How you pick the right zero-turn mower is a frequently asked question by those shopping for one. Knowing the type of zero-turn mower you require beforehand can help you save much money.

Components

Paying attention to its components is crucial when shopping for a zero-turn mower. It's important to note that each brand offers a range of products, from cheaper residential models to professional-grade options. Engines and transaxles can be categorized based on five levels:

1. Entry-level residential
2. High-end residential
3. Entry-level commercial
4. High-end commercial
5. Professional grade.

Component Descriptions

Numbers usually denote the names of the models for engines and transaxles. The higher number usually indicates the advantage of the component. Hydro-Gear transaxles, for example, are classified by numbers, with the ZT1800 transaxles being their least preferred option. In contrast, the Hydro-Gear ZT5400 transaxles are considered one of the best in the industry.

Transaxles are the drive component and transmission for the mower. It's worth noting that transaxles play a crucial role in making the wheels turn, determining the mower's top speed, and providing a smooth driving experience.

$3,000 Zero-Turn Mowers

Although zero-turn mowers priced under $3,000 are less expensive, they can still be an excellent choice for homeowners and those who require light-duty commercial use.

It is important to note that zero-turn mowers have several moving parts, which makes it challenging to find them for less than $3,000. Nevertheless, they are simple to operate and maintain.

Engine

Mowers that cost around $3,000 come with entry-level engines designed for residential use. These mowers usually have only an 18 to 20 horsepower output.

A popular option for zero-turn mowers in this price range is the Briggs EX1900, a 540cc, 19 horsepower engine. These engines can last up to 1000 hours with regular maintenance. However, these engines can exceed 1500 hours of use with good care.

Transaxles

Zero-turn mowers priced below $3000 typically come equipped with entry-level residential-grade transaxles. They usually only have a speed of under 6 MPH.

It is advisable to avoid mowers that use the ZT-1800 transaxles manufactured by Hydro-Gear. The ZT-1800 is the least desirable due to its 6cc pumps and 10cc drive motor. Hydro-Gear does produce other quality transaxles.

Select a mower with the Hydro-Gear ZT2200, the EZT transaxle family. These transaxles come with bigger 10cc pumps.

Mowing Deck

Mowers that fall within the $3000 price range can have:

• Shallow decks with reduced airflow.
• Fewer anti-scalp wheels.

The limited design of under $3000 mowers will serve most homeowners with a flat lawn. The cut quality and durability of the mowing deck won't be as good as those of the mowers in a higher price range.

Features

Don't anticipate any luxurious features on the mowers at this price range. Your expectations should be restricted to:

• Decent deck adjustment system
• Comfortable rubber floor mats
• Cup holder
• Maybe an LED light bar

The MZ Rambler would be the best option as it ticks all the boxes except for the light bar. Moreover, it boasts:

• Excellent accessibility to all the critical components, belts, and spindles.
• Improved accessibility simplifies the cleaning and maintenance process.

Acreage

The recommended acreage for mowers under the $3000 price range is about 2.5 acres or less, with hills or sloped areas under 15 degrees.

$5,000 Zero-Turn Mowers

Zero-Turn Mowers that fall within the price range of approximately $5,000 offer superior quality and performance compared to those priced around $3,000. They are a popular choice for mid-range residential use.

Engine

Mowers priced around $5,000 generally come equipped with:

• High-end residential grade engines (22 to 25 horsepower)
• The Kawasaki FR691V engine is usually found in this price range.
  • It boasts a horsepower of 23 and a 726cc capacity
• These engines can last up to 1200 hours with just routine maintenance

Transmission

Zero-turn mowers priced around $5000 will have high-end residential-grade transaxles.

A great example of this price range is the Bad Boy ZT Avenger. It comes with:

• The Hydro-Gear ZT2800 (It is one step away from being a commercial-grade transaxle.)
• Mowers in this price range will have a top speed between 7 to 9 MPH.

Mowing Deck

Zero-turn mowers that cost around $5000 can have:

• Fabricated mowing decks.
• Cutting widths between 48" - 60".
• Between two - four anti-scalp wheels.

Features

$5,000 mowers can be fancier than $3000 mowers. They typically have.

• Nice rubber floor mats.
• A storage compartment.
• A cup holder.
• Sometimes, a 12v outlet and light bar.
• And a comfortable suspension.
  

A mower like the ZT Avenger has extra wide 12" tires giving the user added stability and a much smoother ride than mowers with smaller tires. Most mowers that cost around $5000 will have more prominent front and rear tires, meaning a smoother ride and better control on hills and through wet spots.

