38 Best Zero Turn Mower Brands – Who Makes What. Brands of lawn tractors

Best Zero Turn Mower Brands – Who Makes What

I’m going to discuss almost all the current zero turn mower brands sold in the U.S. (Let me know if I miss one) I’ll give you a general description of the ZTRs they offer and give you my opinion of the mowers/brand in general. Currently, Toro, Ariens, Cub Cadet, Husqvarna, John Deere, and Bad Boy are the most well-known brands mainly because they are sold at the “big box” retailers and spend the most on advertising. But, there are also thirty-one high-quality brands that are sold only at local dealers and farm equipment stores that have been around for years.

The Best Zero Turn Mowers save you time and many are built to last many, many years. Of the almost 400 different models of zero-turns available on the market for 2022, about 150 of those models are designed specifically for residential use.

Zero-turn mowers are available in gas, diesel, LP, and battery electric. They range in size and quality from inexpensive, economy models designed to mow your one-third acre lot to high performance, heavy-duty models designed to mow over 150 acres a day. While most zero-turn mowers are capable of mowing 10-15 degree slopes there are a few that can handle 40 degrees and can even be controlled remotely for extreme conditions. Almost all of them are made in the U.S.A. under 38 different brand names. Deciding which one is best for you can be hard to do. This article will help.

Check out the quick history of zero-turn mowers at the end of this article.

Please bookmark this article – it’s long and you’ll want to reference it from time to time.

Check out my YouTube Page: Paul Sikkema

The information in this article is my opinion only. No company, brand, or individual has paid or influenced me.

What are the top brands of zero turn mowers? – The List – January 2022

The list is in no particular order and only lists zero-turn mowers that are currently offered in the U.S.

Note: All zero-turn mower brands make their mowers in the U.S.A except for three battery-powered machines.

Ariens

• Website: Ariens YouTube Page: Ariens

Ariens is part of Ariens|Co – and is family-owned. Why Ariens? You know Ariens snowblowers but you may not know Ariens also offers a complete line of residential ZTRs. From the Economy Edge, the very popular IKON XD and heavy-duty APEX to the commercial-inspired Zenith for large acreages, the Ariens ZTRs are some of the best value mowers in the industry right now.

15 Models ranging from economy residential to high-end residential

Gravely

Website: Gravely YouTube Page: Gravely

Gravely is part of Ariens|Co – and is family-owned. Why Gravely? Here in the U.S. I consider Gravely to be the commercial side of Ariens|Co’s Outdoor Power Equipment. Yes, They have a residential IKON XD equivalent but don’t carry an EDGE equivalent. They also have an IKON XD equivalent with stronger transmissions called the ZT XL for those of you who like the IKON XD but want the stronger ZT2800 transmissions.

From there up in the model line it’s all about rugged, dependable zero-turns that are designed for every level of mowing contractors. From the Pro-Turn Z that’s great for the “two guys and a truck” crowd to the Pro-Turn 600 that will mow all day long – every day – for years.

Gravely was also the first of the major zero-turn mower brands to offer the Pro-Turn EV electric zero-turn mower. If you are required to use battery power or if you just want to take your lawn care business “green” it’s the first mower you should look at.

63 Zero Turn models ranging from mid-priced residential to high-end commercial

9 Stand On commercial and high-end commercial models

Toro

Website: Toro YouTube Page: Toro

Toro is part of The Toro Company Why Toro? Toro offers the most residential, commercial, and municipality mowers of all the zero turn mower brands. Personally, I feel Toro focuses on the best cut and the best quality mowers for the price.

Toro offers 31 residential zero-turn models ranging from 42-inch economy models to high-end models designed for large lawns. They are even offering “styled” mowers if you want great looking mower that also cuts and rides well. (No. I didn’t forget the 34-inch TimeCutter – It’s too small and I don’t recommend it)

Besides cut and quality Toro also has one of the best operator suspension systems on the market. The Toro MyRIDE Suspension System takes out the bumps and jars of mowing and allows you to mow faster and not get worn out from the rough ride ZTRs are known for. Unlike other highly advertised suspension systems, the MyRide does NOT affect the quality of the cut.

Toro also offers 80 Commercial Models ranging from 42 to 144 inches. Owner-Operators can get dependable mowers in the size they need and businesses and municipalities can couple these high-quality zero-turns with Toro’s groundskeeping products to mow hundreds of acres a week, keep the sports fields in perfect condition and maintain Masters Level golf courses.

19 Stand-On Models ranging from 40 to 60 inches

Commercial Electric Models – 3 stand-on and 4 zero-turn announced

Robotic Models – Large area concept units have been announced

Exmark

Website: Exmark YouTube Page: Exmark

Exmark is part of The Toro Company Why Exmark? Exmark is aimed at the landscape contractor. In fact, if you see a trailer load of mowers heading for a worksite there is a good chance they will all be Exmarks.

Although Exmark and Toro zero-turns are made in the same factory Exmark features a high ground speed deck that can mow in just about all weather conditions. If you are a mowing contractor who needs to mow every day, rain, or shine and still get a picture-worthy cut you can’t go wrong with an Exmark Lazer Z.

