The best zero-turn mowers of 2023. Fast zero turn mowers

The best zero-turn mowers of 2023

Take the best zero-turn lawn mower for a spin and never miss an inch of grass.

The best budget mower for big suburban yards.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more

best, zero-turn, mowers, 2023, fast

For large yards with tight corners and obstacles, nothing beats a zero-turn lawn mower. These agile mowers are powerful lawn-maintenance machines designed for maneuverability. The unique lever steering allows for complete 360-degree cutting, meaning no blade of grass is safe from the wide and nimble cutting deck. Today’s zero-turn lawn mowers are fuel-efficient and comfortable, with options and features to tackle just about any size yard. Residential zero-turn mowers are ideal for the suburbs. Larger commercial models are great for fields, golf courses, and hills. The best zero-turn lawn mowers run literal circles around the competition.

  • Best overall:Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
  • Best for first-timers:Ariens APEX Zero-Turn Mower
  • Best for comfort:Craftsman Z5200 20-HP V-Twin Dual Hydrostatic 42-in Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
  • Best for the pros:Swisher BS Zero-Turn Rider
  • Best budget:Husqvarna Z242F Zero-Turn Riding Mower

How we chose the best zero-turn mowers

Previously, we’ve searched for the top push mowers, the best riding lawn mowers, and some great cordless lawn mowers. That experience gave us very important background knowledge, which allowed us to have a little more nuance when finding excellent zero-turn mowers. We used personal testing, research, recommendations, reviews, and user impressions to find the best zero-turn mowers for all kinds of yards and users.

The best zero-turn mowers: Reviews Recommendations

Which mower is best for you depends on your type of lawn. Any of these mowers will work wonders on a flat lawn. But if you have hills or big areas to cover, you’ll need a more specialized yard tool. Look for the size and features that work for your yard and your budget.

Best overall: Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

Why it made the cut: This mower easily transitions from mowing your own yard to commercial lawn work.

Big yards need big power and the 27HP Husqvarna mower straddles the line between residential and commercial zero-turn lawn mowers. The wide 61-inch cutting deck gobbles up a big area of grass quickly. It handles great, even on small inclines, thanks to its commercial-rated hydraulic system. But be careful—there’s more oomph in this lawn mower than you might think. If you’re not paying attention, this powerful riding mower will get away from you. Practice first in a nice wide-open area so you get the feel of the controls, speed, and steering. A high-back seat with armrests, foam-padded handgrips, and vibration dampeners allows you to mow comfortably all day. If you have a yard larger than three acres and want a powerful lawn-cutting machine, the Husqvarna riding mower is a powerful option.

Best for first-timers: Ariens APEX Zero-Turn Mower

Why it made the cut: Step up your mowing game sans learning curve with this easy-to-use zero-turn mower.

If you’re looking to replace your traditional lawn tractor or push mower, the Ariens zero-turn lawn mower is a fantastic upgrade. The 23HP Kohler 7000 series engine is strong and consistent. Great for yards smaller than three acres, the Ariens riding mower has a 48-inch cutting deck in its sturdy frame. It’s a residential zero-turn mower that’s as durable as some of the commercial mowers. Yet it’s not an overpowered, overpriced, over-complicated lawn tool. If you’re new to the world of zero-turn mowers, this is the perfect machine to give you comfortable, confident handling.

Best for comfort: Craftsman Z5200 20-HP V-Twin Dual Hydrostatic 42-in Zero-Turn Lawn Mower

Why it made the cut: This mower has built-in features to mow your entire lawn in comfort.

best, zero-turn, mowers, 2023, fast

Riding mowers have come a long way in regards to comfort, and the Craftsman zero-turn riding mower is one of the most body-friendly yard tools out there. The high-back seat gives you much-needed support, especially if you’re cutting big areas. And the 20HP engine and 42-inch cutting deck give you enough power to chomp through up to three acres of grass. Cutting big yards can take time and that can take a toll on back muscles, so never overlook ergonomics. The rubber foot pad of this riding mower helps reduce the vibrations that can cause foot and leg pain. The steering bars feel great without being over-sensitive. This is not only a solid zero-turn lawn mower, it’s a comfortable outdoor throne.

