When you’re looking to step up your lawn mower game, a zero-turn mower is the best way to do it. These mowers can make the task a joy, with easy handling and sharp turns that help to keep the results even and efficient.
These mowers are great options whether you’re just getting started or looking for your next mower upgrade. Take a look, and you’ll surely find a mower that is perfect for you from these great machines. They really are quite impressive.
Comparison Table
| Product | Name | Features | Latest Price |
|---|---|---|---|
TOP PICK | 1. Ariens Zoom 42 |
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RUNNER UP | 2. Ariens IKON-X |
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  | 3. Husqvarna MZ61 |
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  | 4. Poulan Pro P46ZX |
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  | 5. Husqvarna Z254 |
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Best Zero-turn mower Reviews
1. Ariens Zoom 42
The Ariens Zoom is a reliable machine that offers easy, quick grass cutting.
Product Highlights
This is a machine that will surely improve your grass-cutting experience in some really powerful ways. It’s easy to handle, driving and turning smoothly and quickly so that you can make sure all the grass is cut evenly. No unpleasant lines, due to the efficient cut it’s made to provide.
With a 19-horsepower motor, you can trust that this machine has all the power you’ll need to get the job done well. The top speed this machine can reach is 6 mph when moving forward, and 3 mph when you need to move the machine from side to side.
The Good
Overall, this is a machine that is capable of making cutting the grass less of a chore, which in itself is something to be thankful for. Due to the design, it’s also able to turn very quickly. This makes it much easier to get every blade down to the length you want.
Furthermore, the manufacturer of this machine is known to provide great customer service, which is just as important as the quality of the mower itself. When you purchase this machine, you can rest assured that you’ll have the help of customer service on your side.
The Bad
When compared to standard lawn mower options out there, zero-turn mowers like this one tend to be expensive, but they’ve got a lot backing up the price. That said, some can find that there are cases where the grass may not be as even as they’d like when they use this mower.
If you decide to try out this mower, there are also some issues that can occur with the carburetor. This isn’t a common problem, but it’s one that some users can experience from time to time. Make sure to keep an eye on it and watch out for any major problems.
Pros
- Great customer service
- Improves grass-cutting experience
- Easy turning
Cons
- On the expensive side
- Carburetor issues
- Grass may not be cut evenly
2. Ariens IKON-X
For those who are looking for something with a few more bells and whistles, the Ariens IKON-X is an ideal option.
Product Highlights
The IKON-X is a fantastic choice for those who are seeking power in their mower. This machine provides a 23-HP motor, which is great for those who have more intense jobs that they need the mower to live up to. While it comes at a higher price than other options, it also has so much to offer.
Furthermore, the deck on this machine provides a reach of 52-inches with a deepness of 4.5-inches. You’ll also be able to rely on the durability, thanks to the 10-gauge steel that that it’s made from. To ensure you get the most efficient cut, you can also select the ideal grass height from a convenient dial.
The Good
This is a machine with a lot of durability, which is great for those who are looking for one machine that will last them for the long term. Not everyone wants to purchase a new lawn mower every couple of years, so getting one that will hang in there for as long as you need it to is important.
In addition, this mower is quite easy to get the hang of. Most can find that they just need to explore the controls for an hour or so to be prepared for some serious mowing. Once you get to it, you’ll also leave the grass exactly the length you want it.
The Bad
While overall this is a great device, there are a few potential issues worth keeping in mind. This is one of the pricier options out there, so be prepared for that if you’re interested in this mower.
In addition, there will be an added cost for a mulching kit if you want to mulch the grass you cut. It’s a good idea to make sure you’re willing to pay that added price before making the mower purchase. In addition, keep in mind that the mower may need a few adjustments to work as you need it to.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Cuts quickly and efficiently
- Highly durable
Cons
- May require a few adjustments
- Mulch kit is extra
- Expensive
3. Husqvarna MZ61
If you don’t mind paying more for a seriously reliable machine, make sure to check out this mower.
Product Highlights
When it comes to outdoor tools, there are many who are familiar with the name Husqvarna. Machines and tools made by this brand have been on the market for over 100 years. As a result, you can trust that you’re getting something made by an experienced company when you purchase this mower.
With this mower, you get a serious 27-horsepower motor that will surely be able to handle anything you throw at it. Furthermore, it offers a 61” deck and a cutting system that consists of 3 blades to ensure the results are efficient and even.
