Best Zero-Turn Mower Reviews 2021
Best Overall
- Speed Upto 6.5mph
- Cutting Width 54"
Budget Friendly
- Speed Upto 8mph
- Cutting Width 61"
Great Value
- Speed Upto 7mph
- Cutting Width 52"
Are you looking to buy a zero-turn mower, We have written a complete buyer’s guide and have listed out our top recommendations.
There are many great Zero-turn mower brands available in the market, but when it comes to homeowners, reading about all of them is just too time-consuming. To save your precious time, we have reviewed the top 5 zero-turn mowers for residential use as we have given in-depth information considering the first-time homeowners of larger estates too.
Based on the size of the yard It’s important to choose the right product and drive the mower for years with reliable operation and return on investment. After reading the review even they would love to add a top-quality zero-turn mower in their toolshed.
A Zero-turn mower is a versatile tool for homeowners or landscape professionals to maintain taming large lawns. You can enjoy mowing your larger acres and even in smaller yards with zero-turning radius (ZTR) lawnmower in tight spaces with speed, comfort, and superior maneuverability.
Unlike other gardening lawn tractors, a zero-turn mower can be operated like a turn on a dime with a turning radius of zero degrees in-order to maintain large yards. It is typically faster machinery equipment as you can control the two swiveling front wheels with two lap bars or steering wheel sitting on the operator seat.
The 5 Best Zero-Turn Mower for Large Lawns
Here is the Prithvi Narayan, a professional lawn care expert who has listed down 7 of the best zero-turn mowers out of numerous models on the market. As a lawn enthusiastic, I recommend you invest in zero-turns to keep your lawn lush and green. I ensure this is the smartest way to buy a zero-turn or a residential zero-turn mower.
- Additional welded reinforcement strips for maximum durability
- The deck lift system is spring assisted for ease of use
- Deluxe high back comfort seat provides support and comfort
- Does not have half inch blade adjustment increments.
performance: No maintenance for this zero-turn transmission, it can spin the wheels even in the icy winter climate and it allows the mower a variety of cutting conditions. It has the responsibility for managing lawn mower speed by altering its torque. Transmission plays an important role to adjust the speed of the mower, the torque used to handle and tends to rotate throughout the lawn.
Lower gears can provide tractions but they can mow fast, using different transmissions has different gear reduction ratios. Transmission is not only an important factor, need to consider the details like engine power of Kohler Engine 54″ Z and weight capacity to run the lawnmower.
Kohler engine provides advanced technology and reliability to improve the mower performance. And it is perfectly suitable for your requirements like quiet, vibration-free to improve comfort to the operator.
Design: This zero-turn lawn mower mainly focused on productivity, durability, and cut quality of the grass. By using this you feel like extreme comfort, high ground speeds, and superior traction which helps you exceptional mowing efficiency.
The entire lawn is designed with Industrial strength which assures long & durable service life in commercial mowing applications. You can use it for both commercial duty and homeowner models with different engine power options. The cutting size width varies for different lawns, also select the fuel type like gasoline or diesel and prices.
Ease to Use: Zero-turn lawn mower provides unprecedented ease by providing services. Z560X provides comfort to the users with the most adverse situations. If you want to plow the grass in your yard in a short time, get the mower that has the biggest deck and engine combo along with the reliable hydrostatic transmission. Husqvarna Z254F provides more comfort with a high seatback to mow long distances.
- Adjustable ergonomic steering levers will provide a comfortable ride time after time
- Removable foot pan for easy access to deck belt pulleys
- Easy and quick adjustment from the operator’s seat.
- Weight of this mower is too high compare to other mowers
Performance: Well, we have chosen John Deere, the best zero-turn mower as our first choice because of its great combination of ability and comfort. The performance and style of the MZ61 61 in. model hit the grass running with a new Z200 series Zero-turn lawnmower.
The cutting-edge design provides new innovative features like maintaining the cutting width of the grass. Durable 6-inch wide front casters have pneumatic tires that provide long life usage, to roll more easily over door sills. 61 in. diameter is to be the most reasonable diameter to perform easily while maneuvering your lawn.
