The Best Zero-Turn Mowers That Easily Tackle A Large Yard
Every lawn is different and, with that, you need a mower that meets your needs. If you have trees and flower beds smattered around your yard, it’s a good idea to consider a zero-turn mower. The best zero-turn mowers allow you to effortlessly cruise around landscaping and other lawn obstacles while delivering a quality cut. Our top pick is the Ryobi 54-Inch Electric Riding Zero Turn Mower for its high adjustability and 3.5-acre capacity.
The Ryobi 54-Inch Electric Riding Zero Turn Mower effortlessly cruises around lawns up to 3.5 acres.
Zero-turn mowers allow you to pivot inside your machine’s footprint, making them a solid choice for people who want a precise cut, despite having a yard that’s not just grass. “Zero-turn mowers allow you to maneuver swiftly around your yard, easily avoiding structures and obstacles in the mower’s path and significantly reducing the amount of time it takes to get the job done,” says Marty Grunder of Grunder Landscaping in Miamisburg, Ohio. “They also offer a comfortable ride, and as you learn how to operate them proficiently, you will become more efficient at mowing your lawn.” They also “work great in yards that have a lot of curves or obstacles,” says Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi.
There are a few factors to consider when choosing a zero-turn mower, including whether you want an electric lawn mower or one that’s powered by gas, the cutting deck size and how much lawn you need to cut. Naturally, your budget plays a role in the final decision, too. These are the best zero-turn mowers on the market to help you get that precise cut in as little time as possible. (While you’re at it, consider our list of the best push mowers.)
Top 9 Riding Lawn Mowers – Reviews
Husqvarna YTH24V54
Best Overall
Husqvarna YTH24V54
The riding lawn mowers from Husqvarna deliver exceptional performance and superior results.
Our overall top pick is the YTH24V54 lawn tractor model from Husqvarna. Its 24-horsepower Briggs Stratton engine with easy starting technology, 54-inch reinforced cutting deck, and variable-speed hydrostatic transmission all add up to top-notch performance, even for the largest and most difficult yards.
This mower isn’t all about power and size. It’s also comfortable for the user, which is pretty important for a machine you’ll be using regularly for hours at a time. Husqvarna designed this model’s adjustable, comfortable seat and easy-to-use controls with ergonomics in mind.
Other special features of the YTH24V54 include a tight 16-inch turn radius for improved maneuverability and exclusive air induction technology that improves airflow in the mowing deck, creating a cleaner cut. The mower is compatible with several Husqvarna accessories, including a mulching kit for grass clippings.
✓ Powerful, reliable engine✓ Wide cutting deck✓ Easy to operate
✗ Slow compared to similar models✗ Some users reported issues with the blades clogging
Husqvarna Z254
Runner-Up
Husqvarna Z254
With Husqvarna’s Z200 series of zero-turn mowers, performance and style cut through the grass with ease.
Husqvarna takes the No. 2 spot on our list, too, with the Z254 zero-turn lawn mower. Like its lawn tractor cousin, the Z254 has a 54-inch cutting deck (the widest on our list) and special air induction technology. This zero-turn model is faster and more powerful, though, with a 26-horsepower engine and a max forward speed of 6.5 mph.
Even among other zero-turn mowers, the Husqvarna Z254 stands out. It features a convenient park brake system that automatically activates and deactivates as you shift the steering levers. It also has 3-in-1 capabilities for disposing of grass clippings through mulching, bagging, or discharging (although mulching kit and bagger attachment are sold separately).
With the Z254, Husqvarna combines high-quality construction, ease of use, and exclusive features with an affordable price tag. It’s perfect for large areas and yards with lots of obstacles to maneuver around.
✓ Powerful, reliable engine✓ Wide cutting deck✓ Patent-pending park brake system✓ Large fuel tank for long jobs
✗ Slow compared to other zero-turn mowers
Husqvarna YTA24V48
This riding lawn mower, with a 48″ reinforced 13 gage steel deck, offers premium performance with quality results.
Yet another Husqvarna model makes the top tier of our list: the YTA24V48 lawn tractor. This mower has a lot in common with our top pick, but it’s a little smaller (so it takes up less storage space in the garage or shed) and in return, significantly faster.
