No matter how big your lawn is, mowing it can occupy too much of your leisure time. With top speeds of 8mph, opting for a zero-turn mower can significantly reduce mowing time. Even better yet, the ability of this mower to turn on a zero-radius footprint elevates them into a league of its own when it comes to efficient precision lawnmowing.
So which of these mowers is the best purchase? I’m going to help you answer this question, by applying more than 20 years of experience in outdoor power equipment to find out which is the best zero-turn mower to buy right now.
- Best Zero-Turn Mowers in 2023
- What Are Zero Turn Mowers?
- Choosing A Zero Turn Mower
- Best Zero Turn Mowers Tested in 2023
- 1. Toro TimeCutter 708cc Zero Turn Mower 42”
- 2. EGO Power+ Z6 42” Electric 56V Zero Turn Mower
- 3. Ariens Ikon XD 52” 726cc Gas Zero Turn Mower
- 4. Husqvarna Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower 42”
- 5. Toro Titan 747cc Zero Turn Mower 54” 26hp
- 6. GreenWorks Crossover Z 42” Deck
- 7. Craftsman 46 in Hydrostatic Gas Zero Turn Mower
- 8. Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42” Electric Zero-Turn
- 9. Ryobi Electric Riding Zero Turn Mower 42”
- 10. DeWalt Z148 48” Gas Zero Turn Lawn Mower
- Comfort & Controls
- Tires
- Safety Features
- Maintenance
- Used Zero Turn Mowers
- Verdict: Best Zero Turn Mower in 2023
- FAQs For Zero Turn Lawn Mowers
Best Zero-Turn Mowers in 2023
If you’re in a hurry, then check out my top recommendations at a glance. These three mowers offer the best in class for residential properties, battery-powered technology, and a zero-turn mower capable of dealing with hilly terrain.
Best For Residential
1. Toro TimeCutter 708cc Zero Turn Mower 42”
The compact 42-inch cutting deck offers outstanding agility. Backed up by a powerful 708cc Kawasaki engine (22hp). 2-3 Acres, 7mph.
Best Electric Zero Turn Mower
2. EGO Power+ Z6 42” Electric 56 V Zero Turn Mower
4 EGO POWER+ 56-Volt 5.0Ah batteries will mow through 2 acres. The 22hp equivalent motor allows for speeds up to 8mph.
Best For Hilly Terrain
3. Ariens Ikon XD 52” 726cc Gas Zero Turn Mower
Capable of mowing hills up to 15-degree gradients. 52-inch fabricated deck is robust. 726cc Kawasaki engine offers 7mph. It Mows 2 acres on a single fuel tank.
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What Are Zero Turn Mowers?
In contrast with a traditional riding mower, a zero-turn mower offers improved mobility, speed, and maneuverability. The key feature of these mowers is their ability to rotate 360 degrees in their footprint.
This basically means they can spin on the spot, allowing them to turn back on themselves at the end of mowing a stripe and not miss a single blade of grass during the turning maneuver. Unlike traditional ride-on mowers that miss a teardrop-shaped piece of lawn on each turn.
Zero Turn Mower Vs Riding Mower
The main feature of the zero-turn mower is the exceptional level of control in turn. A standard riding mower is also a great machine, but when you mow a line and turn 180 degrees to return, the riding mower leaves a teardrop shape section of the lawn uncut.
With a zero-turn mower, every inch of the lawn is cut during the turn. Over and above the zero radii turning feature, you are given a significant level of agility to navigate around obstacles such as trees, flower beds, and walkways. Yet still maintaining a cut that’s tight to obstacles you’re mowing around.
Once you master the steering controls, it eliminates the need for any additional trimming after mowing the lawn.
They are also faster than traditional ride-on mowers. The typical zero-turn mower averages between 5 and 8 mph. Whilst, a traditional mower ranges between 3 and 4 mph.
Choosing A Zero Turn Mower
I compiled a list of features you should review before laying down any of your hard-earned cash on a new mower. No one machine is outright the best at every function, big areas of lawn need a large cutting deck, hilly terrains need a mower that remains safe on the slopes and a lawn full of garden obstacles needs to be nimble so a smaller deck is preferable. Take the time to read through the features below and decide how important they are for your landscape.
