If you have a large, demanding lawn or mow lawns for business, you’ve probably considered purchasing a zero turn lawn mower. Zero turn lawn mowers feature a mowing deck at the front of the machine rather than underneath, which gives users increased maneuverability, according to The Spruce. They usually cost between $2,000 to $13,000 (per Yardier) and come in three basic varieties: consumer-grade, semi commercial-grade, and commercial-grade. Consumer-grade zero turn mowers are adept at mowing small properties with minimal inclines, whereas commercial-grade zero turn lawn mowers shine when mowing large, tricky to navigate properties quickly and efficiently.
Of course, with such a wide disparity between the prices of low-end and high-end zero mowers, it might not come as a surprise that there’s a wide variety of features and accessories that can impact the price. From a mower’s power source to its engine and safety features, there are plenty of factors to consider when making the investment.
Factors for cost
While it can be said that machines are more than the sum of their parts, it’s certainly true that the components of your mower will have a huge impact on the price you pay. Thus, a $3,000 consumer-grade zero turn lawn mower probably won’t sport the cutting width, transmission, or next-level features of a commercial-grade model.
Cutting width
A zero turn lawn mower’s cutting width describes how much space its blades occupy. A larger cutting width enables the lawn mower to make fewer passes when cutting a lawn and will influence the speed at which you can finish a job. Cutting width has a massive impact on a mower’s price, so don’t expect to find many quality zero turn mowers sporting a 62-inch cutting width below $7,000.
Engine
Commercial-grade zero turn lawn mowers utilize much more powerful engines than consumer-grade models, and this upgrade comes with a hefty price bump. However, if you are willing to spend a little extra, you can find semi-commercial grade zero turn lawn mowers on the market with powerful engine offerings from top brands such as Kawasaki and Briggs & Stratton (per Mowers Direct). A better engine typically means more reliable performance and less money spent on maintenance, so it’s an investment that many people find to be worth the cost.
Power Source
As with most outdoor power equipment, zero turn lawn mowers come in gas, diesel, and electric varieties. Gas-powered zero turn lawn mowers usually have the lowest up-front cost but can be very pricey when used frequently, depending on the price of gasoline in your area. Diesel-powered zero turn lawn mowers are much the same but include an added cost since diesel fuel is more expensive than gasoline. According to Family Handyman, battery-powered zero turn lawn mowers tend to be a bit more expensive than comparable gas-powered models. However, these electric models may become increasingly attractive over time as gas prices continue to rise, especially for homeowners with modestly-sized properties.
Features
There are a lot of features that can be added to zero turn lawn mowers that make them easier, safer, and more comfortable to use. However, you won’t find many of these features on the most modestly-priced model at your local hardware store. Per Mowers Direct, mid-grade zero turn lawn mowers are known to feature convenient offerings such as a foot-controlled deck height adjustment mechanism and high-back seating for added comfort during extended mowing sessions. If you’re willing to invest even more in your new mower, you can find models that sport comfort-oriented features such as cruise control and adjustable armrests.
Transmission
According to Power Equipment Direct, modern zero turn lawn mowers typically utilize Hydro-Gear transmissions. That being said, there’s a line of Hydro-Gear transmissions that are suitable for everything from consumer-grade mowers to commercial-grade models, so knowing which type of transmission your mower has is important. A consumer-grade zero turn lawn mower’s transmission is usually not made to handle the wear and tear of a commercial-grade model’s workload, so it’s best to spend more on your initial investment if you want to avoid costly repair jobs down the line.
Additional costs
Purchasing a new zero turn lawn mower is a serious investment, so it’s only natural that you’ll have some additional costs that pop up from time to time. While purchasing fuel for your mower is usually a given, hidden costs such as routine maintenance and accessories may not be on every homeowner’s radar.
Fuel
If you mow lawns commercially, you’re probably well aware that the cost of fuel can have a massive impact on your bottom line. However, since there’s not an electric zero turn lawn mower on the market that can contend with commercial-grade models, purchasing fuel for your mower will be necessary for most people with large yards or lawn mowing businesses.
Maintenance
Pushing your zero turn lawn mower too hard or using it carelessly can lead to costly maintenance and repair jobs. Usually, you’ll find more value in repairing your lawn mower than investing in a new one, but most repairs won’t come cheap. According to Yardier, you’ll also want to keep in mind that routine maintenance is required to keep your mower operating at peak condition. While sharpening its blade can be done relatively cheaply and easily, a routine engine tune-up may set you back a couple of hundred dollars. If you plan on working on the mower yourself, you might also consider investing in a high-quality hydraulic jack so that you can get under it safely. These will probably cost around $200 to $300 and are a product you likely won’t want to cut costs on.
Trailer
If your mower becomes damaged, it might be hard to deliver it to a repair specialist without first investing in a utility trailer. Quality utility trailers are a hefty investment, but they are necessary for those taking their zero turn lawn mower on the road. Expect to pay at least $1,000 to $3,000 on a decent trailer that’s a good fit for your mower.
Accessories
According to Yardier, if your mower will spend any time out in the elements, a quality waterproof cover is a must-have accessory to protect your investment. Luckily, these are fairly inexpensive, so you should be able to find a decent cover that offers plenty of protection for under $50. Cleaning your mower’s underside is also necessary to keep its performance up to par, so some people invest in a cleaning system to simplify the job. Also, if you opted for an electric zero turn lawn mower, be prepared to buy plenty of batteries and chargers to ensure that your equipment won’t die mid-mow.
