Best Overall
Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50-Inch Zero Turn Mower
- Despite being the most economical mower on this list, it has one of the largest deck sizes capable of covering more ground in little time.
Despite being the most economical mower on this list, it has one of the largest deck sizes capable of covering more ground in little time.
- The fuel tank holds 3.5 gallons, which is smaller in size than other gas models on this list.
The fuel tank holds 3.5 gallons, which is smaller in size than other gas models on this list.
The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50-Inch Gas Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower has an economical price, but its lower price tag doesn’t mean it’s low quality or lacking in features. It performs just as well as much more expensive and professional-grade models.
Zipping around corners on this thing is a breeze, and, in addition to being reasonably priced, this durable mower features a deck that covers a 50-inch swathe (mowing width) at a time to help you mow more of your lawn in one pass. It also has a powerful 23-horsepower Kawasaki engine. Plus, with 15 different cutting deck height positions (from 1 to 4.5 inches), you can create an even cut for a professional look.
Keep in mind that the 3.5-gallon fuel tank is smaller than the tanks of other gas models on this list, so you will have to refuel this mower more often.
Mowing the lawn with this machine is incredibly comfortable, too, thanks to its high-backed cushioned seat, which is adjustable to suit you, meaning you’ll have no aches and pains the next day. It also has vibration-dampening hand grips and a floor mat to minimize machine reverberations and the impact of bumps and dips in your yard. LED headlights allow you to mow in low-light conditions.
It also has forward and reverse speeds that are comparable to higher-end models so you can get the job done quicker and, thanks to the zero-turning capabilities that mean no down-time when turning corners, your yard will be trim and tidy quicker than ever. Accessories, like a bagger, mulcher, and a cart, can be purchased separately.
Product Details: Power: Gas, 23 horsepower, 726 cc Kawasaki twin-cylinder engine | Lawn Size: Up to 4 acres | Deck Width: 50 inches | Deck Height: 1 to 4.5 inches | Speed: 7.5 miles per hour (forward), 3.5 miles per hour (reverse)
Key Terms to Know
- Cutting Deck: The main body of the lawn mower and where the blades are housed.
Best Splurge
Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX4 Zero Turn Mower
- It has a 60-inch deck and roll over protection.
It has a 60-inch deck and roll over protection.
- Because of its size, it may not be ideal for smaller yards.
Because of its size, it may not be ideal for smaller yards.
If you have room in your budget to splurge or need a mower that covers more acreage, the Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX4 60-inch 7000 Pro Series Engine Zero Turn Mower is the best zero-turn lawn mower for you. With a wide 60-inch deck and a 24-horsepower engine, this lawn mower can mow up to 12 acres—the highest on our list.
It’s also the fastest zero-turn lawn mower on our list with a speed of 8 miles per hour going forward, and a reverse speed of 3.5 miles per hour. Combined with its wide deck and powerful engine, you’ll be able to get your yard mowed quickly and efficiently.
There is also a foot-operated deck lift with 17 different height adjustments so you can get your lawn looking exactly the way you want. The fuel tank can hold up to 5.5 gallons, minimizing the amount of time you’ll spend refueling this machine.
You can mow in comfort with the adjustable padded seat and armrests, and the wheels are designed to create a smoother ride with less vibration. The ergonomic lap bar is also adjustable, so you can move it to the most comfortable position. Additionally, this is the only zero-turn lawn mower on our list that has roll over protection, making it the safest option.
Because of its large size, it may be difficult to maneuver in smaller yards, so consider this lawn mower if you have quite a few acres to mow.
Product Details: Power: Gas, 24 horsepower, 725 cc professional-grade V-twin OHV engine | Lawn Size: Up to 12 acres | Deck Width: 60 inches | Deck Height: 1 to 4.75 inches | Speed: 8 miles per hour (forward), 3.5 miles per hour (reverse)
Best Electric
Greenworks Pro 60V 42-Inch CrossoverZ Zero Turn Lawn Mower
- The batteries can fully charge in under 90 minutes.
The batteries can fully charge in under 90 minutes.
- This model doesn’t have cruise control or power steering.
This model doesn’t have cruise control or power steering.
While gas-powered gardening tools are typically the preferred options for professionals, electric and battery-powered alternatives are gaining popularity and require less maintenance than gas models. This Greenworks Pro CrossoverZ Zero-Turn riding lawn mower is an excellent mower for small- to medium-sized lawns of up to 2.5 acres and provides the equivalent of 24 horsepower.
It can zip along at up to 8 miles per hour, mowing 42-inch sections of grass as it goes—all while emitting no fumes. Its large 20-inch tires can comfortably navigate straight or bumpy terrain with slopes of up to 15 degrees, and there are even bright dual-LED headlights in case you need to mow in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
When it runs out of battery, fully recharging the six batteries that come with this electric zero-turn mower takes just 90 minutes. The runtime is up to 60 minutes.
Its padded high-back seat has armrests and back support for a comfortable mowing experience, and there’s even a USB charging port and a cup holder to hold a water bottle and your phone as you mow. For peace of mind, the company backs its product with a four-year limited warranty.
