A zero-turn lawnmower, unlike other lawnmowers, has its mowing deck at the front and not underneath as you’d expect from a traditional lawnmower or a lawn tractor. But where does it get its name from?
Well, the zero-turn or the zero-turn radius has to do with the fact that the mower moves zero inches from the spot it was while turning, a feature which gives these types is mowers the highest mowing speeds, coupled with the highest level of maneuverability.
Keep in mind that even with the differences in the positioning of the cutting deck, a zero-turn lawn mower could be a stand-on, a walk-behind, or even a riding mower.
However, some of the things that will unite all the zero-turn lawn mowers include the 4-wheeled design which comprises of two large rear wheels and smaller, swiveling wheels at the front.
The operation of these mowers is also different from that of the conventional mowers with the steering controlled by your hands on the handles, where each handle controls a subsequent drive wheel.
So, for you to make a right turn, you’d need to increase the riding speed of the left, rear-wheel, decreasing the speed of the right-rear wheel, attaining the right amount of steering for the mower without having to move forward.
You also need to keep in mind that the design of the engines for these zero-turn mowers is rather complex – to allow for the varying speeds of the rear wheels, and thanks to the overall design of these mowers, they work well in different terrains, and you won’t have to worry about missed spots once you’re done with mowing.
You can reach hard-to-reach places with ease too.
Finally, it would be a great idea to invest in a zero-turn mower if you need a high-speed mower with a high level of efficiency, a lawnmower that makes it easy for you to get into the tight spots, moving fast to over acres of yard in minutes. One caveat, though: the lawnmower could be potentially dangerous in bumpy and uneven conditions.
And as expected, the zero-turn lawn mowers are quite expensive, and that means that unless you have a yard that is a few acres big, or one on a flat area, or if you need the convenience and the efficiency that comes with the zero-turn mowers, then it means that you’d need to expand your budget or save more to afford this mower.
It doesn’t mean, however, that there are no zero-turn mowers for us at home. That said, below are some of the best options that you might like.
Table of Contents
10 Best Zero-Turn Mower Under 4000
1. Husqvarna Z254F 54-Inch 26HP Kohler Zero-Turn Riding Mower
This 54-inch zero-turn lawnmower is a top-rated lawnmower, and it would be one of the best options for you if you are looking for the best residential zero-turn lawnmowers.
This mower is of the zero-turn mowers from Husqvarna’s range of Z200 series that’s made of some of their best zero-turn radius mowers. The mower offers one of the best levels and features for an advance level of performance.
One of these high-value features of this mower is its extremely reliable Kohler 26HP engine, which is one of the most powerful engines for lawnmowers, and also the reason for the mower’s top-speed of 6.5MPH.
The other reason why this is one of our favorite mowers is its powerful and reliable brake system, which will activate and also easily deactivate automatically on either the inward or the outward movement by use of high-functioning steering levers.
The mower also boasts the advanced air-induction technology system, which enhances the performance of the mower by drawing in air from its peak and also at the base of the deck.
Then you have the large 54-inch cutting deck that’s designed to ease and speed up grass cutting on large and small yards. This cutting deck has a heavy-duty steel reinforcement that boosts the durability of the cutting deck and the entire mower.
You might also like this mower because it offers some of the best features that will ensure the easy bagging, discharge, and the mulching of grass clippings.
Pros
Cons
2. Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52-inch Zero-Turn Mower FR691 Series
This lawnmower is one of the most comfortable zero-turn riding mowers that works great for large and even medium-sized yards. It’s powered by a 23HP Kawasaki FR V-Twin engine and works along with the 52-inch cutting deck, which will enhance the performance of the mower.
The deck is 4.5inches in depth, and it’s made from 11-gauge fabricated steel, which is quite durable and easy to use. This mower is also easy to use and control thanks to the foot/ pedal-operated deck, which will make it easy for you to choose one out of the 13 variable cutting heights that range from 1.5 and 4.5inches.
It’s also comfortable, thanks to the high-back padded seat, a feature that allows you to ride for longer, comfortably. The power and the performance of this mower make it a great residential mower that borders on the side of a commercial mower.
Pros
Cons
3. Ariens Zoom 34 Turn Lawn Mower
Next in line is this Zoom 34 Ariens zero-turn mower, a 34-inch cutting deck mower that sports a durable and high-strength 12-gauge steel which ensures its best performance even in the hardiest conditions.