Then I will compare and review some of the best-in-class mowers based on various scenarios and lawn types.
Gasoline Vs Electric
First, you will need to decide if you want a gasoline or electric-powered mower. Today, you will find that modern battery-powered mowers are competitive with their gas-powered counterparts, in terms of performance.
Gas-powered mowers work best on large properties. Refueling is simple, meaning you can work longer without pause for batteries to charge. Gas-powered mowers also tend to have larger motors, producing more power than electric mowers. If the grass and weeds are rough or wet, a gas-powered mower will offer a performance advantage.
Electric mowers offer an eco-friendly way to mow your lawn. They produce no fumes, little noise, and have zero carbon emissions. Electric mowers also require little maintenance compared to gas mowers. There is no engine serving schedule and very few parts to wear or fail.
On a like-for-like basis, electric zero-turn mowers are slightly more expensive than gas machines. But they do offer convenience, so it’s all relative to what you want.
Engine CC or Motor V Power
The bigger the engine, the more power your mower has.
You measure a gas engine in displacement size and horsepower. The bigger engines let you drive faster and cover more terrain in less time. Of course, an engine with a larger displacement may consume fuel faster than a smaller engine.
Battery-powered mowers measure power in amp-hours (Ah). You will find mowers with amp-hours between 75 Ah and 100 Ah. The bigger the battery, the longer you can spend mowing without recharging.
Lithium Battery Run Time Ah
Most modern battery-powered mowers use lithium-ion batteries to power the motor. These batteries are long-lasting and extremely durable. Depending on your mower model, Li-Ion battery cells can mow up to 3 acres before recharging. If you have a larger lawn, you’ll need to invest in spare batteries to mow the lawn in one shot.
Gas Engine Fuel Capacity
Gas-powered mowers hold between two and four gallons of gas. Mowers with bigger engines require more gas to produce equal run time. The largest commercial gas-powered mowers can safely mow 5+ acres before refueling.
Cutting Deck
The cutting deck is the area of the mower that houses the blades. Most zero-turn mowers place the cutting deck in front of the mower. This makes it easy to see what you are mowing and helps improve navigation while riding the mower.
Stamped Vs Fabricated Deck
Zero-turn mowers offer stamped and fabricated cutting decks crafted from aluminum or steel. You can also find cheaper plastic cutting decks on some models, which I recommend you avoid, as they just don’t have the durability required to last.
Stamped decks use a single sheet of metal. They are thinner than fabricated decks and are susceptible to damage from rocks and debris. The main benefit of a stamped deck is its cost. They are much cheaper than a mower with a fabricated deck.
Fabricated decks use several pieces of metal welded together. Most manufacturers use 1/8th inch steel in the fabricated decks. This makes the deck tough and durable. If you have to mow around rocks or dirt, a fabricated deck can handle the damage from flying debris.
Deck Cutting Width
If you have a big lawn, you want a wide cutting width. The cutting width is how much lawn you can mow in one pass. Most zero-turns offer cutting deck sizes between 42 and 54 inches.
A smaller cutting deck is ideal for homeowners who have to mow around obstacles and tight turns. Or perhaps you have a smaller
Deck Cutting Height And Control
You’ll find a height adjustment on most sit-on mowers. The height adjustment is a small lever that lets you adjust the deck cutting height between 1 and 6 inches in increments of 0.5 inches or 1 inch.
Transmission Type
One premium feature to look out for on zero-turn mowers is a hydrostatic transmission. They offer a smooth and efficient ride. They’re also easier to navigate.
Instead of drive belts, a hydrostatic transmission uses fluids to transfer power to the wheels of the mower.
Maximum Speed
Zero-turn lawnmowers typically have much higher speeds than traditional mowers. You can expect speeds to range between 5 and 8 mph while using a zero-turn. This is approximately two times the speed of most traditional mowers.
Best Zero Turn Mowers Tested in 2023
Now that you have a good understanding of zero-turn mowers, it’s time to review our top picks. I have tested each of these machines on a 10-acre playing that I often mow. It has a slight incline leading into a steep bank at one end. The grass is of average quality but fairly thick.
