Zero turn mowers serve as an essential tool for anyone who aspires to have a perfectly groomed lawn. They outshine typical riding mowers in terms of accuracy and flexibility. Equipped with a one-of-a-kind steering system that allows them to pivot on their own axis, they make navigating through tight spaces and avoiding obstacles a breeze. Their speed and productivity exceed other varieties of mowers, identifying them as the ideal choice for large lawns.
When looking for the best zero turn mower, there are several factors to consider. The first is the size of your lawn. If you have a small lawn, you may not need a large mower with a lot of horsepower. However, if you have a large lawn or plan to use your mower for commercial purposes, you will need a more powerful machine.
Another important factor is the cutting deck. The cutting deck is the part of the mower that does the actual cutting. The size of the cutting deck will determine how quickly you can mow your lawn. A larger cutting deck will enable you to mow your lawn more quickly, but it may be more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
Finally, you should consider the quality of the build. A well-built zero turn mower will last for years and require less maintenance than a poorly built machine. Look for mowers with sturdy frames, high-quality engines, and durable cutting decks.
We spent countless hours researching and testing ten zero turn mowers to identify the ones that offer the best performance, durability, and value.
Best Zero Turn Mowers
We have researched and tested various zero turn mowers available in the market to bring you the best options. Zero turn mowers are a great choice for those who want to mow their lawn quickly and efficiently. With their ability to turn in a complete circle, they can easily navigate around obstacles and save you time. In this article, we will be sharing our top picks for the best zero turn mowers that are worth your investment.
1. Ariens IKON XD 52 inch 23 HP Zero Turn Mower
If you’re looking for a zero turn mower that can handle a large lawn, the Ariens IKON XD 52 inch 23 HP Zero Turn Mower is a great choice.
Pros
- The advanced airflow system and 4-inch deep fabricated deck provide an exceptional cutting performance.
- The high back seat with padded armrests is adjustable from the operator position, providing superior comfort while mowing.
- You can easily choose from 13 cutting positions, from 1-1/2 to 4-1/2 inches, in quarter-inch increments with just the turn of a dial.
Cons
- The mower is quite heavy, weighing in at 785 pounds, which can make it difficult to maneuver.
- The drive belt and idler pulley have been known to have issues, which may require repairs.
- The front wheels are not as durable as they could be and may need to be replaced sooner than expected.
We recently had the chance to test out the Ariens IKON XD 52 inch 23 HP Zero Turn Mower, and we were impressed with its cutting performance. The advanced airflow system and 4-inch deep fabricated deck allowed us to easily cut through thick grass and even some small weeds.
The high back seat with padded armrests was also a nice touch, providing a comfortable and adjustable seating position for mowing. We appreciated the ability to easily adjust the cutting height with the turn of a dial, which made it easy to get the perfect cut for our lawn.
However, we did notice that the mower was quite heavy and difficult to maneuver at times, especially around tight corners and obstacles. We also experienced some issues with the drive belt and idler pulley, which required repairs. Additionally, the front wheels were not as durable as we would have liked and may need to be replaced sooner than expected.
Overall, if you have a large lawn and are looking for a zero turn mower that can handle it, the Ariens IKON XD 52 inch 23 HP Zero Turn Mower is a solid choice. Just be aware of its weight and potential issues with the drive belt and front wheels.
2. Husqvarna MZ54F 54 in. 24 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
If you’re looking for a reliable zero turn mower, the Husqvarna MZ54F is a great option.
Pros
- The 24 HP Kawasaki engine provides reliable startups and high ground speeds.
- The patent-pending park brake system automatically activates or deactivates as the steering levers are moved outward or inward.
- The ClearCut deck offers a best-in-class 54 in. cut and better bagging thanks to its deep deck design, superior air flow and high-performance blades.
Cons
- Clippings can be discharged, mulched or bagged with a 9-bushel triple bag collection system (mulching kit and bagger attachment sold separately).
- The ride is not as smooth as some other models.
- The cut isn’t great, even with new blade and proper adjustment.
