Anyone in the lawn care business knows that using typical lawn tractors won’t suffice when mowing rough terrain. And while the best zero-turn mowers can handle the few obstacles that other units can’t, not all outdoor power equipment offers the same cutting capacities.
If you’re worried about buying a waste of investment, check out the best mower options we tested to narrow your selections down.
Reviews of the Top Zero-Turn Mowers
1. Husqvarna MZ54F Zero-Turn Mower
Larger lawns require extensive mowing time, so a unit with a high fuel tank capacity like Husqvarna MZ54F Zero-Turn Mower is a delight to have. Its uninterrupted performance is also aided by a wider cutting deck measured around 54 inches.
Upon closer look, our team noticed that gas mowers under this specific model include three blades. It also features a longer machine life compared to other lawn tractor options, a feature that’s highly owed to its zero-turn transmissions. Additionally, this zero-turn mower has a plow attachment for added versatility.
Given that these are gas-powered mowers, this unit isn’t restricted by short battery life or cords. You may also expect utmost comfort during the cutting operations as this mower features EVC technology.
What We Like
- 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
What We Don't Like
- Mulching and bagger attachments not included
- More pricey than most zero-turn mowers
2. Ariens Zenith Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
We understand that some people may have budget restrictions. However, when buying a commercial mower for your business, there’s no way you can avoid bumping into premium options like Ariens Zenith.
Regardless of its high price tag, you’d be surprised to know that its cutting deck houses three mower blades that can cut grass clippings as wide as 60 inches. Unlike typical residential zero-turn mowers, it can withstand complex landscaping thanks to its high-powered Kawasaki V-Twin Engine.
Besides that, it has durable front and rear wheels that are highly suitable for navigating rough terrain.
What We Like
- 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
What We Don't Like
- Noted suited for small yards and storage rooms
- More expensive than other commercial models
3. Ariens Edge 915245 Zero Turn Mower
Ariens mowers have been in the market for the longest time, so it didn’t surprise us that much to bump into another durable unit like Ariens Edge 915245 Zero Turn Mower.
However, because it’s lower in price, it has a narrower cutting width of 42 inches. But regardless of this, this 42-inch riding mower runs with a reliable Kohler engine that can withstand harsh cutting conditions. It’s also designed with 11-gauge steel, which means it can deliver the utmost durability throughout its machine life.
If you’re a newbie, it’s great to start with small zero-turn lawn mowers like these. Besides easy navigation, these riding mowers have comfortable high-back seats and ball-bearings.
What We Like
- Lower price range than other riding mowers
- Best zero-turn lawn mowers for newbies
- Made of weather-resistant materials
- Mower deck houses two blades
What We Don't Like
- Not the best zero-turn lawn mower for large lawns
- Requires regular machine maintenance
4. Ariens IKON 915279 Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower
Another budget-friendly choice from the same brand is Ariens IKON 915279 Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower. If you need to mow a slightly wider landscape, its 52-inch cutting width can help your cutting task.
While the entire mower turns, we can feel the difference in comfort and performance. Unlike other typical lawnmowers, the test drive definitely delivers more smoothness and less user fatigue. It is one of the most recommended mowers for pregnant people, too. If you ask us, it’s the unit’s C-Frame design that makes its structure stable and delivers fewer vibrations.
It’s a fabricated mower deck, so the airflow in these riding lawn mowers is excellent. With this feature, a zero-turn lawn mower wouldn’t have problems handling different mowing conditions.
What We Like
- Well-engineered design for stable operations
- High user comfort and construction durability
- Oversized grips for better mowing control
What We Don't Like
- Has a heavy shipping weight
- Shipping may take long
5. EGO Power+ Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
If a convenient unit is what you seek, it’s time to turn your head to electric mowers like EGO Power+ Zero-Turn Lawn Mower. It doesn’t carry any fuel tank, that’s why you can move this mower easily for storage, even in a small enclosed space.
Besides that, this mower operates with high-power batteries that can make the unit run 3 to 7 mph. Its brushless motors also aid the overall performance of these zero-turn mowers.
Instead of a steering wheel, these zero-turn mowers feature lap bars for better control. With this unit, any user can cover cutting tasks required on a two-acre piece of land.
