Everyone knows what a chore mowing the lawn can be. It can be especially taxing if you have a big yard that’s not evenly laid out. If you’re looking for the best way to mow your lawn with both speed and maneuverability, it might be time to invest in a zero-turn mower.
Essentially, zero-turn mowers are designed to mow grass at least 50% faster than the more traditional lawn tractors. This means the straight-line mowing speed is greatly improved. While lawn tractors characteristically cut at about 3-4mph, the average zero-turn mows a long at 5-8mph. This begs the question, which model is the best zero-turn mower to invest in? Today’s review focuses on 5 of the best commercial zero-turn mowers. Our handy buyer’s guide will highlight the features you should consider when you’re narrowing down your options.
This impressive Husqvarna model boasts a 26 HP Kohler engine that can easily provide a maximum speed of 6.5 MPH. It also boasts a patent-pending brake system that automatically activates or deactivates when the steering levers are moved. A reinforced steel cutting deck ensures superior durability. This model allows for clippings to be discharged, bagged, or mulched. A nifty mulching kit and bagger attachment are sold separately if you require.
This model handles easily, and its cast-iron blades make it a breeze to mow acres of grass. It can easily motor through fields of long thick brush and can just as smoothly glide over shorter, more maintained grass. This model is the best zero-turn mower for 5-acre yards!
This Craftsman model, with its 24 HP Kohler engine, has a simple and consistent starting system that doesn’t need a prime or a choke. An impressive dual hydrostatic transmission teamed up with a quality high-back seat provides the user with premium support and comfort. The steel frame ensures the machine is both durable and reliable. With its adjustable cutting heights, you can easily set the machine to the cutting height that works best for the grass that needs cutting. The cutting height varies from 1.25 inches at its lowest to about 3.75 inches at its highest.
Since this mower’s deck is generally smaller than other machines in its category, it’s probably best for smaller yards. A good feature is its versatility in cutting different types of grass. It’s no wonder this machine is commonly called the best residential zero-turn mower!
This model comes with a solid and sturdy tubular frame as well as a wide range of cutting sizes. It’s easy to cut yards of all sizes, although the cutting width is smaller than the average models in this category. It easily offers 13 cutting positions ranging from 1 ½” to 4 ½” by simply turning the dial. A lavish high-back seat with a padded armrest can easily be adjusted by the operator in the seating position.
With a 42” cutting width, this particular model is ideally suited for smaller residential yards. It’s also great for cutting around trees, gardens, and narrow spaces. So, if you have a yard that’s made up of narrow grass patches between your landscaping, you might consider this model. One could say this unit is the best zero-turn mower for a 1-acre yard.
The Edge in the Ariens range features a 42” fabricated deck that’s constructed of 11-gauge steel, making it strong and durable. A 20HP Briggs Intek engine powers this nifty machine. It also features a foot-operated deck lift which easily adjusts to cut in any of the seven cutting positions. A comfortable high-back seat with seat springs makes for an easy ride while you’re mowing.
With its small cutting width, this model is ideal for smaller residential yards. Since you can buy a separate bagger and mulching kit, this model can easily be described as the best zero-turn mower with a bagger.
If you’re looking for a zero-turn mower that easily provides dependable startups and consistent speeds, this is the machine for you. A roll-over protection system (ROPS) guarantees safer operation in just about any condition. Constructed from 11-gauge steel, the cutting deck offers a functional lifting system that can easily be adjusted from the seat. The high-back seat has armrests, and foam-padded hand grips make mowing for long hours both fun and comfortable.
If you live on a property that’s laden with hills and inclines, this unit is a perfect choice. Its heavy-duty steel frame and commercial hydraulics make for superior ease of use! This model is often referred to as the best zero-turn mower for hills.
If you have a considerably big yard to mow every week, it might be time to consider a zero-turn mower. With their increase in popularity, it’s not only professional landscapers who’re using them. Generally speaking, the term “zero-turn” refers to the turning radius of the mower being zero inches. So, a zero-turn mower can literally turn within its own footprint. These handy machines actually make your lawn maintenance experience so much easier.
As with any other purchase you consider, researching the advantages and benefits the product provides is crucial, read on to see why zero-turn mowers are more beneficial than traditional lawn tractors.
