10 Best Zero Turn Mowers (Reviews for 2023)

Runner Up: Greenworks: CrossoverZ  60V – 42″ Zero-Turn Mower

Why We Like It

The Greenworks CrossoverZ – 42″ Zero-Turn mower is the Newest competitor of the highly successful EGO Z6 – 42″ Zero Turn Mower.  Because these two competitors’ zero-turn mowers offer so much similarity, today we compare and contrast the pros and cons of the EGO vs. Greenworks zero-turn mower.

Greenworks enters the zero-turn mower market with a more affordable product, in fact at the time of publishing the CrossoverZ is $1,000 less than EGO Z6. 

Greenworks offers impressive 24 HP brushless motors and 60-Volt power, as opposed to EGO’s 22 HP brushless motors and a 56 Volt Battery System.

And, where the EGO Z6 with 4 Batteries included, has an estimated mowing duration of up to 2.0 Acres, the Greenworks Crossover includes 6 (vs. 4) lithium-ion batteries and is rated for mowing up to 2.5 Acres.

It should be noted, however, that where Greenworks batteries are 8.0 Ah (Ah=Battery Storage), whereas the included EGO batteries are 10.0 Ah, which offers significantly more battery storage capacity.

EGO also includes the overall capability of using up to 6 batteries (additional batteries are not included), which can increase mowing capacity up to 3, 4, or even 5 acres, on a single charge.

Specifications:

• 42″ Reinforced 12 Ga. Steel Mowing Deck
• Six – 60 Volt 8.0 Ah Lithium-Ion batteries (interchange with All Greenworks products)
• Multiple Speed settings up to 8 Mph
• 10 Cutting Heights
• Intelligent Trubrushlesss Motor Technology
• Smart Cut Technology – Senses and Adapts Power to Grass Conditions.
• High-Intensity LED Headlights
• 11″ Front and 20″ Rear Wheels
• Dual Action Mower Blades
• Premium High-Back Seat with Armrests
• Smart G – Smartphone App to check the status of Mower
• 4-Year Warranty (Mower and Batteries Both)

Greenworks follows much of the tried and true performance specifications that EGO has successfully implemented, even adding some of their own improvements including larger rear tires, longer run-time, and an integrated smartphone app into their zero-turn mower technology.

Greenworks “CrossoverZ” –  Zero-Turn Lawn Mower Video:

Our Take Away

Battery Powered (Cordless) zero-turn mowers have continued to offer consumers yet another alternative to the Gas powered engine mainstay.

With zero emissions, zero maintenance, zero pull cords, zero pollution, zero downtime, and dependable performance – It’s hard to envision every homeowner not crossing over to battery-powered vs gas-powered lawn tools someday.

In our comparison between Greenworks vs. EGO zero turn mowers, we think the EGO Z6 zero turn mower edges out the Greenworks CrossoverZ.

If these differences are negligible to you, or more importantly – If you already own and enjoy the Greenworks tool lineup, you should probably consider the Greenworks CrossoverZ mower instead, with a savings of approximately $1,000.

GreenWorks Vs. EGO (Zero Turn 42″ Mowers)

• EGO mowers have been on the market, and In use, for over 3 years vs. the CrossoverZ’s 2023 introduction. (They have the bugs worked out).
• Greenworks offers a 4-year warranty to EGO’s 5-Year warranty (*to original owner).
• We rate the full EGO Battery Powered tool line up slightly superior to Greenworks

At the time of publishing, the price for the CrossoverZ – 42″ Zero Turn Mower is just under $4,000, and for that, you’re getting an incredibly powerful and reliable mower, requiring little to no maintenance, gas, sparkplugs, or pull cords.

