The 9 Best Commercial Zero-Turn Mowers – Get the Job Done (Updated for 2023)

You’re a busy person, right?

I get it. We all are.

And the last thing you want to be doing when there aren’t enough hours in the day – is taking an age to mow your lawn.

Especially if you happen to have quite a lot of it.

Enter – the zero-turn lawnmower.

If you’ve got anything above half an acre of land and you don’t have one of these babies – you’re doing it wrong.

Invented in 1949, the ingenious 360-degree turning system has developed over the years, but it’s still enabling gardeners to get the job done in double-quick time.

So, read on to discover the best commercial zero-turn mowers for use on your land.

Let’s “turn on a dime and save time.”

The 9 Best Commercial Zero-Turn Mowers for 2023

Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit Riding Lawn Mower

Founded in 1937 and revolutionizing the rototiller, Ohio-based Troy-Bilt continue to break new ground with their line of lawn care power tools.

This is a relatively compact zero-turn mower with a cutting deck of 34-inches, but the 452cc engine with EZT hydrostatic transmission packs enough power to mow large areas of rough grass.

There’s an operator-controlled, mow-in-reverse capability, all from the comfort of a high-backed seat with suspension springs and extra room in the footwell.

Featuring an extra-wide side discharge, durable wheels for tough terrain, and lap-bar steering, the Troy-Bilt Mustang is perfect for taking your mowing game to the next level.

Pros

Cons

Craftsman Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower

Now under the umbrella of Stanley Black & Decker, Craftsman has been in the game since 1927 manufacturing tools, lawn and garden equipment, and workwear.

This machine offers a 24 horsepower, Briggs & Stratton engine, which utilizes ReadyStart technology for a fast efficient start. The generous, 54-inch cutting deck has an integrated deck wash and is one of the largest decks available at this price point.

Durable 11-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are built to last and provide greater clearance for your mow while being able to handle tougher terrain, and the dual hydro-gear drive system offers the power and control you need to get the job done.

Pros

Cons

Snapper Riding Zero Turn Mower

Founded way back in 1890, Snapper built the first self-propelled rotary lawn mower in 1951. This particular model is packed with features, making it one of the finest commercial-grade zero-turn mowers you can buy.

With a 48-inch cutting deck and 23 horsepower engine, it’s certainly got the power and size to breeze through the toughest jobs.

A fully-welded steel frame, thick-walled front axle, durable mower deck, and ball bearings in the caster spindles ensure durability and a great cut across the board.

The foot-operated height adjustment gives you an excellent 13 different height options for total control, while the integrated rear cargo bed offers unrivaled versatility in this class.

Pros

Cons

Troy-Bilt Mustang 54-Inch Zero-Turn Mower

A step up from the previous Troy-Bilt Mustang, this 54-inch zero-turn mower is ideal if you need a bit more from your machine.

It’s powered by 25 horsepower Briggs & Stratton Intek twin-cylinder engine with an added oil filter and a dual hydro-static transmission for ultimate performance and control.

The wide-deck has four castor wheels and a rear roller added for extra efficiency and smooth performance over your terrain. A dual deck wash is built to help with clean up, and you can have a top forward speed of 7 mph and a reverse speed of 2.5 mph.

It’s finished with a comfortable high-backed seat and dual suspension springs that make this Mustang a joy to ride.

Pros

Cons

Beast 62ZBBM20 Zero Turn Lawn Mower

Homedepot.com

The Beast 62ZBBM20 is a zero-turn mower that is faster than most comparable mowers out there. Its 25hp engine makes sure that you can blaze through the grass at a consistent 12 mph.

A powerful engine also requires lots of fuel. Thankfully, the Beast 62ZBBM20 can hold 7.5 gallons of gas.

Finally, the mower is incredibly safe to drive thanks to the built-in roll cage and seat belt.

So, be it a lawn or a golf course, the Beast 62ZBBM20 will spell doom for the grass, while keeping you safe.

Pros

Cons

John Deere Z345M Zero Turn Lawn Mower

Homedepot.com

For mowing medium to large lawns, the John Deere Z345M is a perfect choice. It has a 22HP engine with a top speed of 7mph.

The deck is 42 inches with 3 large blades ensuring that you can cut more grass. The cutting height is also adjustable.

