Best Zero Turn Mower Review Guide For 2023-2024

Best Zero Turn Mower Review Guide For 2023-2024 – Is your garden located on hilly terrain? If yes, getting to mow and trim the grass on a daily basis might turn out to be the hardest job you have ever done. Each and every homeowner in this scenario needs a zero-turn mower but to pick out a suitable one is very hard for most people.

Why is it hard to pick the best zero-turn mower? Well, when it comes to mowing or cutting lawns in a sloppy ground, you need a device that can thread and steer with precise caution especially when it comes to a hill. You might not be an expert so it’s just so difficult to deal with any model from the market. You may end up getting the wrong type or better yet one that is not capable of maneuvering on sloppy and hilly environments.

In this Best Zero Turn Mower Review Guide For 2023-2024, we are going to show you factors to look into when getting a zero-turn mower. Below are the Top 6 Best Products you can get for your hilly environment.

FAQ:

HOW TO OPERATE A ZERO TURN MOWER:

A typical lawnmower is set up like a car, with the engines in front and the steering wheel with acceleration and breaks below. However, when it comes to a zero turn mower, the engine is featured at your back and the only thing you can see in front of your are two levers that control every movement on the device. This strange arrangement scares the user but most people found out that the controls are just as easy as driving a car.

Zero-turn mowers are rear-wheel vehicles that the left and the right tires are independently controlled by a lever which makes it possible to achieve a zero-turn radius. As you drive a zero turn mower, pull the steering levers over your lap together to set the device as neutral. To move forward, push the two levers forward and to slow down, pull the levers backward. When pulling back, pulling them past neutral will put the device on the reverse. In turn, move the levels in the opposite direction. The wheels are very sensitive to movements so avoid making sharp turns.

HOW TO CHANGE HYDRAULIC FLUID IN ZERO TURN MOWER:

To change the hydraulic fluid in your zero turn mower, prepare your device for maintenance. Clean the oil fill and also remove the dipstick. Next, find a siphon pump and drain the hydraulic fluid. Next, add a new set of oil as instructed or directed by your operational manual.

To change the oil using the drain plug method, Attach the drain hose and place a container under the drain hose to catch the excess oil. Remove the drain plug to empty your oil into the container. When that is done, add new oil and replace the dipstick while also checking the oil level. Replace the oil filter and make sure you clean any debris if there is any. Reattach the spark plug ignition wire and dispose of the old drained oil.

HOW TO JACK UP A ZERO TURN MOWER:

Start out by Parking the zero turn mower on a hard but leveled surface. Set the parking brake and put the ignition to off. Try raising the mower deck to the tallest point by pulling the mower deck lever all the way back. Raise the jack-up until the front part of the zero turn mower is 2ft off the ground.

HOW TO PUT A BELT ON A ZERO-TURN MOWER:

When putting a belt on a zero turn mower, users should start out by taking the first security step by parking it on a hard and leveled surface. Next, lower the mower deck to the lowest position. Remove the belt cover from the pulley at the right side where the grass chute is located at. Remove the belt cover from the pulley on the left side too. Next, raise the mower deck to the highest point. You can take a photo of the belt arrangement before you start fixing so you would have a visual representation at hand. Release the tension on the belt using a belt tension release lever. After that, remove the belt by holding the tension release lever and first slipping the belt off the PTO pulley under the engine. Fix the new belt on the mower deck pulley just as you saw the old one. Attach the covers back.

HOW TO TOW A ZERO TURN MOWER:

To winterize a hot water pressure washer, run an antifreeze solution through the device. Unplug the water supply from your hot water pressure washer and connect the antifreeze container. Try as much as possible to remove all the excess water and dry it. Flush out the detergent and water by placing the washers injection tube into a bucket of clean water. Add the pump saver to the pump inlet.

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

Best with Tracks – The Husqvarna Z248F is built with comfort and innovative design, just as most Husqvarna zero-turn mowers were built and users do like it because most times it doesn’t disappoint. This zero turn mower has a very amazing platform which is known as a clear-cutting platform. This gives the device more airflow, superior performance, and sturdy design. The deck measures about 48 inches which contains about 3 blades that can trim both tall and short kinds of grass even on hilly roads. It also has a maintenance-free hydrostatic transmission that allows smooth power operation and gear changes.

It is sturdy and it is made up of a high-strength steel frame that helps the device reduce or minimize vibrations during operations. All the controls on this device/machine is very easy to access. It has patent-pending automatic parking been. This feature allows the device to automatically stop in regards to the operator’s output. The seats of this riding Zero Turn Riding Mower is also padded and armrest helps reduce user fatigue.