Product Details: Power: Battery powered, 60 volts, six 8-amp hour batteries, equivalent to 24 horsepower | Lawn Size: Up to 2.5 acres | Deck Width: 42 inches
Best Large
Bad Boy ZT Avenger BAZ60KT740 60-Inch Zero-Turn Mower
- It has the largest fuel tank (6.5 gallons) of the mowers on this list, so you don’t have to stop to refuel as you mow.
It has the largest fuel tank (6.5 gallons) of the mowers on this list, so you don’t have to stop to refuel as you mow.
- There is no rollover protection, so it’s not recommended for steep terrain.
There is no rollover protection, so it’s not recommended for steep terrain.
Nothing about the Bad Boy ZT Avenger 60-inch zero-turn mower is flimsy; it has an all-steel solid rail frame, durable reinforced-edge welded deck, large rear tires, and 60-inch cutting deck to help you tame heavy-duty mowing tasks in fewer passes.
Made to withstand rough terrain thanks to its stellar suspension system and to tackle long and thick grass and weeds, this mower is best for flat terrain as there is no rollover protection. The mower has a large fuel tank that can hold 6.5 gallons so you can get around your yard with just one fill-up.
There are 13 deck positions that you can adjust with the simple deck lift pedal and deck dial adjustment, which is conveniently located along with all the other controls, including the engine start, right by your right hand. When it comes to servicing your Bad Boy, the floorboard at the front of the machine lifts up easily, exposing the important components for maintenance and cleaning.
Product Details: Power: Gas, 25 horsepower, 725cc Kohler engine | Lawn Size: Up to 3 acres | Deck Width: 60 inches | Deck Height: 1.5 to 4.5 inches | Speed: 7 miles per hour (forward), 3 miles per hour (reverse)
Best Small
Ryobi 80V Brushless 30-Inch 10Ah Battery Electric Riding Zero-Turn Mower
- If you have a smaller yard but would still like an easier mowing experience, this compact riding zero-turn mower has a 30-inch cutting deck to make maneuvering easier.
If you have a smaller yard but would still like an easier mowing experience, this compact riding zero-turn mower has a 30-inch cutting deck to make maneuvering easier.
- It’s for yards up to 1 acre in size, which is smaller than the other mowers on this list.
It’s for yards up to 1 acre in size, which is smaller than the other mowers on this list.
Even if you don’t have countless acres of grass to mow, you might still want to reap the benefits that a zero-turn lawn mower has to offer. Though zero-turn lawn mowers are typically made for larger properties, the Ryobi 80V Brushless 30-Inch Electric Zero-Turn Lawn Mower is designed for yards up to 1 acre and can even fit through a standard-sized 36-inch gate. Its maneuverability in small spaces makes it a noteworthy choice.
As an upgrade from the brand’s 48V version, this model has many improvements. For starters, the time to fully charge the batteries has gone down from an overnight session of 17.5 hours to just 1.5 hours with the included charger. In addition, there’s an LCD screen that shows runtime, battery life, and cutting and drive speed. You can also sync the mower up to an app to get blade replacement reminders, access operator manuals, and more.
At just 30 inches, the deck is quite small in comparison to some other zero-turns, but for yards of up to 1 acre, this is a perfect size for maneuvering around flower beds, trees, and garden ornaments. The mower can mulch and features 12 deck height positions, two cup holders, Bluetooth, a USB port to charge your phone, a comfortable seat with armrests, and space for storage.
Product Details: Power: Battery-powered, 80 volts, two 10-amp hour batteries | Lawn size: Up to 1 acre | Deck Width: 30 inches | Deck Height: 1.5 to 4.5 inches | Speed: 7 miles per hour (forward), 4 miles per hour (reverse)
Best Heavy-Duty
Toro Titan Max 60-Inch Zero-Turn Mower
- With a massive 60-inch deck, this zero-turn lawn mower is a professional-grade machine that can tend to lawns from 4 to 7 acres.
With a massive 60-inch deck, this zero-turn lawn mower is a professional-grade machine that can tend to lawns from 4 to 7 acres.
- This is the most expensive mower on our list, so unless you have a large property, you can probably achieve your goals with a lower-priced model.
This is the most expensive mower on our list, so unless you have a large property, you can probably achieve your goals with a lower-priced model.
This beast of a zero-turn lawn mower from Toro is the best choice for heavy-duty yard work. It has a powerful 26-horsepower engine, super-wide 60-inch cutting deck, and extra fast blades that cleanly cut grass and eliminate clumps with ease. Though the Toro Titan Max might be a more expensive option, it is suitable for cutting grass in yards of up to 7 acres—more than any other lawn mower on this list.
Featuring a cushy padded seat with armrests and back support, shock-absorbing dampers, and a suspension system that is suspended above the deck, this mower is designed to absorb any bumps from the terrain and give you a comfortable ride even when mowing over rough spots.
The steering is smooth and its large 23-inch rear-wheel tires are thick and grip the ground for safety and stability without damaging the grass. The tires also have protective fenders to stop stray debris or lawn clipping from flying at you. When it comes to changing the air filter, you can do so easily without any tools, and, for extra peace of mind, the manufacturer offers a three-year unlimited hour warranty.
Product Details: Power: Gas, 26 horsepower, 747cc Kohler engine | Lawn Size: Up to 7 acres | Deck Width: 60 inches | Deck Height: 1.5 to 5 inches | Speed: 9 miles per hour (forward), 3 miles per hour (reverse)