Each mower was run over the same size area of the field in parallel strips for consistency. I placed a number of obstacles down to test the agility and control of the movers, as well as cutting over three height settings with each machine.
1. Toro TimeCutter 708cc Zero Turn Mower 42”
Best For Residential
- Cutting Deck: 42 in.
- Deck Type: Steel Stamped
- Cutting Height: 1.5 in. to 4.5 in.
- Base Dimensions: 42 in. X 48 in.
- Assembled Weight: 502 lbs
- Power: Gas 708cc
- Speed: 7 mph
- Fuel Capacity: 3 gal
- Transmission: Hydrostatic
- Warranty: 3-year warranty
Pros
- The handcrafted seat offers excellent back support and comfortable padding.
- You can easily change the mower’s oil without using tools.
Cons
- Some owners report tire marks on their lawns due to the weight of the vehicle.
- No bag kit included
The Toro TimeCutter is our pick for the best residential zero-turn mower. It has all the features you expect in a premium product and sells at a reasonable price.
The TimeCutter features a 42” cutting deck that can drastically reduce your mowing times. This makes the mower small and compact meaning it won’t take up too much space in your garage. Still, the 42” cutting deck is more than enough for most homeowners.
The 22hp gas-powered engine has plenty of power and can handle speeds up to 7mph. Toro mowers offer Smart Speed Technology that makes it easy to control movement speed without sacrificing blade speed.
Other key features of the mower include under-seat storage, cup holders, and one of the most comfortable mower seats I’ve ever tested.
2. EGO Power+ Z6 42” Electric 56V Zero Turn Mower
Best Electric Mower
- Cutting Deck: 42 in.
- Deck Type: Steel Stamped
- Cutting Height: 1.5 in. to 4.5 in.
- Base Dimensions: 76.77 in. X 44.1 in.
- Assembled Weight: 447.53 lbs
- Power: Battery 56V
- Speed: 7 mph
- Fuel Capacity: 10Ah
- Transmission: Direct drive
- Warranty: 5-year warranty
Pros
- 22 hp equivalent motor is extremely powerful.
- You can use Ego Power batteries in a wide range of tools
- The LED lighting lets you mow past sunset.
Cons
- If you have more than 2 acres you’ll need more than one set of batteries.
If you prefer an electric mower, this is one of the best. The Ego Power+ Z6 is a top-of-the-line battery-powered mower. The mower features a wide range of modern features and conveniences for busy homeowners.
This mower runs its 22-hp equivalent motor through 4 56V 10.0Ah lithium batteries. These batteries are highly efficient and you should get up to 2 acres of mowing on a single charge. The average speeds of the mower are 3 to 7 mph. The mower also offers a travel mode that moves at 8 mph.
The 42” cutting deck means you can quickly mow large lawns. It also offers 10 cutting height positions that let you dial in your lawn perfectly. The brushless motors running this mower are incredibly quiet and offer the same performance as most gas-powered alternatives.
If you like high-tech gear, this mower is for you. It features a touch LCD interface, a USB charging port, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Finally, the seat on this mower is amazing as well. It features an adjustable hydraulic suspension that makes you feel like you’re riding on air while operating the mower.
3. Ariens Ikon XD 52” 726cc Gas Zero Turn Mower
Best For Hilly Terrain
- Cutting Deck: 52 in.
- Deck Type: Fabricated steel
- Cutting Height: 1.5 in. to 4.5 in.
- Base Dimensions: 63.4 in. X 77.5 in.
- Assembled Weight: 639 lbs
- Power: Gas 726cc
- Speed: 7 mph
- Fuel Capacity: 2.8 gal
- Transmission: Hydrostatic
- Warranty: 3-year or 300 hours
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.
Using a riding mower on hilly terrain is dangerous. You should avoid any slope over 15 degrees on a riding mower. But, if you have small slopes this mower can do the trick.
The Ariens Ikon is one of the safest options if you have small slopes or slightly hilly terrain on your property. This mower’s low center of gravity and safety features will keep you safe on tough terrain.