And to make the deal even sweeter, John Deere sensibly made the engine able to start like a car rather than a mower. Eliminating pull-to-start is great because a lot of people struggle with the pulling mechanism.

Pros

Cons

Husqvarna Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Mower

Swedish company Husqvarna is something of a household name when it comes to zero-turn mowers, and they’re never too far away from reviews such as this one.

Powered by a Briggs & Stratton engine with 27 horsepower and a hydrostatic transmission, this is one of their top-rated zero-turn lawnmowers and a great addition to any tool shed.

It offers a reliable start and excellent ground speed, cutting the lawn with a 61-inch deck that features an ergonomically designed deck-lifting system so you can raise and lower the cutting height from your driving position.

Clippings can be discharged, mulched or bagged with a nine-bushel triple bag collection system, while the high-backed seat has armrests, foam-padded handgrips, and vibration dampeners.

Over any kind of terrain, this zero-turn, ride-on lawnmower is one of the very best on the market.

Pros

Cons

Husqvarna Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Mower

This version is slightly adapted from the previous Husqvarna model, notable for a few key differences. This time it’s a Kawasaki motor on board, offering 24 horsepower which provides excellent speed in both forward and reverse.

It also incorporates the Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) which is a very advisable safety feature if you’re mowing hills or tough terrain and you need extra peace of mind.

Aside from that, it’s got all the same quality features you would come to expect from a 61-inch zero-turn mower from one of the world’s leading power tool brands.

Pros

Cons

RYOBI RY48ZTR100 Zero Turn Lawn Mower

Homedepot.com

The RYOBI RY48ZTR100 is an electric lawnmower. You charge it and use it. And although it is less powerful than comparable gasoline-powered offerings, the benefits more than make up for it.

First up, you don’t have to worry about the maintenance and cleanup costs that are inevitable when dealing with gasoline mowers. You only need to charge a battery.

Second, while riding you can also charge your phone. In a world where we are always browsing Facebook, this is a neat feature to have.

Finally, the 42-inch deck is wide enough to cut a large area, making the RYOBI RY48ZTR100 a nice option for mowing a large lawn.

Pros

Cons

How to Choose the Right Commercial Zero-Turn Mower

There’s quite a lot to consider before you click the “add to cart” button, especially if you’re new to zero-turn mowers.

With that in mind, I’ve put together this short guide to help you make a decision. Here are some of the things you should be looking out for.

Deck Size

Perhaps the most important consideration when choosing a ride-on lawnmower of any kind, is how large you need the cutting deck to be.

The larger the lawn or yard, the more inches of deck you’re going to need to get the job done in double-quick time.

Below, I’ve added a simple explanation to help you pick the correct deck size for your land.

Less than ½ acre – 40-inch deck or less.

½ acre-2 acres – 40-50 inch deck.

2 acres and above – 50-inch deck and above.

Remember, having a larger deck might not always mean a faster mowing time. It will also depend on other factors, such as the machine’s horsepower, and any obstacles you might encounter during the job.

The Brand

You’ll notice I’ve included a little background info on all the brands in this review.

That’s because, when you’re spending this much money, it’s nice to know you’re buying something from a quality, reputable company.

When choosing your new commercial zero-turn lawnmower, it really comes down to your personal preference as to which brand comes out on top.

You might have had previous experience with one more than the other – and this will help inform your decision.

Also, carefully read the reviews, as customers who are more familiar with certain companies will waste no time in telling you what they think of them – good or bad – while speaking from valuable experience.

Transmission

With riding lawnmowers, there are usually three types of transmission. Manual, automatic, and hydrostatic.

There’s no need to go into a detailed explanation on manual and automatic because, with zero-turn mowers, nearly all of them offer hydrostatic transmission.

The hydrostatic transmission does away with pulley and belt systems, instead opting to use variable displacement pumps which use fluid flow to power a motor.

The pump uses pressurized oil to move pistons in the drive system. The pistons power the hydrostatic motor, which then turns the wheels on the lawnmower.

As such, you get more power and more maneuverability than any other form of transmission. The response time is also much faster, so it allows you to change direction and speed easily.

You can see how this would be an advantage on a zero-turn lawnmower. Many also include the option of cruise control, so you can let the machine do even more of the work for you.

