If you’re in the market for a new riding lawn mower, a zero turn mower might be right up your alley. More efficient than standard lawn mowers, zero turn mowers allow you to do the same work in less time and without having to retrim missed spots, also saving you frustration.
The benefits of buying a zero turn mower
The biggest benefit of buying a zero turn mower is the zero turn aspect itself. It’s what transforms a regular lawn mower into an efficiency powerhouse. Because of the zero turn factor, you have 360-degree maneuverability. Making tight turns and going around obstacles really is a major time saver. Plus, it’ll save your lawn mower in the process, because even though you may be using it just as often, you’re actually putting it through less wear and tear, thereby prolonging its life.
Many zero turn lawn mowers also feature ultrawide cutting decks to suit the needs of large property owners. If you have several acres, a regular mower just won’t do. And older generation mowing tractors are clumsy and don’t have the efficiency modern folks require, which is another reason why zero turn mowers are so appealing.
Bottom line: You can’t get more efficient mowing your lawn than when you’re using a zero turn mower. You save time and you prolong your mower’s lifespan.
Tips on how to choose the best zero turn mower for your needs
There are a few things to keep in mind when searching for the best zero turn mower for your needs. Consider the following:
- Choose a cutting width based on the size of your property. This is essential. Large properties need a wide cutting width. Small properties need a smaller one. It’s simple, really, but miscalculating your needs can result in a lot of frustration. If you have more than a couple of acres, you’d likely rather size up than down.
- If your property is residential, always choose a residential mower. Warranty fine print often means voided warranties if you don’t match the mower to your usage type.
- On the token above, professionals should seriously consider commercial grade mowers, if only for the warranty issue.
- Look for additional efficient boosting features like tank capacity.
- If you have a large property, comfort is a must even on the most efficient zero turn mower, so keep that in mind.
Zero turn mower reviews
Poulan Pro 967331001 P54ZX Briggs V-Twin Pro 24 HP Cutting Deck Zero Turn Radius Riding Mower
Maneuverability
The 54-inch Poulan Pro P54ZX Riding Mower features a zero turn radius; with the ability to metaphorically turn on a dim, the zero-turn status of the P54ZX turns when you want it to, how you want it to, providing a very reactive steering experience. To further aid maneuverability, the P54ZX’s wheels operate independently. This gives more customization to your steering ability; not only is it easier to go left and right, but you can also easily go backwards or maneuver around tricky obstacles, which is a necessity on heavily wooded properties.
Efficiency
The Poulan Pro’s 54-inch cutting deck makes a broad sweep; when you combine that with the zero turn radius feature, you end up making fewer sweeps across your yard, shortening your grass cutting time tremendously. Because you spend less time cutting grass, you have more time to do other things; also, less time cutting grass means less wear and tear on your mower and its components, so it’ll last longer compared to less efficient models. According to Poulan, these features, working in tandem with the 3.5-gallon fuel tank capacity and 6mph speed, allows you to cut “up to 2.8 acres per hour”. Now, that may not seem like a big deal if your property is on the small side, but for those with a lot of acreage, this high level of efficiency makes a huge difference in their daily chores as well as the longevity of their mower.
Easy to use
Despite the Poulan Pro 54-inch’s impressive features, it’s still a very easy to use riding lawn mower. The convenient six-position cutting height adjustment, allows you to easily find the right cutting height to suit your needs, with a range from 1.5 inches to 4 inches. The mower is controlled with dual levers, which are padded for comfort; these levers are part of what makes the P54ZX so easy to maneuver as well. Additionally, the electric clutch easily engages. Assembly is just as easy as operation—the P54ZX comes almost completely assembled, which means most folks will have no problem putting on the finishing touches and putting their mower to use.
Powerful
The Poulan Pro P54ZX features a Briggs & Stratton V-Twin PRO 24V engine, operating on two cylinders. Briggs & Stratton is a company that’s been around for a very long time, and make some of the most well-regarded engines in the world, known for not only being reliable, but powerful, as well. Essentially, you know what you’re getting with a Briggs & Stratton: good performance and reliable power.
