Best Zero Turn Mower For The Money Apr 2024 – Mowing Made Effortless

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Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52" Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series

This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with...

Last update on 2022-02-28 at 13:00 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Summer is right around the corner. You know exactly what this means: it will soon be time to begin cutting your grass and perfecting your landscape. Unfortunately, mowing the yard can be very time-consuming. Isn’t there a way to make the process much easier and quicker? Well, you’ll want to start by equipping yourself with the right equipment. If you have a small yard, you might be fine with a push mower. Otherwise, you should consider investing in one of the market’s best zero turn mowers. Within this guide, you will learn all about zero turn mowers.

Best Value Zero Turn Mower Apr 2024

Model	Horsepower	Deck Size	Weight	Price
Ariens IKON-X 52	23 HP	52 Inches	635 pounds	$$$	Check Price on Amazon
Husqvarna Z254	26 HP	54 Inches	678 pounds	$$$	Check Price on Amazon
Husqvarna MZ61	27 HP	61 Inches	770 pounds	$$$$$	Check Price on Amazon
Swisher ZT2760B	27 HP	60 Inches	910 pounds	$$$$$	Check Price on Amazon

Ariens IKON-X 52

Pros:

Cut down mowing time by almost half
Can set the exact cutting height accurately
Superior deck stability
Padded levers minimize vibrations during operation

Cons:

Doesn’t come with a mulching set
Wheels tend to slip on marshy ground

>> Read owner reviews on Amazon

Husqvarna Z254

Pros:

Automatic choke system makes it very easy to start
The powerful fan is able to increase airflow and keep the mower durable for long
Zero turn feature allows quick work of long trimming jobs
Built to be extremely durable and sturdy

Cons:

The cutting deck can break down quite easily
Doesn’t allow horizontal cuts on the sharper slopes

>> Read owner reviews on Amazon

Husqvarna MZ61

Pros:

Powerful engine suited for large, fields above 2 acres
You can mulch or collect
Comfortable seats and armrest
Highly maneuverable

Cons:

Somewhat expensive for the average customer

>> Read owner reviews on Amazon

Swisher ZT2760B

Pros:

Wide cutting deck
Quite powerful for the price
Comfortable seat
Good value for money

Cons:

Falters on steep slopes
Customer service needs improvement

>> Read owner reviews on Amazon

What Is A Zero Turn Mower?

First and foremost, you should familiarize yourself with the basics of a zero turn mower. The truth of the matter is that these mowers are pretty similar to the alternatives, but there is one slight difference: these mowers have a turning radius that is pretty much zero. There are several different ways that this can be achieved, but most brands rely on hydraulic speed control for each drive wheel. Remember that there are commercial and residential mowers. Whether you’re interested in mowing your yard or cutting grass for clients, you’ll be able to find a zero turn mower that suits your needs.

The Learning Curve

Zero turn mowers are amazing. Nevertheless, they do come with a few drawbacks, and one of the biggest downfalls of zero turn mowers is the fact that they come with a steep learning curve. In fact, they’re far more difficult to use than traditional riding mowers. If you intend to purchase and use a zero turn mower, you’ll need to put in the effort and energy on learning how to use it. Read the manual thoroughly and talk to someone who has used one of these mowers in the past, and this will make the learning process much easier. Nevertheless, you’ll still need to experiment with the mower for a long period of time until you’re able to pull it off successfully.

The Massive Perks Of Zero Turn Mowers

It should come as no surprise to learn that zero turn mowers tend to be more expensive than the alternatives. The good news is that zero turn mowers offer several key benefits, which make them well worth the extra cost. Below, you will learn a little more about these perks.

Improved Maneuverability

These mowers are equipped with dual wheel motors, which greatly increases the maneuverability of the mower. With a zero turn mower, you’ll generally be able to control each wheel independently. This gives you the ability to move the mower forward, backward, left and right by simply moving your arms backward or forward.

Get The Job Done Quicker

One of the best things about zero turn mowers is the fact that they’ll get the job done much quicker. While it depends on a handful of factors, most people will be able to cut their mowing time in half with one of these mowers. The improved maneuverability will allow you to move through your landscape quicker than ever before, so you’ll be back on the couch before you know it.

Tends To Last Longer

You should also realize that a zero turn mower will last much longer than the alternatives. Since the job can be completed much quicker, you’ll put less wear and tear on the mower, which will increase the lifespan of your mower in return. In general, zero turn mowers last significantly longer than conventional riding mowers.

