but now this gardening gem is firmly within a householder's grasp, due to their 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 Zoom 34 Kohler 6000 Series V-Twin Zero
- Snapper 2691319 360z Zero-turn Mower
- Husqvarna MZ61 61 inch 24 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower (Our Top Pick)
- Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52-inch 23HP Zero Turn Mower
- Husqvarna MZ61 61 inch 27 HP Zero Turn Riding Mower
- Troy-Bilt Mustang 54 25HP 54-Inch Zero-Turn Mower
Our Top Pick for the Best Zero-turn Mower
Our top pick for the best zero-turn lawn mower is the Husqvarna MZ61 61 inch 24 HP Zero Turn 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.
Traditional 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, and they are 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 degrees 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 two levers or lap bars (although there are some models that 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 like traditional ride-on mowers. This nifty idea allows you to get up close and personal in tight spaces like 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 degrees 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 to 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 like 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, like Husqvarna, are synonymous with zero-turn ride-on mowers, and prices can range from an affordable $2800 up to $10,000 depending on the engine size, design, and 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 came 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 but 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, and 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 for sloping gradients.
48″: The 48-inch mower can handle medium-sized lawns, gentle to moderate slopes, and hills up to 15 degrees.
50″ – 54″: This larger model is good for a property up to three 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 degrees.
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.
The 6 Best Zero-Turn Mowers
To help you find the best ride-on mower that is tailored made for your mowing needs, we have compiled and reviewed SIX of the best zero-turn lawn mowers on the market.
1. Ariens Zoom 34 Kohler 6000 Series V-Twin Zero
The Ariens Zoom with a 19 horsepower engine is a great choice for a residential property with a small to medium flat lawn with no sloping gradient or minimal obstructions.
You can raise the mowing deck to go over tree roots and it discharges clippings with minimal clumping. It provides maximum cutting performance as it travels up to 6 mph for forward movement and 3 mph in reverse.
The twin EZT hydrostatic transaxles are designed to deliver highly responsive, smooth and effortless control. It has fully adjustable control arms and its mid-back seat offers that extra comfort for those longer jobs.
Pros:
- Powerful
- Good for small lots
- Can mow in and around tight spots
- Good for tall grass
Cons:
- Have to remove clogged up grass underneath
- Cannot carry too much weight or the unit is unable to turn on wet grass.
2. Snapper 2691319 360z Zero-turn Mower
With a heavy-duty design, the Snapper 2691319 360Z 480-inch Zero Turn Lawn Mower is perfect for maintaining a small-medium sized backyard or commercial property.
The high-performance 23HP Briggs & Stratton Professional Series engine with ReadyStart gives you reliable zero-turn cutting power to mow year after year.
Built strong for long-term durability, the mower has a fully welded steel frame, a thick-walled axle, a sturdy fabricated steel mower deck, and ball bearings in the castor spindles.
Featuring an operator-friendly design, the mower has an integrated brake, a comfortable seat and an easy-to-use foot-operated deck that has 13 height-of-cut positions from 1.5 to 4.5 inches.
Highly versatile, you can use the convenient integrated rear cargo bed that has a 50lb capacity for hauling dirt, grass or bush cuttings, or carrying tools around your property. Plus, the rails allow for the use of ATV accessories and the two predetermined cutouts provide easy insertion of a wooden 2 x 4 for a removable tailgate.
As Snapper has introduced new compact deck options, you can mow the lawn and collect clippings and debris in the two easy-to-empty grass bags that have a 6.5-bushel capacity. The fuel sight gauge helps to monitor your fuel usage in the 3-gallon gas tank.
The Snapper mower is available in 3 other models: a 21.5HP/42 mower, a 21.5HP/48-inch mover, and a 23HP/42-inch mower.
Snapper offers a 3-year limited warranty on the zero-turn mower.
