Anyone in the lawn care industry is aware that standard lawn tractors are insufficient for mowing rough terrain. Moreover, not all outdoor power equipment has the same cutting capabilities, even though the best zero-turn mowers can handle the few obstacles that other machines cannot.
Check out the top mower options we tested to reduce your options if you’re concerned that your purchase will be a waste of money.
Best Zero-turn Mowers
1. Husqvarna Z254
Pros:
- Suitable commercial mowers for 3-acre lawns
- Can handle extensive mowing hours if needed
- Reduced vibration during cutting operations
- Easy to reach and accessible service points
- Equipped with mower deck wash port
Cons:
- Mulching and bagger attachments not included
- More pricey than most zero-turn mowers
Larger lawns need more time to mow, so having a machine with a large fuel tank capacity, like the Husqvarna MZ54F Zero-Turn Mower, is wonderful. A wider cutting deck that measures about 54 inches helps it maintain continuous performance.
Our team discovered that this particular model of gas lawnmower has three blades after giving it a closer look. Compared to other lawn tractor options, it also has a longer machine life, which is largely attributable to its zero-turn transmissions.
These mowers are powered by gas, so they are not constrained by cords or limited battery life. Furthermore, because this mower uses EVC technology, you can anticipate the highest level of comfort while cutting.
2. Ariens Ikon Xd-52
Pros:
- Best zero-turn mower for lands up to 7 acres
- Made of durable and premium materials
- Capable of handling rough landscapes
- Wide cutting width and high tank capacity
Cons:
- Noted suited for small yards and storage rooms
- More expensive than other commercial models
We recognize that some people might be on a tight budget. But it’s impossible to avoid coming across expensive options like Ariens Zenith when purchasing a commercial mower for your company.
You might be surprised to learn that, despite its high price, its cutting deck houses three mower blades that can produce clippings as wide as 60 inches. Because of its powerful Kawasaki V-Twin Engine, it can handle complex landscaping unlike typical residential zero-turn mowers.
Furthermore, it has strong front and rear wheels that are excellent for navigating rocky terrain.
3. Toro Titan Max 60-inch Zero-turn Mower
Pros
- Maximum forward speed of 8.5 mph
- 3 blades
- 5-gallon fuel tank
- MyRIDE suspension system
Cons
- Not good for hilly terrain
The 819-pound Titan by Toro is designed for traction and stability on comparatively flat ground and has a top forward speed of 8.5 mph. The mower’s 22-inch back wheels are supported by a 26-hp Kohler engine. The fuel tank holds 5 gallons, and the 10-gauge steel deck can be adjusted from 1.5 to 4.5 inches.
For unmatched operator comfort at top speed, Toro Titan’s MyRIDE suspension system smooths out the roughest terrain. To ensure that the frame, not the operator, takes the brunt of any impact, the suspended platform allows for more than 3 inches of isolated, cushioned movement. Additionally, there is a lot of padding in the adjustable high-back seat. The Titan would be a good option for any sizable, mostly flat property because it has plenty of cutting power and a smooth ride.
4. Craftsman Z5800
Pros
- Comfortable
- Good for mowing flat surfaces with obstacles
- Maneuverable
Cons
- No hour meter
The Craftsman zero-turn riding mower is one of the most ergonomic yard tools available today. Riding mowers have advanced significantly in terms of comfort. You receive much-needed support from the high-back seat, especially if you’re cutting large areas. Additionally, you have the ability to chew through up to three acres of grass thanks to the 20HP engine and 42-inch cutting deck. Never ignore ergonomics when cutting large yards because it can take a lot of time and that can strain your back. The riding mower’s rubber footpad helps to lessen vibrations that could otherwise result in foot and leg pain. Without being overly sensitive, the steering bars feel excellent. This is a cozy outdoor throne in addition to a reliable zero-turn lawn mower.
5. Cub Cadet Ultima Zt1
Pros:
- Its performance and dependability are excellent.
- While requiring less maintenance, the hydrostatic transmission offers a smooth ride.
- The mower has wheels that provide the traction necessary to maneuver through uneven terrain.
- A clean, even cut is produced by the blades.
Cons:
- Larger fuel tanks are found in comparable mowers.
- A safety roll bar is absent from this mower.
- It’s a gas-powered lawnmower that emits emissions that are not allowed by California’s CARB regulations.
First impressions, in my opinion, are important. When I first used the Cub Cadet Ultimate ZT1, I had a overwhelmingly positive experience.
I could immediately tell that the manufacturer had given this effective mower a lot of thought when designing and building it. I discovered that my initial impression was accurate as I discovered more about its various features. A zero-turn mower that will simplify your life is the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1.
Let’s begin with the engine. An impressive piece of equipment is the Kawasaki twin-cylinder 23 horsepower engine. The mower can be run at 7.5 mph and 3.5 mph in reverse thanks to its 726cc capacity.
The dual hydrostatic rear-wheel transmission makes it simple to change the speed. This mower feels smoother and requires less maintenance thanks to the hydrostatic transmission.
Another element that I liked right away was the tubular steel frame. The 2″ tubes feel sturdy, and there is a special coating that will prevent corrosion. The mower has a high, cozy seat with a comfortable back that feels ergonomic. The seat and the substantial rubber mat, in my opinion, were very effective at absorbing shocks and bumps.
