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Known for their unmatched mobility, versatility and excellent performance, zero turn mowers are the top choice for both serious professionals and regular homeowners alike. They’re usually quite expensive machines, and deservedly so, but these days there is an increasingly larger number of cheap zero turn mowers on the market even though only a few are worth your money – and that’s where we come in. Even though we’ve already listed our personal picks for the best zero turn mowers in our opinion, this time we’ve focused on the more affordable choices. We’ve done all the hard work for you by testing, reviewing and comparing all of the top affordable zero turn mowers and made a selection of the very best, ensuring you find the perfect one.
From rugged construction quality and modern features to stunning power and impressive performance, they rise above the competition by striking a beautiful balance between price and quality – giving you a high-quality experience at an affordable price. Now let’s take a look at the models that are – in our view – the best cheap zero turn mowers and find the right one for you!
Cheap Zero Turn Mowers Comparison
These are, in our opinion, the best cheap zero turn lawn mowers, thoroughly compared for you.
| Lawn Mower | Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Zero Turn Riding Mower | Troy-Bilt Mustang 54 25HP 54" Zero-Turn Mower | Ariens IKON-X 52" Zero Turn Mower FR691 Series | Snapper 2691402 360z Zero Turn Mower | Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit Riding Lawn Mower 34" Deck 452cc Engine | Ariens Zoom 34 19hp 34" Zero Turn Lawn Mower |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picture |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Price | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | $$ | $$ | $ |
| Zero-Turn | ||||||
| Deck Width | 54" | 54" | 52" | 42" | 34" | 34" |
| Power | 26 HP | 25 HP | 23 HP | 21.5 HP | 452cc | 19 HP |
| Warranty | 3 Years | 3 Years | 3 Years | 2 Years | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| Availability |
Cheap Zero Turn Mowers Reviews
Here you can read in-depth cheap zero turn lawn mowers reviews, ensuring that you know exactly what each one has to offer and that you find the perfect one.
Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
One can mistake this mower by Husqvarna for a commercial machine due to the sheer power and performance that the 26 HP Kohler engine delivers. It is equipped with a hydrostatic transmission that ensures smooth operation and I could change speeds pretty quickly. Understanding the controls was also no problem and was very impressed with the cutting power it presented. The zero turn feature works like a charm and I was amazed at how quickly I got used to it while cutting the yard in wide, clean paths. A truly excellent machine all around at an equally great, attractive price.
Features
- Powerful 26 HP Kohler engine that offers a maximum speed of 6.5 mph
- The hand-operated deck lift system
- The cutting deck is constructed using flat-stock steel that would last a long time
- 3-in-1 functionality; can mulch, discharge or bag clippings
Advantages
- Equipped with LED headlights to continue working even when it is dark
- The seating has spring suspension
- Has a deck wash port for washing your mower after every job
- The Z254 has a strong, impressive built that is powerful enough to take on bigger yards
- Assembly is easy
Drawbacks
- None
Troy-Bilt Mustang 54 25HP 54-Inch Zero-Turn Mower
In this article about models that are, in our view, awesome cheap zero turn mowers, this is one of two Troy-Bilt products, and it is every bit as efficient as its smaller 34-inch model you’ll see below. It is equipped with a Briggs & Stratton Intek Twin Cylinder 25 HP engine that is surprisingly quiet for the amount of power it packs and comes with an oil filter. If you have a long yard, the Mustang 54” has very high-back seating so you don’t have to worry about spending long hours hunched uncomfortable and I like the attached cup holder to carry your favorite brew while you work. This is one of – in our opinion – those cheap zero turn lawn mowers that can give more expensive mowers a run for their money.
Features
- Very powerful Briggs & Stratton 25 HP engine
- Forwarding speed of 7.5 mph, backward speed of 2.5 mph
- Dual suspension for comfort on longer rides
- 54-inch cutting deck
Advantages
- Makes very little noise and vibrations, you will hardly feel it is moving
- Very easy to maintain, cleaning made easy with the inclusion of a deck wash
- ReadyStart makes it easy to start the mower, it is akin to starting a vehicle
- Front castor wheels are greasable, which means they are going to last long
- The machine can handle slopes ranging from 15-20 degrees
Drawbacks
- Some customers have had difficulty maneuvering this mower on slopes
Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series
I put the Ariens 915223 to work on a medium-sized yard and was pleased how well it handled. Part of the reason was 23HP Kawasaki V-Twin engine which provides enough power to go through even the toughest grass like butter! The deck is fully fabricated and welded, which means it can absorb vibrations more efficiently and the trimmings would be smoother too. It also provides an outstanding 13 cutting adjustment heights which brings this machine on par with other commercial machines.
