7 Best Residential Zero-Turn Mowers 2023 | Gas and Electric

If you are in the market for a new lawn mower, you might be ready to upgrade to a zero-turn lawn mower. Instead of manually shifting and trying to cover every corner of your lawn, a zero-turn mower can make a mundane task more enjoyable. 

For homeowners with larger lawns or more complicated lawn shapes, zero-turn mowers are incredibly popular. They can last a while and provide the best cut for your grass. However, how do you know which zero-turn mower to choose? Here is a complete guide to how to pick a zero-turn lawn mower, as well as a list of the seven best zero-turn mowers.

Best Residential Zero-Turn Mowers

If you’re in a hurry, we’ve provided an overview of the three best residential zero-turn mowers. Here they are: 

Best Compact Zero Turn Mower

Toro TimeCutter Zero-Turn Mower 42”

A compact 42-inch cutting deck offers outstanding agility. Driven by a powerful 708cc Kawasaki engine (22hp). 2-3 Acres, 7mph.

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Best Mower for Hilly Terrain

Ariens Ikon XD 52” Zero-Turn Mower

Capable of mowing hills up to 15-degree gradients. 52-inch fabricated deck is robust. 726cc Kawasaki engine offers 7mph. Will cut 2 acres on a tank of fuel.

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Best Electric Zero-Turn Mower

EGO Power+ Z6 Electric Zero-Turn Mower

Lightweight and nimble, but still produces 22hp and travels up to 8mph. Perfect for 2-acres or fewer. Fully charged in under 2 hours.

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For more details on each of these top picks, read on. However, if you just came for a brief look at the best options for zero-turn mowers, you have a snapshot right here! 

Choosing a Residential Zero-Turn Mower

When you choose a zero-turn lawn mower for your residential home, there are several factors you should take into consideration first. You can’t simply buy the first zero-turn lawn mower you see, as not all zero-turn mowers are created equal. 

In the end, the lawn mower you choose should reflect your lawn’s needs and budget. Once you’ve thought about what type and size you need, you can look at the best options for zero-turn mowers and decide which is for you. Here are some of the things to look for when buying a zero-turn mower. 

Lawn Size and Terrain Type

Of course, the first thing you should think about is your lawn. While most zero-turn mowers work with any yard, a few were created specifically for hilly terrain or smaller sections of the yard. Check out the abilities of a lawn mower before buying it. 

Hilly or Uneven Terrain

If you have a hilly yard or a lawn with uneven terrain, you should make sure to buy a lawn mower that will be able to handle that. Some mowers aren’t built for hilly lawns and will not last as long as others on rougher terrain. This is also true if you have a steep hill in your lawn – it can be difficult for certain mowers to keep up with the incline. 

Tight Spot or Obstacles

Zero-turn mowers are excellent for houses with tight spots, small patches of grass, or lawns with lots of obstacles. However, the larger a mower is, the more difficult it will be to maneuver around obstacles (even with a zero-point turning radius). If you have a smaller lawn or a lawn with lots of obstacles, you might want to go for a smaller mower. 

Gasoline vs. Electric

When you are deciding which type of mower to get, you’ll need to pick one that you can power. There are benefits to both gasoline and electric mowers. In the end, it comes down to whichever one you want to own and whichever one works best for your lifestyle. 

Gas: Power and Run Time

Gas-powered mowers are the standard model and are much more common than electric mowers. They have a longer run time and are generally more powerful. However, you will have to use standard gasoline to refill your mower every time you use it, and gas-powered mowers are much noisier than electric mowers. 

Electric: Zero Emissions and Low Noise

Electric zero-turn mowers are becoming more common, especially as companies try to become more eco-friendly. Electric mowers will charge in your garage and release zero emissions. They can usually charge off of a regular wall outlet and don’t require any extra electrical work. Electric mowers don’t run for as long, but they are better for the environment and make less noise. 

Fuel Capacity and Battery Run Time

Whether you choose an electric mower or a gasoline-powered one, you can adjust the run time by looking at the fuel capacity and the battery levels. Larger fuel tanks and batteries will run for longer, which is ideal if you have a large yard and don’t want to refuel or wait for the mower to charge in the middle of a mowing session. 