Best for the pros: Swisher BS Zero Turn Rider

Why it made the cut: This professional-grade zero-turn lawn mower is a landscaper’s dream thanks to its safety, durability, and power.

This is not the riding mower for everyone, but the Swisher zero turn tractor is one of the best commercial mowers you can get. If you’re starting a lawn care business or need to equip a lawn maintenance crew, this is a solid investment. The Swisher mower has a 24HP Briggs Stratton engine. The zero-turn tractor can handle inclines and embankments. It’s dependable. It’s safe. And as big as it is, it handles great. You always feel in control of the 855-pound monster. The bad news? It’s not cheap. With a price tag soaring past 10,000 and another 3,000 for the cutting deck, this is not a typical piece of lawn equipment. This is a commercial-grade lawn mower with enough horsepower to mow an entire neighborhood, thanks to its 8-gallon fuel capacity.

Best budget: Husqvarna Z242F Zero-Turn Riding Mower

Why it made the cut: The cheapest zero-turn mower on our list features high-quality mechanics for well-manicured lawns.

Residential zero-turn lawn mowers are typically all in the same economic ballpark. You can expect to spend between 3,000 and 5,000 for a reliable riding mower. This Husqvarna is one of the cheapest zero-turn mowers, hovering around the low end of that spectrum, and is a great mower for the money. Husqvarna mowers are known for their quality, so even a lower-priced Husqvarna riding mower is a trusted, dependable machine. This zero-turn mower has a wide 42-inch cutting deck and a 18HP engine, putting it right in the middle of not being too weak and not being overpowered. If you have an acre of land to mow, there’s no need to spend money for extra size and power you’ll never need.

What to consider when shopping for the best zero-turn mowers

Are all riding mowers with lever steering the same? Not at all. Size, weight, horsepower, and fuel source are just a few of the things to look for when shopping for a zero-turn mower. Before opening up the wallet, understand how these mowers operate, how much they cost, and how much they can accomplish.

The two types of zero-turn mowers: commercial and residential

For years, zero-turn lawn mowers were only available as commercial yard equipment. Landscaping companies and groundskeeping crews who needed to tame and maintain large areas of grass used the big industrial lawn mowers. But, recently, residential zero-turn lawn mowers have given suburban homeowners the power and agility of lever steering.

The big difference between commercial and residential zero-turn mowers is power (and price). Commercial models are designed for big areas and constant use. They’re heavier, have wider cutting decks, and pack more horsepower. Residential zero-turn lawn mowers are smaller, easier to handle, and are better at once-a-week cutting. These lawn tools are less powerful, so hills can be challenging. But they still provide incredible maneuverability and handling at a much more affordable price.

What size zero-turn mower do I need for my yard size?

For yards smaller than three acres, a residential zero-turn mower is the efficient, user-friendly way to go. If your lawn is larger, or you plan on using the mower on a daily basis, a commercial mower may be the best option.

How much horsepower do you need?

The best zero-turn mowers offer between 10HP and 25HP. But 10HP is only good for yards smaller than half an acre. And those mowers can’t handle inclines. For residential lawns up to three acres, 20HP to 25HP is perfect. In addition, zero-turn mowers tend to work well on hills up to a 15-degree incline. That said, any zero-turn lawn mower offering 25HP or more may be overpowered and overpriced for a typical suburban yard.

Gas vs. electric lawn mowers

Yes, there are electric, battery-operated zero-turn mowers on the market. And they do a pretty good job, especially for yards smaller than an acre. Battery-powered riding mowers are more than just noisy, angry golf carts. They have real cutting power and the technology is only getting better.

Electric riding mowers cost about the same as gas-powered models. You’re not saving money, but you are saving the planet while performing yard care. Electric mowers are more environmentally friendly since they don’t emit any exhaust fumes. But they do need batteries and that’s the biggest drawback. The battery on even the most energy-efficient electric mower can die quickly and recharging time will eat up your Saturday. If you don’t mind the limited battery life, or you plan on stocking up on backup batteries, electric mowers are just as good as gas-powered mowers.

Gas-powered mowers will be more powerful, but not by much. Gas mowers are also heartier machines that are better for riding over rough terrain and (mild) hills. Electric mowers aren’t good for commercial use, where horsepower and repeated use are a big concern. However, for flat lawns no bigger than an acre, don’t overlook the electric machines as your best zero-turn riding mower.