The tires on this mower are its standout feature. It features 11-inch front and 20-inch rear tires that grip the ground and keep your mower firmly in place.
4. Husqvarna Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower 42”
Easy Maintenance Mower
- Cutting Deck: 42 in.
- Deck Type: Fabricated steel
- Cutting Height: 1.5 in. to 4 in.
- Base Dimensions: 75 in. X 42 in.
- Assembled Weight: 580 lbs
- Power: Gas 603cc
- Speed: 6.5 mph
- Fuel Capacity: 3.5 gal
- Transmission: Hydrostatic
- Warranty: 3-year warranty
Pros
- The ClearCut fabricated deck is incredibly tough and durable.
- The hydrostatic transmission is maintenance-free.
- The Anti-slip foot area makes it easy to get in and out of this mower safely
Cons
- The engine is louder than most of the other options on our list
Featuring a Kawasaki engine, you’ll have more than enough power to quickly mow your lawn and spend the rest of the day relaxing.
I found this mower to have a rugged frame and tough exterior. The fabricated deck means you don’t have to worry about accidentally running over rocks and debris. While the rear engine guard protects the vehicle from impacts as well.
This mower was also built for comfort. You’ll find an ergonomic control panel, a comfortable seat, and a spring-assisted deck lift on this mower.
5. Toro Titan 747cc Zero Turn Mower 54” 26hp
Best Mower For Large Properties
- Cutting Deck: 54 in.
- Deck Type: Steel Fabricated
- Cutting Height: 1.5 in. to 4.5 in.
- Base Dimensions: 81 in. X 48 in.
- Assembled Weight: 758 lbs
- Power: Gas 747cc
- Speed: 8.5 mph
- Fuel Capacity: 5 gal
- Transmission: Hydrostatic
- Warranty: 3-year warranty
Pros
- The 54” cutting deck is huge and rock-solid.
- Step-through front end and stomp pads make entering and exiting the vehicle safe and easy.
- The 3-year warranty ensures you don’t have to worry about costly repairs.
Cons
- This mower is heavy and large compared to many other options.
- This premium product comes at a premium price.
This prosumer product is ideal for large homes or commercial properties. From the fabricated deck to the handcrafted seat, this mower is filled with premium features.
The 747 cc engine pumps out 26 hp and can reach up to 8.5 mph. The mower also features a tough fabricated cutting deck that can stand up to rocks and debris.
Toro also added many comfort features to this mower. You’ll find a handcrafted suspension seat with back support on the Titan. It also features fenders that shield from tire spray and a rubber discharge chute that lets you trim close to landscaping without causing damage.
- Cutting Deck: 42 in.
- Deck Type: Steel Stamped
- Cutting Height: 1.5 in. to 4.5 in.
- Base Dimensions: 53 in. X 46 in.
- Assembled Weight: 515 lbs
- Power: Battery 60V
- Speed: 8 mph
- Fuel Capacity: 60V 8.0 AH
- Transmission: Gear
- Warranty: 4-year limited warranty
Pros
- You can Greenworks 60V batteries in 75 different power tools.
- Quick charging means less time waiting for your batteries to charge.
- High-intensity LED headlights to help you mow after sunset.
Cons
- Short 1-hour run time per battery.
Some of the mowers on this list are large and heavy. This can make mowing difficult for many homeowners. If you’re looking for something smaller but reliable, this mower from GreenWorks is one of the best mowers on the market.
Since this mower is battery-powered, it’s eco-friendly and creates little noise. You won’t have to worry about carbon emissions, gas smells, or oil changes with this mower.
You also get plenty of high-tech features in this mower including 4G/GPS, SmartCut Technology, and high-capacity batteries.
- Cutting Deck: 46 in.
- Deck Type: Steel
- Cutting Height: 1.25 in. to 3.75 in.
- Base Dimensions: 84 in. X 52 in.
- Assembled Weight: 710 lbs
- Power: Gas
- Speed: 3.5 mph
- Fuel Capacity: 3.5 gal
- Transmission: Dual hydrostatic
- Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
Pros
- The 36” cutting deck means less time spent mowing.
