Zero-turn mowers
If you're in the market for a new riding lawn mower, consider a wide range of features before you buy
Making sure the grass is always greener on your side of the fence can be a challenge if you don't have the proper equipment. As an acreage owner, you probably have a big lawn to mow, and a riding mower is a necessity.
Wanting a beautiful lawn but not wanting to spend all day mowing it has resulted in a demand for machines that cut grass efficiently and make fewer physical demands of the operator.
The zero-turn radius lawn mower is designed to virtually eliminate the need for trimming because of its ability to cut closer to obstacles, such as trees, bushes, and fences.
Lawn mowers come in a variety of sizes, types, and price ranges. So be sure to do some research before you purchase. Start by asking yourself a few basic questions.
Know what you mow
What type of lawn do you have? Take a walk around your acreage and notice if your lawn is level or on a slope. What obstacles are on the lawn? Obstacles can make maneuverability an important factor.
What is your price range? Determine what you can realistically afford. Prices range from a couple thousand dollars to $8,000 or more.
How long do you expect the mower to last? Check out any warranties and ask if parts and labor are included.
Since all mowers need some maintenance, what are your mechanical abilities? Are you comfortable cleaning the air filter, changing the oil, and checking the spark plugs?
If you are replacing your old mower, you already have a good idea what will work for you. If you have just moved to your acreage, it will be helpful to know how many square feet of lawn you have. You'll find that some mowers are recommended based partially on square footage.
Below, learn about some of the zero-turn riding lawn mowers currently available.
Ariens
The Zoom Series by Ariens offers seven models to choose from. Models range from 15 hp. to 25 hp. Each mower is equipped with a Kohler Courage twin-cylinder engine. The fabricated three-spindle decks range in size from 40 inches to 48 inches. The dual maintenanc-free EZT hydrostatic transmissions provide hydrostatic drive power and independent wheel operation for zero-turn manueverability. A two-year limited warranty is standard.
Prices range from $3,299 to $5,599.
Phone: 920/756-2141
Bush Hog
The Bush Hog Estate Series has five models to choose from. Models range from 17 hp. to 20 hp. ES1744, ES1844, and ES1852 come equipped with a Briggs & Stratton Intek engine. ES2052 offers a Kohler Command engine; the ES2052 model has a Honda engine. Customers can choose between a 44-inch and a 52-inch deck. Two-year limited warranty includes drivetrain and engine, deck, and electromagnetic clutch.
Model ES2052 (shown) lists for $5,724.
Phone: 334/874-2700
Deere
The Mini Z-Trak mowers by John Deere include two models: 717A and 727A. The mowers come equipped with a 19-hp. (717A) or 23-hp. (727A), vertical-shaft, air-cooled Kawasaki engine. Model 7171A has a 48-inch 7-iron deck. Model 727A has a 52-inch 7-iron deck. Other features include a one-piece tubular-steel frame and a foot-assist, no-tool deck height-of-cut adjustment.
Suggested list prices are $7,899 for the 717A and $8,759 for the 727A.
Phone: 800/537-8233
Dixie Chopper
The Silver Eagle Series includes six models. Engine sizes range from 20 hp. to 27 hp. Mowers come equipped with a Kohler or Genrac engine. Models vary in deck widths from 34 inches to 60 inches. Other features include an electric blade engagement, digital hour meter, foot-assisted deck lift, and flip-up floor pan. There is a two-year bumper-to-bumper warranty on all models.
Prices range from $5,399 to $7,499.
Phone: 765/246-7737
Dixon
The Dixon Ram Series has three models. The Ram 42 is equipped with a 18-hp. Briggs & Stratton ELS single- cylinder engine. The Ram 44 and RAM 50 come standard with a 25-hp. Briggs & Stratton ELS twin-cylinder engine. Deck sizes measure 42, 44, and 50 inches. There is a two-year warranty on parts and labor.
Prices range from $4,320 to $5,020.
Phone: 800/264-6075
ExMark
The Laser Z HP Series from ExMark offers seven models to choose from. Mowers are powered by 19-hp. and 23-hp. Kawasaki V-twin engines, and 20-hp. and 23-hp. Kohler Command SP V-twin engines. Models are available with 44-, 48-, and 52-inch full-floating cutting decks. Other features include a quick-lift deck assist, heavy-duty canister air filtration system, and high-back elastromeric vibration-control seat.
