Best Zero Turn Lawn Mower Today [2021]

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. ToolPickr is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Learn more

Pressed for time? Check our best picks

best overall rating★★★★★

Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52″ Turn Mower 

 

Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52' Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series
  • Cutting height options
  • High powered engine
  • Sturdy steel frame
  • Good fuel capacity
best overall rating★★★★★

Husqvarna MZ61 Turn Riding Mower

Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
  • Advanced safety features 
  • High fuel capacity
  • Cuts cover a lot of ground
  • Comfortable
best overall rating★★★★★

Husqvarna Z242F Turn Riding Mower

 

Husqvarna Z242F 42 in. 18 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
  • Automatic park brake system
  • Smooth riding
  • Strong engine
  • Low maintenance

Our reviews are unbiased, fact-based, and comprehensively researched to help you make the right buying decisions.

 
37

Model Analysed

14

Research Hours

1,200+

Comments Analysed

Zero turn mowers allow for precision mowing and maneuverability that the alternatives do not.

With a zero degree turn radius, zero turn mowers let you cut around tricky spots and turn instantly. Not only is that good for the lawn, it makes the task much easier on the person riding it.

With that said, the market is full of zero turn mowers that vary in quality and price.

Follow along below and check out our comprehensive reviews and guide to the best zero turn mower available today.

Comparison Table of Top Best Zero Turn Mower in Market

Product Image
Product Name
Features
Price
Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52" Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series
  • Spec 1: 52" cutting deck
  • Spec 2: 23 HP engine
  • Spec 3: 2.8 gal fuel capacity
  • USP: 13 height of cut options


Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
  • Spec 1: 61" cutting deck
  • Spec 2: 24 HP engine
  • Spec 3: 5 gal fuel capacity
  • USP: Roll-over protection system


Husqvarna Z242F 42 in. 18 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
  • Spec 1: 42" cutting deck
  • Spec 2: 18 HP engine
  • Spec 3: 3.5 gal fuel capacity
  • USP: Low maintenance


Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit Riding Lawn Mower with 34-Inch Deck and 452cc Engine
  • Spec 1: 34" cutting deck
  • Spec 2: 22 HP engine
  • Spec 3: 1.2 gal fuel capacity
  • USP: Side discharge


Snapper 2691402 360z Mower
  • Spec 1: 48" cutting deck
  • Spec 2: 23 HP engine
  • Spec 3: 3 gal fuel capacity
  • USP: Hauling cargo


Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
  • Spec 1: 61" cutting deck
  • Spec 2: 27 HP engine
  • Spec 3: 5 gal fuel capacity
  • USP: Triple bag collection


Husqvarna Z248F 48 in. 21.5 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
  • Spec 1: 48" cutting deck
  • Spec 2: 21.5 HP engine
  • Spec 3: 3.5 gal fuel capacity
  • USP: Smooth control


Husqvarna M-ZT61 Zero Turn 61" Lawn Mower 23HP Kawasaki ZT34
  • Spec 1: 61" cutting deck
  • Spec 2: 23 HP engine
  • Spec 3: 5 gal fuel capacity
  • USP: Gas mileage


Simplicity 2691318 Courier Mower
  • Spec 1: 42" cutting deck
  • Spec 2: 23 HP engine
  • Spec 3: 3 gal fuel capacity
  • USP: Cargo bed


Husqvarna Z254F 24HP 724cc Briggs and Statton Engine 54" Z-Turn Mower
  • Spec 1: 54" cutting deck
  • Spec 2: 24 HP engine
  • Spec 3: 3.5 gal fuel capacity
  • USP: Electic clutch


Reviews of Top Zero Turn Mower

Best Overall - Ariens 915223 IKON-X

best overall rating Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52' Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series

Key Specifications

  • 52″ cutting deck
  • 23 HP engine
  • 2.8 gal fuel capacity

The Ariens IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower is heavy duty. It is sturdy and has a fully welded steel frame so you can expect it to hold up for quite some time.

The 52” cutting deck means that you will cover quite a bit of ground with each cut. That comes in handy on hot days or when you need to get the mowing done quickly. It is a fast zero turn mower as well with a 726cc, 23 HP engine.

You get 13 different options for height of cut so you can play around and see what is best for the lawn you are mowing. Holding 2.8 gallons of fuel, you can take this mower out for a long time.