Battery Run Time

For an electric vehicle, you can tell how long you’ll be able to use it by its peak battery run time. If the mower is fully charged, there will be an approximate run time available for the mower. This might not last as long as the battery ages, but with a good charging routine, you should be able to make the battery last. 

Fuel Capacity

A standard gasoline-powered mower runs for however long it has fuel. Most mowers will include the fuel capacity and running time as part of their selling statistics. However, the fuel capacity doesn’t always directly correlate to the amount of time available. The hillier and bumpier the terrain is, the more fuel the mower will need. 

Cutting Deck

One of the most important things to look at in a mower is the cutting deck. The cutting deck is the metal shielding that protects the rider and the engine from the blades. There are two main types of cutting decks – a stamped deck and a fabricated deck. The kind you get will make a difference in how you mow your lawn. 

Deck Width and Height

While most cutting decks are engineered to fit on the respective mower, it is possible to have a deck that is too small or too large. It’s crucial to look at reviews for comments on the size of the cutting deck of a mower. If it’s the wrong size, only the people who own and use the mower will be able to let you know. 

Stamped vs. Fabricated Deck 

The main difference between stamped and fabricated decks is how they are made. Stamped decks are more common in residential mowers and are created from a single piece of metal. They are thinner and not as durable but have better airflow and flexibility. Fabricated decks, on the other hand, are several heavy pieces of metal welded together. 

Best Residential Zero-Turn Mowers Reviews 

Now that you know exactly what you’re looking for, here are seven of the best residential zero-turn mowers. As you look through these, you can decide whether they will work for you and your lawn needs. Some are larger and meant for flat lawns while other more compact models might work better with smaller, obstacle-filled yards. 

2. Ariens Ikon XD 52” 726cc Gas Zero-Turn Mower

• Power Type: Gas (726cc) 
• Cutting Deck: 52”
• Deck Type: fabricated 
• Cutting Height: 1.5-4.5 inches
• Run Time: 1-2 acres 
• Speed: 7 mph 
• Warranty: 3 years

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Pros

• The tires offer excellent grip and can handle hilly terrain. 
• The large 52” cutting deck means fewer passes while mowing. 
• The high-back seat gives you a bird’s eye view of your surroundings.

Cons

• The mower has a slower top speed compared to other options on our list. 
• The 2.3-gallon gas tank is enough for a large lawn.

If you’re looking for a slightly larger gas zero-turn mower, the Ariens Ikon XD is a great option. With almost the same turning power as a smaller model, this larger deck is created for commercial-level yards and lawns. 

Because of the fabricated deck and larger size, the Ariens Ikon mower is the best choice if you have hilly or bumpy terrain. It’s built to be tough and withstand hills and steep inclines while still providing an even cut. This is helped by the specifics of the cutting height – you can adjust it to whatever height you like. 

Ariens Ikon XD is a commercial-grade lawn mower that was released for residential use. If you have a difficult lawn and have gone through several less expensive lawnmowers, it might be time for you to invest in this machine. 

3. EGO Power+ Z6 42” Electric 56 V Zero-Turn Mower

• Power Type: 56V batteries
• Cutting Deck: 42 inches
• Deck Type: Stamp
• Cutting Height: 1.5-4.5 inches
• Run Time: 2 acres
• Speed: 8 mph
• Battery Storage: 40Ah (4x10Ah) 
• Warranty: 2 years

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Pros      

• Capable mowing 2 acres on a single charge, with an extra 2 battery slots for upgrade
• Charges batteries in two hours
• Rear LED lights blink when backing up

Cons

• You can’t change speeds or modes while in motion

For the environmentally conscious lawn mower out there, the increase of electric lawn mowers must seem like an excellent choice. However, not all electric lawnmowers do a good job of actually cutting the grass. The EGO Power+, on the other hand, is the best electric lawn mower we could find. 

If you want electric yard tools, you can get an entire line from EGO. Their batteries are interchangeable and all work with all the tools, so you won’t have to buy new batteries every time you purchase new equipment. However, what’s impressive about this mower is its power. 

