Homeowners with large yards love zero-turn mowers because they’re fast and easy to maneuver around landscaping. But many struggle to find the right one for their yard. So, we took out the guesswork. We researched and found the best zero-turn lawn mowers from America’s leading lawn care retailers—Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart.
We review the top models and include a handy zero-turn buying guide to ensure you find the best zero-turn mower for your yard.
Our top picks
1. John Deere Z325E ZTrak – Best overall
Our overall favorite zero-turn lawn mower is the John Deere Z325E ZTrak. It’s comfortable, durable, and feature-packed. With a 48-inch cutting deck, it crisply cuts flat lawns up to 2 acres. It also comes in a 54-inch model for larger lawns.
Cutting performance: The Z325E ZTrak features John Deere’s coveted Accel Deep deck. With amazing airflow, adjustable anti-scalp wheels, and high-quality blades, it has superb cutting performance. It cuts grass evenly and only struggles in very thick, overgrown grass. The mow height adjusts in ¼-inch increments from 1.25 to 4.5 inches.
Power: The mower has a 24-horsepower V-twin gas engine. It’s smooth and reliable with time-saving traits, including an oil-drain tube and easy-access air filters.
Comfort: John Deere makes very comfortable riding mowers. It has an adjustable 18-inch high-back seat with thick foam and steel coil suspension. The mower has a shock absorber and plenty of footroom. The steering handles are adjustable with secure hand grips. It’s user-friendly with color-coded controls, an easy-to-read fuel gauge, and a foot lift for mow height adjustment.
Durability: It’s fit as a fiddle with a rust-resistant, 10-gauge forged steel deck. A rear guard, full-pressure lubrication, and cast-iron sleeves protect the engine. The mower’s backed by a 3-year/200-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Additional features include:
- Cup holder
- Storage compartment
- Deck cleanout
- Hour Meter
- Key-operated electric ignition
- Transparent gas tank
- Power Take Off
Specifications
- Blades: 3
- Cutting width: 48 in.
- Cutting heights: 1.25 – 4.5 in.
- Fuel tank capacity: 3 gal.
- Lawn size: 1 – 2 acres
- Power source: 24-HP gas engine
- Warranty: 3 years/200 hour
Drive features
| Max forward speed | 7 |
| Max reverse speed | 3.5 |
| Cruise control | No |
| Transmission | Dual hydrostatic |
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes, sold separately |
| Mulch plug | Yes, sold separately |
| Side discharge | Yes |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Comfortable seat ✓ User-friendly controls ✓ High-quality cutting system ✓ Bumper-to-bumper warranty ✓ Potent engine ✓ Thick steel ✓ Built in USA | ✗ Struggles when grass is very thick and overgrown ✗ Not good for hills ✗ High-maintenance |
Where to buy
2. John Deere Z530M – Runner up
If you have room in your budget to splurge, consider the John Deere Z530M. It’s enhanced with luxury features that improve safety, comfort, and performance. Since most homeowners don’t have the need or budget for John Deere’s souped-up series, we ranked it second. But it comes loaded with all the frills you need to painlessly mow flat and uneven lawns up to 4 acres.
Cutting performance: The mower consistently makes high-quality cuts, even on tall grass. It has a 54-inch Accel Deep deck that’s suspended from the mower for level cutting. The deep deck has a flat-top design and a ton of volume. It delivers excellent airflow and a fast cutting speed. The mow height easily adjusts in ¼-inch increments from 1 to 4 inches.
Power: The mower’s mighty, but fuel-efficient. It has a reliable 24-horsepower V-twin (John Deere branded) Kawasaki engine. The engine’s easy to access for maintenance and cleaning, and it’s equipped with two cleanout ports. It has cast-iron cylinder liners, overhead valves, and an in-line fuel filter.
Comfort: If you want to mow in the lap of luxury, this is the lawn mower for you. It has an adjustable 20-inch seat with armrests and ComfortGlide suspension. The seat moves with you and shelters you from shock when driving on uneven terrain. It has a large foot platform with a rubber mat. The adjustable steering levers have comfortable grips and are easy to control.
