Nov. 2024
Looking for the best zero turn mower reviews? See our comparison chart of the different brands as well as our ratings. Best mowers under $6000, $5000, $4000 & $3000.
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Best Zero Turn Lawn Mower Reviews 2024
Best ZTR Under $3000
Best ZTR Under $5000
TOP 5 COMPARISON
✅ See our choice of the best ZTR lawn mower.
We all know that cutting grass with a normal lawn mower is backbreaking work and takes time… sometimes a lot of time depending on the size of your backyard or other area that you need to cut.
Whether you are a home owner, landscaper or own a lawn care business, a zero turn mower is a blessing in disguise.
The two main advantages are convenience and speed.
Another advantage is that you can deliver a professional cut that will be the envy of everyone.
Since these mowers aren’t cheap, it pays to look at some reviews and do a little bit of research.
The term “zero turn” does not make sense because there is no such thing as a zero turn.
However, if you look at the full term of zero turn radius (ZTR), it makes a lot more sense.
Once you learn how to operate a ZTR mower, you will never want to go back to a lawn mower with a steering wheel.
It will take a while to get used to driving your new ZTR (about 30 min – 1 hr.) and before you start cutting, it is best to practice somewhere else in an open area where you won’t damage your lawn.
There is an inherent danger in the high speed blades and therefore it is important that you follow all the safety precautions as advised by the manufacturer.
As with anything else, it pays to read the instructions; for instance, things like washing the under-deck after mowing will increase the longevity of your mower.
How Does a Zero Turn Mower Work?
When you see a zero turn lawn mower for the first time, the first thing that you notice is that it doesn’t have a steering wheel (well, some of the latest models do); instead it has two handle bars and this has a lot to do with how the lawn mower works.
First off, the front wheels serve no other purpose than to balance the mower and to assist it in turning. They are just swiveling wheels (Does not apply to ZTR lawn mower with steering wheels).
Each wheel at the back is powered independently and the handle bars control each motor individually.
The left handle bar controls the left wheel and the right handle bar controls the right wheel.
Controlling Your Zero Turn Lawn Mower
If you push forward on the right handle bar and pull the left handle bar backwards with an equal force, the lawn mower will turn anti-clockwise to the left until you return the bars to their original (neutral) position where the lawn mower will stop.
You can do a full 360 degree turn if you wish.
If you push the left handle bar forward and pull the right handle bar backwards with an equal force, the lawn mower will now turn in a clockwise direction to the right.
The more force you apply to the bars, the faster you will go.
If you push both bars forward equally, you will move forward in a straight line and if you pull both bars equally, you will move backwards in a straight line.
The amount of force you apply will determine the speed.
These are just the basics of how a zero turn mower works and there are still other things such as starting the motor, actually learning how to drive it, applying the manual brakes, etc.
Our Top Three Zero Turn Lawn Mower Brands
See below our choices for the best ZTR brands. The brands that we favor are the Troy-Bilt and PoulanPro brands.
Are Zero Turn Lawn Mowers Good on Hills?
Most of them are not. If the angle of the hill or slope is more than 15 degrees, it is unsafe to mow.
The steeper the angle of the slope, the higher the chance of the lawn mower tipping over.
The ZTR mower that provides the best stability on hills is the Troy-Bilt Mustang Pivot.
The Troy-Bilt XP is also a good candidate for slopes.
For serious hills, you will need a robotic slope mower with caterpillar tracks.
Stamped Deck vs. Fabricated Deck?
A stamped deck is the bottom part of the lawn mower that houses the blades and is stamped or punched out of one piece of metal by using a mold.
A fabricated deck is made of different parts that are put or welded together and is generally more rugged and more expensive.
Opinions are divided on stamped decks vs. fabricated decks, but the general consensus is that a stamped deck will be fine for home use unless the terrain is rough and uneven.
For commercial use, a fabricated deck is definitely recommended.
What are Anti-Scalping Wheels?
These are small wheels that are attached to the front of the lawn mower deck to protect the grass against unnecessary removal.
