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Today, we reveal the 10 Best Zero Turn Mower choices for 2024 and the features that make these top-rated Zero-Turn lawnmowers worth your consideration.
No doubt, If you have a large yard with trees, rocks, and other trouble spots to mow around, you are a prime candidate to consider a zero-turn mower.
Zero-turn riding mowers can quickly maneuver around trees and tight obstacles and help you reduce lawn care to far less time than typical riding mowers.
Homeowners and professional landscapers now consider The Zero-Turn Riding Mower the most efficient lawn mower.Let’s examine the best features and specifications for these “zero-turn mowers for sale” and help you find the perfect mower for your needs.
How Does a Zero-Turn Mower Work?
Zero-turn lawnmowers differ from riding lawnmowers in terms of their steering methods. Zero-turn mower steer by using two independent wheel motors and lap bars, unlike riding lawnmowers, which use a traditional steering wheel.
Zero-turn mowers use lap bars to “pivot” the mower up to 180 degrees by pushing one lap bar forward or backward more than the other.
The zero-turn mower drives straight with the lap bars in the straight position. Because of their ability to trim around trees, bushes, or other obstacles more closely, zero-turn mowers virtually avoid additional trimming. They are, therefore, considered a significant time saver in lawn care.
Top Five Factors to Consider When Buying a Zero-Turn Mower:
- Cutting options (Height, Type of Mowing Blades)
- Mechanical dependability (Reliability/Warranty)
- Ease of Use (Onboard Tools/User-Friendly Settings)
- Features (Engine, Transmission, Hitch, Speed)
- Deck size (i.e., 42″, 60″, etc.)
- Price (Affordability)
The 10 Best Zero-Turn Mowers For 2024
Editor’s Choice: EGO Z6 Zero Turn Mower – Battery Powered (42″ Mowing Deck)
Why We Like It
The EGO Z6 – ZT4204L -42″ is the Top Zero-Turn riding mower for homeowners. With a motor equal to a 22 HP gas-poweredengine and essentially no maintenance to contend with – the EGO zero-turn mower has become one of the most popular lawnmowers for homeowners with medium to large yards and got our vote as the best residential zero-turn mower.
This dependable, user-friendly, and no-emission zero-turn mower took the battery-powered equipment industry by storm two years ago and has only been improved since then.
Since its inception, the EGO zero-turn battery mower has been enhanced with every imaginable performance and creature comfort you could hope for.
Of course, a 42″ ZTR mower from EGO comes with a pretty price tag, which is the only reason we hesitated when naming the EGO zero turn mower as our Editor’s Pick.
At the time of publishing, the price for the EGO Z6 – 42″ Mower is just under $5,000. But if that price fits your budget, consider the benefits of owning this incredible lawn equipment below.
EGO Z6 Zero-Turn Lawn Mower Video:
Specifications for the EGO Z6 – Zero Turn Mower
- Large: 42-inch “Steel” mowing deck
- Equivalent Power to 22 HP Gas Engine
- Green Energy Compliant Zero-Turn Mower
- (4) Independent “Brushless Motors.”
- Mulch, Bag (not included), or Side-Discharge
- 56Volt Battery power – With (4) 10.0 Ah lithium-Ion batteries included
- Mow Up to 2 Acres on a single charge
- Capable of Using (6) Batteries Simultaneously
- Adaptable Duration: You can add (2) additional batteries for a total of (6) and mow 3-5 acres (not included).
- 3-7 MPH speed settings
- Ten mowing height settings – 1.5-4.5″
- 3 – Driving modes: Control, Standard, Sport
- LCD Interface – Includes Bluetooth Connectivity
- The 10 Ah Lithium-Ion 56V Batteries are Compatible with All EGO Brand Products
- Best High Back Comfort Seat on the Market
- LED Headlights
- Fast Charging – 4X faster than the Industry Standard
- 3-year warranty
Our Take Away
Suppose you’re looking for the Ultimate battery-powered, low-maintenance, powerful, capable, best zero-turn mower for 2 acres or more. In that case, the EGO Z6 would be the perfect mower for your needs.
