Custom painted lawn mowers. Custom painted lawn mowers

Enclosed Lawn Care Trailer: Advantages Key Traits

A dependable trailer for your lawn mowers is a must-have for almost any landscaping company — big or small. While open options are a popular solution (which we proudly sell), some business owners and managers prefer the advantages of an enclosed lawn care trailer. If you’re trying to decide whether an open or enclosed trailer is your next purchase, we can help — and recommend the perfect model to buy, too.

At TP Trailers, we offer a huge range of open and enclosed trailers from top-tier brands. Our experienced experts also provide the guidance to help business owners make the right choice for their needs and budget. Keep reading to dig into the advantages of enclosed lawn trailers, learn about must-have features, and even get your price quotes.

Why Choose an Enclosed Mowing Trailer?

By opting for an enclosed mowing trailer, you equip yourself with an unexpected set of benefits that can make it the only choice. These trailers can have a positive impact on your business in ways you may not have thought about yet. These are the key advantages that make enclosed trailers the right choice for some landscapers:

Protecting Mowers from the Elements — Just like your trailer is an investment, your mowers are, too. Keeping them out of the elements during transportation may keep them looking newer and performing better. Given how much time you’ll spend in transit, this can keep mowers protected from a wide variety of hostile weather conditions.

If you want to know about the advantages of open trailers, read our blog about open lawn mower trailers!

Traits of the Best Enclosed Trailer for Lawn Care

If you decide to invest in one or more enclosed lawn care trailers, you want to be certain that the equipment will serve you well for years to come. These are the traits that any of the best enclosed trailers for lawn care will provide:

• Extra Wide Door Openings — This is one of the most important upgrades for an enclosed trailer. The extra wide door opening can be necessary to transport the wide-based zero turn mowers that are the bread-and-butter for most professional landscapers.
• Spring Assist Door — The best enclosed trailers for lawn care professionals come standard with the touches that make your work a little easier every time you unload and load equipment. A spring assist door is a very popular inclusion for enclosed trailers.
• Variety of Sizes — Whether you need to transport one mower or more, you can find a model that matches those needs. We offer a variety of single axle and tandem axle trailers — and some of the most popular sizes are 6’X12’, 7’X14’, 7’X16’, 7’X18’, and 8.5’x20’.
• Warranty and Lifespan — Your enclosed trailer will become an essential part of how your business operates — and it represents a significant investment. It only makes sense that you’ll want to ensure that you can depend on it for years to come. All of the best enclosed trailers for lawn care provide years of problem-free performance — and are backed by strong warranties. Many of our leading models come with 5-year manufacturer warranties, while individual components may be covered by a lifetime warranty.

Get on Enclosed Lawn Care Trailers

An enclosed lawn trailer can be more than how you get your equipment from point A to point B — consider it your mobile garage, a rolling billboard, and even a workshop. If one or more of these trailers is the tool to take your business to the next level, our team is standing by to work with you. Not only will we be able to get you a competitive price on the leading brands, but we can even help you find the right model for your needs and budget.

Reach out today to talk to our team and get prices!

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Crazy Custom Lawn Mowers

Mowing the lawn is a chore few people enjoy. These crazy custom lawn mowers make the job a lot more interesting.

Mowing the lawn is one of those chores that no one looks forward to doing. The grueling hours of work that have to be put in just to have to redo the work a few weeks later. Lawnmowers themselves are another real issue. Some are just boring and outdated and their century-old design hasn’t really improved.

These custom mowers may not be the best out there but they can certainly improve the mood of anyone mowing the lawn and any onlookers. These custom lawn mowers change the definition of ‘out of this world’ when it comes to mowing the lawn, in style. Here are the craziest custom lawn mowers.

Jet Mower

To kick things off, the jet mower puts all others to shame. This fast lawnmower allows all its users to get their lawn mowed in record time. It might leave a charred trail of grass wherever it is used through.

Coming with a tank that spits out fire, it’s one of the most unique around. While it might not be the first option for many, it will get the job done, kind of.