Pros:
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Commercial design
- Ideal for small to medium-sized lawns
- Made tough with a long-term durable design
- High-performance powerful Briggs and Stratton engine
- Integrated brake
- Heavy-duty fabricated mowing deck
- Comfortable seat
- Deck has an easy to use foot-operated height-of-cut adjustment
- 13 height-of-cut positions from 1.5 to 4. 5 inches
- Fully welded steel frame
- Thick-walled front axle
- Durable fabricated steel deck
- Ball bearings in the caster spindles ensure durability
- Integrated rear cargo bed has a 50 lbs carrying capacity
- Rails allow for the use of aftermarket ATV accessories
- Two pre-determined cutouts provide easy insertion of a wooden 2×4 for a convenient removable tailgate
- 2 easy-to-empty grass bags that have a 6.5-bushel capacity
- Fuel sight gauge
- Available in a 21.5/42-inch, 21.5/48-inch, 23HP/42-inch, 23HP/48-inch models
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Need to use ethanol-free gas
- Not ideal for heavy-duty use
- No armrests
3. Husqvarna MZ61 61 inch 24 HP Kawasaki 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 Zero-turn Mower.
Featuring a tough 61-inch 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-inch high sliding-back seat with spring suspension that provides great lumbar support. The armrests, foam-padded hand grips 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-inch wide anti-scalping caster pneumatic wheels mean every zero turn 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, but a mulching kit and bagger attachment is 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-inch wide anti-scalping caster wheels
- Hour meter
- 4-years warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not very effective on tall grass
- Mulching kit and bagger attachment sold separately
4. Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52-inch 23HP Zero Turn Mower
Maintaining a professional-looking lawn is effortless with the Ariens 915223 IKON-X Zero-turn Mower.
This sleek but heavy-duty zero-turn mower is a smart investment for any residential or commercial gardening enthusiast.
Packed with great power, the powerful 23 HP, 726 cc 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-inch 11-gauge fabricated steel deck can take a beating and its commercial-style 4-point dual-arm hanging system prevents excess deck movement.
A decreased chassis flex and the 11-inch front tires and 18-inch rear pneumatic tires allow for an improved cut and easy zero-turns on turf.
Ergonomically designed for superior comfort, you can relax in the high-backed padded spring suspension seat with 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 heights in ¼-inch increments. Adjusting the deck height is extremely easy too and can be done from your seat with the mechanical foot lift.
For your convenience, the zero-turn mower has a massive 300 lb max towing capacity. A fuel sight gauge helps you keep track of gas usage.
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-inch cutting deck
- Excellent 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 high-backed padded spring suspension seat
- Adjustable armrests can be moved in 3 directions
- Easy-to-use height selection dial has 13 optional cutting heights in ¼-inch increments
- Mechanical foot deck lift
- Massive 300 lb max towing capacity
- Fuel sight gauge
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Not available for sale in California
- Consumes a lot of gas
5. Husqvarna MZ61 61 inch 27 HP Zero Turn Riding Mower
Delivering a premium mowing performance, the Husqvarna MZ61 27 HP Zero-turn 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 27-horsepower Briggs & Stratton Endurance Series engine that provides reliable start-ups, higher ground speeds, and plenty of power when you need it season after season.
Equipped with an extra-large 61-inch, 11-gauge fully fabricated steel deck and a 3-blade cutting system, the mower cuts a huge path through thick grass on every pass.
Large durable 6-inch wide front caster wheels provide you with easy zero-turns on turf. An oversized 2 x 3-inch chassis with large front and rear tires provide superior strength and improved ride quality.
Amazingly efficient, the smooth Hydrostatic Hydro-gear transmission allows the MZ61 to cut up to 4.2 acres per hour. Running out of gas will not be an issue due to the large 5-gallon tank.
You will be the master of the machine as you sit in the high back seat with armrests. Mowing is so easy as the handle has foam-padded hand grips and adjustable steering levers boost operator comfort. Vibration dampeners also allow for comfortable mowing for hours. The ergonomically designed pedal-assisted deck lifting system offers 12 precise cutting height adjustments right from your chair.