Rest assured, this riding mower has the same top-of-the-line Briggs Stratton engine as other Husqvarna mowers. It also features a fast-starting auto transmission that requires less power to drive than similar models, using less gas.
For more convenience, the YTA24V48 has an electric clutch and a spring-assisted deck-lift lever that makes raising or lowering the mower deck easier. It also has cruise control for mowing large lawns and a tight turn radius for maneuvering around obstacles.
✓ Powerful, reliable engine✓ Auto transmission✓ Fast
✗ expensive than our top pick from Husqvarna✗ Smaller cutting width than the other mowers already listed
Snapper 560Z zero turn mower
Snapper 560Z
This mower is easy-to-use for homeowners, but has all of the enhanced features you’d expect from a zero turn mower.
The Snapper 560Z zero-turn lawn mower is made for commercial-grade jobs. Its powerful Briggs Stratton engine packs 25 horsepower, and its steel front axles and bumper deal with rough terrain smoothly. With a max speed of 9 mph, the 560Z is the fastest mower on our list, making it ideal for extra large properties of several acres.
Even though this mower can handle commercial-level jobs, its controls are easy enough for any homeowner to use. The adjustable deck-lift cutting height lever, fuel indicator, and other controls are simple and within convenient reach.
Of course, you are going to pay extra for this mower that combines the power and durability of a commercial model with the convenience of a residential model. If you aren’t dealing with rugged terrain or a very large yard, a less expensive riding mower should meet your needs just fine.
✓ Durable construction for rough terrain✓ Powerful, reliable engine✓ Fast
Swisher Response ZTR2454BS
This mower is best for anyone looking for a high-end zero-turn lawn mower for big, challenging projects.
If you’re looking for a premium zero-turn lawn mower for large, difficult jobs, the ZTR2454BS model from Swisher might be your best option. Its 54-inch mower deck, huge 8-gallon fuel tank, and 8 mph max speed in forward and reverse make it perfect for massive properties that usually take several hours to mow.
Buyers Guide
When you’re spending thousands of dollars on a new tool, you definitely need a good understanding of what you’re looking for.
In this buyers guide, we’ll cover the basic types of riding lawn mowers and explain the parameters we used to choose our top picks. These details can help you make an informed decision about which model is best suited for your specific needs.
Riding lawn tractors
A riding lawn tractor is basically your standard riding lawn mower. You drive it using a steering wheel, and it turns similar to an automobile.
Many attachments are available for lawn tractors, including mulching and bagging kits, trailers, snow shovels, and others. Lawn tractors are usually the most stable on slopes.
Zero-turn lawn mowers
Zero-turn mowers are more maneuverable than lawn tractors. Their wheels turn at sharp angles for 360-degree turning.
Zero-turn mowers are good for cutting grass close to landscape beds, fences, trees, and other landscape features.
Instead of a steering wheel, you control most zero-turn mowers using lap bars. Zero-turn mowers tend to be faster than lawn tractors.
Gas-powered vs. battery-powered
You may have noticed that almost all the riding lawn mowers on this list are gas-powered. There are battery-powered riding mowers on the market, too, but only one made our list. Remember, battery-powered mowers are limited to their battery’s run time.
That being said, battery-powered riding mowers have their benefits. They’re quieter, for one, and they’re much better for the environment than gas-powered mowers. They don’t need as much maintenance as gas mowers, and you won’t have to store fuel for them.
If you think a battery-powered riding mower might be for you, your best choice is the Ryobi RY48110. It runs for up to two hours on one charge, has a 38-inch cutting width, and costs around 3,500.
How to choose the best riding lawn mower for you
In our ranking, we used five factors to determine the best riding lawn mowers: power, cutting width, fuel capacity, max speed, and price. Now, we’ll explain what each of these measurements means practically and how you can use them to choose the best option for you.
Power: The more power your mower’s engine has, the more difficult jobs it will be able to take on. So, if you will be mowing on hills or dealing with overgrown patches of grass and weeds, you’ll need a more powerful engine. On the other hand, if you have a flat, simple lawn, there’s really no need for you to pay more for the extra power.