Horsepower

The more horsepower you have under the hood of a zero-turn lawnmower (or any engine for that matter) the faster it will go.

How much you need will depend on the size of your land, and/or how long you’re willing to spend maintaining it.

Opt for the most power you can afford – but remember to make sure you’re also buying a mower with the correct cutting deck size, too.

Faster doesn’t always mean better – for you or your garden. Choose something you’re also comfortable controlling.

Fuel Capacity

Another factor that’s often overlooked, a lawnmower’s fuel capacity might make or break your decision.

As with a lot of these points, it all comes down to the size of the land you want to mow. Nobody wants to be stopping to top up the fuel tank midway through the job. At least, if you don’t actually have to.

How much fuel it’s going to take to cut your lawn can be tricky to calculate.

It will depend on the type of mower, its horsepower/speed, weight, the weight of the occupant, the weight of any accessories attached, the quality of the terrain, and the length of the grass – just to name a few variables.

When in doubt, try and opt for the largest fuel tank you can. At the end of the day, you’ll spend less time filling it up – and that’s more money in your pocket.

FAQs

What is a Zero-Turn Lawn Mower?

A zero-turn lawn mower is a grass-cutting power tool that doesn’t have a turning circle.

Basically, it can pivot 360 degrees on the spot. “Turns on a dime to save time” is the common catchphrase.

While there are walk-behind zero-turn mowers available, for the most part (and in the case of this review) they are ride-on machines.

You’ll notice that they don’t have steering wheels, instead, they utilize two levers to control direction, speed, forward and reverse. And, of course, braking.

For more information on how they work and how to operate one, keep reading!

How Do I Drive a Zero-Turn Mower?

They’re not as complex as you might think, but it does take a little bit of practice getting used to the system.

Especially if you’re only used to driving with a steering wheel.

It’s important you do get a feel for the mower before you begin cutting your grass, however, as you can damage your yard if you don’t know what you’re doing.

There have been a number of reviews that discredit the mower itself, blaming the machine for a poor job.

This is not the case – a bad workperson always blames their tools and with the correct application and use, a zero-turn mower should not be damaging anything.

With that in mind, check out the informative video below which is packed full of useful tips for how to operate a zero-turn lawnmower successfully.

Very useful if you’re a total noob.

Do I Really Need a Zero-Turn Lawn Mower?

It depends on the size of your yard and if you’re willing to pay extra for the technology as opposed to simply using a walk-behind or ride-on.

There’s no doubt they save loads of time, but they don’t come cheap and can set you back a fair bit of coin.

They’re also not ideal if you have particularly hilly terrain to cover – zero-turn mowers are only really suitable for flat surfaces.

It’s up to you if you think you need a zero-turn mower. If your land is big enough, you have the space for storage, and you can afford one, then it makes a sound investment that will save you time and money in the long run.

What are the Advantages of a Zero-Turn Lawn Mower?

There are several advantages to using a zero-turn lawnmower.

They’re easy to handle, highly maneuverable, and can shave hours off the time it would usually take you to do a big lawn care job.

They can also negotiate obstacles with ease – providing your cutting deck isn’t too large.

And with the time you save cutting the grass, a world of possibilities might open up for you for doing other things.

(You’ll also save a stack of money.)

What are the Disadvantages of a Zero-Turn Lawn Mower?

There aren’t many, but the downsides of a zero-turn lawnmower will be significant to some potential users.

First of all – they’re expensive. Exorbitantly expensive. This is a luxury, so think carefully if you really need to spend 5K on something that could do the same job for under a grand.

They’re also not ideal for hills. There is a danger that you can flip a zero-turn mower if you’re not careful. This is why some models come with roll bars as standard.

Furthermore, they can be a little too much to handle for some people. There is certainly a steeper learning curve with a zero-turn mower than there is with any other garden power tool.

Summary

There you have it, folks, the most popular commercial zero-turn mowers available today. I hope this review has gone some way to helping you choose the right model for your needs.

As for me, if I were in the market for such a beast, I would go for the Troy-Bilt Mustang with a cargo bed.

I think it’s one of the most versatile mowers around, powerful enough, still at an affordable price, and with plenty of options to accessorize.

If you are interested in other types of lawn mowers we have you covered as well.

Let me know which model you would choose and why.

Happy zero-turning!