What size cutting deck do you need?

The cutting deck houses the blades. But bigger isn’t always better. Zero-turn riding mowers start out with cutting decks measuring 32 inches and can go as large as 61 inches. The extra size is really only good if you’re cutting more than three acres of grass. While zero-turn mowers are made for tight turns and precise handling, a big mower is still a big mower and will be cumbersome in small yards.

If your yard has a lot of obstacles, such as trees and sheds, make sure the lawn mower is small enough to fit between the tight space. For suburban homes with about an acre of land, opt for a smaller mower with a cutting deck between 32 and 40 inches.

Understand the steering and stopping

The distinguishing feature of any zero-turn mower is the lever steering. There’s no steering wheel, and you don’t drive a zero-turn mower like a car. Instead, the two levers control the pivot point of the mower. Pull the right lever back and push the left lever forward to make a sharp right turn.

Due to the pivot steering, it’s usually best to mow the lawn in a Y pattern instead of making drastic turns that could dig the wheel into the lawn and create divots. And watch out: Most zero-turn mowers don’t have brakes. You hold the steering levers in a neutral position to brake.

If you’ve never used a zero-turn riding mower, give yourself some practice time before attempting tricky spins. The best zero-turn mowers are intuitive, and you’ll pick up the steering mechanism quickly. But your first time using this piece of yard equipment should not be along the edge of a beloved flower garden. While you often see professional lawn crews zipping around on these mowers, it’s best to go slow. The machine has more pickup than you may anticipate and it’s easy to overcorrect and make a wrong turn.

FAQs

Q: How much do zero-turn lawn mowers cost?

Pricing for residential zero-turn lawn mowers typically ranges from 3,000 to 5,000. However, commercial zero-turn lawn mowers can go for upwards of 10,000. Be conscious of your yard size and landscaper dreams. You might want to stray away from expensive zero-turn mowers if you don’t fantasize about mowing three acres of land.

Q: How often should you mow your lawn?

It depends on how fast your grass grows and how high you want your grass to be. Mowing once a week during the growing season—typically late spring and early summer—is recommended to keep your lawn healthy. During the rest of the year, you can get away with mowing every other week.

Q: How do I operate a zero-turn mower?

To operate a zero-turn mower, you use the steering levers. These levers typically rest over your lap. In the neutral position, the mower stands still. Push both levers forward, and the mower moves forward in a straight line. Push both levers back, and the mower travels in reverse in a straight line. The real fun begins when you push one lever and pull the other, thus creating a pivot point. The zero-turn mowers are designed to make sharp turns and pivot 360 degrees. This makes it easier to steer around obstacles. It feels very different than using a steering wheel. Give yourself time (and room) to practice and you’ll get the hang of it.

Final thoughts on the best zero-turn riding mowers

A zero-turn riding mower is ideal for navigating around sharp curves, obstacles, and landscaping beds. They are also the best type of riding mower for covering big areas quickly. Residential zero-turn riding mowers give you nearly all the power of the commercial-grade behemoths, but at a more manageable size and price. These nimble mowers are the perfect yard tool for lawns ranging between one and three acres. Find a comfortable seat, an adequately sized cutting deck, and a brand name known for quality. Discover today’s best zero-turn lawn mowers to effectively and efficiently maintain your yard.

Which are the best 60 in Zero Turn Mowers for Large Properties?

Do you want to mow large areas of grass in much less time? Here are the best powerful 60 in zero-turn mowers for large properties (more than 5 acres).

Gone are the days when a regular lawn tractor was your go-to tool to mow the grass. In fact, many used to leave their large grasslands growing wild due to the stress, time, money, and effort it used to take them.

For large properties, it is recommended to use Zero turn motor that can easily do the job. They are easier to maneuver. A zero-turn mower can cut the grass in far lesser time and save you fuel, and maintenance costs as well.

What should you look for while choosing a good zero-turn mower for large properties?

You should choose a zero-turn mower based on its cutting deck built, engine, fuel capacity, and comfort.

Cutting Deck

This is a no-brainer. You are looking for a zero-turn mower for tough usage and hence the cutting deck should be sturdy and made for tough usage.