Product Details:

• 21.5 HP Kawasaki engine provides reliable startups and a max speed of 6.5 MPH
• Hydrostatic, no-maintenance transmission is worry free, allowing the mower to take on a variety of cutting conditions
• ClearCut deck offers a best-in-class 48 in. cut and better bagging thanks to its deep deck design, superior air flow and high-performance blades
• Clippings can be discharged, mulched or bagged (mulching kit and bagger attachment sold separately)
• Comfortable seat, ergonomic control panel and anti-slip foot area make mowing intuitive and safe

Pros:

• It is comfortable and safe to use.
• It is made up of a sturdy steel frame structure.
• It is very durable.
• It comes with amazing features.
• It has minimal or no vibration.

Cons:

• Most users complained it wasn’t trimming equally.
• Users complained that some parts do not last long.

Author’s Opinion:

This zero turn mower tends to prove to be an extraordinary zero turn mower which one can use on their hilly lawns anytime. However, it is available to use for average to a smaller expanse of land and not big commercial lawns because of its features. I do recommend it.

Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower

Best with Trailer – The Husqvarna Z254 gives it’s users the best riding experiences found on any zero-turn mower. One of the features that make this zero turn mower to stand out from others is the design of the 54” cutting deck. This boosts the cutting ability which the Machine has to go through larger lawns. It can also have well on smaller lawns so you are guaranteed to finish your mowing just in time. The cutting deck is made up of heavy flat-stock steel which makes it one of the most durable products on this list. It has a powerful Kohler engine which is rated about 26 HP capable of cutting thicker grass.

This device does not only cut and mow your lawn but the outcome leaves your expanse of land perfectly fertile and full of manure! When cutting, you will notice that this zero turn mower gives you a consistent cut throughout your lawn.

When it comes to thick and tougher grasses it can also tackle that. Engines that are less powerful can’t be able to handle thicker grasses just as the Husqvarna Z254.
Don’t worry about the breaks because it comes with a patent-pending park brake system which makes it easy for users to stop when moving.

Product Details:

• 26 HP Kohler engine provides reliable startups and a max speed of 6.5 MPH
• A patent-pending park brake system automatically activates or deactivates as the steering levers are moved outward or inward
• Air induction mowing technology draws air from the top and bottom of the deck, improving grass and delivering a superior cut
• Reinforced steel stamped cutting deck is made of heavy flat-stock steel for maximum durability
• Clippings can be discharged, mulched or bagged (mulching kit and bagger attachment sold separately)

Pros:

• It is convenient for heavy use.
• It can move through terrain well.
• It has a very powerful 26 HP engine.
• It comes with a patent-pending park brake system.
• It has a unique cutting deck.

Cons:

• The bagger attachments and the mulching kit are purchased differently.

Author’s Opinion:

With a patent-brake system, a 26 HP powerful engine, powerful tires, and a large cutting deck, there is no doubt that this product is the best zero turn mower in the market. It is designed to handle the toughest of jobs and even the lightest of projects too. I highly recommend this zero turn mower.

Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series

Best with Bagger – The Ariens 915223 is designed to give the user comfort and with the 23 HP engine, you would know that the company had this in mind during production. This product is considered as one of the zero-turn mowers found in large mowing companies due to its impeccable ability to move very fast even though it drags about 770 pounds behind it as it moves.

When mowing a hilly area, even with a fast zero turn mower, it may still be difficult for the user especially if they sit is not ergonomically inclined. This is the reason why a back pad was added in this product to make it more comfortable. Another thing that made us love this device is the 13 different height cutting selections that are available to the user with a simple dial. This makes it possible for customers to see what they are doing so as not to incur mistakes.

Product Details:

• This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, and may arrive in a generic box

Pros:

• It has about 13 different cutting height adjustments.
• It has longer blades.
• The seats are padded to provide more comfort.
• It has a strong 23 HP engine.

Cons:

• A refurbished product

Author’s Opinion:

Hand any farmer the Ariens 915223 and you would get a perfectly mowed hilly lawn which won’t pose any difficulty for both the farmer and the zero-turn mower. Users love this device and people have reported using it for years because of its unique durability features.

Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

Best with Cab – The Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP takes comfort, productivity, and performance to a whole new level. This MZ series zero-turn mower drivers an amazing ergonomics and commercial-grade power. It comes with a very powerful engine which rates at about 27 HP capable of high-speed grounds and reliable easy startups. It comes with a fabricated 11-steel gauge cutting deck. This offers about 61 inches of cutting with an intelligently designed deck lifting system which makes it possible for users to quickly and easily adjust their seats.

Waste collection is also available with this zero turn mower. The clippings can be bagged mulched or discharged using a 9-bushel triple bag collection system. One thing we didn’t like was that you have to purchase the attachment and the mulching kit separately.

This Briggs & Stratton engine powered and Hydrostatic Zero Turn Mower also boasts of seats that have armrests, vibration dampers and foam-padded hand grips which would make anyone operating this device to be comfortable.