It’s recommended that users wear protective gear in case of any serious crashes or possible ejections. The mower is a one of a kind DIY but it is still possible to be recreated. If users have the creativity, they might even make an improved version.

Tank Mower

This won’t be the only time you see a tank on this list, only this one is a tad bit bigger than the one coming up.

When using this mower you really will feel like you are in a tank, and who wouldn’t want that? This lawnmower will also mow the lawn quicker than expected. Not only will mowing the lawn be quicker, but you’ll also be doing it in comfort.

The tank mower has an extended chair and seating space, making it one of the most comfortable on this list. While it might look a little hefty and hard to store. it’s worth the sacrifice for a lawn mower that is guaranteed to please its users.

Mower Cross

If cutting the grass evenly is an issue then the Cross is the perfect addition for you. This mower comes as a surprise for most. It is an addition to a tractor, which is pulled behind, mowing the lawn in all directions.

It’s perfect for those looking for evenly cut grass on all sides. Most people don’t really have to do much, just drive the tractor around and let the cross do its thing. It does look awkward though, very awkward. It’s almost like a tail on the tractor, if you can overlook its appearance then it’s a great option.

Military Mower

This might be the perfect option to combat those pesky weeds. With this mower, you will bring war upon the overgrown grass in your yard.

It may not look like the most functional mower, but it is combat-ready. With a cannon and camo, the grass won’t be able to see it coming.

If the cannon was functional it would serve as a way to trim the grass before mowing it, although, we have yet to see a functional cannon on a mower.

While for some it might not be appealing, those who really don’t want to cut the grass will surely enjoy doing it with their mini-tank.

BBQ Mower

Have you ever gotten hungry while mowing the lawn? Yes? Well, this is the solution.

The BBQ mower is everyone’s best friend. While you’re working on that perfect front yard, you can also be grilling lunch in the process.

This mower has an attached coal-burning mini-grill on the top so you can just set anything to cook while you’re mowing the lawn. It is also conveniently placed so flipping and moving things is simple.

While many might think this could be a hazard, it is (hopefully) perfectly safe since the actual grill is elevated far above the mower. This means that you can enjoy grilling and mowing at the same time.

Derby Mower

Honda has given us many cool options for motorcycles, cars, and now even lawn mowers.

The Honda Lawn Mower is one of the better options for those looking to mow their lawn quickly and effectively. This car/mower can be ridden in the front yard, or on the streets.

It has even broken records for its speed, making mowing your lawn in the hot sun for hours a thing of the past. Now you can mow it no time at all.

After mowing the lawn, take the vehicle out for a spin. Just beware as its speed really is no joke, drivers are in for a ride on this lawn mower.

Man of Steel Mower

If you’ve ever wanted to feel invincible while mowing the lawn this is the perfect way to do it. This mower comes fully loaded with steel casings all around. Apart from that, there is a windshield to prevent any nasty grass coming back at you. The truck wheels are large and capable of doing some serious damage to anything in its way.

While it may actually be an upgraded golf cart, this is one of the best options to get even grass. With this, you have all the comfort and reliability of a car, combined with the power and skills of a lawnmower. It’s essential for the lazy driver who doesn’t want to be walking across their front or back yard.

Toilet Mower

After a few minutes of mowing, most people find themselves tired and bored. While many mowers are available as tractors, who would love being able to sit on the john and just take it easy while mowing the lawn. Well, this one offers just that.

This mower may not be the most artistically designed out there, but it is one of the most creative. The mower has a toilet on it. The perfect addition for the person who is too far from home to make it in time.

While it is not actually functional, it does offer a fun seat and you are guaranteed a good conversation starter. All you need to make this mower is a spare toilet and some creativity.

Retro Mower

Who doesn’t miss the cute look of the 50s including rocket taillights and fenders? If you love the style (like this person obviously does) this customization might be right for you. This lawnmower is tricked out to look like a vintage car with tail lights and everything.