Cutting width: A mower’s cutting width is the area of grass you can cut in a single pass. The cutting width is part of what determines how long it takes to mow your lawn.
With a larger cutting deck size, you’ll finish faster, since you’ll cover more ground with each pass. Mowing will take longer with a smaller cutting width. However, mowers with a smaller deck size take up less storage space and can be easier to maneuver.
Fuel capacity: The size of your mower’s fuel tank matters because it determines how long you can mow without stopping to refuel. If you have a small yard that doesn’t take too long to mow, you probably don’t need to worry too much about fuel capacity.
If you anticipate using your mower for several hours at a time, though, you’ll want to look for one with a large fuel tank so you don’t run the risk of it dying on you in the middle of a job.
Max speed: Obviously, how fast your riding mower moves affects how much time you’ll spend mowing. You’ll finish faster mowing at 9 miles per hour than you would at 5 miles per hour.
Keep in mind that max forward speed is usually significantly faster than max reverse speed. For our purposes, we used max forward speed.
Price: As you’ve seen from our rankings, riding lawn mowers vary in price. You can get them for under 6500,000 or spend closer to 10,000 for premium models.
No matter what caliber of riding lawn mower you want, be prepared to spend at least 450,000. Beyond that, how much you spend depends on how much power you need, how big of a mower you want, and whether you want a lawn tractor or zero-turn mower.
If you’re on a budget and looking for more affordable options, you might consider going with a push lawn mower instead.
FAQs About Riding Lawn Mowers
The Husqvarna YTH18542 is the best budget riding mower, coming in just under 6500,000.
Overall, Husqvarna makes better riding lawn mowers, as you can tell from the four Husqvarna entries in our top spots.
Typically, riding lawn mowers are for yards over half an acre, while push mowers are for lawns of half an acre or less. However, even if you have a smaller yard, you might not want to deal with the hassle of pushing around a heavy lawn mower. Whether or not you need a riding mower is ultimately up to you.
Conclusion
With help from our suggestions and definitions, hopefully you’re more prepared to invest in a riding lawn mower than you were before.
While only you can decide which is the best lawn mower for your property, the mowers on this list represent the best options on the market. Any of them would serve you well and be worth the money spent.
LawnStarter participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other retailer affiliate programs. LawnStarter may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.
Jordan Ardoin
Jordan Ardoin is a writer, editor, and classical literature student based in Colorado. When she isn’t reading or writing, she enjoys goofing off with her cats and spending time in nature.
Speeds Up To 16 MPH!
Two-speed ZT-5400 transaxle lets you choose either Low Range to travel up to 12 mph or High Range for up to 16 mph. Internal 16 cc pumps and 21 cc motors help provide speed, power and torque. The transaxle’s design greatly reduces hoses and possible leak points.
Heavy-Duty, Double-Tube Steel Main Frame
Keep a Real-Time “Eye” on Important System Functions
Depending on the mower model and engine selection, the Tiger Eye Advanced Monitoring System monitors a wide variety of systems in real-time, giving you valuable information in just a glance, right from the operator’s seat.
Cheetah II Operator Suspension System
Unparalleled Comfort
With five settings from soft to firm, the Operator Suspension System isolates the operator from the effects of rough terrain, providing unmatched comfort without sacrificing quality-of-cut. A coil-over shock provides effective suspension action right where it’s needed, and only where it’s needed. The seat’s 4-point, rubber iso-mounting provides even more shock absorption, maximizing your comfort, hour after hour.
The envy of the neighborhood
” or 72″ Cutting Width
The envy of the industry, Velocity Plus decks deliver an amazing quality-of-cut and a wide, even discharge. This deck is equipped with Scag’s ultra-tough cast-iron spindles featuring tapered roller bearings and a top-mounted grease fitting with a relief valve to prevent over-greasing.
Ogura PTO Clutch Brake
Solid Design for Years of Dependable Service
The Cheetah is ultra-strong and built for long life. It has a wide mower stance and extra-low center of gravity for ultimate stability and a replaceable front caster-wheel weldment.
Hydro-Gear ZT-5400 Transaxles
Honda lawnmower gets new Guinness record hitting 100 mph in 6 seconds
The new Honda Mean Mower V2 set a Guinness World Records for fastest acceleration for a lawnmower, by averaging 0 to 100 mph in just 6.285 seconds.