Zero-turn mowers are making a huge impact on the residential and commercial mowing scene. But, owning one isn’t as simple as walking into your nearest hardware store and picking your favorite one.
It’s important to consider features that will enhance your mowing experience and get the job done as efficiently as possible. We’ve listed a few of the more popular features to consider before making your final choice. Let’s break them down.
Zero-turn mowers are generally designed to pivot around their rear wheels and easily turn around. Most zero-turn mowers don’t have a steering wheel but rather make use of two levers that control two different motors connected to each rear wheel.
With choosing the operation mode of your zero-turn mower, you generally have three options:
Zero-turn mowers are usually powered by twin-cylinder OHV engines. These types of engines offer better power and increased performance.
It’s important to consider engines as you’ll need a high-powered engine if you have a larger yard.
The cutting width you need depends on the size of your yard. The cutting width is determined by the mower’s deck size. Simply put, cutting width tells you how much grass you can mow in one pass.
The smaller a cutting width is, the longer it’ll take to mow your yard because it will take several more mows to cut the entire yard. Ideally, you want a cutting width between 48 and 60 inches to mow 2.2 acres.
A 50-inch deck will take 7% longer than a 54-inch deck. The Ariens Edge 915253 has a deck of 42-inches, whereas the Husqvarna MZ61 has a deck of 61-inches.
Ideally, you want your grass trimmed and mowed at a specific height. Doing this ensures your grass looks even and neat. This might require some areas being mowed at a different height.
If the grass is much taller, you’ll need a mower that allows for the deck to be raised. Adjusting the height of your lawn mower shouldn’t be difficult. Search for options that have easy-to-adjust height features.
The Craftsman 17ARFACQ091 has a cutting height of 1.25 – 3.75 inches, whereas the Husqvarna MZ61 sports a height of 4.5 inches.
The weight between residential and commercial mowers varies considerably. Lighter models are more suited to residential use and generally weigh anywhere between 250-400 pounds.
The Husqvarna MZ61 is one of the heavier models at 770lbs while the Ariens IKON XD only weighs 252lbs making it one of the lighter machines.
It’s important to consider the material used to construct a mower’s frame and deck. For a strong and durable option, you want a steel frame design.
Check the steel gauge. Thicker material will always have a lower gauge. It’s also important to check the type of material that will be protecting you while you’re riding the mower. The Husqvarna Z254, for instance, is made of reinforced steel, making it exceptionally durable.
When you think of the space, you have available to store your zero-turn mower, and it becomes important to consider the dimensions. The best place to store your zero-turn mower is obviously inside a garage or shed, so if your space is limited, you’d need to do the measurements upfront.
If you’re ever going to be transporting your mower on a truck bed, you’ll want to make sure to buy one within the right dimensions.
The Craftsman 17ARFACQ091 is one of the larger options with dimensions of 84” x 59.75” x 34.75”. A smaller alternative is the Ariens IKON XD with dimensions of 48” x 48” x 48”.
Since you’re going to be riding your mower around your yard regularly, you need to be comfortable. Bear in mind that not all seats aren’t the same. If you’re looking at options in a store, find out if you could sit on one of the seats to test it out.
It’s important to check if the seat has a prominent backrest and perhaps also an armrest to rest your arms as you steer.
We’re confident our informative review of the five best zero-turn mower options has provided you with the necessary insight into selecting the best mower for your lawn cutting requirements. Still not sure? Let’s recap our top three.
Our Editor’s Choice, the Husqvarna Z254 rated at 9.7, is impressive because of its 26 HP Kohler engine that provides an average speed of 6.5 MPH, making it easy to cut any size yard. Our second favorite, the Craftsman 17ARFACQ091, rated at 9.5, is also a suitable choice because of its mow-in-reverse technology. It gives the user precise control over forward, and backward mower speeds, ensuring the job gets done efficiently. Lastly, there is Ariens 915267. With a 42” cutting width, this particular model is ideally suited for smaller residential yards. It’s also great for cutting around trees, gardens, and narrow spaces.
Using our feature list to narrow down your shortlist will ensure you get the right model suited to your mowing needs. The best zero-turn mower will provide you with a faster blade speed which means you’ll get a cleaner, better cut. Your lawn will always like a freshly cut sports field if you invest in the best zero-turn mower!
