A zero-turn mower is an efficient and highly maneuverable piece of lawn equipment that is ideal for mowing large lawns or commercial landscapes. These mowers are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to cut grass quickly and efficiently, thanks to their unique design and features.
However, with so many models on the market, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your needs. In this article, we will explore some of the top-rated zero-turn mowers available, highlighting their key features and performance capabilities.
Whether you are a homeowner looking to tackle a large lawn or a professional landscaper in need of a reliable and efficient mower, this guide will help you find the best zero-turn mower for your specific needs.
Read Next
- Why Get a Zero-Turn Mower?
- ZTR Reviews
- Top 5 Zero Turn Mowers For Your Money
- 1. Husqvarna Z254 26HP 747cc Kohler Engine 54" Z-Turn Mower
- 2. Ariens IKON-X 52" Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series
- 3. Poulan Pro P46ZX Briggs V-Twin Pro 22 HP Cutting Deck Zero Turn Radius Riding Mower, 46-Inch
- 4. Swisher ZTR2454BS-CA 24HP B&S ZTR California Compliant Trail Mower, Black, 54"
- 5. Troy-Bilt Mustang 54 25HP 54-Inch Zero-Turn Mower
- How Do Zero Turn Mowers Work?
- The Different Types of Zero Turn Mowers
- Why switch to a Zero Turn Mower?
- 💬 Feedback
Why Get a Zero-Turn Mower?
ZTRs are riding lawnmowers that were an instant hit for both professional landscapers and homeowners. The comfort and ease it offers became appealing to homeowners and they start purchasing their own.
ZTRs can definitely cut your grass neat and shorten your mowing time in half but it’s definitely for a price. But the price is only a secondary consideration compared to the convenience and comfort a zero-turn mower could possibly bring homeowners with big lawns.
ZTR Reviews
We’ve reviewed the best zero-turn mowers and we’ll share with you which ones are suitable for home or commercial use. After reading this article, you would be able to decide which ZTR is best for you based on engine power, cutting width, and productivity.
Read more on our detailed guide on zero-turn mowers here.
|
Name |
Engine Power |
Fuel Tank Capacity |
Cutting Width |
Top Speed (Forward) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Husqvarna Z254 26HP 747cc Kohler Engine 54" Z-Turn Mower |
26HP |
3.5 Gal |
54 inches |
6.5mph |
| 2. Ariens IKON-X 52" Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series |
23HP |
2.8 Gal |
52 inches |
7mph |
| 3. Poulan Pro P46ZX Briggs V-Twin Pro 22 HP Cutting Deck Zero Turn Radius Riding Mower, 46-Inch |
22HP |
3.5 Gal |
46 inches |
6.5mph |
| 4. Swisher ZTR2454BS-CA 24HP B&S ZTR California Compliant Trail Mower, Black, 54" |
24HP |
8 Gal |
54 inches |
8mph |
|
25HP |
2.8 Gal |
54 inches |
7mph |
Top 5 Zero Turn Mowers For Your Money
1. Husqvarna Z254 26HP 747cc Kohler Engine 54" Z-Turn Mower
This zero-turn mower is equipped with power and good looks. It is powered by a Kohler 7000 series engine with a 26HP power output. It is geared to cover a flat lawn area with a 54-inch cutting width or 2.8 acres per hour with a maximum forward speed of 6.5mph. It has a 3.5 US-gallon gas tank capacity.
For your buying confidence, it is covered by a 3-year warranty for home use. With its air induction mowing technology, a cooling fan at the bottom of the deck improves grass lift and ensures better grass cutting.
This cooling system will also prolong the life of your Husqvarna Z254 26HP mower. Its 54-inch cutting deck features reinforced steel which adds strength and durability to your mower. It’s a true-blue zero-turn mower with a zero-turn radius capability that guarantees efficiency and cleaner mowing. All of these are made possible by its maintenance-free integrated zero-turn transmissions.
Lastly, you don’t have to worry about mowing a bit later in the day and in the dark because its bumper is integrated with LED headlights. It gives improved visibility when mowing in the afternoon towards the night.
PROS
- Powerful 26HP engine
- Sturdy built
- Bumper with LED lights
- Fits residential and commercial uses
- 3-year warranty
CONS
- Not recommended for steep slopes
Bottom line: Husqvarna Z254 26HP is a powerful 54” zero-turn mower. It would be a perfect choice for homeowners who have more than 2 acres of lawn space. The built-in LED lights are also an attractive addition as most ZTRs offer these as accessories and might bloat the cost when bought separately. The fabricated deck of this zero-turn mower makes it stand out among the rest.
2. Ariens IKON-X 52" Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series
Kawasaki is a trusted name in designing and building powerful engines for residential and commercial lawn mowers, including Ariens Ikon-X 52” ZTR. Its 23 HP engine gives a 7mph forward and 3mph reverse speed to this zero turn mower. With a 52” cutting deck width, you can cover between 3 to 3.5 acres in an hour.