The new Honda Mean Mower V2 set a Guinness World Records for fastest acceleration for a lawnmower, by averaging 0 to 100 mph in just 6.285 seconds.
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If you need to cut your lawn fast, this mower may be for you.
The new Honda Mean Mower V2 set a Guinness World Records for fastest acceleration for a lawnmower, by averaging 0 to 100 mph in just 6.285 seconds.
The record was set May 7 at a race track in Germany by stunt driver Jess Hawkins. She also got the mower to a recorded top speed of 150.99 mph, according to the company. The record was announced this week.
Honda UK said that to get the record the mower must still “intrinsically look like a lawnmower” and still be able to cut grass, which it does.
The average riding lawnmower travels about 5 to 6 mph
Frank Carnevale is a Tribune-Review assistant digital editor. You can contact Frank at 412-380-8511, fcarnevale@triblive.com or via
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Troy-Bilt TB30
Most affordable riding mower
- Compact design
- Affordable price compared to other models
- Six-speed transmission
- Rear-mounted engine
- Mulching capable
Cutting width: 30 inches | Transmission: Six-speed manual | Power source: Gasoline | Mow in reverse: No | Mulching/bagger capable: Yes
While it’s hard to find a riding mower that can truly be considered “budget-friendly,” the Troy-Bilt TB30 is one of the most affordable models on the market. If you buy directly from Troy-Bilt, it retails for around 450,800, while retailers like Home Depot and Tractor Supply Company sell them for just a hair under 6500,000.
It features a 30-inch cutting deck, which is perfect for lawns that hit that rare middle ground of being too big for a push mower to be practical but not quite big enough to justify buying a 42 or 46-inch lawn tractor. The deck is designed to easily transition from a traditional side discharge to mulching grass to make it easy to re-feed your lawn with ultra-fine clippings. It also has a six-speed manual transmission, so you can set the forward or reverse speed that best suits your yard and go.
The body of the mower features a slim, compact design that’s great for garages and tool sheds on the smaller side. Since the engine is mounted on the rear of the lawn mower, you’ll have a better line of sight, which is great for seeing things like sticks and rocks that need to be removed and watching out for pets and children who may be nearby. And just because the engine is smaller doesn’t mean it skimps out on power; with 10.5HP, you’ll be able to pull garden carts, spreaders, sprayers, and other implements to tackle every outdoor chore.
John Deere 1570 TerrainCut
Best commercial riding mower
Cutting width: 60 or 72 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic variable speed with optional AWD and cruise control | Power source: Diesel | Mow in reverse: Not specified | Mulching/bagger capable: Not specified
The John Deere 1570 TerrainCut is a commercial-grade lawn mower designed for handling places like golf courses, sports complexes, and public parks. But if you live in a rural area and have a 5- to 10-acre property to maintain, it can be a powerful asset to have in your workshop.
It’s available only through local dealers or the official John Deere website, and if you go through the official site, you can customize aspects of the 1570 TerrainCut to better suit your needs. You can choose either rear or side discharging decks in either 60- or 72-inch lengths for ideal clipping disbursement and streamlined mowing. The gas tank holds up to 16 gallons (60.6 liters) of diesel fuel, so you can spend more time working and less time refilling your tank.
The 37.4HP engine and hydrostatic drive allow you to operate the TerrainCut like a car, and you can opt for all-wheel drive for better traction across steep or rough terrain. The mower has a “steer from the rear” design, meaning the back two wheels control the direction of the entire unit, which will take some getting used to if you’ve never driven something similar before, especially when driving in reverse.
The deck is stamped from seven-gauge steel and can be adjusted from one to six inches for cutting height, so you can maintain everything from upscale golf courses to grazing pastures and drainage ditches. And while the almost 28,000 price tag puts this mower squarely out of reach of typical homeowners, it’s a worthy investment if you have a landscaping business or need to maintain a very large, rural property.
What is the best riding mower?
In my opinion, the Husqvarna YTH18542 is the best riding mower you can buy. It has a 42-inch stamped steel deck, dual cutting blades, and a mow-in-reverse feature for maneuvering around tricky areas and obstacles. It also has a hydrostatic transmission which allows you to operate the mower like a car: press the pedal and go, no more messing with levers.