The EGO Power+ is not just impressive for an electric mower, it’s a powerful mower on its own. With one charge, it can mow two acres, which is about as much as an average gas mower. This mower has an excellent zero-point turn and does a great job of small spaces and large fields.

4. GreenWorks Crossover Z 42” Deck

• Power Type: Battery (60 V) 
• Cutting Deck: 42 inches
• Deck Type: Stamped
• Cutting Height: 1.5-4.5 inches
• Run Time: 2.5 acre
• Speed: 8 mph
• Battery Storage: 48Ah
• Warranty: 4 years

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Pros      

• 60V motor generating an equivalent of 24hp, bringing plenty of power to work with
• Electric Take Off enables powered and non-powered attachments
• 16 cutting height settings and can handle cutting on 15-degree slopes
• 12-gauge fabricated steel deck

Cons

• Battery run time might be too short for larger properties

Greenworks has taken electronic mowers to a whole new level, by adding Bluetooth-enabled LED screens and location tracking to their mowers. You can prevent your mower from getting stolen, monitor its location, and see what the battery life is just by looking on your phone at the app. 

This mower has a lot of power and works well. You can charge the batteries to a regular wall outlet using the Greenworks charging port. The lawn mower is, more than anything, extremely comfortable and easy to use. With an adjustable seat and armrests,  you can mow the lawn in comfort (with very little noise).

5. Husqvarna Z242F 42″ Zero-Turn Riding lawn mower

• Power Type: Gas (603cc) 
• Cutting Deck: 42”
• Deck Type: Stamp
• Cutting Height: 2-5 inches
• Run Time: 2 acres
• Speed: 6 mph
• Warranty: 2 years

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Pros

• Offers a 3-year manufacturer warranty
• It is a comfortable machine given the padded seats, non-slip footrest area, and ergonomic tires
• It offers multiple gears for tackling different types of load
• Durable 10-gauge stainless steel construction
• Multiple waste disposal options

Cons

• Not eco-friendly

One of the most lightweight mowers on the market, the Husqvarna Z242F is a great choice for people who don’t have a lot of storage space or who might need to move soon. This mower can cut your mowing time in half while providing a comfortable ride and an excellent mowing job. 

If you’re looking for a zero-point mower that isn’t too fancy and gets the job done, you might want to check out this Husqvarna. It’s an excellent choice at a lower price than some of the others on this list, so it might be a good option for those trying to save money on a new mower.

6. RYOBI 42 in. Electric Riding Zero-Turn Mower

• Power Type: Battery (40 volts) 
• Cutting Deck: 42 inches
• Deck Type: Stamp
• Cutting Height: 1.5-4.5 inches
• Run Time: 3.5 acres
• Speed: 8
• Battery Storage: 100 AH
• Warranty: 3 years

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Pros

• 54″ cutting deck suitable for 3 acres of lawn
• Best-performing battery-powered zero-turn runs for 3.5 acres on a single charge
• Ultra-quiet brushless motor provides a smooth and comfortable ride

Cons

• None other than the obvious limitations of battery life

Ryobi is one of the most powerful mowing companies in the world, and when they turned their hand to electric mowers, the product didn’t disappoint. With the power to mow up to four acres on one charge, this electric mower is quiet but extremely powerful. 

With two blades that can be easily removed and sharpened, this mower provides a great base for years of solid service. After a few years, you might need to replace the battery, but that is also easy to do. Most users report over half of a charge after fully mowing their lawn.

7. Troy-Bilt WC33 Wide-cut 33″ Small Zero-Turn Mower

• Power Type: Gas (382cc)
• Cutting Deck: 33 Inches
• Deck Type: Stamped
• Cutting Height: 1.25-3.5 inches
• Run Time: 2 gallons 
• Speed: 3 mph
• Warranty: 3 years (limited)

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Pros

• The variable throttle allows for on-demand power adjustment
• Offers multiple cutting heights
• Offers multiple cutting speeds
• 2-in-1 waste disposal options
• It offers the best form of work-out

Cons

• Lacks bagging option
• Operating a walk-behind mower can be tiring

Lastly, we have this small, yet mighty zero-turn mower. It’s the smallest zero-turn mower on this list at only 33 inches across. This is because it’s the only non-riding lawn mower. It still has a zero-point turn and is self-propelled, but you’ll have to walk along behind the Troy-Bilt WC33. 

