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5 Best Zero-Turn Mowers in 2024: Reviews & Top Picks

man in blue shirt mowing a lawn

man in blue shirt mowing a lawn

Zero-turn lawn mowers are incredible innovations that work the same as standard lawn mowers but have a zero-turn radius. The zero-inch radius allows the lawn mower to move more precisely and efficiently. This feature makes them great for mowing in areas that require precision, such as around trees, flower beds, or garden decor. Zero-turn lawn mowers are usually equipped with the best engines on the market, providing power and reliability to the operator. Since they are mostly used on rough terrains and hills or slopes, they need a flawless startup and different cutting sizes.

In the article below, we comprised a list of some of the best lawn mowers on the market, which will hopefully help you make the right choice. The information needed to find an ideal zero-turn lawn mower is listed below.

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A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Craftsman 17ARFACT091 46-Inch Hydrostatic Gas Zero Turn Mower Craftsman 17ARFACT091 46-Inch Hydrostatic Gas Zero Turn Mower
  • Easily maneuverable
  • Powerful and reliable engine
  • Comfortable seating
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Ariens IKON XD 52 Kawasaki Zero Turn Mower Ariens IKON XD 52 Kawasaki Zero Turn Mower
  • Adjustable and comfortable seating with armrest
  • 13 cutting positions are available
  • Powerful engine
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Ariens Zenith 60 Kawasaki Zero Turn Lawn Mower Ariens Zenith 60 Kawasaki Zero Turn Lawn Mower
  • Easy to maintain
  • 17 cutting positions available
  • Comfortable seating and padded armrests
  • Husqvarna Z248F Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower Husqvarna Z248F Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Affordable price
  • Maintenance-free transmission
  • Troy-Bilt Super Mustang XP Riding Lawn Mower Troy-Bilt Super Mustang XP Riding Lawn Mower
  • Extra-wide dual blade
  • High back seat
  • Plenty of leg room
  • The 5 Best Zero Turn Mowers

    1. Craftsman 17ARFACT091 Hydrostatic Gas Zero Turn Mower – Best Overall

    Craftsman 17ARFACT091 46-Inch Hydrostatic Gas Zero Turn Mower

    Color: Black / Red
    Operation mode: Automatic
    Cutting width: 46 inches

    The Craftsman 17ARFACT091 is an excellent zero-turn lawn mower that is easily maneuverable and adjustable. It comes with a 23 HP twin-cylinder engine that ensures a lawn mower with a reliable, no-choke system. The seating has a high back, adding additional support and comfort. Some consumers complained about battery issues, although those issues seemed to be minor and easily fixable.

    Although it may be a bit more expensive, the Craftsmen 17ARFACT091 lawn mower has the best overall quality with a zero-turn radius. For a more rewarding experience, you can add a mulching kit, which is optional and must be bought separately.

    Pros
    • Easily maneuverable
    • Powerful and reliable engine
    • Comfortable seating
    • Comes with adjustable cutting height
    Cons
    • Some consumers reported battery issues
    • Expensive

    2. Ariens IKON XD 52 Kawasaki Zero Turn Mower – Best Value

    Ariens IKON XD 52 inch 23 HP (Kawasaki) Zero Turn Mower 915267

    Color: Black / Orange
    Operation mode: Automatic
    Cutting width: 4 inches

    The Ariens IKON XD 52 Kawasaki is an excellent zero-turn lawn mower with a powerful 23 HP Kawasaki engine that will provide efficiency and reliability for many years, and is the best zero-turn mower for the money. It has an improved airflow for better, high-quality cutting performance. The padded armrests and the high back seating are adjustable to fit the operator and provide them with the most comfort while mowing the lawn. It comes with 13 cutting positions in quarter-inch increments that are easily adjustable.

    The Ariens IKON XD 52 Kawasaki lawn mower has a few minor disadvantages, such as being a bit loud. Still, it is a high-quality lawn mower for a very affordable price.

    Pros
    • Adjustable and comfortable seating with armrest
    • 13 cutting positions are available
    • Powerful engine
    Cons
    • It lacks a gas gauge
    • It might be too noisy for some people

    3. Ariens Zenith 60 Kawasaki Zero Turn Lawn Mower – Premium Choice

    Ariens Zenith 60 23.5HP Kawasaki Zero Turn Lawn Mower

    Color: Black / Orange
    Operation mode: Automatic
    Cutting width: 60 inches

    The Ariens ZENITH 60 Kawasaki is another incredibly powerful zero-turn lawn mower that has been proven to be one of the best in the market. This zero-turn lawn mower comes with 17 cutting positions, ideal for any garden or landscape, even on hilly terrains. It is effortless to maintain and comes with multiple levels of protection to reduce the risks of rolling. It provides maximum comfort for the operator during mowing, equipped with padded armrests and an adjustable plush high back seat.