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GREENWORKS “CROSSOVER Z” – ZER0-TURN MOWER

Best Gas Powered:  Husqvarna Z242F – Zero Turn 42″ Mower – Kawasaki 18 HP Engine

Why We Like It

The most popular gas-powered zero-turn lawnmower we researched is the Husqvarna Z242F –  Zero-Turn mower. With a  mowing deck and 18 HP Kohler Engine, this zero-turn lawn mower is for someone with a little more grass to cut – But it doesn’t require the larger 52″ or 60″ Mowers.

The newly designed Husqvarna Z242F – 42″ mower is also small enough to slide through Shed Doors but large enough to make quick work of your lawn. Upgraded with an 18 -horsepower Kawasaki engine, this mower has plenty of power to handle all your mowing needs.

Specifications

• 42-inch mower deck
• 18-horsepower Kawasaki engine
• Dual hydrostatic transmissions
• Comfortable High-Back Seat
• Auto – Parking Brake
• Adjustable seat positions
• Deck Port Washing
• 12 height settings
• Clear-Cut Mowing Deck
• Fast – 6.5 MPH top speed

Our Take Away

The 42-inch Z242F delivers amazingly well in terms of quality and performance. With the 18 HP Kawasaki Engine – AND  the “Hydrostatic” Transmission (no maintenance), you’ll get a great cut and as fast and comfortable a ride – you’ll find on any gas zero-turn lawnmower.

This mower is also about $1,000 less expensive than our editor’s pick from EGO.

Suggestion: If you have a Ton of Yard to mow (over 4 acres) but still want the Husqvarna brand’s advantages, we recommend looking at the Husqvarna 61″ mower (below).

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Best Upgrade Gas Power:  Husqvarna Z254:   54″ Zero Turn Mower – Kohler 26 HP

Why We Like It

With specs similar to the Husqvarna Z142 mower listed in our Editor’s Choice section, the Husqvarna Z254 is the “Next Level Up” in Zero-Turn Mowers.  The Z254 model from Husqvarna offers a 54″ deck (12″ wider) and a whopping 26 HP Kohler Engine.

For those who can afford those features, the Husqvarna Z254 is our pick for the best overall upgrade based on price and performance in zero-turn mowers.

The fast-cutting technology is a handy feature considering that this mower can top out at 6.5 miles per hour. 

Specifications

• 54-inch mower deck
• 26-horsepower V-twin Kohler engine
• Dual Hydrostatic transmissions
• Patented Parking Brake System (Push or Pull both bars to set the brake)
• Adjustable seat
• Easy starting system
• 2-year warranty

Our Take Away

The Husqvarna Z254 runs exceptionally well, steers like a dream, and offers a clean, even cut for your lawn every time. We recommend this model as the best upgrade for residential yards if you’re looking for an affordable Husqvarna zero-turn mower with a strong engine and a competent 54″ mower deck. 

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Husqvarna Z254 – 54″ Zero Turn Mower

Best Value Gas Powered -Cub Cadet Ultima 42″ Zero-Turn Mower – 22Hp Kohler Engine

Why We Like It

If you have less than 2 Acres of lawn to mow and have hilly or steeper terrain than normal, and a slightly smaller budget to spend, the Cub Cadet Ultima series zero-turn mower could be your very best choice.  Cub Cadet offers a commercial-grade mower, in a smaller 42″  package with many of the features landscape companies use for more extensive residential lawns.

Specifications

• 42-inch mower deck
• 22 HP Kohler Built – 725cc V-Twin Engine
• 7 MPH forward and 3.5 MPH speed in Reverse
• Welded Steel Deck
• Built-in Hitch
• Cup Holder
• 11-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels
• Dual Range – Hydrostatic transmission
• Multiple Position Cutting Height
• High Back ergonomic seat, padded turn bars, and vibration-dampening floor mat
• 3-year warranty

Our Take Away

This mower represents an exceptional addition to the Cub Cadet zero mower lineup. If you’re not used to lap-bar steering, you may take a little time to get used to the steering system, but once you do, it drives like a breeze.

