Whether you are a landscaping professional or a homeowner, you can enjoy the optimum comfort and speed of zero turning radius lawn mowers. Unlike garden and lawn tractors, the best zero turn lawn mower features a turning radius that’s almost zero degrees. You can make a quick and narrow turn that is ideal for navigating a yard full of obstacles. Available for both commercial and residential use, zero turn lawn mowers are available in different types with different features but superb cutting performance. Based on their performance, we have selected the following zero turn mowers for your lawn care.
Featuring a durable tubular frame and various cutting sizes, this Ariens IKON XD offers power and flexibility for all lawn sizes. Equipped with a powerful 23 HP Kawasaki engine, the machine provides a consistently high level of efficiency thanks to its automatic compression release along with an internally ventilated carburetor. The engine is a professional grade 4-stroke dual cylinder featuring 90 degrees V notch and a suspended V valve. This engine also has an instantaneous electronic spark ignition combined with a pressure lubrication system for ideal operation. The 23 hp Kawasaki engine can develop a power of 3600 rpm and a torque of 2200 rpm.
Additionally, there is a single stage air filter to prevent the engine from clogging and improve the mower’s performance.
Featuring a 52 inches thick, strong, and durable deck made with three ultra sharp cutting blades, the mower also has a large ramp to cut up to six inches of bush free grass. This best residential zero turn lawn mower comes with an automatic parking brake with its hydrostatic transmission. The best part is it automatically stops the blades when you are driving the lawn mower. The Ariens IKON XD has an accessory bridge to lift the bright and provide optimum foot support.
For additional convenience, the manufacturer has added 13 different heights. You can easily set the bridge height to a maximum height of 4.5 inches and a minimum height of 1.5 inches. All you need is to turn the lever to adjust height settings. When it comes to maneuverability, the large 11 inches front wheels and wide 18 inches rear wheels can handle uneven terrains effortlessly.
The zero turn mowers have a comfortable setting with a soft back and small adjustments. You can choose comfortable sit on the high seat for more than three hours without any fatigue. You can also move the seat back and forth with the mounting slots. The fuel tank capacity is 2.8 gallons (up to 10.5 liters) and can cut two and a half acres on a single tank. The forward ground speed is 7 mph, and the reverse speed is 3 mph. Other essential features included padded armrests, cooling fans on both transaxles, and water resistant material for wet weather conditions.
One of the best semi-commercial zero turn lawn mowers available on the market, Husqvarna MZ61 takes productivity, performance, and comfort to a whole new level. Equipped with a powerful and proficient 27 HP Brigs and Stratton engine, the mower is a perfect choice to cover 3 to 4 acres of land in an hour. With 5 gallon fuel tank capacity, the mower offers reliable starts and is capable of providing up to 8.5 mph in forwarding and 5 mph in the reverse drive.
The huge cutting deck of 61 inches is crafted from heavy duty steel to ensure maximum strength and durability. There are three strong and powerful blades to produce a precise, well-manicured cut. This steel deck comes with 12 different cutting heights that allow convenient control to suit the needed grass height. This zero turn mower also features a hydrostatic gear transmission for efficient performance on both flat and bumpy terrains.
Overall, the design of the Husqvarna MZ61 is fantastic, with a comfortable high back seat combined with padded armrests, foam padded hand grips, and vibration dampers. These features not only improve the mower performance but also allows user to perform fatigue free mowing sessions for long hours. Additionally, the air induction technology helps to draw air from both the bottom and the top of the deck, enhancing grass lift and offering a superior cut.
Another standout feature is the steering system for precise maneuvering. The foot pan is removable, which makes the deck and spindles deck pulleys conveniently accessible. It has a 6.5-diameter front wheel and 13 inches back tire for ideal stability during bumpy rides. There is also a triple bag collection system added for bagging, mulching, or discharging. Last but not least, Husqvarna is offering three years residential warranty and one year commercial warranty for the MZ61 lawn mower.