Exmark’s website is hard to figure out so I’m not able to list exactly how many different models are available.

Mid-price zero-turn residential models ranging from 42-54 inches

Commercial Models range from 42 to 144 inches including a rear discharge deck for working around people.

Front deck models with integrated grass catcher

Stand-On Models ranging from 32 to 60 inches

Commercial Electric Models – stand-on and zero-turn announced

Robotic Models – Concept units have been announced

Spartan

Website: Spartan YouTube Page: Spartan

Spartan/Intimidator is part of The Toro Company Why Spartan? Spartan started out just a few years ago by disrupting the market. They came out with economical models that looked heavy-duty and were styled to look cool. Homeowners with a few acres could buy a ZTR that looked like a commercial mower for thousands less than the other zero-turn mower brands. Needless to say, the brand exploded overnight.

Spartan mowers have a few unique features like armrests that actually work and two-inch receivers on the front and back for mounting accessories like baggers and sprayers.

Today they are a full-line brand that now includes commercial and stand-on models. Spartan/Intimidator was just purchased by Toro. (January 2022)

Ventrac

WebSite: Ventrac YouTube Page: Ventrac

Ventrac is part of The Toro Company Why Ventrac? Zero-turn mowers are designed to mow lawns but many of you want a mower to cut pastures, paddocks, set-aside, slopes, ditches, and fire breaks. The Ventrac is not a zero-turn as such but it is the rural-lifestyle or commercial system you need for those areas a zero-turn just can’t do. The Ventrac has over 40 available attachments including pasture mowers, brush mowers and even finish mowers for your actual lawn.

Country Clipper

Website: Country Clipper YouTube Page: Country Clipper

Country Clipper is a division of Shivvers Manufacturing Inc. – and is family-owned. Why Country Clipper? Country Clipper has been around as long as any other brand on the market. But they have always concentrated on being one of the best – not one of the biggest.

Country Clipper offers three levels of residential and three levels of commercial mowers ranging in deck widths from 42 to 72 inches.

Country Clipper mowers are built well, cut well, and will last most of us many, many years. I have a neighbor who mows 3 acres, never puts the mower away, never does any maintenance and his Country Clipper is still mowing after 26 years!

Country Clipper mowers offer a few unique features that other zero-turn mower brands do not.

Joystick Steering – Country Clipper offers a unique joystick steering system that anyone can use. It’s easy to learn and fun to use. The one-hand control has what I call a “speed gate” so that you can maneuver the mower at slow speeds but the ramped control reduces the movement of the joystick so at full-out high speeds you don’t make quick, dangerous turns accidentally like you can with lap-bar steering controls. The joystick is designed so that even the most novice operator won’t make divots on your lawn. You can also get your Country Clipper with lap-bar steering.

Stand-Up Deck – All Country Clipper mowers feature the Stand-Up deck so you can easily clean under the deck, sharpen blades, etc. (Optional electric assist)

Handicap Features – Country Clipper offers front steps for getting off and on the mower easily. They offer handrails to assist you if you have balance issues. Your local dealer can also move the joystick to the right or left side. In other words, if you are old and stiff they have accessories to help you get on and off. If you have bad shoulders using the armrests and moving the joystick to your good side will let you mow with a minimum of pain. You can literally mow with one hand.

If you have a Country Clipper dealer near you I highly recommend you check them out.

Walker

Website: Walker YouTube Page: Walker Mowers

Walker is part of Walker Manufacturing – and is family-owned. Why Walker? There are many great zero turn mower brands on this list and almost all of them make a mower I can recommend for you – but if I had to pick just one brand it would be Walker with its unique line of mowing systems.

Walker offers one residential mower that is designed to give you the very best cut.

All the other models are commercial units and can be equipped with various decks, collection systems, and other attachments to make your Walker work all year-round for you.

Walkers out-front decks move independently from the power unit. If you have a highly contoured lawn this is a real advantage over mid-mount ZTRs. It cuts the dips evenly and doesn’t scalp on the bumps. You can cross-stripe berms without scalping the top or gouging the bottom

All the models feature flip-up decks for easy deck maintenance and to take less room on your trailer. All models feature easily removable decks and with the commercial units you can swap out decks or attachments for different types of mowing and other tasks. In other words, in the morning you can mow/bag a lawn on the top of a skyscraper, and that afternoon change the deck and mow the 10-acre park at street level – all with the same power unit. (Yes, the Model S will fit in an elevator

With the drive wheels in the center of the mower, you have the best traction all the time and with a little practice, you will not divot any type of turf. The center of gravity is the lowest so it handles slopes better than sit-down mid-mount ZTRs.

It’s the fastest for complicated properties. If you have a lot of small areas to mow, more trees you can count, many landscape beds to mow around and mounds to mow over it is hands-down the fastest mower to use for that type of landscaping.

Walker offers seven power units, four different types of decks ranging from 36 to 74 inches, and over sixteen attachments so that you can mow any lawn and do many other tasks including snow removal, sweeping, spreading, and debris management.

