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If you’re looking for a zero-turn mower that delivers top-notch performance and quality for under 5000, then you’ve come to the right place. Even though the competition is fierce and the choices are varied, we’ve made a selection of the models that are, in our opinion, the very best zero-turn mowers under 5000 – all of which are the top picks after thorough testing, reviewing and comparing.
Even though some ZTR units are fairly expensive – as we’ve seen on our personal picks for the best zero turn mowers list – with a budget of 5000, you’ve got a lot of room to breathe and can start to get some really high-quality, professional-tier machines that not only deliver outstanding performance and cutting-edge features but also incredible results and truly long lasting use, all while offering that unbeatably versatile zero-turn motion. Let’s take a look!
Best Zero Turn Mowers Under 5000 Comparison
These are, in our opinion, the best zero turn mowers under 5000 on the market, thoroughly compared for you.
| Zero Turn Mower | Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP B&S Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower | Ariens IKON-XL 60" Zero Turn Mower 25hp Kohler | Troy-Bilt Mustang 54 25HP 54-Inch Zero-Turn Mower | Ariens IKON-X 52" Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picture |  |  |  |  |
| Price | $$$ | $$ | $$ | $$ |
| Deck Width | 61" | 60" | 54" | 52" |
| Engine Power | 27 HP | 25 HP | 25 HP | 23 HP |
| Hydrostatic Transmission | ||||
| Warranty | 3 Years | 3 Years | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| Availability |
Best Zero Turn Mowers Under 5000 Reviews
Here you can read in-depth reviews of the machines that are, in our opinion, the best zero turn mowers under 5000, ensuring you find the perfect one for you.
Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
The Husqvarna MZ61 is a 61-inch fabricated cutting deck that employs a three-blade cutting system. It can be steered comfortably, has a nine-bushel collection system and also has an hour meter with a service reminder. I found this to be a highly efficient and this easy-to-use zero-turn lawn mower that falls right under the 5000 mark. In fact, I would say it is one of – in my opinion – the best zero-turn mowers under 5000. The following are some of the features, pros and cons the product has to offer:
Features
- 27 HP Briggs and Stratton Endurance V-Twin Engine
- Truly zero-degree turn radius with an individual, hydraulic wheel-drive that makes it possible for the mower to rotate around its own axis
- Rubber isolation that places a divider between the rider and the frame, giving you a much more comfortable riding experience
- Ergonomic controls that make it extremely easy to steer this machine
- Hour meter is indicates when the mower requires a servicing
- Nine-bushel triple bag collection system that makes the mower more versatile and increases your productivity while mowing an area
- Adjustable cutting height
Pros
- The rubber isolators on the seat ensure the operator feels close to no fatigue after using this mower
- The zero-turn degree radius ensures you get greater efficiency out of the mower and it can rotate along its own axis
- The bushel collection system provides a unique design that can be installed and removed at your convenience
- The service points are easily accessible
Cons
- Can create a skid mark in the yard when it is turning
Ariens IKON-XL 60″ Zero Turn Mower 25hp Kohler 7000 Series 915228
Taking everything that’s great about the IKON and pushing it up a notch, the superb IKON-XL features a wider 60-inch cutting deck and a potent 25 HP Kohler 7000 series engine to ensure it can handle the larger size and heavier weight with ease.
With the brand’s iconic colors, design and tank-like construction quality, the machine stands proud and robust, capable of taking on anything you throw at it. The large wheels make it capable of driving through any type of terrain effortlessly and the comfortable seating coupled with the fast, tight handling ensures you have a great and smooth driving experience. All of this plus an attractive price to boot makes this, in my opinion, one of the very best zero turn mowers under 5000.
Features
- 60″ wide cutting deck
- 25 HP Kohler 7000 series engine
- Large wheels
- Heavy-duty construction quality
- Great attention to detail and finishing
- Comfortable seat and leg room
- Adjustable cutting height
Pros
- Great power and performance for the price
- Stunningly rugged construction quality
- Fantastic looking and performing design
- Very comfortable to ride
- Enjoyable, responsive handling
Cons
- Can get noisy while in operation
- Slightly higher fuel consumption than the Kawasaki models
Troy-Bilt Mustang 54 25HP 54-Inch Zero-Turn Mower
The Troy-Bilt Mustang 54 25HP is a 54-inch zero-turn mower that is powered by a 25 HP Briggs & Stratton Intek Twin Cylinder Engine. The mower has four deck gauge wheels and also a rear roller so it gets increased efficiency. It is a strong pick for the best zero-turn mower under 5000, in my opinion. The following are some of the features you can look forward to using:
Features
- High-performance deck that has a dual deck wash with a side discharge capability
- 18-inch high back seat that has dual suspension springs which ensure minimum fatigue for the rider
- Long-lasting greasable front caster wheels which make the maintenance much easier
- Reverse Mow Control for increased safety and precaution
- Forward speed of 7 mph and a reverse speed of 2.5 mph
Pros
- Seat is extremely comfortable and allows you to use the mower for a long time without fatigue
- Floating front axle and fuel site gauge makes it extremely convenient to use
- Zero-turn maneuverability feature allows it to save time and makes the whole process of mowing more efficient
- Engine is very reliable and efficient
Cons
- The learning curve can be a bit steep with this mower
Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series
The Ariens IKON-X is a hugely popular zero-turn mower under 5000 that uses a potent and super reliable 23 HP Kawasaki FR V-Twin engine coupled with a versatile 52″ cutting deck, making for a powerful combination. The 52-inch fabricated deck is made of 10-gauge steel and just like the rest of the frame it’s highly durable and will last endless hours of heavy use.