When you cut grass and go over a bump or high area on the ground, the lawn mower will sometimes slice (scalp) the top of the grass and even take some dirt with it, thereby scalping the area and killing the grass… must have happened to you a couple of times; first you’ll hear that telltale sound and if you are lucky, the lawn mower won’t die on you.
What Size Zero Turn Lawn Mower Do I Need?
The size will mostly depend on the area that needs to be cut, but if you want to save time, go bigger.
Changing from a smaller 42″ deck to a large 60″ deck can slice your cutting time in half.
Generally, for a home owner, if you have a relatively big yard, a smaller 40″ mower will be sufficient, but for larger areas such as golf courses, schools, parks and other areas, a commercial mower is recommended with a deck size of at least 60″.
Here are some general indications of the size you will need:
- 1/2 acre: 40″ deck size.
- 1/2 – 3 acres: 42″ – 48″ deck size.
- 3+ acres: 50″ deck size.
Best Zero Turn Lawn Mower Reviews
Updated Nov. 2024While reviewing zero turn radius lawn mowers, we found that the technology is not perfect since you will hear complaints about most brands with things such as blades that don’t last long or some or other problem.
One consumer actually wished that he had paid more attention to other brands before purchasing a certain brand.
Unfortunately, all of the brands have some problems; you just need to choose the one with the least problems.
Zero Turn Mower Comparison Table
| Rating | Brand | Deck Size (inches / m) | Horse Power (HP) | Max. Speed (mph / km/hr) | Price $ (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Zero Turn Mower Under $3000 | |||||
  |
Poulan Pro Zero Turn Mower Review | 46" / 1.17 m (Stamped) | 22 HP | 6 mph / 9.7 km/hr. | See Price |
  |
Husqvarna Z200 Zero Turn Lawn Mower Review | 46" / 1.17 m (Stamped) | 20 HP | 6.5 mph / 10.5 km/hr. | See Price |
| Best Zero Turn Mower Under $4000 | |||||
 |
Troy-Bilt Mustang Pivot Zero Turn Mower Review | 54" / 1.37 m | 25 HP | 7 mph / 11.3 km/hr. | See Price |
| Best Zero Turn Mower Under $5000 | |||||
 |
Husqvarna Z254 21 Zero Turn Lawn Mower Review | 52" / 1.32 m (Fabricated) | 25 HP | 6.5 mph / 10.5 km/hr. | See Price |
| Best Zero Turn Mower Under $6000 | |||||
 |
Troy-Bilt XP Zero Turn Lawn Mower Review | 60" / 1.52 m (Fabricated) | 25 HP | 7 mph / 11.3 km/hr. | See Price |
Best Zero Turn Mower Comparison Chart
In the comparison chart, we have ranked the lawn mowers according to deck size from the smallest to the largest.
The Poulan Pro ZTR mower has the smallest deck size and the lowest speed, but it is also the cheapest and our second choice for a ZTR mower.
Our first choice is the Troy-Bilt Mustang Pivot due to its precision and stability on slopes.
✅ Poulan Pro P46ZX: Best Zero Turn Mower Under $3000
The slick looking Poulan Pro P46ZX has a Briggs v-twin pro engine that propels it forward at a maximum speed of 6 mph.
The Poulan Pro is suitable for home owners as well as mid-sized areas.
If you are thinking about starting a lawn care business, this would be the perfect entry level model to get you started.
If you purchase a special Poulan grass bagger, then you won’t have to pick up the grass.
Cut up to 2.4 acres per hour with ease!
If you are thinking that this looks a lot like a Husqvarna, then you are right since Poulan is Husqvarna’s sister company.
✅ See more high resolution images, consumer reports and reviews as well as get more information.
- Good price!
- Excellent quality and durability.
- Gives a professional cut.
- Not good on slopes.
- Stamped deck.
✅ Husqvarna Z200: Best Zero Turn Lawn Mower
This model looks like a racing car and you just want to get on and drive it.
According to Husqvarna, air is drawn from the bottom and top of the 46″ deck and therefore their air induction mowing technology will deliver a better cut.
The spring assisted deck lifting system is within reach of the operator and makes it very easy to lift or lower the deck for cutting.