ALTOZ | Precision Mowers

Website: ALTOZ YouTube Page: Altoz

ALTOZ is part of Central Boiler – and is family-owned. Why ALTOZ? ALTOZ products are all high-quality and high-performance commercial and residential machines, each built with a dedication to excellence and the promise of a precision cut. ALTOZ mowers are built heavier-duty than most of the ZTRs you will see sitting in your local big box or hardware store. They have the only track-drive zero-turn and track-drive stand-on mower currently on the market.

Wright

Wright Stander Zero Turn Mower

Website: Wright YouTube Page: Walker Commercial Mowers

Wright is part of Wright Manufacturing, Inc – and is family-owned. Why Wright? Wright does not offer a residential zero-turn mower but they do offer some of the best lap-bar ZTRs and stand ons in the industry.

If you want to start your own lawn service and have a dealer in your area – check them out.

SCAG

Website: SCAG YouTube Page: SCAG Power Equipment

SCAG is part of Metalcraft of Mayville, Inc. Why SCAG? In the latest industry numbers, I have, SCAG is the number three commercial mower manufacturer. (Toro/Exmark is first/second) SCAG has a huge number of commercial owner/operators who will buy nothing else.

Six different levels of mowers ranging from the 36-inch residential Liberty Z to the 72-inch Turf Tiger II. The Turf Tiger II can be equipped with a 40 HP EFI engine.

Bobcat

Website: Bobcat YouTube Page: Bobcat Company

Bob-Cat (Schiller Grounds Care, Inc.) mowers were purchased by Bobcat about a year ago. Why Bobcat? Bobcat updated the mowers and they are now available through your local Bobcat equipment dealer.

They look good and I expect them to live up to Bobcat’s reputation for making quality commercial products. If you are a contractor and spend more time at the Bobcat dealer than the John Deere franchise – check these mowers out.

Bad Boy

Website: Bad Boy YouTube Page: Bad Boy Mowers

Bad Boy is partnered with The Sterling Group. Why Bad Boy? Bad Boy has a cult following because they look cool, have wicked styling, and you can spot them on a lawn from a mile away. They always have an over-the-top display at the larger OPE dealer shows like GIE-EXPO.

They offer a full line of residential and commercial zero-turn mowers

Bradley Mowers

Website: Bradley Mowers YouTube Page: Bradley Mowers

Bradley Mowers is part of Havener Enterprises, Inc and is privately held. Why Bradley Mowers? Bradley is a small company that only makes six sizes of stand-on mowers. But, they have been around since the early ’90s and the quality of every mower they produce is outstanding. They don’t have a large dealer network but they do have a phone that always gets answered if you have a problem or need parts. Anything you need is quickly handled – sometimes by the owner himself. Because of this Bradley offers some of the highest quality mowers for much, much less than the other brands.

Bush Hog

Website: Bush Hog YouTube Page: Bush Hog

Bush Hog is part of The Alamo Group Why Bush Hog? If you live in the middle of nowhere and your only dealer is a farm implement dealer who sells anything not painted green, Bush Hog is a very good choice. It is a great choice if you need a ZTR to mow your acreage. They are tough, they mow well, and are made for the beating any farm lawn can dish out. Over the years these ZTRs have been sold under various names including Woods, Land Pride, and Bush Hog but the quality and durability has always been great.

Dixie Chopper

Website: Dixie Chopper YouTube Page: Dixie Chopper

Dixie Chopper is part of The Alamo Group Alamo is a large farm-oriented brand and you can be assured Dixie Chopper has finally found a good home. Why Dixie Chopper? Dixie Chopper has had a long and storied history. (Remember the dual engine 50HP, 72-inch ZTR?) Dixie Chopper got its claim to fame with its stainless steel side panels and slogan “World’s Fastest Lawn Mower.”

Today, Dixie Chopper has been moved to central Illinois and the two residential and four commercial ZTRs have all been updated.

EGO

Website: EGO YouTube Page: EGO

EGO is part of Chervon and is Chinese-owned. Why EGO? EGO OPE (Outdoor Power Equipment) is based around their 60-volt battery system. The batteries will fit all of their OPE – meaning the same battery will power your string trimmer, leaf blower, walk behind mower, and zero-turn mower.

The 42-inch ZTR comes with four 10 AH batteries and has slots for two more. This allows the ZTR to mow up to 4 acres with the six batteries.

The 52 inch comes standard with six 12 AH batteries for up to 4 acres on one charge.

The EGO ZTRS are computer-controlled and you can adjust many settings like forward speed and blade tip speed so you can use it at full power for normal/heavy grass or dial it down for lighter mows.

Ryobi

Website: Ryobi YouTube Page: Ryobi

Ryobi is part of TTI. (Techtronic Industries) The main office is located in Hong Kong. Why Ryobi? Ryobi was one of the first brands to offer a residential battery ZTR and now offers both a 42-inch and 54-inch model.

