Zero-turn mowers are like the high-end sports cars of lawn and garden equipment. They feature a zero-inch turning radius, which allows you to pivot in place and maneuver in tight spaces without ruining your lawn, as well as more powerful engines and wider cutting decks than their regular riding mower counterparts. And their demand will continue to grow in the next five years, as more people and businesses adopt them thanks to their ease of use and expedited cutting times. 

You can choose models with cutting decks as narrow as 42 inchesfor suburban lawns or as wide as 72 inches for rural properties. And with engines up to 26HP, you'll get plenty of power to haul wagons of dirt, mulch, and tools or equipment without overworking the motor. Zero-turn mowers also feature hydrostatic transmissions, which means that the more you push on the lap bars or the harder you step on the pedals, the faster you'll go. This makes it akin to driving a car, so they're easier to learn how to operate. The lap bar steering system does take some getting used to, however, so I recommend driving around your yard with the blades disengaged to practice before you mow your lawn with it for the first time. 

My pick for the best zero-turn mower is theCub Cadet Ultima ZT1 for its ergonomic seat and lap bars, hydrostatic transmission, and 4-acre maximum cutting area. You can keep reading below to find out more about the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1as well as our other picks for the best zero-turn mowers.

Best zero-turn mowers of 2023

Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1

Best zero-turn mower overall

Cub Cadet/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Hydrostatic drive
• Ergonomic seat and lap bars
• Steel deck and frame

Cons

• Expensive
• Steep learning curve with lap bar steering
• No accessories included

More Details

Cutting width:50 inchesPower source:GasolineTransmission:Variable speed hydrostaticEngine:23HP 726ccMulching and bagger capable:YesMax cutting area: 4 acres 

The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1was featured as my pick for the best zero-turn mower in our list of the best lawn mowers you can buy, and it's still my number one choice. It features a 50-inch cutting deck that is stamped from 11-Gauge steel as well as a tubular steel frame design for strength, durability, and stability while mowing over different kinds of terrain. The 23HP Kawasakiengine uses a hydrostatic drive for easier forward acceleration of up to 7.5mph and quick reversing to maneuver around obstacles or go back over spots you may have missed. 

A removable floor plate gives you better and faster access to the cutting deck and engine when you need to clean things out or perform maintenance, while the smooth-tread front wheels allow you to drive, turn, and pivot without worrying about damaging your lawn. The ergonomic seat also features a suspension system to keep you comfortable and safely in place while driving over rough patches, while the lap bars have ergonomic grips for more comfortable operation. And with a maximum cutting area of 4 acres, the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 will feel at home in both larger suburban corner lots as well as big rural properties.

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Ryobi 48V

Best electric zero-turn mower

Ryobi/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Zero emissions
• 120V outlet charging
• Mow-in reverse feature
• USB ports

Cons

• Very expensive
• Not compatible with bagger attachments

More Details

Cutting width:54 inchesPower source:48V integrated batteryTransmission:Variable speed hydrostaticEngine:Brushless electricmotorMulching and bagger capable:Mulching only Max cutting area:3.5 acres  

The Ryobi 48V zero-turn electric mower was one of my alternative picks on the list of best electric mowers, and after doing more research, I can say that it is the best electric zero-turn on the market. The integrated 48V battery can be charged via a regular wall outlet, which means you won't have to worry about keeping special chargers and cables on hand to top up your mower when not in use. It also makes the Ryobi 48V easier to integrate into your garage or workshop if you don't have any other Ryobi tools or equipment that could share a battery with the mower. The battery gives you enough power on a full charge to mow up to 3.5 acres, which is great news for anyone with a larger yard.

It features a 54-inch cutting deck with 3 sets of blades for a more even cut on each pass, and the deck can be set to 12 different heights for the perfect mow all season long. A control panel lets you monitor battery levels, turn on the LED headlights, mow in reverse, and even charge your phone with the built-in USB port. 

Since the Ryobi 48V zero-turn mowerdoesn't have a gas engine, that means that you'll save both time and money by not having to do any oil changes, spark plug cleanings, or fuel treatments at the start and end of every season. And no gas engine means no exhaust emissions, making this a more environmentally friendly option for lawn care.

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Toro Titan MAX

Best zero-turn mower for large properties

Toro/ Pros & Cons Pros

• 7-gallon fuel tank
• 10-Gauge, hardened steel deck and frame (for exceptional durability)
• 260HP engine
• 7-acre cutting area

Cons

• Very expensive
• Steering bars require some practice for novice riders

More Details

Cutting width:60 inchesPower source:GasolineTransmission:Variable speed hydrostaticEngine:26HP 747ccMulching and bagger capable:YesMax cutting area:7 acres 

The Toro Titan MAXzero-turn mower was tailor-made for larger properties. It features a 60-inch cutting deck, 23-inch rear wheels, and a 26 horsepower Kohler engine for all of the power you need to handle properties up to 7 acres in size. 

