Zero-Turn Mower Buying Guide
Quick and effortlessly moving, zero-turn mowers provide landscape professionals and homeowners with a less bulky, more efficient solution compared to traditional mowers. The right zero-turn mower enhances maneuverability, allowing you to navigate the yard smoothly without unnecessary delays or the need for frequent backing up.
The key is to know what you're buying, what features really matter, and what the advantages of zero-turn mowers are based on how well they fit your specific needs. Our team at Tractor Bob’s has broken down the details to create a comprehensive zero-turn mower buying guide to help you.
Check out our current inventory of zero-turn mowers for sale to find one that fits your specific needs.
In a zero-turn mower, two steering levers are used to control the movement. The front caster wheels spin freely at 360 degrees while the rear tires are powered by two transaxles. Because those rear wheels have their own axle, they can rotate independently of one another, which is what gives these mowers the ability to turn freely, achieving a zero-turn radius.
Applicable to both commercial and home grass cutting, the mower’s mobility enhances how quickly it can move around the space, turning easily and getting deep into hidden nooks around the yard.
Easy to maintain
Zero-turn mowers certainly require maintenance to keep them operating at their best. However, they tend to be easier to manage and often they are less expensive to repair.
The key is to know what you're buying, what features really matter, and what the advantages of zero-turn mowers are based on how well they fit your specific needs. Our team at Tractor Bob’s has broken down the details to create a comprehensive zero-turn mower buying guide to help you.
Check out our current inventory of zero-turn mowers for sale to find one that fits your specific needs.
What Is a Zero-Turn Mower?
A zero-turn mower is different from a traditional riding mower because it has a virtually zero-turn radius. A traditional riding mower, by contrast, has a steering wheel which turns the front wheels of the mower. The back wheels are powered by a single transmission.In a zero-turn mower, two steering levers are used to control the movement. The front caster wheels spin freely at 360 degrees while the rear tires are powered by two transaxles. Because those rear wheels have their own axle, they can rotate independently of one another, which is what gives these mowers the ability to turn freely, achieving a zero-turn radius.
Applicable to both commercial and home grass cutting, the mower’s mobility enhances how quickly it can move around the space, turning easily and getting deep into hidden nooks around the yard.
Enhanced Features of the Best Zero-Turn Mowers
To improve performance, the best zero-turn mowers offer enhancements and add-on features that make the job even easier for you. Some of the best features (worthy of added cost in some cases) include:- Easy steering: An excellent choice for long projects where you want efficiency and ease of performance.
- Suspension seats: This is excellent for improving back support and allows for weight adjustment, so no matter who is on it, it is comfortable. It’s a drastic improvement in comfort compared to most ride-on mowers.
- Canopies: Protect yourself from the sun with a reliable, easy-to-manage canopy.
- Hitches: Hitches allow you to pull a cart or a small trailer or attach other cool accessories to your mower.
- Mulching kits: Distribute the grass evenly over the surface without having to deal with a bag (though you can attach a bagger to your mower as well).
The Advantages of a Zero-Turn Mower
Whether your lawn is big or small, the benefits of owning a zero-turn mower usually outweigh the other grass-cutting options out there.Easier to handle
By far, the best benefit of a zero-turn mower is the enhanced maneuverability over traditional tractors. Whether you have ample experience behind the steering wheel of a tractor or not, it’s hard to refute the fact that zero-turns are just much easier to drive. Tight corners, deep cuts, and clean cuts around trees are easy to do. If your yard is an obstacle course, you’ll definitely benefit from this mower.Better fuel efficiency
No one likes to spend money on gas, and with the best zero-turn mowers, you get a very fuel-efficient machine. Less time on the grass means less gas burning in the process. You could go with an electric zero-turn mower as well. Though they're not as powerful, they will lower your dependency on fuel.Easy to maintain
Zero-turn mowers certainly require maintenance to keep them operating at their best. However, they tend to be easier to manage and often they are less expensive to repair.
Improved visibility
Zero-turn mowers enhance visibility by elevating the operator, providing a clear view of what's ahead. Unlike traditional tractors, which have the engine positioned directly in front of the operator, zero-turn mowers offer an unobstructed view of the grass in front.Speed
Zero-turn mowers are faster. Though how fast depends on the make and model, a typical lawn mower cuts grass at about 3 to 4 miles per hour, and a zero-turn mower can reach up to 5 to 8 miles per hour. More so, there’s less need to go back to handle what didn’t get cut the first time.The Best Zero-Turn Mowers
At Tractor Bob, we offer a range of options to select from, but here are our picks for the best zero-turn lawnmowers on the market today.- Best commercial zero turn mower: 2024 Altoz TRX 766i (Featuring the All-Need TERRAFLEX Track). For extreme terrain (and backyard projects), this mower is a powerful tool, taking down even the tallest grass with ease. Enhance that with the superior suspension system, and you have a highly reliable commercial lawn mower.
- Best residential zero-turn mower for $3,000: 2024 Bad Boy MZ Rambler. This mower brings a competitive price to the big game with highly reliable function and power for just about any sized yard. For serious performance and easy use, this is the best choice.
- Altoz XP 610 HDi: This mower provides a rugged chassis and a highly durable design. It does an excellent job with precision grass cutting. It has a large cutting deck and features a heat-dissipating aluminum spindle housing. That helps to improve strength and allows for hours of use without drawbacks.
- Scag Cheetah 61: This is a powerful zero-turn mower that has the fastest turn on the market. It's a solid system with ample performance, and they also want comfort as they maneuver through the work.
- John Deere Z-Trak Z535M: For those looking for a performance that’s perfect for big backyards at a more competitive price, check out this model.