There are several types of zero-turn mowers. To find the best zero turn lawn mowers for your lawn, you may need a reference. In this article, we will show you how to choose a good zero-turn mower and how we rank for the 7 best zero-turn lawn mowers. This article includes four criteria such as classification, size, tank capacity, and power. It also points out the 7 best zero-turn mowers for you to choose from.
This kind of mower is designed for professional gardeners. Zero-turn mowers cut clean and move fast. This is because of the wide cutting deck and the powerful engine. To rank the best one, we base on the experience testing and user review. Then we pick up the models that have a good ratio of price and quality. The list is 2021 updated for you.
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How to choose the best zero-turn mower for mowing grass?
In this section, we will briefly take a look at some of the most important factors that should be taken into consideration, making it more likely that you will make the right pick.
Classification
This is one of the first things that you should think of. This will have a great impact on the price and performance of the zero turn mower that will be chosen. Generally speaking, the following are the options that you will have:
- Entry Level: This is the ideal choice for beginners and a popular option because this is also the cheapest. If you are looking for one that is for personal use in a small yard, not for professional application, this can be an ideal choice. Because they are entry-level models, expect that they will be very basic in terms of their features.
- Mid-Grade: Compared to the entry-level models, this type of zero turn lawn mower comes with a wider deck, which means that it can cut faster. Most of them are equipped with a powerful engine that is good enough for mid-sized yards. They are also more durable compared to their entry-level counterparts.
- Semi-Pro: This can be a good choice for landscapers who often work in residential lawns. It can be comparable to the commercial ones, but they are generally cheaper. They are made for daily use and designed to handle yards with size of up to 5 acres.
- Commercial: This is the most expensive from the four classes of zero-turn lawn mowers, and as the name implies, this is meant specifically for professionals. They have large fuel tanks and they have the most powerful engine, allowing it to handle even the most demanding mowing tasks.
Size
This will refer to the size of the deck of the zero turn mower. The right choice will depend on the intended application and the size of the yard where it will be used. If it is for personal use at home, you will be good with a small one. A 42-inch deck can be good for lots of up to one acre. One the other hand, for two acres, choose a 46-inch deck, 48 to 54-inch deck for up to two acres, and 60 to 72-inch deck for yards that are more than two acres.
Further reading:
- What is the best mower for a 1-acre lawn?
- What is the best mower for a 3-acre lawn?
- What is the best mower for a 5-acre lawn?
Tank Capacity
Again, this will be dependent on the size of the yard that will be mowed and the intended use. More often than not, the smallest will be three gallons, which is for entry-level models. Those that are used for commercial purposes, on the other hand, can contain up to 13.4 gallons. Unlike their electric counterparts, you need to have the gas refilled when it is already empty. If you hate refilling in the middle of your work, choose one that comes with a larger tank.
Power
This is one of the most important technical specifications that you should consider. Take a look at the horsepower of the zero turn mower. If it is for home use, a small horsepower can be enough. For commercial purposes, on the other hand, typical choices range from 19 to 30 horsepower. Keep in mind that the higher the horsepower is, the more gas it will consume. In some cases, those that are more powerful also tend to produce a loud noise.
The 7 Best Zero Turn Lawn Mowers Reviews
1. Husqvarna Z254 54 inches Kohler Hydrostatic Mower – Top pick mowers
Specifications:
| Mower type | Zero-turn mower |
| Power Source | Gas mower |
| Cutting width | 54 Inches |
| Adjustable cutting height | YES (From 1.5 inches to 4 inches) |
| Weight | 640 lbs |
This model which comes from the lawn mower Husqvarna Z200 series is considered our No. 1 top pick. It has the 21.5 HP Kohler V-twin engine and hydrostatic, easy-starting transmission. This model has a max speed of 6.5 miles per hour. The Z254 is a compact model, which has a 54-inches deck and a big fuel tank. Gardeners with a medium or large yard may want to opt for the Z254.
It works effectively on a lawn that is 4-acres in size or smaller. The 21.5 HP motor helps you maneuver a hilly garden easily. The mowing deck is designed underneath the center of the mower. This helps the mower operate evenly, even if it is ups and downs ground.
In addition, it is simple for you to adjust the deck height. Z254 is a high technique model. The cutting deck comes with Air-Induction Mowing Technology. Thanks to this, Z254 can find the proper cutting height automatically.