Other than your budget, there are a lot of features and scenarios you have to consider while shopping for a new riding mower. The size of your yard will determine how wide the cutting deck should be, though either a 42 or 46-inch version will be more than enough for most yards.
You can choose either a manual or hydrostatic transmission. A manual model lets you “set and forget” your speed so you can FOCUS, while hydrostatic models operate more like cars, going faster the harder you press the pedal. This makes them more intuitive to operate, but also more expensive.
Zero turn mowers are designed for mowing in oddly-shaped areas or around lots of obstacles like trees, lamp posts, and lawn ornaments. They’re called “zero turn” because they have a zero-inch turn radius; you pivot around either rear wheel for ultra-tight turning.
Choose this riding mower…
A well-rounded, gas-powered mower for yards up to two acres
A battery-powered riding mower for eco-friendly lawn care
A zero turn mower for maneuvering around obstacles or tricky areas
A compact riding mower for lawns a touch too large for a push mower
A commercial-grade mower for a landscaping business or large rural property
How did we choose these riding mowers?
Aside from price, I chose both gas and battery-powered riding mowers to give you a choice in how you handle yard work. Gas-powered models give you better run times and more horsepower, while battery-powered ones save you time and money on engine maintenance and help reduce your carbon footprint.
I also chose a variety of cutting deck widths for handling everything from 1 to 10 acres, including a commercial-grade model for large rural properties and landscaping businesses.
How do you decide which riding mower to buy?
Assuming you have a budget in mind, the first thing you need to do is find out how big your lawn is. You can either find your lot size on your memorandum deeds if you’ve bought your house, or you can check your city’s website to see if you can request lot measurements if you’re renting. If your lot measures about an acre, you’ll be able to use a 30 or 42-inch cutting deck without any issues. For lawns up to two acres, a 42 or 46-inch deck is ideal. And if your lot is over two acres, you can get a mower with up to a 72-inch cutting deck to handle larger areas.
The transmission type is also important. Many newer models have what is known as a hydrostatic drive. This means that they operate similar to how a car drives: you push the pedal and it moves forward or backwards. And the harder you push, the faster you go. This makes it easier to learn how to drive, but that also makes the mower more expensive. stripped-back models have variable speed manual transmissions, which allow you to “set and forget” your speed so you can FOCUS on paying attention to obstacles and people who may be nearby.
And finally, you’ll want to consider the power source for your new riding mower. Gasoline engines are far more common, but there is now a wider variety of battery-powered models to choose from. The perks of a gas engine are that you’ll get near-infinite run times (as long as you have enough fuel to keep the engine going) and a bit more power for handling steep inclines and rough terrain. The downsides are dealing with exhaust emissions and maintenance that can be a time and money sink. Electric models don’t need engine maintenance, so you save a bit of money in the long run. But they usually have a maximum run time of about an hour, which means that you may have to plan your mowing over several days if you have a larger yard.
How big of a yard do I need for a riding mower?
Riding mowers are best suited for yards measuring one acre or larger. A model with a 42-inch cutting deck is great for mowing up to two acres, so if you have more land than that, you’ll want to spring for a 46, 54, 60, or 72-inch cutting deck.
If you’re right on the threshold, you can get what’s known as a “mini rider.” They usually have compact bodies for easier storage and 30-inch cutting decks to make short work of lawns that are just a touch too large for a push mower.
Both types of mowers are pricey, but zero-turn models rise to the top.
When it comes to price—zero turn vs. lawn tractors—both top the price charts. However, lawn tractors are the more affordable of the two, and they’ll earn their keep. They may also be used to pull carts, sprayers, spreaders, and other yard equipment. For the right buyer, a lawn tractor may be a Smart investment. A base model starts around 450,200, but any extra accessories like a bagging kit, trailer, or sprayers must be purchased separately.
Zero-turn mowers start around 6500,500 and go well above 5,000, and you may have to buy a bagging kit separately. If your yard spans several acres and/or has a wide range of trees and flowers you need to mow around, a zero-turn model may be well worth it for the time it saves.