Managing a 5-acre property is no walk in the park! I’ve been there, and trust me, without the right zero-turn mower, it could take ages, and you might end up with a patchy lawn. That’s why I took the time to review the top zero-turn mowers out there. I want to make sure your lawn looks perfect and save you time in the process. Let’s get that lawn looking its best, shall we?
Reviews of the Best Zero Turn Mowers for 5 Acres
1. Husqvarna MZ61
To get the job done quickly, one would want large riding mowers that come with a hydrostatic drive system, which is the Husqvarna MZ61. The large machine has the speed to get the job done quickly as well as the mowing area with a 61-inch cutting deck.
The 24 HP Kawasaki engine on this zero-turn riding mower provides easy startups and the ROPS, or rollover protection system will keep you safe on uneven terrain.
You can choose to discharge, mulch or bag your grass clippings and Husqvarna adds a high-back seat complete with armrests, vibration dampeners and easy access to the steering levers for your comfort.
What I Like
- The hydrostatic transmission
- The high-back seat
- The fast ground speed
- 24 HP Kawasaki engine
- 61-inch cutting deck with fabricated 11-gauge steel
- Bag, mulch or discharge grass
- It has a rollover protection system
- It has vibration dampeners
- It has an easy fuel tank access
What I Don’t Like
- The expensive price
- It is difficult to unload off the delivery truck
2. Husqvarna Z254F
The Husqvarna Z254F is a little smaller than the MZ61 with a 54-inch cutting deck. The Z254F is what I recommend for power and fast speeds. This riding lawn mower displays a 26HP Kohler 7000 series V-Twin engine with a fuel capacity of 747cc.
The deck is durable and efficient, constructed with fabricated steel and has a 3-blade design. It also has the hydrostatic drive system and a zero-turn design that allows for more precision for a pristine cut job.
For your comfort, the best Husqvarna mowers includes armrests and headlights to add to the cutting machine for better visibility at night and a more comfortable ride.
What I Like
- The powerful 26 HP Kohler 7000 series V-Twin engine
- 3-blade grass mowing deck
- The fabricated steel construction
- Electric clutch engagement
- Zero-turn design
- It has a comfortable seat with accessories
- It includes headlights
What I Don’t Like
- It is not available in California
- It does not feature half-inch cutting height adjustments
3. Husqvarna Z142
The machine for best budget is also the smallest one on the list. Even for 5 acres of grass, there is sometimes a need for smaller zero-turn mowers, especially if you need to work your way around obstacles. The Husqvarna Z142 has a 42-inch cutting deck and 17 HP motor that allows for a 6.5 mph max speed.
Thanks to Husqvarna’s convenient design, this model can also allow for discharging, bagging or mulching your grass clippings. The Z142 has air induction technology that will take in air from both the top and the bottom of the deck to deliver a superior cut job.
What I Like
- The air induction technology
- It has a smaller design for easy maneuverability
- Bag, mulch or discharge grass clippings
- 6.5 max speed
- The durable cutting deck
- Zero-turn design
- It is suited for grass in large acres or a bigger yard
What I Don’t Like
- It has 2 blades, not 3
- It has no armrests
4. Ariens IKON XD-52 24HP Kohler Zero Turn Lawn Mower
The Ariens IKON XD-52 also has a twin cylinder engine with a 52-inch grass mowing deck with 3 fabricated steel blades. The 24 HP Kohler 7000 series engine has a 725cc capacity for extra power.
The Hydrostatic EZT transmission coupled with the zero-turn mower design will guarantee efficiency and ease of use. The Ikon also has large tires that will make the lawn mower stable under various mowing conditions. The large high-back plush seat is amply cushioned to give the rider a comfortable experience with armrests and direct control over the levers.
What I Like
- The powerful engine
- It has a large motor capacity
- Easy operation
- Zero-turn design
- It's great for large lawns or hectares of land
- Fast grass mowing
- It's a reliable machine
- Large tires
- Hydrostatic EZT transmission
What I Don’t Like
- It has no headlights
- It has no steering wheel
Zero Turn Mower for 5 Acres Buyer’s Guide
The best zero turn mowers should work on smaller lawns as well and feature a reliable motor, a comfortable seat and fast speeds. What other factors should you look for? I am here to answer that question and more.
Design and Size
A zero-turn mower gives the rider better control and maneuverability of such a large machine. You will need larger units compared to regular lawn mowers to ensure an efficient job. A zero-turn design gives a tight turning radius of 0-degrees for a pristine cut.
The weight of zero-turn mowers will always be heavy, and that can’t be helped. The only concern the weight of the machine will have is during delivery, but most people are prepared for the loading and unloading of the zero-turn mower.