Design: The Z435R model features a 42-inch deck, powerful 22-hp V-twin engine, and dual EZT transmissions, as well as convenient controls, an adjustable seat, armrests, and even a couple of cupholders. While most zero-turns don’t function at their best on hilly terrain, this one has a floating deck, which makes it better suited for slopes. In addition, its top speed of 7 mph delivers enough power to plow through thick, high grass.
Ease to Use: Ergonomically designed deck lifting system provides easy and quick adjustment seat. So that the operator adjust the cutting height adjustment for their comfortable seating for long run without any delays. Using ergonomically improves productivity with low cost and creates better safety culture.
- It is built tough and is excellent in cutting grass.
- The mower’s Kawasaki engine provides plenty of power for mowing acres of lawn.
- Equipped with a good engine, the mower has high torque even when running at lower speeds.
- The mower does not come with headlights.
- A few purchasers mentioned that the springs under the seat can cause riding to be a little rough.
Performance: The Ariens IKON X 52-in is packed with high-end residential quality and offers superior power and performance. From a 23 HP Kawasaki FR V-Twin engine to a 52-in 11-gauge steel fabricated deck, this is a tougher, longer-lasting zero-turn mower built to perform.
With the headlight kit, the mower can mow longer, later, and safer from the Ariens, these LED lights help you to illuminate the cutting path in low-light conditions and also reach the dusk approaches.
Design: It’s constructed with a heavy-duty fully welded steel tubular frame for years of durability and performance and is equipped with three blades covering a 52-in cutting width. Ariens puts a high priority on building low-maintenance machines.
The Hitch Kit helps you to turn your mower into a multitasking machine, with the capacity of 300 pounds. It is easy to install and heavy-duty steel hitch pulls trailers, spreaders, rollers, and manymore.
Ease to Use: We assess, scrutinize, improve, and test every last pin, bolt, and belt. From smarter, sustainable components, to durable, virtually indestructible designs, we’re known for consistently delivering an effortless ownership experience and standing the test of time.
Ariens IKON X zero-turn machines are built for mowers, not mechanics. With the help of Ariens 2-bucket bagger, you can easily finish mowing lawn in your yard efficiently.
- High-powered Briggs and Stratton engine
- 7 cutting height settings of 1.5 to 4.5 inches
- Large 48 inches mower deck
- No integrated cargo bed
- No anti-scalp wheels
Performance: When it comes to performance level, the Ultima ZT1 50 -in. 23-hp Kawasaki is from Cub Cadet is one of the best mowers you’ll need to invest in. The 23-horsepower twin-cylinder motor can run the work at 7.5 mile-per-hour forward speed and 3.5-mph backup speed which is ideal for mowing slight rolling hills and several obstacles up to 4 acres yard.
Design: The deck height is adjustable from 1 inch to 4.5 inches using 15 quarter-inch increments for an even cut in your lawn. An open-frame design and hinged/removable floor pan allow you to access and maintain the deck and engine quickly and easily. The design of the high-back seat is Automotive-inspired, ergonomic, fully knob adjustable premium 18 in. that is Durable advanced polymer seat suspension
Ease to use: The smooth-tread front tires of the wheels can pivot 180 degrees using Adjustable lap bars for maximum versatility. These lap bars are industry exclusive which are optimized for comfort with soft-touch ergonomic hand grips. The foot platform attached to the machine allows the operator to mow the lawn smoothly with the help of cutting the deck and maintenance the large yard properly.
- Powerful 679cc twin engine suitable for larger yard jobs
- It provides a quick, efficient start
- Delivery takes 45 days to reach
Performance: Craftsman Z525 has the powerful gas engine because it comes with auto choke. This auto choke powerful 679cc twin-engine, which helps controls the airflow into the carburetor of a gasoline engine. Auto choke feature provides a quick and efficient start with suitable larger yards. This Zero-turn mower comes with a wide 46-inch deck for cutting, trimming grass in the yard. If you use clippings you can mow your mower in one quick sweep.
Design: This lawnmower provides a high back cushioned seat to provide optimum comfort to the users so that you can take exceptional rides through this 360 degrees turn radius. Zero-turn radius for exceptional maneuverability. It is equipped with a robust steel frame design, using this design is safe, economical, and robust.
Ease to Use: This mower can continue to mow in reverse and no need to pause your mower in the yard. The turning radius of a craftsman is 360 degrees, it can turn any side all over your lawn, and instantly it can change the direction with more efficiency.