A top quality residential lawn mower with a simple design, Husqvarna Z254 comes with a powerful 26 HP Kohler engine. The mower features Hydro-Gear-2200 transaxles and allows reaching a top speed of 6.5 mph. It has an automatic choke system for quick and easy startup. When it comes to cut quality, this best residential zero turn lawn mower is one of the best in the business.
To be honest, both fabricated and stamped decks are ideal for cutting grass, but I love fabricated ones as they last for a long period of time than later on. Featuring large 54 inches fabricated steel deck (11 gauges) with three ultra-sharp cutting blades, the mower has a grass lift option for convenient side discharging and mulching grass. The only downside of the deck is its poor chute guard.
Considering the durability, the mower comes with a well built steel frame. Thanks to the filtration system of the engine, it helps to improve airflow for improved performance. Safety features include an automatic braking system and an integrated control panel for effortless usability. When it comes to extended mowing sessions, you have comfortable features like soft-padded seat and decent cushioning to get the job done in time.
Husqvarna Z254 offers a high back seat with enough cushioning to make mowing effortless for you. The best part of the seat is that it provides excellent support to your lower back and legs. There is a front bumper, and a rear engine guard added to reduce the impact of collisions. The mower shuts down when you release the steering lever inward and helps to prevent accidents. Regular maintenance is recommended for best cutting performance. Make sure to clean the debris after every use and change an air filter oil and lubricate the grease fittings when needed.
A zero turn mower with a sleek new frame design, Craftsman 17ARFACQ091 is manufactured for the ultimate mowing experience. Featuring a powerful 24 HP twin-cylinder engine, the mower comes with a convenient and reliable starting system. I liked the dual hydro-gear EZT drive system as it offers easy to control dual levers. You can quickly turn around at sharp angles and enjoy effortless maneuverability around obstacles, including rocks, trees, and flower beds.
Thanks to the durable stamped steel deck of 50 inches, this zero radius mower allows cutting, trimming, and clipping a wide stretch of grass in a single sweep. Equipped with a sharp three blade system, the machine can cut through thick and tall grass, especially after rainy seasons. One of the best features of Craftsman 17ARFACQ091 is a deck wash that helps in convenient underside cleaning after mowing sessions.
Another standout function is the robust steel frame that is made for an improved mowing experience. Looking at the cutting heights, the lawn mower allows you to adjust the maximum cutting height up to 1.25 inches (minimum) and up to 3.75 inches (maximum). To add perfect finishing touches, you can add a mulching kit to the mower. The forward speed of the mower is up to 7 mph, and the reverse speed is up to 3 mph. The fuel tank capacity of this best zero turn lawn mower is 2 gallons which are good enough to mow up to 2 acres on a single fuel tank.
The high back seat offers maximum comfort and allows mowing for a long time period. When it comes to maneuverability, Craftsman has added 11 inches wide rear tires and 8 inches front tires to handle small bumps in your yard. Also, there are rubber mud guards added on both sides of the machine to keep the dust and debris away from the engine. If you are not satisfied with the performance, the company is offering a full refund within 30 days. For manufacturing faults or any problem, Craftsman has labeled the mower with three years limited warranty.
This Ariens Zero turn mower is made to handle large mowing tasks in residential settings. You can easily cover plenty of ground in a short time, thanks to the powerful 24 HP Kawasaki Twin gas engine. Starting the mower is easy with a quick start ignition. It offers a top forward speed of 7 mph and 3 mph in reverse. The high torque of the Kawasaki engine offers adequate machine power, even at low speeds.
Equipped with a steering bar swing, this mower also has a Hydro-Gear EZT drive system for convenient maneuverability. The hydraulic gear drive and transmission allow quick speed change with great control. The heavy-duty fabricated 11 gauge steel cutting deck is perfect for mowing different types of grass. It recesses 4.5 inches around the blades for precise cutting performance.
This zero turn lawn mower comes with anti-skid wheels perfectly placed around the edge of the deck to prevent the cutting blades from hitting the ground during high spot mowing sessions. The deck has a hand-operated dial to select the cutting height from 13 settings between 1.5 inches and 4.5 inches. For additional durability, the deck is attached to the mower base with a commercial grade 4 points hanger.
