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Zero-turn lawn mowers are in the big leagues when it comes to mowers. I've tested dozens—here are my favorites.
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Not every lawn needs a zero-turn mower, but for folks who have over half an acre, they’re a smart investment for fast, clean cuts. These ride-on mowers allow you to get the job done quickly and efficiently. They have more horsepower than your standard push mower and larger fuel tanks. But what really sets them apart is their zero-turn radius. That means they can complete a 180-degree turn without leaving a circle of uncut grass.
While essential for many homeowners and nearly all landscaping companies, choosing the right riding lawn mower model—residential or commercial—is key before spending thousands. Here are the best zero-turn mowers, based on expert reviews and hands-on testing.
Best Budget
Craftsman Z5400 22 HP Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
Pros:
- Wallet-friendly
- Powerful engine backed by Kohler
- Wide cutting deck
- Hydrostatic transmission
Cons:
- Fewer bells and whistles
I was shocked when I saw the Craftsman Z5400 zero-turn mower price tag. A 22-horsepower Kohler engine on top of a 46-inch (!) cutting deck means that you have the power for commercial jobs and serious width that makes mowing a breeze. While many commercial landscapers tend to go big on their zero-turn mower purchases, I don’t see why this mower couldn’t serve as a large residential zero-turn mower or a starter commercial zero-turn mower.
This Crafstman Z5400 is a great mower for someone starting their first landscaping company. It has a reliable engine, a three-year warranty, comfortable features and a price point that allows you to begin working responsibly.
Craftsman is a brand that is found almost exclusively at Lowe’s. Next time you stop by Lowe’s to pick something up, stop outside the front door and give the Z5400 a look and test ride. I think you’ll be surprised at how much it has to offer.
Power Type: Gas | Horsepower: 20, 22 or 24 hp | Cutting Width: 42, 46 or 54 in. | Weight: 600, 710 or 865 lbs | Terrain Type: Flat with obstacles | Yard Size: 2-3 acres
Best for Large Yards
John Deere Z515E 60-inch 24 HP Zero-Turn Mower
Pros:
- Super wide cutting deck
- Fuel tank allows for cutting 4+ acres
- Rollover protection system
- Arm rests
- 4-year warranty
- Made in America
Cons:
- Pricey
The John Deere Z515E zero-turn mower is built for big yards. At 60 inches wide, it covers five feet of grass with each pass. The Z515E comes with a 4.5-gallon fuel tank, which enables you to mow over four acres without taking a break. That’s a pretty large yard for a very large mower that even comes with a rollover bar for added safety.
I also love John Deere’s Accel Deep cutting deck, which has heavy-duty construction and a design that allows for mowing extremely well at high speeds. The Accel Deep deck pulls air through the cutting deck and provides a more consistent and even cut. My other favorite thing about this mower is that John Deere manufactures its zero-turns right here in the USA—Greeneville, Tennessee, to be exact.
Power Type: Gas | Horsepower: 24 hp | Cutting Width: 60 in. | Weight: 631 lbs | Terrain Type: Flat with obstacles | Yard Size: 4+ acres
Best Mid-Sized
Ariens Ikon 52-inch 23-HP V-Twin Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower
Pros:
- 23-hp engine
- Extremely well built
- Comfortable
- Cup holders + arm rests
- Made in America
Cons:
- Requires extensive maintenance
The Ariens Ikon is one of my favorite mowers because it has the power and features of a commercial mower at a mid-ranged size that can work well for homeowners. At 52 inches wide, the Ariens Ikon allows you to still fit through fences and shed doors and easily slide onto trailers. This is the perfect mid-sized mower because it is maneuverable enough for smaller jobs but can handle larger ones if needed.
I love the well-designed Envy Elite Cutting System on the Ariens Ikon because it reduces scalping more than any other zero-turn I’ve seen. It comes with a super comfortable seat that looks more like a desk chair or gaming chair than one found on a lawn mower. Plus, it boasts a 23 hp Kawasaki Engine that brings serious power far and above smaller zero-turns or lawn tractors.
Oh yeah, this one is made in America, too!