The Ryobi’s are the most popular battery ZTRs right now because they are the least expensive. They are the least expensive because they are still using lead-acid AGM batteries instead of the more costly Lithium-ion. Compared to the other brands using Lithium-ion technology, you will have to replace the batteries more often. Of course, the replacement batteries of the Ryobi are much cheaper than a Lithium-ion so the total cost of ownership over time is about the same.

Ferris

Website: Ferris YouTube Page: Ferris

Ferris is part of Briggs Stratton. Briggs Stratton is owned by KPS Capital Partners. Why Ferris? Ferris is the only brand that suspends the entire mower with shocks and springs. This gives you a car-like ride. Depending on the model they offer swing arm front with rear suspension to full, four-wheel independent suspension. The deck moves up and down with the chassis – not the wheels. This type of suspension works very well on smooth, finished lawns the best.

Ferris has one residential model and nine commercial models

Snapper

Website: Snapper YouTube Page: Snapper

Snapper is part of Briggs Stratton. Briggs Stratton is owned by KPS Capital Partners. Why Snapper? Snapper is currently offering one economy residential and one mid-level zero-turn mower. If you are looking for a “standard” heavy-duty zero-turn mower for your larger residential lawn without all the bells and whistles the 360Z XT ZERO TURN MOWER is a good choice.

Simplicity

Website: Simplicity YouTube Page: Simplicity

Simplicity is part of Briggs Stratton. Briggs Stratton is owned by KPS Capital Partners. Why Simplicity? The Simplicity name has been around for a long time and their Prestige and Legacy Garden Tractors have a stellar reputation. They have also been offering mid-mount zero-turn mowers since the early 90’s.

With the exception of the entry-level Courior, the current Simplicity zero-turns are all modeled after the Ferris commercial machines. They offer six models ranging from the economy Courier to the high-end residential Cobalt LE. If you have a local Simplicity dealer and you are looking for a good to high-quality zero-turn for your larger residential lawn – check them out.

Cub Cadet

Website: Cub Cadet YouTube Page: Cub Cadet

Cub Cadet is part of Stanley, Black Decker. Cub Cadet Zero-Turns are manufactured by MTD which is also part of Stanley, Black Decker. Why Cub Cadet? MTD has used many different brand names over the years but Cub Cadet has always been MTD’s flagship line. Cub Cadet offers residential and commercial models.

The residential models have always had a few more features than MTD’s other brands and are highly rated by the companies that rate residential OPE equipment like Consumer Reports. All Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers use a fabricated deck (except ZT1 42) Cub Cadet has the largest dealer network of all the MTD brands. Almost all of you will be able to find a servicing dealer within 20 miles of your home.

Ultima ZT1 – Economy residential zero-turn mowers. If you want a good mower for your 1/3 to 5-acre lawn these are some of the best-value mowers for you.

Ultima ZT2 – features, stronger transmissions, decks, and engines than the ZT1. If your lawn is rougher, you want to pull more than a small yard cart, or you just want the stronger components this is also a good-value series.

Ultima Electric ZT – The Ultima Series ZT1 42E is a state-of-the-art lithium-ion zero turn that uses a lot more metal than the other electric zero-turns on the market right now.

Ultima ZTS – Of all the 2022 residential mowers available this is my personal favorite! Why? It drives like a car – foot control forward/reverse, cruise control, and a steering wheel that automatically keeps the rear wheels from tearing up your turf. You can drive it with one hand! Even more, it will handle ditches and slopes up to 20 degrees! (All other residential ztrs only handle 10-15 degree slopes.)

Ultima ZTX – The ZTX4, ZTX5, and ZTX6 mowers have commercial-grade components and features at a residential price. These mowers can easily handle up to 12 acres.

Pro Z Commercial – Cub Cadet offers a complete line of lap bar, stand-on, and steering wheel mowers for professional and commercial uses. New this year is the SurePath line of GPS-equipped commercial zero-turns. These mowers are designed to reduce your mowing time by using GPS to minimize the overlap and give you that “show-worthy” striping.

Craftsman

Website: Craftsman YouTube Page: Craftsman

Craftsman is part of Stanley, Black Decker. Craftsman Zero-Turns are manufactured by MTD which is also part of Stanley, Black Decker. Why Craftsman? Craftsman at Lowes is the least expensive line of zero-turn mowers available right now. Stamped cutting decks, lightweight frames, adequate power from the engine gives you a ZTR that will mow your “typical” lawn well. With a little maintenance, you can easily get your money’s worth out of these mowers.

Craftsman ZTRs are offered in four sizes – 42-inch, 46-inch, 50-inch, and 54-inch.

Troy-Bilt

Website: Troy-Bilt YouTube Page: Troy-Bilt

Troy-Bilt is part of Stanley, Black Decker. Troy-Bilt Zero-Turns are manufactured by MTD which is also part of Stanley, Black Decker. Why Troy-Bilt? Troy-Bilt at The Home Depot is the least expensive quality zero-turn mowers available right now. Stamped cutting decks, lightweight frames, adequate power from the engine and minimal accessories give you a ZTR that will mow your “typical” lawn well. With a little maintenance, you can easily get your money’s worth out of these mowers.