The large operator station has excellent front visibility and enhanced safety. It has a seat belt and ROPS (prevents overturn and protects you in case of overturn). The mower is user-friendly, with a digital control console and color-coded controls. It drives smoothly with large caster front wheels, larger rear wheels (22 x 9.5-10), and a Tuff Torq transmission.
Durability: It’s a sturdy machine that can withstand heavy-duty use. It has large steel tubing, a 10-gauge forged steel deck, and a welded steel frame. A 4-year/300-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty guarantees its durability.
Addition features include:
- Two cup holders
- Easy-to-fill, see-through gas tank
- Separate controls for engine speed and choke
- Tethered fuel cap
- Large lever park brake
- Hour meter
- Keyed start
- Power take-off
- Storage compartment
- 12-volt outlet
- Deck cleanout
Specifications
- Blades: 3
- Cutting width: 54 in.
- Cutting heights: 1 – 4 in.
- Fuel tank capacity: 4.5 gal.
- Lawn size: 2 – 4 acres
- Power source: 24-HP gas engine
- Warranty: 4 years/300 hours
Drive features
| Max forward speed | 8 |
| Max reverse speed | 4 |
| Cruise control | No |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic |
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes, sold separately |
| Mulch plug | Yes, sold separately |
| Side discharge | Yes |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Fast drive system ✓ Advanced safety features ✓ Superb comfort ✓ User-friendly controls ✓ Thick steel ✓ High quality cutting system ✓ Bumper-to-bumper warranty ✓ Powerful engine ✓ Built in USA | ✗ Expensive ✗ Not good for hills ✗ High-maintenance |
Where to buy
3. RYOBI RYRM8034 – Best electric zero-turn mower
The best electric zero-turn lawn mower is the RYOBI RYRM8034. Although it costs a pretty penny, it’s potent enough to compete with gas-powered mowers and chock-full of convenience features. It’s ideal for homeowners with wiggle room in their budget, flat lawns as large as 3 acres, and a distaste for high-maintenance mowers with smelly gas fumes.
Cutting performance: It has a 54-inch deck with RYOBI’s multi-blade CROSS CUT system. The six steel blades make even cuts. It’s easy to change the mow height with a 12-position single-lever adjuster that ranges from 1.5 to 4.5 inches.
Power: It runs on five brushless motors, three 80-volt lithium-ion batteries, and four 40-volt lithium-ion batteries. Although RYOBI says it mows up to 4 acres on a single charge, most homeowners mow 2 to 3 acres per charge. It comes with a Super Charger that fully refuels the batteries in about 5 hours.
Comfort: It’s comfortable to drive. The padded seat has armrests and good suspension. You can monitor the mower from your seat with an LCD control panel. Its iDrive system is joystick-controlled, so it’s easy and fun to steer single-handedly. For your convenience, it has LED headlights, two cup holders, and two USB ports.
Durability: It has a rust-resistant 10-gauge fabricated steel deck that’s built strong to last long. The mower comes with a 5-year tool warranty. The 40-volt batteries come with a 3-year warranty, and the 80-volt batteries have a 5-year warranty.
Addition features include:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Swivel front wheel
- Hour meter
- Keyed start
- Blade brake
- Rubber discharge chute
Specifications
- Blades: 6
- Cutting width: 54 in.
- Cutting heights: 1.5 – 4.5 in.
