11 Best Zero Turn Mowers for the Money in 2023

Whether you own a small apartment or you own a residential house, lawn mowing is unavoidable.

You want your front garden and your front portion of your house to be attractive. That’s where this review of top 11 best zero-turn mowers comes in handy. How? Read on to find out about it!

Before we get into the specifics of zero-turn mowers, here’s what you can expect this review to cover.

• What is a zero turn mower?
• 11 Best zero turn mowers and their features.
• Advantages and disadvantages of having a specific brand’s zero turn mower.
• Buyers guide.
• And of course, the conclusion!

Benefits of reading this review:

We are going to cover extensively about each and every best product that is available in the market when it comes to purchasing a zero turn mower. So, it is a request from our side that you read the entire review before you decide to buy one for your lawn. Many house owners dread to mow their lawn. This is because mowing a lawn is time-consuming and you need to be more patient and use your physical strength effectively. Not anymore! Want to know how? Let’s dive into this review!

What is a zero-turn mower?

Zero turn mowers are basically a machine that helps to cut/trim grass in a lawn. It helps house owners not to exert more energy, effort, and time into mowing their lawn. It is considered to be the greatest innovation in the lawn care industry. These zero turn mowers get their name from their ability to turn a full circle. This simply means you don’t have to cover any extra ground to make your lawn tidy. Also, these mowers have a system of controls that makes it easy to operate the ZTR efficiently.

Top 11 Best Zero Turn Mowers for the Money:

1. Ariens IKON XD 52-inch Zero Turn Mower

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The Ariens IKON XD 52-inch 23 HP Zero Turn Mower is a remarkable choice for those seeking professional-grade performance and comfort in their lawn maintenance routine. With its exceptional cutting capabilities, adjustable features, and durable construction, this mower provides an excellent combination of power and convenience. While the weight and potential additional charges for shipping should be considered, the overall performance and quality make the Ariens IKON XD a top contender in the zero-turn mower market.

Features :

• Exceptional Cutting Performance:

The Ariens IKON XD features a 52-inch cutting width and a 4-inch deep fully fabricated deck, allowing you to tackle large mowing areas with ease. The advanced airflow design ensures a clean and precise cut, leaving your lawn looking perfectly manicured.

• Adjustable and Comfortable:

One of the standout features of this mower is the plush, high-back seat with padded armrests. Not only does it provide excellent lumbar support, but it is also adjustable from the operator’s position, ensuring optimal comfort during long mowing sessions.

• Versatile Cutting Positions:

With 13 cutting positions ranging from 1-1/2 to 4-1/2 inches, you have the flexibility to achieve the desired grass height. The convenient dial allows you to easily switch between cutting positions, giving you complete control over the finished look of your lawn.

• Durable Construction:

Crafted from alloy steel, the Ariens IKON XD is built to withstand tough mowing conditions and last for years. The robust construction ensures durability and reliability, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a long-lasting zero turn mower.

• Efficient Operation:

Thanks to its automatic operation mode, this mower streamlines your mowing process. The zero turn capability enables effortless manoeuvrability around obstacles and tight corners, saving you time and effort.

• Eye-Catching Design:

Featuring a striking colour combination of black and orange, the Ariens IKON XD stands out visually. Its sleek and modern design adds a touch of style to your lawn maintenance routine.

• User-Friendly Maintenance:

Maintenance is made easy with this mower. The accessible design allows for convenient blade sharpening, oil changes, and general upkeep. This ensures that your mower remains in peak condition and ready for action whenever you need it.

Pros:

• Powerful 23 HP Kawasaki engine for reliable performance.
• Excellent cutting width and depth for efficient mowing.
• Comfortable and adjustable high-back seat for a fatigue-free experience.
• Versatile cutting height options to suit various lawn preferences.
• Durable construction ensures longevity.
• Easy manoeuvrability around obstacles with zero turn capability.
• The eye-catching design adds aesthetic appeal to your outdoor space.

Cons:

• The mower’s weight (864 pounds) may pose challenges for transportation and storage.
• Additional charges may apply due to special shipping requirements.

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

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Want to be on top of your game and complete your mowing as quickly as possible? Then you have to invest in Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower. This machine is equipped with powerful features make your work easy, effective, and hustle-free.

This machine is compact which enables you to trim your lawn with no issues at all! The Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower is powered by a powerful 26 HP Kohler engine, one of the leading engine providers in the market. The excellent design of the 26 HP Kohler engine has a 26 horsepower.

