Zero-turn mowers possess three features that help them accomplish the difficult feat of making yard work enjoyable. First is their agility. Instead of a steering wheel, you turn them with a pair of levers that allows the two drive wheels to turn at different rates. This enables the machine to pivot or turn along an arc. You can work the mower slowly over an intricate landscape or you can blast out long straight rows. Next, they’re powerful. It’s not unusual for these to run on a 24-horsepower engine (or larger) or a humongous set of batteries with equally hefty motors. Finally, they’re fast. Under optimal conditions, you may achieve top mowing speeds in the range of 6 to 8 mph. If those sound like attributes that would aid you in your mowing (and you can handle the cost), read on for buying info and our reviews of the best. Show The Best Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers
How Zero-Turn Mowers WorkA zero-turn riding mower consists of an operator platform, a frame and wheels, an engine (or battery bank), transmissions (or motors), and a pair of control levers commonly known as lap bars. In gas mowers, the engine powers a pulley system. One group of pulleys drives the blades, another group powers a pair of transmissions–one at each rear wheel. When you move the lap bar forward or back, you are directing the transmission to go faster, slower, or even turn the opposite way. When one drive wheel turns clockwise and the other counter clockwise, the mower pivots. When the wheels rotate at different rates, the mower turns in an arc-shaped path. When the lap bars are in the neutral position, the mower stops. Aside from a parking brake, there’s no other braking mechanism. Battery-powered zero-turn mowers work the same way, but have separate motors to drive the rear wheels and one for each blade inside the mower deck. When it comes to transmission, most mowers have a Hydrogear EZT—a well-known and cost-effective residential-grade transaxle with a reputation for durability. Some mowers use a deck stamped from one piece of steel, others use a deck fabricated from multiple pieces and welded together. A fabricated deck can be built from thicker steel at a lower cost than it would be able to built otherwise. Once you’re talking about stamping metal as thick as 10 gauge (about 1⁄8 inch thick), the cost of stamping such a deck would push up the mower’s price beyond what most people are willing to pay. The decks in the mowers below range from 42 to 52 inches, a typical size in this class of product. When powered by these engines and the Hydrogear, these mowers will deliver a decent cut quality at their rated top speed of 7 mph. Note, however, that cut quality declines steeply if you maintain that speed in very thick grass or on uneven terrain. As to the electric mowers, they represent the leading edge of the technology in this category. These are remarkable and expensive mowers powered by large-voltage lithium-ion batteries. If you’re interested in reducing mowing noise and simplifying your maintenance routine by eliminating gas and oil, they’re worth a look. How We Select and TestTo home in on the most promising contenders, we selected a range of the best residential machines based on our experience testing zero-turn mowers and hours of discussion with dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. We balanced a somewhat-accessible price with features. Then we test. This involves raising and lowering the deck and adjusting the seat. We look at service point access (the air filter, the spark plug, and the oil filter) and how easy it is to remove the deck. We mow approximately an acre with each mower, considering cut and mulching quality while running uphill, downhill, across washboard, and along sidehills. (On sidehills, we’ll mow surfaces pitched up to approximately 20 degrees; manufacturers generally recommend not going steeper than 10 degrees, but we like to be thorough.) We evaluate power and speed relative to cut quality—that is, will the mower deliver a decent quality of cut mowing at full speed. When mowing in damp conditions, we look at whether the mower’s tires accumulate grass and how effectively it discharges moist clippings. Finally, we test maneuverability (these machines are, generally, very nimble) and how readily they come to a stop when you back off the lap bar control levers. For any of these mowers that we haven’t already tested (the Husqvarna Z254F, Ego Z6 4204, and Ryobi 48140), we’ll update this review with full impressions once we have them. They deserve inclusion among the best due to their potential and features. For more lawn mower reviews, check out our guides to the best riding lawn mowers and the self-propelled mowers we recommend, and learn more about finding the right mower for you. Best Mulching John Deere Z365R Zero-Turn Lawn Mower Key Specs
Best Mid-Size Husqvarna Z254F Zero-Turn Lawn Mower Key Specs
Great for Big Yards Ariens IKON XD Zero Turn Mower Key Specs
Most Aggressive Ego ZT5207L Zero-Turn Lawn Mower Key Specs
Adaptable Electric EGO Z6 4204 Zero-Turn Lawn Mower Key Specs
Roy Berendsohn Senior Home Editor Roy Berendsohn has worked for more than 25 years at Popular Mechanics, where he has written on carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, blacksmithing, welding, lawn care, chainsaw use, and outdoor power equipment. What is a good price for a zero turn lawn mower?Zero-turn lawn mowers are usually more expensive than lawn tractors or rear engine riding mowers. The most affordable models cost about $2,399, while the top-drawer options can reach $15,000. Most of the time, you'll pay about $3,284 for a zero-turn lawn mower for residential use.
What is the best riding lawn mower on a budget?Reviews of the Cheapest Riding Lawn Mowers. Husqvarna Z254 54-In 26HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower. If you want a combination of efficiency and beauty, this Husqvarna zero-turn riding mower has it all. ... . Troy-Bilt 382cc 30-Inch Premium Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower. ... . Cub Cadet XT1 LT42” Riding Mower.. What are the most common problems with zeroCommon Problems with Zero-Turn Mowers. Dull blades.. Worn blades.. Not overlapping cutting rows.. Deck is clogged with grass clippings.. Engine speed too slow.. What are the disadvantages of a zero turn lawn mower?5 Disadvantages of Zero Turn Mowers. It takes a lot of practice to learn how to mow with a zero turn mower. ... . Quality zero turn mowers are expensive to buy and maintain. ... . Majority of models struggle with slopes and traction on wet lawns. ... . There is no brake pedal. ... . We can't ignore the environmental issue of gas-powered lawn mowers.. |
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