Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Reviews 2023. Lawn mower 1 acre

What mower for ~1 acre properties?

I have the opportunity to mow an approximately 1 acre flat yard. It has several obstacles but no tight areas. I need to purchase a mower for this. My budget maxes at 2500, but I want to stay below 2000. I’m looking at Toro 30 inch push mowers at around 1100. Other options I’m looking at are a John Deere S240 or E140. New ZTR is out because I won’t buy a bottom of the line one since they don’t seem well built. Any ideas, suggestions, opinions? These are two other options I’d like opinions on: https://www.smithsimp.com/search-eq2009-John-Deere-7G18-[3469802]/#detailanchor https://www.smithsimp.com/search-eq. 2013-John-Deere-WH48A-[3564318]/#detailanchor

Marshall’s Yard Service. Reliable Work, Reasonable Price ’08 Mercury Mariner ’20 Premier 5’x10′ Snow blowers. Toro 826 OAE Push mowers. Troy-Bilt TB-110 Blowers. Echo ES-250, PB-2620, PB-580T Chainsaws. Echo CS-355T PAS Powerheads. 2x 2620.- Attachments. 2x Speed feed 400 trimmer, Brushcutter, Edger, Power Pruner, Extension, Pro-Torque trimmer Walk-Behinds. Wright Velke FS541R 32″

danell10

I can’t offer a suggestion, but I can agree you should stay away from the low-level ZTRs. They are cheap junk!

JLSLLC

What kind of mower do you have now? A push? With your budget your better off getting something used commercial. also you should never buy a mower for just one property you “might” get.

Marshall’s Yard Service

What kind of mower do you have now? A push? With your budget your better off getting something used commercial. also you should never buy a mower for just one property you “might” get.

First, I’m not going to buy until I know if I got the property. Second, I currently have my 21″ Troy-Bilt and 30″ John Deere w/ manual transmission. The John Deere will be sold.

tdipaul

A nice, used commercial belt drive 48″ can be had for as little as 900. Can always attach a wheeled sulky to it too.

A 10 yr old or newer Scag SW48 is what I’d buy (or maybe a 36). Parts are plentiful and maintenance is easy. A decent one will last a long time if only used once a week for a residence

tdipaul

This older (1993) Scag SW61 was purchased and refurbished for 1300 in total. Its a reliable machine that cuts great

Ridin’ Green

For a 1 acre yard and once a week, just find a decent used JD or Simplicity garden tractor with at least a 48″ deck. I am talking a JD garden tractor and not the light duty stuff they sell at the BB stores of dealers. The Simplicity will lay down beautiful stripes and the JD will too of you set it up right.

This tractor is 30 years old and cuts extremely well and for a “low tech” deck, it lays down some pretty nice stripes. I gave 900 for it about 12 years ago. It had a 46″ deck, and a power flow bagger with it for that price. You can find stuff like this for under 2K with ease that are only 10 years old or less very easily. A 21 or even a 30″ on 1 acre will get old quick, especially in the heat.

tdipaul

Agreed on the Simplicity’s. they have full width rollers so they stripe great but the downside with them (and Wheel Horse decks too) is that they can’t cut higher than 3.25″. If that’s not an issue, go for it! I tried every which way but they’re just not designed for anything higher. Maybe the Deere is.

The Simplicity decks rock and I use one in the spring when the cut doesnt have to be 4″ to beat the heat

Ridin’ Green

That old JD will cut up to about 4.5″ high, and newer models of that same tractor will cut up at about 5″. I am a big fan of the old Simplicity Sovereign tractors with the 18 HP HS Kohler engines in them. They also have a limited slip rear end which was pretty slick back in their day.

douglee25

This older (1993) Scag SW61 was purchased and refurbished for 1300 in total. Its a reliable machine that cuts great

Stanton Lawn Services

For an acre, I would make sure to get at least a 48″. I have a 21, 30 and 60 and I’ve had a 48 and 52 in the past. For over half an acre, I would not have any less than a 48″. As far as tractor vs WB, it all depends on how you want to grow your business.

Just a kid in college trying to learn what I can and share what I know.

Always remember this; “the only way to have a bad day is if you did not learn at least one thing.”

Ridin’ Green

I merely suggested the tractor as it is a way for him to take on that acre without undo expense and it could be re-sold if needed or when the time came for a more commercially oriented machine due to business growth.

I used (and still do) that old JD in the pic for my business when needed. It suited my needs fine for where I was using it (Hills or rough areas that I wouldn’t take my Z). It is far better on hills than any ZTR, and at least as good as a WB if not better, not to mention more comfortable, and I can plow snow with it and use the powerflow bagger for times it is needed, and the bags hold more than a WB bagging system does.

It may not be ideal for full time or all large properties, but it is easy on the turf no matter the conditions and is ideal for what the OP is needing for now. If he grows and needs more, he can save all his money and get a new machine of his choosing without being out a whole lot to start.

Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Reviews 2023

Deciding on the best self-propelled lawn mower isn’t as easy as it used to be. Do you need commercial or residential quality? Do you want to use gas or batteries for power? How much grass do you need to cut? Are you a mulcher or a bagger?

Having tested dozens of the best walk-behind lawn mowers from entry-level residential to the top professional models, we got our Pro team together to choose our top mowers in a range of scenarios.

One of the big things changing in the market is Honda’s announcement that the brand is exiting the lawn mower market. While you can still buy Honda mowers until they run out of stock, 2023 marks the end of production. We still highly recommend them, but due to the news and iffy availability, we’re not considering Honda as part of our choices this year.

Want to see more, including ride-on and robotic recommendations? Read out Best Lawn Mower Reviews main article!

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Best Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower

Commercial: Exmark Commercial X-Series Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

As we bid adieu to Honda this year, the HRC series still gets two thumbs up from us while you can get them. From there, we turn to Exnark and its Commercial X line that complements its Lazer Z zero-turn mowers well. Some professionals will certainly turn to the higher-capacity 30-inch model, but we expect the 21-inch model will find its way onto more trailers.

Exmark wisely uses a Honda 163cc GXV engine with a legendary reputation for reliability. It’s fed by a generous 1-gallon fuel tank and turns the blade at tip speeds up to 18,500 fpm. There’s also an option for a Kawasaki FJ180V engine if you’d like to step up to a 179cc engine.

The deck is 1/4-inch aluminum construction that keeps the weight down (112 pounds) while maintaining high durability. The deck is adjustable from 4.5 inches on the high side all the way down to 1 inch while the drive runs at speeds up to 4.2 MPH.

Residential: Toro Super Recycler Series 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Toro runs deep in the residential lawn mower sector and our favorite among them is the Super Recycler series. Getting the best of all the technology Toro has to offer, our top recommendation (model 21565) includes the Personal Pace drive system and the Smart Stow design that allows you to vertically store the mower even though it’s a gas model.

It uses a 163cc Briggs Stratton engine that produces 7.25 ft-lbs of torque and just under 17,000 fpm blade tip speed.