Here is a quick look at the mower

Pros

  • Many cutting height options
  • High powered engine
  • Sturdy steel frame
  • Good fuel capacity

Cons

  • It can be noisy

It is a great mower for any size yard, and it is easy to use. Check it out!

Husqvarna MZ61 61

best overall rating Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

Key Specifications

  • 61″ cutting deck
  • 24 HP engine
  • 5 gal fuel capacity

The Husqvarna MZ61 zero turn mower is safe and precise. It is fitted with a roll over protection system that makes the mower that much safer.

The 11 gauge steel, 61” cutting deck provides wide and clean cuts.

That combined with the discharge, bagging or mulching features gives you plenty of freedom and variety in mowing the lawn in a neat way.

It is a great mower for longer jobs as well because of how comfortable the grips and seat is.

It has a ZT-3100 transmission which helps it keep up with changes in terrain and tough, dense grass. Here it is in action

Pros

  • Advanced safety features
  • High fuel capacity
  • Cuts cover a lot of ground
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Does not have an aux plugin

The MZ61 is perfect for large lawns but could work with any size. Check it out for yourself!

Husqvarna Z242F

best overall rating Husqvarna Z242F 42 in. 18 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

Key Specifications

  • 42″ cutting deck
  • 18 HP engine
  • 3.5 gal fuel capacity

This Husqvarna zero turn mower is a great value. It provides a wide enough cut for lawns small to medium sized but can cover larger lawns as well.

The 42” cutting deck offers cuts somewhere in the middle of the big to small cut scale.

With a 3.5 gallon gasoline tank, you can get several hours of mowing out of each full tank. The 18 HP engine is powerful, reliable and can get you to 6 mph from the startup.

Don’t worry about the brake system, as the automatic park brake system in the Z242F makes it easy.

The points of access for maintenance are easy and clear. Here is a good look at how well it works

Pros

  • Automatic park brake system
  • Smooth riding
  • Strong engine
  • Low maintenance

Cons

  •  

If you have a small to medium sized yard, the Z242F is an excellent choice. It is quick, clean, and easy to take care of. See if it is a good match for you!

Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit Riding Lawn Mower

best overall rating

Key Specifications

  • 34″ cutting deck
  • 22 HP engine
  • 1.2 gal fuel capacity

The Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit 34” zero turn mower is a beast for large lawns. Between the 452cc 22 HP engine and high maneuverability, this mower is built to handle large lawns and lots.

You can also mow in reverse with the Mustang Fit. It can handle changes in terrain and rough terrain very well and typically does not struggle with dense grass.

There is a side discharge chute and the 34” cutting deck provides medium sized cuts, but each one is clean and consistent.

There is no assembly involved either. It comes to you ready to go and all that you need to do is fuel it up. Check out this quick video showcasing the mower

Pros

  • Great for large lawns
  • Fast riding/mowing
  • Precise turns and cuts
  • Handles rough terrain easily

Cons

  • Low fuel capacity means refueling more often

This mower is best for medium to larger lawns. It provides a smooth ride and more importantly, a smooth cut each time. Check it out.

Snapper 2691319

best overall rating

Key Specifications

  • 48″ cutting deck
  • 23 HP engine
  • 3 gal fuel capacity

Everything about the Snapper 360z zero turn mower caters to people that need to get a lot of work done. It comes with cargo storage in the rear that can handle up to 50 pounds of whatever gear you may need to haul.

There are also rails fixed to the back so that you can add various accessories to make getting the job done easier or to simply expand on the mower’s capabilities. You also get 13 different options to choose from for height of cut.

That is useful for if you have multiple lawns to mow, or if you don’t know what height you like for your own lawn yet. Check it out right here

Pros

  • Strong engine, high HP
  • Lots of storage
  • Multiple cutting options
  • Rails for accessories

Cons

  • No bagging or mulching

This is a great mower if you have a big job ahead of you. It also is good if you need to store other yard work utensils. Try it out!

Husqvarna MZ61

best overall rating Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

Key Specifications

  • 61″ cutting deck
  • 27 HP engine
  • 5 gal fuel capacity

The Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP offers fast mowing, wide cuts and plenty of fuel capacity. You get a 5 gallon gasoline tank, so each fill up means that you can get a lot of mowing done and can easily cover multiple yards if you needed to.