- The steel-fabricated deck is incredibly tough and durable.
Cons
- The 5.5 mph top speed is slower than competitors.
- The mower has no included comfort features like armrests or cup holders.
If you’re looking to save money on a mower, this option from Craftsman is a good choice. While inexpensive compared to our other picks, this mower still performs well and can handle large lawns.
Running this mower, you’ll find a 23-hp twin-cylinder engine and a hydrostatic transmission. You also get a hefty 3.5-gallon fuel tank meaning you can spend more time mowing and less time refueling.
The mower also features no choke electric starter, a comfortable seat, and a reinforced steel deck. While the mower is missing some fancier bells and whistles, it has everything you need to mow a lawn in comfort.
- Cutting Deck: 42 in.
- Deck Type: Steel
- Cutting Height: 1 in. to 4.5 in.
- Base Dimensions: 84 in. X 48 in. X 35 in.
- Assembled Weight: 600 lbs
- Power: Battery 56V
- Speed: 5.5 mph
- Fuel Capacity: 60AH
- Transmission: Automatic
- Warranty: 3-year warranty
Pros
- The tires are excellent and offer traction on slopes and at high speeds.
- Eco-friendly battery power means fewer carbon emissions.
Cons
- The mower can only handle up to 2 acres on a single battery charge.
This mower from Cub Cadet is ideal if you want a quiet mower that is good for the environment. Running off a 56V 60Ah lithium-ion battery, this mower has zero carbon emissions and provides a hassle-free experience.
Since there’s no gas power, you’ll find this mower to run quietly. You won’t have to worry about waking the neighbors if you mow early in the morning.
The battery-powered motor also means no exhaust and no carbon monoxide output. If you are environmentally conscious, this mower is one of the best picks on our list.
This mower also features comfortable and adjustable ergonomics. You’ll find the high-back seat comfortable on long rides. The lap bars, seat, and handgrips are adjustable helping you reduce rider fatigue during operation.
- Cutting Deck: 42 in.
- Deck Type: Steel
- Cutting Height: 1.5 in. to 4.5 in.
- Base Dimensions: 66 in X 49 in X 50 in
- Assembled Weight: 700 lbs
- Power: Battery 48V
- Speed: 7 mph
- Fuel Capacity: 100AH
- Transmission: Automatic
- Warranty: 3-years
Pros
- This mower is virtually maintenance-free.
- Cut up to 3 acres on a single charge.
Cons
- The included battery is not lithium-ion and will eventually need replacement.
- The stamped deck is susceptible to damage from debris.
While most property owners use gas-powered mowers for large lawns, battery-powered options are quickly catching up. This mower from Ryobi can mow up to 3 acres per charge. It uses a 100 Ah battery to power its 42” cutting deck.
Unlike other battery-powered options, this mower uses a lead-acid battery instead of a lithium-ion battery. While this is an older technology, the mower gets plenty of power out of the battery. It also runs longer than a Lithium-ion battery. These batteries are also cheaper than the modern alternative. The downside is lead-acid batteries don’t last as long as lithium-ion batteries.
Still, the battery provides ample power to quickly mow larger lawns. If you are looking for a cheap battery-powered mower, the Ryobi might be right for you.
- Cutting Deck: 48 in.
- Deck Type: Fabricated
- Cutting Height: Adjustable
- Base Dimensions: 84 in. X 62 in. X 74 in.
- Assembled Weight: 1184 lbs
- Power: Gas Kawasaki V-Twin FR691v
- Speed: 8 mph
- Fuel Capacity: 5.5 gals.
- Transmission: Hydrostatic
- Warranty: 4-years
Pros
- The rollover safety features make this mower suitable for rolling hills.
- The 4-year warranty is longer than most competitors.
- A 5.5-gallon fuel tank means you can mow longer without refueling
Cons
- This premium mower comes at a high price and might be overkill for many homeowners.
This 48” gas mower is great for large lawns and commercial properties. The 23 hp engine lets you ride up to 9 mph while mowing making this one of the fastest options on our list. With 5.5 gallons of gas, you can easily mow up to 4 acres in a single ride with this mower.