The wider it is, the better it is. Hence in our recommended list, we have mowers having 60 to 61 in the cutting deck.

The cutting deck should also have a wide range for adjusting the cutting height based on how you want to use it. the wider the range, the better it is.

Engine Power and Type

You need a lot of power for a mower to run for a long time on large properties that may have tough terrain.

We would recommend Engines having more than 23 HP power and faster mowing speed. You should be able to mow approx 4 acres in an hour.

Fuel Capacity

On average, 5 acres of mowing grass would require 3 gallons of fuel and you may need more fuel with more acres. So we would recommend zero turn mower having at least 4 gallons of Gasoline capacity for more than 5-acre properties.

Safety and Comfort

While sturdy build and good performance are a must, you cannot ignore safety and comfort.

You should look for features like a rollover-protection system (ROPS), seatbelt, parking brake, etc. We would recommend mowers with a high-back seat having good cushioning for back support and a comfortable ride.

Which are the best Zero Turn Mowers for Large Properties?

Let us look at our recommended zero-turn lawn mowers.

John Deere Z530R 60 in Zero Turn Riding Mower – Best Overall

John Deere is a well-known brand in the lawn mower space.

The John Deere Z530R boasts of a 24 HP Kawasaki new fuel injected vanguard Briggs and Stratton engine with 3 cutting blades. Due to Fuel Injection, it gets rid of choke. Further, upgraded transmission means more durability and speed of mowing.

Z530R gets bigger 2310.5 inch tires that help to ride bumps and improved ride quality.

The cutting height ranges from 1 to 4 inches, and the fuel tank holding 4.5 gallons gets you enough fuel for mowing large areas

It also boasts premium features like LED headlights, a cupholder, covered side and under-seat storage compartments, a foot-operated deck lift, and low-fuel warning light.

Z530R also gets a 22.5-inch seat with a comfort glide system for up and down and forward and back motion as well.

Best Zero Turn Mowers 2023 | top 5 zero turn mowers

John Deere provides a Warranty for 500 hrs and 4 years whichever comes first.

It is a good choice for Flat terrain and is good for tough jobs.

This sturdy machine is easy to maintain with a super easy Oil change or Filter change. It is pretty good in terms of mowing speed and you can cut almost 4 acres within an hour. The 5.5-gallon tank gives you enough fuel to cover large grounds.

The high-back seat of this mower is quite comfortable and would give you the right support.

The one con that a few owners informed us of is that you would need to use the choke often while starting the engine.

This zero-turn mower comes with a warranty for 4 Years or 400 Hours whichever is earlier.

The 5.5-gallon fuel tank will cover 5 acres and keep going. At 770 pounds, this midweight zero-turn mower gets good traction for the flats and slight inclines.

A unique feature of this mower is its MyRIDE Suspension System. So you can enjoy a more comfortable ride, keeping you productive and feeling fresh.

The high back seat has a lot of cushions that give you ample back support.

While this Zero turn mower is great for large properties, it can be tricky to control on uneven sloppy surfaces with the risk of tipping over.

It comes with a 24-HP Kohler 7000 Series V-twin engine. The 60-in cutting deck is fabricated and tough enough for heavy usage. It can adjust from 1 to 4.75 inches in height. ZTX4 has a fuel capacity of 5.5 gallons.

This mower is more suitable for inclined surfaces, its mowing speed is slightly less than other Z turn mowers.

Why Do You Need A 60-Inch Zero Turn Mower for 5 acres or more?

Let us look at the reasons why you should buy a 60-inch zero-turn mower

  • It saves time with good mowing speed with a wide 60-in cutting deck allowing you to cut approx 4 acres in an hour.
  • It is easy to maneuver Zero Turn mowers and you can do the mowing yourself instead of hiring professionals.

Limitations Of A 60-Inch Zero Turn Mower

While they are most suitable, still 60 in mowers have the below cons.

Zero-turn mowers are great at maneuverability. But if you are at speed and make a sharp turn, you may pose yourself with the risk of tipping over.

They come at a cost for providing quality, comfort, and performance.

best, zero-turn, mowers, 2023, fast

It can be difficult for these mowers to ride over 15 to 20 inches of inclination and may pose a risk of rollover if you make a turn.

