Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly cut grass? One thing we don’t love though, is all the effort it takes to mow the lawn. It’s tedious, it takes time and energy. Even an average size yard could take a number of times going back and forth, just using a regular lawn mower.
Well, thankfully riding mowers were created, and these are some of the best things when it comes to cutting stubborn grass and clearing lawns. If you’re not a fan of yard work well, this list is for you. Join us as we introduce the five best riding lawnmowers on the market today.
Best Zero Turn Mower Under $3000
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | AMAZON |
|---|---|---|
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Troy-Bilt 30 inch Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower | CHECK PRICE |
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Husqavarna YTA18542 Riding Mower | CHECK PRICE |
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Poulan Pro PP24VH54 Riding Mower | CHECK PRICE |
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Raven MVP7100 Hybrid Riding Mower | CHECK PRICE |
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Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series Riding Mower | CHECK PRICE |
- Troy-Bilt 30 inch Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower
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This one is one of the ones you usually see in movies or TV series. It looks just like any other riding lawn mower for the average size household. This riding mower is equipped with a serviceable 10.5 horsepower, 344 CC Briggs and Stratton engine.
The rear Mount engine placement limits the riding mower to a maximum ground speed of four and a quarter miles per hour. But the 30-inch cutting blade is nice between cutting with and maneuverability. This lawn mower is perfect for any standard size landscape with fairly even terrain, no slopes, or anything extreme mind you, it’s not four-wheel drive.
This seat raises mid-back and is pretty comfortable. It can hold steady in the event of a heavier person sitting on it. The Troy-Bilt mower is easy to start with its Keystart function.
The 13-inch soft grip wheel is easy to get used to as well. When it comes to cutting grass, it has a five-height-adjustable blade, which makes the task pretty smooth. It cuts with similar quality that’s close to golf course lawns even with course types of grass.
Cutting on the reverse is not a problem either. Just make sure to properly turn the key and press the reverse button before shifting directions. It has a fuel site window, so you can see exactly if you need to refill the gas. When it’s not in use, it perfectly fits into a shed or garage.
Pros:
- Powerful engine.
- 5 cutting heights.
- Highly durable.
- Easy to maneuver.
Cons:
- Needs high maintenance.
- Husqavarna YTA18542 Riding Mower
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If you’re looking for something a bit more stable compared to the previous mower, you’ll like the overall look of this Husqvarna. It boasts an air conduction mowing technology, which intends to aid the airflow within the deck for a more consistent cut.
It’s a comfortable ride even for long periods of mowing your lawn, but should not be used on slopes that exceed 15 degrees. In addition, the steering wheel is pretty responsive and easy to use. However, unlike other riding mowers, which use the foot pedal for control, this one requires constant foot pressure on the pedal through its operation.
It could cause some tiredness on the legs and if you have a sizeable portion of the land demo. It does, however, cut great and goes pretty fast. So that’s a plus. When it comes to maintenance, you can use the deck wash port that’s connected to a water hose straight to the underside of the deck for easy washing. Judging the Husqvarna riding lawnmower, we’d say it’s a solid build and should last a very long time.
Pros:
- Superior quality.
- Superior cutting.
- Comfortable ride.
- Easy operation.
Cons:
- Heavy.
- Poulan Pro PP24VH54 Riding Mower
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It features a powerful 24 horsepower Briggs Stratton overhead valve engine with pressure lubrication and automatic hydrostatic transmission, which makes running and adjusting the speed hassle-free.
The ready start system is also a plus. No need to choke or prime when starting the machine. Compared to others with a 42-inch deck, the Poulan pro mower as 54 inches of reinforced vented deck. This allows essential airflow to the underside of the deck when cutting longer grass. The seat can be adjusted back and forth for your comfort.
The mower is not advisable on steep slopes though. You’ll keep sliding off your sea, plus that’ll put you in major dangerous situation if you lose control of the mower. It’s primarily designed for more level ground.