Toro touts a commercial-grade construction on this model and includes a lighter aluminum deck rather than steel. In addition to that, you get outstanding cut quality, especially on the mulching side (you better with the name Super Recycler!). Wrapping it up, the Personal Pace drive system adjusts to your walking pace so there are no levers or dials to adjust.

Best Self-Propelled Electric Lawn Mower

Just a few years ago, if you wanted to find the best battery-powered lawn mower, you could only find residential models. Now, there’s an emerging class of professional-grade options and we have picks for both Pros and homeowners.

Professional: Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

There aren’t many true commercial self-propelled lawn mowers with lithium-ion power sources. Milwaukee launched their effort in 2022 with a monstrous 10 ft-lbs of torque that tops what you typically see from a 200cc gas engine. It’s more than just muscle, though. Its blade and deck combine to handle mulching and bagging better than most.

As you roll into fall, the mower’s high-lift mode keeps the blades at 3300 RPM to help pull those lightweight leaves and clean up your lawn. Other features include 180° LED lighting, LED battery indicators facing you, variable speed thumb bar (in addition to the speed wheel), a durable build, and much more.

Price: 1099.00 with two 12.0Ah batteries and dual-port Rapid charger

Residential: EGO Select Cut XP 21-Inch Lawn Mower with Speed IQ

The evolution of EGO’s flagship mower is interesting. It started with the dual-battery Peak Power model that raised the bar of what lithium-ion is capable of. Then, we saw the first stacked-blade SelectCut options that improved cut quality and effectiveness in tall grass. The two technologies combined in the SelectCut XP. Now EGO adds Speed IQ to the mix.

Speed IQ is a self-propelled drive system that automatically adjusts to your pace. However, it’s not a spring-loaded set of handles like Toro uses on its Personal Pace models. Instead, there’s a sensor doing some serious engineering magic… and it works like a charm from our brief time with it at Equip Expo 2022 (formerly GIE).

Price: 599.00 bare, 999.00 with a 12.0Ah battery and Turbo charger

Best Large Walk-Behind Lawn Mower

Commercial: Greenworks Commercial 30-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Can a battery-powered commercial mower really displace gas models? Greenworks Commercial has an 82V 30-inch model that got our attention at the Equip Expo in late 2022, and it’s hard to ignore as a legitimate option. It has the power to replace a 200cc gas engine with blade speeds up to 16,000 FPM. On a full charge, it can cover up to 2 acres.

There are drive system features worth considering as well. Independent hub wheel motors engage what Greenworks calls the Easy Turn System (ETS), making the mower easier to maneuver. Another big deal is that there is a powered reverse function—something that’s incredibly helpful with the weight of mowers in this class. The controls are all up next to your hands and there’s even a display to help you keep track of your battery levels.

Price: 1999.99 bare, 2999.99 with three 8Ah batteries and a dual-port charger

Residential: Toro TimeMaster 30-inch Personal Pace Mower

With 10 ft-lbs of torque delivered from its Briggs Stratton 223cc engine, the 30-inch Toro TimeMaster is our pick as the best large walk-behind lawn mower. Not only does it deliver big power to turn its time-saving 30-inch blade, but it also features Toro’s Personal Pace self-propelled drive and Spin-Stop that lets you stop the blade without shutting off the mower.

It all adds up to big-time savings on larger lawns. Grab model 21200 if you want an electric start or the 21199 if you don’t mind a recoil start and want to save 100.

Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower for the Money

Toro’s 21-inch Recycler (21352) offers an excellent value for budget-minded homeowners. It’s a Made in the USA rear-wheel drive system powered by a Briggs Stratton 140cc engine. It comes ready to mulch, bag, or side discharge and you don’t have to worry about changing the oil. Just check the levels and add more when it’s necessary.

Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Brand

No one in the self-propelled lawn mower market dominates like Honda. Their engines enjoy a reputation for quality and durability every other manufacturer is shooting for, and their mowers are simply outstanding.

They typically run at a premium, though. Both Honda mowers and Honda-powered mowers are more expensive than similar designs from other brands. The big kick in the pants is Honda leaving the market, though.

That opens the door for Toro. There are a lot of Toro models we recommend for good reason and hit a wide range from budget-friendly homeowner mowers to commercial zero turns. It’s one of the best-selling brands of walk-behind mowers.

Getting hard sales figures is tough to come by, and it’s always possible we missed the mark. However, we see more Honda and Toro walk-behind mowers on commercial trailers and residential lawns than any other brand.

Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower for Bagging

You don’t have to ditch your current self-propelled lawn mower and buy a whole new one to improve your bagging efficiency. In most cases, adding a high-lift blade to your current mower will make a significant difference. With the exception of electric mowers, you don’t need to worry too much about matching the brand making the blade, but you do need to match the arbor style and the length. The package should tell you which brands it is compatible with.

If you’re still in the market for a new mower, higher RPMs make for better airflow and bagging. Check mowers with a 160cc or higher engine and compare the top blade speeds. You can always swap blades, but you can’t change the speed.

Pro Tip: If you have a 2-point or 4-point deck height adjustment, set the front wheels of your mower one notch higher than the rear to improve bagging.

Best Self-Propelled Mulching Lawn Mower

Similar to a high-lift blade for bagging, you can improve your mulching efficiency with a mulching-specific blade. These usually have additional cutting edges that cut the clippings more times before they drop back into the grass. Keeping the blade sharp ensures you get the best mulching results every time you mow.

If you’re in the market for a new mower, look for a 160cc or higher engine to give you the torque you need to keep your blade speed high in thicker grass. Remember, you can always add a mulching blade, but you can’t make up for an underpowered engine.

Pro Tip: You get the best mulching results if you’re only taking an inch or two off the top of your grass, so make sure you stay on top of lawn maintenance during the peak cutting season.

Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower – Priorities

Best Rear-Wheel Drive Self-Propelled Lawn Mower for Hills: YBravo Gen II 25-inch Commercial Mower

After running into issues with other commercial walk-behind mowers, we turned to YBravo 25-inch commercial mower to take care of a 3-acre soggy field that our ZTs only bogged down in. Its Kawasaki 180cc engine kept the blade turning where others simply stalled.

When it’s time to move out of the radio station swamp and you’re going for a more professional look, its cut quality is excellent as well. Available in a 21-inch and the 25-inch model we tested, Ybravo is worth serious consideration.

If you have a Bad Boy dealer closer to you, check out the same model sold under the Bad Boy brand name.

Best All-Wheel Drive Self-Propelled Lawn Mower: Toro 22-inch Personal Pace All-Wheel Drive Mower 21472

AWD mowers are what you turn to for work on slopes and uneven terrain where it’s possible to have a wheel or two lose traction. For the best all-wheel drive self-propelled lawn mower, we like the Toro 21472 Personal Pace model.

Its 22-inch deck is on the larger size of standard mowers and the Personal Pace system is easy to work with once you get used to it. If you switch between mulching and bagging, the mower’s lever system is super simple.

Packing plenty of power with its 163cc Briggs Stratton engine, it’s not so much that it destroys the competition. It’s that its performance is excellent and the innovations are genuinely helpful while keeping its price in check.

Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Recommendations

Not every mower earns an award, but there are several other models we recommend that didn’t find a place earlier in the article. Check these options out if one of the others doesn’t fit your needs.

Best Lawn Mower Buying Guide – What We Look For

Gas vs Battery

Gas power still wins the day when you’re highest priorities are keeping your purchase price down and your power level high. With advancements in battery and motor technology, the OPE world is shifting towards battery power, though. It’s cleaner and quieter to run and requires less maintenance.

However, you have to look at premium models to get true gas power, and runtime can be a limiting factor. It’s also less likely you have a service center nearby that can get you back up and running quickly if there’s a problem.

If your lawn is a 1/4-acre or less, there are a lot of battery-powered options available. Once you get beyond that size, you need to consider how many batteries you’ll need and legitimate options really start to thin out once you hit 1/2 an acre. With larger lawns, newer battery-powered zero turn mowers are a legitimate option.

Take a deeper look at the comparison between gas and battery power in this article.

Commercial vs Residential

This might be better titled “professional vs homeowner” considering there are both commercial and residential professional crews. Regardless, commercial mowers are built with better components and commercial engines, creating a machine that is built to last for years of high-hour daily use.

If you’re a homeowner mowing once a week or so, a good residential mower can still last for 5 or 10 years (or more) if you take care of it. It just uses components and engine designs better fit for occasional use.

Engine Size and Cutting Power

If you stay on top of your mowing and cut quality isn’t a high priority, an engine as small as 140cc is likely fine.

Move up to the 160cc–180cc class for better performance when the grass is thicker and taller, or when you want to make sure you get excellent mulching, bagging, and/or clean cuts. The greater power improves lift and is less likely to bog down in thick patches.

When you’re looking at deck sizes beyond 22 inches, you should start looking for engines in the 180cc–200cc range (or higher) to ensure it can keep the RPMs high while it’s cutting such a large swath.

Cut Quality

We look for three major components of cut quality: evenness, mulching size, and bagging efficiency.

Evenness is pretty straightforward. When we’re testing, we look for grass blades that weren’t cut and indications that there wasn’t enough lift to clip all of the blades at the same level.

When mulching, smaller clippings are better since they drop down closer to the base of the remaining grass. We also look to see if a mower is prone to leaving trails and clumps.

For bagging, it’s all about how much grass is collected, if the chute tends to clog while we’re cutting, and how much grass is deposited back to the ground.

Noise Level

One of the major benefits of battery-powered mowers is the lower noise levels compared to gas, but that doesn’t mean gas mowers have to be obnoxious. We expect higher levels than battery-powered models and that is typically the case.

When we test noise levels, we measure from our operator’s ear to get an idea of what the person using the mower should expect. Even though some mowers are quieter than others, we still recommend hearing protection when you’re using a gas model.

Fuel Efficiency

How efficient gas mowers use fuel has a very direct effect on your wallet, especially when you’re mowing every day as a Pro.

Fuel efficiency testing is more than just a runtime calculation. The cutting swath of a mower comes into play, especially on those 25 and 30-inch models. With larger lawns, it’s possible to get more cutting done per gallon of gas with an engine that uses more gas per hour.

Deck Size

21 or 22 inches is pretty standard for most mowers. Jumping up to a 25-inch or 30-inch mower may seem tempting, but it’s not for everyone.

If your lawn is a 1/4-acre or less, the time you gain with a larger deck might not mean a whole lot of time savings. Where you really gain some time is on lawns that are a 1/2-acre or more.

Keep in mind, larger deck-size mowers are heavier. When you have to mow wet or soggy areas, the weight can work against you.

Steel vs Plastic (Poly) Deck

The vast majority of gas mowers have steel decks while battery-powered models have a much higher percentage of plastic poly decks.

Those poly plastic decks are tougher than they look, but they probably won’t hold up as well as steel in the long run. It’s still highly unlikely that you’ll wear through one before it’s time to replace the mower, though.

However, there’s a whole lot more design flexibility that comes with poly decks, and engineers can do some amazing things to help with airflow that directly affects cut quality along with bagging and mulching efficiency.

Deck Height

Here in Florida, we have a lot of St. Augustine grass that we cut at 3 1/2 inches, so we prefer a mower that has at least a 4-inch maximum deck height.

Depending on what species of grass you have, you might be able to get away with a lower height, but 4 inches is a good all-around benchmark.

On the low end, most of us aren’t cutting golf course greens (you’d use a reel mower for that, anyway), so the minimum deck height usually isn’t an issue.

However, if you use a blade that dethatches or scalps for maintenance or re-seeding, you might want to make sure the deck height gets low enough—typically 1 1/2 inches or less.

Height Adjustment

Single-point height adjustments are the easiest since you can raise or lower the deck with just one lever. It’s common on battery-powered lawn mowers, but not so much on their heavier gas counterparts.

Part of that is because the single-point mechanisms tend to introduce additional flex into the system and the weight of a gas mower puts more strain on the mechanism. So while we generally prefer single-point, we understand why gas mowers may opt away from them.

Pro Tip: Set the front wheels one notch higher than the rear wheels to improve bagging efficiency on 4-point or 2-point adjustable mowers.

Adjustment Levels

If you’re really OCD, more height adjustments mean more precise cutting. Realistically, most of us are going to find a good height on any mower as long as it hits the maximum and minimum heights we mow at.

Setting the Speed

The type of speed adjustment your self-propelled lawn mower has can make or break your experience. There are pull levers, thumb push levers, full push bars (Toro’s Personal Pace), and iterations on those.

Try it at the dealer before you buy it. If you hate working the mechanism for a couple of minutes, imagine what it’s going to feel like after 30 minutes or an hour.

Front-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, or All-Wheel Drive?

Front-wheel drive lawn mowers are typically the least expensive and work well for even terrain. They also help you turn the easiest since you lift up the drive wheels as you make your turns.

Rear-wheel drive mowers add some cost but create better traction on hills and slopes. They’re particularly good at pushing the mower’s weight uphill where front-wheel drives start to lose traction as they try to pull the weight.

All-wheel drive mowers are the most expensive and generally do the best job on hills, slopes, and uneven terrain. On particularly bumpy areas where it’s likely one or more wheels will lose traction, it’s the best bet.

Wheel Size

Larger wheels tend to handle bumps and uneven terrain better than smaller wheels according to manufacturers. However, it’s a claim that Consumer Reports says isn’t really the case.

Electric Start

If you’ve used a gas engine, there’s a good chance you’ve worn out your arm pulling the cord to start it. There’s no doubt that having an electric start on your mower can take away a lot of the frustration.

It won’t make up for poor maintenance, though. A well-maintained mower starts easily on the first or second pull. That begs the question as to whether the electric start is worth an extra hundred dollars.

It’s totally up to you, but if it’s in the budget, we want it.

Mulch, Bag, or Side/Rear Discharge?

Most quality mowers are 3-in-1, meaning you can bag, mulch, or side/rear discharge. Less expensive models often only provide options for bagging and mulching. Which one you choose depends on what type of grass you have, how fast it grows, and your personal preference.