What Should You Consider Before Buying Zero-Turn Mower ?
- Motor Power / Transmission
Generally, these models range from 12 to 15 horsepower with deck sizes of 32 to 60 inches. However, if you’re looking to plow through the most land in the shortest amount of time, you’ll want the biggest deck and engine combo, plus a reliable hydrostatic transmission. Understanding hydrostatic transmissions is preferred over shifted gear transmission any time because a hydraulic pump is connected to and dedicated to one or more hydraulic motors
While you invest in zero-turn mowers in the market, they should be sufficiently powerful and have a high level of performance, but it is important to be note that it takes shortest time. Here, the horsepower and maximum speed to get a feel of the performance of each vehicle plays the crucial role. 20+ HP is very common in these times and anything under should be carefully examined. If it is a smaller property or personal home, using a mower with less power is acceptable and tolerable.
- Cutting Deck Width
Coming to Zero-turn mower , for larger yards you require more compact cutting deck and excellent visibility. If your lawn is 2 to more than 4 acres, then a zero-turn with a deck that is 42 to 48 inches wide would be appropriate. If the lawn is 4 acres or larger, the deck should be at least 50 inches wide. Zero-turns are most effective on flat and rough terrain, but if you have some hills, you should raise or lower the mowing deck with an optimum height that moves independently. Riding mowers have a variety of deck sizes and shapes.
- Fuel Tank Capacity
The fuel capacity depends on what model of zero-turn mower you’re using. Each mower has a different fuel tank designed to work with that particular model. When adding gas to your mower, always use fuel as close to 87% octane(by volume) as possible. The gas can have up to 10 percent ethanol when calculated. As fuel gets old and begins to degrade, you may have more difficulty starting your mower, or it may not work at all.
- Weight
Mostly mowers weigh between 650-900 pounds, as the lighter ones weigh about 650 pounds, average higher-end mowers weigh about 900-pound mark. Heavier ones can tip the scales at 1,450 pounds. As the weight doesnt support to climb on hills, operator weights are essential.
- Operator Seating
Most zero-turn mowers are easy to operate as it has Universal Mounting Holes which helps in smooth and comfortable ride For Operator. It is more of Adjustable Weight with great ride Control. The working position is ergonomic with premium suspension as it is more beneficial in the long mowing sessions. Also the operator has better visibility with what direction he/she is going to mow and avoid obstacles if any.
- Levers and Controls
The steering levers helps you to control the mower. You can adjust levers by unscrewing the bolts and nuts and adjust it according to your desired height. Both the handles are in the either sides to move in the desired directions. But the levers are not so easy to handle but it’s a learning curve.
- Digital Displays
- Tires
- Safety Features
- Cutting Quality
- Durability
You need to consider that whether zero-turn’s are safe return investment by testing every detail on the machine. Things which you need to Prioritise like engine , transmission, frame, cutting deck, controls , spindles and york. Well the level of comfort, durability, power, strength, efficiency, and design are the additional factors that you need to look after.
Why Zero-Turn Mowers Worth to Buy ?
Zero-Turns are most affordable machine with high level performance and a worthy time saver. Well the handling the levers seems to bit tougher if you are a newbie, but if you take it as a learning curve, it makes you feel absolutely fantastic. The cutting quality is incredibly good well you no longer have to spend hours together to mow your lawn. After mowing, leave the grass clippings on the lawn to keep it healthy, generally this process refers to the term “grasscycling“.
Stop wasting many hours in a day and zero-turn mower technology can help you to make the most of them. These mowing machines are easy to operate and also help you achieve shorter mowing times, use less fuel and cover more garden area. Take advantage of 180-degree maneuverability and remove dead grass and leaves.
When we take speed, power, and maneuverability into consideration, commercial grade zero-turn mowers for maintaining the large swaths of grass tidy and even in hill areas. These lap bars typically steer the rear wheels of the machine, unlike other riding mowers, it can pivot 180 degrees, so that there’s no uncut grass left after you complete mowing with machine. A zero-turn mower may be an expensive upgrade from a rear-engine riding model or a lawn tractor, also it gonna save a lot of work hours with the machine on a large mowing path.