Zero turn mowers are the fastest, most maneuverable lawn mowers that money can buy. With their ability to swivel around, zero turn mowers can go where others can't. Below, I've called upon my 30-years of experience in the power equipment industry to recommend the top zero turn mowers.
Spend some time reading through each of the categories, selections, and criteria for picking the best in its class. Don't forget to click on the mowers to view the product page filled with more features, specs, reviews, and other great resources.
| Best Zero Turn Lawn Mower | Best Zero Turn Mower for 2 Acres or Less | Best Zero Turn Mower for 2 Acres or More | Best Zero Turn Mower for Hills | Best Electric Zero Turn Mower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
When recommending zero turn lawn mowers, we take five features into account.
Forget weak mowers. You want a mower with the power to get through that overgrown lawn you haven't mowed in three weeks due to heavy rain or being on vacation. Traditionally, an engine's power is measured in horsepower, so we'll typically recommend mowers with higher horsepower engines. At the same time, many manufacturers also provide engine displacement in CCs. The higher an engine's CC, the more power it has the potential to create. That's why, all things being equal, we'll typically recommend mowers with a higher CC engine.
Durability impacts how resistant your zero turn mower is to threats like rust, dents, and damage from yard debris. One key component is whether the mower has a fabricated (welded) deck or stamped deck. Fabricated decks are more durable because they contain several pieces of welded steel, while stamped decks are made from a single piece. The type of transmission also impacts durability. For example, hydrostatic transmission systems require less effort and maintenance than manual transmission systems. Anything that helps your mower last longer is a huge plus.
Great zero turn mowers are not only powerful and durable, but also comfortable, easy to use (and fun to ride). We look at comfort features like seat suspension, arm rests, and ergonomic controls in addition to how smoothly the mower rides, particularly on hills and tough terrain.
In the context of zero turn mowers, versatility measures characteristics like speed control, cutting height adjustments, and the ability to tow and add other accessories, such as a snow blade during winter. We also look at whether it can handle mulch kits and baggers. The more your zero turn can do, the better.
We prioritize performance over price, so you won't necessarily find the cheapest mowers on our list. That's why, instead of evaluating a mower on price alone, we look at what you're getting for the price to arrive at an overall value rating.
The Toro TimeCutter MyRIDE is the ultimate fusion between power and grace. It's built extremely tough with a heavy-duty 50" 10-gauge IronForged welded steel deck that can resist whatever your yard throws its way. Powered by a Kawasaki 23hp motor the Timecutter can make quick work of cutting even the largest lawns. Cast iron cylinder liners protect against harmful debris, while the patented self-cleaning air filtration system promotes longer engine life.
All that being said, the first thing that got my attention about the Timecutter was the fact that the operator platform is completely suspended from the rest of the mower, reducing the shock load from the bouncing and bumps experienced when cutting uneven terrain. This is the MyRIDE feature, and it makes you feel like you're mowing on air! The heavily-padded 18-inch high-back seat and armrests only add to the experience.
While mowing, you have full control, with different speed settings up to 7mph depending on whether you're trimming around trees or full-on mowing a large swathe of grass. The dual hydrostatic ZT-2200 transmissions offer a smooth ride, while 7 cuttings heights ranging from 1.5" - 4.5" give you the power of choice. Maintenance couldn't be easier with no tools required for oil and belt cover changes and a washout port for cleaning the deck. This is seriously the mower of my dreams!
| Spec | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 24.5HP/708cc Toro V-Twin OHV Engine | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Durability | Self-cleaning air filtration system; Fabricated steel deck; Cast iron cylinder liners | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Usability | Speed selection up to 7mph; Dual hydrostatic transmissions provide smoother ride; Easy, tool-free maintenance; Seat suspension system, armrests, and extra high seat maximize comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Versatility | 7 cutting heights; Mowing speed selection up to 7 mph; Handles towing attachements | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Overall Value | At this premium price, you are getting everything you could possibly want from a zero turn mower | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
One of the top zero-turn mowers on the market today is the Husqvarna Z254F. With a 54-inch Clear-Cut 10-gauge steel fabricated deck, dual ZT-2200 hydrostatic transmissions, a rugged main frame and a 24hp FR730V Kawasaki engine, this mower is built to provide years of cutting service on even the toughest lawns. Amazingly, all these rugged features are designed in an efficient, lightweight way, maximizing the mower's fuel economy.