In central Florida where St. Augustine, Zoysia, and Bahia dominate our landscapes, the summer heat and rains make our grass grow incredibly fast. Most of us mulch out of necessity since we almost need a dumpster for the volume of clippings we create.

Handle Positions

Most lawn mowers have 3 handle positions you can set. For tall guys like me or average-height guys like Clint, it helps you find a more comfortable grip. Some mowers opt for 2, or sometimes just 1 handle position.

Value

Value is more than just price. We take a broad look at the performance and features compared to the price to determine the value of each mower.

Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

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We’ve been in business since 2008 covering tools, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the construction, automotive, and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field.

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The end result is information you can trust because of the editorial, scientific, and real-world professional experience we collectively utilize each and every time we pick up and test a tool.

Best Zero Turn Mower Under 3000 [Qualified Mechanic’s Review 2023]

I’ve reviewed 13 top value mowers and found the best zero turn mower under 3000. There’s no need to spend a lot of money on the best zero turn mower! The mowers in this 2023 review are all great value, but there are definitely some standouts.

Since first publishing this review last year, the for zero turn mowers have gone through the roof. It is, unfortunately, almost impossible to find one under 3000!

Our winner, the Cub Cadet ZT1 54, is now just shy of 3500. That’s still great value, don’t get me wrong, it just doesn’t quite fit the “under 3000” bill.

Husqvarna’s Z254 isn’t available anymore and their newer models, the Z254F (aprox 4200) and the Z248F (aprox 4000), are much more expensive than 3000.

Bad Boy’s MZ42 is now 3299, not bad value – you get a whole lot of mower for that. However, for another 250 or so – I recommend you go for the Cub instead.

Top 5 Best Gas Lawn Mowers 2023

Despite the changing prices, I’ve left our winners’ technical details and why I think they’re the best cheap zero turn mowers listed below.

If you don’t want to read right through the tech specs, here’s a summary of my recommendations:

Our best zero turn mower for large yards is the Cub Cadet ZT1 54 Ultima.
The best zero turn mower under 3000 for small yards is the Bad Boy MZ 42, closely followed by Snapper’s 360Z. Unfortunately, the 360Z is no longer available so we really only have the two winners above!

Both of these mowers are maneuverable and easy to store, but the Bad Boy came out on top because of its exceptional deck construction.

I’ve included 13 zero turn mowers under 3000, something for everyone! Use the table of contents for a quick overview or scroll down for what to look for in the best zero turn mower.

What’s Inside:

Size of the Cutting Deck
Power and Engine
Hydrostatic Transmission
Mowing Speed
Gas Tank Capacity
Which Zero Turn Mower Under 3000 Has the Best Warranty

1. Cub Cadet ZT1 54 Ultima Zero Turn Mower – 2999
2. Husqvarna Z254 Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
3. Bad Boy MZ 42″ Zero Turn Mower – 2999.99
4. Snapper 360Z 19HP 36″ Zero Turn Mower
5. Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit 34″ Zero Turn Mower
6. Troy Bilt Mustang Z50 Zero Turn Rider – 2899
7. Husqvarna Z242F 42″ 18HP Zero Turn Mower
8. Cub Cadet ZT1 50 Ultima Zero Turn Mower – 2999
9 and 10 – Cub Cadet ZT1 46 and ZT1 42 Zero Turn Mowers – 2699
11. Husqvarna Z142 42″ Zero Turn Riding Mower
12 and 13 Troy Bilt Mustang Z46 and Z42 Zero Turn Mowers – 2499

What to Look for in the Best Zero Turn Mower [Buyer’s Guide]

The best zero turn mowers offer excellent maneuvering capabilities and high-quality performance. You don’t have to spend a fortune to buy one, as we’ve seen in the list above, all under 3000.

Size of the Cutting Deck

I’ve listed zero turn mowers here today with cutting widths between 34″ and 54″. You can get bigger ones as well, but you’re looking at spending more money.

Less than 42 inches. This is the best choice for small to medium-sized yards, especially those with many obstacles. Properties up to 1 acre.
Between 42 and 46 inches. Best for medium-sized yards with obstacles. These mowers also generally fit in the back of your pickup, so you can transport them from one property to another, or around the farm. Properties up to 1 acre.
Between 48 and 50 inches. These zero turn mowers are best for larger yards, between 1 and 3 acres. These mowers have a very decent cutting width so you can mow large areas quickly.
Over 50 inches. These are best for large yards. Our biggest one today was a 54″ cutting width, but you can get much bigger. These zero turn mowers tend to be wider so more stable on uneven ground. Yards over 3 acres.

Power and Engine

You need power if you want to mow your lawn efficiently. This is why the horsepower of the engine should be the very first thing that you look for.

The higher the horsepower is, the faster your lawn can be cut, plain and simple.

How much power you need in your zero turn mower depends on a few things.

The size of the deck. The bigger the deck, the more power you need.
The grass. Tall, thick grass needs more power than a manicured lawn that’s mowed regularly. If you’re skimming the lawn every week, you’ll need less power. Wet, tall grass can be a struggle for zero turn mowers with smaller engines.
The size of your property. On smaller properties with neat lawns, you get away with less power. On bigger properties and acreage, you want as much power as you can afford.

Look for zero turn mowers with a full pressure oil system, the ones that actually have an oil filter. The old splash-fed technology is antiquated. Twin cylinders tend to have more grunt than single cylinders.

Engines with OHV are best. Some engines are underhead valve, which is very old fashioned. That’s what they had in cars 100 years ago. Nonetheless, they do seem to be pretty good and reliable. Motors like little Briggs engines, even single-cylinder underhead valve ones, seem to go and go. –

Dan, Qualified Mechanic Small Engine Specialist

Dan really likes Kohler engines. He made a good point in comparing some of these zero turn mowers with my John Deere mower. Mine has a 22HP engine with a 42″ deck. It has plenty of grunt, never really bogs down unless you try and mow tall grass too fast.

Some of the mowers in this list have 54″ cutting decks. You really wouldn’t want any less than 24-26HP engines in these mowers, especially if you’re on a larger property.

Hydrostatic Transmission

Being zero turn mowers, they’ll all have hydrostatic transmissions.

The difference between a standard mower and a zero turn mower is the transmission.

In a standard mower, you have one transmission set up, which drives the back wheels. In a zero turn, you’ve effectively got two transmissions (in one unit), each driving a separate wheel.

With this setup, one wheel can go backward and the other forwards. This is what makes a zero turn mower turn on the spot, in zero space. The wheels are fully independently controllable with the steering bars.

If you happen to come across a “zero turn” without hydrostatic transmission, don’t go there. You don’t want anything but hydrostatic.

Mowing Speed

Most of the zero turn mowers in this list have a top speed of 7.5mph, although a couple were slightly less.

This is not something I’d put too much consideration on unless you have a perfectly flat golf-course type lawn that allows you to “race” across it.

The slower you go, the better it mows. – Dan

Gas Tank Capacity

The higher the fuel capacity, the fewer times you will have to stop to refill your tank. The smallest gas tank today was 3 gallons, but most were around 3.5, so not a lot of difference.