What we loved was the oscillating front axle with a six-inch turning radius, coupled with a floating deck. It lets you cut close to smaller trees and obstacles, lessening, any manual trimming you might need to do afterward if you use a bulkier mower.
Pros:
- Highly comfortable.
- Highly maneuverability.
- Premium quality.
- Sturdy build.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Raven MVP7100 Hybrid Riding Mower
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The Raven MVP’s 7100 offers, great lawn cutting ability, and lower emissions. The fact that you can charge your electric battery while running the gas-powered engine means you can run on a hybrid mode and save gas and thus reduce emissions while running on electricity.
Since it is a multi-purpose vehicle, we want to focus on its mowing capabilities. The mower is pretty massive and comes with a large crate assembled, but you’ll have to put on the steering wheel and rear bumper, which is not hard at all. The outlets, blades, and batteries are all charged from this 7100-watt generator, which in turn is fueled by the 420 CC gasoline engine.
The Raven is not an auto-start motor. So it has a choke loop wire located in the left of the motor, so that could take some getting used to. Its 14-inch turning radius though is really easy to maneuver around tight turns. You can expect a fantastic cut on your lawn with minimal time because of how fast it can go.
Although it drives well on even ground, going up Hill is pretty much a crawl. The front end could use some more weight as it tends to arise off the ground rather easily on small inclines.
Pros:
- Versatile use.
- Powerful engine.
- Power generator.
- Easy to maneuver.
Cons:
- Costly.
- Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series Riding Mower
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The Bryce is a bit steeper on this Cub cadet mower, but its features certainly make up for that and it’s worth the money. It has a 42-inch cutting width and a turning radius of 16 inches. The steering wheels are responsiveness is really high. So driving it around is very easy.
It boasts 12 different cutting levels for the cleanest finish on your lawn. Maintenance isn’t any work at all because of its high-power waterjet, which is optimal for getting rid of grass and garden debris. The headlights on this riding mower are really helpful if you have no time to cut your lawn rather than the evening.
The Cub Cadet is recommended if you’re on a clearing of a vast piece of land or an outdoor business that requires extensive mowing on a regular basis. With plenty of power and impressive steering radius, the Cub Cadet X T1 gas riding lawn mower inspires you the desire to get out there and mow more often and perform other needed chores, such as hauling around dirt and debris.
It’s reliable, easy to drive, and cuts grass in reverse. Once you get the hang of driving, it picks up useful accessories, such as a front bumper, mulching blades, or a plow for shoving aside, snow in the winter.
Pros:
- Versatile use.
- Great handling.
- Intelligent design.
- Great value.
Cons:
- None.
What You Should Consider
A zero turn mower can be a great investment for your lawn. When considering a purchase, it is important to find the one that will work best for your yard. Here are some things to consider when buying one, and what to look for in a zero turn mower.
Mower Size
Zero turn mowers come in a variety of sizes and designs. It is important to consider your yard, as well as how much space you have. Most mowers will come with a combo kit that allows you to attach one of two different models. A rear-wheel drive mower is the most popular choice.
They typically feature two blades, an anti-collision guard and a mulching system. An all-wheel drive mower is similar, except that you attach a rear wheel on the back of the mower. This provides more traction, as well as an extra set of wheels.
This can be especially helpful on rough terrain. Price As with any product, you should consider the price of the mower when determining your purchase. You want to make sure you are getting the most bang for your buck.
Mower Deck
A zero turn mower deck is made up of three basic elements: the chassis, the body, and the drive. The chassis determines the deck height, and where it will go on your mower deck. The chassis is made of steel, which is usually covered by a plastic overlay, to protect it from the weather and wear and tear.
The body is made of cast iron, which is primarily responsible for holding the deck on your mower. The drive is responsible for turning the blades to move the mower around the yard.
The drive shaft is made of metal. It usually fits inside the body, along with the motor and the clutch. There is also a clutch in the drive shaft. The clutch allows the mower to change from forward to reverse, and vice versa.