We recently had the opportunity to try out the Husqvarna MZ54F and were impressed with its performance. The 24 HP Kawasaki engine started up quickly and provided plenty of power for our mowing needs. We also appreciated the park brake system, which made it easy to stop and start the mower as needed.
The ClearCut deck was another highlight of the mower. It offered a clean, precise cut and made it easy to bag clippings when needed. However, we did find that the ride wasn’t as smooth as some other models we’ve tried. Additionally, the cut quality wasn’t always perfect, even with a new blade and proper adjustment.
Overall, we would recommend the Husqvarna MZ54F to anyone looking for a reliable zero turn mower. However, if you’re looking for a more comfortable ride or a mower with better cut quality, you may want to consider other options.
3. Himal Outdoors Zero-Turn Mower Cover
We highly recommend the Himal Outdoors Zero-Turn Mower Cover for those looking to keep their mower protected from the elements.
Pros
- Heavy duty 600D polyester oxford material for durability
- UV protection to prevent fading and cracking
- Drawstring and cover storage bag for easy use and storage
Cons
- Some users reported water pooling on the cover
- No instructions included on how to secure to the mower
- May be too large for smaller mowers
This cover is made of high-quality material that is designed to withstand various weather conditions. It has a drawstring and cover storage bag for easy use and storage. However, some users have reported water pooling on the cover, and there are no instructions included on how to secure it to the mower. Additionally, it may be too large for smaller mowers.
In conclusion, the Himal Outdoors Zero-Turn Mower Cover is a great investment for those looking to protect their mower from the elements. Its heavy-duty material and UV protection make it a durable option, and the drawstring and cover storage bag add convenience to its use.
4. Tough Cover Extreme Edition Zero-Turn Mower Cover
We highly recommend the Tough Cover Extreme Edition Zero-Turn Mower Cover for anyone looking for a heavy-duty and reliable cover for their zero-turn mower.
Pros
- The cover is made from 600D marine-grade tear-proof fabric, making it twice the weight of competitors and a true stamp of Tough Cover’s heavy-duty quality.
- The water-resistant coating protects your zero-turn mower from rain, snow, UV, dust, debris, and pollen.
- The universal fit makes it compatible with most types, models, and makes of zero-turn mowers, including John Deere, Husqvarna, Toro, Cub Cadet, Bad Boy, Exmark, Gravely, Ferris, and more.
Cons
- The cover may not fit as snugly on smaller zero-turn mowers.
- The cover may require two people to put on larger zero-turn mowers.
- The cover may not be as breathable as other covers, which can lead to moisture buildup.
We recently tested the Tough Cover Extreme Edition Zero-Turn Mower Cover and were impressed with its quality and durability. The cover is made from heavy-duty materials that can withstand extreme weather conditions and protect your zero-turn mower from wear and tear.
The universal fit makes it easy to use with most zero-turn mowers, and the drawstring tightening mechanism ensures a secure fit. The bonus practical storage bag is also a nice touch, making it easy to store the cover when not in use.
Overall, we highly recommend the Tough Cover Extreme Edition Zero-Turn Mower Cover for anyone looking for a heavy-duty and reliable cover for their zero-turn mower.
5. Classic Accessories Zero-Turn Mower Cover
We highly recommend purchasing the Classic Accessories Zero-Turn Mower Cover if you want to protect your mower from the elements.
Pros
- The cover is made from Weather-X Fabric with Water-Resistant Backing, which provides excellent protection against sun damage, rain, dirt, birds, and tree sap.
- The Elastic Shock Cord in Bottom Hem ensures a snug, custom-like fit.
- The Reinforced Air Vent lets air circulate and helps prevent ballooning in winds.
Cons
- The cover is a tight fit for some mowers.
- The fabric may fade over time.
- The cover does not have tie-down clips.
This Classic Accessories Zero-Turn Mower Cover is perfect for those who want to keep their mower looking like new. The cover is made from high-quality materials that provide excellent protection against the elements. The Elastic Shock Cord in Bottom Hem ensures a snug fit, and the Reinforced Air Vent helps prevent ballooning in winds.