Durable
The 54-inch deck is reinforced and has a 10-year warranty on it, which means the manufacturer certainly isn’t expecting anything to go amiss. The three cutting blades are stainless steel not only for great cutting action, but for longevity—you don’t have to change them out as often. The frame is welded and, once again, the P54ZX features a Briggs & Stratton engine, which are known to last. When you factor in the quality build with the high efficiency performance, meaning less wear and tear than you would otherwise get on a comparable mower, you can expect the Poulan Pro P54ZX to not only be durable, but enduring as well.
The pros
What to like:
- 3-year limited homeowner warranty
- 10-year warranty on mower deck
- Zero-turn radius saves time, boosts efficiency
- 54-inch cutting deck further boosts efficiency
- Stamped reinforced cutting deck is durable, made to last
- 3 steel cutting blades
- 4 anti-scalp rollers
- Easy to maneuver
- Easily operate independent wheels for maximum user control
- Easy to assemble—comes mostly assembled
- Compatible with bagger addons for catching grass
- Compatible with a hitch addon for towing
- Engine: Briggs & Stratton V-Twin PRO 24V
- 2 cylinders
- 0-6mph forward speed
- 5-gallon fuel tank
- Electric clutch
- Hydro HG EZT transmission
- Caster wheels
- Welded frame
- Digital hour meter
- Dual padded levers
- Comfortable high back seat, easily adjustable
- Made in the USA
The cons
What to consider:
- Some assembly is required, but it’s minor and easily accomplished, thanks to the included instructions. And this isn’t a huge con simply because you’re going to experience this with most large-scale riding mowers you buy online, just due to the physical limitations for shipping.
Husqvarna 967324101 V-Twin 724 cc Zero Turn Mower
54-inch cutting deck
The extra-wide 54-inch cutting deck combines with the Husqvarna’s zero turn capabilities to minimize your cutting time by maximizing your efficiency. For small lots, just about any decent riding lawnmower will do; for larger lots with serious acreage, you can’t beat a mower with a large cutting deck, because it’ll end up saving you literally hours of hard work in the hot summer heat. Not only is the large, oversize cutting deck convenient, it’s stamped and reinforced for extra durability. It also provides other functions, as well; for instance, thanks to superior air drawing, it improves grass lift, further upping the Husqvarna’s already impressive efficiency.
Powerful engine
The Briggs & Stratton V-Twin 24hp engine features chrome-plated valves, air filtration and an extra-large cooling fan to further amp up the engine’s already impressive performance. Aside from its impressive specs, Briggs & Stratton is a well-known name in the engine world, synonymous with quality, which is why you’re likely to find them in some of the best zero turn mowers on the market period.
Easy to use
The spring-assisted deck lift system is both easy to reach and easy to use. The footpad is removable thanks to Husqvarna’s unique, tube-style chassis, so the top of the cutting deck is really easy to reach. The mower features a dual hydro gear EZT transmission, and the clutch is electric, simplifying blade engagement. For added convenience and safety, the Husqvarna has an automatic park brake system.
Comfort features
The levers and control panel are ergonomically positioned so use is not only convenient but comfortable as well. The seat is nicely padded and features a high back for good lumbar support, while the footrest is anti-slip.