The 11-inch front and 20-inch rear tires offer more stability on hillier slopes, so If you want the maneuverability of a zero-turn mower but have a hilly or uneven yard, this is quite possibly the best mower for you. 

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Cub Cadet Ultima 42″ – Zero-Turn Mower

Best 52″ Gas Powered: Ariens 52″ Zero-Turn Mower:   – IKON 915279

Why We Like It

With the optimal-sized 52-inch deck and 22-horsepower Kohler engine, the Ariens IKON 915279 zero-turn mower is an excellent value in 52″ mowers, for homeowners with large areas to mow.

Although the Ariens IKON 915279 zero-turn mower is primarily designed for homeowners, the engine used is a commercial-grade motor made by Kawasaki – that holds up well to heavy-duty residential or light commercial use.

Specifications

• 52-inch mower deck
• 22 – horsepower Kawasaki V-Twin engine
• Dual hydrostatic transmissions
• Padded arms and high-back seat for maximum comfort
• 13 cutting heights
• 3-year warranty

Our Take Away

If you’re in the market for a 52-inch mower, the Ariens IKON is an excellent choice for the money. This mower is exceptionally well-built and offers more than enough power for just about any yard.

You’ll also be impressed with the cut quality, which reflects Ariens’ dedication to producing a top-quality, easy-to-use zero-turn mower.

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Ariens – 52″ Zero Turn Mower

Why We Like It

Cub Cadet pulls out the “big guns” with the Ultima ZTX 60″ Zero-Turn Mower. Perfect for Residential lawns 4 Acres or Larger.  Also the ideal zero-turn mower for  Light commercial use. 

if you’re looking for the best 60″ commercial/residential zero-turn mower with all the bells and whistles and a high-performance 24 HP Kohler V-twin 725cc OHV engine, this is it.

The Cub Cadet ZTX4 includes every feature you could hope for, and at forward speeds up to 8mph and Reverse speed at 3.5 Mph – it allows you to mow multiple acres in record time.   

The roll-over protection feature is another reason to look closely at this zero-turn mower. Engineered for use on uneven terrain. Thanks to its more powerful engine and 60-inch deck, this model is better suited for larger yards.

Cub Cadet ZTX Series Mower Video:

Specifications

• For Lawns over 4 Acres in Size
• Roll-over protection cage
• Smooth Arc triple blades
• 17 deck height adjustments – 1.5 – 4.75 inch max.
• Aero-Force 60 in. Max 10 Ga. Steel Mowing Deck
• 24 HP Kohler 7000 Series Engine
• LED Headlights
• Superior Bagging Capability with Aero Max cutting deck
• Isolated front suspension for a smooth ride
• 13-inch front and 22-inch rear wheels
• Premium High-Back Seat with Arm Rests
• V-Twin OHV Engine with 5.5 Gallon Gas tank
• The transmission has a longer lifespan thanks to charge pumps, larger drive axles, and expansion tanks
• Rear Wheel Transmission – Max. Speed up to 8 mph
• 1 1/2″ x 3″ Tubular Steel Frame
• Commercial-grade dual Hydro-Gear Transmission
• 3-Way Adjustable Lap Bar Settings
• Industry Leading 4-year warranty
• Full Lineup of Attachments (optional)

Our Take Away

This zero-turn mower truly is the “ultimate” residential mowing machine.  With hydrostatic transmission, a 24 HP Kohler Engine, 17 cutting height adjustments from 1.5 – 4.5 inches, tons of options, power, and speed, and the reliability of a Cub Cadet. 

If you have a lawn over 2-3 acres in size, the Cub Cadet ZTXS4 mower should be at or near the top of your list.

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Cub Cadet ZTXS Series – Zero-Turn 60″ Mower 

Best Toro “Commercial Grade” Zero Turn Mower:  TITAN 54-inch With 24.5 Hp Engine

Why We Like It:

If you’re a Homeowner with a huge yard,  a 42-inch or even a 50-inch mower may be too small to get the job done efficiently. That’s where a 54-inch model like the Toro TITAN can save the day.