Troy-Bilt ZTRs are offered in four sizes – 42-inch, 46-inch, 50-inch, and 54-inch.

DeWALT

Website: DeWALT YouTube Page: DeWALT

DeWALT is part of Stanley, Black Decker. DeWALT Zero-Turns are manufactured by MTD which is also part of Stanley, Black Decker. Why DeWALT? DeWALT is a name you trust so why shouldn’t DeWALT sell mowers?

I almost had a chance to test a DeWALT last spring but the pandemic got in the way. That said, these mowers appear to be made in the same factory as the high-end Cub Cadets and fit between the Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX and the Cub Cadet Pro Z. So, they are commercial mowers that cost less than the Cub Cadet Pro Z line and just a little more than the high-end residential Ultima ZTX series.

If you are a smaller owner/operator or just getting into the lawn care business check them out here: DeWALT mowers

Excel Hustler

Website: Excel Hustler YouTube Page: Hustler

Excel Hustler is now part of Stanley, Black Decker. Why Excel Hustler? Excel Industries has made more different types of zero-turn mowers than any other brand over the years. From the first residential zero-turn that you rode like a pony to slope mowers that automatically kept the operator level up to 45 degrees, to large area airport mowers that could crab-steer along noise control slopes.

Eventually, the market changed to the point where the mid-mount ZTR became the most popular mower on the market. Excel/Hustler changed with that trend and the Raptor was introduced. The Raptor is a very popular mower and has been sold in Lowes, The Home Depot, and rural-lifestyle stores. Today, Hustler is primarily sold at dealers.

Hustler offers eight residential modes and twelve commercial models ranging from 34 inches to 104 inches. They also introduced a 42-inch electric ZTR for 2022.

It was just announced that Stanley, Black Decker just purchased the company. We’ll see where that takes Hustler in the next few years.

Excel Big Dog

Website: Excel Big Dog YouTube Page: BIGDOG Mower Co,

Excel Big Dog is now part of Stanley, Black Decker. Why Excel Big Dog? When Excel/Hustler decided to sell their mowers at the big box store the dealers wanted an exclusive brand that they could call their own. Big Dog is sold exclusively at dealers and you can primarily find them at rural-lifestyle dealers and farm stores. Although they are basically Excel Hustler mowers painted red they carry the best warranty in the industry – 7 years!

It was just announced that Stanley, Black Decker just purchased the company. We’ll see where that takes Big Dog in the next few years.

Grasshopper

Website: Grasshopper YouTube Page: Grasshopper

Grasshopper Mowers are family-owned by Moridge Manufacturing. Why Grasshopper? Grasshopper front-deck mowers have been around for a long time and are popular not only with rural-lifestylers but municipalities. Farmers and municipalities like them because they are built like tanks and last. They cut well but are particularly suited to areas that don’t get mowed every week. The deep decks can handle overgrown turf better than most other brands. Buy the mid-mount if you want a durable, compact mower – buy the front deck if you want a great ride and a very, very rugged machine.

Husqvarna

Husqvarna Z246 Zero Turn Mower

Website: Husqvarna YouTube Page: Husqvarna

Husqvarna is part Husqvarna Group. Why Husqvarna? At this point in time – I don’t know. Five years ago Huqvarna residential zero-turns were among some of the most popular and they were moving into the commercial market big time. But today the U.S. lawn garden division has been merged with another division and the only product they want to talk about is Robotic Lawn Mowers.

Case-in-point: GIE-EXPO is the nation’s largest lawn/snow equipment show and has over 20 acres of outdoor booths where you can test-drive new equipment. Husqvarna always has a large demo area. This year 80% of the area was dedicated to robotic mowers, 10% to commercial forestry, and only 10% for the commercial and residential Husqvarna/Red Max mowers and OPE.

Yes, all the zero-turn mowers are listed on the Husqvarna/US website, and they are also painted red and listed on the 30. RedMax website.

Feel free to enlighten me and let me know if I am missing something obvious about Husqvarna in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев section at the end of the article. I’ll gladly revise this section based on the verified info I get from you.

John Deere

Website: John Deere YouTube Page: John Deere

John Deere is part of John Deere Company. Why John Deere? John Deere makes a wide range of zero-turn mowers ranging from the economy Z300 residential series to the popular ZTrak 900R commercial mowers.

Homeowner: I prefer the Z500 series for most homeowners. The mowers ride well, handle well, and have some of the best cutting decks in the industry.

Commercial: The ZTrak mowers are very popular with many landscape contractors.

Kubota

Website: Kubota YouTube Page: Kubota

Kubota U.S. is part of Kubota Tractor Corporation. Kubota is a Japanese corporation but about half of the products sold in the U.S., including the zero-turn mowers, are made in the U.S.A. Why Kubota? Kubota has always been known for its quality – not just the compact tractors but also the many different commercial mowers they have produced over the years. Their out-front floating deck mowers were the industry standard until the mid-mount craze took over the market. Kubota has greatly expanded the zero-turn mower line over the last five years and now has over 36 individual models.