Popular posts

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

report this ad

  • Agapanthus
  • Aloe Vera
  • Alyssum
  • Azalea
  • Basil
  • Bonsai
  • Dahlia
  • Garlic
  • General
  • Ginger
  • Hydrangea
  • Lavender
  • Lemon Tree
  • Mint
  • Plumeria
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Zero Turn Mower

Zero Turn vs. Lawn Tractor: Which is Better?

Home » Zero Turn vs. Lawn Tractor: Which is Better?

Are you looking for an efficient way to mow your large lawn? A good mower can save you time and take the fuss out of keeping your lawn in tip-top condition. Walk-behind push mowers will usually get the job done on a standard-sized lawn but for large lawns, you will be looking at a different breed of mowers—riding mowers.

The two types of riding mowers are zero turn and lawn tractor mowers. Both are major investments and it is worth the effort to do some research before deciding which one to purchase. In this article, we will lay bare the pros and cons of each machine, and hopefully, in the end, you will make a Smart choice between a zero turn vs tractor. Keep reading to find out more!

Zero Turn Mowers

If your lawn is larger than half an acre, a zero-turn radius mower (ZTR) is an excellent choice for helping you complete lawn maintenance work in the shortest time possible and with the least amount of effort.

2023 John Deere Z315E Zero Turn Mower Review & Walkaround

These machines are referred to as zero turn because they turn on their own footprint and therefore leave a zero radius measurement. They have a wide out-front deck and are powered by hydrostatic transmission. Instead of a steering wheel, a zero turn mower has two levers, which help with navigating the mower.

Each of the two rear wheels on a ZTR has its own motor that is controlled by the two levers. Due to the lack of a traditional steering wheel and brake pad, a zero turn may seem a bit intimidating. But, operating the mower is a complete breeze once you get the hang of it.

A huge advantage of a zero turn is its ability to spin on its footprint. The zero radius mechanism means that the mower can easily maneuver around corners, shrubbery, trees, ponds, and other ornamental obstacles in your yard. You can learn more about how zero-turn mowers can navigate around obstacles in a yard.

We will look at some of the pros and cons of zero turn mowers later in the article. For now, let us find out more about lawn tractors.

Lawn Tractors

If tractors are the beasts of farms and construction sites, lawn tractors reign over the lawn care niche. These mini-tractors are small enough to fit effortlessly in your garage or a small outdoor shed but large enough to mow a big lawn in a considerably short time.

A lawn tractor operates more or less like a car. It has a steering wheel, which you use to navigate the machine, and a gas pedal, which when pressed accelerates the tractor. Compared to a zero turn mower, this one has a shorter learning curve if you already know how to drive a car.

Unlike zero turn lawn mowers, lawn tractors turn at a larger radius. The problem with this is that by turning this way, they leave a patch of untrimmed grass in the middle, requiring you to take several passes to trim those missed spots. This will certainly increase the amount of time you spend out in your lawn.

Now, let’s take an in-depth look at the differences between zero turn vs tractor lawn mowers.

Zero Turn vs. Lawn Tractor

Ease of Use

One of the biggest differences between a zero turn and tractor mower is in the way each is driven. A lawn tractor uses a steering wheel and gas mechanism, which is quite straightforward for most people. Just jump in, press the gas pedal, and steer the tractor around the yard.

On the other hand, controlling the levers on a ZTR takes a bit of time. To accelerate, you need to push the levers forward while keeping them balanced. To turn at the end of a row or trim grass around a tree or wall, you’d have to push one lever forward while pulling the other backward.

There is indeed a bit of a learning curve with zero turn mowers but after a few mows, you should be able to work the machine without ripping the grass or driving into trees. That said, if this is your first time using a lawn mower, you might find that the tractor scores more points when it comes to ease of use. The good news is that you can easily learn how to drive a zero turn mower.

Maneuverability

Tractors might be easier to operate but if you have quite a bit of shrubbery, trees, and potted flowers scattered all over your yard, you might want to consider a zero turn mower instead. When riding on a zero turn mower, you can see the ground ahead, allowing you to dodge obstacles faster.

