A zero-turn lawn mower is a convenient and efficient way to maintain a beautiful landscape. But, what are the best zero-turn lawn mowers?
A zero-turn lawn mower is an efficient and quick bridge between a tractor and a standard push lawnmower that makes it an ideal choice to keep your lawn manicured and neat.
So, if you’re looking for an efficient mowing experience, you’re at the right place. In this article, we’ve listed the 5 best zero-turn mowers that have a perfect balance between affordability, efficacy, and overall value.
| Lawn Mowers | Cutting Width | Power Source | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna Z254 | 54 Inches | Gas Powered | View |
| Ariens 915223 IKON-X | 52 Inches | Gas Powered | View |
| Craftsman Z525 | 46 Inches | Gas Powered | View |
| Husqvarna MZ61 | 61 Inches | Gas Powered | View |
| Snapper 560Z | 52 Inches | Gas Powered | View |
Best Zero-Turn Mowers Reviews
A zero-turn lawn mower can make mowing your lawn a breeze. These machines are known to be easier to use than a conventional lawn mower and are also much more effective at keeping your lawn looking nice.
The following are some of the best zero-turn mowers in the market;
Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
The Husqvarna Z254 will help you cut grass in the least time possible. It is a sturdy and well-built mower with welded frames for extra strength and has several user-friendly features.
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It comes with an orange paint finish to prevent rust and make the lawnmower stand out in the dark. It features a 54-inch cutting deck that delivers quality cuts and allows you to handle landscaping tasks with ease.
Features
- 26 HP Kohler engine
- Patent-pending park brake system
- 54” cutting deck
Pros
- Premium product
- Padded ergonomic seat
- Powerful engine
Cons
- A bit expensive
Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower
The Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower is a high-quality machine that comes at a friendly price. It comes equipped with a 52-inch cutting deck size that cuts a large area at once.
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With this zero-turn mower, you’re guaranteed a great grass-cutting performance, thanks to its powerful Kawasaki FR691 Series 23 HP engine. This machine also boasts a great build quality due to its tubular steel frame.
Features
- High-back padded seat
- 726cc engine
- 23 HP engine
- Fully tubular steel frame
Pros
- 3-year warranty
- Powerful engine
- Padded seat
- Ideal for large lawns and golf courses
Cons
- A bit noisy
Craftsman Z525 Zero Turn Gas Powered Lawn Mower
If you’re looking for a perfect zero-turn lawn mower to mow your yard this upcoming season, this is a good bet.
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The Craftsman Z525 Zero Turn Gas Powered Lawn Mower comes with a powerful Craftsman gas engine that is strong enough to handle large lawns. It has a dual hydro-gear EZT drive system with easy-to-operate dual levers and high-back seats for maximum comfort.
Features
- 679 cc twin engine
- 46-inch cutting width
- 360-degree turning radius
Pros
- High-back seat for optimum comfort
- Powerful engine
- 2-year limited warranty
Cons
- Some users complain that they received a defective machine
Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
Are you looking for a machine designed to handle the largest mowing tasks? Look no further! The Husqvarna MZ61 has a 61-inch cutting deck that makes it ideal for cutting lawns up to 5 acres or more.
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It comes complete with a large fan and induction-cooled motor that keeps the lawnmower cool while working. It has long levers that offer smooth movement while mowing.
Features
- 27 HP Briggs Endurance engine
- 11-gauge steel cutting deck
- High-back seat
Pros
- Powerful engine
- Removable foot pan
- Ergonomically designed deck lifting system
Cons
- Expensive
Snapper 560Z 52-Inch 25HP Briggs & Stratton Commercial Engine Zero Turn Lawn Mower
This zero-turn mower is built for high-performance projects. It comes equipped with Hydro-Gear ZT-3200 hydrostatic transaxles that give a smooth cutting experience. The 52-inch cutting deck is wide enough to handle large lawns and golf courses.
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The Snapper 560Z lawnmower is welded and reinforced for durability and backed with a lifetime limited warranty. With this machine, you’re guaranteed easy-to-use controls and wide-mouth gas fill.