Power Type: Gas | Horsepower: 23 hp | Cutting Width: 52 in. | Weight: 682 lbs | Terrain Type: Flat with obstacles | Yard Size: 2-3 acres
Best for Hills
Toro TimeCutter SS4225 Zero-Turn Mower with MyRide Suspension
Pros:
- Smooth suspension system
- Easy to operate
- Forged steel footplate
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Narrow cutting deck
I got to test out the Toro TimeCutter SS4225 a few weeks ago for the first time. This zero-turn mower was the most comfortable ride of my life—maybe in any vehicle I have been in. It wasn’t necessarily the seat that made it extremely comfortable, but the new MyRide suspension system was astounding. In the MyRide suspension system, a massive coil holds the seat and footplate together in a single unit. That helped me go over bumps and hills effortlessly, and I felt like I was floating—utterly unaware of any hills or bumps.
This mower is very similar to the electric version I mentioned previously, but instead of the battery system, the TimeCutter comes with a 22 hp Kohler engine. It still has a smaller 42-inch cutting deck, which helps with maneuverability and is less likely to topple over on the steepest hills. The TimeCutter is a classic residential zero-turn mower with a thoughtful design that keeps improving each year.
Power Type: Gas | Horsepower: 22 hp | Cutting Width: 42 in. | Weight: 589 lbs | Terrain Type: Flat with obstacles | Yard Size: 1-2 acres
Best Electric
Greenworks CrossoverZ 42-inch 24 HP 60V Cordless Electric Zero-Turn Mower
Pros:
- Battery and charger are included
- Can cut across large yards (up to 5 acres)
- Electric powered
- Adjustable cutting height
- Weather-resistant
- Has an accompanying app
Cons:
- Need to charge the battery
- Expensive
This zero-turn mower from Greenworks is electrically powered, which means you won’t have to worry about filling it up with gas when you want to use it. Instead, it comes with a charger and battery, which can be fully charged within 90 minutes. On a full battery, this mower can cut up to 1.5 acres with a maximum cutting speed of 8 mph. It also boasts 24 horsepower, which is on par with other gas models on our list. As a bonus, it’s also said to be slightly quieter than gas mowers (its active volume is around 90 dB), but we haven’t had the chance to test that out quite yet.
“This mower is absolutely fantastic,” Amazon reviewer Robbie Puder raves. “The 60V batteries provide plenty of power, and I can mow my yard with ease on a single charge. The 42″ cutting deck covers a lot of ground quickly, making mowing much faster compared to my old gas mower.”
Robbie also vouches for its quiet performance, noting that he loves the push-to-start functionality and durable, sturdy build.
Power Type: Electric | Horsepower: 24 hp | Cutting Width: 42 in. | Weight: 515 lbs. | Terrain Type: Most terrains | Yard Size: 5 acres
Best High-Energy
CRAFTSMAN Z3200 42-in Single Cylinder Gas Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower
Pros:
- Powerful engine
- Good for uneven terrain
- Not super expensive
- Tires have great traction
- Can go up to 7 mph
Cons:
- 3-year warranty
If you’re looking for a major bang for your buck, this CRAFTSMAN model may be the perfect pick. The high-performance model is said to be three times faster and up to 40% more efficient than a tractor. This is because of its powerful 547cc single-cylinder engine, while its 3.5-gallon fuel tank is great for powering through up to 2 acres of grass cutting.
With a maximum cutting height of 4.5 inches and a 7 mph speed, customers love the value of this mower. Users provided high ratings for its smooth ride and maneuverability, finding that the customizable seat and high-traction tires are awesome add-ons.
Power Type: Gas | Horsepower: Not listed, but has 547cc single-cylinder engine | Cutting Width: 48 in. | Weight: 470 lbs. | Terrain Type: Uneven | Yard Size: 1 to 2 acres
What to Look for When Buying a Zero Turn Mower
Let’s face it—zero-turn mowers are an investment, and you won’t find one for less than $1,000. Before paying the big bucks, ensure you understand what you want in a zero-turn mower.
- Deck Size: The right-sized cutting deck is paramount for buying a zero-turn mower. The bigger, the better for mowing large yards. But bigger cutting decks mean you may have difficulty storing the mower, transporting it, or fitting it through tight spaces, like a fence in someone’s backyard.
- Cost: Cost is also a significant factor. If you’re a commercial landscaper, you will want to map out the return on investment and ability to depreciate your assets. If you are a homeowner, be willing to spend over $3,000 on a zero-turn mower. When it comes to mowers of this size and complexity, you get what you pay for.