If you’re mowing long-distance, the bigger the better.

Which Zero Turn Mower Under 3000 Has the Best Warranty

The better the warranty on your zero turn mower, well… the better. There’s no such thing as a warranty that’s too long!

Husqvarna zero turn mowers: “Bumper to Bumper”, 3 years. Steel reinforced stamped deck shell only – 10-year limited warranty. Fabricated deck shell and steel guard deck shell – limited lifetime warranty.
Cub Cadet zero turn mowers: 3 year / unlimited-hour warranty. Limited lifetime warranty on frame and fabricated deck shell.
Troy-Bilt zero turn mowers: 3-year limited residential. Limited lifetime frame warranty.
Snapper zero turn mowers: 3-year limited residential. Lifetime frame warranty.
Bad Boy zero turn mowers: This warranty is more intricate. They’ll repair or replace for 2 years or 200 hours, unless it’s used for commercial, industrial, or rental purposes. Belts are covered for 90 days, seats for 1 year (excluding suspension seats). You will need to pay for the transport of the mower to the service place, or for a service call out. I didn’t see details on this for the other mowers, so it may be the same for them. I suppose Bad Boy are at least transparent with this… I do think though, that if something is wrong with your brand new mower and it’s a manufacturing fault, they should carry the responsibility for this! There are more rules, like the engine. They don’t cover the engine, they’re covered by their respective manufacturers. I recommend you read the entire warranty document before purchase.

Any of these mowers purchased through TractorSupply can also come with their “Protect your Purchase” plan. A 1-year service plan costs 299.99 and 2 years costs 389.99. They’ll fix it, replace it, or reimburse it for you.

Let’s Review Our Top 13 in Detail!

Cub Cadet ZT1 54 Ultima Zero Turn Mower – 2999

This is our best zero turn mower under 3000 for large yards.

Features

24 HP 725cc KOHLER 7000 series V-twin automatic OHV engine
54″ cutting deck
Great mower for slight, rolling hills. Suitable for yards up to 4 acres with several obstacles
Lap bar-controlled dual-hydro transmissions
Open frame design with hinged/removable floor pan. Gives you easy access to the deck and the engine for maintenance
Finance available
3.5 gallon fuel tank capacity
Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 transmission

What We Didn’t Like

Collects a lot of grass on the deck. It compacts inside the spindle covers, on the pulleys, and the tension spring. Does come with hose attachment for deck cleaning.
Some customers mentioned the tires don’t have a lot of traction, making it only suitable for slight hills.

Cub Cadet Ultima Series Zero Turn Mowers

Cub Cadet offers a few zero turn mowers under 3000 in their Ultima series.

They’re all well-priced, but our pick here is the Cub Cadet ZT1 54 zero turn mower.

For the price, it’s not worth choosing the others as you’re getting a more powerful engine and a bigger mower deck.

Husqvarna Z254 Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

This is our runner-up for best zero turn mower under 3000.

One of the best budget zero turn mowers on the market is the Husqvarna Z254 zero turn riding mower.

Yes, it’s just over 3000, I apologize for that, but it’s only 100 over and it’s worth it. This lawnmower offers a very powerful engine and a wide cutting deck of 54 inches that makes it very efficient to cut large lawns.

Features

54″ cutting deck
26 HP Kohler engine
Max speed of 6.5 MPH
Park brake system that automatically activates or deactivates as the steering levers are moved outward or inward
Reinforced steel stamped cutting deck made of heavy flat-stock steel
spring-assisted deck lift
LED lights
Chrome-plated valves
Big cooling fan

What We Liked

Lots of torque delivered by the powerful 26 HP Kohler engine
Very user friendly
Good for heavy-duty use
Compact size
Very efficient performance overall
Maintenance-free transmission

Bad Boy MZ 42″ Zero Turn Mower – 2999.99

The Bad Boy MZ 42″ zero turn mower under 3000 is the underdog in our review today, and it got a boost up from 9th position to best in class after speaking to Chad Belding of The Fowl Life and Bad Boy Mowers.

Chad provided some very helpful feedback about his mowers and why he believes the Bad Boy zero turn mower is “ the best-built mower in its class for the best value”.

Now, my mechanic husband is the main reason this mower got moved up to top position for best small zero turn mower under 3000.

The main things you want in a mower are a fabricated deck, decent deck steel thickness, and the spindle shaft size. You don’t see anyone listing the spindle shaft size, but the other details should be readily available. The most important part about a mower is the mowing part, so a tough deck is a must.

Once a deck is bent, it’ll never mow straight again. You can have a great mower but if the deck’s bent, it’s useless. A weak deck will need constant repairs, deck straightening, new spindles – hopeless.

Dan Meager

Chad informed us that their deck is fabricated, 7-gauge steel.

Compared to, for example, Cub Cadet’s ZT1 54 at 11-gauge, Snapper’s 12-gauge, and Troy-Bilt’s 13 gauge, that’s a helluva lot thicker and tougher.

This is personal to us. We have a great John Deere mower, great engine, plenty of power. But it’s never, ever mowed straight. Right from the get-go, it’s mowed with ridges in the grass. The flimsy pressed deck was bent straight from the shop.

Dan’s put in a huge amount of bracing to hold the deck together. It’s tough now but it still doesn’t mow straight.

This is more an issue when you’re in rough country. If your lawn is a bowling green, you’ll get away with a thinner deck, but if you’re on a rougher country property like we are, the deck is all-important.

Chad also mentioned the Bad Boy MZ has a cast-iron spindle, not aluminum. Dan says he’d like to see billet steel, but since you can’t get that, cast-iron is definitely better than aluminum. Chad recommends this mower for properties up to 1 acre.

This is a really great zero turn mower for small yards. It has a 36″ cut which will get your lawns done in no time, and being a zero-turn, you’ll zoom around flower beds and obstacles.

What I really like about this mower is the integrated rear cargo bed. It’s a little carry platform where you could store a bag of fertilizer to disperse while you’re mowing, or anything else you might want to take with you.

As Snapper says: “Haul dirt, carry tools and flowers, and of course, cut the grass with the 360Z Zero Turn Mower”

Features

Fully 12-gauge welded steel frame
19HP Briggs Stratton engine
Integrated rear cargo bed with 50lb capacity
Thick-walled front axle
Durable steel mower deck
36″ cutting width and 7 cutting positions from 1.5″-4.5″ height

What We Liked

Easy access maintenance points
3-years limited residential warranty
Integrated cargo bed with rail system so you can use third-party ATV/UTV accessories like tool clamps and cargo nets
Very comfortable, adjustable seat

Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit 34″ Zero Turn Mower

The Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit 34″ is the cheapest zero turn mower on my list today. It is a great choice if you want to go with a zero-turn pivot lawn mower that is also very simple to operate.

The Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit has the smallest deck/cutting size of all the zero turn mowers under 3000 on my list, at 34″, with a twin blade system.

This means it’s one of the easiest zero turns to maneuver around smaller yards and obstacles, but is not the best choice if you have acres and acres of mowing to do.