The Good
Those who have a lot of land to cover can find this to be an extremely useful tool. It’s an ideal machine that makes cutting large amounts of grass easier and more fun than you might get with other types of lawn mowers out there.
Many find that this is a durable, reliable machine that is able to make the job of trimming down their grass much easier. As a result, it’s something that is worth checking out, though it may come at a price quite a bite higher than other options you’ll find on this list.
The Bad
When it comes to issues, there are some considering in this machine. These can include problems with unexpected breakages. Keep in mind that parts on the mower can break, so it’s a good idea to be careful, keep an eye out for breaking parts and contact customer service if needed.
In addition, some may find that the mower may begin to have problems starting up after just a small amount of use. This can be problematic for those who regularly rely on the machine. You’ll also want to make sure to do your research on the kind of motor it uses to determine if it’s up to your needs.
Pros
- Great for large spaces
- Cuts quickly
- Reliable
Cons
- Inefficient motor
- Breakages can occur
- Problems starting
4. Poulan Pro P46ZX
The P46ZX is a great choice for those who are looking for a decent amount of power, and a reliable machine overall.
Product Highlights
This mower offers a 46” deck and a 22-HP motor that will surely be plenty for most situations. It also uses an EZT transmission made by Hydro Gear. This is one of the top choices out there, and it’s worth adding to your comparison list as you’re looking for the perfect mower.
To make sure that you have plenty of fuel, the P46ZX also comes with a fuel tank that holds 3.5 gallons. This is a device with plenty of features, power and capability to get through all your mowing tasks. It also comes with a 3-year warranty to protect your investment.
The Good
When you’re looking for a quality mower, it’s important that the mower you choose is easy to drive. After all, one of the goals for many who purchase zero-turn mowers is to have an easier time getting the job done. This mower makes that possible.
Furthermore, it’s also an option that can be found at a fair price. Just make sure that you shop around a bit and compare your options. That way, you can get the best possible value from the mower you purchase, and minimal chances of something going wrong with the machine.
The Bad
Some have found that this machine may be prone to problems with starting up after they’ve owned it for a short while. In addition, some may also have a hard time with customer service that may result in a lack of expected warranty coverage. This is likely something worth looking into before making a purchase.
Before you choose this machine, make sure that you have a full understanding of what the warranty covers. That way, you can avoid problems that may occur. It’s also a good idea to keep in mind that some have found that the deck isn’t as even as they would like.
Pros
- Easy to drive
- Fair pricing
- Makes cutting grass fun
Cons
- Deck may not be level
- Problems starting up
- Warranty issues
5. Husqvarna Z254
When you want plenty of power and a reliable braking system, the Z254 is a fantastic mower to check out.
Product Highlights
With a 26-horsepower engine made by Kohler, this machine is made to provide plenty of power as well as the ability to start up easily on a regular basis. Because of that powerful motor, it’s also capable of speeds up to 6.5 mph.
The cutting deck is also stamped with reinforced steel so that you can trust the durability of the device overall. You’ll also have multiple options as to what you can do with the grass clippings. Whether you prefer to leave them where they fall, mulch them or bag them, you’ll be covered.
The Good
Many find this to be a mower that is downright enjoyable to mow with. That can really make your tasks so much easier to get through. On top of that, it’s a device with a lot of durability, so you’ll be able to enjoy using it for just about as long as you may need to.
This machine is also one that offers some really excellent cutting ability. It’s able to do this through the use of specialized mowing technology that includes air induction to create the highest level of efficiency. It’s absolutely a great mower, one worth taking a look into.
The Bad
There is a bit of a learning curve with this mower, which can sometimes be expected. Especially if you are new to zero-turn mowers, you may want to spend a little time getting to know the machine and learning how to use it well.
It’s also worth knowing that the purchase of the mower itself doesn’t include headlights, so you will need to purchase those separately. The same is also true for clipping bags and mulching kits, so if you will need any of these extras, make sure to get them before you need to start mowing the lawn.
Pros
- Enjoyable to use
- Superior cutting ability
- Highly durable
Cons
- Takes time to get used to
- Doesn’t include headlights
- Mulching kit or bags are extra
Buyer’s Guide
Especially for those who are new to purchasing zero-turn mowers, it’s a good idea to know what to look for. Considering aspects like engine power, brand, the power source, extra features and the size of the mower can be important to know. Let’s take a look at what to consider.
