How Do Maintain A Zero
These machines are serious pieces of equipment. Trying to service them on your own is a challenge, especially if you dont know your way around an engine.
Attempting to service your zero-turn mower by yourself may end up voiding your warranty, leading to a costly repair job. We recommend you take your mower to a dealer that specializes in working with the brand of mower you own.
Think of your zero-turn mower as a car. This machine has so many working parts youll end up getting lost if you dont know what youre doing. Leave the motor and the electrical system to the professionals. Your mower will need servicing every 6 to 12-months, depending on how often you use it in your work.
All zero-turn mowers require essential maintenance to keep them running efficiently. At the beginning of the spring season, send your mower in for a service. The dealer should sharpen the blades, and check the motor and the cutting deck for damage.
After using your machine, use a lift to get to the underside of the cutting deck, and make sure you clean away all debris before your next job.
What Makes The Gravely Mower So Good
The Gravely ZT HD is the only zero-turn riding lawn mower tested by Consumer Reports that scored perfectly for predicted reliability. The other main aspects like side discharging, mulching, and evenness also landed perfect scores. However, all of the top 10 best mowers scored the same.
The second-place lawn mower is the John Deere Z515E. It only lost out to the Gravely because it scored one point less on predicted reliability.
Consumer reports values reliability over any other aspect, as it should be. The scoring reflects a bias toward this end.
As far as performance is concerned, the Gravely zero-turn and the pile of John Deeres following closely behind stack up neck and neck. Even the one poor score the Gravely got, which was noise levels, the John Deeres all scored equally poorly. The predicted reliability is the only major measurable aspect that differentiates the top-ranked Gravely from the Deeres.
Motor Power & Batteries
One of the most essential factors you should consider when selecting this type of zero-turn mower is its motor power and battery run-time. The performance of your mower depends on how it uses its power over time.
Motor Power
The best electric zero-turn mowers incorporate brushless motors into their design. These motors require less maintenance than brushed motors, they come in smaller lightweight sizes and operate well at any speed setting.
Maximum Speed
The more you push its steering levers forward, the faster the mower will go. The maximum speed for gas and electric zero-turn mowers is around 7-8mph for most models, reaching about twice the speed of most lawn tractors or riding mowers.
Battery Power, Charging
The size and weight of your mower determine how much power it uses and how long it lasts before draining. Electric zero-turn mowers can be charged through a standard 120V power outlet. The charge time varies by model.
Its debatable whether lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries are best as they have pros and cons.
- Lithium-ion has a higher upfront cost price but will generally last the lifetime of the mower.
- They also have the advantage of not losing any stored power whilst standing.
- Lithium batteries can regularly have 85% of their stored power discharged in a single use without diminishing the batterys storage capacity.
Battery Run Time
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Zero Turns Under Or Around $5000
Choosing to invest in any of these zero turns under or around $5,000 will mean youre equipped with a piece of equipment that can handle any lawn, regardless of the size. Mowers in this price tier provide un-paralleled power and speed, backed by the widest decks.
Spartan Mowers are famous for their power, durability, and the adrenaline boosting mowing experience. One of the best zero turn mowers under $5,000, the Spartan RZ PRO makes this in-demand brand available to almost everyone!
- 25hp Briggs Engine or a 23hp & 24hp Kawasaki Engine
- 7-Gauge Steel Fabricated Deck
- Warranty: 3 Years with a pre-determined limit
The most powerful Raptor model comes in right around $5,000 and packs tons of power and advantages. Not only does this model boast the widest base and most powerful engine, but it is effective enough that many commercial landscapers rely on it, too.
- 23hp and 24hp Kawasaki Engine
- Ideal for 3 acres with 7mph mowing speed
- Warranty: 3 Years / 300 Hours
Want to try one or more of these zero turns under or around $5,000?
A Zero Turn Mower For Professionals
Because they are made of heavier gauge steel, larger mowers are best suited for lawn professionals needing a mower that can handle 20 or so smaller lawns per week.
The extra chassis strength comes in handy when loading and unloading the mower from a trailer. The heavy-duty suspension and transmission ensure many hours between service or repair.
When choosing a mower at this price point, its a good idea to shop locally. You CAN find some good deals online, but this is a piece of equipment that, if well maintained, can last 25 years. Over the course of that time, parts or small repairs will be needed, and having an established relationship with a local dealer or service provider can make this much smoother.
