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.)
John Deere Electric Residential Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
John Deere’s slogan is about as legendary as their green equipment: “Nothing Runs Like a Deere.” Of course, an increasing number of manufacturers are entering the realm of electric mowers. The John Deere Z370R is among the latest products to venture into this part of the ZT universe as the brand’s first battery-powered electric residential zero-turn mower.
While we already like a lot of the features found in John Deere residential zero-turn mowers, let’s dive into its cordless offerings to see how they compare.
Z370R ZTrak Performance
Zero Turn vs. Traditional Riding Mower Buying Considerations
If you’re deciding between a traditional or zero-turn riding mower, consider these key points.
Price
If your budget is less than 3,000, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a zero-turn mower in your price range. A traditional riding mower can cost more than 3,000, but you’re likely to find a good fit between 450,200 and 6500,800.
Yard size
If you have a particularly large yard, the speed and deck size of a ZTR mower will make a huge difference in the time you spend mowing and refueling. The S100 is recommended for yards of about an acre, while the Z330M can handle three to four acres.
Yard complexity
Yards with narrow pathways between obstructions often benefit from zero-turn mowers. But be sure to compare the width of the narrowest sections with the width of a mower’s cutting deck. The most agile mower in the world is useless if it’s too wide to fit through your gate.
Storage space
The wider ZTR mower deck requires a fair amount of space in storage. A traditional riding mower is better in a tight garage, while a zero-turn mower needs a bigger outbuilding or small shed.
Ohio-based freelance writer and author Dan Stout is a former residential remodeler, commercial site supervisor and maintenance manager. He’s worked on nearly all aspects of building and DIY including project planning and permitting, plumbing, basic electric, drywall, carpentry, tiling, painting and more. He also publishes noir fantasy thrillers, including The Carter Series, from Penguin imprint DAW Books.