This will aid you in finishing your lawn work in quick time. In addition to its power, the 26 HP Kohler engine is built with air induction mowing technology which increases its performance to a superior quality than its competitors. The Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower is one amongst the impressive designs available in the lawn care industry. It also comes with oversized cooling fan, which keeps the engine at an ideal work temperature.

It provides better lift for the machine and enables a great cut for your lawn. You will appreciate the compactness, easy maneuverability, and the ergonomic features when you operate the Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower.

Pros:

• Compact and built with the 26 HP Kohler engine.
• Features 26 horsepower.
• Ergonomic controls make it easy to operate.
• Cutting width is 54 inches.
• Fuel Capacity is 3.5 gallons.

Cons:

• Struggles with cutting thick grass.

3. Ariens Zenith 60 (60″) 23.5HP Kawasaki Zero Turn Lawn Mower

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Ariens Zenith is another “real” zero turn mower. This one can turn with a 0° radius, making it great for maneuverability and use in restricted spaces.

Additionally, zenith differentiates itself from the competition due to its design. It is as beautiful to look at as it is to operate, which is exceptionally comfortable thanks to its luxury high back seat with curved stitching. This is true of both the vehicle’s flowing lines and the detail of its visuals. The lawn mower turns heads at first, then makes people envious as it trims the grass to perfection. Below is a quick rundown of the features, pros, and cons.

Features

Some of the features of the Ariens zenith zero turn lawn mower are:

• Completely tubular frame: this frame design, unmatched in strength and security, uses large-formed frame rails and few welds to sustain the weights of the device.
• Belt tension system: the self-adjusting technology ensures uniform belt tension, maximizing belt life, reducing wear, and maintaining a reliable, high-quality cut.
• Padded seat: a high-back seat with extra padding includes armrests and built-in seat isolators for extra comfort.
• Transmission: You will receive a commercial hydro-gear ZT 3100 gearbox that will function to provide you improved power and load capacity and enable you to mow at velocities of as much as eight mph forward and four mph backward.
• ROPS: Frame supports a foldable ROPS as standard, providing the operator with additional security.
• Foot-Operated Deck Lifting: Provides easy vertical pin selection and seamless adjustment.

Pros:

• With 23.5 horsepower available from the engine, the zero-turn mower must be able to handle any chore.
• Given that the engine is a Kawasaki, it will be as dependable as possible.
• A powerful engine that is undoubtedly capable for any household or even small commercial task is provided by the Ariens Zenith 60 (60′′) 23.5HP.
• You will get the best safety features in the Zenith lawn mower.

Cons:

• Learning how to mow requires a lot of effort.
• When the blades are involved, the deck wheels ratchet loudly.
• You may have a problem with the seat release.

4. Poulan Pro P46ZX Briggs V-Twin:

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Want to work quickly and effectively in a short span of time? Then the Poulan Pro P46Z Briggs V-Twin is arguably the best value buys you can make in the market. This best zero turn mower is built with some of the most advanced features you could hope for while perfectly fitting in to your budget.

This machine if built with strong and durable material. This reduces your work effort. The Poulan Pro P46Z Briggs V-Twin is equipped with 22 horsepower engine built by Briggs and Stratton Engine Company.

They have tons of experience in building engines that exceeds expectation and they are one of the leading engine providers in the market.

Its compact design helps you to get in and out of most tight areas with at most precision. The 46 inches mowing path lets you cover a lot of ground. You have six different cutting heights to choose from and this machine is so comfortable to work with.

Pros:

• 46 inches cutting path.
• 22 horsepower engine built by Briggs and Stratton Engine Company.
• Built with strong and durable materials.
• It has a compact design and ergonomic features.
• 3.5 gallons of fuel capacity.

Cons:

• This machine is not good to use in hills.

5. Poulan Pro  PPX46Z, Best Zero Turn Mower:

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The Poulan Pro PPX46Z, 46 in. 22 HP Briggs & Stratton V-Twin Zero Turn Mower is impressive when it comes to power through the lawn work. This mower comprises only the strong and durable parts which enable you to mow your lawn efficiently.

The Poulan Pro PPX46Z, 46 in. 22 HP Briggs & Stratton V-Twin Zero Turn Mower consists of Briggs & Stratton engine that has 22 horsepower. This will help you maximize your speed and performance which is far above the industrial standards.