Engine Size
Mowers that have a lawn gear (harness) and a blade are referred to as the self-propelled models. If you want to travel from back yard to front, you’ll want a mower with more than 500cc of horsepower. Zero turns (72 inches) are not recommended with a machine this powerful. It can reach speeds of up to 40 mph.
More power means longer cutting distance and better safety for the operator. Wheel Weight As a rule of thumb, bigger is better. Zero turn mowers are heavy, and you’ll need to hire a mower with a high-performance all-terrain wheel system to safely navigate rough terrain and steep slopes.
You’ll want to set the height at roughly knee level, so you can use both hands to push it and roll it over obstacles. This is important for maneuverability in tight spaces.
Weight and Maneuverability
In a zero turn mower, the machine weighs as little as 3lbs with a 20-inch deck. It can reach speeds up to 12 mph. There are several brands and models of zero turn mowers on the market, including Vermeer and Honda, however, some brands have higher end models and others are known for good price-to-quality ratio.
A machine can also differ in size; an 18-inch mower is smaller and slower than a 24-inch mower, for example. Whether you choose a Honda, Vermeer, or a John Deere model, you want to ensure that the machine is easy to operate. If you like to take your time mowing, you’ll want a lawn mower that is light and handles easily. If you have a lot of slopes and a lot of terrain to cover, you’ll want something that is sturdy and strong.
Drive Train
When selecting a zero turn mower, the two main factors you will want to consider are its drive train and how many blades you will need. Drive trains. The drive train of a zero turn mower consists of two components: the rear axle and the front axle. The rear axle is the main driving component, acting as a turning radius.
The front axle of a zero turn mower is the platform from which the blades sit. A mower that requires more than one blade is likely to have a front axle with two blades. The drive system of a zero turn mower is the main difference between them and a push mower.
On a push mower, the rear axle turns the steering mechanism, which keeps the mower balanced and moving. On a zero turn mower, the rear axle operates the motor.
Different Types of Zero Turn Mowers
There are three four types of zero turn mowers:
Front-Wheel Drive Zero Turn Mowers
A front wheel drive zero turn mower is an excellent option for anyone who wants to make their lawn care chores a little bit easier. Zero turn mowers are designed to be easy to operate, so even if you’re not the most experienced operator you can get the job done with less difficulty. And what’s more, these types of mowers are perfect for uneven and hilly terrain.
Rear-Wheel Drive Zero Turn Mowers
Rear-wheel drive zero turn lawn mowers are the ultimate in convenience. They’re great for large, commercial and residential properties. They also provide a more efficient cut and mulch than traditional front wheel drive mowers. So if you’re looking for an easy way to keep your yard looking its best, a rear-wheel drive zero turn lawn mower might be just what you need!
Four-Wheel Drive Zero Turn Mowers
If you have a large yard, you may need a lawn mower that can handle the terrain. For these conditions, a four-wheel drive zero turn lawn mower is your best option. The zero turn feature on these machines allows them to maneuver around obstacles and tight corners with ease. Turning on these machines does not require any extra effort from the operator because they are designed to do the job for you!
Two-Wheel Drive Zero Turn Mowers
A two-wheel zero turn mower is a type of lawnmower that can pivot on its central axis, allowing the operator to steer in a complete circle. This is accomplished through the use of lateral wheels which are mounted on each side of the machine.
The most common size for a zero turn mower is 48 inches wide and 27-30 inches high. A zero turn mower, while similar to a standard riding mower, provides many advantages over other types of lawnmowers.
The frequent turning motion that they offer results in reduced time spent cutting grass. Furthermore, their maneuverability makes it easy to get into corners and under trees where other lawnmowers cannot go.
FAQs
Some people may think that a zero-turn lawn mower is too expensive or just for those who have lots of land. But they are wrong! Zero-turn lawn mowers can be an excellent way to save time, stop the back and forth motion, and reduce the amount of chemicals needed to maintain your lawn.