What We Like
- Best zero-turn lawn mowers for 2-acre lands
- Delivers power equivalent to gas mowers
- No fuel capacity or electrical cord restrictions
- Easy to store and assemble
What We Don't Like
- Higher price than other zero-turn lawn mowers
- Mowing duration depends on battery life
6. Ariens IKON XD 915273 Zero Turn Lawn Mower
When shopping for commercial zero-turn mowers, it’s important to get ones with high cutting width capacity like Ariens IKON XD 915273. You may not know, but not all zero-turn mowers feature a 60-inch deck.
Above all else, its professional-grade mowing transmission made our test drive a lot easier. It increases the unit’s torque, and the additional load capacity gave us enough user control throughout the cutting operation.
It’s also one of the best zero-turn lawn mowers to use for its 2.5 gallons of gas tank capacity and maximum top speed ranging up to 7 mph.
What We Like
- Wide cutting width capacity
- Not as expensive as other options
- Equipped with reliable engine
- Easy to control and drive
What We Don't Like
- Fuel refills may interrupt operations
- Product shipping may vary per region
7. Husqvarna Z146 Zero-Turn Riding Mower
Most mowers may seem costly. But if you’re on a tight budget, one of the most cost-efficient zero-turn mowers our experts can recommend is Husqvarna Z146 Zero-Turn Riding Mower. Although priced lower, it’s a great mower to use because of its 46-inch cutting width.
This mower runs with hydrostatic transmission, so you can expect it to operate well, even in different mowing conditions. During the test drive, we also find its control levers extremely easy to use. All you need to do is pull the lap bars in straight line motions back and forth to activate or deactivate the park brake system of the unit.
What We Like
- Cheaper than other zero-turn lawn mower options
- Appropriate cutting width for small lawns
- Reliable engine and durable exterior
- Delivers high-quality cuts and performance
What We Don't Like
- May not suit wider landscapes like golf courses
- No attachments included upon purchase
What are Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers and How Do They Work?
Benefits of a Zero-Turn Mower
It doesn’t matter if you have the best zero-turn mowers. If you don’t know what it is and how it makes your mowing experience easier, all its offerings may be lost in translation. So if you want to be well-versed in this type of machine, here are a few of its benefits to highlight how this cutting tool works.
Shorter Mowing Time
Whether you have a John Deere, Cub Cadet, or Bad Boy zero-turn mower, your mowing duration can still be affected by factors like land condition and structure. However, if a unit runs with a zero-turn radius, you can finish complex landscaping faster than you think. Generally, it can cut mowing time in half due to its maneuverability.
Fuel Efficient
Mowing is a typical lawn care practice, so you may assume that these machines naturally consume a significant amount of fuel. However, as mentioned before, zero-turn lawnmowers significantly reduce mowing time, resulting in remarkably lower fuel consumption compared to other models. Less fuel usage not only benefits your wallet but also reduces your overall expenses.
Cleaner Mowing and Enhanced Mulching
Another great feature zero-turn mowers have is their adequate blade speeds. If you’re a newbie, you may not know that faster cutting also signifies the delivery of accurate cuts. Because of this, the grass field will appear cleaner. The blade speed is also attributed to efficient cutting, leading to enhanced mulching.
Zero-Turn Mowers Buyer’s Guide
Engine Power
Not many know this, but the performance of your mower is partly owed to the amount of power its engine can deliver. You may notice the HP specifications included in the product’s label. This measuring scale indicates the power your unit can run with. Higher HP means higher power to deliver. It’s also a metric often used in regular cars.
Fuel Tank Capacity
If you’re mowing a vast land, you wouldn’t want any kind of interruptions like refilling your gas tank to get in between your momentum. Mowers with bigger gas tanks usually run longer than those with smaller ones. Take note that these features are often labeled in gallons.
And while zero-turn lawn mowers such as those manufactured by Bad Boy are known to be fuel-efficient, our experts would like to reiterate that powerful engines tend to consume more gas. If you can, it’s better to avoid units with small fuel tanks and high HP [1].