The hydrostatic drive provides easier and faster forward acceleration up to 9.0Mph, so you can make short work of pastures and wide-open backyards while the pivoting front wheels give you enhanced maneuverability around garden beds, fruit and ornamental trees, and outbuildings. 

The Titan MAX is equipped with a 7-gallon fuel tank, so you can spend more time getting work done and less time refueling or worrying about getting stranded in the middle of your lot with an empty tank. The frame and deck are made of hardened, 10-Gauge steel for extra strength and durability while driving over uneven ground and around obstacles. The Titan MAX also features a high-back seat with armrests and a cup holder so you can stay comfortable and hydrated while maintaining your property. 

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John Deere Z315E

Best for smaller yards

John Deere/ Pros & Cons Pros

• 42-inch deck
• Hydrostatic transmission
• Reverse mowing feature
• Mulching/bagger/trailer compatible

Cons

• Learning curve for lap bar steering
• Proprietary engine requires John Deere technicians for repair

More Details

Cutting width:42 inchesPower source:GasolineTransmission:Variable speed hydrostaticEngine:22HP V-Twin John Deere 724ccMulching and bagger capable:YesMax cutting area:2 acres

If you have a smaller property, the John Deere Z315Eis an excellent choice. It features a 42-inch cutting deck, which is almost perfect for lawns up to 2 acres in size, as well as for maneuvering around obstacles like trees and landscaping. It's powered by a 22HP V-Twin John Deere engine with a hydrostatic drive for smoother operation and plenty of power for not only cutting grass but for hauling equipment or mulching leaves in the fall. It also features a reverse-mow mode that lets you quickly go back over any spots you missed without having to disengage the cutting deck.

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Troy-Bilt Mustang Z42

Most affordable zero-turn mower

Troy-Bilt/ Pros & Cons Pros

• 4 acres max mowing area
• Between$2500 and$3000
• Electric PTO
• Hydrostatic drive

Cons

• Not compatible with roll cage or sun shade attachments

More Details

Cutting width:42 inchesPower source:GasolineTransmission:Variable speed hydrostaticEngine:22HP V-Twin Kohler725ccMulching and bagger capable:YesMax cutting area: 4 acres

Zero-turn mowers are typically very expensive due to their design and size, but the Troy-Bilt Mustang Z42retails between$2500 and$3000, making it one of the most affordable on the market.It features a 42-inch cutting deck as well as a 22HP V-Twin Kohler engine for mowing up to 4 acres at once. The hydrostatic transmission allows for smoother, road-vehicle-like operation, and the electric PTO lets you quickly and easily engage/disengage the blades. The 2-inch tubular steel frame is fully welded for durability while the high-backed seat and foam-grip lap bars help reduce vibration and discomfort.

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What is the best zero-turn mower?

My pick for the best zero-turn mower is the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1. It features an 11-gauge steel, 50-inch cutting deck with twin blade sets for an even, consistent cut on each pass as well as a tubular steel frame for strength and durability. The 23HP Kawasaki engine and hydrostatic drive make operating the mower easy while providing plenty of power to handle lawns of up to 4 acres.

Best zero-turn mower	Price	Cutting width	Engine
Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1	$3799	60 inches	23HP Kawasaki
Ryobi 48V zero-turn mower	$3499	54 inches	Brushless electric
Toro Titan MAX	$7099	60 inches	26HP Kohler
John Deere Z315E	$3199	42 inches	20HP V-Twin John Deere
Troy-Bilt Mustang Z42	$2550	42 inches	22HP V-Twin Kohler

Which one is the right zero-turn mower for you?

Once you've finalized a budget for your new zero-turn mower, you'll want to look at cutting deck widths, engine sizes, fuel tank capacities, and what attachments each model is compatible with. Smaller 42-inch decks are ideal for suburban lawns with lots of trees and other obstacles, while larger 54- or 60-inch cutting decks are more suited for wide-open rural properties.

Engine size also helps you determine which is right for you, since higher horsepower means you can do things like haul wagons of tools, mulch, or potting soil or use equipment such as lawn rollers and aerators without destroying the motor.

