What Is A Zero
Lets start with the basics. What makes a zero-turn lawn mower different from standard riding mowers ?
The biggest advantage of a zero-turn lawn mower is maneuverability. Zero-turn mowers have wheels that turn at sharp angles to make turning the mower around much easier than with a lawn tractor.
With a zero-turn mower, mowing around obstacles like trees and landscaping takes less effort and less time.;
Zero-turn mowers also tend to be faster than lawn tractors. That means youll finish mowing your lawn in less time. The difference in mowing time can be significant for large areas.;
The downside of zero-turn mowers is that they dont typically do well on hills. If you have inclines on your property, you might be better off with a different type of riding lawn mower.;
Which Zero Turn Mower Under 3000 Has The Best Warranty
The better the warranty on your zero turn mower, well the better. Theres no such thing as a warranty thats too long!
The best zero turn mower warranties:
- Husqvarna zero turn mowers: Bumper to Bumper, 3 years. Steel reinforced stamped deck shell only 10-year limited warranty. Fabricated deck shell and steel guard deck shell limited lifetime warranty.
- Cub Cadet zero turn mowers: 3 year / unlimited-hour warranty. Limited lifetime warranty on frame and fabricated deck shell.
- Troy-Bilt zero turn mowers: 3-year limited residential. Limited lifetime frame warranty.
- Snapper zero turn mowers: 3-year limited residential. Lifetime frame warranty.
- Bad Boy zero turn mowers: This warranty is more intricate. Theyll repair or replace for 2 years or 200 hours, unless its used for commercial, industrial, or rental purposes. Belts are covered for 90 days, seats for 1 year . You will need to pay for the transport of the mower to the service place, or for a service call out. I didnt see details on this for the other mowers, so it may be the same for them. I suppose Bad Boy are at least transparent with this I do think though, that if something is wrong with your brand new mower and its a manufacturing fault, they should carry the responsibility for this! There are more rules, like the engine. They dont cover the engine, theyre covered by their respective manufacturers. I recommend you read the entire warranty document before purchase.
Yes You Need A New Gas Can
Remember DO NOT buy E15 fuel. It will ruin your engine! With todays ethanol-blended fuel you need a gas can that seals tight. It helps the fuel last longer and the escaping vapors wont wreck the environment. But the biggest problem is to find one that works. The cheap ones dont have vents so it takes forever to fill the tank on your lawn tractor. The cheap ones are also flimsy and the spouts break after the first year.
Well, Ive found two brands that work great! I have both brands and I use them all the time. They are;vented inside the spout so the fuel pours quickly yet seals tightly when not in use. ;Ill give you links at Amazon for two sizes. I suggest buying the size so that you dont keep more than a month of fuel around the house.
recommended;No-Spill 1405 2-1/2-Gallon Poly Gas Can. A good size for snow blowers and push mowers.;
recommended;No-Spill 1450 5-Gallon Poly Gas Can ;This one has a second handle in the back so it is very easy to use and hang onto when pouring into your fuel tank.;A good size for lawn tractors and zero-turns.
If you have a problem holding a gas can the SureCan is a great can. Its very comfortable to use;and built well.
I also recommend K100
Other fuels stabilizers to check out: Fuel Stabilizers
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Cub Cadet Ultima Zt1 50 Best Value Residential Zero
This Cub Cadet product is powered by a 23HP Kawasaki engine, making it a rather powerful machine that will cut through your lawn with admirable ease. It is also very durable, thanks to its steel encasing. Its open-frame design is also great as it makes it easy to access the engine.
Unlike other riding zero turn mowers, this product is quite suitable for mowing up and down the rolling hills thanks to its lap bar control feature. If you live in a hilly area, then this is your choice product. It also has a 50 cutting deck, which is quite respectable and makes it the best value residential zero-turn mower.
Another feature that makes this mower the best is that it comes with headlights. Talk about uninterrupted mowing even when darkness falls! The mower also has a reverse mowing feature, which makes precision mowing easier.
- You can easily control the mower downhill, which can hardly be said of most other riding mowers.
- The mower has an open design that makes it easier for you to access the engine when you need to.
- The side discharge feature of the mower is excellently designed to ensure maximum efficiency as you cut.
- You can easily adjust the height of the riding seat by turning a knob.
- The headlights on the machine make it easy to mow in the dark.
- The seat on the mower does not have armrests, which can make it a little less comfortable.
- The cutting width of the decker may be a bit small for large lawns or commercial use.
Pros Of Riding Tractor
- Cheaper with prices around the $900-$2,500 range.
- More accessible for beginners to learn and operate.;
- Work better for pull-behind cart and other attachments.