Mean Green Mowers

Website: Mean Green Mowers YouTube Page: Mean Green Mowers

Mean Green Mowers is part of DR Power Equipment, a division of Generac Holdings Inc. Generac is owned by CCMP Capital of New York. Why Mean Green? Mean Green was the first all-electric commercial brand. They have more electric mowers out mowing “green-space” than any other brand at the moment.

They have kept up with the technology and are constantly updating their offerings. If you have commercial space that requires you to have an all-electric fleet – Mean Green is the first brand to consider at this point in time.

GreenWorks

Website: GreenWorks YouTube Page: GreenWorks

Greenworks is part of the Globe Group. It is a Chinese company and all products are made in Changzhou, China. STIHL has a minority share in this company. Why Greenworks? Greenworks offers both commercial electric mowers and now residential models. The CRZ 428 shown above is their new residential model and uses the same 60 Lithium-ion batteries as their other UltraPower 60-volt tools. The CRZ 428 will be available at Tractor Supply this spring.

I don’t have a lot of info on these mowers yet. I saw them at GIE-EXPO last fall, they are well-built and they will be a strong competitor to the Ryobi and EGO brands.

kut kwick

Website: kut kwick YouTube Page: kut kwick

kut kwick is a privately owned company from Brunswick, GA, and has been in the business of making mowers since 1942. Why kut kwick?

kut kwick zero-turn mowers are unique in the fact that they can mow a 40-degree slope and have a patented swivel seat that allows the operator to be comfortable using it on the steepest slopes. If you are mowing right-of-ways, dam embankments, and other extreme mowing areas this is the first mower you should look at. They have models that are great for fire control and brush removal. The model pictured above is also available with remote control.

They have different blades available for finish mowing, rough cut mowing, and extreme fire/brush removal.

They have two models that are the largest horsepower ZTRs on the market – 72 HP!

These mowers are built to last – I personally know of a 1991 model that is still going strong. They are expensive but they are much more productive than the remote control brush mowers on the market right now. If I was a landscape contractor in an area that is prone to brush and wildfires I’d have one of these in my arsenal. Get the word out and property owners, municipalities, and corporations would keep you busy year-round!

Lastec

Website: Lastec YouTube Page: Lastec

Lastec is part of Wood-Mizer Holdings Group. Why Lastec? This zero-turn mower is specifically designed to mow golf courses and high-quality turf that needs a perfectly even cut.

The articulating and flexing decks are important for golf courses that have rolling hills, mounds, and slopes. These ZTRs don’t scalp any type of landscape features like other mowers.

WorldLawn Power Equipment

Website: WorldLawn Power Equipment YouTube Page: WorldLawn

WorldLawn Power Equipment is based in Beatrice, Nebraska, and is part of Jiangsu World Plant-Protecting Machinery Co., Ltd. WPM is part of a larger company, WorldGroup, which is one of China’s Top 500 companies. Why WorldLawn? WorldLawn purchased Encore Mowers in 2011 and made two good decisions. One, they decided to base all their mowers off of the well-established and reliable Encore design, and two, they decided to keep all production of the zero-turn mowers in Beatrice. Encore and Worldlawn mowers are the same – just different decals.

Encore

Website: Encore YouTube Page: Encore

Encore/WorldLawn Power Equipment is based in Beatrice, Nebraska, and is part of Jiangsu World Plant-Protecting Machinery Co., Ltd. WPM is part of a larger company, WorldGroup, which is one of China’s Top 500 companies. Why Encore? Encore is one of those brands that make good, dependable zero-turn mowers – you’ve just never heard of them. Why? Encore originally had a unique business model. They used sales associates to go around and demo the equipment on your property. While that worked well for sales, they never developed a good dealer base to help with service after the sale. So, they never really gained market share and in 2011 WorldLawn bought them out.

They still don’t have a widespread dealer base but if you have a dealer near you check them out.

Engine Manufactures:

Briggs Stratton: American-made vertical shaft lawn tractor and zero-turn engines!

Toro – ExMark engines: Loncin. The Toro and Exmark branded engines are developing a great reputation.

LCT: At this time they mainly sell snowblower engines. Just the best reputation. Found on Ariens and Husqvarna snow blowers.

MTD: Power – Zongshen. Usually labeled the same as the brand. i.e., Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt. They have single and twin-cylinder EFI engines for residential use.

Generac: Generac primarily makes engines for generators but a few have found their way to zero-turn mowers. Great Reputation, great engines

Yamaha: For 2018 Yamaha has entered the Zero-turn mower market.

Attachment Accessory Manufactures:

Acrease Tow-Pull Behind Mowers and Till-Ease Tillage Equipment

Acrease is owned by Kunz Engineering. Acrease mowers are not ZTRs but are designed to compliment your heavy-duty mower – especially if you have two or more acres to mow. Matt Kunz has a great line of high quality, heavy-duty finish and rough-cut mowers. These mowers are designed to pull behind or alongside your existing mower or UTV and reduce your mowing time and trimming considerably. For example, I used two or their 60-inch commercial finish mowers with a 60 inch Exmark Laser and could mow up to 17 acres an hour. They are more expensive than the Swisher, Agri-Fab, and Stanley wing mowers, but worth every penny in increased productivity and strength. Their rough-cut mowers are the best for ditches, fields, horse pastures, and paddocks.