They also provide a healthier lawn because you’re not exposing it to as much wear and tear. Here are some frequently asked questions about zero turn mowers that can help you decide if one is right for you.
What are the benefits of a zero-turn lawn mower?
The biggest benefit of a zero-turn lawn mower is that you can turn the mower 360 degrees without exposing the grass underneath to wear and tear. You can cut the lawn any way you want, which means you can use the snippers to cut the grass straight or, if you want, you can make some straight cuts at an angle to form circles and get your lawn cut in a very round shape.
Another benefit of a zero turn mower is that the mower blade is very sharp, so your blade doesn’t have to be sharpened as often. If you’ve ever used a manual or electric push mower, you’ll know that the blades get duller and duller over time because the mower can’t get as close to the grass as it can with a zero-turn lawn mower. What are the drawbacks of a zero-turn lawn mower?
When would I need a zero-turn lawn mower?
All zero-turn lawn mowers are four-wheel drive and have a rake on the rear which, combined with the driving and turning, allows you to easily maintain your lawn with one unit. What is the main difference between a riding mower and a zero-turn lawn mower?
Zero-turn mowers are four-wheel drive and have a rear-wheel drive motor. Most riding mowers have three wheels and can only turn in one direction. A zero-turn lawn mower can turn both directions. When is a zero-turn lawn mower right for me?
How much does a zero turn lawn mower cost?
If you are in the market for a lawn mower and you have the budget, a decent zero turn mower can be yours. They range in price depending on the quality of the mower and the specifications. Zero turn mowers with the most powerful motors can cost around $500.
They are able to cut grass in an upright position or in the traditional fashion They also allow multi-tasking because you don’t have to take the mower and mow the lawn first. With a single-motor mower, the grass has to be cut first, then the grass gets cut again for the walkway.
They are lightweight and compact compared to other lawn mowers. This will save you time because there is no blade spinning or pushing grass clippings around If your lawn has a steep incline and a slope to it, you don’t need a mower that can pull up a steep hill.
What is the best type of grass for a zero-turn lawn mower?
The choice is largely based on your property, yard dimensions, and climate. I recommend a variety of grass types for a zero turn mower: short grass, long grass, Bermuda grass, fescue, or perennial ryegrass. You don’t want a grass that is too similar to the surrounding area; you don’t want your grass to be out of the range of the mower blades.
In our area, short grass, Bermuda grass, and fescue are very popular choices. The front of our property has a lot of short grass, and our biggest dog cannot jump the fence, so long grass is off limits. We do however have a garden of 12 trees, which keeps me busy.
Do I need any special skills to operate a zero-turn lawn mower?
As you can see in the images below, you don’t need to know anything about mechanical work to operate a zero-turn lawn mower. In fact, you don’t even need to know how to ride a motorcycle or drive a car, as a few of our zero-turn mowers are self-propelled.
Do I need a grass catcher?
Some people don’t like how the grass clippings fall into the grass catcher. But if you have a tall yard or lot, or if you mow a lot of areas that have uneven surfaces, a grass catcher can prevent clippings from rolling off and leaving grass spots on your lawn. You should also take a look at these grass catcher options to see what would work best for your needs.
Is it hard to learn how to operate a zero-turn lawn mower?
It’s really not that difficult to get used to. Just follow the same steps you would use for any other lawn mower – follow all the instructions that come with your zero turn mower and read the manual. Also, you’ll be glad to know that they do come with manuals for you to learn more.
When you get your zero-turn mower, how long does it take to learn how to use it? It depends on the model. Some models require you to complete a simple training program or be taught by a professional before you’re ready to use them. How much are these mowers? Some zero-turn mowers are less expensive than others.
Conclusion
Have you had any experience using zero turn mowers and are happy with them? If not, let us know your thoughts below! We’d love to hear what you think about this alternative type of mower. Is a Zero Turn Mower right for you?
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