Zero-turn mowers can be a good investment for people with medium to large lawns or properties to maintain or those needing to mow around obstacles like trees or landscaping. But a good zero-turn mower can be an expensive investment. This raises the question: Is buying a zero-turn mower worth the money?

Benefits

There are several benefits to owning a zero-turn mower. Here are a few:

Speed:

Zero-turn mowers are designed to be very fast and maneuverable. Their rate of speed can vary from four to five mph for entry-level residential mowers and up to 18 mph for some professional mowers like the Altoz XC. If you’re mowing more than 3 acres, try to get a mower that can go at least 7 - 8 mph.

Precision:

Zero-turn mowers are also designed for better precision because you can turn the mower around its axis. This makes zero-turn mowers an ideal grass-cutting option for people with many trees on their property, a fence line, or the need to mow in tight spaces. A zero-turn mower provides added speed and precision, improving efficiency overall and saving you time and energy.

Ergonomics:

Zero-turn mowers range broadly in size and application. Overall, they are very comfortable to drive and easy to operate. Many zero-turn mowers even utilize suspension technology to provide a more comfortable ride.

Some Bad Boy mowers have even taken advantage of all three main suspension types you’ll find on mowers. For example, the Bad Boy Rogue zero-turn mower features Bad Boy’s patented 3-link rear suspension, along with their patented front I-beam suspension rail AND a suspension seat. All this suspension means the Rogue has a more comfortable ride and cleaner cut. The mower is less likely to scalp, and you can mow at higher speeds without getting bucked out of your seat.

Costs

Here are some costs that you should know before determining if a zero-turn mower is right for you.

Cost:

Zero-turn mowers can be expensive compared to traditional riding mowers. An Entry residential-grade mower will cost around $3,500. An entry-level commercial-grade mower will cost around $6,000, and a professional mower will cost over $9,000. It's not uncommon for individuals or businesses to spend upwards of $10,000 to $15,000 for a high-quality professional mower. Much of the time, these machines are paid for through finance.

Maintenance & Repairs:

Zero-turn mowers are heavy-duty machines that endure a lot of wear and tear on the engine, belts, spindles, and other moving parts. Regular maintenance can be expensive to repair if something goes wrong.

Buying a used zero-turn mower can be a great way to save money, but buyers, beware. Most mowers last around 1000 hours or so. It takes residential users between five to eight years to reach 1000 hours. Zero-turn mowers often last more than 1000 hours. But be prepared for minor repairs once you reach high hours.

Storage:

Zero-turn mowers can require a significant amount of space to store. Plan on buying a cover for your mower if it’s sitting outside. These days you can find a custom-made cover for most zero-turn mowers.

A building is the most secure storage plan. The mower will be less exposed to the outside elements and discourage the theft of your investment.

Hills:

Some zero-turn mowers must be better suited for steep hills over 15 or 20 degrees. However, many zero-turn mowers are explicitly designed to handle steep hills easily. The Altoz TRX zero-turn mowers are impressive when cutting on steep hills and tall grass. You can learn more about this on the Tractor Bob Altoz TRX video.

Price

Under Three Acres:

A residential zero-turn mower would be perfect for mowing between one to three acres. Mowing in harsh conditions or on steep hills and ditches should be considered when choosing a particular model.

Residential mowers have smaller engines and transaxles than commercial zero-turn mowers. This means they will have a bit less speed and power overall. These mowers have small to medium tires and come in cut sizes ranging between 34”- 60”. They will have a top speed that ranges from 5mph to 9mph. Residential mowers price ranges between $2,900 - $6,900.

Three to Five Acres:

A commercial-grade zero-turn mower is what you’ll need if you plan on mowing between three to five acres. This is especially true if you mow through taller, thicker grass or along hills and ditches. Commercial mowers typically have larger engines with better filtration than residential mowers. The transaxles on commercial mowers are beefier and designed for regular use.

Commercial mower-cutting options range from 36” to 72”. Commercial mowers also often come with suspension in the seat or at the wheels. The top speed of commercial mowers ranges from 7mph to 13mph. Expect to pay between $6,900 and $10,900 for a commercial-grade mower. The price for a commercial-grade mower offers the benefits of cutting a lot of grass in a short amount of time.

Some areas call for a professional mower to finish the job on time. Professional mowers are designed to cut where other mowers can't. These mowers can handle much steeper hills, mow through very tall grass, or are designed to maintain high-end landscaping.

Some areas call for a professional mower to finish the job on time. Professional mowers are designed to cut where other mowers can't. These mowers can handle much steeper hills, mow through very tall grass, or are designed to maintain high-end landscaping. Professional and commercial mowers are engineered to withstand mowing daily for hours on end. Professional zero-turn mowers can cost $10,900 - $59,000.

Financing

Financing is how many people decide to purchase their zero-turn mower. Speaking with your local dealer about available financing options would be the best way for you to shop prices. Bad Boy Mowers and other brands will list the financing prices on their website. But your dealer likely has a few other options for you as well.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, a zero-turn mower is worth the money if you need to cut half an acre or more and want to avoid hiring someone else. This is true whether you buy a new or used zero-turn mower.

A zero-turn mower will:

• Efficiently and carefully help you maintain your property.
  • Saving time for a stunning result.
• A well-maintained zero-turn can be expected to provide years of reliable service.

There are options for zero-turn that might be worthy of your consideration. However, it is essential to remember to consider all your options with an expert.

Zero-turn mowers have a wide range of options to fit many budgets. Most people put a good portion down with cash and finance the rest at a monthly rate that makes them comfortable.

This information is covered in more detail on Tractor Bob's YouTube Channel. Click here to see the Are Zero-Turn Mowers Worth The Money? You can see all of Tractor Bob's informative videos on their YouTube Channel.

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