The pros
What to like:
- Zero turn mower
- 54-inch cutting deck
- Improved overall efficiency thanks to zero turn mower style combined with large cutting deck and robust engine
- High efficiency zero turn mowers boast extra longevity thanks to wearing less by comparison to other similar mowers
- Briggs & Stratton V-Twin engine with premium airflow and chrome plating
- Dual hydro gear EZT transmission
- Electric clutch
- Auto park brake system
- Reinforced stamped cutting deck
- Easy access to cutting deck
- Ergonomic levers
- Ergonomic control panel
- Comfortable seat with good back rest
- Anti-slip footrest for safety
- 4 anti-scalp rollers
- Easy to operate
- The required 12V battery is included with purchase
The cons
What to consider:
- In recent months, consumers have been noting some quality control issues with this particular mower. Mainly, it’s small problems like a peripheral piece breaking off, but all the same, it should be free of defects if it arrives to you brand-new. Aside from this issue, people tend to really like the mower itself. Since the mower is well-liked, and the manufacturer may have already remedied the quality control issues, this is more of a personal judgment call on your part kind of thing. The good news is, the warranty says it should be free of defects upon arrival, so if it’s not, it should be covered as long as you don’t invalidate the warranty in other ways.
Z-Beast 48ZB 20HP Heavy Duty 48″ Zero Turn Riding Mower with Roll Bar Powered by Briggs & Stratton Pro Engine
48 inch cutting width
The Z-Beast 48ZB zero turn riding mower features a 48-inch cutting width, which is ideal for medium to large properties where a large cutting deck is a huge timesaver.
High-powered
The Z-Beast is powered by 20hp Professional Series Briggs & Stratton engine, which works in tandem with the dual hydrostatic drive system to ramp up the power in a very noticeable way. Thanks to this combination, the Z-Beast can reach a solid max speed of 10mph, which is rare in today’s riding lawn mowers.
Efficient
When you combine the zero capabilities of the Z-Beast, along with the 20hp Briggs & Stratton engine, dual hydrostatic drive system, max speed of 10mph, and the 48-inch cutting deck, what you have is an incredibly efficient riding lawn mower. As you may have noticed 48 inches isn’t as wide as some of the other cutting decks, but the Z-Beast makes a strong effort to make up for that with its other timesaving, high-efficiency features.
Safety features
Because the Z-Beast can go up to 10mph, and because of the fact that many large properties feature hills and other inclines that make mowing in general a little riskier than their suburban lawn cousins, the Z-Beast features a sturdy roll bar. You may be thinking you don’t need a roll bar on a lawnmower, but you do when the lawn mower is going 10mph over bumpy terrain and parallel on steep inclines. This is especially true if it’s your spouse or your kids who are cutting your grass. You may be nonchalant about your own safety, but if it’s your wife or husband, or your kids, you’re going to want them to have the roll bar. Likewise, the Z-Beast also features a seatbelt as an extra precaution. Again, you may feel like you don’t need it, but if your teenage daughter is out there cutting the grass, you’re going to want her to be safe.
Robust build
The Z-Beast’s cutting deck is made from 12-gauge stamped steel with a 7-gauge reinforced clutch plate. The belt is made by Carlisle; they use high-grade, high-temperature rubber that increases the belt life by 250%.
The pros
What to like:
- Zero turn mower
- 48-inch cutting deck
- Max speed 10mph
- 20hp Professional Series Briggs & Stratton engine
- Dual hydrostatic drive system
- Incredibly efficient for a 48-inch mower thanks to high speeds, powerful engine
- 12-gauge stamped steel cutting deck
- Quick-adjust floating deck
- Deck height adjusts from 1.5 inches to 5 inches in half-inch increments
- High-temperature rubber components
- Roll bar
- Seat belt
- Cup holder
The cons
What to consider:
- The 48-inch cutting deck width is a bit smaller than some of the other mowers featured in this roundup; however, the Z-Beast is super-fast, so one could argue that the speed would make up for the lower efficiency the smaller 48-inch cutting deck might otherwise impart. So, if you plan on operating the Z-Beast at max speeds, the smaller cutting deck won’t really be a productivity issue for you.
- Unfortunately, this mower can’t be shipped to California or sold there, but luckily it can be for the rest of the contiguous United States.