Additional features include a side hard plastic chute. A control panel to the right of the operator’s seat displays an hour meter. The mower even has a cup holder so you can stay hydrated in hot weather.
For operator-safety, the mower is key operated and has an easy-pull brake. Maintaining your zero-turn mower is very easy too. The removable foot pan gives you quick access to the deck belt pulleys, spindles, and allows for fast clean-up.
Clippings can be discharged, mulched or bagged with a 9-bushel triple bag collection system but the mulching kit and bagger attachment is sold separately.
Husqvarna offers a 4-year warranty on the zero-turn mower.
Pros:
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Extra-large 61-inch fabricated cutting deck
- Powerful and reliable engine provides reliable start-ups and higher ground speeds
- Smooth running transmission
- Fast and efficient 3-blade cutting system
- Can cut up to 4.2 acres an hour
- Large 5-gallon fuel tank
- 6-inch-wide caster wheels
- Ergonomically designed deck lifting system for quick and easy adjustments from the operator’s seat
- Safety design includes an easy-pull brake and key-operated start-up
- High-back seat with armrests
- Foam-padded hand grips
- Vibration dampeners
- Pedal-assisted cutting deck lift
- Cupholder
- Easy to use and maintain
- Removable foot pan
- Clippings can be discharged, mulched or bagged with a 9-bushel triple bag collection system
- 4-year warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
- No fuel gauge
- Not very effective with tall grass
- Mulching kit and bagger attachment sold separately
6. Troy-Bilt Mustang 54 25HP 54-Inch Zero-Turn Mower
Whether you have a residential lawn to mow or a professional landscaping management project, the Troy-Bilt Mustang 54-inch Zero-turn Mower will zoom through a small to medium-sized lawn quickly.
Powerful and fuel-efficient, the Mustang is equipped with a robust and durable 25HP 724cc Briggs & Stratton Professional Series engine. Dual hydro-static EZT transmission delivers smooth-running premium power for all your mowing jobs.
Equipped with a reinforced heavy-duty frame, a wide 54-inch high-gauge aluminum triple-blade side discharge deck with integrated Dual Deck Wash guarantees long-life durability. You can adjust the deck to 8 positions to suit the height of the grass.
The electric power take-off (PTO) system ensures fast and efficient blade engagements for the 3 steel cutting blades, and the mower has a 7 MPH forward speed and 2.5 MPH reverse speed for extra safety.
For highly responsive zero-turns every time, the Mustang has long-lasting greaseable 13-inch front caster wheels and 18-inch rear wheels.
You will enjoy a smooth comfortable ride as the mower has an ergonomic high-back seat with dual suspension springs. There is even an enlarged foot deck section to relax your legs during longer operations.
The lap bars are also adjustable and easy to handle for increased control during difficult tasks. Additional features include a cup holder for a refreshing drink, an hour meter, and a fuel tank window to monitor fuel levels.
Troy-Bilt offers a 3-year limited warranty on the zero-turn mower.
Pros:
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Ideal for large residential lawns or for professional landscape management
- Robust and powerful fuel-efficient engine
- Smooth-running and responsive transmission
- Fast and efficient Electric Power Take-off (PTO) system
- Reinforced heavy-duty frame and durable design
- Wide high gauge aluminum deck with deck wash port
- Side discharge capability
- Deck has 8 adjustable heights
- 3 heavy-duty steel cutting blades
- 7 MPH forward speed and 2.5 MPH reverse speed
- Highly responsive zero-turns
- Anti-scalping greaseable 13-inch front caster wheels and 18-inch rear wheels
- Smooth comfortable ride
- Ergonomic high-back seat with dual suspension springs
- Reduced vibration
- Enlarged foot deck section
- Adjustable lap bars
- Cup holder
- Hour meter
- Fuel tank window
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- A bit pricey
- Can throw up a lot of dust in the air
- The PTO shuts off in reverse
Our Top Pick for the Best Zero-turn Mower
Our top pick for the best zero-turn lawn mower is the Husqvarna MZ61 61 inch 24 HP Zero Turn 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.