OxCart: YouTube: OxCart. If you are tired of cheap yard carts that only last a few years check out the OxCart. They offer models for your zero-turn all the way up to heavy-duty, high-speed carts for pulling behind your UTV.

Ohio Steel: A complete line of Lawn Garden products for your zero-turn, lawn tractor, and garden tractor.

Plus 20 other large and small attachment and accessory manufacturers.

Best ride-on mowers in 2023: 9 top choices for a perfect lawn

Have you got a large lawn? Or perhaps you struggle to push a standard mower back and forth in the summer heat? A sit-on lawn mower could be the ideal solution.

Many people love the convenience of ride-on lawn mowers, as they offer an easy and fun way to trim your grass. You don’t have to battle with an engine pull-start cord or push a heavy machine out in front of you.

Read on for our selection of the best ride-on mowers currently available.

Best ride-on mowers for a perfect lawn

Lawn King RG145 Ride-On Lawnmower

Lawn King mowers are a worthy purchase thanks to a network of dealers across the country that can offer servicing and repairs.

Suitable for gardens up to an acre in size, this mower from Lawn King has a tight turning circle radius of 46cm that allows for easier treatment around bushes and flowerbeds.

The RG145 uses an MTD 547cc electric start engine and features gearless ‘shift on the go’ transmission, which boasts 6 forward and 6 reverse settings that allow you to change gear easily whilst on the move. With a cutting deck that’s 107cm wide, there’s more than enough width to cut grass in good time, without being too large to allow for more focused mowing. Plus, there are five adjustable cutting heights between 30mm and 95mm.

Honda HF 2417 HM Premium Garden Tractor

Honda vehicles are known for their reliability. So, putting your money towards one of the brand’s sit-on lawn mowers could be a wise move if you want to avoid swapping parts over the years.

Although Honda is famous for its cars, it has a broad range of lawn-care products, from everyday mowers to robotic models, and even brushcutters and tillers.

This ride-on lawn mower is a great option for anyone with a lot of grass to trim. It collects the clippings in a huge 300L bag, so there’s no mulching system, but there’s an indicator to tell you when it’s time to empty it. This model has variable hydrostatic transmission and seven cutting heights between 30mm and 90mm, so it’s fairly easy to adapt to your specific needs.

John Deere X350 Lawn Tractor (with 42″ Accel Deep Mower Deck)

No list of ride-on lawn mowers would be complete without a John Deere. While models from this brand do sit at the higher end of the scale when it comes to price, they’re widely considered to be some of the best mowers around.

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This one comes with hydrostatic, two-wheel drive with ‘Twin Touch’ foot controls. There’s a 107cm cutting width, and the cutting heights increase in 6mm steps between 2.5cm and 10.2cm.

A 13.2L petrol tank, adjustable wheels and a luxury seat are also included as part of the package. Plus, there are a few special additions, including cruise control and a backlit, car-style display.

Mountfield MTF 84M Petrol Ride-On Lawn Tractor 352cc

The Mountfield MTF 84M mower is a compact choice. small enough to fit through most standard garden gates, large enough to cover a garden up to an acre and a half in size.

The ride-on lawn mower is more than capable of giving your grass the treatment you’re after, with seven cutting heights from 25mm to 80mm, and an 84cm cutting width. Plus, it has manual transmission with five forward gears and one reverse gear.

Snapper RPX310 Garden Tractor

A robust and hardwearing mower, this Snapper model features a welded steel frame, cast-iron front axle and steel mower deck. Not only is it made to last, but it can also handle tricky terrains.

You won’t have to compromise on comfort either, as an anti-vibration system supports the fully-adjustable seat, which comes with ergonomic armrests. You can also control the deck lift function with your feet, and store any extra tools or equipment in the rear cargo bed.

It has a 36cm turning-circle and you can opt to collect, mulch, or discard your clippings as you go, and make use of the handy from-the-seat grass-dumping feature.

If you’re looking to save water as well as keep your grass looking great, read our list of the best water butts.

Weibang iON 81 RC Battery Ride On Lawn Mower

We couldn’t end this list without giving a nod to the various battery-powered models available nowadays. If you want to avoid the hassle of buying petrol and regularly filling up a tank, an electric mower is the solution for you.

Top 7 Best Zero Turn Lawn Mower in 2023 (Buying Guide) | Review Maniac

This one from Weibang has a 72V/31Ah battery, which runs for 150 minutes after charging, with e-drive forward and reverse functions. It takes 12 hours to charge, so you just need to remember to plug it in overnight to top up the battery to full capacity.