The high back operator seat is fully padded and combined with padded armrests on both sides. You can adjust the seat easily b moving it front to back according to your convenience. The frame is fully welded and made with heavy-duty tubular steel for improved durability. Another handy feature is the trailer hitch of the Ariens 52 inches zero turn lawn mower. It allows pulling a trailer or cart behind the mower and easily moves different materials like fertilizers, compost, and animal feed.
An excellent combination of power and technology, EGO Power+ ZT4204L zero turn lawn mower is another good option for commercial lawns. Equipped with a powerful 22 HP brushless motor, the lawn mower comes with a unique driving system offering three driving modes, including Control, Sport, and Standard. It has the capacity to hold 4 to 6 EGO 56V lithium batteries. Using four batteries allow mowing up to two acres of land, whereas adding two extra batteries ensure longer cutting session for another acre of lawn.
Delivering 22 horsepower, the mower is good enough to cut thick grass with its 4.5 inches cutting width. The best part is that you don’t need to recharge the batteries while mowing 2 acres of yard. Thanks to the fastest charger available on the market, the batteries take three to six hours for a complete charge. The durable steel deck with 42 inches cutting width perfectly cuts through different types of grass.
This fabricated deck comes with twin cutting blades at various speeds, including 2400, 2600, 2800 & 3000. If you put the mower in turbo mode, the rotation per minute reaches up to 3200. Make sure to sharpen the blade regularly for the best cutting results. For additional convenience, you can add attachments to a collection bag or for a mulch kit.
There EGO Power+ ZT4204L offers ten different cutting positions from 1.5 inches to 4.5 inches. If you are looking for comfortable riding, the seat has added suspension to properly cushion the bumps. Also, the seat and controls are adjustable, so you can easily modify them according to your needs.
Another comfort improving feature is the high quality footrest for ideal seating, which helps maintain proper posture. Other noteworthy functions include a cup holder, IPX4 weather resistant material, five year warranty, a deck protector, an anti-scalp wheel, a phone holder, a dual lap bar for convenient steering, Bluetooth, and a USB charging port to keep your devices connected.
A compact zero radius mower with fantastic grass cutting performance, Husqvarna Z142 comes with a 17 HP engine that belongs to Kohler 6600 series. The dual cylinder engine has 3.5 gallons capacity, which is good enough to mow one to two acres of land. It features a 42 inches stamped vented deck system to make clean and precise cuts across the field.
This durable steel cutting deck ensures ideal cutting performance on different terrains.
There are six cutting adjustments to allow the user to select the perfect one for desired cutting height. Also, the deck has a lifting system for hand operation. The hydrostatic transmission by Hydro-Gear offers smooth operation with minimal to no maintenance efforts. Thanks to the combination of power steering and transmission, that offers a high speed of 6.5 miles per hour.
Comfort is a top priority of every rider, and Husqvarna Z142 has everything for you to enjoy long mowing sessions. The comfortable seat has vinyl material, and you can increase the seatback up to 15 inches for optimum comfort. However, there are no armrests added which is a big down. Control is straightforward with easy access. The manufacturer has added an anti-slip material in the foot area to protect against slipping issues.
When it comes to safety, there is an automatic parking brake system that activates and deactivates with a horizontal movement of the dual steering levers. An air induction technology takes air from the bottom and the top of the zero turn mower and helps to improve the cutting performance. The mower also has a rear engine guard to protect the engine from impacts and limit access to hot surfaces. Last but not least, Husqvarna Z142 is backed up by three years consumer warranty.
Zero turn lawn mowers feature an operator platform, wheels and a frame, transmission, a powerful engine, and a pair of control levers (lap bars). In gas mowers, the engine of the machine powers a pair of transmissions (one at each rear wheel).
When a driver moves the lap bar back or forward, he/she is directing the transmissions to go slower, faster, or turn the opposite way. In simple words, when one drive wheel of the mower turns clockwise and another counterclockwise, the machine pivots.