Its owner clearly felt that lawnmowers weren’t the most appealing to look at while pushing them around the yard. This mover puts many large mowers to shame with its fun style and small details and it reminds all onlookers of what creativity really is. For this DIY project, most people will be able to make it with a mower and some metal parts.

Lawn Mower?

With great power comes great responsibility, at least that’s what this owner was thinking when he customized his lawn mower to look like a truck. Replacing lawn bags is a thing of the past now with giant containers placed behind. It makes others look small in comparison, literally.

Large properties can now be mowed easily without much hassle, the only real issue is driving it carefully along the grass without missing a spot, or it tipping over. It’s a customization that many have thought about but few have attempted. Like many others on this list, it is one of those that work only in theory and likely not when they are actually applied.

S110 Lawn Tractor

19-HP (14.2-kW) engine

Engine oil filter and fuel filter

• Electronic ignition for fast starts
• Spring-return feature to ensure the operator will not mistakenly leave the throttle lever in the choke position
• Cast-iron cylinder liner for long engine life
• Overhead valves for excellent power and fuel economy
• Anti-vibration system
• Full-pressure lubrication and oil filter for cleaner oil, prolonging engine life and extending the time between oil changes

• effective when operating the tractor on an incline

No-tools oil drain valve

No-tools oil drain valve is easy to access when changing engine oil.

Fuel tank

Convenient fuel filler opening

• The capacity is 2.4 U.S. gal. (9.1 L).
• The fuel filler opening is conveniently located under the seat.

• Filling the tank without spilling is easy.
• A tethered fuel tank cap is more convenient.
• The sealed fuel cap helps keep vapors inside the tank.

Solid one-piece frame

Solid one-piece frame

• Full-length, robotically welded frame design has high-strength steel rails for added strength and long life.
• One-piece, steel fender deck is bolted to the frame.

Cast-iron front axle will not bend

Front axle and wheel spindle

The front axle is constructed of solid cast iron that will not bend:

• Automotive-like steering system with sector and pinion steering gears and single drag link with a tie rod provides a very strong, low-effort, and tight-turning system.
• Three grease fittings, on both steering spindles and center pivot, allow for regular lubrication to help maintain easy steering and minimize wear.
• Large, 0.75-in. (1.9-cm) diameter wheel spindles provide excellent durability.

Front bumper protects the tractor

Front bumper

Front bumper

The front bumper is included on the S130, S140, S160, S170, and S180. It is available as an optional attachment for the S100, S110, and S120.

CargO Mount™ system makes installation of rear bagger and other attachments easy

Rear CargO Mount points

Front CargO Mount points at the top of the dashboard

Rear bagger is mounted with CargO Mount points

Rear bagger is mounted with CargO Mount points

The CargO Mount system is a combination of front- and rear-mounting points providing convenient and easy installation of the sun canopy, rear bagger, and other attachments.

S140 Tractor with front blade, weights, and tire chains

S160 Tractor with snow blower, weather enclosure, weights, and tire chains

An advantage of lawn tractors is their ability to use equipment for snow removal. Lawn tractor owners can add a John Deere snow blower or front blade to make quick work of moving snow whenever the need arises. Weather enclosure and tire-chain attachments add comfort and performance.

• 44-in. (112-cm) Snow Blower
• 46-in. (117-cm) Front Blade
• Tire chains or TerraGrip traction belts
• Weather enclosure
• Weights

Two-pedal speed/direction controls

Forward speed control pedal in use

• Automotive-type accelerator controls ensure easy operation.
• Operator can change direction without lifting foot off the platform.
• Large pedal surface gives superior operator comfort.

Appropriate transmissions are used in each model, depending on rear tire size and tractor performance requirements, to ensure excellent performance and reliability:

Kanzaki and Tuff Torq are trademarks of Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.

Comfortable operator station (S130 shown)

Comfortable operator station (S130 shown)

• Controls are positioned where they are easy to reach and use to control the tractor.
• The steering wheel is positioned and angled to give the operator plenty of room and steering comfort.
• The seat is positioned to provide the most comfortable operator position.