Not only that, the ZTR’s zero radius mechanism and its wider cutting deck allows you to mow around trees, flowers, and other obstacles with so much ease. With a lawn tractor, you might find yourself reversing and making several passes just to get to the grass around flowerbeds or tight curves in your lawn.

For a flat lawn with few obstacles, a lawn tractor is your best bet. But, if you have to maneuver many tiny curves, you are better off going with a zero turn mower.

Speed

No one wants to spend their entire Saturday mowing the lawn. It is important to invest in a mower that is appropriate for the size of your lawn so you can get the job done as efficiently as possible.

Both the zero turn riding mower and the lawn tractor are designed to mow large lawns fast. However, a zero turn works at a slightly higher speed. Because it spins on its own footprint, the mower turns faster and makes a quick 180-degree spin when it gets to the end of the mowing row.

A typical ZTR moves at a speed of 5 to 8 mph compared to a lawn tractor, which mows at an average speed of 3 mph. This, combined with the fact that it mows in a single pass and doesn’t require follow-up trimming makes the zero turn a better option where speed is concerned.

Price

When you are in the market for a big-ticket item such as a riding lawn mower, price is an important consideration. We will say upfront that zero turn mowers have a significantly higher price tag. If you are on a budget, you might want to go with a lawn tractor.

That said, a zero turn greatly makes up for the higher price point with its time-saving features. Not only does it move faster; it also turns faster, and cuts grass in a single pass.

It is good to note that smaller or so-called entry-level zero turn mowers might be less costly but they have some considerable downsides that might have an impact on your lawn care efforts. For example, their rounded tires easily dig into the ground, leaving shallow dings in your lawn. Larger mowers with wide, flat tires do a better job but cost slightly more.

Another disadvantage of smaller, cheaper zero turn lawn mowers is that their traction is focused on the rear wheel, which can make it difficult to turn the mower on wet or dry grass. In the same vein, many budget ZTRs cannot be reversed. If you want to pass over or re-mow a certain patch, you would have to do a complete 180-degree turn, which can be cumbersome unless you do not mind spending time on your riding mower caring for your lawn.

Zero Turn vs Tractor: Which One is Better?

Both zero turn mowers and lawn tractors are excellent machines for mowing large lawns fast. But, each has its own advantages and disadvantages, which you have to compare to determine the mower that will best meet your needs.

If budget is not an issue, you might want to look at a good mid-range zero turn. These come with a wider deck, larger and stronger wheels, and greater horsepower for mowing fairly large yards with ease.

Zero turns are also ideal if your lawn has lots of tight curves and obstacles. With their zero radius spinning mechanism and wide decks, these mowers are easy to navigate in such uneven terrain.

On the other hand, lawn tractors are a cost-effective option. They are jack-of-all-trades as most can tow all kinds of attachments such as sprayers, carts, spreaders, and snow dredgers.

If your lawn is hilly or has some slopes, it is important to select an appropriate lawn mower. Lawn tractors have front-wheel drive, making them easier to control when you are mowing up or down a sloppy lawn. On the other hand, zero turn mowers have rear-wheel drive and can easily lose control on steep slopes.

That said, if you are looking to mow a very sloppy area, consider using other safer machines such as a push mower, slope mower, or a robotic lawn mower. Although some lawn tractors and zero turn mowers come with safety belts and roll bars, riding mowers can easily tip over on slopes that are more than 15 degrees steep and this may result in a serious accident.

Summary

Riding mowers are a popular option if you want to upgrade from a basic push mower. They can shorten the time spent caring for your yard but as we have explained, it is best to take extra precaution when mowing extreme slopes. We hope that this comparison between zero turn vs tractor lawn mowers will help you choose a mower that will deliver bang for the buck.

Zero-Turn vs. Riding Lawn Mowers

Family Handyman, via merchant (2)

What’s the difference between traditional and zero-turn riding mowers? We break down the distinctions to help determine which option is best for you.

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.

In today’s market of big box stores and online shopping, there are more models of lawn mowers to choose from than ever before. This is great for consumers, but can also clutter the decision-making process. One such point of confusion is the difference between “riding” and “zero-turn” lawn mowers.