When you compare this mower’s 34″ cutting capacity to the top 2 mowers in the list today, you’ll see that you can mow nearly twice as much in one sweep with those two.

The Cub Cadet ZT1 54 and the Husqvarna Z254 both have a 54″ cutting capacity.

For that reason, this is my favorite mower for small yards today. If you have the space though, I recommend the two bigger mowers at the top of my list.

Features

452 cc Troy-Bilt engine
Dual hydrostatic transmission
Reinforced heavy-duty frame
8-position height adjustment. Adjust the cutting height from 1.25″ to 3.75″
Limited lifetime frame warranty on the frame and a 2-year limited/120-hour warranty on the other components

What We Liked

Compact enough to fit through most standard gates and is easy to store in the garage or shed
Easy to maneuver around flower beds and obstacles
Excellent warranty

What We Didn’t Like

You need to buy attachments like a rear bagger or mulch kit separately
Tires are quite small
Mows well, except for wet grass
Turns a bit jerky in tighter turns
Exposed drive belt sometimes jumps off with twigs or things like pine cones
Difficult to see the gas level without removing the gas cap

Features

50-in cutting deck
679cc V-twin OHV Troy-Bilt engine
Dual EZT 2200 transmission
Support of deck wheels and a front roller to smooth over bumps
Adjustable high back seat
Built in America
3.5 gallon fuel tank
Heavy-duty, full length, fully welded, 2-in tubular frame

What We Liked

A comfortable ride with the adjustable high back seat
Built in America
Limited lifetime frame warranty
Large 50-in deck
Foam grip steering controls
Easy to use and maneuver

What We Didn’t Like

The guard sits quite high, which means cut grass blows a distance. Use caution if you have rocks etc. on your property in case they shoot out
Hard to see how much gas you’ve got left
Can be a bit hard to get out of the crate

Troy-Bilt Zero Turn Mowers

Troy-Bilt’s zero turn mowers are quite similar to Cub Cadet’s, although possibly not as popular, as you can see by the number of reviews.

Their mowers are of great quality, however, so don’t discount them because of the lack of reviews. Have a look at this video, “overtesting” Troy-Bilt mowers.

Features

23 HP Kawasaki FR691V series Twin-cylinder engine
50″ cutting deck
Open frame design with hinged/removable floor pan. Gives you easy access to the deck and the engine for maintenance
Great mower for slight, rolling hills. Suitable for yards up to 4 acres with several obstacles
Adjustable lap bars with soft-touch ergonomic hand grips
3.5 gallon fuel tank capacity
Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 transmission
Financing available

What We Liked

Cuts from 1″ to 4.5″ and it’s a level, even cut
Goes about 7mph forward and 3.5 in reverse
The seat is adjustable and comfortable
Headlights to be able to see and maneuver at night
The deck has a hose attachment to enable you to clean underneath the deck

What We Didn’t Like

The deck has a lot of vibration and can “jump” when you engage it
Gas tank could do with a fill level indicator of some sort. You have to pull the seat over or open the gas cap to see the fuel level
Choke lever is in an awkward location. Can be confused with the PTO but pulling the choke instead.

9 and 10 – Cub Cadet ZT1 46 and ZT1 42 Zero Turn Mowers – 2699

I’m not going into a lot of detail on these two, mainly because they’re very similar to the ZT1 54 and ZT1 50, with different deck sizes.

These two are a bit cheaper than the other two, so the choice is up to you. Value wise, I recommend the two zero turn mowers above. You’re getting more power and bigger cutting width for not much more money.

The 300 you save with the ZT1 42 and ZT1 46 is not worth it when you look at the extra HP you get and the bigger deck size.

The only reason to consider one of these two is the more compact size due to the smaller cutting deck. They’re similar in features to the ZT1 50 and ZT1 54.

Husqvarna Z142 42″ Zero Turn Riding Mower

This mower mainly didn’t make it to the top because it’s not available anywhere that I could find, and Amazon, for example, doesn’t know if it will be in stock again.

It may well be an outdated model. I’m listing its features for inclusion purposes anyway, in case it does become available.

This zero turn mower offers a bit less power than several other competitors but still has a very wide cutting deck at 42 inches.

Features

17HP Kohler engine
No-maintenance zero-turn transmission
Reinforced steel stamped cutting deck
Clippings can be discharged, mulched or bagged (mulching kit and bagger attachment sold separately)
ZT-2200 transmission
Air induction technology, meaning that air is drawn from the top to the bottom of the deck.
3.5 gallon gas tank

What We Liked

Pretty decent Kohler engine. Not like the 24HP Cub, but still not too bad for the price
Excellent maneuverability for rounded corners and tight conditions
3-year warranty

What We Didn’t Like

You need to buy mulching kits and bagger attachments separately
Lower engine horsepower than several competitors, but still suitable for residential use

12 and 13 Troy Bilt Mustang Z46 and Z42 Zero Turn Mowers – 2499

The Mustang Z46 exactly the same as the Z50, especially for deck size. The Z46 is 46″ and the Z50 is 50″. The price difference is 200, so you need to decide whether the extra 4″ of cutting size is worth 200. The Z42 has a 42″ cut.

They have the same engine, so you may find the Z46 has a little less trouble in tall, wet grass because it has less to push. However, bogging down was not mentioned by any Z50 owners.

That’s Our Top 13 Best Zero Turn Mowers Under 3000

All in all, my top pick for a zero turn mower at or under 3000 is Cub Cadet’s ZT1 54 Ultima.

This zero turn lawnmower offers plenty of grunt, a great size cutting deck, great warranty – couldn’t ask for more.

A very close second zero turn mower for large yards is the Husqvarna Z254 mower.

For small yards, our winners are Troy-Bilt’s Mustang Fit and Snapper’s 360Z. Both are maneuverable, have good engines, and are easy to operate.

Snapper came out on top because of its innovative carry platform on the back the ability to use third-party ATV accessories with it.

But honestly, any of the zero turn mowers that I covered here today represent a solid choice, each has its own merits, pros, and cons.

Hopefully, my list of features for each helps you make an informed decision and you’ll end up with the best zero turn mower under 3000!

Do you have a zero turn mower? Thinking of upgrading? Let me know what you think in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев! I’m upgrading my John Deere to a zero turn in the near future, which is why my next article will be zero turn mowers under 5000.

I’m on 10 acres so I want to compare mowers under 3000 with mowers under 5000 to make the best choice possible. Any recommendations are much appreciated!

Author

Elle is the founder and visionary of Outdoor Happens. She adores wild gardens. Makes sense, considering she’s never been very good at fitting into boxes, sticking to neat rows, or following the rules. Elle is a qualified permaculture teacher with a diploma in horticulture and naturopathy. She lives on a farm with cows, sheep, horses, chickens, and a bunch of horses. Passions include herbalism, fermentation, cooking, nature, animals, and reading. View all posts

What Size Lawn Mower For 1/3 Acre? A (Complete) Guide to Lawn Sizes and Mower Needs

When you move home and take on a new lawn in the process, it can often be confusing trying to work out exactly what size, style and type of mower you need.

Especially if your new lawn is much bigger or smaller than your old lawn.