How We Choose The Best Zero-turn Mowers
In the past, we looked for the best push mowers, the best riding lawn mowers, and some outstanding cordless lawn mowers. Because of the invaluable background knowledge we gained from that experience, we were able to select top-notch zero-turn lawn mowers with a little more finesse. To identify the top zero-turn mowers for various types of yards and users, we used research, testing conducted on ourselves, recommendations, reviews, and user feedback.
What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Zero-turn Mower
Are there any variations among riding mowers with lever steering? Size, weight, horsepower, and fuel source are just a few of the characteristics to consider when shopping for a zero-turn mower. Know how these mowers work, what they cost, and what they can do before taking out the wallet.
For My Yard’s Size, What Size Zero-turn Mower Do I Need?
Residential zero-turn mowers are the effective, user-friendly choice for yards under three acres. A commercial mower may be the best choice if your lawn is larger or if you intend to use the mower every day.
How Much Power Do You Require?
The best zero-turn mowers have a horsepower range of 10 to 25. But 10HP is only useful for yards that are under half an acre in size. Additionally, those mowers cannot handle incline. The ideal range is 20HP to 25HP for residential lawns up to three acres. Furthermore, zero-turn mowers typically perform well on hills with an incline of up to 15 degrees. Having said that, a typical suburban yard may be too big and too expensive for any zero-turn lawn mower with 25HP or more.
The Two Types Of Zero-turn Mowers: Commercial And Residential
Zero-turn lawnmowers were previously only available as yard equipment for businesses. The large industrial lawn mowers were used by landscaping companies and groundskeeping teams to manage and maintain expansive grassy areas. Recently, however, lever steering has been made more powerful and agile for suburban homeowners thanks to zero-turn lawnmowers.
Zero-turn mowers for homes and businesses have very different levels of power, as well as different prices. Commercial models are made to be used frequently and over large spaces. They have wider cutting decks, are heavier, and have more power. Smaller, more maneuverable, and better suited to weekly cutting are residential zero-turn lawn mowers. Hills can be difficult because these lawn tools aren’t as powerful. However, they still offer superb handling and maneuverability at a much lower cost.
Gas Vs. Electric Lawn Mowers
There are, in fact, battery-powered, electric zero-turn mowers available. And they perform admirably, particularly for yards under an acre. Riding mowers that run on batteries are more than just obnoxious golf carts. They have significant cutting power, and technology is constantly improving.
The price of electric riding mowers is comparable to that of gas-powered ones. While taking care of your lawn, you are not only saving money but also the environment. Since electric mowers don’t produce any exhaust fumes, they are more environmentally friendly. The biggest disadvantage is that they do require batteries. Even the most energy-efficient electric mower’s battery can quickly run out of power, and the time it takes to recharge it will take up your entire Saturday. Electric mowers are just as effective as gasoline-powered mowers if you don’t mind the short battery life or if you intend to buy extra batteries.
Mowers that run on gas will be slightly more powerful. Gas mowers are more durable vehicles that are better suited for riding over uneven ground and (modest) hills. Electric mowers are not suitable for commercial use because there are many factors to consider, including horsepower and frequent use. Don’t disregard electric mowers as your best zero-turn riding mower, though, for flat lawns no larger than an acre.
How We Select And Test
Based on our experience testing zero-turn lawn mowers and hours of conversations with dealers, distributors, and manufacturers, we chose a range of the best residential machines to focus on the most promising contenders. We struck a reasonable price/feature balance.
The deck is then raised and lowered, and the seat is then adjusted, as part of the testing process. We examine the accessibility of the service points (the oil filter, the spark plug, and the air filter), as well as how simple it is to remove the deck. With each mower, we cut about an acre of grass while taking cut and mulching quality into account as we move uphill, downhill, across washboards, and along sidehills. (Manufacturers typically advise against going steeper than 10 degrees, but we like to be thorough. On sidehills, we’ll mow surfaces pitched up to about 20 degrees.) We assess the mower’s power and speed in relation to cut quality, or whether it can mow at full speed while producing a good quality cut. We examine whether the mower’s tires collect grass when mowing in wet conditions and how well it removes wet clippings. Last but not least, we evaluate the machines’ ability to maneuver (they are typically very agile) and how quickly they stop when you release the lap bar control levers.
We’ll update this review with full impressions for any of these lawn mowers (the Husqvarna Z254F, Ego Z6 4204, and Ryobi 48140) that we haven’t yet tested. As a result of their qualities and potential, they merit being listed among the best.
Final Thoughts
For navigating around tight turns, obstacles, and landscaping beds, a zero-turn riding mower is the best option. They are also the best kind of riding mower for quickly covering large areas. Residential zero-turn riding mowers offer almost as much power as behemoths of the commercial caliber, but at a more manageable size and cost. For lawns between one and three acres, these maneuverable mowers are the ideal yard appliance. Find a cutting deck that is the right size, has a comfortable seat, and is associated with a reliable brand. Learn about the top zero-turn lawn mowers available today to maintain your yard effectively and efficiently.