Steering wheel and dash (S130 shown)

Wide footrest with debris-removal channels

Controls are easy to see and use:

• Large, three-spoke steering wheel for greater operator comfort and control
• Ignition switch is on the dash for starting ease

Wide footrest areas with non-slip, anti-vibration floor mats are provided for operator comfort:

• The wide footrest makes it easier to step over the mower deck while entering or exiting the seat.
• Debris-removing channels help keep the footrest area clean and dry.

Comfortable seat

Easily adjusted seat

Operator comfort is enhanced with a 15-in. (38-cm) high-back, two-piece seat with an open back:

• The open-back seat design keeps the operator cooler
• Especially helpful when operating the tractor for extended periods of time
• Easily adjusted forward or rearward while in the seat
• Seat travel of 5.5 in. (14 cm) and 10 different positions to adjust for operator height

Seat springs give a smoother ride

Seat tilted forward

Two long seat springs give plenty of seat travel to smooth out the ride, keeping the operator comfortable while operating the tractor.

The seat can be tilted forward for protection from the elements and to provide easy access to the fuel tank.

Storage compartment and beverage holder

Storage compartment and beverage holder, located on the right-side fender, are conveniently located and easy to use.

NOTE: A storage compartment cover is standard on S120, S130, S160, S170, and S180 Tractors and optional on the S100, S110, and S140.

Fender flares

Fender flares included on the S130 Tractor cover the tires more completely and add style to the tractor.

S100 Tractor

Steering wheel and controls on S100

Instruments and controls

• Controls are color-coded and labeled for easy identification.
• Controls are logically placed and easy to reach.
• The hour meter makes it easy to tell when oil changes and other maintenance should be performed.
• Functional design of the controls provides good appearance and a comfortable feel.

Side-by-side transmission control pedals

Two-pedal speed/direction controls

Side-by-side foot pedals

Side-by-side foot pedals control the speed and direction of travel:

• Automotive-type accelerator controls ensure easy operation.
• Operator can change direction without lifting foot off the platform.
• Large pedal surface gives superior operator comfort.

Mower deck height adjustment

Mower deck height adjustment lever

A spring-assisted, ergonomically designed lift lever simplifies adjusting the mower cut height:

• Increments of 1/4 in. (0.64 cm) allow fine-tuning the cut height.
• Cut height is adjustable from 1 to 4 in. (2.5 to 10.2 cm).
• The lift handle is shaped for easy use and is out of the way of entering or exiting operators.

Parking brake control

Brake/parking brake pedal

Parking brake lever

The parking brake control is conveniently located on the tractor pedestal for easy access. It holds the brake pedal securely in the locked position.

Manual power take-off (PTO)

PTO engagement lever

The mower deck is engaged with the easy-to-see and easy-to-use yellow lever above the dashboard. Its placement on the right side leaves a lot of room on the left, the entry side of the tractor, for the operator to get on and off the tractor.

Reverse implement option (RIO)

RIO switch

Using RIO

CAUTION: Children or bystanders may be injured by rotating blades. Before traveling forward or rearward:

NOTE: Backing up while the mower is engaged is strongly discouraged. RIO should be used only when operating another attachment or when the operator deems it necessary to reposition the machine with the mower engaged.

• Stop forward travel.
• Look behind the machine to be sure there are no bystanders.
• Push and hold in the RIO switch while depressing the reverse pedal slightly.

NOTE: If the engine and mower or other attachment stops while repositioning the machine, return the attachment engagement lever/switch to the off position. Start the engine and engage mower or other attachment. Begin again with step 2.

• Release the RIO switch and reposition the machine as the machine begins to move rearward.
• Resume forward travel. The mower or other attachment should continue operating.
• Repeat procedure to position the machine again.

Fuel tank gauge shows fuel level from the operator’s seat

Fuel tank gauge

Convenient fuel- filler opening

The fuel tank gauge shows how much fuel is in the tank and can be seen without leaving the operator’s seat:

One-piece hood is easy to open

Service interval decal located under hood

• Important service points are located within easy reach.
• A service interval decal is provided inside the tractor hood for convenience when servicing the tractor.