The Briggs & Stratton engine helps you always receive optimum results and it’s also a leading design in the market. The eight gallon fuel tank lets you do your work seamlessly and you don’t have to stop your work in the middle to take care of your machine.

The foot assisted deck lift enables you to work in your lawn the full day without any issue. The foot assisted deck lift lets you lift the deck on your own without having to use extra machine. It makes you easily access the front deck and change/sharpen your blades. This ensures cleanliness of your mower.

Pros:

• Features a 22 horsepower Briggs and Stratton engine.
• A convenient foot assisted deck lift reduces extra machinery.
• Eight gallon fuel capacity.
• 46 inches of cutting width.

Cons:

• Not available readily to buy.

6. Troy-Bilt Mustang 25HP:

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When you need a reliable and a powerful machine to get through your day, Troy-Bilt Mustang 25HP is your go to product. This machine is built with the safest material in the market to ensure a highest return on your investment.

The Troy-Bilt Mustang 25HP is powered by the 25 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine. 25 horsepower Briggs & Stratton is one of the respected brands when it comes to building engines at a premium quality. You can completely reduce the mowing time.

This dynamic machine comes with power take off technology which enables you to stop and start quickly. You can take advantage of the 54 inch cutting deck to improve the rate at which you mow your lawn. This is one of the perfect zero turn mower for the money.

Pros:

• Features a 25 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine.
• This machine has an incredible power take off technology.
• Features 54 inches cutting deck.

Cons:

• Fuel capacity is 2.8 gallons making you stop and refuel you’re mower at least two to three times in a full working day.

7. Ariens IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower:

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Are you looking for speed and reliability? The Ariens IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower is the exact machine you need to invest your money in.

This machine lets you incorporate all of the features into one sleek and compact model. The Ariens IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower is built with strong and sturdy material. It comes with low centre of gravity that allows you to maneuver throughout your lawn.

The Ariens IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower is equipped with rapid response control system that helps you to move quickly and efficiently. This enables you to maintain optimum control and comfort while you work. Ariens IKON-X 52″ is the best commercial zero turn mower.

The Ariens IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower is powered by an impressive 23hp Kawasaki engine. This is the most trusted engine manufacturers in the market. This machine also has a foot assist deck lift.

This feature lets you change out and sharpen all of your blades without using jack lift or a lift machine. You will also be able to access the underside of the deck with absolute comfort. Last but not least, the 54 inch deck of the Ariens IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower is an excellent devise for easy turns and maneuverability.

Pros:

• Has a foot assisted deck lift.
• Features a 23 Kawasaki engine.
• 54 inch cutting width and eight gallons of fuel capacity.

Cons:

• The machine is too heavy to transport from one place to another.

8. Ariens Zoom 34 – 19hp Kohler 6000 Series:

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We have a comparatively newer ZTR mower in hand, named as Ariens Zoom 34 with a 34” blade and 19hp engine. Before proceeding to the details, let us clarify one thing. Just because this new product ranks #8 on our list doesn’t mean that it’s not worth considering. There are plenty of reasons why we ranked this product in spite of this being a new product in the market.

Ariens Zoom 34 happens to be the smallest ZTR mower for hills that we’ve ever reviewed. It consists of a 19hp Kohler 6000 series engine equipped with a 34” cutting width. Bottom-line? It’s dedicated to lawns and gardens which are smaller in size.

The engine itself is specially dedicated to personal users. As said before, it’s a 6000 Briggs and Stratton single cylinder series with a 19hp working efficiency. However, it won’t ask for any usual set of attachments to its back (such as hitch or forks). Instead, it will work with only a small rear bag attachment.

We’ve seen Ariens Zoom 34 to be a small and sturdy piece of machine that trims away every single grass of your garden. It gets more beautiful to us when you check out its price tag. It’s extremely low in price comparing to other ZTR mowers for hills. Good news for us users who’re tight on budget, right?

Pros:

• Powered by 19hp Briggs and Stratton single cylinder engine.
• Works with a minimum attachment of a rear bag only.
• 34” cutting depth for optimal trimming.
• Small and compact in size, best for small lawns.
• Quite cheap and affordable in price.

Cons:

• Less motor power because of the small engine.

9. Husqvarna MZ61:

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If you want a machine that can handle long working hours, the Husqvarna MZ61 is your best investment. It is built to sustain the rugged working conditions. If you do a lot of professional landscaping, this is a great machine to invest in.