The EGO offers everything you could ever hope for in a mower and does it quietly, efficiently, and nearly maintenance-free. You get incredible power – while reducing your carbon footprint and speeds that will keep your time mowing to a minimum.
The EGO zero-turn mower is on sale at Amazon (June 2023) at an amazing discount of $500, including free delivery to your home.
If you’re asking as a homeowner, “What’s the best zero lawn mower?” – this one should be at the top of your list.
EGO POWER + Z6 ZER0-TURN MOWER
Best “Gas Powered” Zero Turn Mower – Husqvarna Z248F – With Kawasaki 22 HP Engine
Why We Like It
The most popular gas-powered zero-turn lawnmower we researched is the Husqvarna Z248F – Zero-Turn mower. With a mowing deck and 21.5 HP Kawasaki Engine, this zero-turn lawn mower is for someone with a little more grass to cut – But it doesn’t require the larger 52″ or 60″ Mowers.
The newly designed Husqvarna Z248F – 48″ Deck lawn mower is also small enough to slide through most Shed Doors – but large enough to make quick work of your lawn.
Upgraded with a 21.5-horsepower Kawasaki engine, this mower has plenty of power to handle all your mowing needs.
Specifications
- 42-inch mower deck
- 18-horsepower Kawasaki engine
- Dual hydrostatic transmissions
- Comfortable High-Back Seat
- Auto – Parking Brake
- Adjustable seat positions
- Deck Port Washing
- 12 height settings
- Clear-Cut Mowing Deck
- Fast – 6.5 MPH top speed
Our Take Away
The 48-inch Z248F delivers amazingly well in terms of quality and performance. With the 22 HP Kawasaki Engine – AND the “Hydrostatic” Transmission (no maintenance), you’ll get a great cut and as fast and comfortable a ride – as you’ll find on any gas zero-turn lawnmower.
This mower is about $1,000 less expensive than our editor’s pick from EGO.
Suggestion: If you have a Ton of Yard to mow (over 4 acres) but still want the Husqvarna brand’s advantages, we recommend looking at the Husqvarna 61″ mower (below).
Editors Choice – Best Gas-Powered Zero Turn Lawn Mower
Battery Zero Turn Mower: Greenworks: 80 Volt – 42″ Deck and (3) Dual Port Turbo Chargers
Why We Like It
The Greenworks Crossover-Z (80 Volt) – 42″Zero-Turn mower is the Newest competitor of the highly successful EGO Z6 – 42″ Zero Turn Mower.
Because these two competitors’ zero-turn mowers offer so much similarity, we will compare and contrast the pros and cons of the EGO vs. Greenworks Battery Powered zero-turn mowers.
Greenworks enters the zero-turn mower market with a similar product to EGO, except that Greenworks Zero Turn Mower offers 80-volt vs. 56-volt power for the EGO mower. When publishing, the CrossoverZ is almost the same price as the EGO Z6.
Greenworks offers impressive 24 HP brushless motors and 80-Volt power, unlike EGO’s 22 HP brushless motors and a 56 Volt Battery System.
And, where the EGO Z6 with 4 – 10.0 Ah Batteries has an estimated mowing duration of up to 2.0 Acres, the Greenworks Crossover includes 6 – 5.0 Ah lithium-ion batteries. It is also rated for mowing up to 2.0 Acres.
However, it should be noted that Greenworks batteries are 5.0 Ah (Ah=Battery storage), whereas the included EGO batteries are 10.0 Ah, which offers significantly more battery storage capacity.
EGO also includes using up to 6 batteries (additional batteries are not included), which can increase mowing capacity up to 3, 4, or even 5 acres on a single charge.
Specifications:
- 42″ Reinforced 12 Ga. Steel Mowing Deck
- Six – 80 Volt 5.0 Ah Lithium-Ion batteries (interchange with All Greenworks products)
- Multiple Speed settings up to 8 Mph
- (3) Dual Turbo Chargers included
- 10 Cutting Heights
- Intelligent Trubrushless Motor Technology
- Smart Cut Technology – Senses and Adapts Power to Grass Conditions.