Prices range from $7,600 to $9,500.
Phone: 402/223-6300
Grasshopper
The 100 Series by Grasshopper includes the 120-41 and 120K-48 models. Model 120-41 has a 20-hp. Briggs & Stratton extended life series engine and 41-inch DuraMax cutting deck. Model 120K-48 has a 20-hp. Kohler Command Pro engine and 48-inch DuraMax cutting deck. Other features include hydra-smooth control levers, H1 hydrostatic system with in-line cooling fans, and shock impact reduction system.
Suggested retail price for Model 120-41 is $4,995.
Phone: 620/345-8621
Husqvarna
The Estate Series from Husqvarna includes five models. Engine horsepower sizes range from 16 hp. to 24 hp. When choosing the engine, select from a Briggs & Stratton ELS, Honda, or Kawasaki. Decks range in size from 42 inches to 54 inches, depending on the model chosen. Other features include a one-piece steel frame, high-back seat, foot-activated height adjustment, and stamped or fabricated cutting decks.
Prices range from $3,299 to $5,999.
Phone: 800/HUSKY62
Kubota
Kubota offers two models in its line of ZG zero-turn gas mowers. They are powered by a V-twin engine with 20 or 23 hp., and feature twin hydrostatic transmission, safety start, easy-attach mulching system, 10-gauge deck (48" or 54"), tilt, hydraulic lift and cutting adjustment dial, roll-over protection system, full-open hood, PTO clutch and more. Several diesel models also available, in the ZD line.
See dealer for prices.
Phone: 888/458-2682
Land Pride
The Razor Z mowers from Land Pride are available in two models. The Z44 comes with a 16-hp. or 18-hp., two-cylinder, air-cooled Honda engine. It has a 44-inch deck. The Z52 can be equipped with a 18-hp. or 20-hp., two-cylinder, air-cooled Honda engine. It has a 52-inch deck. The mowers have a lifetime warranty on the leading edge of the mowing deck.
Suggested prices are $5,699 for the Z44 and $5,899 for the Z52.
Phone: 800/255-0132
New Holland
New Holland offers four models in their MZ-H Zero-Turn Radius mower series. Engine sizes range from 14 hp. to 19 hp. A two-cylinder Kawasaki engine powers the MZ19H; a one-cylinder Briggs & Stratton engine powers the remaining three models. Decks range from 38 to 52 inches.
Suggested prices range from $2,705 to $5,241.
Phone: 888/290-7377
Scag
The Scag Z-Cat Zero-Turn riders include two models. The 36-inch model is available with a 16-hp Honda engine or a 17-hp. or 19-hp. Kawasaki air-cooled engine and has a 36-inch mowing deck. The 42-inch model comes equipped with a 19-hp. Kawasaki air-cooled engine and has a 42-inch mowing deck. Both models have the Advantage Cutter Deck. Other features include a foldable rollover protection system, foot-pedal deck lift, and dual polyethylene fuel tanks. For pricing information, contact your local Scag dealer.
Phone: 920/387-0100
Simplicity
The Champion Series by Simplicity is available in two models. Model 20/44 has a 20-hp. Kohler Courage engine and a 44-inch deck. Model 20/50 is equipped with a 20-hp. Briggs & Stratton Vanguard engine and a 50-inch deck. Other features include a seven-position mower height-of-cut adjustment with transport lock, full-width rear rollers, anti-scalp wheels, and IS independent suspension.
Suggested list prices are $4,850 for the 20/44 and $5,495 for the 20/50.
Phone: 262/284-8669
Walker
Walker Manufacturing offers the Model MB, which is available with interchangeable deck sizes up to 56 inches. The mower is equipped with a 18-hp., two-cylinder, Briggs & Stratton Vanguard air-cooled engine. Other features include an overhead valve design with cast iron cylinder sleeve, full pressure lubrication with oil filter, two independent transaxles, and hydro-gear self-contained piston pump and motor.
Suggested price for a 42-inch model is $5,790.
Phone: 920/221-5614
More zero-turn mowers
Country Clipper
JAZEE Series
Price range: $3,350 to $5,745
Phone: 800/344-8237
Craftsman
Zero-Turn Tractor Series
Price range: $2,999.99 to $3,399.99
Phone: 800/349-4358
Cub Cadet
Model M50 KHS
Price: $5,100
Phone: 877/835-7841
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