Easy-to-service engine fuel and oil filters

Easy access to fuel-fill opening

The engine fuel and oil filters, the oil check/fill tube, and the oil drain tube are exposed for serviceability when the hood is opened.

The seat tilts up and out of the way to make adding fuel easy.

Quick response (QR) codes link to owner information web pages

Example product identification number (PIN) label with QR code

John Deere riding lawn mowers are supported by owner information web pages that include links to:

• Safety and how-to videos
• Operator’s manuals
• Parts catalog
• Maintenance reminder sheets
• Attachments
• Warranty registration

To speed access to owner information web pages, a QR code is printed onto a PIN label located near the fuel fill. Since each vehicle model has its own web page, the links are specific to the owner’s model. The QR code also includes the vehicle’s unique PIN, which enables warranty registration without the need to manually enter the vehicle’s PIN.

Hood will not rust or dent, and includes quality headlights

One-piece hood with quality headlights

• Molded-in color material reduces sound and will not rust or dent.
• Same quality hood material as on larger John Deere tractors provides good resilience and UV resistance for an extended time
• Openings on the side let in plenty of cooling air while keeping the sound level low.
• Two headlights provide good lighting for nighttime operation.

MowerPlus home screen

MowerPlus maintenance screen

Keep a mower running its best and know how it mows with the John Deere MowerPlus app. Simply scan the mower’s barcode to get custom information about the mower.

• Engine hours, fuel level, and battery health (as compatible)
• Mowing history with time, distance, area, and speed
• Current day and five-day weather forecast based on location
• Walk-through setup guides
• Expert mowing tips
• Useful attachments for future purchase
• Periodic maintenance reminders
• Safety instructions

To download the free MowerPlus app, visit the Apple® App Store® or Google Play™ store.

Additional details

MowerPlus connectors (sold separately)

MowerPlus Hour Meter Connector

MowerPlus Deluxe Smart Connector, with a phone

Three MowerPlus connectors are available to transmit vehicle information to the MowerPlus app.

BUC10510 MowerPlus Hour Meter Connector is for use with:

• Model year 2003 to 2020 100 Series Tractors, including all models with an E, D, LA, or L prefix
• Model year 2015 to 2020 S240 Tractors (serial number.880,000)
• S100, S110, S140, and S220 Tractors

BUC10929 MowerPlus Deluxe Smart Connector is for use with:

• All S120, S130, S160, S170, and S180 Tractors
• Model year 2021 and newer S240 Tractors (serial number 880,001-)
• Model year 2021 and newer Z515E, Z530M, Z530R, and Z545R (serial number 010,001-)

BUC10537 MowerPlus Smart Connector is for use with:

All the MowerPlus connectors transmit engine hour information to the app, making it easy to track maintenance intervals. The MowerPlus Smart Connector and MowerPlus Deluxe Smart Connector also transmit the fuel level.

MowerPlus connectors require the MowerPlus app on a mobile device to use. The John Deere MowerPlus app and operating system requirements can be found in the mobile device’s app store. The MowerPlus app is only available in the English language, and it is not available in all countries. BUC10510 MowerPlus Hour Meter Connector requires iOS® version 10 or higher and is not compatible with Android™ operating systems.

Apple and App Store are trademarks of Apple, Inc. Google Play and Android are trademarks of Google LLC. iOS is a trademark of Cisco Technology, Inc. used under license by Apple Inc.

42-in. (107-cm) Edge cutting system

• The deep-deck design lifts grass for a clean, even cut.
• The smooth underside has no nooks and crannies, preventing grass buildup and evenly dispersing grass clippings.
• The rolled outer edge of the deck provides extra strength and protection.
• Dual-stage E-coat and powder paint coatings provide extra protection from rust.
• Flexible discharge chute minimizes property and mower deck damage.