Buy this best zero-turn mower...	If you need...
Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1	A well-rounded zero-turn mower. The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 can mow up to 4 acres at a time, and it features an ergonomic seat for enhanced comfort.
Ryobi 48V zero-turn mower	An electric zero-turn mower. The Ryobi 48V zero-turn mower uses batteries for power, making it more environmentally friendly and eliminating engine maintenance.
Toro Titan MAX	A zero-turn mower for larger properties. The Toro Titan MAX has a 60-inch cutting deck as well as a 7-gallon gas tank for mowing up to 7 acres at once.
John Deere Z315E	A zero-turn mower for smaller properties. The John Deere Z315E has a 42-inch cutting deck for maneuvering around obstacles and is rated for lawns up to 2 acres.
Troy-Bilt Mustang Z42	An affordable zero-turn mower. The Troy-Bilt Mustang Z42 retails between$2500 and$3000, making it one of the most affordable on the market.

How did we choose these zero-turn mowers?

While researching each zero-turn mower featured on this list, I kept these criteria in mind:

• Cutting width and maximum cutting area:Not all zero-turn mowers are going to be suited for every type of property. If you have a large, rural property, you'll want a zero-turn mower with a fairly large cutting deck so you don't end up spending all day trying to cut your grass. If you have a lot of obstacles like trees, outbuildings, or landscaping, you'll want a smaller cutting deck to easily maneuver. You'll also want to double check that the zero-turn mower is rated for your yard size, especially if it's an electric model; you don't want to be stranded in the middle of your property when you run out of gas or your batteries die.
• Power source:While gasoline-powered engines are still the most popular option for zero-turn lawn mowers by far, there are more and more electric models entering the market every year. Gas-powered engines offer more power for mowing large properties, hauling equipment, or mulching leaves. Electric/battery-powered engines are much more environmentally friendly and don't require the same level of maintenance as their gas-powered counterparts. However, electric models are much more expensive.
• Steering and accessories: Zero-turn mowers typically have a bit of a learning curve for operation due to their lap-bar steering. This means that you'll use two levers to move forward, reverse, and maneuver around objects. Though there are a few models that are built with more traditional steering wheels for easier operation, and there are even models that are controlled with a joystick for one-handed operation. I also ensured that every model featured on this list is able to be used with bagger or mulching kits, small trailers for hauling supplies, and other accessories you may need for maintaining your property.

What is a zero-turn mower?

A zero-turn mower is a type of riding mower that has a zero-inch turning radius (hence the name). This means that you can use either the left or right rear wheel as a pivot point and turn in place, which gives the mower superior maneuverability around trees, garden beds, and other obstacles.

They also tend to have larger deck sizes than regular riding mowers, making them favorites with homeowners with larger properties.

What size lawn is a zero-turn mower best for?

A zero-turn lawn mower is best suited for any yard that is an acre or larger since they have more powerful engines and larger cutting decks than regular riding mowers. You can choose a deck from as narrow as 42 inches to as wide as 72 inches, letting you almost tailor-fit your mower to your lawn.

Are zero-turn mowers worth the money?

A zero-turn mower can be a very valuable asset in your workshop if you have a yard suitable enough for one. If you have a small suburban lot measuring less than .75 acres, there won't be enough room for your mower to actually do its job, plus it would be very difficult to store such a large mower in a typical backyard garden shed.

But if you have a 1-acre or larger property, a zero-turn mower is a good choice, since they can make short work of just about any lawn and are perfect for steering around orchards, outbuildings, and garden beds.

Do zero-turn lawn mowers have baggers?

Yes, zero-turn lawn mowers feature bagging attachments to collect clippings of grass. Depending on the model you select, you might have to purchase it separately from the mower. 

Are there alternative zero-turn mowers worth considering?

There are lots of options available if you're looking to buy a new zero-turn mower. Here's a short list of alternative choices I thought were worth a look:

Ariens Ikon

Ariens/

The Ariens Ikon not only sports an 11-gauge steel deck and fully welded chassis. It also features 600 lumen LED headlights for enhanced visibility while mowing during the early morning or late evening.

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Ego Power+ Z6 e-Steer

Ego Power+/

The Ego Power+ Z6 e-Steer is one of the easier zero-turn mowers to learn how to operate, thanks to its traditional steering wheel. It can mow up to 2.5 acres on a single charge, and is bundled with four batteries.

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Craftsman Z5200

Craftsman/

The Craftsman Z5200 is another great choice for smaller yards or lawns with a lot of trees, landscaping, and other objects to maneuver around. The 42-inch deck lets you access smaller spaces, while the hydrostatic engine provides a simplified driving experience.

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