I found this mower to have one of the most comfortable and smoothest rides during our testing. It has an automotive-inspired seat and armrests that let you mow in comfort. The mower also has plenty of legroom for larger passengers.
Comfort & Controls
Even if you don’t have a big lawn, comfort is extremely important when choosing a riding mower. No one wants to spend a few hours sitting uncomfortably on a mower. You’ll also want a safe mower. Here are a few things you should look for.
Seat Position and Comfort
Zero-turn mowers tend to have a high riding position. This gives the rider a good view of upcoming terrain and makes it easy to navigate tight spaces. While riding, you should be able to see the cutting deck and what’s coming up.
For comfort, you should look for mowers that have cushioned and ergonomic seats. Many manufacturers also offer suspension seats that absorb the shock from hitting bumps and holes.
Steering Controls
Instead of a steering wheel, zero-turn mowers use two levers (lap bars) to steer the mower. The lap bar works like driving a tank. You push both forward to drive straight and pull back on both to go in reverse.
To turn 360 degrees you push one lever forward and one backward. This will swing you around a full 360 degrees.
Tires
You’ll find most mowers offer an option of treadless or treaded tires.
Smooth tires are ideal for homeowners with flat lawns and few obstacles. They are faster and more efficient than treaded tires as well.
Treaded tires are ideal for anyone that needs to mow rugged terrain or slopes. The tread helps you grip the ground and safely navigate dangerous areas. Treaded tires also work great for wet lawns. If you live in an area with high rainfall, treaded tires are a great choice.
Safety Features
I always say, better safe than sorry. From seatbelts to rollover protection, it’s important to stay safe out there.
Roll Bar
If you have a sloping lawn or dangerous terrain, you’ll want to invest in a mower that has a roll bar. Rollover protection (ROP) can save your life if the mower decides to flip over during operation.
Braking
Instead of brakes, most zero-turn mowers use the lap bar to slow the vehicle. If you need to slow down you bring both handles to the neutral position. This should be more than enough braking power for the biggest mowers. Most mowers feature a parking or emergency brake as well.
Maintenance
If you want your mower to last, you need to maintain it. Here is a quick checklist of maintenance tasks for zero-turn mowers. Be advised, that gas-powered mowers require more maintenance than battery-powered mowers.
- Clean the cutting deck of debris after use.
- Change oil, fuel, and air filters.
- Sharpen cutting blades.
- Check the battery, cables, throttle, ignition, spark plugs, and choke cables.
- Check belts for damage.
- Inflate tires to the correct PSI.
- Add fuel or recharge the mower batteries.
Used Zero Turn Mowers
Zero-turn mowers are often a big investment. Luckily, most zero-turn mowers last for years, and buying a used one is fine. Of course, you’ll want to check over the used item before purchasing.
One advantage of buying new is the warranty. Almost every mower manufacturer offers a minimum 3-year warranty. This means you’ll save money on costly repairs if you purchase your mower new.
Verdict: Best Zero Turn Mower in 2023
Best For Residential
1. Toro TimeCutter 708cc Zero Turn Mower 42”
The compact 42-inch cutting deck offers outstanding agility. Backed up by a powerful 708cc Kawasaki engine (22hp). 2-3 Acres, 7mph.
Best Electric Zero Turn Mower
2. EGO Power+ Z6 42” Electric 56 V Zero Turn Mower
4 EGO POWER+ 56-Volt 5.0Ah batteries will mow through 2 acres. The 22hp equivalent motor allows for speeds up to 8mph.
Best For Hilly Terrain
3. Ariens Ikon XD 52” 726cc Gas Zero Turn Mower
Capable of mowing hills up to 15-degree gradients. 52-inch fabricated deck is robust. 726cc Kawasaki engine offers 7mph. It Mows 2 acres on a single fuel tank.
Did I miss your pick for the best zero-turn mower? Let me know what mowers you’d like me to add to the list.
FAQs For Zero Turn Lawn Mowers
Don’t worry if you still have questions. Below are some of the most common questions readers bring up about zero-turn lawnmowers.