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Redmax New Rzt48 48 Deck Riding Zero
With the cutting width of 48 inches and 0 turning radius, this lawn tractor will certainly not disappoint you. However, these are not the only features of this lawn tractor, which sets it apart.It offers different cutting methods as well as side discharge, mulch, collection, etc. With the help of a steel cutting deck, durability isn’t a problem either.The cutting width of 48 inches means that covering a large area isn’t a problem using this lawn tractor. It comes with a fan-cooled gasoline-powered engine that can help you maintain its temperature and thereby reduce the chance of maintenance or wear and tear.In case you’re worried about your comfort, it comes along with the 18-inch seat. That is why using the lawn tractor would not pose any problem. With the help of the ergonomic control panel, it is easy for you to use this lawn tractor consistently. The large cutting width, along with the 0 turning radius, means that it is an excellent option.Benefits:
Less Trimming And Weed Eating
It goes without saying that, if your mower is maneuverable, youll be able to reach more of the grass in your yard. This means less time weed eating after mowing. The tight turn radius and precision allows you to get into all the tough spots that used to get missed.
Landscapers and lawn care experts often say that changing over to zero turn mowers enable them to cut their weed eating time in half.
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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.
Best Zero Turn Mower Splurge For A Smooth Ride
While many ZTR mowers include vibration reducing systems and padded seats, one brand is hyper-focused on user comfort: the Spartan SRT line. With a base price of $9,400, its far more expensive than the other ZTRs on our list. But if you want to splurge for a smooth ride, this is the mower for you.
The SRT series is built from the ground up with the users comfort in mind. From the vibration-control deck and ergonomic cockpit to generous seat cushions, tire design and the neoprene torsion bar suspension, the SRT series delivers on premium-priced luxury.
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Best Zero Turn Lawn Mower Reviews 2022
Jason Thompson
May 20, 2022
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Home » Lawn Mowers » Zero Turn Lawn Mower Reviews
This post was updated on: June 2, 2022
Theres a lot of information out there about how using a zero turn lawn mower can cut your mowing time in half. For those used to mowing with a traditional lawn tractor or push mower, you might feel like everyone that says this is just trying to sell mowers. But zero turn mowers offer LOTS of advantages over other traditional riding mowers.
In this article, were going to show you everything you need to know to find the PERFECT zero turn radius mower for your needs. Well discuss size, power, options, and attachments. Well talk about which models work on hills and which wont.
Below, youll find our picks for the best zero turn riding lawn mowers for both residential and commercial applications.
We cover all the key features and options, so you get the best mower for the money.
We also have handy tables to help you choose the right model based on the size and configuration of your lawn.
Cub Cadet Ultima Zt1 Best Residential Ztr Mower
The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 is our top pick in the entry level zero turn mower category. Its designed to handle yards from 2 to 3 acres comfortably.
Its priced competitively with many traditional lawn tractors but with the obvious benefit of having a zero turning radius.
- Competitively Priced to Traditional Lawn Tractors
- No Bagging Option
- 18 seat is a bit low for long-term comfort
Overview
The ZT1 uses a 23 HP Kawasaki twin-cylinder OHV engine paired with a hydrostatic drive system and has a top speed of 7.5MPH.
Hydro-Gear is pretty much the go-to name in zero turn mower transmissions. The hydraulic-based system allows for quick acceleration and smooth, controlled turns.
Speed and direction are controlled with a lap-bar system common to many ZTR mowers.
The cutting deck is made of 11 gauge fabricated steel. Fabricated decks are more durable than the stamped decks found on most residential-grade mowers, and is plenty durable for most residential applications.
Our Pick for Best Entry Level ZTR
The 50-inch deck offers 6 cutting heights between 1 4.5 inches. It utilizes a two-blade cutting system. The ZT1 DOES NOT come with a bagging attachment, but you can purchase one here.
Features & Performance
Cub Cadets performance is truly impressive. The machine has a powerful engine and simple controls.
Though our lawn has some pretty decent bumps and swales the anti-scalp wheels did a great job ensuring we never scalped the lawn.
Safety Considerations
Control & Comfort
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Ariens 991151 Apex 24 Hp Fr730 Zero
The Ariens 991151 Apex 24 HP FR730 Zero-Turn Riding Mower has an extra powerful 24 HP engine which makes this mower a great choice for a large residential lawn.