- High-Intensity LED Headlights
- 11″ Front and 20″ Rear Wheels
- Dual Action Mower Blades
- Premium High-Back Seat with Armrests
- Smart G – Smartphone App to check the status of Mower
- 4-Year Warranty (Mower and Batteries Both)
Greenworks follows much of the tried and accurate performance specifications that EGO has successfully implemented, adding improvements, including larger rear tires, longer run-time, and an integrated smartphone app into their zero-turn mower technology.
Check out the Greenworks (60 Volt) Zero Turn mower below. (Note: 80 Volt Zero Turn mower is similar but with more considerable battery power.)
Greenworks “CrossoverZ” – Zero-Turn Lawn Mower Video:
Our Take Away
The 80-volt powered(Cordless) Zero-turn mowers have continued to offer consumers yet another alternative to the gas-powered engine mainstay.
With zero emissions, zero maintenance, zero pull cords, zero pollution, zero downtime, and dependable performance – It’s hard to envision every homeowner not crossing over to battery-powered vs. gas-powered lawn tools someday.
In our comparison between Greenworks vs. EGO zero turn mowers, we think the EGO Z6 zero turn mower slightly edges out the Greenworks Crossover Z, but the differences are small.
If the differences are negligible to you, or more importantly – If you already own and enjoy the Greenworks tool lineup, you should probably consider the Greenworks CrossoverZ mower instead of EGO, as you can interchange the batteries with your other Greenworks Tools.
- EGO mowers have been on the market and have been in use for over three years, compared to CrossoverZ’s 2023 introduction. (But Greenworks seems to have the bugs worked out).
- Greenworks offers a 4-year to EGO’s 5-year warranty (*to original owner).
- Greenworks’ 80-volt batteries create more power than EGO’s 56-volt batteries.
- We rate the full EGO Battery Powered tool line up slightly superior (but more expensive) to Greenworks Tools.
Whichever battery-powered zero-turn mower you choose, Greenworks or EGO, you’re getting an incredibly powerful and reliable mower that requires little to no maintenance and NO gas, spark plugs, or pull cords!
GREENWORKS 80 Volt “CROSSOVER Z” – 42″ ZER0-TURN MOWER
GREENWORKS
Best Upgrade Gas Power: Husqvarna Z254: 54″ Zero Turn Mower – Kohler 26 HP
Why We Like It
With specs similar to the Husqvarna Z142 mower listed in our Editor’s Choice section, the Husqvarna Z254 is the “Next Level Up” in Zero-Turn lawnmowers, also receiving our vote as the best zero-turn mower under $5,000.
The Z254 model from Husqvarna offers a 54″ deck (12″ wider) and a whopping 26 HP Kohler Engine.
For those who can afford those features, the Husqvarna Z254 is our pick for the best overall upgrade based on price and performance in zero-turn mowers.
The fast-cutting technology is a handy feature, considering that this mower can top out at 6.5 miles per hour.
Specifications
- 54-inch mower deck
- 26-horsepower V-twin Kohler engine
- Dual Hydrostatic transmissions
- Patented Parking Brake System (Push or Pull both bars to set the brake)
- Adjustable seat
- Easy starting system
- 2-year warranty
Our Take Away
The Husqvarna Z254 runs exceptionally well, steers like a dream, and offers a clean, even cut for your lawn every time. We recommend this model as the best upgrade for residential yards if you want an affordable Husqvarna zero-turn mower with a strong engine and a competent 54″ mower deck.
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Husqvarna Z254 – 54″ Zero Turn Mower
Most Popular Gas Powered Z-Turn Mower: Cub Cadet Ultimate ZT1- 50″ Zero Turn Mower – Kawasaki 23HP.
Why We Like It
If you’re looking for the best zero-turn mower for 2 acresand perhaps the most popular Gas-Powered Zero Tractor on the market, the Cub Cadet 50″ ZT1 series is the one. The ZT1 garnered or voted as the best zero-turn mower under $4,000, and for good reason.