Moreover, the efficient cooling system can help extend the lifetime of this model. Your lawnmower runs stably at any speed. Therefore, it is friendly to the operator. You can comfortably drive the mower, and won’t be tired after a long run. From your seat, you can adjust most of the parts of this mower.
Actually, If you need to do lawn maintenance about once a week, this mower helps you get rid of stress. The 54 inches cutting deck is a big one. Therefore, you can mow the lawn faster. This is a premium item and what a professional gardener is looking for.
Pros:
- Reliable Kohler engine with hydrostatic transmission
- Takes up less storage space
- Big fuel tank (3.5-gallons).
- This is the best one for both home gardeners and professional one.
- The comfortable seat.
- The 23 HP motor is powerful.
Cons:
- The high price
2. Ariens IKON 915267 52 inches automatic Lawn Mower
Specifications:
| Mower type | Zero-turn mower |
| Power Source | Gas mower |
| Cutting width | 52 inches |
| Adjustable cutting height | YES (From 1.5 inches to 4.5 inches) |
| Weight | N/A |
The Ariens IKON XD – The zero-turn mower model of Ariens combines both comfort and durability. This mower has a 52-inch cutting deck. The cutting deck may be smaller than other options on this list but it should be large enough for any residential zero-turn lawn. Moreover, the deck is versatile for different types of grass. The cutting height can be adjusted between 1.55 and 4.5 inches. While the lawn mower Ariens IKON XD model is not the largest or most powerful zero-turn mower, it is a great mid-range option for a great value. Besides, it has a reliable 22 HP engine.
This item will be the best value offer for you. After a couple of minutes run, you finish the maintenance of the lawn. The lawnmower is built from a 23 HP Kawasaki engine. Therefore, the mower can move with any effort year to year. Thanks to a powerful motor, the lawnmower navigates without slipping.
With the 52 inches deck, it works efficiently on an up to 4-acres lawn. The deck is made from gauge steel. It’s the mower’s lifetime. Moreover, this model comes up with air-filled rear tires. Adding a lot of grips on the tires prevents the mower from sliding. You needn’t leave the seat to adjust the power level or the deck. Therefore, the cutting won’t be corrupted.
In addition, the ergonomic seat helps reduce the vibration that gives you a huge comfortable feeling. The armrests are available to adjust. You won’t feel tired of the mowing. There is a rear load that comes with this item. This smart design is wonderfully convenient. You can put your tool on the rear load. You head out on the gardening without any corruption.
In conclusion, it is the best zero turn mower for estate managers. It is a proper workload that you run the mower twice a week. The item is affordable with lots of fantastic functions. The engine is reliable. However, if your need for mowing is more than twice a week. The item isn’t for you.
Pros:
- Reliable 23HP Kohler engine with hydrostatic transmission
- Durable steel construction
- Having a good ratio of value and quality
- Safety seat.
- The best choice for a large garden and small golf.
Cons:
- The cutting deck’s size should be bigger
3. Ariens 25HP 60-inch ZTR Tractor – Best choice
Specifications:
| Mower type | Zero-turn mower |
| Power Source | Gas mower |
| Cutting width | 60 Inches |
| Adjustable cutting height | YES (From 1 inch to 4 inches) |
| Weight | 900 Pounds |
If you are looking for a commercial-grade riding zero-turn mower and if price is not an issue, this should be on the top of your list. This is one of the most expensive products available in the market, but such is because it is integrated with high-end features that will be hard to rival.
The Kohler 7000 Series engine is one of its best features, which is also the reason for its unmatched performance. The vertical shaft and V-twin engine is meant specifically to tackle even the most demanding applications while supposedly requiring minimal effort on your end.
It comes with a 60-inch cutting deck, which allows it to cut and trim a large area within a single pass. This means that even if you will be working on a large lawn, the task can be accomplished within a short span of time.
When it comes to comfort, it will not also disappoint. It is designed with a backrest and cushioned armrest. Even if you have to be mowing grass for a long time, you will surely not have to complain of discomfort.