The Husqvarna MZ61 is one of the greatest designs available in the market and it does a great job of ensuring maximum comfort to you. One of the cool features of Husqvarna MZ61 is its 61 inches mowing path.

This machine will reduce your work time considerably even when you mow large estates. It is powered by the 27 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine one of the top quality engine producers.

The Husqvarna MZ61 is geared towards keeping the landscapers comfortable during long working hours. Also, it comes with seatbelts to provide extra safety if you operate the machine on hills. This is fairly priced zero turn mower for steep hills.

Pros:

• Has a 27 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine.
• 61 inches of mowing path.
• Seat belt for added safety.

Cons:

• Uphill mowing is easy and downhill mowing is difficult due to the shift in weight.

10. Husqvarna 967277401 Zero Turn Mower:

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The Husqvarna 967277401 52″ 25HP Kohler Zero Turn Mower is a powerful and reliable machine in lawn mowing. It is a great investment to make when you want to mow a residential estate.

The impressive features let you mow your estate in no time. The machine is small and compact, which enables it to fit into the small portions of your lawn.

The Husqvarna 967277401 52″ 25HP Kohler Zero Turn Mower has a 50 inch cutting deck that’ll cut down a considerable amount of grass with each pass. With this impressive cutting width, this machine is also equipped with 25 horsepower engine made by Kohler.

The Husqvarna 967277401 52″ 25HP Kohler Zero Turn Mower uses fuel efficiently and saves you a lot of money. We highly recommend this machine if you are a residential home owner.

Pros:

• Features a 21 horsepower engine made by Kohler.
• Has a 50 inch cutting deck.
• Comfortable seating and 2.8 gallons of fuel capacity.

Cons:

• Cutting width and fuel capacity is lot lower than its competitors.

11. The Husqvarna Z242F 747cc

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If you want the lawn work to be completed easily and efficiently, The Husqvarna Z242F 23HP 747cc is a great investment you can make. This machine features 42 inches of cutting width. Built with a powerful 23 HP Kohler engine, this machine will reduce your working time drastically.

Other features include dual hydrostatic drive system and large 20×8-inch wheels for handling uneven terrain. This mower is equipped with number of safety features which include seatbelt. This is the best commercial zero turn mowers for small yards. 

Pros:

• Has a number of safety features including seatbelt.
• Features dual hydrostatic drive system.
• Features a powerful 20 HP Briggs & Stratton engine.

Cons:

• The deck belt is too weak to work for long hours.

Read also:

• Best Riding Lawn Mower for the Money
• 10 Best Lawn Sprinklers review guide
• 12 Best two-stage snow blowers under 1000$

Buyers guide questions:

1: Who makes the best commercial mowers?

There are a great amount of lawn mowers that are available in the market. Hence, you need to consider all the factors before investing your money in a brand. Here’s a list of things you can keep inn your mind when purchasing!

• Engine behind the product.
• How much power is this engine can put out?
• What kind of suspension that this mower has?
• Does it have Full suspension mechanism?
• Does this machine have a best mowing deck?

2. How to lift a zero turn mower?

These machines are heavy. So if you try to lift them without proper machinery, it could be damaged. The most efficient way to lift a zero turn mower is to use a maintenance lift or a jack lift. These machines are specially designed to lift heavy machines like the zero turn mowers.

3. Do zero turn mowers have brakes?

Most zero turn mowers don’t have a foot pedal brake. However there is a way slow and brake the mower. The speed of the machine is determined by the levers in the machine. As long as the levers are in the neutral position, the mower won’t move forward.

4. Is zero turn mowers are worth it?

Most home owners hate the process when it comes to mowing their lawn. That’s where zero turn mowers make lawn mowing easy. These machines help you accomplish so many tasks in a short amount of time. So, investing in a zero turn mower is worth your time and money.

5. What to look for when buying a zero turn mower?

Here’s a list of things must consider there in the market to buy a lawn mower.

• Engine HP.
• Cutting width.
• The mower’s transition capacity.
• Fuel capacity.

With these in mind, it’ll be easier for you to buy the perfect lawn mower for your yard.

Conclusion:

We have unpacked all that we know about the best zero-turn mowers. What you have to do now is to select the best one for your lawn. Remember to check out the process we’ve explained above when selecting a zero turn mower for your lawn. Happy mowing!