The 42-in. (107-cm) Edge Mower Deck is a two-spindle design with heavy-duty characteristics:

• The 13-gauge, 0.09-in. (2.3-mm) steel deck provides years of dependable mowing.
• Included three-in-one blades work well for side-discharge, mulching, or bagging.
• The blade-to-spindle design provides a unique mounting system for the mower blade that provides extra safety and convenience.
• No tools are required to switch from mulching to side discharge to rear bagging.
• A mulching cover is an optional attachment that can be installed without tools to allow mulching with the standard mower blades.
• High-performance mulching blades are available to enhance mulching performance.
• A high-performance mulching attachment is an optional attachment that includes a mulch plug and special mulching blades for excellent performance.

Mower wash port

Mower wash port

Mower wash port with hose connector

A wash port is provided to make cleaning the underside of the mower deck easy:

StarLock™ blade design

StarLock blade design

The StarLock blade design keeps the blade bolt at the correct torque for easy removal.

Optional blades for difficult mulching or bagging conditions are available.

Optional bagger

6.5-bu (229-L) hopper and chute on an S100

A cut-and-throw, 6.5-bu (229-L) bagger is sold separately and comes with bagging blades. Special bagging blades are not required but they can enhance performance.

The bagger kit provides an efficient means of collecting grass clippings and leaves. It can be set up without tools in minutes and has easy-to-empty bags.

Term limited to years or hours used, whichever comes first, and varies by model. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at JohnDeere.com or JohnDeere.ca/TUWarranty for details.

Engine power19 hp14.2 kW Oil changeNo-tools oil drain with replaceable filter Engine manufacturer/model33R877 (M33) Transaxle typeTLT200 hydrostatic, two-wheel drive Transaxle controlSide-by-side pedals Rear tires20x8-8 Lift system typeSpring-assisted hand-grip lever Cutting widthEdge™ mower deck, 42 in.107 cm U.S. warranty2 year/120 hour bumper-to-bumper (Term limited to years or hours used, whichever comes first, and varies by model. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at JohnDeere.com or JohnDeere.ca/TUWarranty for details.)

Power19 hp14.2 kW Displacement33 cu in.540 cc Manufacturer/model33R877 (M33) TypeOverhead valve, full-pressure lube, oil filter CylindersOne GovernorMechanical Choke/speed controlSingle lever with spring-return on choke Cooling methodAir Air cleanerCartridge Oil changeNo-tools oil drain with replaceable filter

TypeGasoline Fuel deliveryPulse pump and carburetor Fuel gaugeMechanical, viewable from seat Fuel tank locationRear Fuel fill openingCenter, 1.75 in.4.45 cm Fuel tank capacity2.4 U.S. gal.9.1 L

Battery12 V300 CCA Charging systemRegulated, 8 amp Engine starterBendix type Hour meterYes HeadlightsTwo standard, incandescent Taillights or reflectorNo Backup lightsNo Rear work lightsNo 12-V outletNo

TypeHydrostatic, 2-wheel drive ControlSide-by-side pedals Cruise controlNo Oil coolerFins and fan on transaxle Oil filterYes, not serviceable Differential lockNo Forward speed0-5.5 mph0-8.9 km/h Reverse speed0-3.2 mph0-5.2 km/h BrakesInternal wet disk

FrameFull-length welded steel Primer/paintE-coat/powder Weight bracketOptional rear Receiver hitchNo Front axleCast-iron front axle, powdered-metal front wheel bushings Spindle bushingsNo Front tires15x6-6 Rear tires20x8-8 Hood materialMolded-in color material reduces sound, will not rust or dent Fender deck materialStamped steel Floor matsYes, with debris removing channels StorageStorage tray with optional cover Service interval decalYes Fender handles/gripsNo Cup holderYes Equipment mountingCargO Mount™ system Maximum towing capacity500 lb227 kg

TypeSector and pinion with single drag link and tie rod Four-wheel steerNot available on this model Steering wheelStandard, diameter. 12 in.30.5 cm Tilt steering wheelNo Turning radius18 in.45.7 cm Uncut circle radius25 in.63.5 cm