It comes with a 660cc, 19HP Kohler 6600 V-Twin engine that ensures a great level of performance and fast mowing, regardless of the size of your lawn.
The mower also features a foot-operated deck-lift, which is easy to use, a 4-level deck hanging system, as well as an its mid-back seat with extra padding.
Some of the accessories that work with this mower include the armrest kit, the 2-bucket bagger, shoulder support, mulching kit, wheel covers, and the trailer hitch.
Pros
Cons
4. Snapper 2691402 360Z 23HP 48-Inch Mower
For a lawnmower that offers the best level of versatility in grass-cutting, you might want to consider this versatile mower by Snapper. With a 50lbs capacity in its cargo bay, this mower will easily haul different tools and landscaping accessories with great ease.
The cargo bay is also fitted with rails to allow you to add more accessories, including a tailgate.
On top of its high functionality, you might also like this mower because of its powerful Briggs and Stratton Professional Series Engine, which also features a large cutting width of 48 inches.
The other top features of this mower include the ultra-durable 12-gauge steel frame (fabricated), hence is longevity. It has a fork-operated deck-lift, which ensures better control and comfort, as you cut grass at different lengths ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 inches.
The mower also boasts great comfort thanks to the mid-back seat, as long as you won’t be spending too much time riding. The comfort function of this mower makes it ideal for medium-sized and large residential lawns.
Pros
Cons
5. Husqvarna Z242F 42-in 18 HP Zero-Turn Riding Mower
With an 18HP Kawasaki engine that punches above its weight, a high-speed 6.5MPH, and a hydrostatic pedal-operated transmission, this mower promises great performance in varying cutting conditions, and reliable startups and efficiency.
Its patent-pending park brake system will automatically activate and also deactivate easily as the steering wheels’ levers are moved either inward or outward. It also has a ClearCut deck, which offers great bagging and cutting functions thanks to its deep deck design, the high-performance blades, and its superior airflow.
It also features an ergonomic control panel, as well as an anti-slip foot area, which makes the mower a lot safer and very intuitive. The mower is also easy to use thanks to the steering levers, which move outward easily when you are trying to park the mower.
Pros
Cons
6. Troy-Bilt 34-inch Mustang Fit
If you need a zero-turn mower for your small lawn of between 0.5 and 0,7 acres, then this would be the best lawn mower for you. It’s the precise size for small lawn thanks to its 34-inch deck, as well as its dual EZT hydrostatic transmission, which is hand-controlled by 2levers, allowing you to cut grass across the sharp turns with ease.
Then there’s the powerful 452cc engine, which will provide for not only the best and the highest max speed, but also the best reverse movement. Its top forward speed is 6MPH.
This mower also boasts a slim-cut design, which means that the mower will be able to effectively handle your lawn in less time and with a great level of versatility, regardless of the terrain.
To enhance its cutting functions, this mower comes with a deck made of steel-stamping, a feature that’s designed to ensure fast mowing. The deck is box-shaped, and it sports an abrasive footpad that comes with strong connections.
Its versatility is further enhanced by the 8-level adjustment heights. The adjustment is wholly mechanical, and the lever positioned at the right side of the deck, easily accessible. It also comes with a deck mesh which ensures fast cleaning of the cleaning deck.
The mower is also comfortable, and you can mow for hours without worrying about your neck, back, or shoulders, thanks to the mower’s high-back seat, which is fitted with a dual suspension system.
It also comes with a cup holder for your hydration or energy. The safety functions of this mower are also enhanced by the parking brake, which will stop the actions of the mower whenever it’s not in use.
Pros
Cons
7. Troy-Bilt XP 60-inch 25HP Mower
The best mowers on the market are powerhouses and are heavily built, powered by gas, and they are made of the highest-quality parts to ensure the mower’s superior performance.
This mower comes with a 25HP powerful Briggs and Stratton Turf Engine, which gives the mower all the drive it needs to get through large lawns with ease. The engine powers a 4-stroke electric start system for high efficiency, long-lasting performance, and few running and maintenance issues.
Its cutting deck is also a powerful and robust steel deck with a cutting width of 60inches, hence the ideal mower for large residential yards, as well as commercial yards.
The performance of the cutting deck is further enhanced by the electric Power Take-Off system (PTO), which ensures that the engagement of the cutting blades is swift, in any of the 8 adjustable height levels.
Therefore, this mower boasts an excellent level of versatility. You’ll be happy to know that the maintenance of the mower is easy thanks to the deck wash, which allows for the automatic washing away of the grass clippings under the deck.
The other cool features of these commercial-scale mowers include the pivoting front axle that allows for breezy turns at sharp corners, the front caster wheels which ensure a high grip for 360-degree turns, as well as the 4-deck wheels and the rear roller which ensures zero lawn scalping and efficient mowing.
The seat is also comfortable, and you might also like the bright front LED lights, which ensure ease of operation at night. Like other high-end zero-turn radius mowers, it comes with a cup holder.
Pros
Cons
8. Troy-Bilt Super Mustang XP 50-inch 724cc Mower
With a powerful 724cc OHV engine with 3-gallon capacity and the use of the smooth EZT dual transmission, this mower is one of the best and the most powerful commercial lawn mowers that you could try today.
The power of the Briggs and Stratton engine means that the mower is capable of mowing a large lot, especially the ones with the roughest grasses. Its power and the design of the wheels further meant that the mower will work aggressively, but consistently on rough terrains.
And with the zero-turn radius design, this mower saves on time and money because you don’t have to go back and forth to ensure that the turns are mowed well.
This mower also boasts an extra-wide 50-inch dual blade cutting deck, which will cut large paths, allowing you to get through the day’s work in a shorter time. Note that the mower has 8 adjustable height positions allowing you to choose the grass height you need to retain.
The efficiency of the mower is further enhanced by the premium-quality and well-padded high-back seat, as well as an ample amount of legroom, which ensures the smoothest of rides.
The 3-gallon capacity of the fuel tank means that you won’t need to make too many refueling stops.
Its Lap-bar steering ensures fast mowing, which means that in as much as this mower is designed for residential use, this Troy-Bilt XP mower would do well in commercial settings too.
The mower is also quite durable thanks to the 2 anti-scalp wheels, the nose roller, and the reinforced, heavy-duty frame. The wheels enhance the traction of the mower on rugged areas.
Pros
Cons
9. Husqvarna Z142 ZTR Mower
For a zero-turn radius lawn mower that works well on residential lawns, you might like this mower by the renowned Husqvarna brand. This mower comes with a 17HP Kohler engine which drives this beast, while also ensuring more reliable startups, as well as a top mowing speed of 6.5MPH.
The engine drives the 42-inch cutting deck to ensure the fastest mowing of the lawn, and consistency. It also comes with a zero-maintenance zero-turn transmission, saving you transmission issues and high maintenance costs.
This transmission also ensures ease of cutting in different mowing conditions.
You might also like this mower because of its durability: a function brought forth by the reinforced steel, stamped cutting deck. This cutting deck is made of heavy and flat-stock steel, hence maximum reliability and durability.
The mower allows for easy handling of the clippings, and you could choose for the clippings to be discharged on the side, bagged, or mulched (bagger and mulching kit to be bought separately).
It also makes use of the air induction mowing technology, which draws in air through the top and the bottom of the cutting deck, ensuring consistent and superior cuts.
Pros
Cons
10. Ariens 915213 Zero-Turn Radius Mower
This 19HP Ariens Zero-Turn mower might be the perfect fit for you if you are looking for an ideal zero-turn mower to use around your home. With this robust engine and its 42-inch cutting deck, this mower promises to simplify and shorten the mowing time you need to get the work done.
It also comes with a twin cylinder electric start and a hydro transmission system which promises a smooth mowing operation. The mower has a 2.0-gallon capacity which means that you won’t have to go back and forth trying to refuel. Its cutting speed is 6MPH as the forward speed, and the mower also mows in reverse at a speed of 3MPH.
The mower will discharge clippings on the side, but if you don’t want this to happen, you might want to buy a mulching kit or a bagger, separately, either for mulching or bagging of the grass clippings. It also comes with adjustable cutting heights ranging from 1 ½ inches to 4 ½ inches.
The wheels are also designed in different sizes to enhance the maneuverability and the turning speeds of the mower.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Zero-turn radius lawnmowers are efficient, time-saving, cost-effective, they come with more utilities, which means that investing in one would be one of the best investments of your life, especially if you are tired of the slower riding mowers that require more time and effort when it comes to working the corners.
The ZTR reviewed above are some of the best on the market, in the under a$4000 category, and they come with the features you need for more efficient mowing.