- Lawn size: 2 – 3 acres
- Motor: Brushless
- Power source: 80-volt lithium-ion batteries (3) + 40-volt lithium-ion batteries (4)
- Warranty: 5 years
Drive features
| Max forward speed | 8 |
| Max reverse speed | 4 |
| Cruise control | No |
| Transmission | Automatic |
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes, sold separately |
| Mulch plug | Yes, sold separately |
| Side discharge | Yes |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Fast drive system ✓ Comfortable seat ✓ Easy to use drive system ✓ Thick steel ✓ 6 blade cutting system ✓ Many convenience features ✓ Built in USA | ✗ Expensive ✗ Limited runtime ✗ Not good for thick grass ✗ Not good for overgrown grass ✗ Not good for hills |
Where to buy
4. Ego Power+ Z6 e-Steer – Electric runner up
Our second favorite electric zero-turn mower is the Ego Power+ Z6 e-Steer. It uses advanced engineering and cutting-edge technology to deliver comfort, power, and precision without gas fumes. It’s best for flat lawns up to 2 acres.
Cutting performance: The mower makes high-quality cuts, even on tall grass. It has a 42-inch stamped steel deck with two 21-inch mower blades. It’s simple to adjust the mow height among 10 positions, which range from 1.5 to 4.5 inches.
Power: It has four brushless motors and four 56-volt 12 Ah ARC lithium-ion batteries, but can run on up to six batteries. Ego’s ARC Li-ion batteries are ranked No.1 for efficiency and reliability. The Z6 e-Steer mows up to 2.5 acres on a single charge, and the included 1600W charger fully refuels the batteries in 2.5 hours. There’s also a port to charge the batteries on the mower.
Comfort: The Z6 e-Steer makes mowing comfortable. Its seat is nicely padded with armrests and hydraulic suspension. The steering wheel makes it easy to control. It has a customizable LCD control panel and three driving modes — control, standard, and sport. Additionally, it offers superb night vision with high-intensity LED lights on the mower’s front, side, and back.
Durability: It’s durable with IPX4 weather-resistant construction but isn’t as heavy-duty as the other mowers on our list. Both the mower and its batteries come with a 5-year warranty.
Addition features include:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Cup holder
- Phone holder
- USB port
- Adjustable seat
Specifications
- Blades: 2
- Cutting width: 42 in.
- Cutting heights: 1.5 – 4.5 in.
- Lawn size: 1 – 2 acres
- Motor: Brushless
- Power source: 56-volt, 12 Ah ARC lithium-ion batteries (4)
- Warranty: 5 years
Drive features
| Max forward speed | 8 |
| Max reverse speed | 3.5 |
| Cruise control | No |
| Transmission | Manual / Gear |
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes, sold separately |
| Mulch plug | Yes, sold separately |
| Side discharge | Yes |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Comfortable seat ✓ Easy to use drive system ✓ Customizable control panel ✓ High-quality cutting system ✓ Efficient batteries ✓ Excellent night visibility ✓ IPX4 weather-resistant construction | ✗ Manual transmission ✗ Expensive ✗ Limited runtime ✗ Not good for hills ✗ Have to go slow on bumpy terrain |
Where to buy
5. Toro Titan MAX HAVOC Edition – Best for 4+ acres
The best zero-turn mower for 4 or more acres of rigorous mowing is the Toro Titan MAX HAVOC Edition. It has the strength of a commercial zero-turn mower but with a user-friendly design for homeowners. It’s the crème de la crème of residential mowers and the most expensive model on our list.
Cutting performance: It has a 60-inch IronForged deck and lightning-fast blade speed (18,908 fpm). The mower sharply slices through grass, even when it’s thick, wet, or tall. It has single-lever mow height adjustment from 1.5 to 5 inches.
Power: It’s our list’s most potent lawn mower, with a 26-horsepower V-twin engine. The Kohler 7000 series engine has a canister air cleaner, pressure lubrication, and tooless air filter replacement. The engine’s reliable. It has consistent speed, even under harsh conditions.
Comfort: You can comfortably drive the mower for long periods, even on rugged terrain. It has a well-cushioned high-back seat with armrests. The low-vibration handles have sturdy grips. Its 23-inch tires have fantastic traction, and the commercial-grade transmission runs smoothly.
Durability: It’s built like a beast and reinforced with bullet-proof material. The mower has a heavy-duty tubular steel frame and a rust-resistant 10-gauge fabricated steel deck. It comes with a 4-year/500-hour warranty.