TypeTwo piece with open-back Seat back height15 in.38 cm ArmrestsNo Fore-aft adjustmentWhile seated, 5.5 in.14 cm Seat suspensionTilt, two coil springs

TypeSpring-assisted hand-grip lever Hydraulic outletsNo Mower cut height13 positions, 1-4 in.2.5-10.2 cm Cut height increments0.25 in.0.64 cm Preset cut heightNo

TypeSide discharge Cutting widthEdge™ mower deck, 42 in.107 cm ConstructionStamped steel deck shell Mower deck materialSteel, 13 gauge0.090 in.2.3 mm Mower wash portYes Mower drive systemManual power take-off (PTO) Mower wheelsTwo Mower wheel adjustmentOne bolt Mower level adjustmentEasy-level deck

TypeSlide under tractor Front draft armsOne spring clip Rear draft armsTwo spring clips Mower wheels rotateNo Drive systemSingle belt

Meets ANSI standardYes Meets OPEI standardYes Backup protectionReverse Implement Option (RIO) Safety videoYes

NotesMolded-in color material reduces sound, will not rust or dentDurable primer and powder paint finishFull-length welded steel frame Warranty2 year/120 hour bumper-to-bumper (Term limited to years or hours used, whichever comes first, and varies by model. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at JohnDeere.com or JohnDeere.ca/TUWarranty for details.)

Mowers Rear bagger2-bag, 6.5 bu229 L Powered material collection Mulching systemMulch cover or high-performing plug Front thatcher Front blade46 in.116.8 cm Mid-mount blade Snow blowerTwo-stage, 44 in.111.8 cm Rotary broom Rotary tiller Sleeve hitch 3-point hitch Rear power take-off (PTO) Plow, moldboard Box scraper Cultivator Rear blade Disk harrow Landscape rake SprayerTow-behind, 15 U.S. gal.56.8 LMounted, 15 U.S. gal.Tow-behind only, 25 U.S. gal.94.6 L SpreaderTow-behind only, 125-175 lb57.7-80 kg Front bumperStyled front bumper Brush guard Weather protectionWeather enclosure Sun canopySun canopy Rear receiver hitch Bucket holderYes, single bucket Grass stripingLawn striping kit Tractor shovel Front loader Other equipment Tow-behind tools16

Height44 in.112 cm Overall length69.7 in.177 cm Wheelbase48.9 in.124.2 cm Width with mower55.2 in.140.2 cm Width with mower (deflector raised for storage)46.5 in.118.1 cm Width without mower WeightMower, no fuel, 414 lb188 kg

The Best Zero-Turn Mowers of 2023

These achieve the rare feat of making lawn mowing fun.

By Roy Berendsohn Published: Mar 1, 2023

When it comes to yard work, zero turn mowers do the impossible. They make lawn mowing fun. They accomplish this by putting unprecedented speed, control and maneuverability at the disposal of the person mowing the lawn. The so-called “zero turn” feature of these mowers converts a grass cutting machine into something akin to an amusement park ride. You steer the machine with two levers—the left lever controls the left wheel, the right lever the right wheel. With that steering setup, you can zoom over the landscape cutting straight lines, curves, or pivot the mower into and out of a corner. What’s not to like?

Read on to understand how these agile grass cutters work, how we go about testing them, and see some candidates that we’ve recently tested as well as some that we haven’t but that we think look particularly promising.

How Zero-Turn Mowers Work

A zero-turn riding mower consists of an operator platform, a frame and wheels, an engine (or battery bank), transmissions (or motors), and a pair of control levers commonly known as lap bars. In gas mowers, the engine powers a pulley system. One group of pulleys drives the blades, another group powers a pair of transmissions–one at each rear wheel. When you move the lap bar forward or back, you are directing the transmission to go faster, slower, or even turn the opposite way. When one drive wheel turns clockwise and the other counter clockwise, the mower pivots. When the wheels rotate at different rates, the mower turns in an arc-shaped path. When the lap bars are in the neutral position, the mower stops. Aside from a parking brake, there’s no other braking mechanism. Battery-powered zero-turn mowers work the same way, but have separate motors to drive the rear wheels and one for each blade inside the mower deck.