It has a 2.8 US-gallon tank capacity. It is highly stable with its fully tubular steel frame. And is comfortable to users because of its high-back, fully-padded seat with armrests – perfect for long hours of lawn mowing work. It also offers a wide selection of accessories to further improve productivity.
The mulch kit, bagger, 48” dethatcher, and LED headlight are sold separately and do not add up to the cost of a standard unit. Ariens gives a 3-year warranty for residential use and 90 days for commercial.
PROS
- Powerful 23HP engine
- Sturdy built
- Plenty of accessories to choose from
- 3-year warranty
- Fits residential and commercial uses
CONS
- Not recommended for steep slopes
Bottom line: Partnering with a well-known motor engine manufacturer gives this brand an easy recall to its prospects. The availability of accessories under the same brand makes it easier for users to enhance the productivity of their zero-turn mowers as they familiarize themselves with its strengths and capabilities. It is also suitable for both residential and commercial use and the brand offers warranty coverage for both.
3. Poulan Pro P46ZX Briggs V-Twin Pro 22 HP Cutting Deck Zero Turn Radius Riding Mower, 46-Inch
For those who are looking for a zero-turn mower that promises stability even on slight slopes, Poulan Pro P46ZX is the best match for you. It has triple anti-scalp wheels that reduce the risk of damaging your lawn on uneven terrain.
It is equipped with easy-to-understand and convenient keys within your reach. This ZTR with a 46” cutting deck can clear up grass overgrowth in a 2-acre yard in an hour. Its easy-to-operate steering lap bars make it easy to maneuver in between trees and shrubs around your lawn.
It also features an air induction cutting deck that manages an excellent quality cut even in heavy conditions. Grass cutting height can be easily adjusted using a spring-assisted deck lift with a 6-position cutting height starting at 1.5” to 4” and 0.5” increments.
Cutting deck cleaning will also be a breeze with easy access through a removable footplate. The fuel tank with reserve has a total capacity of 3.5 US gallons to power this 22HP engine. Never miss your preventive and corrective maintenance needs. The easy access panel has a maintenance and service reminder. Warranty is offered at 3 years for homeowners.
PROS
- Sturdy built
- 3-year warranty
- Fits residential uses
CONS
- High price point
- Lack of compatible accessories according to some users
Bottom line: For smaller yard sizes, a 46” cutting deck width is just perfect and a good 22HP engine is powerful enough. Lawn mowing will now be easy and comfortable with its high-back, fully-padded seats. Its reinforced stamped deck is also covered with an unbelievably long 10-year warranty and that’s very reassuring of its quality.
4. Swisher ZTR2454BS-CA 24HP B&S ZTR California Compliant Trail Mower, Black, 54"
Packed with power and all the other superlatives, this is probably one of the best zero-turn mowers for the money. Swisher ZTR2454BS-CA is a California-compliant ZTR. California Air Resources Board (CARB) is a regulatory body that limits volatile organics compounds (VOC) emissions into the air to protect public health.
The new rapid response control system in this ZTR gives you that control and comfort that small zero-turn mowers don’t have. The combination of a 24HP engine and the 54” cutting deck width with 3 Gator mulching blades will give you a professional-looking and well-kept lawn in no time. This best suits those who have 4 acres or lawn area or more.
It has an 8-gallon gas tank and that’s twice as much as any other brand in the market. It has an unparalleled speed of 8mph both front and reverses. It also has bigger rear tires at 20” making sure it is more stable even on slight inclines and slopes.
PROS
- Sturdy built
- 3-year warranty
- Fits residential uses
CONS
- High price point
Bottom line: A California-compliant zero turn mower is not very easy to find so is a big fuel tank capacity of as much as 8 US gal like the Swisher ZTR2454BS-CA has. The impressive top speed for both forward and reverse tells so much about the efficiency and productivity it can bring. It can also cover twice as much as the other zero-turn mowers within the same period of time. However, all of these great qualities come with a higher price tag.
5. Troy-Bilt Mustang 54 25HP 54-Inch Zero-Turn Mower
A wider deck for a more efficient grass cutting. Troy-Bilt Mustang 54 can cut the usual mowing time of other brands in half. It can cover almost 4 acres in just one hour. It is equipped with a 25HP Briggs & Stratton Intek Twin Cylinder Engine. And a 54” triple-blade side discharge that comes with a deck wash for more efficient cutting. It comes with a 2.8 US gal fuel tank. Its top speed is 7MPH forward and 2.5MPH reverse. It also gives users a smooth and comfortable ride with its high-back seat with dual suspension springs. Lawn mowing for hours does not have to be straining. The deck height can be adjusted up to 8 positions for a cleaner mowing. Zero-turn maneuvering is made easy even in narrow paths with 2-way adjustable lap bars. The heavy-duty frame has a limited lifetime warranty which is impressive because not all brands offer it. Plus a 3-year limited residential warranty for the equipment.
