The 5 Best Zero Turn Mowers [Ranked]

Before we dive in, check out our automatic lawn mower review- these are great if you have smaller yards that can accommodate a robot mower. Imagine, automated mowing! However there are larger, more conventional options like garden tractors if you need something a bit more robust.

Husqvarna 54"

The first option we examined is the Husqvarna. This 24 hp riding lawn mower has a 54-inch long cutting deck with an electric clutch designed to enhance blade engagement. It is recommended to use hearing protection when operating one of these high-tech lawn cutters. 

Engineered to make landscaping and lawn maintenance a simpler and more entertaining event, the way the motor works air intake occurs from the deck's top and bottom, which helps to enhance grass lift while providing an excellent cut.

• Some buyers wondered whether it would work on a 40° slope- current Husqvarna owners say that because the machine is too top-heavy it likely wouldn't.
• Buyers say they were initially surprised they could purchase such a large item online from retailers like Sears, Home Depot, Bad Boy, Toro, John Deere, but found out it was pretty compelling because they discovered competitive pricing, sometimes without any tax, with free shipping and fast delivery.
• One satisfied buyer who has 10 acres of property he needs to mow tells us this has been a huge timesaver- handling high grass that was thick without any difficulty.
• In terms of assembly, it was surprisingly easy- with one homeowner telling us that he had it up and running in under half an hour after bolting the handles, integrating the battery, assembling the seat and performing some perfunctory fluid and fuel checks.
• Indeed, most buyers were pretty happy with this option, the one complaint is that cut grass has a tendency to collect on the underside of the deck.

Poulan Pro 22 HP

The second zero turn mower we examined is manufactured by Poulan Pro. This 22 hp mower features an electronic clutch, a 3.5-gallon capacity fuel tank and a 46 inch reinforced deck. It's marketed as a comfortable, high-performance option designed to last for the long haul with enhanced maneuverability on account of a hydro transmission dual wheel system.

What this means, is that each wheel is actually manipulated individually- so that you can go left, right, forward and backward merely by jerking your arms backward and forward. Indeed, one of the primary benefits of this style of power riding mower is that it will reduce the time you spend maintaining your lawn.

One of the ways these style of riding lawnmowers do that is by increasing their ease of handling- you can more easily avoid obstacles like branches, merely zipping around them. An established brand, perusing their marketing materials, we discovered that this company has been around since the mid 20th-century producing tillers, blowers, trimmers, chainsaws, and powerful lawn mowing solutions.

• Buyers say that it is shipped in a wooden pallet crate that you disassemble using a crowbar.
• Other customers say that there are some aftermarket attachments you can purchase, including a mulching kit.
• Some expert buyers advise this is not a commercial-grade solution, it's better off used by a homeowner looking to decrease lawn maintenance time.
• Buyers also say that it is a relatively inexpensive option that includes interesting optional accessories.
• For example an armrest, a rain cover, a headlight kit and a mulching kit.
• Assembly wasn't too difficult- you just need to bolt the seat, as well as take care rolling it out of the pallet crate, before finally connecting the battery and filling the fuel tank.
• Reviewers were, for the most part, satisfied, with one property owner telling us it provides even cuts, though the front wheels do have a tendency to leave tracks when you turn.
• Other buyers say that one of the best parts about the style of these lawn mowers is how easy they are to maneuver, accessing difficult to reach places in your yard, meaning you don't need to break out another garden tool to perform additional trimming and edging.

Swisher 24 HP

The third mower we examined was the Swisher option that comes with a 24 hp Kawasaki engine with a 54-inch cutting deck, capable of reaching 8 mph either in reverse or forward. Buyers praise its maneuverability and responsiveness, saying it made short order of high acreage properties and can even accommodate a snow blade for  snow plowing.

Z-Beast 48"

The fourth riding mower we examined is provided by Z-Beast. This 48-inch option has a Briggs & Stratton engine that 20 hp and includes a drive system that is dual hydrostatic for increased speed and control.

It can reach speeds of up to 10 Miles per hour and has some interesting accessories including a seatbelt, a cupholder, and a roll bar.

• One buyer who was on the fence concerning purchase, coming from a John Deere mower, was advised that if you have a rocky property this can be a solid option for avoiding obstacles.
• Another reviewer tells us that local mower repair shops can often provide quality after-purchase maintenance if you need to perform fixes or install additional equipment to accommodate your lawn mowing requirements.

Husqvarna 61"

The last option we took a look at was the Husqvarna 61-inch mower- its extra-long cutting deck differentiates it from the other Husqvarna we examined. Besides its durable steel deck, it has integrated mulch-collection capabilities for enhanced property maintenance purposes.

• One buyer tells us that he purchased an aftermarket power bagger that enables him to pick up almost every loose acorn or twig on your lawn- this is great if your property has tons of trees on it.
• An elderly couple purchased it, and after a small struggle opening the crate, they tell us that their 8-acre lawn only takes half as long to mow.
• On the downside, while going uphill is not a problem, going downhill takes some care because it has a tendency to slide on account of weight shift.
• Other buyers advise that you spend some time getting comfortable and accustomed to the steering's responsiveness before tackling challenging uphill or downhill mowing.
• In addition, by using the integrated height pedal, you can glide over smaller obstacles like rocks or children's toys.
• Another savvy buyer tells us that if you spray on some anti-stick coating beneath the deck it makes cleaning out afterward easier.
• One final bit of advice is that when you receive it in a crate, take care to ensure that there aren't any loose nuts or bolts- you don't want them to vibrate and pop out once you power the unit up.