The only downside to this cover is that it may be a tight fit for some mowers, and the fabric may fade over time. Additionally, the cover does not have tie-down clips, which may be a concern in windy conditions.
Overall, we highly recommend the Classic Accessories Zero-Turn Mower Cover to anyone who wants to protect their mower from the elements.
6. Husqvarna MZ61 (61″) 24HP Kawasaki Zero Turn Lawn Mower
If you are looking for a high-performance zero turn mower for large properties and light commercial work, then the Husqvarna MZ61 is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The 24HP/726cc Kawasaki FR730V Series V-Twin Engine provides plenty of power and makes mowing a breeze.
- The 61-inch, 3-blade fabricated deck is heavy-duty and can handle tough mowing conditions.
- The Hydro Gear ZT-3100 Commercial Grade Hydrostatic Transmission provides smooth and effortless operation.
Cons
- The mower is quite heavy and may be difficult to maneuver for some users.
- The price point is higher than some other zero turn mowers on the market.
- The 5 gallon fuel capacity may not be enough for larger properties.
We recently had the opportunity to test out the Husqvarna MZ61 and were impressed with its overall performance. The Kawasaki engine provided plenty of power and made mowing our large property a breeze. The 61-inch deck was able to handle tough mowing conditions with ease, and the Hydro Gear transmission provided smooth and effortless operation.
One thing to keep in mind is that the mower is quite heavy, so it may be difficult to maneuver for some users. Additionally, the price point is higher than some other zero turn mowers on the market. However, if you are looking for a high-performance mower that can handle tough mowing conditions, the Husqvarna MZ61 is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a zero turn mower, there are a few important features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Deck Size
The deck size of a zero turn mower is an important factor to consider. The larger the deck size, the more area the mower can cover in one pass. However, larger decks can also make the mower harder to maneuver in tight spaces.
Engine Power
The engine power of a zero turn mower is another important factor to consider. A more powerful engine can handle tougher mowing conditions and can also help the mower move faster. However, a more powerful engine can also be louder and use more fuel.
Comfort
Since you’ll be spending a lot of time on your zero turn mower, it’s important to choose one that’s comfortable to use. Look for mowers with comfortable seats and ergonomic controls.
Durability
Finally, it’s important to choose a zero turn mower that’s built to last. Look for mowers with sturdy frames and high-quality components that can withstand regular use.
By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be able to choose the best zero turn mower for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable brand of zero turn mower?
When it comes to reliability, some of the most trusted brands in the zero turn mower market are John Deere, Husqvarna, and Toro. These brands have a reputation for producing high-quality mowers that can withstand heavy use and last for many years.
Which zero turn mower is best for hills?
If you have a hilly yard, it’s important to choose a zero turn mower with a powerful engine and excellent traction. Some of the best zero turn mowers for hills include the Husqvarna Z254, the Ariens IKON-X, and the Swisher ZTR2454BS.
What is the best type of zero-turn mower?
There are two main types of zero turn mowers: lap bar and steering wheel. Lap bar mowers are more maneuverable and better suited for tight spaces, while steering wheel mowers offer more control and stability. Ultimately, the best type of mower for you will depend on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your yard.
What is the best zero turn mower made?
There are many high-quality zero turn mowers on the market, but some of the best include the John Deere Z535M, the Husqvarna Z254F, and the Toro TimeCutter. These mowers offer excellent performance, durability, and ease of use.
What are the top-rated zero turn mowers?
Some of the top-rated zero turn mowers include the Husqvarna Z254, the John Deere Z535M, and the Toro TimeCutter. These mowers have received high ratings from customers and industry experts alike for their performance, durability, and ease of use.
Which zero turn mower brand is the most reliable?
When it comes to reliability, some of the most trusted zero turn mower brands include John Deere, Husqvarna, and Toro. These brands have a reputation for producing high-quality mowers that can withstand heavy use and last for many years.