Pros:
- Built with premium engine
- High-quality steel deck
- Cuts accurately and with impressive speed
Cons:
- Expensive price
- Can be a bit difficult to steer
4. Poulan Pro 967330901 Zero Turn Radius Riding Lawn Mower
Specifications:
| Mower type | Zero-turn mower |
| Power Source | Gas mower |
| Cutting width | 46 Inches |
| Adjustable cutting height | YES (From 1.5 inches to 4 inches) |
| Weight | 750 Pounds |
The 22 HP Briggs & Stratton engine that is incorporated in the lawn mower is perhaps one of its most exceptional features. Because of its power, you can expect that it will be able to deliver the power that you need, even for a large lawn.
If you are thinking about your safety, you will have another good reason to have it considered above all others. The blade engagement protection will make this possible, which will prevent accidents.
This will also be an excellent choice if you are looking for versatility. One thing that will make this possible is the six position cutting height adjustment. It can be adjusted anywhere from 1. 5 to 4 inches, depending on the grass that will be cut.
When it comes to maneuverability, this model has also been given positive feedbacks by its users. This is made possible by the dual wheel hydro transmission. Going forward and backward, left and right, will surely be easy.
Pros:
- Automatic transmission
- High-capacity fuel tank
- Comprehensive warranty coverage
Cons:
- High cost of attachments
- Can be complicated to operate
5. Husqvarna Z246 967323903 Zero-Turn Mower – One of great riding lawn mowers
Specifications:
| Mower type | Zero-turn mower |
| Power Source | Gas mower |
| Cutting width | 46 Inches |
| Adjustable cutting height | YES (From 1.5 inches to 4 inches) |
| Weight | 504 Ibs |
In many of the zero turn mower reviews, this is one product that is given words of praises – one of the best riding lawn mowers. It has high-quality wheels and can work even for hills. To add, it also has Air Induction Mowing Technology. With the latter, air will be drawn from the top to the bottom, which will significantly improve its ability to cut grass.
It is also equipped with Ready Start technology, which is one of the reasons why it excels in terms of being user-friendly. It is equipped with an automatic choke system, which means that starting the unit will be as effortless as possible.
Another feature that is worth noting is the reinforced cutting deck, which is made from high quality steel. This is not only durable, but also improves the cutting capacity of the zero turn mower, making it perfect even for the most demanding applications.
Lastly, it is also excellent when it comes to comfort. It is integrated with a 15-inch sliding seat, which is complemented with a sliding suspension to guarantee comfort.
Pros:
- Reinforced cutting deck
- Well-built wheels
- Comfortable suspension
Cons:
- Expensive price
- Requires heavy maintenance
6. Poulan Pro 967331001 Zero Turn Radius Riding Mower
Specifications:
| Mower type | Zero-turn mower |
| Power Source | Gas mower |
| Cutting width | 54 Inches |
| Adjustable cutting height | YES (From 1.5 inches to 4 inches) |
| Weight | 342.01 Kilograms |
The engine is one of the most important features that you should consider when evaluating the possibilities. This zero-turn riding mower is made to impress as it comes with 24 HP Briggs & Stratton engine. It is powerful enough to mow up to 2.8 acres per hour.
The 18-inch rear tires will also be a plus. This will make it easy to have it maneuvered. However, there are also some people who noted that its traction can be a problem in some types of surfaces.
Thinking of your comfort? There is no need to be worried. It has a 15-inch backrest, allowing you to rest while mowing grass. Regardless of how demanding the task is, it will be able to deliver optimal comfort.
It can also offer versatility. This is because of its six cutting heights, which can be adjusted easily. This will provide you with the assurance that it can deliver accurate cutting performance in different applications.
Pros:
- Powerful engine
- Effortless to maneuver
- Comfortable seat
Cons:
- Traction can be a bit problematic
- Assembly can be complicated
7. John Deere Z235 Riding Zero-Turn Mower
Specifications:
| Mower type | Zero-turn mower |
| Power Source | Gas mower |
| Cutting width | 42 Inches |
| Adjustable cutting height | YES (From 1 inch to 2 inches) |
| Weight | 770 Pounds |
If you are looking for a zero turn mower for sale that can prove to be easy to use, this should be on the top of the list. Even if it comes with high-end features, you will be surprised that it will be effortless to operate, even for novices.
The 42-inch cutting deck is also impressive. It might be smaller than most of the options in the product category, but it does not disappoint. It is made from a high-quality material, providing you with the guarantee that it will be long lasting.