What size lawn mower do I need for ⅓ acre is a perfectly reasonable question to ask if you have been used to mowing an acre of land for the past few years, or vice-versa.

So in this article, we are going to do our best to explore the tricky matter of what size lawn mower you need by yard size.

What Size Lawn Mower For ⅓ Acre?

Generally anything up to ½ acre in size you won’t need a riding mower, a good self-propelled push mower will be just as effective. From ½ acre to an acre you are entering something of a grey zone where either a push mower or riding mower can do a job depending on the lawn in question. Above an acre, you will want a riding mower.

What Size Lawn Mower Do I Need? The Basics to Consider

Often the first decision to make when considering what lawn mower you need is whether you want a push mind mower or a riding mower.

In fact, a regularly asked question is whether you need a riding mower for ½ an acre of lawn. So that seems a good place to start this discussion.

As a very generic rule of thumb, I’d always say you don’t NEED a riding mower for anything under ½ an acre, unless you are particularly old, immobile, or suffer from some kind of condition that makes it dangerous to overt exert yourself.

In particular, if you have a lawn under this size that has a number of trees, rocks, planting beds etc, it might actually take you longer to mow it with a riding mower due to all of the maneuvering you will have to do.

I’d say when you get to around ½ acre to an acre in size, then you are entering the fuzzy spot of whether you need a riding mower.

There are a number of things to consider:

COSTObviously, a riding mower is a more significant outlay and comes with more costs in times of maintenance, servicing, fuel, etc.
STORAGE AND ACCESSIf you buy a riding mower then you need somewhere to store it. Ideally, somewhere undercover where it can stay dry and safe. On top of that, you need to make sure you actually have enough space to get your riding mower to your lawn, you don’t want to buy a 34-inch riding mower and then discover it is too big to fit through the gate to your lawn!
YOUR LAWNAs mentioned above, if your lawn is somewhere between ½ acre to an acre in size, but is full of obstacles a riding mower will probably end up taking just as long to mow it as a good self-propelled push mower.
YOU MIGHT NEED BOTH A RIDING MOWER AND A PUSH MOWEREven with a riding mower, there might be spots around trees, tight corners etc your riding mower can’t get to and you might still need a push mower (or a weed whacker) to finish these areas off.
TIMEThe bigger your lawn gets, the more time a riding mower will save. You might only have ⅓ acre, but if it is nice and flat with no obstacles you could probably get it mowed in 20 minutes with a riding mower, whereas with a push mower you might be talking three or four times that figure. If you can afford it and want to spend more time with your family/relaxing after work than cutting your lawn, it could be a worthwhile investment.
CUTTING FREQUENCYObviously, a quicker cutting time will have a payoff in terms of the frequency with which you cut your lawn. If it only takes 20 minutes, you are more likely to mow it on a regular basis than if it takes 120 minutes.
EXTRASWith lawn tractors and riding mowers, you can buy numerous extras such as an aerator, dethatcher, sweeper, snow plow, etc, etc, which will allow you to get other jobs done.

And then if you do decide to buy a riding mower, there are more decisions you have to make.

DECK SIZEA wider deck will get the job done more quickly, but obviously limits you a bit more to the spaces you can use it in.
SPEEDThe quicker a riding mower or lawn tractor can go, the faster it will do the job, particularly relevant if you have a big plot.
BUILDThicker steel is stronger and will resist wear and last longer, but it needs bigger tires and a stronger drive train as it is heavier and will cost more.
ENGINEThere is no doubt particular manufacturers (ahem, Kawasaki) has developed a reputation for building engines that outlast and outperform the competitors, largely due to their ability to deal with heat and prolonged usage. But again, a better engine comes at a premium price.
FUELI always prefer diesel engines as they use less fuel and have a longer service life. On top of that, you can buy off-road diesel that doesn’t have road tax added.

Of course most of these factors you also need to consider when you are buying a walk-behind mower, but the outlay for a riding mower or lawn tractor is much more, so you need to be even more aware of them!

It can seem a bit of a minefield trying to work out what size and type of lawn mower you need.

It goes without saying that it pays to do as much research as possible and to speak to local dealers if you can.

If you are in two minds as to whether you need a riding mower or a walk-behind mower, I always think it is best to start with a walk-behind mower and see how you get on with that.

If you are finding it is taking too long, then you can upgrade to a riding mower without too much harm being done.

It is better that way round than buying a riding mower and finding the time and effort it saves you is negligible and it wasn’t worth the money.

So without further ado, let’s quickly look at yard sizes and mower requirements.

What Size Lawn Mower for ¼ Acre?

By the time you get up to four acres, you really do want to avoid buying from a box store like Lowes or Home Depot and at the least buy from a local dealer.

Sizewise, a zero-turn commercial mower (as long as your plot isn’t very hilly), with a 60” to 72” deck will be a good choice.

A 62” zero-turn mower might take around 1 hour 15 minutes to mow a lawn this size.

Getting the widest deck and fastest speed you can afford and it will help if you don’t want to spend too much time on your mower.

SUGGESTED MOWERS: Look at Scag, Exmark, Hustler, Bad Boy and Everride models.

What Size Lawn Mower for 5 Acre?

At this size you might be considering a compact utility tractor, something like the Kubota BX series.

The advantage of that is you get a lot of optional additions to use for snow and tilling, etc, etc.

But a good commercial zero-turn mower, will get the job done a lot quicker.

Ideally you would want a 72” cutting path, which would probably take somewhere in the region of 90 minutes to mow a lawn this size.

Closely consider the warranty when you buy, and again, if you can, buy from a local dealer.

SUGGESTED MOWERS: Again look at Scag, Exmark, Hustler, Bad Boy and Everride models or the Kubota BX Series if you decide to go for a lawn tractor.

Final Thoughts

We have covered a lot of ground in this article looking at what size lawn mowers suit what size yards!

As a very basic overview, I would say anything under ½ acre you don’t need a riding mower.

From ½ acre to 1 acre you are in a bit of a grey zone where you could definitely use either a push mower or riding mower depending upon a few factors such as terrain type and how much you value your free time.

Above an acre, you will almost certainly want a riding mower, and it goes without saying that the bigger plot you have to manage, the more carefully you will need to consider what kind of riding mower to buy.

Just a small difference in deck size can make a big difference in cutting time to a very big lawn!

But I hope this article helps in some way.

What Type of Lawn Mower Do I Need?

Mowing your yard can either be a somewhat pleasant experience or a downright miserable chore. It really all depends on whether or not you have the right type of lawn mower for the job. And how do you know if you’ve got the right type of mower? That’s what we’re here to talk about.

What Size Is Your Lawn?

The first thing you’ll need to figure out is how big the area is that you’ll need to cut. The type of mower you’ll choose will depend largely on the space that needs to be mowed. Trying to mow an acre with a push mower can exhaust you. Conversely, tackling your 1/8 acre lot with a 72″ zero-turn pretty much qualifies as overkill for any homeowner.