You can easily raise the 60-inches mowing deck to go over tree roots or tall grass with the foot-operated deck lift system and it discharges clippings with minimal clumping. This zero-turn mower will help you to complete any cutting job fast as it has a maximum forward speed of 8 MPH and 4 MPH in reverse.
Its durable hydrostatic transmission is designed to deliver highly responsive, smooth, and effortless control in tight spots. Its large tires and high-back seat with padded armrests offer extra comfort for those longer jobs.
Pros
- Ideal for a large residential property
- Easy to adjust the foot-operated deck lifting system
- Good for tall grass
Swisher Ztr2454bs Response 24hp 54
The Swisher ZTR2454BS is quite a machine. It has a 24 Horsepower Briggs & Stratton Engine, an 8 gallon fuel tank and a 54 inch wide deck. Its large, its fast and it handles beautifully, making short work of any large lawn.
Such is its size and power that it can be seen as more of an industrial model but with such sublime, responsive handling it can also be easily used for average residential lawn cutting.
It has a low center of gravity and its intelligent weight distribution makes it feel very solid on the ride, even with the seat being quite high up compared to most. Slopes can be tricky for most zero turn mowers but the Swisher ZTR2454BS handles them with surprising ease.
Technical specs include an 8 gallon fuel tank , a 54 inch 11-gauge fabricated cutting deck, 3 Gator mulching blades, Hydro Gear 2800 transmissions, Ogura clutch, and a cup holder! The frame is heavy duty welded steel and the foot controlled lift allows for easy raising of the mower deck.
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Select The Mower Steering Type
As you can see from the reviews above, zero-turn mowers come with two basic steering types. The most common is called Lap Bar steering. Lap bar steering uses two laterally placed arms to steer the direction of the mower.
The second choice involves the more traditional Steering wheel of the sort that you would find on a regular riding lawn mower or vehicle.
Lap bar steering offers greater maneuverability and sharper turning, but mowers equipped with this type of steering dont handle well on hills or sloping yards. This is due to the front floating wheel design, vs. the Steering wheel design, which links steering directly to front tractor tires
Mowers with the traditional steering wheel, on the other hand, can handle hills much more effectively, but theres a slight trade-off when it comes to nimble steering.
The right choice for you will depend heavily on the slope and terrain of your yard.
Front Mowing Cutting Deck
With zero-turn mowers, the mowing desk is located in front of the mower instead of underneath such as traditional ride-on mowers. This nifty idea allows you to get up close and personal in tight spaces such as around flower beds and under bushes.
Overall, the levers, the individual wheel motors, and the front mowing deck provide you with effective maneuverability, greater mowing control, and faster-cutting speed.
Unlike a traditional ride-on mower/tractor, a zero-turn ride-on mower is more versatile and is a must-have for both domestic and commercial properties. Its unique mowing capabilities make it the ideal choice for all your mowing needs.
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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
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Fabricated Vs Stamped Deck
There are two different options for mower decks: fabricated and stamped. A fabricated mower deck is typically built from heavier plate steel and is welded. Stamped mower decks are usually made of lighter gauge steel which is formed by large molds and presses.
Both styles have their advantages. Fabricated decks are commonly used in commercial mowers and will have excellent rigidity and superior durability. Stamped decks generally have better air flow and, as a result, are best suited for mulching and bagging.
Most professionals tend to go with fabricated decks due to their ability to stand up to wear and tear. They expect to be using their mowers on several jobs each day and place a priority on durability that brands like Ariens offer.
Entry level mowers use stamped parts and steel spindle materials. This translates to a lower cost, but also a shorter life and less durability. Which type you choose should be a function of your expected use of the mower.
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Snapper 360z Zero Turn Lawn Mower
Snapper 360Z is among the ideal zero-turn mowers available at this moment for residential mowing and also commercial usage.
It claimed you could buy it for use at the commercial apartment or home, even though other users purchase it for the usage of industrial clients. It brings a strong engine by Stratton ultimate series which is long-lasting and could serve you for a lot of years without getting to substitute it or obtain a modern one.
Next, it is the main reason why a lot of users are interested in that mower. Each of us enjoys long-lasting equipment, and that is one of them. Thanks to its fabulous foot-operated mower deck lift that is utilized for lifting and customizing the mower deck, that is the best commercial lawn mower that we make sure is worth purchasing at all. That makes it simple for your working process.
Pros
– It offers easy controls, compared to small zero turn mowers.
– It comes with a long-lasting design
– It has a flexible cutting bed.
Cons
– It is not appropriate for daily use.