Types of zero turn lawn mowers
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When shopping for zero turn lawn mowers, it’s important to keep in mind that these products come in distinct classes, with each class suitable for different applications. As such, you won’t want to overpay for a premium mower for a small, flat yard or try to cut costs by investing in a budget mower for your business.
Consumer-grade zero turn lawn mowers
According to Yardier, consumer-grade zero turn lawn mowers are geared toward mowing small, easy-to-navigate yards and generally cost around $2,500 to $3,000. Since these mowers are not designed for long sessions, they do not include most of the comfort-oriented features of more expensive models. Most electric models fall under this category, although they tend to cost more than gas-powered models. Consumer-grade mowers are also less powerful than pricier alternatives, so they are not able to navigate inclines as well as commercial-grade mowers.
Semi-commercial grade zero turn lawn mowers
These mowers bridge the gap between consumer-grade and commercial-grade models and cost around $4,000 to $6,000. As such, they are usually a safe choice for larger properties or moderate business applications. Unlike consumer-grade models, these mowers often include some premium features such as high-quality engines and greasable spindles (per Yardier). That being said, they’re typically not designed to go as fast or mow as efficiently as commercial-grade zero turn mowers, so they’re probably not an ideal choice for most businesses who prioritize getting the job done as efficiently as possible.
Commercial-grade zero turn lawn mowers
If you run a lawn mowing or landscaping business, a commercial-grade zero turn lawn mower is probably where you will find the most value. These mowers, according to Yardier, will set you back around $7,000 to $13,000. These zero turn lawn mowers are built with longevity and efficiency in mind, so they can be utilized on a daily basis for long hours while showing minimal signs of wear and tear. They also offer the most powerful engines, high-quality transmissions, and the widest cutting width on the market. They are tailor-made for large properties that are tricky to navigate and include the most premium features to ensure they are as comfortable as possible.
Why you need a new zero turn lawn mower
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If you already have a zero turn lawn mower, you might balk at the prospect of buying a new one. However, many homeowners have learned that sometimes upgrading your zero turn lawn mower is a choice that pays off. Whether you are starting a new business or moving to a more demanding property, there are some intriguing reasons to upgrade your zero turn lawn mower.
You moved to a different property
Every property has its unique quirks. So, while your electric zero turn lawn mower may have worked for your old yard, your new one might require something that is suitable for a larger space. According to Family Handyman, the size of your yard is the biggest factor that determines which zero turn lawn mower is right for you. Thus, moving to a new property might necessitate a new mower. Luckily, zero turn lawn mowers don’t depreciate too much after the first year of ownership, according to Care For Your Lawn. By selling your current mower, you might end up with a sizable chunk of change to invest in a new model that meets your new needs.
You started a lawn care business
The consumer-grade zero turn lawn mower that works so well on your modest lawn is probably not adequate if you plan on mowing lawns for a living. These models wear down surprisingly fast under the rigors of commercial use, so investing in a commercial-grade zero turn lawn mower might end up saving you money in the long run when compared to investing in a number of budget-friendly models.
Your current zero turn lawn mower is showing its age
Although a zero turn lawn mower’s lifespan will depend on whether it is properly maintained and how often it was used, it’s safe to say that even premium mowers don’t last forever. According to Commercial Mower Reviews, you can expect to make some hefty investments into a zero turn lawn mower after around 2,000 hours of use, potentially including an engine replacement. After this amount of usage, some owners will choose to sell their zero turn lawn mower and invest in a new model that requires far less maintenance to operate.
Your financial situation has changed
When one’s financial outlook improves, it’s only natural to invest in products that can improve one’s quality of life. So, if you’ve been mowing a large property on an aging zero turn lawn mower with minimal comfort-minded touches, upgrading to a premium model can vastly improve the time you spend mowing your lawn. For many homeowners, mowing their lawn and maintaining their landscape is a source of pride and joy. Thus, if a new zero turn lawn mower is suddenly within your budget, why not upgrade to a model that you’ll enjoy for many years to come?
Benefits of zero turn lawn mowers
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Zero turn lawn mowers have a long list of benefits that make them one of the best tools for your lawn, from their speed and efficiency to their unique functionality. Many users never go back to basic lawn tractors or push mowers. Here are some reasons why.
The need for speed
According to Bob Vila, zero turn lawn mowers offer a top speed of up to 3 mph faster than most lawn tractors. While you will probably not want to mow your lawn at top speed (this will result in a messier lawn), the added boost is great for getting you from point A to point B as quickly as possible so that you can cut a fresh section of the lawn. Time is money for lawn cutting businesses, so wasting less time on the job can improve your bottom line.
Great for tricky lawns
If your lawn is littered with obstructions, a zero turn lawn mower gives you excellent maneuverability that will allow you to bypass bushes, trees, and flowerbeds with ease. While their unique steering system does require a slight learning curve, you will likely have to re-cut fewer patches of grass after mastering the art of steering a zero turn lawn mower compared to a lawn tractor.
Versatile usage
While the zero turn lawn mower wasn’t exactly the most versatile piece of outdoor power equipment when it first arrived on the market, they have quickly picked up steam to offer greater usability for a variety of applications. According to The Spruce, you can now buy attachments for spreading fertilizer or even plowing snow with a zero turn lawn mower. As zero turn lawn mowers become more popular and affordable, many companies are adding to the growing list of attachments that can transform the way you use your zero turn lawn mower.
Great for large properties
Mowing a large property can be a pain, but paying a professional to take care of it might not be within your budget. However, investing in a quality zero turn lawn mower with a hefty cutting width can minimize the time you spend mowing your lawn while saving you thousands of dollars on professional mowing services. Also, they can be a lot of fun!