When the mower wheels rotate at various rates, the lawn mower turns in an arc-shaped path. If the lap bars of the mower is in the neutral position, the machine stops. Besides the parking brake, this type of mower doesn’t have any braking system.
Battery powered zero turn lawn mowers also work in a similar way, but there are separate motors for driving rear wheels and one for both blades inside the deck. Most zero turn mowers feature a Hydro gear EZT, a popular and cost effective residential grade transaxle. It is also known for its great durability.
There are zero turn mowers with stamped decks from one piece of steel, whereas others have fabricated decks crafted from multiple pieces and welded together. Remember, a fabricated deck can be made from thick steel at an inexpensive price compared to others. If you are looking for thick stamped metal such as 10 gauge, the cost of the mower will be beyond what people are willing to pay. The mower decks below range from 42 to 52 inches, standard in such a class of product. When powered by this type of engine and the Hydro gear, such mowers will provide a good cut quality at their rated high speed of 7 mph. Remember that cut quality declines if the user maintains that speed in thick grass or on rough terrain.
When it comes to electric powered lawn mowers, they offer the leading edge of the technology in such category. They are excellent and high priced mowers powered by powerful lithium-ion batteries. If you want to reduce mowing sounds and simplify maintenance hassles by eliminating oil and gas, electric zero turn lawn mowers are best.
How to find the right zero turn mower for my lawn- The Buying Guide
Before you make a decision, it is essential to consider the prime features of a zero turn lawn mower that can help to find the best machine for your lawn care. Take a look at the most important factor for a zero turn lawn mower.
Different types of Zero turn lawn mowers
Zero turn lawn mowers can be divided into four types.
Enter level mower
Mid-grade mowers
Semi-pro lawn mowers
Commercial lawn mowers
Entry level zero turn mowers
Key Features
Cutting Width: 42-46 inches
Cutting Height: 1.5-4 inches
Horsepower: 18-22 HP
Maximum Speed: up to 7.5 miles per hour
Fuel tank capacity: 3.5 gallons
If you are looking for a budget-friendly mower or your mower occasional, entry-level zero turn mowers are the best option for you.
These mowers have small stamped decks, which help to easily maneuver them through narrow gates and around lawn foliage. If you own a flat lawn with 1/2-3/4 acres, entry level mowers are a perfect match for your needs.
Remember, they are smaller in size, and thus they offer less comfort than high grade mowers. To be honest, you can’t ride them for long sessions. Don’t use such zero turn mowers on rough terrains.
Mid Grade Zero turn mower
Key Features
Cutting width: 42-54 inches
Cutting height 3-6 inches
Horsepower: 18-26 HP
Maximum Speed: up to 9 miles per hour
Fuel tank capacity: 2-4 gallons
These mowers provide heavy duty components in those areas where they really count. You can easily handle weekend mowing chores conveniently.
Compared to stamped mower decks, mid range zero turn lawn mowers are manufactured with heavy duty fabricated mower decks and crafted from superior steel gauge. They have proper welding at all essential joints for additional strength.
These mowers have a strong transmission with wider pumps and wheel motors, improved torque ratings, and the ability to facilitate heavier loads. They also have foot-controlled deck height adjustment along with comfortable high back seating.
Another benefit of mid grade lawn mowers is that they offer a wide variety of powerful engines, including famous Kawasaki, Briggs & Stratton V-Twin, and Kohler engines. These engines deliver not only better overall performance but also the highest level of reliability.
Semi-Pro Zero turn lawn mowers
Key Features
Cutting width: 48-60 inches
Cutting height: 6-9 inches
Horsepower: 18-28 HP
Maximum Speed: up to 10 miles per hour
Fuel tank capacity: 3-6 gallons
Engine cylinder: Twin
Also known as prosumer, Semi-pro lawn mowers is a perfect choice for both residential and commercial users. These mowers are famous for property owners who mow a lot of lands frequently. Prosumer zero turn lawn mowers are durable and designed for daily use.
Such mowers feature heavy gauge single piece steel frames, heavy duty transmissions, and large fuel tanks. Along with these, they are equipped with a high back seat, multiple cup holders, adjustable armrests, and cruise controls.