Engine Power
The engine power can be useful to know because it can help you to gain an understanding about what the machine can handle. Some feel that they need higher amounts of power and aim for motors with more horsepower as a result, while others are okay with lower levels.
One of the key things that horsepower can relate to is the speed at which the mower can move. If you have a lot of work that needs to be done, it can be helpful to be able to do it at quicker speeds. That said, even mowers with 20-22 HP can move at some pretty decent speeds.
Brand
Often, popular brands are popular for a reason. They tend to provide a standard of quality that many people have come to appreciate. Consequently, it’s a good idea to do a little research on the brand of any mower that you’re interested in.
It’s worthwhile to take a look at what the company is about, their history and what previous customers have had to say about them. If there is a great deal of brand loyalty, that can be a decent sign that they provide quality products. Great customer service is also a factor worth looking for.
Power Source
For some, the power source that their zero-turn mowers is extremely important. Many machines out there use gasoline, which is a standard among many machines of this kind. However, there is also a move towards electric mowers that has started in recent years.
It’s worth thinking about what power source you feel most comfortable using. Some really prefer the eco-friendly nature of electric options, but not everyone is ready to make the leap. Understanding where you are on that spectrum can help you to find the perfect mower to suit all of your mowing needs.
Features
Are you just looking for something that can get the job done, or are there extra features that you’d prefer to have in the mower you purchase? Considering this can help to get you moving in the right direction, towards the zero-turn mower that will suit your needs the best.
Some of these additions you may be able to buy separately, like mulching kits and headlights, while others need to be installed in the machine itself. Take a look at what bells and whistles are available out there and think about how important they may be for you to get the job done.
Size
Not only do the mowers themselves come in some different sizes, but they can also offer decks of different sizes as well. This is all worth considering as it can create a difference in how far the mower can reach as you’re cutting the grass.
For those who have particularly large areas of growth to cut at once, a larger reach can be a useful option. However, this is really going to depend on your personal preferences as well as the space you need to mow. In some cases, a difference of a few inches isn’t a terribly important thing.
Zero-turn Mower FAQ
How to use a zero-turn mower
In most cases, driving a zero-turn mower includes using the handles that rest in front of you for the purposes of locomotion. They can typically take some time to get used to, as they don’t drive as you might expect in a car or standard riding mower. That said, once you get the hang of it, they can provide much better results and, as the name implies, the ability to turn very easily.
What should I look for in cutting efficiency?
While you’re shopping for something that will provide the best possible cutting results, there are a few things to consider. These include the deck, the blades on the machine and the height at which it’s able to cut. Naturally, it’s a good idea to make sure that all of these parts are evenly placed, durable and capable of adjustment just in case you need to change the cutting level.
Should I use a bagger?
This is an option that is entirely up to you. Some like their lawns to look clean after they’ve been cut, or they may want to put the clippings to work somewhere else. Otherwise, it certainly doesn’t hurt the lawn to leave the clippings as they are. In fact, they can provide nutrients to the soil as they decompose, helping more fresh, healthy grass to grow.
Are these mowers good for commercial use?
This is something that is really going to depend on each individual mower. Many of the options are generally meant for personal use, though you can often find models within each brand that will lend themselves well to commercial use as well.
Make sure that you check with the manufacturers if you’re looking to use a certain model for commercial purposes. In some cases, it can be a good idea to locate models that are specifically made for professionals as they can stand a better chance of handling heavy levels of use. This is something that can really come in handy.
Should I get something that can mulch?
Mulching is a great way to help with recycling the clippings created as you mow your lawn. It speeds up the process of decomposition, creating a helpful substance that can provide excellent nutrients to your lawn, helping to keep it healthy.
Not only is the mulch you create eco-friendly, but it can also save you money over having to purchase fertilizer for your grass. Instead, it will essentially be keeping itself healthy and green with your assistance. On top of that, those grass clippings won’t end up in a landfill somewhere when they are perfectly safe for the Earth.
Wrapping Up
Among the options in this list, the Ariens Zoom 42 is the top choice. It offers plenty of power, a decent price and a reach that can cut quite a bit of grass at once. Overall, it’s a fantastic machine that many find to provide a very reliable solution.
If the Zoom 42 isn’t your ideal choice, don’t forget about the others listed here. They are all hugely powerful machines that can make mowing the lawn easier and more enjoyable overall. Take your time, compare your favorites well and you’ll surely find exactly the machine you’re looking for.
