The Best Zero-Turn Mowers
This Old House Reviews Team
Zero-turn mowers are easier to maneuver and quicker to use than regular mowers. This review examines the best zero-turn mowers that are available on Amazon.
Zero-turn mowers have a turning radius that’s close to zero inches, making them easy to maneuver around your yard. To help you select the mower that’s right for you, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best zero-turn mowers on Amazon. Here are our top recommendations.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CJN8W4V
Husqvarna Z254 Zero-Turn Mower
What We Like: This mower has standout mobility even among zero-turn mowers, which are inherently easier to maneuver than regular mowers. Its simple steering mechanism along with its patent-pending automatic brake system can handle tricky-to-operate lawns. It also features a 26-horsepower engine for superior power.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085626P2J
Ariens IKON XD Zero-Turn Mower
What We Like: This mower is equipped with 13 cutting heights that range from 1.5 to 4.5 inches, allowing for flexibility. With high torque and a medium power level, this zero-turn mower is a great option for small and mid-sized yards.
Buyer’s Guide
Zero-turn mowers are fast and easy to use. However, determining if they’re the right type of mower for your lawn could largely depend on the following factors.
Surface
Zero-turn mowers are ideal for large, even areas of grass, such as sports fields. However, they don’t work well on uneven or bumpy surfaces. Sloped lawns and wet areas could also be dangerous for zero-turn mowers.
Experience Level
Zero-turn mowers operate differently than standard riding mowers because of their side steering and propulsion system. If you’re inexperienced at lawn care, it will likely take practice to master operating this type of machine. If you’re worried about using one, consider sticking to a standard push or riding mower.
Fuel Source
Alternative fuel sources for mowers are becoming more popular. Many zero-turn mowers now use propane, and there are also electric zero-turn mowers on the market. However, the performance of these models may be lacking, as the technology continues to catch up with traditional gas models.
Power
The power of your lawn mower’s engine is measured in horsepower (hp). Most zero-turn mowers have between 20 and 30 hp, which is enough to tackle any lawn.
Cutting Width
The cutting width refers to how large of an area the mower’s blades can cut at once. Wide mowers work better for larger lawns because they can tackle more area in a shorter amount of time. The width of most zero-turn lawn mowers is between 40 and 60 inches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I steer my zero-turn mower?
Zero-turn mowers use steering levers on the sides instead of traditional steering wheels. To steer your mower, push one lever farther out than the other. Smaller turns require the levers to be closer together, while sharper or wider turns require the levers to be farther apart. To keep a zero-turn mower straight, make sure the steering levers are even with each other.
What are some differences between zero-turn mowers and traditional mowers?
Traditional riding mowers don’t have the same efficiency or cut quality as most zero-turn mowers, which is why they’re usually more affordable.
How do I maintain my zero-turn mower?
Most of the maintenance that’s needed on zero-turn mowers is the same as what’s needed with traditional mowers, including:
- Changing the oil
- Checking the tire pressure
- Checking the air filter
- Sharpening the blades
Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.
We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.
The This Old House Reviews Team provides overviews of select products that are top-selling on Amazon and/or popular in consumer searches. Our team evaluates the products based on industry research, consumer reviews, pricing data, hands-on testing in select cases, and other objective criteria unique to a given product line. Unless otherwise noted, these product reviews are intended to help inform buying decisions for DIY or other non-pro users only. Editor’s picks are made by members of the This Old House Reviews Team.