Combining the high-rated construction standards of Cub Cadet, The ZT1-50 is equipped with the very desirable 23-horsepower, V-Twin Kawasaki “FR-Series” engine, which offers one of the best zero-turn mowing experiences you’ll find for the price.
Due to its more nimble size, some commercial lawn maintenance companies also use this Cub Cadet zero-turn mower in their mowing fleets.
As our best-rated zero-turn residential mower last year, The ZT1’s 50-inch mower deck includes the dependable and powerful 23 HP Kawasaki engine with dual Hydrostatic transmission, making the Cub Cadet ZT12 your best choice for any residential lawn up to 2 acres in size.
And if you’ve never used one, you might wonder: How do you start a Cub Cadet Zero Turn Mower? Every zero-turn mower is a little different, and here is how you start a cub cadet zero-turn lawnmower:
- Place Steering Levers in Safety (not drive) Positions
- Set the Choke Lever to the Start Position
- Turn the Key to Start the Engine
- Move the Choke lever to the Run Position.
Cub Cadet rates this gas-powered mower ideal for mowing lawns up to 4 acresin 1.5 hours.
Specifications
- 50-inch mower deck – Ideal for up to 4 Acres
- Tough Tubular Steel Frame
- 3.5 MPH – Reverse Speed and up to 7.5 MPH forward Speed
- Premium Front wheels at 11 inches – and Rear Wheels at 20 inches
- 3 Mowing Options: Mulching, Bagging, or Side Discharge.
- 23-horsepower Kohler V-twin engine – 3.5 Gallon fuel tank
- Dual hydrostatic transmissions
- Dial Knob Control up to 15 Mowing Heights: Ranging from 1.0 – 4.5 inches
- 18-inch adjustable seat
- Heavy-Duty Steel Cutting Deck
- LED Lights
- Bagger and mulching kits are sold separately
- 3-year warranty
Our Take Away
In our opinion, this is the best 50-inch mower for the money. With sharp, responsive steering and enough power to tackle more extensive terrain efficiently, Cub Cadet gets our pick for the best overall zero-turn mower.
The 15-Mowing height Dial Knob setting guards against scalping lawns, allowing you to get the setting height right for your terrain.
Cub Cadet Ultima Zero-Turn Mower Video:
Many agree that Cub Cadet is the country’s best gas-powered zero-turn lawn mower (Made in the USA).
If you want a gas-powered, reliable, efficient, and robust zero-turn model that will deliver a dependable precision cut and all the features you need – while not breaking the bank – look no further than the Cub Cadet ZT1 zero-turn mower.
CUB CADET ZT1 – 50″ Zero-Turn Mower
Best Value Gas Powered -Cub Cadet Ultima 42″ Zero-Turn Mower – 22Hp Kohler Engine
Why We Like It
If you have less than 2 Acres of lawn to mow, hilly or steeper terrain than usual, and a slightly smaller budget to spend, the Cub Cadet Ultima series zero-turn mower could be your very best choice.
In terms of price, we named the Cub Cadet Ultima the best zero-turn mower for the money in our reviews.
Cub Cadet offers a commercial-grade mower in a smaller 42″ package with many features landscape companies use for more extensive residential lawns.
Specifications
- 42-inch mower deck
- 22 HP Kohler Built – 725cc V-Twin Engine
- 7 MPH forward and 3.5 MPH speed in Reverse
- Welded Steel Deck
- Built-in Hitch
- Cup Holder
- 11-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels
- Dual Range – Hydrostatic transmission
- Multiple Position Cutting Height
- High Back ergonomic seat, padded turn bars, and vibration-dampening floor mat
- 3-year warranty
Our Take Away
This mower represents an exceptional addition to the Cub Cadet zero mower lineup. If you’re not used to lap-bar steering, you may take a little time to get used to the steering system, but once you do, it drives like a breeze.
The 11-inch front and 20-inch rear tires offer more stability on hillier slopes, so If you want the maneuverability of a zero-turn mower but have a hilly or uneven yard, this is quite possibly the best mower for you.