- Maneuverability: Zero-turn mowers can perform great feats of maneuverability but vary in responsiveness. When pulling the steering levers, ensure you test the mower’s steering ability and difficulty level.
- Power: High horsepower on a zero-turn mower (over 24 hp) is wonderful. If you are a homeowner, this is probably more than you need. Make sure to align the type of job you are doing with the required level of horsepower. Otherwise, you are overpaying (see cost above).
- Build and Durability: I have heard horror stories of entire decks cracking, mowers not starting, and belts tearing almost immediately. Find a high-quality zero-turn from our list to ensure you have a durable investment.
What to Consider When Buying a Zero Turn Mower in 2026
Ryan Farley, CEO of LawnStarter, says, “The biggest development with zero-turn mowers recently would be a push for more environmentally friendly models. I’ve seen this generally across the spectrum with mowers, but I’m definitely seeing more electric zero-turn options.”
“I’ve seen more autonomous models (‘smart mowers’) being debuted over the last couple of years as well,” Ryan adds. “I think it’s pretty neat technology. I’m excited to see more of it.”
I also chatted with Angelika Zaber, a lawn care specialist and gardening expert at Online Turf.
“Zero-turn mowers are becoming increasingly popular with both landscapers and also homeowners who want to be able to take care of their lawns more efficiently,” she explains. “In terms of trends, I anticipate the rise of electric models as people are more environmentally conscious than ever before. Certain areas, such as California, are also banning selling new petrol mowers. While this law generally refers to smaller mowers, it could suggest something similar may be introduced later in the future.”
Angelika also thinks technological advancements for zero turn mowers are on the horizon: “Making the batteries last as long as possible and the actual mower even more quiet and pleasant to operate. This includes reducing any vibrations and offering additional safety features, such as better rollover protection.”
Our Decades-Long Search for the Best Zero-Turn Towers
After starting a landscaping company in high school, I became a total snob about zero-turn mowers. As a professional, I spent several hours per day operating many different zero-turns. Now that I have gotten older and have my own yard to mow every week, I have even more stake in the game for having a reliable, easy-to-use, and comfortable zero-turn mower.
Every lawn mower brand on the market has been tested in my backyard and through unique challenges. One of my favorite challenges includes the cut check, where I spray paint a section of my backyard and see how evenly the mower can cut the painted grass. Another consists of the bog-down challenge, where I put the mower through super thick grass and lower the cutting deck until it chokes out the engine. Lastly, I check the run time and coverage to ensure the numbers align with what the manufacturers advertise.
It is time-consuming, and my neighbors give me many strange looks; as a professional lawn mower tester, someone has to do it.
FAQ
What are the disadvantages of a zero-turn lawn mower?
Zero-turn lawn mower disadvantages include:
- A higher price tag
- A robust maintenance schedule
- Trouble finding space to store it
How much should I spend on a zero-turn mower?
If you are a commercial landscaper, expect to spend $5,000 or more on a wide, trusty zero-turn. A homeowner can get a great budget zero-turn for less than $3,000.
How long does it take to mow 1 acre with a zero-turn mower?
It takes about 20 minutes to mow 1 acre with a zero-turn mower, assuming you are navigating at about 3 to 4 mph.
What’s the average life span of a zero-turn mower?
A good quality, durable zero-turn mower will last anywhere from 5-15 years. Of course, the life span of your zero-turn mower will be affected by how well it’s cared for and how often it’s used. Performing regular maintenance tasks—like changing the oil, replacing the belts and sharpening the blades—can help extend the life of your riding lawn mower.
Why You Should Trust Us
As someone who used to mow lawns professionally, I have mowed thousands of lawns. Over the past few years, I have explored battery-powered and electric lawn tools and believe these are the future of lawn care. Since then, I have tested just about every battery-powered, gas-powered or self-propelled lawn tool, focusing on finding the best mowers available.
We also leaned on the expertise of Tyler Graham of The Lawn Review, the YouTuber who currently owns nearly 20 mowers and has tested dozens more. His expertise helps complete crazy tests that push these mowers to the limit, including using the self-propelled function to walk seven different gas and electric mowers until they ran out of fuel.