Addition features include:
- Rubber discharge chute
- LED task lights
- Two-toned aluminum alloy wheels
- Cup holder
- Keyed start
- Power Take Off
- Swivel Wheels
- See-through gas tank
- Pro control damper system
- Storage compartments
- Hour meter
Specifications
- Blades: 3
- Cutting width: 60 in.
- Cutting heights: 1.5 – 5 in.
- Fuel tank capacity: 7 gal.
- Lawn size: 4+ acres
- Power source: 26-HP gas engine
- Warranty: 4 years/500 hours
Drive features
| Max forward speed | 9 |
| Max reverse speed | 3 |
| Cruise control | No |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic |
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes, sold separately |
| Mulch plug | Yes, sold separately |
| Side discharge | Yes |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Attractive ✓ Fast drive system ✓ High-quality cutting system ✓ User-friendly controls ✓ Commercial-grade construction ✓ Superb comfort ✓ Potent engine ✓ Thick steel | ✗ Expensive ✗ Not good for hills ✗ High-maintenance |
Where to buy
6. Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1-42 – Best for hills
The best zero-turn mower for hilly lawns is the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1-42. It can handle slopes as steep as 20 degrees on lawns as large as 2 acres. For larger hilly yards, we recommend the ZT1-50.
Cutting performance: It has a 42-inch stamped steel deck with excellent airflow and two sharp S-shaped blades. It makes quick, level cuts, even on overgrown grass. The blade’s edge aligns with the mower’s caster front wheels, so you can cut with precision. It has a foot-operated deck lift that adjusts the mow height to 15 positions from 1 to 4.5 inches.
Power: It runs on a high-performance, 22-horsepower Kohler twin-cylinder engine.
Comfort: The mower is ergonomic and easy to control. It drives smoothly, even when going fast over rugged ground. It has a 20-inch high-back seat with polymer suspension. The adjustable lap bars have comfy grips. Your feet stay cozy with a rubber mat and plenty of footroom. It has 20-inch Turf Master rear tires with high traction tread and smooth tread front tires.
Durability: It’s built to endure harsh environments. It has a 2×2-inch tubular steel frame with e-coating and automotive-grade corrosion resistance. The 12-gauge deck is rust-resistant. The mower comes with a 3-year (unlimited hour) warranty.
Addition features include:
- Integrated parking brake
- LED headlights
- Cup holder
- Deck cleanout
- Swivel wheels
- Keyed start
- Open frame design (easy access for cleaning and maintenance)
Specifications
- Blades: 2
- Cutting width: 42 in.
- Cutting heights: 1 – 4.5 in.
- Fuel tank capacity: 3 gal.
- Lawn size: 1 – 2 acres
- Power source: 22-HP gas engine
- Warranty: 3 years
Drive features
| Max forward speed | 7.5 |
| Max reverse speed | 3.5 |
| Cruise control | No |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic |
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes, sold separately |
| Mulch plug | Yes, sold separately |
| Side discharge | Yes |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Handles well on hills ✓ High-quality cutting system ✓ Drives smoothly ✓ Comfortable seat ✓ Heavy-duty tires ✓ Sturdy construction ✓ Built in USA | ✗ High-maintenance ✗ Sometimes screws come loose |
Where to buy
7. Toro TimeCutter 75748 – Best single-cylinder zero-turn mower
The best single-cylinder zero-turn mower is the Toro TimeCutter 75748. If you don’t need V-twin power, mowers with single-cylinder engines are more affordable, more fuel-efficient, and easier to maintain. The TimeCutter 75748 is ideal for light-duty mowing on flat lawns up to 2 acres.
Cutting performance: The TimeCutter makes clean cuts, even on tall grass, but struggles if the grass is too thick. It has a 42-inch deck with fast-action steel blades (17,810 ft/min). A single lever adjusts the mow height from 1.5 to 4.5 inches.