Cub Cadet Ultima 42″ – Zero-Turn Mower
Best 52″ Gas Powered: Ariens 52″ Zero-Turn Mower: – IKON 915279
Why We Like It
With the optimal-sized 52-inch deck and 22-horsepower Kohler engine, the Ariens IKON 915279 zero-turn mower is an excellent value in 52″ mowers for homeowners with large areas to mow.
Although the Ariens IKON 915279 zero-turn mower is primarily designed for homeowners, the engine used is a commercial-grade motor made by Kawasaki – that holds up well to heavy-duty residential or light commercial use.
Specifications
- 52-inch mower deck
- 22 – horsepower Kawasaki V-Twin engine
- Dual hydrostatic transmissions
- Padded arms and high-back seat for maximum comfort
- 13 cutting heights
- 3-year warranty
Our Take Away
If you’re in the market for a 52-inch mower, the Ariens IKON is an excellent choice for the money. This exceptionally well-built mower offers enough power for just about any yard.
You’ll also be impressed with the cut quality, which reflects Ariens’ dedication to producing a top-quality, easy-to-use zero-turn mower.
Ariens – 52″ Zero Turn Mower
Best Commerical Zero-Turn Mower – Cub Cadet ZTXS4 with 24 HP Engine
Why We Like It
Cub Cadet pulls out the “big guns” with the Ultima ZTX 60″ Zero-Turn Mower. This is our pick for the best commercial zero-turn, as the perfect mower for yards up to 5 acres.
The ZTX60 is nimble and is, therefore, the ideal zero-turn mower for even Light commercial use.
This is the mower if you’re looking for the best 60″ commercial or residential zero-turn mower with all the bells and whistles and a high-performance 24 HP Kohler V-twin 725cc OHV engine.
The Cub Cadet ZTX4 includes every feature you could hope for, and at forward speeds up to 8mph and Reverse speed at 3.5 Mph – it allows you to mow multiple acres in record time.
The roll-over protection feature is another reason to look closely at this zero-turn mower. Engineered for use on uneven terrain. This model is better suited for larger yards thanks to its more powerful engine and 60-inch deck.
Cub Cadet ZTX Series Mower Video:
Specifications
- For Lawns over 4 Acres in Size
- Roll-over protection cage
- Smooth Arc triple blades
- Seventeen deck height adjustments – 1.5 – 4.75 inch max.
- Aero-Force 60 in. Max 10 Ga. Steel Mowing Deck
- 24 HP Kohler 7000 Series Engine
- LED Headlights
- Superior Bagging Capability with Aero Max cutting deck
- Isolated front suspension for a smooth ride
- 13-inch front and 22-inch rear wheels
- Premium High-Back Seat with armrests
- V-Twin OHV Engine with 5.5 Gallon Gas tank
- The transmission has a longer lifespan thanks to charge pumps, larger drive axles, and expansion tanks.
- Rear Wheel Transmission – Max. Speed up to 8 mph
- 1 1/2″ x 3″ Tubular Steel Frame
- Commercial-grade dual Hydro-Gear Transmission
- 3-Way Adjustable Lap Bar Settings
- Industry Leading 4-year warranty
- Full Lineup of Attachments (optional)
Our Take Away
This zero-turn mower truly is the “ultimate” residential mowing machine. With hydrostatic transmission, a 24 HP Kohler Engine, 17 cutting height adjustments from 1.5 – 4.5 inches, tons of options, power, and speed, and the reliability of a Cub Cadet.
If you have a lawn over 2-3 acres in size, the Cub Cadet ZTXS4 mower should be at or near the top of your list.
Cub Cadet ZTXS Series – Zero-Turn 60″ Mower
Best Value Toro Zero Turn Mower: Timecutter 42-inch With 22 HP Engine
Why We Like It:
If you’re a homeowner with an average yard size, the Toro Timecutter is an outstanding z-turn mower to consider. At under $4,000, the 42-inch Toro Timecutter can save the day for your needs and your budget!
The Toro Timecutter has all the DNA of the best TORO series mowers, minus the forged steel deck, and this lawn mower’s size and power make it a natural fit for large yards. It’s even suitable for light or limited commercial use.