Troy-Bilt Mustang 54 25HP 54-Inch Zero-Turn Mower
54-inch deck
The Troy-Bilt Mustang’s zero turn mower’s 54-inch cutting deck features three cutting blades with Electric Power Take-Off technology for lightning-fast blade engagement. The deck adjusts to 8 different height positions for ultimate customization and features side discharge with integrated wash for easy use.
Powerful engine
The Mustang uses the 25HP 724cc Briggs & Stratton Intek Twin Cylinder engine, allowing for powerful, efficient cutting with speeds up to 7mph, and features dual hydrostatic transmission.
Forward or backward
The Troy-Bilt Mustang 54 is capable of going both forwards and backwards. Forward speed maxes at 7mph while the backward speed of 2.5mph.
Comfort
The Mustang’s premium dual suspension rings and 18-inch, padded high-backed seat ensure your grass-cutting experience is a comfortable one.
The pros
What to like:
- 3-year limited residential warranty
- Limited lifetime warranty on frame
- Zero-turn mower
- 54-inch cutting deck
- 8 adjustable height settings
- 25HP 724cc Briggs & Stratton Intek Twin Cylinder engine
- Electric Power Take-Off technology
- Dual hydrostatic transmission
- Maximum forward speed of 7mph
- Maximum reverse speed of 2.5mph
- Dual suspension rings
- Comfortable 18-inch high-backed seat
The cons
What to consider:
- While the 54-inch cutting deck is great for large properties, the 7mph max speed is a little bit of a letdown, because the engine could definitely do more. Though, this is more of a nitpick than a huge con.
Troy-Bilt Mustang 46 22HP 46-Inch Zero-Turn Mower
46-inch cutting deck
The Troy-Bilt Mustang 46 features a twin blade side discharge deck with 8 adjustable height settings, making it not only an efficient mower, but a versatile one.
360-degree maneuverability
This zero turn mower from Troy-Bilt offers complete 360-degree maneuverability for ultimate control. This is ideal if you live on a property with a lot of trees, shrubs, rocks and other obstacles, because you can get a close, clean cut without having to go back and retrim these areas.
Powerful
The Mustang 46 boasts a 24 horsepower V-Twin Briggs & Stratton engine with twin hydro dual EZT transmission, allowing for a max speed of 7mph, boosting efficiency.
Comfortable
The combination of dual suspension springs and a padded 18-inch high backrest on the seat ensure that your mowing experience is a comfortable one—great for long hauls. Additionally, the lab bars are ergonomic and adjustable to accommodate homeowners of all shapes and sizes.
FastAttach accessory compatible
The Mustang 46 is compatible with FastAttach accessories for an extra boost of efficiency and productivity.
The pros
What to like:
- 3-year limited warranty
- Limited lifetime warranty on frame
- Zero-turn mower
- 46-inch cutting deck
- 8 adjustable height settings
- Twin blades
- Max speed of 7mph
- 360-degree maneuverability
- Highly efficient
- 24 horsepower V-Twin Briggs & Stratton engine
- Dual hydro EZT transmission
- Power Take Off tech ensures fast blade engagement
- FastAttach compatible
- 18-inch high backrest on padded seat
- Ergonomic lap bars
- Adjustable lap bars
- Easy to use
The cons
What to consider:
- The 46-inch cutting deck is going to be a bit small for large properties; that said, the 360-degree maneuverability may make up for this shortcoming if your property features a lot of obstacles that require a mower with extreme dexterity.
Ariens Zoom 34 – 19hp Kohler 6000 Series V-Twin 34″ Zero Turn Lawn Mower
34 inch cutting width
The 34-inch cutting width on the Ariens Zoom makes it an excellent choice for small to mid-size lawns.
Maneuverability
The mid-size cutting deck combined with the zero-turn feature make the Ariens Zoom 34 an extremely easy to maneuver riding mower, especially in smaller yards, where a huge mower just isn’t practical.
Efficiency
Despite the 34-inch cutting deck being on the smaller side, when you factor in the Zoom 34’s speed and maneuverability, the Ariens Zoom can handle even medium-sized applications with ease and efficiency.