Features
- Has a powerful 23 HP Kawasaki V-Twin engine to take on any mowing job
- 10-gauge steel constructed 52-inch deck
- A high-back seat and armrests, fuel gauge and beverage holder
- Control arms can be adjusted in 3 different directions
Advantages
- Commercial-grade qualities at the price of a residential-grade mower
- Silent mowing operation, low vibration
- Loads of cutting height adjustments
- Has a large-enough fuel tank (2.8 gallons for longer jobs)
- Drives very stably as most of the parts are welded together
Drawbacks
- None
Snapper 2691402 360z Mower, Riding, Zero Turn, Red
Snapper made this model for those who have properties built near large hilly areas with a lot of foliage and rocks that need to be mowed every now and then. I like that this model is available in many avatars; you can buy the same machine in 4 different combinations of engines and cutting sizes, with expert assembly and without. This puts it, in our opinion, in the forefront of cheap zero turn lawn mowers in our view. The mower has a fully welded steel frame and thick-walled front axle for added durability and a steel-construction cutting deck for cleaner cuts.
Features
- Powered by a Briggs & Stratton Professional Series engine
- Height-of-cut adjustment through a foot-operated deck lift
- Fabricated steel deck for enhanced durability
- Comes with 2 anti-scalp wheels
Advantages
- A fuel gauge to keep an eye on the fuel level
- Washes easily after every job, all you need to do is attach a hose
- Can accommodate all types of riders, big or small
- Equipped with the ReadyStart system for effortless starting every time
Drawbacks
- Some customers had a problem with the machine’s carburetor
Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit Riding Lawn Mower with 34-Inch Deck and 452cc Engine
Next on our list of models that are – in our opinion – fantastic cheap zero turn lawn mowers is the Mustang 34” which is equipped with a powerful 452cc engine that can tackle large tracts of land. The Mustang features a slim design (the manufacturer says it can fit comfortably through 36-inch gates) which has dual padded seats for comfortable seating throughout your mowing experience, and if you are a large person like me, there is plenty of legroom for you. The machine features a lap bar steering (common in a mower of this size) for easy turning and mowing the lawn quickly.
Features
- Perfect for mowing large areas with its powerful 452cc engine
- The 34-inch deck is made of steel and has enough width to make effective cuts
- Allows up to 8 height adjustments; can mow in reverse
- Parking brake for when the mower is not in use
Advantages
- Affordable pricing for the build quality
- Comfortable seating thanks to the dual suspension
- Cup holder for carrying beverages on your mowing sessions
- Can cut long grass even at sharp turns
Drawbacks
- The mower is too small for larger areas
- The Mustang can feel slightly underpowered
Ariens Zoom 34 – 19hp Kohler 6000 Series V-Twin 34″ Zero Turn Lawn Mower
Ariens has been producing landscaping equipment since the 1930s and introduced the first riding mower in 1954. So needless to say, this is a name long associated with quality gardening tools. So it is no wonder that this machine – which is in our view a great cheap zero turn lawn mower – made it to our list. The Ariens 34” is an agile machine that is perfect for making tight turns if you have a small yard but still want riding mower level power. I am impressed that it is capable of making clean cuts with such ease. Made of high-quality construction materials, it is equipped with a 34-inch cutting deck that is made of 12-gauge steel which is capable of tackling rugged terrain. Its mid-back seat is comfortably placed and the mower has foldable arms for getting on and off easily – all around a great machine.
Features
- Equipped with a Kohler 6000 Series V-Twin engine
- 34-inch cutting deck; all-steel construction
- Moves 6 mph in forwarding motion, 3 mph in backward
- 7 cutting height adjustments (1-4 inches)
- Foot-operated deck lift
Advantages
- Very sturdy construction
- The mower is lightweight and small, and hence is a breeze to operate
- Easily mows around tight spots
- Very responsive to movements and can be maneuvered around obstacles easily
- Has no problem cutting tall grass
Drawbacks
- Cleaning the Zoom is messy because the grass clogs up under the blades
- The mower has difficulty turning on wet grass
- Not suited for extensive areas
Final Word
As these models – that in our opinion are the top cheap zero turn lawn mowers – prove, you don’t need to break the bank in order to get a superb machine with the incredibly useful and highly beloved zero turn capability.
Thanks as always for reading and be sure to leave a comment below telling us which one you ended up getting and what your thoughts are – we love to hear from you!