Acreage

The recommended mower acreage in this price range is about 2 - 4.5 acres with hills or sloped areas under 15 degrees.

$7,000 Zero Turn Mowers

Zero-turn mowers that cost around $7000 will be full-on commercial quality. They will outperform $5000 mowers quite significantly.
If you're looking for top-notch commercial quality, a zero-turn mower that costs about $7000 is the way to go. These mowers will outperform those that cost $5000 by a significant margin.

Engine

Mowers for right around $7,000 will have commercial-grade engines that range from 24 to 27hp. A typical engine you'll find on zero-turns at this price range is the:

• Kawasaki FS730V
  • This is a 726cc and 24hp engine
• These engines are likely to last up to 1700 hours or even 2200 hours in some cases with regular maintenance

Transmission

Zero-turn mowers that cost around $7000 will have commercial-grade transaxles. An excellent example of this mower is the Maverick by Bad Boy. It features:

• The Hydro-Gear ZT3200’s which have 10cc pumps and 16cc drive motors.
• This mower will have a higher top speed of 8 – 11 MPH.

Mowing Deck

Zero-turn mowers in the $7000 price range will have.

• Fabricated mowing decks.
• Cutting widths between 48" - 72".
• Between three to six anti-scalp wheels.
• The cut quality for mowers at this price range will usually feature deeper mowing decks with better reinforcement, airflow, and suspension.

Features

Please only buy a mower for over $7000 if it has some built-in suspension. The suspension is one of the most significant differences between many zero-turn mowers that cost $5000 vs. ones that cost $7000.

If you need a mower in this price range, try to get one like the Maverick. It has front and back suspension, and you can even get a suspension seat.

A terrific suspension will make your ride more enjoyable and improve cut quality.

Mowers for $7000 will likely have other excellent features:

• No-flat tires with better tread on the back tires.
• A bigger fuel tank.
• 12-volt charger.

Acreage

The recommended acreage for mowers in the $7000 price range is about 3.5 - 7.5 acres with hills or sloped areas under 20 degrees.

$9,000 Zero-Turn Mowers

Mowers that cost $9000 and up are usually specialty mowers designed to tackle the most challenging conditions or made to mow golf courses. Some mowers can go up to $20,000 in some cases, but these usually have a fully enclosed cab.

Zero-turn mowers costing $9000 and over are made for homeowners with more significant properties or for commercial users who will need a mower that can run for hours on end, day after day, without overheating.

Engine

Mowers for around $9,000 will have high-end commercial-grade engines ranging from 27 – 35 HP. You'll find a standard engine on zero-turns at this price range.

• The Kawasaki EVO781
• It is a 822cc and 31hp engine.
• These engines are likely to well over 3500 hours with regular maintenance.

Zero-turn mowers in the $9000 price range will have high-end commercial-grade transaxles. For example, the Rebel Zero-Turn mower by Bad Boy features:

• The Hydro-Gear ZT4400
  • It has a 12cc pump and a 16cc drive motor
• You can expect these mowers will have a higher top speed of 9-12 MPH

Mowing Deck

Zero-turn mowers that cost around $9000 will have:

• Pro-fabricated mowing decks.
• Cutting widths OF between 54" - 72".
• Four to six anti-scalp wheels.
• Cut quality for mowers at this price range will be as good as possible.
• They can cut tall grass and have plenty of airflow.
• Larger pulleys than other residential mowers help get this done.

Features

Mowers around $9000 and up will have some excellent features.

• Front and back suspension or a suspension seat.
• These mowers are generally more spacious and comfortable to drive.
• They are also designed with a much heavier frame than a residential mower.

When you invest around $9,000, you can be confident that the mower will last a lifetime as long as you take good care of it.

Acreage

The recommended mower acreage in this price range is about 5 - 20 acres with hills or sloped areas under 20 degrees. Specialty mowers with much broader mowing deck systems should be considered for over 20 acres to mow.

Summary

Choosing the right mower can be difficult. The team at Tractor Bob is prepared to help select just the right one.

You can also see more details about these choices by watching "HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT ZERO-TURN MOWER" on the Tractor Bob YouTube Channel.

Tractor Bob is committed to helping buyers find the right solution for their power equipment needs. You can also learn more about using your power equipment on this site.

Reach out to one of Tractor Bob’s mower experts to select a machine that fits your needs.