Zero Turn Mower Buyer's Guide
How to Pick the Perfect Zero Turn Lawn Mower
Whether you’re a homeowner or a landscaping professional, you can enjoy the speed and comfort of a zero turning radius (ZTR) lawn mower.
Unlike lawn and garden tractors, zero turn mowers have a turning radius that’s almost zero degrees. What that means: ZTRs let you make quick, narrow turns that are perfect for navigating a yard full of obstacles.
Plus, with top speeds around 13 miles per hour on some models, they’re easily the fastest riding mowers around.
We’ve sorted the zero turn mowers on our site into four categories:
- Entry-level zero turns
- Mid-grade zero turns
- Semi-pro zero turns
- Commercial zero turns
Which ones are right for our consumer/residential customers, and which ones are best for professionals?
| ZERO TURN LAWN MOWERS | Consumer/ Residential Users | Either Consumer or Professional Users | Professional Users |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Entry-Level Zero Turn Mowers Mid-Grade Zero Turn Mowers |
| Commercial Zero Turn Mowers |
Consumer-Grade Zero Turn Mowers
ZTRs for most consumer or residential users fall into two types: entry-level models and mid-grade models.
Entry-Level Zero Turn Mowers
Entry-level zero turns are ideal for the weekend warrior wanting the excitement of a zero turn mower without the professional price tag.
Key details:
- Cutting Width: 30-54”
- Horsepower: 10.5-24.5 HP
- Engine Cylinders: Single or Twin
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 2-3.5 gallons
These dependable yet affordable mowing machines aren't designed for daily use. They feature the smallest engines with the smallest gas tanks, and their speed maxes out at 6-7 miles per hour. However, they'll mow a lawn at twice the speed of a lawn tractor and will cut your weekend mowing time in half.
In addition, entry-level zero turn lawn mowers are constructed with less expensive components, like stamped decks that are made from one thin piece of metal.
Mid-Grade Zero Turn Mowers
Want to step-up to something a little more robust than an entry-level zero turn? A mid-grade zero turn mower is going to offer you heavier-duty components in the areas where it really counts, so you’ll be able to handle your mowing chores more easily.
Key details:
- Cutting Width: 34-60”
- Horsepower: 16-25 HP
- Engine Cylinders: Twin
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 3-4 gallons
Instead of the stamped mower decks typically found on entry-level models, mid-grade zero turn mowers are built with heavy-duty fabricated mower decks, fashioned from heavier gauge steel and then welded at all the critical joints for added strength.
A mid-grade zero turn is also going to have a stronger transmission, with larger pumps and wheel motors, increased torque ratings, and the ability to handle heavier loads.
Some other popular features that are standard to most mid-grade zero turn mowers are foot-controlled deck height adjustment and more comfortable seats.
You’ll also have a wider variety of powerful engine choices with a mid-grade zero turn, including some models with popular Kawasaki, Kohler, and Briggs & Stratton V-Twin engines. These engines deliver better overall performance and the highest level of reliability when it comes to powering a zero turn mower.
Semi-Pro: Zero Turns for Either Consumers or Pros
Semi-pro zero turn mowers are where we often see overlap between our residential and our commercial customers. They’re extremely popular with property owners who have a lot of land to mow as well as landscaping contractors who are on a budget.
Key details:
- Cutting Width: 34-60”
- Horsepower: 16-25 HP
- Engine Cylinders: Twin
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 5-8 gallons
Durable prosumer zero turn mowers are designed for daily use. They have heavy-gauge single-piece steel frames, large fuel tanks, and heavy-duty transmissions.
And don't forget comfort features: high back seat, adjustable armrests, multiple cup holders, and cruise control.
Semi-pro mowers can accelerate up to 8 miles per hour and mow 4-5 acres without having to stop for gas.
Commercial Zero Turn Mowers
Commercial-grade zero turns are built for everyday hard use, helping landscaping professionals earn their living thanks to features like these:
- Cutting Width: 34-72”
- Horsepower: 5-31 HP
- Engine Cylinders: Twin
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 5-13 gallons
Professional zero turns have the largest mowing decks, most powerful engines, largest fuel tanks, fastest speeds and, yes, the biggest price tags as well.
In fact, they’re so big, they get a separate buyer’s guide all their own!