PROS
- 8-position adjustment for the deck height
- 3-year warranty and a limited lifetime warranty of the frame
- Wide 54” deck width
CONS
- High price point
- Lack of compatible accessories according to some users
Bottom line: The 8-level deck height options of Troy-Bilt Mustang 54 25HP is probably its most attractive feature. While other brands come with just a 6-level adjustment, this zero-turn mower promises a cleaner and more even lawn mowing. The brand also offers a lifetime warranty on its heavy-duty frame and a 3-year warranty for the mower itself.
How Do Zero Turn Mowers Work?
Mowing your lawn can be an exhausting chore, but everybody wants a polished and well-maintained one, right? That is also the reason behind this innovation. Push-mowers regardless of whether it is battery-powered, electric, or gas-powered require a lot of energy from pushing, moving around, and cleaning up.
Zero-turn mowers allow users to sit back, start the equipment and control the lap bars or the steering wheel. Some zero-turn mowers even offer accessories and attachments to make your life easier, like a mulching kit and a bagger to let you clean as you mow.
ZTRs or riding mowers are appropriately coined because of their maneuverability. It has a turning radius that is effectively zero. It efficiently pivots from one area to another to make sure no space is left uncut. Maneuvering a ZTR is made possible by lap bars, these are two levers on both sides of the driver that extend over the lap and are used two control the speed and direction of the rear tires which gives direction to the whole ZTR.
The Different Types of Zero Turn Mowers
- Lap Bars Type: Zero-turn mowers that are commonly sold for both residential and commercial purposes use lap bar controls. There are two transmissions in most ZTRs, and each of the rear wheels is controlled by these. Lap bars are positioned forward and backward to control the speed and the direction of the zero-turn mowers. Directing a lap bar forward and the other back will cause it to make a turn toward the direction of the forward lap bar. Put the lap bars in the neutral position to stop or brake.
- Steering Wheel Type: Some people do not have the patience to get to know how to use and familiarize themselves with lap bars. Consequently, they would end up just sticking to their old lawnmowers. This is why manufacturers had to come up with steering wheel-type zero-turn mowers. This model makes using a ZTR similar to driving your car. You can control turns using the steering wheel, accelerate using a gas pedal and stop using a brake pedal.
- Joystick Type: It may appear like a lap bar at first, but the joystick control is much more comfortable to navigate. Just pull up the joystick and point it to the direction you want your ZTR to turn. Pointing it forward and backward will do the same. Navigating with a joystick ZTR is easy and accidents can easily be prevented as it will not move when the joystick control is moved rapidly. It needs familiarization on the correlation between the movement of the joystick and the wheels to navigate smoothly and prevent turf damage.
- Stand On Mower: These are commonly used by professional lawn care providers. It gives the user a better perspective of the output and makes the ZTR easier and more precise to maneuver since the cutting blades are at the front of the mower.
Why switch to a Zero Turn Mower?
- Maneuverability: Uneven patches on your lawn, visible zigzag lines, hard turning and reversing – these are just a few of the dilemmas of people who still use push mowers. Even the slightest slopes are difficult to reach and can be exhausting. Zero-turn radius means the mowers can make a complete turn leaving no gaps in between cuts as long as properly executed. You can maneuver in between trees and shrubs, avoid toys that your kids left on the lawn and make sure your dog and cat who might be chasing you will be safe as well. Zero-turn mowers are built precisely to address these concerns. Everybody wants a well-maintained lawn and with the comfort riding mowers can give, it is no doubt one of the most significant breakthroughs in lawn care.
- Ease of Use: Mowing your lawn can be a repetitive, exhausting, and frustrating chore if you do it manually. But with a zero-turn mower, it would instantly feel like you are playing around your yard while you cut grass. Lawn maintenance can now be shared with the members of the family since it can be an enjoyable weekly activity.
- Fuel Efficiency: Mowing “back jobs” are quite familiar with push mowers, the efficient use of zero-turn mowers prevents that from happening thus saving you a lot on fuel costs.
- Time and Speed Efficiency: Some people spend their Saturdays keeping their lawn tidy using grass cutters or push lawn mowers. Some pay a lot yearly for professional lawn care services that use the same equipment that was featured on this review. If you are looking for a piece of equipment that would cut down your lawn mowing time significantly or if you have considered computing the long-term expenses you will incur paying for professional lawn mowers, it might be helpful to know that a durable zero-turn mower can last you up 5 to 10 years. Of course, you also have to take into consideration the wear and tear of parts, but ZTRs really prove to be a wise and convenient investment.
- Professional-looking lawns: To top all the reasons why you should switch to a zero-turn mower everybody wants and deserves a professional-looking lawn. Aside from the joy it brings to come home to a beautiful garden, a tidy lawn prevents pests and insects, making it a safer and more comfortable outdoor living space.
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