While mowing, six anti-scalp wheels help ensure that the Z254F deck won't dig into your soil on uneven terrain. The three blades are electrically engaged, increasing safety and reducing wear of drive belts. You can select from six blade heights ranging from 1.5 - 4", depending on your preference at the time. When it's time for maintenance, the Z254F has a deck washout port, as well as a removable foot pan that provides access for cleaning the deck belts, pulleys, and spindles. An optional 3-bin bagger or mulch kit are also available for this mower.
Finally, if you're a creature of mowing comfort, you'll enjoy the contoured, softly padded high-back seat, cup holder, and hour meter. Plus, you'll find all critical controls right at your fingertips, eliminating unecessary stretching and reaching. Overall, I recommend the Husqvarna Z254F for smaller lawns because it does everything you need it to without the cost of a wider-deck zero turn (which you wouldn't need).
| Specs | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 24HP/726cc Kawasaki 4-Cycle OHV V-Twin Engine | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Durability | Cast-iron cylinder liners and screen guard protect engine; Fabricated deck; 6 anti-scalp wheels; Rugged frame | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Usability | Hydrostatic transmission provides smooth ride; Improved air flow promotes cleaner cut; Deck washout port & removeable footpan streamline maintenance; Soft high back seat | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Versatility | 6 cutting heights; Mows up to 6.5 mph; Handles towing attachements | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Overall Value | Effectively gets the job done in comfort without breaking the bank. Great quality cut and fuel economy. | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT2-60 is a zero turn mower that lives up to its name. With a 60" wide cutting deck and powerful 24 HP Kawasaki V-Twin engine, this is the best zero turn you can choose for the largest lawns because you'll cover more ground faster. The mower's frame is made with durable squared tubular steel and includes a rear steel bumper for added protection.
You'll also get a consistently perfect cut across your entire acreage. That's possible with Cub Cadet's trademarked Aeroforce™ cutting system, which shifts the airflow under your mower's deck for a more streamlined, better-looking cut. Dual Hydro-Gear TZ-350™ transmissions offer a smooth ride with speeds up to 7 mph, and you can choose from 15 cutting heights ranging from 1 - 4.5", depending on your needs.
The Ultima ZT2 is very comfortable to operate with an 18-inch high back seat that is fully adjustable with its own suspension, lap bars that can be set into any one of three positions, and oversized tires that distribute the weight evenly and cushion the ride. You'll enjoy driving this mower so much, your car will get jealous!
| Specs | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 25HP/725cc Kohler V-Twin OHV Engine | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Durability | Fabricated steel deck; Squared tubular steel frame; Oversized tires improve traction | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Usability | Dual hydrostatic transmissions provide smoother ride; Aeroforce™ cutting system uses airflow to deliver precise cut; Adjustable lap bars accomodate different users; Ergonomic seat with armrests | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Versatility | 15 ajustable cutting heights; Mows up to 7 mph; Handles towing attachements | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Overall Value | Worth the price for yards over 2 acres due to its wide deck and robust design. Anything less and it's overkill. | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
Using a zero turn mower on a hill can be stressful, but the Cub Cadet ZTS2 makes it easy. Unlike traditional zero-turn mowers, the Synchro-Steer technology on the ZTS2 offers 4-wheel control and provides unrivaled stability for straight-line mowing on hillsides and slopes up to 20-degrees. The front wheels steer the mower and the steering wheel gives you more control, so you'll be just as confident mowing on elevations as on flat ground.
You also get a 25hp Kohler K7000 Pro commercial-design motor for superior power, heavier duty Hydro-Gear ZT-2800 transmissions for a smoother ride, and extra protection with a 2" x 2" tubular steel frame that is corrosion-resistant. The 54-inch, 3-blade deck can be adjusted to 15 different heights, and three anti-scalp wheels ensure you won't damage the lawn on bumpy ground. Note that the same model is available with a 60-inch deck for larger properties.