Specifications
- Ideal For Yards Up to 3 Acres
- TORO patented the “My Ride” Suspension for ultimate comfort
- 42-inch mower deck
- 22-horsepower V-Twin Kohler engine
- Dual hydrostatic transmissions
- 3-year – 300-Hour Commercial Engine warranty
- Shock-absorbing dampening ride
Our Take Away
Overall, the 42-inch Toro Timecutter is a choice for buyers who want the power and convenience of a Toro mower but don’t need a large mowing deck to deal with more acreage.
Because of its size and strength, the handling of this mower is of excellent value.
You won’t find a smoother ride or a zero-turn mower that is easier to maneuver around tight obstacles than this one.
Note: Toro has over 3,000 servicing dealers in the United States – making this mower far more accessible to service than some other brands.
Toro – 54″ Zero Turn Lawn Mower
Best “Commercial Grade” Toro Zero Turn Mower: TITAN 60-inch Zero Turn Mower
Why We Like It
If you’re a landscaping contractor, own a large amount of land, or mow multiple lots, you may need something beefier than even the most prominent residential lawnmower. For these situations, the Toro TITAN 60-inch is a great option.
The Titan 60-inch mower from Toro includes an extensive 60″ deck that makes it easy to mow grass, even in the biggest yards – very efficiently, while a smaller mower would take up too much of your valuable time.
Specifications
- 60-inch mower deck
- 24.5-horsepower engine
- Dual hydrostatic transmissions
- Enhanced suspension system
- 3-year warranty
Our Take Away
Although a 60″ mowing deck isn’t the right fit for every buyer, the Toro TITAN 60-inch is a fantastic choice if you have a huge yard.
Even though the TITAN makes short work of large areas, you’ll find that this commercial-grade zero-turn mower also produces an even, high-quality cut.
Note: Toro has over 3,000 servicing dealers in the United States – making this mower far easier to service than other brands.
Toro – Titan 60″ Zero Turn Lawn Mower
Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers for Sale Near Me:
Note: Every zero-turn lawn mower for sale in this review can be shipped directly to your home for free via Amazon or Home Depot, with No trailer to rent, borrow, or haul. The zero-turn mower is delivered to your home and only at the most convenient time for you.
Note: Most riding lawnmowers are shipped within 7-10 business days – an exact date will be confirmed at your shopping CART check-out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Zero-Turn Mowers Easy To Use?
A: If you’ve never used a zero-turn mower, or if you’re wondering if zero-turn mowers are easy to use, the answer for most homeownersis Yes.
If you have ever used a typical riding mower, the principle is similar – with the main difference being that zero-turn mowers use lap bar steering instead of a steering wheel.
Lap bars are simple and allow you to turn on a dime and navigate any larger yard quickly.
While lap bar steering takes a few minutes to get comfortable, most zero-turn owners with big yards, many trees,or other obstacles would never consider any other type of mower.
How To Operate a Zero-Turn Mower (Video)
Still not sure if a zero-turn mower is right for you? Here is a good checklist by Cub Cadet to determine “Is a Zero-Turn Mower is Right For You?”
What are the top-rated zero-turn mowers?
Husqvarna, Cub Cadet, EGO, and Toro are the top-selling zero-turn mower brands nationally. These brands have an extensive network of local dealers that perform service on them.
As mentioned, these two brands qualify for Home Depot’s “white glove” delivery service.These four brands comprise most of the sales for residential zero-turn riding lawnmowers.
What is the Best Type of Zero Turn Mower: Lap Bar or Steering Wheel?
Zero-turn lap bar mowers are generally more agile and maneuverable than zero-turn mowers with a steering wheel. Lap bars are also excellent for large, flat grass lawns with many trees or other obstacles.
While the advent of zero-turn mowers with a steering wheel may take some of the guesswork out of using a zero-turn mower, we think the Lap-Bar design Zero Turn Mower is the best choice for yards between 2-10 acres.
Are Zero Turn Mowers Good For Hills?