Consumer lawn mowers are generally classified by design (i.e. whether you ride it or push it) or by feature, like whether it’s powered by gas or a battery. Zero-turn radius (ZTR) is a distinctive feature that allows for precision cutting.

There are a limited number of zero-turn push mowers; zero-turn technology is much more common in riding lawn mowers. While not all riding mowers are zero-turn, most consumer zero-turn models are riding mowers. (If you’re curious about zero-turn push mowers, here’s one with a single swiveling front wheel and one with no wheels at all.)

To provide a good side-by-side comparison of a riding vs. a zero-turn lawn mower, we’ll refer to two models from John Deere: the traditional S100 and the zero-turn Z330M. Although the specs on mowers vary by manufacturer, these models serve as good stand-ins for our purposes.

What Are the Differences Between a Traditional Riding Mower and a Zero-Turn Riding Mower?

There are two main differences: turn radius and steering controls.

Turn radius

This is the defining characteristic of zero-turn mowers. A traditional riding mower turns the same way as a rear-wheel drive car. The rear wheels propel it forward while the front wheels control the direction it moves, resulting in a curved arc.

But a ZTR mower can rotate its drive wheels in opposite directions simultaneously. That gives it the ability to turn without moving forward.

Steering mechanism

Most zero-turn riding mowers feature lap bars rather than a steering wheel. Each bar controls a single rear tire. Push both bars forward and you’ll go forward. Pull them both back and you’ll go in reverse. Push one forward while pulling the other back, and you’ll rotate in place.

It’s worth noting not all zero-turn mowers use lap bars. Some zero-turn riding mowers come with a standard steering wheel but still offer pinpoint turning.

Traditional Riding Mower Advantages

Traditional riding mowers have two clear advantages over their zero-turn counterparts.

Price

A traditional riding mower typically costs 30% to 50% less than a comparable zero-turn mower. In our examples, the John Deere S100 costs about 38% less than the Z330M, a savings of 1,500.

Easier to repair

Because they’ve been around for many years, it’s usually easier to obtain replacement parts for traditional riding mowers. If you’re a DIYer, chances are the steering and drivetrain of a traditional riding mower will be familiar enough to perform basic maintenance on your own.

Zero-Turn Riding Mower Advantages

Traditional riding mowers have an advantage in price and simplicity. Zero-turn mowers excel at saving you time.

Precision

It takes a great deal of maneuvering for a traditional riding mower to navigate standalone obstacles like bushes, trees and swing sets. A zero-turn riding mower can maneuver around these without the repeated backing up and redirecting of a traditional riding mower.

Speed

Precision controls reduce mowing time, but a zero-turn radius mower is faster than traditional mowers in pretty much every other category.

Zero-turn mowers tend to have wider cutting decks — typically 48- to 54-inches, compared to 42- to 46-inches with most traditional riding mowers — along with a faster operating speed. The maximum mowing speed for the Z330M is seven miles per hour, while the S100 tops out at 5.5 mph.

Zero Turn vs. Traditional Riding Mower Buying Considerations

If you’re deciding between a traditional or zero-turn riding mower, consider these key points.

Price

If your budget is less than 3,000, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a zero-turn mower in your price range. A traditional riding mower can cost more than 3,000, but you’re likely to find a good fit between 1,200 and 2,800.

Yard size

If you have a particularly large yard, the speed and deck size of a ZTR mower will make a huge difference in the time you spend mowing and refueling. The S100 is recommended for yards of about an acre, while the Z330M can handle three to four acres.

Yard complexity

Yards with narrow pathways between obstructions often benefit from zero-turn mowers. But be sure to compare the width of the narrowest sections with the width of a mower’s cutting deck. The most agile mower in the world is useless if it’s too wide to fit through your gate.

Storage space

The wider ZTR mower deck requires a fair amount of space in storage. A traditional riding mower is better in a tight garage, while a zero-turn mower needs a bigger outbuilding or small shed.

Ohio-based freelance writer and author Dan Stout is a former residential remodeler, commercial site supervisor and maintenance manager. He’s worked on nearly all aspects of building and DIY including project planning and permitting, plumbing, basic electric, drywall, carpentry, tiling, painting and more. He also publishes noir fantasy thrillers, including The Carter Series, from Penguin imprint DAW Books.