Mowing on hills can be uncomfortable with other mowers, but the ZTS2 lets you relax and sit back with arm rests, a 20" adjustable high back seat, and a soft-touch grip wheel. The cup holder and hour meter add an extra touch of convenience. So, if you have need to cut a hilly or unlevel property, take a hard look at the Cub Cadet ZTS2 zero turn mower.
| Specs | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 24HP/725cc Kohler OHV 4-Cycle Engine | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Durability | 11-gauge fabricated deck; 3 anti-scalp wheels; Anti-corrosion tubular steel frame | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Usability | Dual hydrostatic transmissions provide smoother ride; 4-wheel control for better stability on hills; High back seat with armrests; Soft-touch steering wheel | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Versatility | 15 adjustable cutting heights; Mows up to 7 mph; Handles towing attachements | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Overall Value | Worth the money for those with uneven yards. Those with flat yards can save money with a different zero turn. | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
If you are thinking about taking the next step into the future of lawn care or just want a mower that is efficient, quiet and eco-friendly, consider the Cub Cadet ZT1 42E 56-volt Lithium-Ion electric zero turn mower. Being fully electric, it is 64% quieter than a gas mower, requires much less maintenance and produces zero carbon monoxide exhaust emissions.
With its 60-amp hour battery and 42-inch, 13-gauge stamped cutting deck, the ZT1 will cut up to 2 acres of grass on a single charge and can move up to 7 mph. Recharging takes about 4 hours. It's not a pushover either, with a tubular steel frame and premium tires that provide excellent traction on uneven ground. The offset front axle lets the mower get close to fences, minimizing necessary trimming.
The Cub Cadet ZT1 is also comfortable for riders of all shapes and sizes with its 20-inch high back seat and adjustable 3-position lap bars. Headlights, dual USB charging ports and cup holders make it as convenient to use as it is fun. Be the first on your block to embrace this promising electric zero turn mower by getting the ZT1.
| Specs | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 56-Volt Max, 60Ah, 3000Wh Lithium-Ion Battery; 2 brushless electric motors; 4-hour recharge time | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Durability | Tubular steel frame with anti-corrosive properties | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Usability | Adjustable lap bars accomodate different users; Can mow close to fences | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Versatility | 15 adjustable cutting heights; Mows up to 7 mph; Handles towing attachements | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Overall Value | Perfect for those wanting to stay on the cutting edge of mowing technology. | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
Zero turns are the crème de la crème of lawn mowers, combining the maneuverability of walk-behind mowers with the comfort and speed of riding mowers. Their zero turn radius makes them the fastest mowing solution available, and there isn't really anyone who wouldn't benefit from owning one.
That being said, new zero turn owners may face a learning curve when it comes to driving them properly (the lap bars are controlled like a shopping cart). Farmers or ranchers who are looking for a mower who can handle tilling and plowing attachments may be better off with traditional riding mowers, which are stronger and more robust. Still, even zero turns have limited towing capability (usually up to 250 pounds).
Overall, zero turn mowers have perhaps the widest appeal and positive attributes of any types of mower. For a more comprehensive look, check out our zero turn mower buyer's guide.
Getting a head start on the spring season is always a good idea when shopping for lawn mowers. From February until April, you'll get the widest selection of the latest and greatest mower models available. Read our guide on the best time to buy a mower for more information.
When it comes to walk-behind lawn mowers, our customers tend to like Husqvarna, Honda, Toro, and Cub Cadet, which are all highly respected in the industry. You can view and compare all the lawn mower brands we carry on our brand page.
Briggs & Stratton, Kawasaki, and Kohler engines are all high-quality and chosen for different reasons by different lawn mower manufacturers. Each manufacturer selects the engine that will maximize its mower's performance. As a result, there is no need for you to worry about the "best" engine brand when choosing a lawn mower, since there is a team of engineers who already do that for you.
Dale has been involved with gasoline powered engines, especially small engines, since he bolted the first one onto his Schwinn bike at 12 years old. After high school, he spent 19 years in the automotive parts industry, working for retailers, distributors, and manufacturers.
In 1994, Dale entered the small engine and power equipment industry, offering product and technical assistance to power equipment dealers and their customers. Since 2016, he has been a full-time sales and product expert at Power Equipment Direct, where he largely focuses on helping customers select the best lawn and garden equipment for their needs.
In his off time, Dale enjoys working on his own cars and power equipment. He is a go-to resource for friends, family, and coworkers who need a hand diagnosing or repairing their broken lawn mowers or string trimmers. When not around engines, he is a drummer in a local Chicago-area band. Hockey dominates his TV time during the NHL season, and he enjoys relaxing on his pontoon boat during the summer months.