The Toro Titan has all the DNA of the commercial Titan series, minus the forged steel deck, and this lawn mower’s size and power make it a natural fit for large yards, and it’s even suitable for light or limited commercial use. 

Specifications

• Ideal For Yards Up to 7 Acres
• TORO patented the “My Ride” Suspension for ultimate comfort
• 54-inch mower deck
• 26-horsepower V-Twin Kohler engine
• Dual hydrostatic transmissions
• 3-year – 300-Hour Commercial Engine warranty
• Commercial drop pin height of cut adjustment
• Canister Filter – Rubber Chute
• Shock-absorbing dampening ride

Our Take Away

Overall, the 54-inch Toro TITAN is an excellent upgrade for buyers who want the power and convenience of a Toro mower but need a larger mowing deck to deal with more acreage. Because of its size and strength, the handling of this mower is of excellent value.

You won’t find a smoother ride or a zero-turn mower that is easier to maneuver around tight obstacles than this one.

Note:  Toro has over 3,000 servicing dealers in the United States – making this mower far more accessible to service than some other brands.

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Toro – 54″ Zero Turn Lawn Mower

Best “Commercial Grade” Toro Zero Turn Mower:  TITAN 60-inch Zero Turn Mower

Why We Like It

If you’re a landscaping contractor, own a large amount of land, or mow multiple lots, you may need something beefier than even the most prominent residential lawnmower. For these situations, the Toro TITAN 60-inch is a great option. 

The Titan 60-Inch mower from Toro includes an extensive 60″ deck that makes it easy to mow grass, even in the biggest yards – very efficiently, while a smaller mower would take up too much of your valuable time. 

Specifications

• 60-inch mower deck
• 24.5-horsepower engine
• Dual hydrostatic transmissions
• Enhanced suspension system
• 3-year warranty

Our Take Away

Although a 60″ mowing deck isn’t the right fit for every buyer, the Toro TITAN 60-inch is a fantastic choice if you have a huge yard to mow. 

Even though the TITAN makes short work of large areas, you’ll find that this commercial-grade zero-turn mower also produces an even, high-quality cut. 

Note:  Toro has over 3,000 servicing dealers in the United States – making this mower far easier to service than some other brands.

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Toro – 60″ Zero Turn Lawn Mower

Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers for Sale Near Me:

Note: Every zero-turn lawn mower for sale in this review can be shipped directly to your home for free via Amazon or Home Depot. With No trailer to rent, borrow or haul. The zero-turn mower is delivered to your home and only at the most convenient time for you.

Note: Most riding lawnmowers are shipped within 7-10 business days – an exact date will be confirmed at your shopping CART check-out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Top Rated Zero Turn Mowers?

Husqvarna, Ariens, and Toro are the top-selling zero-turn mower brands on a national level. Both of these brands have an extensive network of local dealers that perform service on them. As mentioned, these two brands qualify for Home Depot’s “white glove” delivery service. 

 These three brands make up most of the market’s best residential zero-turn riding lawnmowers. 

What is the Best Type of Zero Turn Mower: Lap Bar or Steering Wheel?

In general, zero-turn lap bar mowers are more agile and maneuverable, making them an excellent choice for large, flat grass lawns with many trees or other obstacles. 

For that purpose and yards between 4-10 acres – the Lap-Bar design Zero Turn Mower is the best choice.

Best Zero Turn Mower For Hills

Remember that a zero-turn mower with lap bar steering is not well suited for mowing hills or sloped terrain due to its use of “floating front wheels.”

The floating wheels are not connected to the steering and do not grip the ground like typical riding mower tires.

If your lawn includes hills or steep slopes, Choose a zero-turn mower with a Steering wheel – which connects the steering directly to the front tractor tires and provides much more traction to the ground.

While you may lack responsiveness over the lap bar steering, the safety and traction you get with a steering wheel – will more than make up for any maneuverability concerns.