Cutting Deck
The size of the unit’s cutting deck also translates to the width of your mower. So if possible, we urge you to consider how big your mowing area is before deciding. No one wants a garden tool that’s bigger or smaller than their property, right? Having wider decks also mean you can mow the land faster than a regular riding or push mower.
Cutting Width and Height
As the landowner, it’s not uncommon to have a preference on how tall or short you want your turf to be. In fact, even the fast-changing seasons may trigger you to adjust your mower’s cutting width and height.
It may sound worrisome, but did you know that most of the mower options in the market allow users to set different cut settings? So if you can, you might as well go for models with adjustable cutting positions.
Steering and Stopping
If you look closely, you’ll notice that most of these units are operated with steering bars instead of the usual steering wheels. This is because bars tend to be less sensitive to handle than their alternative.
Although zero-turn models have intuitive functions that pick up your steering and stopping mechanism, it’s still recommended to practice if you’re a new user.
Speed
We all know that these mowers are faster than regular units. However, not all models can reach the same speed. If you’re mowing through extensive properties, getting a cutting tool that runs at a higher mile per hour is something you should consider.
Commercial vs. Residential Zero-Turn Mower
If you’ve been in the lawn care industry long enough, you’d know that majority of the zero-turn mowers are offered in commercial settings. But with the continued innovation and popularity of this machine, residential models eventually came into the picture.
Although both types offer enhanced agility, the major difference between commercial and residential mowers is their engine power and price tag. Units used in a commercial setting have heavier structures and deliver more power, while the latter has lesser power and smaller design. Because of this, commercial mowers are preferred for regular and wider usage.
Gas vs. Electric Zero-Turn Mower
If you’re tending to a small yard, using electric or battery-operated zero-turn lawn mowers won’t be a problem. These models are very convenient and environment-friendly. However, the only drawback is your mowing duration is limited with battery levels.
On the other hand, gas-powered mowers have no such disadvantage. It also delivers a bit more power than its alternative, so it’s not surprising that this mower type is preferred for commercial use.
Other Features and Accessories
It may vary per model, but zero-turn mowers are more efficient if you have attachments like dump carts, mulching bags, and a tow-behind spreader. Electric units must also come along with a reliable and fast charger to ensure that the mower will function well.
Maintenance
Whether you’re a premium John Deere unit or an affordable Cub Cadet model, the machine life of your mower depends on how you take care of it. If you’re buying a brand new cutting tool, ensure that it’s thoroughly cleaned after every mowing session. We also recommend checking its parts and draining the fuel tanks before storage.
Price and Warranty
A zero-turn riding mower prices can range from $3000 to over $8000, depending on the unit’s features. Most of the time, products that have a wider deck and deliver more power tend to be sold at a higher price.
As for the warranty, you can only take advantage of this perk if you bought the mower from an authorized seller. With this policy, you can contact the manufacturer for technical assistance if you encounter issues with the tool within the specific warranty duration.
FAQ
What brand of zero-turn mower is best?
The best brand of zero-turn mower is Husqvarna. With its extensive industry experience, this company continues to innovate and provide mowing enthusiasts and professionals with the best cutting tools that suit commercial and residential settings. Our team recommends the Scag Patriot Mower as another lawn mower that is suitable for both residential and commercial use because the scag mower is reasonably priced.
What is the most dependable zero-turn mower?
The most dependable zero-turn mower is Husqvarna MZ54F. Not only does this unit come from a reputable brand, but it also features a high-capacity gas tank that allows users to mow without interruptions. It also has a wider mowing deck than regular mowers.
What is the best residential zero-turn mower?
The best residential zero-turn mower is Husqvarna Z146. Besides its obvious advantage of a lower price tag, this unit has a cutting-edge design that fits the needs of a smaller mowing area. It also has a robust frame that promises utmost durability even in harsh mowing conditions.
Our Top Pick For a Zero-Turn Mower:
Husqvarna MZ54F
The best zero-turn mower doesn’t have to be the most expensive or most massive product on the list, which is why we selected Husqvarna MZ54F as our top pick in this roundup. After various test drives and evaluations, it was proven that this unit’s versatility and features are more than enough to fulfill complex mowing requirements.
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