Features
- Hydro-Gear ZT-3200 hydrostatic transaxles
- 52” cutting deck
- 10-gauge steel construction
- Fuel-level indicator
Pros
- Easy to use controls
- Premium product
- Durable construction
- Lifetime limited warranty
Cons
- Expensive
Types of Zero-Turn Mowers
Two-Function Mower
A two-function mower is designed to mulch and discharge the grass from the side or mulch and bag the grass. Mulching mowers are equipped with small blades that continuously cut the grass to reduce its size. This grass is healthier for your lawn since it adds nutrients to the ground. However, this type of zero-turn mower may jam when cutting tall grass.
Three-Function Mower
This type of zero-turn mower cuts tall grass by side discharging, mulching and bagging. This is the best model for clearing large areas and cutting tall grass in early fall or spring. It has adjustable blades that help you to cut grass in stages for a tidy cut.
Benefits of a Zero-Turn Mower
Better Maneuverability
A lawnmower with a zero-degree turning radius will help you make a complete turn-around in a tight area. This will enable you to start cutting in any direction or avoid any obstacle. Additionally, it can effortlessly move from forward to reverse.
Enjoy a Comfortable Ride
Most zero-turn mowers are equipped with comfortable seats, with some having high-back seats with cup holders for extra comfort. Also, it ditches the ordinary steering wheel design for steering levers that are easy to control.
Covers Wider Area
A zero-turn mower is equipped with a larger deck when compared to other lawnmowers. It has a deck size of between 45-60 inches, which allows you to mow a large area in no time.
Minimal Maintenance yet Durable
A large deck translates to less mowing time. This means that the tool needs less maintenance in terms of part replacement and oil changes. Thus, it may last longer than other types of mowers.
FAQs
A zero-turn mower is a great investment since it cuts grass faster than a push or riding mower and allows you to sit comfortably as you work.
Most of them lack a traditional foot-pedal brake but are equipped with lever controls that decrease or increase the mower’s acceleration. They also come with emergency or parking brakes.
Zero-turn mowers work in slopes but are ideal for handling curves. Lawn tractors are designed to handle slopes; however, both can overturn if placed on an incline over 15°.
Absolutely! This tool is ideal for home use, especially if you have over 2-acres. If you have a lawn less than ½ acre, look for a manual/push-along/self-propelled walk-behind mower.
Buying Guide
Before making a purchase, you need to be keen on some crucial aspects to get a zero-turn mower for your mowing needs.
Engine Power
Mower engines are rated using horsepower. A zero-turn mower with high horsepower translates to a more efficient and faster machine. This comes in handy for commercial landscaping tasks. However, if you’re looking for a machine for small-scale projects, you don’t need a high-horsepower engine.
Cutting Width
The mower’s cutting width determines the strip’s width the blades can cut. If you want to take less time or have a large lawn, then go for a lawnmower with a wide cutting width. Medium-sized lawnmowers usually come with 50-60 inches cutting width, while small lawnmowers have below 50″.
Adjustable Cutting Width
For a lawnmower to work efficiently, the grass must have a certain height to give a neat cut. Always go for a lawnmower that has height increments for the blades to adjust them depending on the needs.
Fuel Tank Capacity
This feature is reserved for gas-powered zero-turn mowers. It won’t matter how powerful or fast a mower is if it runs out of fuel before finishing the job. If you have a 5 acres lawn or more, look for a zero-turn mower with at least a 4-gallon tank. If your lawn is 4 acres or less, a 3-gallon fuel tank is sufficient. For small lawns, go for a 2-gallon fuel tank.
Cutting Deck
This is the covered area on a zero-turn mower where the blades rotate to cut the grass. The deck’s size varies from a 32” for yards less than 3 acres to 61″ deck for yards larger than 3 acres or golf courses. Although a large deck size may seem like the best option, you should consider whether the yard has any obstacles that can restrict movements. If it does, go for one with a smaller deck that can maneuver through obstacles easily.
Battery Life and Runtime
This factor is only applicable to electric zero-turn mowers. Battery power is usually expressed in amps, with a range of 75 aH to 100 aH. A battery with 75 aH is ideal for 2 acres or less, while 100 aH is ideal for 3 acres on a single charge. If you have larger yards, invest in more than one battery.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a lawnmower that’s comfortable and powerful to use while giving precise control while mowing, a zero-turn lawn mower is a great choice. If you’re stuck with your decision, the above-reviewed products have everything you need for your lawn. Pick one and enjoy a comfortable mowing experience.
Happy shopping!