Engine Power
Briggs Stratton and other brands can feature anywhere from 17 to 26 HP [1] engines like the ones on this list that bring fast ground speeds to the mowers. For 5 acres of grass, I would recommend the Kohler V-Twin series, Briggs Stratton recoil start engine or a Kawasaki twin cylinder engine that provide HP within the above range.
The right motor size and tank capacity will depend on the type of work you do, but I say power is the number one consideration for acres and hectares of land.
Deck Size
The size of the deck is a crucial factor in determining the efficiency and work time required for your lawn. I have extensively tested various lawn mower options with different deck sizes to identify the most suitable choice for different types of work.
The 42-inch small footprint mower from Husqvarna is excellent for people who have fixtures in their yard or obstacles to avoid on the land. It has a smaller deck, so I say you can expect a longer grass mowing time than a larger product, but you will also get targeted accuracy.
On the other end of the spectrum is the large MZ61 from the same brand, which boasts of a 61-inch cutting deck, promising to get the job done in no time at all. It’s a machine with one of the largest decks on the market suited for large properties.
Then there are the product options with 3 blades as opposed to 2 blades, which can offer a precise cut job the first time around. There will be no need to retrace your steps if you get the right deck.
I say the right choice will depend on the lay of the land and the type of terrain and grass you have. However, I do suggest 3 blades over 2 for a cleaner cut.
Cutting Size
Aside from how much grass your machine can cut, there are also customizations the best zero-turn mower should afford you. I suggest looking for a lawn mower that has adjustable height. This will allow you to choose how close of a cut you want.
There are lawn mower models with incremental height adjustments. The minimum height of the grass the mowers will allow is around 4 and above, which signifies 4mm. It’s not recommended to cut your grass too closely, so it’s beneficial to have various height settings.
Transmission
The transmission, or the drive system of a zero-turn mower influences the mower, maintenance and mobility of your machine. There are three categories – manual, automatic and hydrostatic, with hydrostatic being the one I recommend.
Fuel Capacity
The engine capacity is different from the fuel capacity. The fuel tank will signal how much fuel the machine can hold, which is measured in cc. The higher the number, the larger the capacity, which equals to longer runtimes. For a property as large as 5 acres and long grass, you not only need a large cutting capacity and a powerful engine, but I also suggest a large fuel volume.
Safety Features
Even though you get to sit comfortably atop the mower with ample distance between the grass and the blades, your zero turn mowers should still have adequate safety features. One of these features include a bumper roller system, which will improve the turf protection.
An ROPS, or rollover protection system will make sure the riders are safe in their seats just in case the machine tips or flips. A steering wheel instead of lap bars will be much more intuitive for most riders. However, lap bars give you superior control over the speed and movement of your lawn mower.
Since some of these mowers can go up to 6.5 mph at max speed, it’s handy to have some sort of emergency stop or brake to make sure you can react in a sudden situation. Also, a gradual but easy electric start is also preferred so you aren’t caught off guard.
The seat should be adequately cushioned and preferably has a high back for waist support. Armrests are always a good idea for stability and vibration dampeners is an attribute I always look for in riding mower options.
Advantages of a Zero Turn Mower for 5 Acres
It’s no secret that zero-turn mowers are pricier, so why not just go for a standard option for your yard? There are numerous grass mowing benefits to choosing a zero-turn lawn mower, including the maneuverability. Although I specialize in lawn mowing equipment and enjoy reviewing their abilities, moving can be hard work. Another feature a zero-turn lawn tool offers is shortened mowing times.
These lawn models provide more efficiency, versatility and variety. You will end up with a cleaner cut and a more desirable lawn. It doesn’t matter if you have a small yard or one that spans for acres, a zero-turn mower will give the results a standard unit cannot.
You will feel much more comfortable in your adequately cushioned chair as the sharp 0 radius turns are barely felt. Not to mention, there will also be a lot less weed eating at any speed.
FAQ
What is the best zero turn mower for 5 acres?
The best zero-turn mower for 5 acres is the Husqvarna MZ61. It is a lawn tool with one of the largest cutting decks on the market at 61-inches, which can get the job done quickly. The powerful engine can support a high max speed and the ROPS, or rollover protection system will keep the rider safe.
Also Read: Best Riding Lawn Mowers for 2 Acres
How long does it take to mow 5 acre with a zero turn?
Top Pick For a Zero Turn Mower for 5 Acres: Husqvarna MZ61
The top pick for the best zero turn mower for 5 acres is undoubtedly the Husqvarna MZ61. The large cutting deck allowed me to get through 5 acres in a little over 2 hours. Thanks to the 24 horsepower Kawasaki engine, this lawn tool is able to mow through the grass with speed and efficiency. Instead of a steering wheel you get hand levers that give you quick control over the machine.
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Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