Because there is a 61” cutting deck, you save time by mowing more of the lawn with each line mowed into it. You also get triple bag collection which is a huge plus.

There is mulching, bagging and discharge so you can hang onto the clippings for composting and disposal, or you can get rid of them on the spot.

Here is a quick look at the mower in action

Pros

  • Fuel tank lasts a long time
  • Triple bag collection
  • Wide cuts save time
  • Long mowing time

Cons

  • Can create skid marks on the lawn

Husqvarna Z248F

best overall rating Husqvarna Z248F 48 in. 21.5 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

Key Specifications

  • 48″ cutting deck
  • 21.5 HP engine
  • 3.5 gal fuel capacity

This Husqvarna zero turn mower has a unique design. The cutting deck is 48” wide which is more than enough to cover a good chunk of any size yard with each swipe.

Because there is a 21.5 HP engine, this mower controls with some real power.

It offers smooth controls as well. The grips on the levers are comfortable and so is the seat. It is designed in a way that makes having to mow for exceptionally long sessions do not seem like such a drag.

The mower comes with discharge capabilities, but there is room to add on mulching and bagging features, however, they are not included with it.

Look at this quick video that shows how quick and smooth it is

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Wide cuts
  • Strong transmission

Cons

  • Reversing is not as smooth

All in all, this mower is great for lawns of any size. It covers wide enough ground and has wide cuts that make it optimal for medium to large lawns especially, however. Look into it yourself!

Husqvarna M-ZT61

best overall rating

Key Specifications

  • 61″ cutting deck
  • 23 HP engine
  • 5 gal fuel capacity

If you want a zero turn mower that can go for a long time, this very well could be it. Not only does it have a 5 gallon gasoline tank, it also gets great gas mileage.

That combination means that worrying about running out of fuel is effectively a thing of the past.

Cleaning this mower is easy as could be. If you give it a light cleaning after every few mowing sessions, this mower stays in top condition with no trouble at all.

The cutting deck is 61” wide which means each cut really counts. Every inch adds up and the M-ZT61 zero turn mower saves time by cutting so much at once. This brief video provides a great demonstration of the mower at work

Pros

  • Great fuel economy/gas mileage
  • Gets the job done quickly
  • Easy to clean and maintain

Cons

  • Does not handle hills well
  • Hand brake is not too sensitive

If your lawn is large and you have to spend a lot of time with it usually, this mower will speed things up. Check it out!

Simplicity 2691318

best overall rating Simplicity 2691318 Courier Mower, Riding, Zero Turn, Orange

Key Specifications

  • 42″ cutting deck
  • 23 HP engine
  • 3 gal fuel capacity

This Simplicity mower offers a lot of variety. You can easily swap between one of 13 different cutting height positions depending on preference and the lawn.

It is made of the sturdiest construction with a solid steel frame, so you feel secure at all time.

Maneuvering this zero turn mower is easy as well. The hand grips, much like the seat, are padded and comfortable to use which makes it feel like less of a task.

There is a 50 pound capacity cargo bed in the back of the mower as well great for hauling tools, bags of mulch or whatever you may need.

Take a look for yourself and see how it does

Pros

  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Comfortable seat and grips
  • Several cutting height options

Cons

  • Doesn’t handle incline as well
  • Can leave skid mark on the lawn sometimes

If you need some room for cargo, this is a great choice. It is comfy and easy to use. Check it out on your own!

Husqvarna Z254F 24HP 724cc Briggs and Statton Engine 54

best overall rating

Key Specifications

  • 54″ cutting deck
  • 24 HP engine
  • 3.5 gal fuel capacity

If engine power counts for anything, then the Z254F 24 HP engine mower has nothing to worry about.

It has a 724cc engine that handles excellently and provides a quick startup. With 24 HP, you have more than enough power to glide across lawns big or small with ease.

The electric clutch deck engagement makes start ups easy and is more reliable than the alternative. The cutting deck is 54” wide making for wide cuts each time.

There are 3 blades and they seem to stay sharp for quite some time before needing a touch up, which is necessary for any zero turn mower eventually.

Check it out here

Pros

  • Quick startup
  • Clean, wide cuts
  • Durable

Cons

  • Loud
  • Quite heavy

At the end of the day, this mower is best for anyone with a good sized yard that could use a clean, consistent cut. Check it out!