Power: It runs on a reliable 15.5-horsepower, single-cylinder Briggs & Stratton engine. It’s less potent and more prone to vibrate than V-twin engines but is simpler to maintain.
Comfort: The 16-inch seat isn’t as comfortable as the other seats on our list, but it has sturdy back support and ample padding. The mower’s easy to get on and off with a step-through front end. It has user-friendly controls, handy under-seat storage, and a cup holder.
Durability: It has a rust-resistant 13-gauge stamped steel deck, protective tire fenders, and belts reinforced with bullet-proof material. Toro guarantees its durability with a 3-year (unlimited hour) warranty.
Addition features include:
- Wash-out ports
- Toolless air filter changes
- Adjustable handlebar
- Turn keyed start
- Power Take Off
- Swivel wheels
- See-through fuel tank
Specifications
- Blades: 2
- Cutting width: 42 in.
- Cutting heights: 1.5 – 4.5 in.
- Fuel tank capacity: 3 gal.
- Lawn size: 1 – 2 acres
- Power source: 15.5-HP gas engine
- Warranty: 3 years
Drive features
| Max forward speed | 7 |
| Max reverse speed | 3 |
| Cruise control | No |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic |
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes, sold separately |
| Mulch plug | Yes, sold separately |
| Side discharge | Yes |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ High-quality cutting system ✓ Less maintenance than V-twin models ✓ User-friendly controls ✓ Affordable ✓ Fuel-efficient | ✗ Struggles on thick grass ✗ Not good for hills✗ Engine vibrates a lot |
Where to buy
Buyer’s guide
To purchase the best lawn mower, savvy shoppers consider the following:
Zero-turn mowers vs. lawn tractors
The best riding lawn mowers are:
- Lawn tractors drive better on hills than zero-turn mowers but are slower, and they make wide turns. Most models have a 16- to 18-inch turn radius. However, some need as little as 5 inches of space to turn, while others need as much as 20 inches.
- Zero-turn mowers have a 0-inch turn radius, so they’re ideal for large lawns with many landscaping obstacles. They’re also fast, making them great for any flat lawn that’s 2+ acres. Some small electric models mow lawns as little as ½ acre, while high-performance gas models quickly care for 4 or more acres of grass.
The table below compares the typical specs for residential zero turn mowers and lawn tractors.
| Lawn tractors | Zero-turn mowers | |
| Cutting width (in.) | 42 – 54 | 42 – 60 |
| Max forward speed (MPH) | 5 – 7 | 6 – 8 |
| Max reverse speed (MPH) | 2 – 3.5 | 3 – 4 |
| Price | $2,100 – $4,000 | $3,200 – $6,200 |
Power source
Zero-turn riding lawn mowers can be gas-powered or electric:
- Gas-powered zero-turn mowers are more affordable and potent than electric ones. They have longer run times and shorter refuel times. However, they’re high-maintenance, needing things like oil, air filter, and spark plug changes. And they emit smelly gas fumes that pollute the environment.
- Electric zero-turn mowers typically run on lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. They’re low maintenance and less noisy but more expensive than gas mowers. Although they pack less power, some match gas-powered blade speed and cut quality. They’re emissions-free, but lithium mining harms the environment.
The table below compares the typical specs for gas vs. electric zero turn mowers.
| Gas zero-turns | Electric zero-turns | |
| Cutting width (in.) | 42 – 60 | 30 – 54 |
| Max forward speed (MPH) | 6 – 8 | 7 – 8 |
| Max reverse speed (MPH) | 3 – 4 | 3 – 4 |
| Price | $3,000 – $6,000 | $3,500 – $7,500 |
Mower deck
Here are some things to look at when comparing zero-turn mower decks:
- Cutting width: Most zero-turn mowers have a 42- to 60-inch deck, but some electric models have decks as small as 30 inches. Broader decks get the job done quicker but are more expensive and don’t fit through narrow passages.
- Cutting height: Most zero-turn mowers have a minimum cutting height of 1 to 1.5 inches and a maximum cutting height of 3.5 to 4.5 inches. Make sure you can mow your lawn to its ideal height.