A zero-turn mower with lap bar steeringis not well suited for mowing hills or sloped terrain due to its use of “floating front wheels.”
The floating wheels on a lap bar mower are not connected to the steering and do not grip the ground like typical riding mower tires.
However, If your lawn includes hills or steep slopes, Choose a zero-turn mower with a Steering wheel – which connects the steering directly to the front tractor tires and provides much more traction to the ground.
While you may lack responsiveness over the lap bar steering, the safety and traction you get with a steering wheel – will more than make up for any maneuverability concerns.
What Is the Difference Between Hydrostatic and Manual Gear Transmission on Zero Turn mowers?
Manual transmissions use a lever to switch gears, while hydrostatic transmissions utilize hydraulic systems to shift quickly and seamlessly from one gear to another.
Most better zero-turn mowers use hydrostatic transmissions, but you’ll still find manual transmissions on some entry-level, budget-friendly mowers.
How Large An Area Can I Mow With a Zero Turn Mower?
The answer to this question depends on the mower you get. While 42-inch mowers are best for 2 acres or fewer lawns, larger models like the Toro TITAN 60-inch are ideal for mowing up to 7 acres.
Zero Turn Lawn Mowers Buyers Guide – Steps To Choose Mower
1) Select the Zero-Turn Mower “Brand and Model.”
The first thing to do when you’re getting ready to buy a zero-turn mower is to choose the grade, or quality, of the mower based on your budget and the size of your yard.
Entry-level mowers are typically lower-powered and feature single-cylinder engines and manual transmissions.
Mid-range mowers, encompassing most of the models listed in our reviews above, typically have larger V-twin engines and hydrostatic transmissions.
2) Select the Mower “Deck Size.”
Picking your mower deck size is likely the most critical decision when choosing a zero-turn lawnmower.
The most popular size for most homeowners is the 42-inch mowing deck, which is typically good for lawns of up to 2 acres.
Larger zero-turn mowers include the 42, 48, 50, 52, and 61-inch mowing decks.
Remember that the more acreage you need to mow, the larger the mower deck you should consider. In the case of a mowing deck selection, size does matter.
3) Select the Mower “Steering Type.”
As you can see from the reviews above, zero-turn mowers come with two basic steering types. The most common (and nimble turning) is called Lap Bar steering. Lap bar steering uses two laterally placed arms to steer the direction of the mower.
The second choice involves the more traditional Steering wheel that you would find on a regular riding lawn mower or vehicle.
Lap bar steering offers excellent maneuverability and sharper turning, but mowers equipped with this type of steering don’t handle well on hills or sloping yards. This is due to the “front floating wheel” design vs. the Steering wheel design, which links steering directly to the front tractor tires.
On the other hand, mowers with the traditional steering wheel can handle hills much more effectively, but there’s a slight trade-off regarding nimble steering.
The right choice for you will depend heavily on the slope and terrain of your yard.
Conclusion
Unless you sitting on a lawn made of artificial grass, you’ve got a lot of lawn maintenance to consider. The quickest method to complete your mowing cycle, especially for lawns over 1 acre, is with a Zero-Turn Mower.
Our research found the EGO Z6 to be the best overallzero-turn mower.
The Husqvarna Z248F gave the EGO a stiff run for its money, but based on a higher purchase price, it captured our Runner-Up category, while the Cub Cadet Ultima 42 stood out to us as the Best Value zero turn mower.
Remember, though, that the best choice for you, based on your budget or needed features, could be a different mower in our list of reviews.
Fortunately, all the mowers we reviewed here are of top-rated quality. Once you determine your budget and the mower size you need, the clear choice will hopefully be much more manageable.
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Additional References and Reading:
- How to Use a Lawnmower Safely Around Children –Healthychildren.org
- The 10 Best“Backpack” Leaf Blowers to Buy – BestHomeGear.Com
- Diagnosing TurfGrass Problems –Purdue University (PDF)
- The Best Battery-Powered Lawn Tools – BestHomeGear.Com
- The Best Chainsaw For Homeowners –Besthomegear.com
- CuttingWet grass with an electric mower? – Ehow.com