Product Details:

• Husqvarna 61 in. zero-turn lawn mower from the MZ series delivers commercial-grade power and amazing ergonomics
• 27 HP Briggs Endurance engine provides reliable startups and high ground speeds
• Fabricated 11-gauge steel cutting deck offers an excellent 54 in. cut with an ergonomically designed deck lifting system for quick and easy adjustments from the operator’s seat
• Clippings can be discharged, mulched or bagged with a 9-bushel triple bag collection system (mulching kit and bagger attachment sold separately)
• High-back seat with armrests, foam-padded hand grips and vibration dampeners make mowing comfortable for hours on end

Pros:

• It can maneuver complex situations.
• It is perfect for a big expanse of hilly land.
• It boasts of a 61-inch cutting deck.
• It has a very comfortable seat.

Cons:

• Most users complained that the mower has no suspension.
• Users complained that it creates skid marks when making a right turn.

Author’s Opinion:

The heavy-duty steel frame, innovative operator interface and the commercial hydraulic system of this device help it create an amazing mowing experience on hills. The carefully designed armrests give users a comfort zone in the zero-turn mower for easy operation.

Troy-Bilt XP 25HP 60-Inch FAB Deck Zero Turn Mower

Best with Joystick Control – The Troy-Bilt XP is a commercial zero turn mower that is packed with all the features you need to cut your lawn faster at a more comfortable rate. This zero turn mower is a premium product that has a sturdy design and a cutting deck that measures 60 inches which are reinforced with heavy-duty steel.

This mower boasts of a 25 HP engine that is capable of handling jobs that are thrown towards it. Besides this, it also has a superior ”power take-off” tech which manages the blades of this zero turn mower. Although this zero-turn mower is designed to be durable, it still comes with a 6 months warranty.

Product Details:

• Powered by a thrilling 25HP Briggs & Stratton commercial turf engine
• Equipped with a durable 60-inch fabricated deck
• Electric “Power Take Off” for fast and easy blade engagement
• This zero-turn mower provides precise maneuverability for unbeatable productivity
• Backed by a 3-year limited warranty

Pros:

• It has a powerful 25HP Briggs and Stratton engine.
• It has a 60-inch cutting deck.
• It has power take-off technology.
• It is backed up by 3 years warranty.
• It is made with steel reinforced skeletons.

Cons:

• The interlock switch is not situated well.

Author’s Opinion:

Looking at the features of this amazing Zero Turn Mower you can tell it’s a very good candidate for the best zero turn mower for your lawn. It can handle large to medium expanses of the land but be careful about the location of the interlocking switch. A simple decrease in speed can help you handle this.

Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

Best with Flip Deck – Just a few zero turn mowers have an engine with a capacity of 27 HP and this high power makes the Husqvarna MZ61 one of the best devices for heavy-duty mowing on hilly environments. With a powerful engine like that, there is no doubt that you would be done in no time. Another factor that amazes us is the 3-blade cutting system which is effective and almost-perfect to take down a row of tall unwanted grass. In addition to this, the blades are made out of 100% rustproof steel.

The hydrostatic gear found on this device is another feature users should look at. This feature makes sure that the control in this device is smooth and fluid as possible which is a plus when it comes to driving over a hill. The durability is also spectacular with the 5-gallon fuel capacity, you can do a large expanse of land at a go. This product has also been reported by most users to be comfortable. It has a driving seat with armrests installed to provide more comfort to whoever is using it.

Product Details:

• 24 HP Kawasaki engine provides reliable startups and high ground speeds
• Roll-over protection system (ROPS) ensures safer operation in all conditions
• Fabricated 11-gauge steel cutting deck offers an excellent 61 in. cut with an ergonomically designed deck lifting system for quick and easy adjustments from the operator’s seat
• Clippings can be discharged, mulched or bagged with a 9-bushel triple bag collection system (mulching kit and bagger attachment sold separately)
• High-back seat with armrests, foam-padded hand grips and vibration dampeners make mowing comfortable for hours on end

Pros:

• It is perfect for bigger lawns and hills.
• It has a 61” cutting deck for large cutting.
• You can bag as much at just one go.
• It has high maneuverability.

Cons:

• None.

Author’s Opinion:

The Husqvarna MZ61 is just suitable for an only large expanse of lawn that is hilly and requires quick mowing services. If you want something for a smaller lawn, consider getting a smaller zero-turn mower. Either way, this amazing but lovely device is a recommended product.

Conclusion:

Zero Turn Mowers are recommended for users and farmers with an acre of land or more but for some people, a simple mower or tractor is a better choice. They are mostly a device that isn’t suitable for normal-sized gardens. Although they are very swift to complete the job, the speed comes from the price of the machines.

Before you make your final choice, make sure you review the product you want to purchase carefully. Read and research more about it a hit won’t be caught unawares about any feature that you didn’t know about.

We hope our Best Zero Turn Mower Review Guide For 2023-2024 helped you to pick out the best zero turn mower. Also, remember the more luxurious products may have a higher life expectancy.