Semi-pro lawn mowers accelerate up to 10 miles per hour and can mow 4-5 acres on a single fuel tank.
Commercial Zero Turn lawn mowers
Key Features
Cutting width: 60-66 inches
Cutting height: 8-10 inches
Horsepower: 23-31 HP
Maximum Speed: 11 miles per hour
Fuel tank capacity: 5-8 gallons
Engine cylinders: Twin
The best commercial zero turn lawn mower is made for everyday rough use and helps to mow on uneven terrains. Professional zero turn lawn mowers have the most powerful engines, wider mowing decks, fastest speeds, and largest fuel tanks with an expensive price tag.
Steering Wheel vs. Lap Bar Zero turn mowers
One crucial factor to consider when choosing a zero turn lawn mower is whether you want a wheel steering or lap bar.
Steering wheel zero turn mower
These mowers are best if you are looking to start mowing without learning. The steering wheel helps to control zero turns, just like a tractor or golf cart.
Lap bar zero turn mowers
These mowers have steering with two bars, and each one controls a wheel independently for ultra convenient maneuverability. Lap bar mowers are a bit difficult to ride, especially if you haven’t used one before. It is advised to go through learning sessions before mowing with lap bar zero turn mowers.
Deck Size
Another essential feature is the deck sizes of your zero turn mowers. It mainly depends on the area you want to move. For instance, if you have big lawn to mow with thick grass, you need to choose a zero turn lawn mower with wide deck size.
Yard Size
Deck Size
Lawn mower type
4 acres and more
60 inches to 72 inches deck width
Zero turn lawn mower
3 to 4 acres
42 inches to 54 inches deck width
Zero turn lawn mower & riding lawn mower
1 to 3 acres
36 inches to 42 inches deck width
Zero turn lawn mower and riding lawn mower
Less than 1 acre
18 inches to 36 inches deck width
Push lawn mower and self propelled walk behind lawn mower
Blades
No matter how powerful your zero turn lawn mower is, if the machine lacks sharp blades, you cannot expect the best cutting performance from it. Grass clippings, dirt, dust, and leaves all take their toll on the mower blades and dull them over time. Make sure the mower blades are crafted from carbide steel as this material is easy to sharpen and extremely durable and hard. The best thing about these blades is they can hold sharp edges for a long time. Make sure to check the manufacturer manual for blade material before making a decision.
Multiple blades ensure smoothing cutting performance through wider lawns and help to reduce overall mowing time. However, it also means limited maneuverability, especially in tight places.
Controls
Remember, a zero turn lawn mower doesn’t have steering wheels, and it is controlled by two levers. A rider has to push the levers forward to move ahead and then pull them back for reverse movement. If you want to make a turn, push the opposite lever forward. Pull both levers to the neutral position to stop the lawn mower.
There are high end zero turn lawn mowers with joystick controls that are easy to use and provide excellent maneuverability. Hand lever and foot assistance are two handy features for adjusting the cutting height. Make sure to avoid the mowers with manual cutting height adjustment as it can be time consuming.
Cutting height
A good lawn mower always offers quick and easy height adjustments to prevent damaging grass by clipping it so short that the grass becomes more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and drying. Make sure you don’t cut the grass below 30 percent of the overall height. As mentioned above, a foot assisted pair with a hand lever offers handy additional leverage while quickly raising the mower deck for brief durations.
Comfort
If you own a big lawn, you will be riding for a longer time on your zero turn lawn mower. Make sure to check the comfort level of the seat. A quality seat has proper back support to absorb the heavy vibration and offers a convenient reach to the controls. Don’t forget to check the easy view of the dashboard.
Steering
The steering wheel is better than lap bars as it allows control of the lawn mower like a car and allows getting the most out of the machine. Regardless, give quality levers a try with ultra-comfortable grips and proper vibration absorption. In simple words, a lawn mower with a steering wheel is easy to control than lap bars wheel.
Mower Width
A riding lawn mower deck starts from 42 inches, but much smaller decks are easily prone to tipping and rolling on slopes, especially a rear engine mower with the majority of weight stationed in the drive wheels and back, receiving the power in front.