Less Fuel Is Needed

Gasoline for your lawnmower can be pretty expensive over the summer, but you’ll be able to use less and spend less with a zero turn mower. After all, you’ll be cutting your mowing time in half. The initial price is more expensive, but a zero turn mower will save you money in the long term.

Less Trimming Is Needed

Since one of these lawn mowers will give you more maneuverability, you’ll have an easier time getting around buildings, bushes, and landscaping items. In return, you’ll be able to decrease the amount of trimming needed. In fact, you might be able to cut your entire yard without needing to use a push mower or a weed eater.

Enhanced Mulching

Many mowers have a tough time cutting up leaves, but this will not be a problem with a zero turn mower. The blades tend to turn much quicker on a zero turn mower, giving the mower the ability to chop up those leaves without any trouble.

Your Yard Will Look Better

Another great thing about zero turn mowers is the fact that they’ll deliver a cleaner cut. These mowers tend to have a higher blade tip speed to ensure that the grass gets cut with maximum accuracy and consistency. If you’re a perfectionist and want your yard to be the best in the neighborhood, a zero turn mower is for you!

Do You Need A Zero Turn Mower?

Any lawnmower can be pretty expensive. Needless to say, zero turn models are even costlier. With this in mind, you need to figure out whether you really need one of these mowers. How big is your yard? If you have a very small yard, you’ll probably be better off with a push mower. If you can push mow your yard in a few minutes, you shouldn’t bother spending the money.

You should also consider your health. Are you physically capable of cutting your own grass with a push mower? If the answer is no, you should definitely make the upgrade to zero turn mowers.

Do you have lots of obstacles in your yard? Perhaps, you have a lot of trees and bushes? A zero turn mower is best for yards with tons of obstacles.

Finally, it will be a wise decision for professional grass cutters to invest in a zero turn mower. It’ll make your job easier and ensure that your customers are completely satisfied with your work!

Types Of Zero Turn Mowers

There are several different types of zero turn mowers. The biggest feature that sets them apart from one another is the steering mechanism. Some of these mowers are equipped with a joystick, while others use a lap-bar. Below, you will learn a little more about the different types of zero turn mowers.

Lap-Bar

The lap-bar steering method is undoubtedly the most common. In general, 80 to 90 percent of them will have a lap-bar steering system. This type of mower will use two levers which are used to operate and steer the mower. There is no doubt that it can take some time to get comfortable with. Nevertheless, the lap-bar steering system works great with a little trial and error.

Steering Wheel

If you’ve ever used a traditional riding mower, there is a good chance that you have used a steering wheel. Pretty much everyone that has driven a car is already comfortable with a steering wheel. Zero turn mowers with steering wheels are pretty rare, but they’re out there if you prefer one.

Joy-Stick

Some zero turn mowers are equipped with joy-sticks. They work very similarly to the levers in a lap-bar steering system. If you’ve played a lot of arcade games, there is a good chance that you’ve played around with joy-sticks at one point or another. Joystick mowers aren’t nearly as common as lap-bar models, but they can be found in some places.

Stand-On Mowers

Finally, there are stand-on zero turn mowers. As the name suggests, you will actually stand up while using this type of mower. These mowers use two levers, and they are large and very powerful. They’re generally best for professionals.

Buying Guide For Zero Turn Mowers

Now that you’ve learned a little bit more about zero turn mowers, it is time to learn about the things that set them apart from one another. Some models offer less power and a smaller cutting width than the alternatives, and hence they tend to be best for homeowners and beginners. Bigger and more powerful models are best for professionals. Below, you will learn about the most important factors that set mowers apart from one another.

Price

First and foremost, you should consider your budget. There is no doubt that zero turn mowers are more expensive than conventional riding mowers. When determining how much you should spend, you should figure out how the mower will be used. If it is only going to be used at home, you should spend less; if you’re going to use it professionally, you should spend a little more.

Fuel Tank

It is also vital to understand that each mower will come with a different fuel tank capacity. In order words, some can hold more gasoline than others. If you’re going to be cutting for a longer period of time and do not want to stop, you should definitely opt for a model with a bigger fuel tank. Otherwise, you’ll be fine with a tank that holds 2 to 3 gallons of gasoline.

Horsepower

When it comes down to it, horsepower is undoubtedly one of the most important things to take into consideration. After all, you’ll want to make sure that your mower is capable of cutting through the grass and leaves without any difficulty. The horsepower specifications can vary widely – some come with 10.5 HP, while others have as much as 31 HP.

Generally, the average individuals will not need a 31 HP mower. Again, if you’re only going to be cutting your own yard, you’ll be better off with a smaller and less powerful unit. Save yourself money and stick with a 10 HP mower or something similar.