It also features the brand’s iconic large wheels and comfortable seating, making the IKON-X capable of riding on any terrain without ever tiring you, while the fast, tight and responsive controls make it really fun and precise to use. You also get all the bells and whistles you’d expect such as hydrostatic transmission, adjustable cutting height, add-on compatibility and more. In short, the IKON-X is absolutely, in my opinion, one of the best zero turn lawn mowers under 5000 due to its stunning combo of quality, performance and insanely attractive pricing.
Features
- Runs on a 23 HP/726CC Kawasaki FR V-Twin engine
- 52-inch fabricated deck that is 4½” deep
- High back padded seats that have armrests for the driver
- 10-gauge steel deck with fully tubular steel frame
- Large, rugged wheels
Pros
- High back and padded seats with armrests ensure that the driver does not feel fatigued after operating the machine
- Deck hanging system is a commercial-style four-point dual-arm deck
- Torque on the machine is high even at low speeds
- Incredibly powerful, durable engine that’s known for its reliability
- Given the size and power of this machine, it is surprisingly quiet
Cons
- Some customers complained that they could not find replacement parts locally
Honorable Mentions
The models found here deserve an honorable mention because even though they’re not likely to be found under 5000, they’re still either right on the budget level or just slightly over in a way that’s still attractive, making them excellent options to consider (especially with the added features in comparison to the other units).
Ariens 991151 Apex 60″ 24 HP Kawasaki FR730 V Twin Zero-Turn Riding Mower
Aptly named the “Apex”, this beast of a machine by the excellent team at Ariens truly is the top of the top. With an extra-wide cutting deck and a set of incredibly large rugged wheels that are both powered by the famously reliable 24 HP Kawasaki FR730 V Twin, it can take on any lawn regardless of size, angle or roughness and come out victorious, delivering gorgeous results in the end.
It displays Ariens’ trademark attention to detail and attractive design as well as a heavy-duty construction quality that the brand confidently describes as “indestructible” – after giving it a test, you’ll see that they’re pretty spot on. Besides the great power, performance and construction quality, you also get to enjoy the fantastically smooth and responsive handling as well as the beautifully comfortable seat and suspension, all of this together makes for an enjoyable riding and mowing experience. A truly fantastic and dominating machine, worthy of being considered by you – in my opinion – even if it’s likely above the budget you might have when looking for the best zero turn mower under 5000 on the market.
Features
- 60-Inch cutting deck
- 24 HP Kawasaki FR730 V Twin engine
- Hydrostatic transmission
- “Indestructible” design
- Extra-large wheels
- Comfortable high-back seat
Pros
- Stunningly powerful and famously reliable FR730 Kawasaki engine
- Extra-wide cutting deck makes any mowing task a quick one
- Excellent cutting performance leaves gorgeous results
- Can transverse any terrain with ease due to the special wheels
- Outstandingly enjoyable to ride and use
- Nimble, responsive navigation
- Truly built like a tank, will last a lifetime of use
- Heavy weight makes it able to take on hills safely
Cons
- Can be noisy while in operation
Swisher ZTR2454BS-CA Response Gen 2-24 HP/54 B&S ZTR Zero Turn Mower, 54″, Black
The Swisher ZTR2454BS is a great zero-turn mower that makes it possible to get incredible productivity out of your mowing process. It can forward and reverse at 8 MPH and has a 54-inch cutting deck that has three Gator mulching blades for a better outcome. The following are some of the features you can look forward to using:
Features
- 24 HP Professional Series Briggs & Stratton engine
- 54-inches cutting deck
- 3 Gator mulching blades
- Rapid response control system
- Hydro-Gear 2800 transmission
- Top speed of 8 mph
- Adjustable cutting height
Pros
- Heavy-duty fenders come with storage, a battery compartment and a cup holder
- High back seat with armrests, that makes it a comfortable ride and prevents fatigue
- Impressively fast and nimble
- Front debris shield improve airflow and grass discharge
- Electric start
- Fuel capacity of eight gallons
Cons
- Gets noisy while in operation
Final Word
As these machines show, you can get a fantastic zero turn mower at this budget level. From fantastic comfort and handling to awesome power, performance and durability, they standout from the competition as the machines that are, in our opinion, the best zero turn mowers under 5000 – we hope you’ve found the perfect one for you.
Thanks as always for reading and have a great day!