- Options of shift or hydraulic transmissions
- Better traction with front-wheel drives or steering.;
- Cutting quality is better due to slower speed.;
- Not as expensive on the repairs as a zero-turn
- Able to fit through tight spots due to the mower is not as wide as a zero-turn
- The back tires will not tear up a yard on a turn.
- Easier to control due to a slower speed.
- Hauls trailers and equipment better with the pull behind cart.;
- Has more power over slopes and hills
Read Also: What Is The Top Rated Self Propelled Lawn Mower
How Do I Steer A Zero
The zero-turn models work on a lever system for moving backward and forward. To make turns while steering your machine, all you need to do is push the lever slightly more forward on the opposite side you want to turn. Push the left lever forward to turn right, and the right lever to turn left. Pulling the controls backward will launch your mower into reverse gear.
Is It Worth It
Many homeowners hate taking care of their lawns. Its a tiring and tedious process that seems to never end. However, the creation of the zero turn lawn mower has helped make this task much more bearable. These mowers make it possible to complete a wider application of different tasks in a shorter amount of time.
But even though homeowners have heard about all the amazing features and benefits zero turn lawn mowers have to offer, many of them arent certain whether a ZTR machine would be a good investment for their family.
There are several things to consider before making an investment. The first thing you should think about is the size of your yard. If you have a yard thats less than an acre in size, you shouldnt invest in a zero turn lawn mower. These machines are built to simplify the lawn mowing process, but they wont make much of a difference unless you have a big enough lawn for them to work with.
If your lawn is bigger than an acre, why not invest in one of these machines?
However, to ensure youre getting the best value for what you need, you should carefully evaluate each machines capabilities and make sure it can perform well under the conditions youll be operating it in. As a general rule, for properties that are larger than one acre but dont require more than three to four hours of work, a residential model will work well.
The next thing you should take into consideration is the type of ground youll be working on.
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Swisher Ztr2766bs Ztr Mower
The Swisher ZTR2766BS is one of the best zero turn mowers on the market. It has the ability to make a full 360-degree turn and a Rapid Response Control System which gives you excellent comfort and control.
It is powered by the 27HP Briggs & Stratton engine, which is relatively known for their durability and performance. The massive 66-inch; 11-gauge cutting deck with 3 Gator mulching blades are made from fabricated steel that produces great results on your lawns.
The deck can be easily adjusted with one foot while the mower is operated using super responsive joystick-like controls. This makes this mower fun and easier to operate than other Zero turn mowers.
The anti-scalping wheels ensure a manicured, cleaner cut on your lawns. The wheels can transverse in any terrain, whether dry, wet, rough, or smooth. This mower gives your lawn a smoother and professional-looking lawn in no time. It is sturdy and well-built, the engine has low vibration while in use, this reduces wear and tear and makes the mower durable for long-term use.
It is built with a roll-over protection system and a comfortable seat to give you a safe and great mowing experience. Overall, it delivers a terrific performance for all types of lawns. If you are a landscaper looking for the best lawn mower for professional use, the Swisher ZTR2766BS ZTR will suit your needs.
Pros
Are Zero Turn Mowers Good On Hills
To be honest, no zero-turn mower would be considered worthy in hills. The built and capacity of few models are good enough, and have started incorporating many features that would render them apt for hills. Yet, to be realistic enough, one must check to see the type of grass, size of lawn and manoeuvrability of the model that is chosen. You can find a number of models that are not only exceptional in terms of design, but score well on grounds of functions and costs. Choose the most befitting one after you have spoken to experts or have evaluated well enough that the mower would do justice to the type of lawn you have.
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Do These Mowers Have Brakes
Most zero turn mowers dont have a foot pedal brake like traditional, modern riding mowers do. However, there is a way to slow and brake the device. The speed of the mower is determined by the levers on the machine. As long as the levers are neutral, the machine wont move forward.
If youre moving the machine forward or in reverse, all you have to do is push the levers back towards their neutral position to slow down to a more comfortable speed or stop. If you wish to pause your work or park the mower, simply disengage the blades and turn on the parking brake. This will ensure that the machine wont move until youre ready to start working again.
Cub Cadet Zt1 42 Zero Turn Lawn Mower
Best Mower for Additional Features
This model from Cub Cadet is the younger brother in the ZT1 range, offering excellent engine power, clean cutting, efficient grass bagging, and an impressively comfortable ride. With its wide 42-inch deck, it can quickly cut your land into beautiful stripes. It maneuvers confidently around border edges and obstacles such as poles and posts. This mower is designed with two large lap bars that control the mower’s speed and offer easy reach to the cutting height control.
Cub Cadet have integrated a 15 setting cutting height system, ranging from 1 to 4.5 inches, to give you a flexible and precise cut. Cub Cadet also have an excellent reputation for garden power tools, and this all-rounder mower is no exception. With clever features, such as LED headlights and a high-backed seat, this is a brilliant zero turn mower.