It is advised to choose a deck width of 52 to 56 inches for ideal balance in the middle, as it can tackle lawns between one and three acres in length. A mower with 56 inches or above is ideal for commercial use with more than three acres of lawns. Remember, they can be expensive and hard to maintain.
Front Wheel vs. Rear Wheel drive
If you have a flat lawn surface, you don’t need tall back wheels with the additional power of rear wheel drive. A front-wheel drive lawn mower offers a speed benefit suitable for an even yard, whereas rear wheel drives work best for uneven lawn surfaces.
Mower speed
A zero turn lawn mower with 5 miles per hour speed produces clean and smooth cuts. Fast lawn mowers are ideal for flat yards to reduce mowing time but may not provide the cleanest cuts like slow or medium speed mowers.
Safety features
Safety comes first, and when you are driving lawn mowers on hills or slopes, you have to consider safety features. Don’t forget to check the roll bars, anti-slip material, sound level, and indicator lights for night lawn mowing.
Useful tips for zero turn lawn mowers
Don’t forget to check the mower engine, deck, and blades according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to catch any lingering mud, grass, dirt, and debris that can affect the performance of a machine.
Always disconnect the power before doing anything.
Clean the mower through using the deck wash port and store the machine in a sheltered, dry area.
Sharpen mower blades at least twice during the mowing season. The perfect cuts of sharp blades slice evenly without pulling your lawn grass, whereas dull blades will only rip the top off and leave the lawn looking ragged.
Always check the wheels before starting mowing. A punctured wheel ends the mowing day quickly. Make sure to check the wheels properly before and after the task for any holes or any defects that may be unsafe on rough terrain.
Lube deck wheels after 0 hours of use and also before storing the lawn mower for the offseason.
Take a careful look at the engine oil before every use.
Change filter and oil after 50 hours of use.
Check the air filters for damaged, dirty, and loose parts and replace them after every 100 hours of use.
Start the mowing session with a fresh spark plug. Don’t forget to check the gap and conditions after 100 hours of use and also before storing your zero turn lawn mower for the offseason.
Don’t use your zero turn lawn mower on slopes steeper than 10 degrees, and make sure all side slope mowing. If you have to deal with such terrains, it is advised to choose a walk behind lawn mower for such tasks.
A zero turn lawn mower has the ability to carry around 75% of the weight in the rear and drive with its front caster wheels. In simple words, it is easy for wet grass, washboard surfaces, or ruts to send the lawn mower tumbling and rider with it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is better, a zero turn lawn mower or a lawn tractor?
A zero turn lawn mower offers fast speed to mow large lawns. Typically, they have a 5 mph speed, but the fastest zero turn lawn mower may provide up to 10 mph speed. However, slower speed ensures cleaner cuts on even lawns. On the contrary, lawn tractors offer 4 mph speed, with the fastest up to 7 mph.
Can zero turn lawn mower cuts through wet grass?
A zero turn lawn mower can mow wet and thick grass if needed, but it is not the ideal condition for mowing. You can’t achieve desired cutting but may damage your lawn too.
What is the best deck size for zero turn lawn mower for 3 acres?
A zero turn lawn mower with 54 to 72 inches deck size is best for 3 acres of lawn. You can mow quickly and trim around different obstacles better compared to small mowers.
Final words
Mowing the yard isn’t a chore that every homeowner enjoys but if you want a neat and polished lawn, cutting the grass regularly and properly is the only way to achieve it. There is nothing better than a zero turn lawn mower to cut different types of grass accurately, quickly, and easily. However, investing in zero turn lawn mower needs serious consideration as it is an expensive power tool. Experts advise you to make a checklist of features you need in a zero turn lawn mower, compare the performance of different mowers, measure your lawn and decide the budget before diving into the lawn mower ocean.
Hi, This is James, Author at "Best Product Hunter". I am a postgraduate in Interior Design, currently working as a owner of an interior designing firm, and a blogger for home design and renovations. I love to share my research and reviews.
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