Brand

There are tons of different companies that make zero turn mowers, but just remember that not all companies are equal. There is a good chance that you know a little about some of these companies. Choosing an unknown brand could lead to a future headache and turmoil. If you select a good brand, you can be guaranteed that you’ll be able to get support when you need it.

Check the BBB and read reviews for each brand. This is the best way to ensure that they will do everything to satisfy their customers.

Durability

It is really no secret that some mowers are better built than others. This is definitely something that you’ll need to take into account when attempting to invest in a zero turn mower. After all, you’ll want to make sure that your mower lasts a lifetime. You should go above and beyond to get the mower with the longest lasting durability. Make sure that product is manufactured with the highest quality of steel and materials, and the welding is spot on. This combination will increase the longevity of the unit and ensure that you’ve spent your money wisely. Read reviews from previous users and make sure that they’ve gotten their money’s worth out of their brand-new mower.

Fuel Options

It is no secret that most mowers utilize traditional gasoline. However, there are some models that actually use diesel, propane and even flex fuel. This is something that you’ll need to consider when attempting to invest in a new mower. Gasoline is undoubtedly the most convenient since it is readily available and easily accessible. However, some people have easy access to propane. If you keep diesel fuel or propane on your property, you may want to consider opting for a different fueling option.

Discharge Location

When looking at zero turn mowers, you will find that there are two options. Some will actually discharge the grass clippings to the side, while others will discharge the clippings at the rear. This is far more important than you could ever imagine. If you want to keep your yard clean, you’ll want to opt for a back-discharge option to ensure that the cut charge is not blown to all of your home’s siding. Side options tend to be slightly less expensive. Nevertheless, a lot of consumers will agree that it is best to discharge the grass behind the mower. Consider your options and choose the one that suits you the best.

Seat And Drink Holder

Mowing a lawn can be a time-consuming process. In fact, it’s likely that you spend a few hours tops. If you’re lucky, your mower will provide you with maximum comfort. This is why you’ll want to put in a significant amount of effort to choose a mower that is equipped with a comfortable seat and a drink holder to ensure that you remain comfortable and relaxed throughout the entire cutting session.

Choose a mower that has a seat with plenty of padding to guarantee that your body doesn’t ache after you’ve finished. A drink holder will give you space for water bottle, so you do not get dehydrated.

Deck Size

While you’re at it, you’ll also want to take the mower’s deck size into consideration. This might not seem like a big deal to you for now, but it could make a huge difference in the future. The deck size helps to determine how much grass the mower can cut with a single pass. With a bigger deck, you’ll be able to get your grass cut much quicker. If you want to cut less and relax more, you should opt for the biggest deck size possible. Just remember that smaller yards will be best served by a smaller deck and vice versa. Do not invest in a mower with a bigger deck, unless you really need it.

Bagger

There is a possibility that you do not want the cut grass to litter your yard. Or, maybe you want to use your mower to create mulch? Either way, you’ll want to consider investing in a mower with a mulch bag or a bagger, which is definitely a good addition to any mower. With this option, you’ll be able to convert your leaves and branches into mulch easily by simply running over them with your mower. It can also prevent the debris from turning your yard into a mess. If you want to keep your yard tidy, it is wise to invest in a bagger or choose a mower that comes with one.

Warranty

You really never know when something is going to go wrong with your mower. This is why you should take measures to ensure that your investment is protected for the long run. One of the best ways to protect your investment is by getting the longest warranty possible. Pretty much every zero turn mower will come with a 1 or 2-year warranty. Choose the mower with the longest warranty and make sure that the company is legitimate to ensure that you’re able to get assistance when you need it.

Model	Horsepower	Deck Size	Weight	Price
Ariens IKON-X 52	23 HP	52 Inches	635 pounds	$$$	Check Price on Amazon
Husqvarna Z254	26 HP	54 Inches	678 pounds	$$$	Check Price on Amazon
Husqvarna MZ61	27 HP	61 Inches	770 pounds	$$$$$	Check Price on Amazon
Swisher ZT2760B	27 HP	60 Inches	910 pounds	$$$$$	Check Price on Amazon

With A Hitch

Do you want to connect a trailer to your mower? If so, you’ll need to choose one with a hitch or one that can be connected to an optional hitch. This is a good option for people that want to use their mower to haul items from one location to the next. If you want to use your mower for additional purposes, choosing one that can be connected to a hitch is definitely a good choice!

You should also check out our reviews of various models: