Best Zero Turn Mowers

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All claims are strictly my personal opinion.

best zero turn mowersPopular for their unmatched mobility and excellent performance, zero turn lawn mowers give you all the driving and cutting power you’d find on a regular model but take handling, speed and versatility to a whole new level, making them capable of taking on any lawn, regardless of size or shape. Even though there are a lot of choices out there, we’ve managed to make a selection of the models that are, in our opinion, the very best zero turn lawn mowers on the market – all of which have been thoroughly tested, reviewed and compared to ensure they truly are above the competition.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the winners and find the perfect one for you!

Best Zero Turn Mowers Comparison

These are, in our opinion, the best zero turn mowers on the market, thoroughly compared for you.

Best Zero Turn Mowers Reviews

Here you can read our in-depth best zero turn mower reviews, letting you know exactly what each one has to offer and which one’s the right one for you.

Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

The Husqvarna MZ61 is a favorite among serious professionals that just want the best zero turn mower without any compromise and in our opinion, it’s an excellent choice. Perfect to tackle extensive acreage in a smooth, effective and fast manner, the MZ61 delivers a truly outstanding amount of quality and performance that’s capable of taking on any task with ease, regardless of the terrain’s roughness or vastness. It features a wide 61-inch cutting deck that can cut around 4.2 acres in 1 hour – highly impressive – which ensures your job’s done not only well but fast too. Equipped with a powerful and robust 24 HP Kawasaki engine that’s known for its heavy-duty lifelong performance, the MZ61 roars into life and has more than enough potency to take on even the hardest jobs.

It has a simple pedal-operated deck lifting system that allows you to select from 12 settings to cut your grass from 1.5” to 4.5” while the cutting deck itself is made from robust 11-gauge steel with aluminum spindles. The Husqvarna MZ61 comes with a ROPS (roll-over protection system), which keeps you safe in case the machine tips over and further ensures your protection while riding.

Moreover, this fantastic zero turn lawn mower is designed to offer comfort even when used for extended periods of time due to the seat’s comfortable padding, high back, useful armrests and modern vibration dampeners that reduce the impact on your arms and hands. All in all, it’s a beast of a machine and considered by many, including myself, to be one of the very best zero turn lawn mowers on the market.

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Features

  • 24 HP Kawasaki engine
  • 61-inch cutting deck
  • Roll-over protection system (ROPS)
  • Fabricated 11-gauge steel cutting deck
  • Deck lifting system
  • High-back seat with armrests, vibration dampeners and foam-padded grips

Pros

  • The 61-inch cutting deck can handle large lawns and yards effortlessly
  • Powerful and reliable engine
  • Excellent build quality
  • Super effective and delivers beautiful results

Cons

  • Quite expensive
  • The mower weighs around 800lbs and requires special arrangements to move it

Swisher ZTR2766BS Response 27 HP 66-Inch B&S ZTR Mower

Next on our personal best zero turn lawn mower list is the ravenous Swisher ZTR2766BS Response. Equipped with a stunningly powerful 27 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, the zero turn riding lawn mower is built not only for durability and reliability but also speed and performance. It features an extra-large 66-inch cutting deck that can effortlessly tackle a half-acre plot in just 20 minutes, ensuring that whatever task you have at hand gets done quickly.

The Swisher ZTR2766BS Response has the widest cutting deck among the various models which coupled with its pre-equipped 3 Gator blades ensures it has the mulching capabilities of a beast. This excellent zero turn riding lawn mower offers outstanding maneuverability and a full engine wrap that makes its storage convenient and easy. It’s also comfortable, beautifully detailed, nicely crafted and also has a roll-over protection system to ensure your safety at all times. The cherry on top is that you can get all the features and performance of the Swisher ZTR2766BS Response at a very attractive price.

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Features

  • 27 HP Briggs & Stratton engine
  • 66-inch cutting deck
  • 11-gauge fabricated cutting deck
  • Hydro-Gear 2800 transmissions
  • Ogura clutch
  • Roll-over protection
  • Foot assisted deck lift
  • Made in the USA

Pros

  • Huge cutting deck
  • Extremely powerful performance
  • Easy to use and fun to ride
  • Heavy-duty steel construction

Cons

  • Large and bulky

Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

If you ask professionals the very relevant question of “what are the best zero turn mowers?”, one of the most popular answers is by far the Husqvarna MZ61. This beastly riding lawn mower is an excellent choice if you are into professional landscaping because it is built to perform and deliver gorgeous results no matter how extensive or rough the conditions get. Equipped with a 27 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, the Husqvarna MZ61 helps to maximize fuel efficiency and provides impressive power.

The riding land mower is ideal if you have large yards and acres of land and if you’re looking for fuel efficiency, as well as completing your job very quickly. The 5-gallon fuel capacity of the Husqvarna MZ61 ensures that you can work continuously for several hours without having to stop for refueling. The lawn mower has an ergonomically designed deck lifting system that allows you to adjust the cutting height precisely.

The hydraulic system is professionally rated and the heavy-duty steel frame of the Husqvarna MZ61 ensures that you have the best mowing experience. The Husqvarna MZ61’s build quality is top-notch and the ergonomic high-back seat design, armrests and changeable levers offer extra comfort when you’re putting in long hours of work. The seat belt ensures extra safety when you are using the machine on an incline or a hill.  The Husqvarna MZ61 has plenty of features and is, in my opinion, among the best zero turn lawn mowers on the market.

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Features

  • 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Endurance V-Twin engine
  • 61-inch cutting deck
  • 11-gauge fabricated steel cutting deck
  • Pedal Assisted Cutting Deck Lift
  • Hydrostatic gear transmission
  • 3-blade cutting system

Pros

  • The build quality of the lawn mower is excellent
  • Durable and solid cutting deck
  • Excellent maneuverability
  • The zero-turn offers speed and precision
  • Starts very easily every time

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Downhill traction can be better

Swisher ZTR2454BS-CA Response Gen 2-24 HP/54 B&S ZTR Zero Turn Mower, 54″, Black

If you have a large-sized yard with plenty of landscaping to be done and you are looking for the best zero turn lawn mower for rough terrain, then I would definitely personally recommend the Swisher ZTR2454BS Response mower for consideration. Made from sturdy commercial-grade steel and equipped with a powerful 24 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, the Swisher can keep on mowing. The large 54-inch cutting deck along with the 3 Gator mulching blades deliver clean cuts.

Since the Swisher ZTR2454BS Response is a zero-turn mower, it does not have a steering wheel. Instead, it has 2 highly responsive joystick controls on both sides of the seat that make it especially easy to operate the mower. The foot assisted deck lift enables you to adjust the height of the mower deck easily and the mower has a debris shield in the front that prevents the grass clippings from being blown back at you.

You can go across the landscape both forwards and in reverse at a speed of 8 mph to get your job done quickly. And, the 8-gallon fuel tank ensures that you have plenty of fuel that lets you work without interruptions. The Swisher ZTR2454BS Response offers many other extra features such as a storage bin, a cup holder and a full seat. All in all, when considering which model is the best ztr mower, this Swisher machine stands out as a fierce competitor and an excellent buy.

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Features

  • 24 HP Briggs & Stratton engine
  • 54-inch cutting deck
  • 8-gallon fuel capacity
  • Hydro-Gear 2800 transmission
  • 3 Gator mulching blades
  • 11-gauge fabricated cutting deck
  • Rapid Response Control System
  • 8 mph forward and reverse
  • Composite fenders along with integrated storage
  • Electric start
  • High-back seat with armrests
  • 3-year warranty

Pros

  • Powerful engine
  • Maneuvering of the machine is quite smooth compared to other lawn mower models
  • The lawn mower is very balanced and offers excellent maneuverability
  • Seating is extremely comfortable
  • The large cutting deck helps to save time
  • Hydro drive system offers variable speed

Cons

  • Needs regular maintenance

Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

The Husqvarna Z254 has all the features required to deliver, in my opinion, one of the best zero turn lawn mowing experiences on the market – all at an especially attractive price. Equipped with the 26 HP Kohler engine and a 54-inch deck, the zero-turn riding lawn mower lets you mow your small or large lawn up to 3 acres with minimal effort. The Husqvarna Z254 delivers sufficient power that can tackle rough terrain easily.

The controls of the lawn mower are ergonomically designed, which makes the handling of the machine extremely comfortable. The park brake system allows you to control and stop the lawn mower easily when you’re mowing. The Husqvarna Z254 has other useful features such as chrome-plated valves, an oversized cooling fan and a deck lifting system that is spring assisted.

The lawn mower’s deck is made of stamped steel and is reinforced to offer extra strength and durability. The lawn mower has a vinyl seat that has seat springs and the bumper is equipped with LED headlights. So, if you’re on the lookout for a zero turn lawn mower that offers cutting-edge design, innovative features and superb performance, then undoubtedly, according to me, the Husqvarna Z254 is an excellent choice.

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Features

  • 26 HP Kohler engine
  • 54-inch deck
  • Max speed of 6.5 mph
  • Park brake system
  • Air induction mowing technology
  • Reinforced steel stamped cutting deck

Pros

  • Compactly designed lawn mower that delivers an efficient performance
  • Simple to use
  • Powerful engine offers plenty of torque
  • Suitable for heavy-duty usage

Cons

  • The engine is a bit noisy
  • The bagger attachment and mulching kit must be bought separately

Troy-Bilt Super Mustang XP Riding Lawn Mower with 50-Inch Deck and 724cc Briggs & Stra

The Troy Bilt Super Mustang XP is probably, in my opinion, the best zero turn mower for sale that offers an excellent combination of a slim-line design, a powerful engine and a 50-inch deck. This is an excellent combination if you’re looking to mow large areas quickly and efficiently, but don’t have a lot of space for storage of the lawn mower. And, the best part is that the price of the Troy Bilt Super Mustang XP is very affordable too.

Equipped with a 23 HP Briggs & Stratton Pro Series engine, the zero turn riding lawn mower offers the power, as well as the performance, you need. You can select from 6 cutting heights and the 3 blades give you a smoother finish. The lawn mower moves at a speed of around 7 mph and you can cover around 2.5 acres in an hour.

The Troy Bilt Super Mustang XP lawn mower can be operated using the lap bars which are suitable for drivers of any size. You can simply push them to dismount and this will engage the parking brake automatically. The lawn mower features a premium high back seat and plenty of legroom that ensures that you are very comfortable when working. Loaded with innovative features, durability and extra power, the Troy Bilt Super Mustang XP can cut down the time needed for lawn care significantly.

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Features

  • 23 HP 724 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV engine
  • EZT dual Hydro transmission
  • 50-inch dual blade cutting deck
  • high-back seat
  • 3-gallon fuel tank
  • Slim-line design
  • 8-position hand-operated deck lift

Pros

  • The deck has a built-in wash system that allows easy cleaning of the blade and underside
  • The engine is quiet and powerful
  • The slim-line design of the lawn mower requires less space for storage
  • Smooth and easy operation

Cons

  • The reversing speed is quite slow

Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series

This excellent Ariens machine that I have included in my zero turn lawn mower reviews is the IKON-X – a true powerhouse of value. The lawn mower is equipped with a powerful 23 HP 726 cc Kawasaki V-Twin engine that’s known for its reliability even under heavy-duty and the Ikon-X also has a sizable 52-inch deck that will get your work done very quickly, ensuring that you do not waste any time. Coupled with its great construction quality it also has a sturdy 10-gauge steel frame that’s ensured to endure the test of time.

The zero-turn lawn mower features a 4-point dual arm deck hanging system which can be controlled by a dial and allows you to select the suitable cutting height. The Ariens Ikon-X lawn mower is very comfortable, thanks to the padded high-backed seat with armrests and it also has padded control levers and the lawn mower is very easy to ride.

Ariens Ikon-X is, in my opinion, among the best zero turn riding lawn mowers that will cut your lawn smoothly and efficiently. Overall, this affordably priced zero turn riding lawn mower is a solid option and comes fully assembled, which you can put to use straight out of the box.

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Features

  • 23 HP 726 cc Kawasaki V-Twin engine
  • 52-inch deck
  • 10-gauge tubular steel frame
  • 4-point dual arm deck hanging system
  • Padded high-backed seat and armrests
  • Padded control levers
  • 3-year warranty

Pros

  • Very comfortable to ride
  • It is very easy to use and will cut your lawn perfectly
  • Incredible value for the price

Cons

  • Not very fuel efficient

Honorable Mention

Even though the following machines didn’t quite make the top of our best zero turn mower reviews, they’re still worth mentioning as great choices.

Ariens Zoom 34 – 19hp Kohler 6000 Series V-Twin 34″ Zero Turn Lawn Mower

When making a list of the best zero turn lawn mower reviews, I just couldn’t leave the awesome Ariens Zoom 34 out. Even though it’s not as heavy-duty as the other choices, it deserves an honorable mention – let’s see why! Powered by the 6000 series 19 HP engine, the Ariens Zoom 34 offers great performance for the price while the 34-inch deck and its compact size make this zero turn riding lawn mower a solid choice for residential, as well as commercial use if the areas aren’t too extensive.

Although the size of the Ariens Zoom 34 is compact, it can still handle most terrains with ease due to how nimble it is plus it can move pretty quickly at around 6 mph due to its light weight. The deck made from 12-gauge stamped steel is very durable and long lasting and provides top-quality cut. It also features a foot operated deck lift that allows you to adjust the height between 1.5” to 4.5”.

This is a sturdy lawn mower that can trim away every strand of grass in your yard. And, the best part of the Ariens Zoom 34 is that it is super affordable – especially the older versions such as this one – compared to the other riding lawn mower models I have reviewed, which is excellent news especially if you’re on a tight budget. Overall, the Ariens Zoom 34 is a great buy for budget-minded people who are looking to upgrade to a zero turn lawn mower model without breaking the bank.

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Features

  • Kohlera 6000 Series engine
  • 19 HP 660 cc engine power
  • 34-inch cutting width
  • Foot pedals and gear shifter
  • 12-gauge stamped steel frame
  • 4-point professional deck and hanging system
  • EZT integrated transmission system

Pros

  • The small and compact size of the lawn mower makes it ideal for small-sized lawns
  • Inexpensive and extremely affordable price
  • 19 HP engine delivers good performance
  • Ideal for up to 3 acres

Cons

  • Not suited for large, rough tasks
  • Not very effective on slopes

If you’re interest in reading more about our personal picks for the best zero turn mowers, then be sure to take a look at our follow-up articles below:


Final Word

You wanted the best and now you’ve got it – all of the machines above are outstanding choices that not only deliver excellent quality and performance but also do so at incredibly attractive prices. In a sea of competitors, they rise to the top, in our opinion, as the very best zero turn lawn mowers you can get.

Be sure to leave a comment below telling us which one you got and what you’re thinking of it so far. Thanks as always for reading and have a great day!

2 thoughts on “Best Zero Turn Mowers”

  1. Beautiful choices Joe and even better reviews, really helped me finally decide which one of these beasts to go with, the Husqvarna MZ61. I’ve been using it for around 2 weeks now and it’s beyond excellent, easy to see why it was your recommended choice. Not only that, it’s the most fun I’ve had mowing my lawn! Thank you.

    1. Hi Rob, makes my day to know I’ve helped and I’m glad to know that you’re loving the MZ61 – it’s a truly excellent machine and you can bet it’ll last a lifetime. Thanks for stopping by and have yourself a great day!

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