Which zero-turn mowers are best?

Lawn care, at least when done right, is a time-consuming and energy-draining task that you can nonetheless feel proud of. But it doesn’t hurt to make things easier on yourself. Enter zero-turn mowers. These are essentially mini vehicles with mowing equipment attached all around, only instead of a steering wheel, you use two levers to control them.

And therein lies the secret to why zero-turn mowers are so enviable. By using this two-lever system, you can make the mower go forward facing any direction of a 360-degree radius you want, without ever actually turning. Add even more comfort to it with an armrest kit or a canopy and you’ll never look back.

In this article: Ego Power+ ZT5207 Cordless Zero-Turn Riding Mower, Husqvarna Z248F Zero-Turn Lawn Mower and Ariens Ikon 918005 Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower

Is a zero-turn mower right for you?

Zero-turn mower pros

• You’ll spend less time mowing: Ride-on zero-turn mowers are made to cut large open spaces quickly. They mow about twice as fast as suburban lawn tractors.
• Greater efficiency: With shorter mow times, you use less fuel and your equipment lasts longer.
• Greater maneuverability: Because they can turn in such tight circles, zero-turn mowers are ideal for lawns with trees. Regular riding mowers can’t make tight turns, so they waste lots of time and fuel.  Zero-turn mowers can cut around even the smallest trees in one tight circle.
• Wider cuts: Zero-turn mowers’ decks are bigger. Combined with their higher speeds, you spend half the time mowing the lawn that you would with a riding lawn tractor.
• The view is great: The operator can see more from the higher vantage point, so the mowing is more precise. It’s more efficient too, because you don’t get the overlaps and gaps you see left by suburban lawn tractors going up and down rows.

Zero-turn mower cons

• The learning curve: Humans are accustomed to controlling motorized vehicles with a steering wheel that turns both the front wheels in the same direction at the same time. Learning to use lap bars to steer, accelerate and brake takes a bit of practice.
• Less traction: Zero-turn mowers have only two powered wheels. Some lawn tractors have four-wheel drive.
• They’re more expensive: Expect their prices to be higher than comparable lawn tractors.

What to look for in a zero-turn mower

Deck width

Wider decks let you cut a wider swath so you make fewer passes. Smaller decks are more maneuverable, especially in tight spots. 

Deck strength

Forged and fabricated decks are stronger than decks that are stamped. The thicker the deck, the more durable it is.

Horsepower

More power means higher speeds. Higher speeds mean you spend less time mowing.

Cutting heights

The more adjustment choices you have, the better you can set the exact mower height you want for your conditions.

Comfort

Armrests and seats with back supports reduce operator fatigue while soaking up some of the bumps and bounces.

Best zero-turn mowers on Amazon

Ego Power+ ZT5207 Cordless Zero-Turn Riding Mower

This all-electric mower can cover up to four acres on a single charge with the equivalent of 25 horsepower and a 4- to 8 mile-an-hour speed. Its deck is 52 inches, though you can get a smaller 42-inch variant.

Husqvarna Z248F Zero Turn Lawn Mower

This meaty zero-turn mower offers 23 horsepower on a two-cylinder gas engine with a 3.5-gallon tank. It also has a 48-inch deck with three blades, and there are armrests and a headlight as added bonuses.

Ariens Edge 34 Briggs Zero Turn Lawn Mower

This smaller zero-turn mower is excellent for yards with plenty of buses and flower beds to maneuver around. It has a 20-horsepower engine with a max forward speed of 6 miles per hour and reverse speed of 3 mph. The deck is 34 inches.

Best zero-turn mowers at Walmart

Greenworks Crossover-Z Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower

This electric mower has six powerful batteries that can cover up to 2.5 acres on a full charge and can be fully recharged in 90 minutes or less. It has a 42-inch deck and the equivalent of a 24-horsepower engine.

Yard Force Cordless Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower

This zero-turn mower packs in extra comfort-focused features, including a cup holder, phone holder complete with a USB charging port, and LED lights to wrap up your work without the sun. It also has enough battery to mow up to 4 acres and goes up to 7 miles per hour.

Troy-Bilt 34ABB2CS766 Mustang Z42E Zero-Turn Mower

This electric mower claims to be up to 75% quieter than a gas engine while still offering plenty of cutting ability with its 42-inch deck. Its batteries can last for up to 4 acres or 90 minutes.

Ariens Ikon 918005 Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower

This mower is an excellent mix of comfort features and powerful mowing. It has an extra-large 52-inch deck with a 23-horsepower engine that can go up to 7 miles an hour. Meanwhile, armrests and a cup holder make it a dream to ride.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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