If you’re not entirely sure how much area you have, there are a few ways to figure out how much space you’ll need to account for. The easiest way we’ve come up with is to hop on Google Maps, click on the satellite view of your yard, and drag out the dimensions. Google will tell you approximately how large the area is.

The other way to estimate your area is to go take a walk around your yard. Walking off large rectangles of space, you’ll count up your steps. Then you’ll add up the areas of those rectangles. The average man has a 30-inch stride. Cut that down to about 26-inches if you’re a woman. Granted, this isn’t particularly precise, but we’re really just looking for a rough estimate.

An acre is 42,560 square feet. If you divide that by two, you get 21,280, which is 1/2 acre. That’s about as much as you’ll probably want to mow with a walk-behind mower. Anything over that, and you might want to think about upgrading to something you can ride on.

Unless you want to get in some extra exercise, we recommend the following:

1/8 acre1/4 acre1/2 acre1 acre2 acres

17″-20″push mower

21″self-propelled

21″-25″self-propelled

42″-54″zero-turn/rider

60″zero turn/rider

Balancing Your Budget With Your Acreage

Once you’ve figured out how much space you’ve got to maintain, you probably ought to work out a budget for your new mower. Obviously, the type of lawn mower you’ll purchase also depends on what you can spend.

Top 7 Lawn Mowers for Small Yards in 2023 ��

Walk-Behind Mowers

Walk-behind push and self-propelled mowers will likely run you anywhere from 200 to 500. Of course, these have the potential to increase to 750 or more if you’re making the jump to the best battery-powered lawn mowers.

Like we said, if you’re mowing more than a 1/2 acre, you might want to move to a rider. Plenty of battery-powered (and all gas) mowers can tackle more than that in one go. It’s just that, with their typically 19″ – 21″ decks and 3 mph top walking speed, you’ll be mowing for a long time.

For a list of some of the best walk-behind mowers available today, check out our best battery-powered mowers and best self-propelled gas mowers reviews.

Riding Mowers

Rear engine riding mowers, might be the next logical step in this progression. These will likely fit the bill if you need something more than a walk-behind mower, but less than a full-blown lawn tractor. They have deck sizes in the 30″-33″ range, and typically sport a single-cylinder engine that manages around 10 HP. These lawn mowers typically cost anywhere from 1200 to 2400.

The next step up from here, the lawn tractor, can cost anywhere between 1300 and 3000. These mowers have larger decks (usually between 42″ to 54″), larger front-mounted engines (18-25 HP), and more available features (EFI, hydrostatic and continuously variable transmissions, etc).

Zero Turn Mowers

Finally, we come to the queen mother of residential mower options: the zero-turn mower. This type of mower has gained a ton of popularity in recent years, both for professional and residential users. These mowers are not just highly maneuverable, but they can also tackle a lot of acreage quickly. You can also lump stand-on mowers with this group.

This type of mower has a design that operates a bit more like a tank and less like your steering-wheeled traditional lawn tractor. Lap bars control steering via dual hydrostatic transmissions. Your forward and reverse movements are therefore independent of one another. This type of steering lets you pivot 360 degrees in place (hence the name). The result is a mower that turns quickly and easily. It also maneuvers in and out of tighter spots.

Because these mowers typically come with anywhere from about 450cc to 700cc engines that can crank out between 12 HP to 25 HP, they can cover a lot of ground quickly. It also helps that they can feature deck sizes from 32″ to 60″ (commercial models can get even larger).

For this type of residential lawn mower, you’re probably going to be looking at a price tag somewhere between 1200 to as much as 6000 or more.

Should I Go Electric?

Battery power is all the rage these days, but is it right for you? Let’s look at the pros and cons of electric battery-powered mowers.

Pros

Convenient
Instant torque
No messy gas or oil needed
No emissions or fumes
Easy storage
Much quieter
Little to no maintenance

Cons

Higher initial costs
Less power than gas
Less runtime than gas (efficiency and power management have been steadily improving)
Lithium-Ion Batteries will need replacing every three to five years

Check out our more in-depth discussion on the gas vs battery power debate.

What Features am I Looking For?

You might find that there are some particular features that will make your next mower purchase a whole lot easier to figure out. There are tons of options out there, from front caster wheels and integrated wash-out fittings to larger fuel tanks and improved transmissions. You’ll have to shop around some to help you figure out what type of lawn mower works best for you, but here are some of the features we look for in a mower.

Self-Propelled Drives

Some folks like the extra exercise that comes with shoving a 75 lb mower across a yard, but we prefer the mower to do the hard work for us. A self-propelled drive will spare you some fatigue, especially when it comes to hills, or when you’ve got a full bag of grass clippings. You even have options between front-wheel drives, rear-wheel drives, and all-wheel drives.

Deck Material

We don’t see much variety in the world of gas-powered mower decks, but with cordless electric, you have a few options. Steel is pretty much the default, but some manufacturers have started to use poly and plastic materials to construct their decks. These tend to be a good deal lighter than steel, but they will also be less durable.

Blade-Brake Clutch

Some of your higher-end models will include a blade brake clutch, which lets you take your hands away from the operator controls without the engine shutting off. This is helpful when you need to empty your grass bag or when you need to move something out of your path.

Honda’s Roto Stop system, which we had the chance to experience with one of their commercial models, was a particularly effective example.

Discharge Options

Around our shop, everyone pretty much just mulches. We don’t generally bag or side-discharge our clippings. However, we recognize that other parts of the country do things differently. Most mowers give you the option of mulching, bagging, or side-discharging, but some only have two of the three. You’ll have to decide if this is important to you.

Height Adjustment

You typically see three different ways that manufacturers set up their cut height adjustment. A single-point adjustment allows you to set the height at all four wheels at once with a single lever. The downside is that this single point can create some flimsiness at the wheelbase if the mower has some heft to it. We prefer this setup, assuming that the mower has a sturdy build.

A four-point adjustment means that you need to set the height at each of the four wheels. This is more precise, but it can be a hassle to set your height four separate times.

Some manufacturers have incorporated a two-point adjustment at the front and back of the mower. This is a good compromise between the other two options.

What Type of Lawn Mower Should I Buy?

Really, a lot of your decision will come down to your preferences, but it won’t hurt to talk over the decision with whoever is selling you the mower. Let the sales team know how big your yard is, as well as your general preferences of the features you want and what type of grass you’ll be cutting. Ultimately, your budget will dictate a fair bit of the actual decision-making process. And, if you find that that mower that you really want is financially out of reach, it never hurts to take a gander at the used market.

David C. Smith

DCS spends most of his time watching Mythbusters, trying to figure out what the labels that they blur out say, so that he can recreate the explosions. His hobbies include impersonating Chuck Norris doing an impersonation of Sean Connery and fly fishing. David does his own stunts.

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Sources:

https://www.lawnsite.com/threads/what-mower-for-1-acre-properties.494995/
https://www.protoolreviews.com/best-self-propelled-lawn-mower-reviews/
https://www.outdoorhappens.com/best-zero-turn-mower-under-3000-review-2020/
https://suaveyards.com/what-size-lawn-mower/
https://opereviews.com/what-type-of-lawn-mower-do-i-need/

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