When it comes to transmission, most mowers have a Hydrogear EZT—a well-known and cost-effective residential-grade transaxle with a reputation for durability.

Some mowers use a deck stamped from one piece of steel, others use a deck fabricated from multiple pieces and welded together. A fabricated deck can be built from thicker steel at a lower cost than it would be able to be built otherwise. Once you’re talking about stamping metal as thick as 10 gauge (about 1⁄8 inch thick), the cost of stamping such a deck would push up the mower’s price beyond what most people are willing to pay. The decks in the mowers below range from 42 to 52 inches, a typical size in this class of product. When powered by these engines and the Hydrogear, these mowers will deliver a decent cut quality at their rated top speed of 7 mph. Note, however, that cut quality declines steeply if you maintain that speed in very thick grass or on uneven terrain.

As to the electric mowers, they represent the leading edge of the technology in this category. These are remarkable and expensive mowers powered by large-voltage lithium-ion batteries. If you’re interested in reducing mowing noise and simplifying your maintenance routine by eliminating gas and oil, they’re worth a look.

Selecting a Zero-Turn Mower

Everyone would like to select the biggest possible zero-turn mower with the hope of whittling a big grass cutting job down to size as quickly as possible. Reality usually intercedes because these machines are expensive and the wide range of options available today quickly drive up the cost. Roughly speaking, you start somewhere in the range of a mower with a 42-inch deck costing in the vicinity of 3200 to 3500 and move up in increments of 1000 to 1500 until you reach entry-level commercial-grade equipment that costs 7000 to 8000.

Again, speaking in terms of approximation, a mower with a 42-inch deck will cut a two-acre lot (that takes into account that the house, driveway, outbuildings and various landscape features are taking up some of that space). Use a mower with a larger deck to cut anything over two acres. But here’s the caveat. That entry-level ZTR mower (3200, say) with a 42-inch deck will wear out faster and need more maintenance than a mower with a 50-inch deck, a heavier frame, larger engine and higher quality transmissions, and thicker deck with more robust blade spindles, costing 4500.

In the simplest possible terms, you can cut a smaller area with a larger mower and expect more longevity out of the machine (not to mention a nicer mowing experience) or you can cut a larger area with a smaller machine and encounter more maintenance and a mowing experience that will be, we might say, a bit more rugged.

But there are still other factors to consider, in selecting a mower other than deck size and your budget. Larger mowers take more space in a garage or outbuilding. And a mower with a 50-inch or even 60-inch deck, as useful as it might be in getting the job done more quickly, may not fit through a fence’s gate, and it might be more difficult to maneuver in tight spots without creating scalp marks on the lawn from a lot of close-quarter pivoting.

Carefully consider all these factors when shopping for a mower: your budget, maintenance and whether you will perform that work yourself, mowing speed and time, maneuverability and trimming in tight areas, the importance that you place on your comfort while mowing, cut quality, longevity, storage, and access to the landscape.

How We Select and Test

There’s only one way to test a mower, and that’s to cut grass with it. But we also do more than mow.

We raise and lower the deck and adjust the seat. We look at service point access (the air filter, the spark plug, and the oil filter) and how easy it is to remove the deck. We mow approximately an acre with each mower, considering cut and mulching quality while running uphill, downhill, across washboard, and along sidehills. (On sidehills, we’ll mow surfaces pitched up to approximately 20 degrees; manufacturers generally recommend not going steeper than 10 degrees, but we like to be thorough.) We evaluate power and speed relative to cut quality—we investigate whether the mower delivers a decent cut mowing at full speed. When mowing in damp conditions, we look at whether the mower’s tires accumulate grass and how effectively it discharges moist clippings. Finally, we test maneuverability (these machines are, generally, very nimble) and how readily they come to a stop when you back off the lap bar control levers.