Best Small Zero Turn Mowers

Our top choice for the best small zero turn mowers is the Snapper 360z. Not only is it smaller in size and less cumbersome than some of the other zero turn mowers, but it is mostly optimal for smaller yards or lots.

It can hold 3 gallons of gasoline which is still plenty, but not as much as mowers meant for all day jobs or massive lawns.

The size of the Snapper 360z is perfect for smaller sheds or a garage that has plenty of other pieces of equipment stored in it.

The frame is definitely not as wide as similar zero turn mowers, but it is just as strong as it is made of fully welded steel. You can adjust the height of cut between 13 different positions offering plenty of variety.

The best thing that the 360z has to offer is the generous rear cargo and rails in the back. It may be slightly smaller zero turn mower, but it does not hold back on the impressive features.

Best Zero Turn Mower For 2 Acres

Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

Our pick for the best zero turn mower for 2 acres is the Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower. Everything about it is meant to go the distance.

The fuel tank can hold up to 5 gallons which is typically the maximum you will see in zero turn mowers. It is a welcome benefit and means that you don’t need to worry about running back mid job to refuel before finishing.

The incredible fuel economy does not come at the expense of engine power either. The 27 HP engine is more than enough to help speed up the job and power through thick grass and rougher terrain.

The horsepower combined with the fuel capacity makes it so that you get an extremely long run time out of this mower.

It is ideal for covering huge chunks of land and can do so quite easily. Get the most out of your gas and turn it into even more perfect, clean mowing time.

FAQs

What does zero turn refer to?

Zero turn refers to the turning radius. Standard riding mowers, for example, all have some form of a turn radius. Whether it be 6 degrees or 12 degrees, they have some sort of turn radius which means you need more time to turn and determines how wide your turn is, if you will.

Zero turn mowers, however, do not have any turn radius whatsoever. That is why they are advertised as “turn on a dime” and is why they are much more maneuverable than regular riding mowers.

What does the cutting deck size refer to, and is it even really important?

The cutting deck size refers how wide the cutting deck is. That is where the blades are held and is ultimately responsible for mowing the lawn more than any other component of a zero turn lawn mower is. The wider the cutting deck, the wider the cut.

Generally speaking, wider cutting decks are called for when it comes to large lawns because you are cutting more at once than with a smaller cutting deck. Wide cutting decks can save you time at the end of the day because every inch that you are mowing at once makes a difference.

Are zero turn mowers meant to be used exclusively for commercial lots?

No. While zero turn mowers are the ideal type of mower to be used for commercial lots, that does not mean they can’t be used for residential lots. The reason professional mowers use them for commercial lots is that they move faster, turn more easily, cover more ground, and have much higher fuel capacities.

Commonly, many people use them for residential lawns, particularly if they have a bigger sized yard.

Do you control zero turn mowers the same way as traditional riding mowers?

Generally speaking, no, you do not. Most zero turn lawn mowers are controlled by levers. Lifting or pushing forward the left lever, for instance, steers you towards the right. Lifting or pushing the right lever will steer you left.

By keeping the two levers at an even level to one another, you can keep the zero turn mower going straight. This is contrast to what is sometimes a classic automotive style steering wheel in some classic riding lawn mowers.

Is maintaining a zero turn mower an easy thing to do?

In most cases, yes. Take a look at the mower that you have in mind. Look out for points of access for maintenance. If it is easy to discern where you should be accessing the important parts to maintain, it should be easy to maintain the mower itself. If you have any doubts, bring it in to a professional to avoid doing more damage.

Are zero turn mowers more effective for mowing the lawn than traditional, tractor-style riding lawn mowers?

In many ways, yes, they are. Not only are they they faster and offer more engine power in most cases, but they usually have much wider cutting decks which create wide, clean cuts that save you time later on in you mowing session.

Traditional riding mowers can do the trick for many residential lawns, but if you need to cover a lot of ground or cut as much grass as possible, you need a zero turn mower.

In the End..

We hope this article would have helped you decide on the right zero-turn lawn mower for your needs. Do share your feedback on these models / queries using the comment box below.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Stephanie Hall

Stephanie is a DIYer and expert in using power tools. She is an architect and also provides design services. A yoga lover, she meditates to keep herself fit.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.