- Deck material: Most zero-turn mower decks are made of 10- to 13-gauge steel, but some have decks as thin as 14-gauge steel. The lower the gauge, the thicker the steel.
- Airflow: Decks with better airflow make higher-quality cuts. Deeper decks hold more volume leading to increased airflow.
- Mulching kit: Mulching kits are often sold separately. There are many ways to use mulched grass clippings, including fertilizing grass. They’re a natural source of nitrogen, making them one of the best lawn fertilizers. Many manufacturers also sell bagging attachments to collect clippings for trash pickup or a compost pile.
- Anti-scalp wheels: They prevent the deck from scraping the ground and scalping the grass.
Lawn size
The table below shows the best lawn mowers by lawn size.
| Lawn size | Mower type | Deck width (in.) |
| < ¼ acre | Rotary push mowers Reel mowers Robotic mowers | 13 to 21 |
| ¼ – ½ | Rotary push mowers Self-propelled walk-behind mower Robotic mowers | 21 to 30 |
| ½ – 1 acre | Self-propelled mowers Rear-engine riding mowers Lawn tractors | 30 to 36 |
| 1 – 2 acres | Lawn tractor Zero-turn mower | 36 to 48 |
| 2+ acres | Lawn tractor Zero-turn mower | 48 to 60 |
Drive features
Also, pay attention to these drive features:
- Speed: Most zero-turns can go as fast as 6 to 8 MPH forward and 3 to 4 MPH in reverse. The faster it moves, the quicker it mows the lawn. However, zero-turn mowers tend to be difficult to stop, so watch your speed.
- Tires: Heavy-duty large rear tires help mowers drive smoothly over rough terrain.
- Transmission: Hydrostatic transmissions are smoother and easier to use than manuals. Pumps circulate hydraulic oil to create energy, so hydrostatic systems with larger pumps generate more power and higher torque.
- Controls: Most models use steering handles for speed and directional control, but some have a steering wheel or joystick. If you’ve never driven a zero-turn mower, you’ll probably prefer a steering wheel because it works like a car and is easy to control.
Price
Most residential zero-turn lawn mowers cost $3,200 to $6,200, but prices vary by power source and cutting width.
| Average zero-turn mower cost | $4,700 |
| Typical price range | $3,200 – $6,200 |
| Extreme low | $2,800 |
| Extreme high | $8,300 |
Electric zero-turn mowers cost more than gas models, as shown in the table below.
| Gas zero-turns | Electric zero-turns | |
| Average cost | $4,400 | $5,900 |
| Typical price range | $3,000 – $6,000 | $3,500 – $7,500 |
The next table shows that zero-turns with wider cutting decks tend to cost more.
| Cutting width | Average cost |
| 42 – 48 in. | $3,950 |
| 50 – 54 in. | $4,570 |
| 60 in. | $6,400 |
FAQ about zero-turn lawn mowers
What is a zero-turn mower?
A zero-turn lawn mower (ZTR) is a riding mower with a 0-inch turn radius. Most models have steering handles (also called lap bars) that control the mower’s speed and direction. Many work with attachments that turn them into other outdoor power equipment, such as an aerator or snowblower.
Who makes the best quality zero-turn mowers?
John Deere makes the best zero-turn mowers, followed by Cub Cadet and Toro. Ryobi and Ego make the best electric zero-turn mowers.
What is the best zero-turn mower for 1 acre?
The John Deere Z325E ZTrak (BG21297) is the best zero-turn mower for 1 acre.
When to call a lawn care pro
Before you spend an arm and a leg on a fancy zero-turn mower, you should weigh all your options. Especially when affordable lawn care is just a mouse click away.
Lawn Love links you to qualified local lawn care pros. We run background checks and make sure all our pros are fully insured. Additionally, we have a customer-satisfaction guarantee. So, what do you have to lose? See how much time and money we can save you today.
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