Instead of bagging the grass, consider a mulching kit so that nutrients are returned to the soil.
When it gets delivered, you will have to do some assembling, but it is easy enough and detailed instructions are provided.
✅ Get more details here as well as consumer reviews and reports.
- Comfortable lawn mower.
- Good price.
- Beautiful cut.
- Requires some assembling.
- Stamped deck.
✅ Troy-Bilt Mustang Pivot: Zero Turn Lawn Mower with Steering Wheel
For those of you that don’t like handle bars, this zero turn mower with a steering will function exactly the same as a normal ZTR.
The deck size of 54″ makes it suitable for home owners and some light commercial work.
Moves forward at a reasonable speed of 7 mph.
The advantage of the steering wheel is that you won’t tear up the yard as is sometimes the case with the lap bar models.
If you are a pro at using lap bars, then tearing up the yard won’t be a problem.
When you have a zero turn lawn mower with a steering wheel, all four wheels work together to give you exceptional maneuverability, stability and precise cuts.
This is probably the best type of ZTR lawn mower for hills and uneven terrain.
✅ Get more information here as well as user reviews and reports.
Video: Mustang Pivot: ZTR Lawn Mower with Steering Wheel
- Made in the USA.
- Suitable for hills and uneven terrain.
- Easy to wash deck with the integrated deck wash system.
- 3 Year limited warranty and lifetime limited frame warranty.
- Steering wheel model with all the benefits of zero turn lawn mowers.
- Good solid frame.
Husqvarna Z254: Best Zero Turn Mower Under $5000
Not a full commercial mower but certainly a higher end residential mower.
The rugged fabricated steel frame ensures that this mower will last for years and can be used for light commercial duties as well.
When you buy it, it will arrive fully assembled but you will have to do a few small things such as connecting the battery and add fuel to the mower.
The high back seat and ergonomically designed steering bars will ensure that you have a comfortable ride and that you don’t get tired quickly.
You will have a fun time cutting the grass and you certainly won’t have a problem with the family volunteering to cut the grass, since they will also enjoy it.
See beautiful high resolution pictures here as well as more information and the price.
- Cuts beautiful stripes.
- Fabricated steel frame for durability.
- Will lose traction if you turn downwards on a hill.
✅ Troy-Bilt XP: Best Commercial Zero Turn Mower on the Market
The Troy-Bilt XP uses a Briggs & Stratton commercial turf engine and with this ZTR lawn mower you will actually look forward to doing that dreaded job.
The rugged fabricated deck ensures that the mower can handle rough terrain and bumpy ground.
It does a good job with hills and slopes and moves around effortlessly.
This ZTR mower is built for toughness and speed.
It will cut 3 acres in 1.5 hours. Not bad at all.
If you are looking for the best commercial zero turn mower on the market, then this is it.
✅ Get more details here as well as customer reviews and the price.
- Tough and durable.
- One piece frame that’s been engineered and tested thoroughly to ensure that it lasts.
- Suitable for commercial applications.
- 3 Year limited warranty.
- Not cheap.
Today’s Best List:
Best Zero Turn Lawn Mower Reviews and Prices
List updated:
Nov 2024
How do You Remove Grass?
You have a few choices:
- Mulching – You buy a cheap mulching kit and then you don’t have to remove the grass since the grass will stay behind and provide rich nutrients to the soil when it degrades after 3-5 days. Try not to remove more than 1/3 of the turf stand height of the grass, otherwise the grass won’t degrade properly and you will have to remove it the next time.
- Bagging – You can collect the grass with a grass bagger and then use the grass for compost since grass is a rich source of nitrogen and other nutrients.
- Lawn sweeper – The alternative to bagging is to use a lawn sweeper.
Concluding Thoughts
The best zero turn mowers in 2024 are the ones that can handle rough terrains such as the Troy-Bilt XP ZTR mower and the Mustang Pivot ZTR.
The general rule of thumb with the size of zero turn lawn mowers is the following:
- The larger the area that you need to mow, the bigger deck size you need.
- The more time you want to save mowing, the bigger deck size you need.