However, this doesn’t mean that it’s less of a mower than the other options. It works just as well and can mow most of a full yard before needing a refill. The zero-turn technology works the same but is easier to maneuver because of the small size of the mower. If you’re looking to save money and get some exercise, this is a great option. 

Other Considerations

Now that you’ve seen the seven best zero-turn lawn mowers for residential areas and learned about the most important factors that go into picking a zero-turn lawn mower, there are a few other things to discuss. Although these aren’t as crucial, they can make your experience of owning a lawn mower much more enjoyable. 

Hydrostatic Tension

While you won’t be buying a manual-shift lawn mower, your most likely choice will be between an automatic and hydrostatic mower. A lawn mower that uses hydrostatic tension instead of belts and gears to power the engine generally runs extremely smoothly and has a lot of power. However, the price point is usually higher than a regular automatic gear shift. 

Comfort and Controls

Most of these things you can look up online before going to see the mower or ordering it for your home. However, if you want to test out the comfort and controls of a lawn mower, you’ll have to go to an outlet and try it for yourself. Each of the following factors is something that you can only decide for yourself in person. 

Seat and Cockpit

While most mowers are created mostly for work, the engineers do put some work into making the seat as comfortable as possible. Riders should feel comfortable on a riding lawn mower and be able to use the controls easily. If you are worried about this, you’ll have to try out some of your top picks in person before buying them. 

Display and Controls

The display and controls of a riding lawn mower should be self-explanatory and easy to use. Most lawnmowers have universal displays and controls that always mean the same things. However, if you’re not able to reach the controls or see the display, it could be an issue. Small things like this can be big in the long run for using your lawn mower every week. 

Tires

Riding lawnmowers generally come with standard tires from the factory. However, this is one part of your mower that you can easily upgrade. If you live on a farm or somewhere with bumpy or rocky terrain, it might save you money to upgrade your tires when you buy the mower. This could save the blades and undercarriage of the mower. 

Safety Features

Of course, the best mower shouldn’t be purchased if it doesn’t have adequate safety features. While every mower is required to meet certain safety boundaries, better lawn mower manufacturers go above and beyond to ensure the safety of all riders and owners. It’s crucial to keep children and animals safe and away from a running mower. 

Verdict: Best Residential Zero-Turn Lawn Mower

Now that you know how to pick out a zero-turn mower, the ins and outs of the best mowers on the market, and what makes a great residential lawn mower, you should be prepared to purchase your zero-point lawn mower. 

While the best lawn mower is one that suits your needs, the Toro TimeCutter is perfect for those who need a compact size. The Ariens Ikon is great for anyone who has hilly property, and the EGO Power+ is undoubtedly the best electric.

With this information, we hope that you can make a good decision for your lawn, schedule, and budget. Let us know in the comments which lawn mower you chose, or if we’re missing one. Happy mowing!

Best Compact Zero Turn Mower

Toro TimeCutter Zero-Turn Mower 42”

A compact 42-inch cutting deck offers outstanding agility. Driven by a powerful 708cc Kawasaki engine (22hp). 2-3 Acres, 7mph.

Check Price

Best Mower for Hilly Terrain

Ariens Ikon XD 52” Zero-Turn Mower

Capable of mowing hills up to 15-degree gradients. 52-inch fabricated deck is robust. 726cc Kawasaki engine offers 7mph. Will cut 2 acres on a tank of fuel.

Check Price

Best Electric Zero-Turn Mower

EGO Power+ Z6 Electric Zero-Turn Mower

Lightweight and nimble, but still produces 22hp and travels up to 8mph. Perfect for 2-acres or fewer. Fully charged in under 2 hours.

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FAQs Residential Zero-Turn Lawn Mower

Here are some frequently asked questions about zero-turn lawnmowers and their answers. We hope that they answer your questions and help you pick out the perfect lawn mower for your family and lawn.