Over the past few years, Tractor Bob has seen many price increases in the zero-turn mower market. Despite this, you can still get a quality zero-turn mower in the $3000 price range.
This is why we’ve compiled this list of the Top 5 Zero Turn Mowers Available for $3,500!
Here is a candid look at the mowers that are worthy of your consideration. They are ranked from the least desirable to the most desirable. This information includes the reason for each ranking.
Regarding inexpensive mowers, the Ariens Edge is one of the better ones.
The Cutting widths for this mower are 34”, 42”, and 52”.
The Edge has a deck fabricated from 11-gauge steel. It has:
The fuel tank capacity on the Edge is only two gallons.
The Edge comes with the Hydro-Gear ZT2200.
The top speed of the Edge is 6.0 MPH.
The front wheels are 11x4-5” smooth tread, and the back wheels are 18x9.5-8”.
The Edge mower doesn’t have any features to brag about. It comes with a cup holder and that is it. There are no rubber floor mats or any additional features worthy of note.
Overall, the build quality on this mower is just okay. The frame is extensive. However, the metal used is light duty. This mower is the least competitive on this list when considering the engine options, the deck quality, and the features.
The price of this mower will vary slightly depending on the engine and cut size you want. But you’ll likely spend between $3,400 and $3,500 on this mower.
The Toro TimeCutter mowers have been a classic choice for many homeowners. At the same time, their residential mowers may not be the absolute best for the price. These mowers still have much to offer in the $3,500 price range.
There are two cutting width options for the $3,500 price range. They are a 34” cut and a 42” cut.
The deck is stamped 13-gauge steel and has two anti-scalp wheels.
The cut height variability is 1” - 4.5”. A simple hand lever system is how deck adjustments are made. The mower comes with a spring-loaded plastic chute.
The Toro TimeCutter mowers come in a wide variety of choices. They range significantly in price, depending upon your choice. Model 77401 is the mower that comes in this price range. It is a Briggs & Stratton engine with 22hp.
Model 77401 comes with a Hydro-Gear ZT2100. (Video Shows ZT2200?)
The features that come on the TimeCutter mower are:
The front wheels are 11x4” with smooth tread, and the back wheels are 18x7.5” with turf tread (these are on the small side).
The build quality of the TimeCutter isn’t the best, but also not the worst. The mower deck may be light-duty, but the mower frame is built from 10-gauge steel. A primary concern for this machine is its tire size.
The price of this mower will vary slightly depending on whether there's a sale going on or not. but you can expect to pay between $3,300 and $3,5000 for this mower.
Consider the 50” slightly more ($3,800) for a better mowing deck, larger tires, and a better motor and transmission. However, that version of the time cutter was just a bit too expensive to make it on this list.
The #3 zero-turn mower on this list has been rated the #1 residential mower for several years. You will learn later why our recommendations for #1 and #2 put the Husqvarna Z248F at #3. The Z248F is still worthy of your consideration.
The Z248F comes in three cutting widths: 42”, 48”, and 54”.
The deck is Husqvarna’s ClearCutTM deck. It is:
This mower has one engine option: the Kawasaki FR691V (726cc with 23hp).
The fuel tank capacity is 3.5 Gallons.
The Z248F also uses the Hydro-Gear ZT2200. (Please, see above for details.) The top speed for this transaxle is 6.5mph
The features of the Z248F are about what you’d expect.
The front wheels on the standard Z248F are 11x5.5-5” smooth tread, and the back wheels are 18x9-8”.
Overall build quality of the Husqvarna Z200 series mowers is one of the better options for zero-turn mowers in this price range. The mower has a sturdy build while also being relatively compact. These features make it feel comfortable to drive. Access to all the major components is acceptable.
The price of the Z248F will vary slightly depending on the cut size you want. You will likely spend between $3,200 and $3,500 on this mower.
The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 series mowers are pretty darn good for the price. They come with some great features as well.
The Cutting widths for this mower are 42”, 46”, 50”, and 54”.
The deck is Cub Cadet’s Aero Force. It is:
There are three engine options with the ZT1 Series:
The fuel tank capacity on the Ultima ZT1 is 3.5 gallons.
The Transaxle for the ZT1 is the Hydro-Gear ZT2200. (Please, see above.)
You get about what you’d expect, plus a bit more for the features.
The front wheels are 11x6-5” smooth tread, and the back wheels are 20x10-8”
Regarding build quality, the ZT1 is solid with a 2” steel tube frame that also acts as a sort of exoskeleton. However, it feels overkill and unnecessary in some areas unless you run into something hard. At the same time, the mower might look fantastic, but I'm not sure how much I like having the engine so exposed for most people.
As for the price of this mower, it will vary slightly depending on the engine and cut size you want. but you’ll likely be spending between $3,200 and $3,600 on this mower. It’s also important to note that price is based off the current sale price.
#1 on this list is the Bad Boy MZ Rambler, Bad Boy Mowers are known for being reliable and durable. The MZ Rambler is the most affordable zero-turn mower they offer. However, it’s still one very solid machine.
The Cutting width for this mower is 42”.
The deck is fabricated of 7-gauge steel. It has two anti-scalp wheels. The cut height variability is 1” - 4.5”. The deck adjustment system is a handy foot pedal + dial adjustment type. It includes a solid rubber bolt-on chute.
One engine option on this mower is a Briggs 540cc 19hp engine.
Now as for the Transaxles, you get the Hydro-Gear ZT2200. (See description above.)
The fuel tank capacity is five gallons.
The top speed is 6.0 mph.
For the features, you get just about everything you need.
The mower has Deck Support Isolators. This feature helps to increase the mower's life span.
The significant components are user-friendly by being very accessible.
The front wheels are 11x4-5” smooth tread, and the back wheels are 18x8.5-8”. The tires are a bit smaller than is preferable. However, you can always use the MZ magnum for slightly bigger tires, engines, transaxles, and cutting-width options.
The MZ Rambler is the Number is:
The price for the MZ Rambler is right around $3,400.
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.
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