    The Ariens ZENITH 60 Kawasaki comes at a higher price than other lawn mowers on this list, although it provides premium quality and a comfortable mowing experience.

    Pros
    • Easy to maintain
    • 17 cutting positions available
    • Comfortable seating and padded armrests
    • Roll-over protection
    • Large 5-gallon fuel tank
    • Works well on hilly terrain
    Cons
    • One of the more expensive models
    • Accessories come separately

    4. Husqvarna Z248F Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower

    Husqvarna Z248F 48 in. 21.5 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

    Color: Gray / Orange
    Operation mode: Manual
    Cutting width: 48 inches

    The Husquarna Z248F is another highly praised zero-turn lawn mower that provides an excellent mowing experience to its operators. It has a reliable 21,5 HP Kawasaki engine that ensures flawless startup and provides a maximum speed of 6.5 miles per hour. It comes with a no-maintenance transmission that will make your mowing worry-free. It comes with a seating area that has an ergonomic control panel, comfortable seating, and an anti-slip foot area.

    Additional accessories must be bought separately, which many consumers find inconvenient. Other than experiencing minor malfunctions infrequently, this zero-turn lawn mower will provide a reliable, long-lasting experience.

    Pros
    • Easy to maneuver
    • Affordable price
    • Maintenance-free transmission
    • Comfortable seating and anti-slip foot area
    Cons
    • Additional accessories are sold separately
    • Consumers have reported several minor malfunctions

    5. Troy-Bilt Super Mustang XP Riding Lawn Mower

    Troy-Bilt Super Mustang XP Riding Lawn Mower with 50-Inch Deck and 724cc Briggs & Stra

    Color: Black / Gray
    Operation mode: Automatic
    Cutting width: 50 inches

    The Troy-Bilt Super Mustang XP is another excellent lawn mower on our list. Even though it takes the last place, it is a high-quality lawn mower that comes at an affordable price. It has a powerful engine and a dual hydro transmission that generates enough power to mow larger gardens with lots of rough grass. The Troy-Bilt lawn mower is perfect for cutting wider paths since it has an extra-wide 50-inch dual blade.

    While this lawn mower is excellent on hilly terrain, some consumers have reported slippery tires that affect their mowing. Nevertheless, the zero-turn mechanism on this lawn mower allows the operator to turn much faster and quicker.

    Pros
    • Extra-wide dual blade
    • High back seat
    • Plenty of leg room
    • Large 3-gallon fuel tank
    • It works great on hills
    Cons
    • Loud
    • Tires may be slippery in some situations

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    Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Zero-Turn Mower

    When choosing a zero-turn lawn mower, many critical factors will affect your decision. The most crucial factor is how big your garden or lawn is. Depending on that, you will have to choose the size of the fuel tank on the lawn mower, as well as the power of its engine. There are many available options on the market, and they are followed by different prices. You may also need to consider the comfort of the zero-turn lawn mower, as you will be spending a lot of hours sitting in the same position.

    Luckily, most zero-turn lawn mowers are designed to provide maximum comfort to the operator. Most have adjustable high back seating with plush padded armrests and plenty of leg room.

    What Kind Of Options Are There?

    There are many options for zero-turn lawn mowers, and based on your budget, you can choose between premium lawn mowers and more affordable ones. Premium lawn mowers will usually have more features and accessories, with a more powerful engine that will allow you to tackle any terrain and grass. Some premium zero-turn lawn mowers come with plenty of cutting heights, which is an excellent feature for hilly terrain. Zero-turn lawn mowers that are more affordable are also exceptional and provide excellent value. They are mostly equipped with strong engines and different cutting options, although additional accessories—such as a mulching kit—may need to be bought separately.

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    Final Thoughts

    Hopefully, we have provided you with enough details about zero-turn lawn mowers so that you can make an informed decision. Depending on what type of zero-turn lawn mower you are looking for, there are various options on the market. From premium quality to more affordable prices, lawnmowers are excellent on rough terrains and can have a more powerful engine or built-in features.

    Our favorite choice is the Craftsman 17ARFACT091 as it’s a great zero-turn lawn mower that is easily maneuverable and adjustable. Still, whichever of the above zero-turn lawn mowers you decide on, comfort and reliability are guaranteed.


    Featured Image Credit: Edwin Chen, Unsplash

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