If youve got 2-3 acres of flat lawn space, youre probably looking for a zero turn mower that has good features all-round, including engine power, deck size, and comfort. This ZT1 model from Cub Cadet could be what youre looking for. With a classic design, reliable features, and modest engine power, its a great mower that wont let you down. One of its brilliant features is the 42-inch deck with 3 sharp cutting blades. It can quickly cut through your acres of grass with ease. The medium-sized engine is ideal for gliding across slightly hilly terrain. It works effortlessly around flower beds, pathways, and posts.
Engine Horsepower
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Dependable Engines And Hydrostatic Transmissions
Engines: You will find three brands of engines on most 48-52 inch residential zero-turn mowers. OEM Branded, Kohler 7000, and Kawasaki FR. The brands match these engines and engine size to the mower and all engines used currently have great reputations for quality and reliability.;
NOTE:I have no brand preference when it comes to engines on the 48-52 inch zero-turns. Kohler, Kawaski and the OEM Branded engines are all good engines and will last you many years.
Transmissions. Transmissions define what you can pull and how well the mower will last over the years mowing slopes. There are four hydrostatic transmissions commonly used in 48-52 inch zero-turns by all the mower brands. All the brands listed here match the size of the transmission correctly to the ZTR and what you expect the mower to do. The weight of the mower, the rider, a bagger, and how rough your lawn is are all factored in.;
What Is A Zero Turn Mower
A zero turn mower is a lawn mower with a mowing deck that is in front of the mower, rather than underneath it.
Its called a zero turn mower because its turn radius is zero, which means that the mower can pivot on its back wheels to turn much more quickly than other types of mowers.
Most zero turn mowers have four wheels, with two swiveling tires in the front and two large drive tires in the back. The wheels operate independently of one another, and the mower usually doesnt feature a steering wheel. Instead, they usually have two levers that connect to the rear wheels motors.
If you push both levers forward, the mower moves forward. If you pull them back, the mower moves in reverse.
For a right turn, you push the left level forward and leave the right lever alone. For a left turn, you push the right lever forward and leave the left lever alone.
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Briggs & Stratton 33s877
This is another one of Briggs & Stratton engines that is a great deal in a 500-dollar price range. This is a single-cylinder engine that provides a dependable power of 540cc.
That, coupled with a 19 horsepower rating, makes it an impressive engine to have in terms of efficacy. This engine comes with a pulse fuel pump and full-pressure lubrication with oil. The cooler operation is achieved by the Overhead Valve designed by Briggs & Stratton.
This OHV design also ensures a longer valve lifespan. There is a 9 am charging system that is included in the engine. Have you been looking for a replacement for your 33R877-0003-G1 engine model? If yes, then this engine will do the job very well.
The engine longevity is taken care of by the Dura-Bore cast iron cylinder sleeve. Electric start function makes it great for riding lawn mowers and alike. The Magnetron electronic ignition of this engine is maintenance-free, and hence you can be worry-free. Briggs & Stratton offers a pre-installed muffler in this engine model.
For even more reliability, you get a manufacturers warranty on this product. And this warranty works for both consumer use as well as commercial use of the product. This engine also comes with an oil filter and a fuel pump.
Best Mulching Zero Turn Mower Of 2021
In the case of mulching zero turn lawn mowers, the mulch consists of grass clippings from the mowed turf grass. The clippings are cut into small pieces that easily fall to the soil surface. And these clippings can be rapidly broken down by soil microorganisms, which release nutrients from the mulched plant material back into the soil.
According to a recent government waste project, a regular half-acre lawn is capable of producing up to 4.5 tons of grass clippings every season. All wasted clippings carry over 100 pounds of nitrogen. But if you had opted for a mulching lawn mower, you wouldve gotten enough nitrogen for keeping your lawn as healthy as using a commercial-grade fertilizer.
In this review article, we are going to review the best mulching zero turn lawn mower so that you can purchase the best one. We recommend you to read the entire article.
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Exmark Lazer Z X Series
With so many models and features to choose from, the;Exmark Lazer Z Series;pack quite a punch. Take your pick of five different engine options, including ones with electronic fuel injection options for added power and efficiency. Choose between 52, 60 and 72 cutting widths on the 10-gauge floating stainless steel deck. Exmarks unique seating design offers unparalleled comfort and a handy 12-volt adapter to keep your devices charged.
This mower also allows for tool-less installation of the deck and hydro belts, making maintenance a snap. The inclusion of patented RED technology ensures seamless communication between key system features, keeping your mower running smoothly for longer. Youre sure to find a zero turn mower that fits your needs with the Exmark Lazer Z Series.
- Suspension: Suspension seat and Platform Suspension
- Warranty: 5 Year / 1500 Hour Commercial