When it comes to its motor, it has a 20 HP 656CC motor from Briggs & Stratton. This can be a bit smaller than its competitors, but still, its performance will be exceptional, even if you intend to use it in larger lawns and thicker grass.
Lastly, words of praise have been also expressed for its height adjustment, making it versatile for a wide array of applications. The cutting height can be adjusted from 1.5 to 3 inches, which you can also change in a snap.
Pros:
- Effortless to operate
- Powerful motor
- Delivers accurate cuts
Cons:
- Blades require heavy maintenance
- Bagger and mulching kit should be purchased separately
How we ranks for the 7 best zero-turn lawn mowers
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To rank for 7 best zero-turn lawn mowers, we must consider some criteria based on our experience testing zero-turn lawn mowers. Following is the way on how we rank for 7 best zero-turn lawn mowers. The first thing we need to consider is the power of the turn mower. The second criterion is the cutting width. We also provide information about the fuel capacity, the max speed and the price.
#1 Power:
The more powerful the engine means, the tougher jobs a mower can take on. You need more power to handle rough terrain, inclines, and wet or overgrown grass. If your yard is difficult to mow, you might also need more money to mow your lawn.
#2 Cutting width:
The cutting width which is determined by the mower deck size will tell how much grass you can mow in one pass.
A mower with a larger cutting width can help the job get done faster because you will not need to take as many passes to cover the whole lawn. In contrast, with a smaller cutting width, it is easier to store and that can get into tighter spots.
#3 Fuel capacity:
All the zero-turn lawn mowers on the list are gas-powered. This means that they can run only when the tank has gas.
If you have a mower with a large fuel capacity, your mowing will last for a long time without refueling. On the other hand, If you have a mower with a small fuel capacity, you might possibly run out of fuel in the middle of long jobs.
#4 Max speed:
As a rule, zero-turn lawn mowers are usually faster than lawn tractors. There are various types of speeds of different zero-turn mowers. If your yard is large and has a lot of open space, you will need a mower with a higher max speed which can help you cut down your mowing grass time.
#5 Price:
If a mower is larger and more powerful, you are going to pay more for it. You may have to consider your yard and determine what size and power level you need.
FAQs on
1. Is a zero-turn lawn mower worth the money?
Yes, it is. Zero-turn mowers are considered easier to maneuver and faster than other lawn tractors. Besides, most users find zero turn mowers much more entertaining to drive. Therefore they are worth a few extra hundred dollars to you.
2. What is the most reliable brand of zero turn mowers?
For zero-turn lawn mowers, Husqvarna is the most reliable brand.
3. What is the best zero-turn lawn mower?
The best zero-turn lawn mower for the rice is the Husqvarna Z254. It is powerful with a 21.5 HP Kohler V-twin engine and hydrostatic.
4. Is there any electric zero-turn mower suitable for mowing?
Yes, you can consider buying an electric zero-turn mower here.
5. What are the benefits of using zero-turn mowers?
The main reason many landscaping businesses or large property owners choose a zero turn over a lawn tractor is efficiency. They’re called zero turn, as they are able to stop and turn on a dime. Lawn tractors have a larger turning radius so they take longer to cut due to maneuverability limitations.
Additional benefits of using a zero turn mower are that they offer a well-manicured cut. Most zero-turn mowers have an adjustable cutting deck. This allows for precision and flexibility. With an adjustable cutting deck you can set the cutting height as low as a half inch (on some models) up to 5 inches.
Zero turn mowers are easy to operate with proper instruction. Many newer zero turn mowers allow for attachments that turn your mower into an all around property maintenance machine. Some attachments include a mulching blade, snowplow blade, front bumper, headlights, bagger and more.
6. How long will a zero turn mower last?
With proper care and routine maintenance, zero turn mowers tend to last 10 years or more. Of course, this will greatly depend on the amount of use as well as the type of terrain they are being used on.
Fortunately, replacement parts are relatively inexpensive. For most owners, routine maintenance is something you can take care of yourself.
Final thoughts
Above is the information about how to choose a good zero turn mower and how we rank for the 7 best zero-turn lawn mowers. Hopefully, with the information given, you can find out the most suitable zero turn mower for your gardening work.