Engine
The Ariens Zoom 34 features a 19hp Kohler 6000 Series V-Twin, which may not sound so powerful after reading about some of the other engines in this roundup; however, when you consider the Zoom 34’s smaller size, this engine can stand up to the rest when it comes to powering the mower.
The pros
What to like:
- 34-inch stamped deck is great for small to mid-size properties
- Ultra-efficient on smaller properties
- Easy to maneuver
- Easy to use
- 19hp Kohler 6000 Series V-Twin
- EZT transmission
- Robustly built considering the smaller size
The cons
What to consider:
- The 34-inch cutting width of the Ariens Zoom just isn’t wide enough to be practical for a large property, though it’s still an excellent size for small to mid-size properties.
Poulan Pro P46ZX Briggs V-Twin Pro 22 HP Cutting Deck Zero Turn Radius Riding Mower
46-inch cutting deck
The Poulan Pro P46ZX’s 46-inch reinforced cutting deck features steel twin cutting blades, a nose roller, and three anti-scalp rollers. It also comes with an impressive 10-year warranty.
Extreme maneuverability
The dual hydro gear EZT transmission allows the P46ZX’s wheels to be operated independently. This means you can go easily in any direction, even backwards, controlling the movement of the mower with the hand levers per usual.
Efficient
When you factor in the Poulan Pro P46ZX’s 46-inch cutting blade, zero turn radius and independently operated wheels, what you have is a mower that offers not only extreme control but ultra-efficiency. You save time cutting and you also save time by not having to go back and re-trim places you already mowed. To further boost efficiency, the mower features a 3.5-gallon fuel tank, so you don’t have to make as many refueling trips, even when you have a large property. And as always, with any high-efficiency riding lawn mower, you’re going to end up with a long-lived lawn mower, because by being more efficient, the mower is used less—even if you use it as often as you would a normal mower. This can expand the average zero turn mower’s life expectancy by years, and the Poulan Pro P46ZX is no different.
Easy to use
The independently operated wheels may seem intimidating, but thanks to being control by the regular levers you’re already using the steer, they’re incredibly easy to use. Likewise, cutting height is adjusted in six increments, so you can always find your desired setting. For further ease of use, the clutch is electric start. And for easy maintenance, there is an easy access panel to get to the deck.
Comfortable
The ergonomic control levers feature padded grips; likewise, the seat is also padded and features a nice, 15-inch high back, for great lumbar support.
The pros
What to like:
- 3-year limited residential warranty
- 10-year limited lifetime warranty on the cutting deck
- Zero turn mower
- 46-inch reinforced cutting deck
- Twin blades
- 4 rollers
- Easy cutting deck access
- Height adjustment in 6 half-inch increments from 1.5 inches to 4 inches
- 22 HP Briggs & Stratton Professional Series engine
- Dual hydro-gear EZT drive system
- Digital hour meter
- Padded control levers
- Padded seat with 15-inch high back
- 6mph top speed
- Cuts up to 2.4 acres per hour
- Made in the USA
The cons
What to consider:
- While a standout among the 46-inch models, it’s going to have a hard time matching the efficiency of its 54-inch counterpart on larger properties.
- Some have noticed it speeds up on a decline, but this is normal to a degree. As long as the speed isn’t unsafe, it’s not really an issue, but always feel free to discuss it with Poulan Pro customer service if you feel it is one.
S125 61″ Cut Snapper Pro Zero Turn (RED)
61-inch cutting deck
The Snapper Pro S125’s 61-inch cutting deck is certainly impressive. Because of its sheer size, you’re able to cut large properties in fewer sweeps, boosting your efficiency a lot. And that goes double when you consider it’s a zero turn mower.