What Is the Difference Between Hydrostatic and Manual Gear Transmission on Zero Turn mowers?

Manual transmissions use a lever to switch gears manually, while hydrostatic transmissions utilize hydraulic systems to shift quickly and seamlessly from one gear to the next. 

Most better zero-turn mowers use hydrostatic transmissions, but you’ll still find manual transmissions on some entry-level, budget-friendly mowers. 

How Large An Area Can I Mow With a Zero Turn Mower?

The answer to this question depends on the mower you get. While 42-inch mowers are best for 2 acres or less lawns, larger models like the Toro TITAN 60-inch are ideal for mowing up to 7 acres. 

You can do even larger areas with any size mowing deck. It will take longer if you’re using an undersized one for your yard. 

Zero Turn Lawn Mowers Buyers Guide – Steps To Choose Mower

1)  Select the Zero-Turn Mower “Brand and Model.”

The first thing to do when you’re getting ready to buy a zero-turn mower is to choose the grade, or quality, of the mower based on your budget and the size of your yard. 

Entry-level mowers are typically lower-powered and feature single-cylinder engines and manual transmissions. 

Mid-range mowers, which encompass most of the models listed in our reviews above, typically have larger V-twin engines and hydrostatic transmissions. 

2)  Select the Mower “Deck Size.”

Picking your mower deck size is likely the most critical decision you’ll make when choosing a zero-turn lawnmower. 

For most homeowners, The most popular size is the 42-inch mowing deck, which is typically good for lawns of up to 2 acres. 

Larger zero-turn mowers include the 42, 48, 50, 52, and 61-inch mowing decks.

Remember that the more acreage you need to mow, the larger the mower deck you should consider. In the case of a mowing deck selection, size does matter.

3)  Select the Mower “Steering Type.”

As you can see from the reviews above, zero-turn mowers come with two basic steering types. The most common (and nimble turning) is called Lap Bar steering. Lap bar steering uses two laterally placed arms to steer the direction of the mower. 

The second choice involves the more traditional Steering wheel that you would find on a regular riding lawn mower or vehicle. 

Lap bar steering offers excellent maneuverability and sharper turning, but mowers equipped with this type of steering don’t handle well on hills or sloping yards.  This is due to the “front floating wheel” design vs. the Steering wheel design, which links steering directly to the front tractor tires.

On the other hand, mowers with the traditional steering wheel can handle hills much more effectively, but there’s a slight trade-off regarding nimble steering.

The right choice for you will depend heavily on the slope and terrain of your yard. 

Conclusion

Unless you sitting on a lawn made of artificial grass, you’ve got a lot of lawn maintenance to consider.  The quickest method to complete your mowing cycle, especially for lawns over 1 acre, is with a Zero-Turn Mower.

Based on our reviews, we found the Cub Cadet – Ultima ZT1 – the best overall zero-turn mower in 2021. 

The Husqvarna Z254 gave the Z142 a stiff run for its money, but based on a higher purchase price, it captured our Runner-Up category, while the Craftsman Z525 stood out to us as the best value zero turn mower.

Remember, though, that the best choice for you, based on your budget or needed features, could be a different mower in our list of reviews. 

Fortunately, all the mowers we reviewed here are of top-rated quality; Once you determine your budget and the mower size you need, the clear choice will hopefully be much more manageable.

Thanks for visiting Best Home Gear – And please leave us a comment or suggestion below!

Additional References and Reading:

• How to Use a Lawnmower Safely Around Children – Healthychildren.org
• The 10 Best “Backpack” Leaf Blowers to Buy – BestHomeGear.Com
• Diagnosing TurfGrass Problems – Purdue University (PDF)
• The Best Battery-Powered Lawn Tools – BestHomeGear.Com
• The Best Chainsaw For Homeowners – Besthomegear.com
• Cutting Wet grass with an electric mower? – Ehow.com