Briggs & Stratton Commercial Turf Series engine
The Briggs & Stratton Commercial Turf Series engine on the S125 builds on the already impressive reputation of Briggs & Stratton engines in general, thanks to features like its proprietary advanced debris management system, which keeps junk out of your engine. On that token, what debris that is left is trapped in the closed system air cleaner cartridge, so you never have to worry about it seeing the light of day again—until you dump it in the trash, that is.
iCD Cutting System
The iCD Cutting System is another patented way the S125 Snapper Pro uses the power of better air flow to its advantage. The result is not only a better looking lawn, but a better cutting experience—and less wear and tear on your motor.
Deck lift
The deck lift system is a small feature that makes a big impact. No longer is setting height a chore or a matter of guesswork. Cut height is in quarter-inch increments and ranges from 1.5 inches to 5 inches, allowing for more customization—a necessary feature for pros, or just people who are very exacting.
The pros
What to like:
- Zero turn commercial mower
- 61-inch cutting deck for ultimate efficiency in large yards
- Briggs & Stratton Commercial Turf Series engine
- The iCD Cutting System for smarter airflow
- Intelligently clears away debris
- Deck lift; height increments set to quarter-inches for ultimate customization
- Easy deck access
- Easy to use
The cons
What to consider:
- Despite being overall nimble, its sheer size may make it unwieldy and unpractical for smaller properties; that said, if you’re a pro, you can probably handle it, as you will need a heavy-duty mower for your lawn care business to take it to the next level, anyway.
Swisher TWR10532BS 10.5HP Ride King B&S Ztr, Red, White & Black, 32″
32-inch cutting deck
The 32-inch cutting deck with twin blades may be smaller than many of the others in this roundup, but it’s an excellent size for small properties where being nimble is key.
360-degree turn radius
The full 360-degree turn radius makes the Swisher 32-inch, once again, ideal for small yards where being able to maneuver swiftly is a must.
Compact
Because of its smaller size, the Swisher 32-inch is great for suburban residences with smaller lots and can easily fit through garden gates, as well as store in average garages and tool sheds.
The pros
What to like:
- Made in the USA
- 32-inch cutting deck is great for small yards
- 360-degree turn radius
- 5 HP (344cc) Briggs & Stratton engine
- Anti-scalp wheels
- Anti-bump rollers
- Height adjustable from 1.5 inches to 4.5 inches
- Standard steering wheel for classic look and operation
The cons
What to consider:
- Due to its small cutting width, the 32-inch Ride King from Swisher isn’t really ideal for medium or larger properties.
- Can’t be shipped to or sold in California, though it is able to be sold and shipped in the rest of the continental US.
Swisher ZTR2454BS Response 24HP 54-Inch B&S ZTR Mower
54-inch deck
The 54-inch 11-gauge fabricated cutting deck features 3 gator mulching blades to blast through even the heaviest duty mowing applications, while also managing to be highly efficient.
Maneuverability
Thanks to its zero turn capabilities and full 360-degree operation, the Swisher Response’s 54-inch ultrawide cutting deck is a breeze to handle even in cramped spaces.
24 HP Professional Series Briggs & Stratton engine
The Briggs & Stratton Engine on the 54-inch Swisher is not only powerful enough to provide for max speeds of 8mph forwards and backwards, it also features improved airflow for overall better performance and longevity.
The pros
What to like:
- 54-inch cutting deck
- 3 Gator mulching blades
- 24hp Professional Series Briggs & Stratton engine
- Highly maneuverable
- Ultra-efficient
- Rapid Response Control System
- Electric Start
- Hydro Gear 2800 transmission
- Comfortable seat
- Cup holder
- Made in the USA
The cons
What to consider:
- Can’t be sold or shipped to California due to emissions standards.
Top Recommendation
After carefully considering some of the best of the best on the market today, the ultimate winner of the best zero turn mower roundup is the 54-inch Poulan Pro P54ZX Riding Mower. Because of its quality, ease of use, efficiency, and durability, choosing it as the winner was a real no-brainer.
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