Once you get going, you’ll be able to make use of the mower’s 81cm cutting width and 10 cutting heights, ranging from 2.5cm to 13cm. Supplied with both a 190L waste collector and mulching kit, this mower offers two options, so you can choose whether to gather clippings or use them to fertilise your lawn.

AL-KO T23-125 HD V2 Premium Twin-Cylinder Rear Collect Lawn Tractor

Standing out against many other choices, this mower from AL-KO can be used as both a mower collector and a mower mulcher. Not many ride-on mowers allow you to do both, so it can be a good solution for gardens that need variable treatments. You can even discharge clippings from the rear to cover your garden.

The T23-125 HD V2 lawn mower has two cylinders and two blades, creating an extra-wide 125cm mower deck that can sort your grass out in no time. This can be adjusted to heights ranging between 30mm and 90mm.

Stiga Park 500 WX 4WD Front-Cut Ride-On Lawnmower (Excluding Deck)

Most ride-on lawn mowers have blades underneath the seating area, but opting for one with a ‘front-cut’ design allows you a better view of the ground you’re trimming. If you invest in this model, you’ll get all-wheel drive with foot-operated hydrostatic transmission, as well as a mulching system, which deposits cut grass at the back of the mower.

This piece of kit also includes a 530cc Honda GCV530 engine, 12L fuel tank, a foot-operated deck lift, and electric key start.

One of the biggest benefits of buying a Stiga product is the chance to use its accompanying app, which notifies you about ongoing maintenance tasks. In short, there are lots of features to help you do a thorough job and achieve a Smart finish.

Alpina AT4 84 A 352cc STIGA Engine 84cm Rear Discharge Lawn Tractor

The Alpina AT4 84 A is a manual-drive lawn tractor that comes with a STIGA single-cylinder engine, capable of handling gardens up to 3000 m2. Its 84cm cutting deck with seven possible cutting height settings and a 200-litre collector make grass cutting a breeze. The mower can collect up to 200 L of grass clippings, while the optional mulch-kit adds more versatility to the product. Its easy blade engagement through an electromagnetic clutch makes the Alpina AT4 84 A a user-friendly lawn tractor, perfect for maintaining your lawn with ease.

How to choose the best ride-on mower for your garden

There are several factors you’ll need to consider when finding the best ride-on mower for your space:

• Size – Not only should you think about the dimensions of your garden and storage area, but also the size of the gates your mower will need to fit through. Look out for ‘cutting width’ when comparing sit-on lawn mowers; the larger the number, the bigger the machine.
• Turning circle – Does your garden have a lot of trees or winding paths? If so, you may want to look for a sit-on lawn mower with a ‘zero turning circle’, so it can achieve a close cut.
• Mulching function – Some ride-on lawn mowers collect grass clippings in a large bag, while ‘mulching’ ones cut them into tiny pieces and spray them back out onto the ground. Most people prefer mowers with a ‘mulching’ function, as they involve less work and fertilise the grass. Don’t miss our round up of specifically mulching mowers.
• Transmission – Ride-on lawn mowers with hydrostatic transmission tend to be more expensive than those with manual systems, but they offer better control and are generally simpler to use.
• Battery or petrol power – Nowadays, you can get battery-powered sit-on lawn mowers and, if you buy one, you can avoid the expense and hassle of regularly topping up your petrol mower. Plus, it’ll probably be quieter than a petrol-powered model. Don’t forget to check how long the battery lasts after charging and make sure you have somewhere to plug it in.
• Cutting heights – Many sit-on lawn mowers have several cutting heights, allowing the user to adjust the elevation of the blades to suit the grass they’ll be trimming. Unless you mow your garden regularly, you’ll probably want to invest in a mower with lots of options.
• Two/four-wheel drive. The best ride-on mower for you will depend on the type of garden you have. If it has uneven ground or steep slopes, it’s a good idea to invest in one with four-wheel drive.

Another way to protect your lawn is to use the right tools for other jobs in the garden, take a look at our garden trolley recommendations to avoid messing up the grass when moving garden waste around.

Authors

Drawing on a love of gardening and countryside walks, Alice works across Countryfile and Gardens Illustrated magazines to find and review the very best products for life in the great outdoors.

7 Best Commercial Zero Turn Mowers in 2022

Maddi writes for a range of special interest brands under Our Media, with a particular emphasis on Your Home Style. Her keen eye for art and interior design, combined with her enthusiasm for exploring the natural world on foot or by bike, enables her to cover all bases when finding the best deals online.

Lawn Mower Brands To Avoid (And What To Choose Instead)

Shopping for a lawn mower is not an easy feat. There are many things to consider, such as the type, engine, features, and durability.

To make things even more complicated, you’ve got a lot of brands to choose from.

So, before you hit that “buy” button, here’s a list of the lawn mower brands to avoid. Hopefully, this will help narrow down your choices and ensure you get the best equipment for your yard.

Lawn Mower Brands To Avoid

Lawn mowers are serious investments. Hence, you want something that will give you years of plausible service and won’t require frequent repairs.

Our list of lawn mower brands to avoid has been curated based on customer reviews on various platforms. We also checked expert reviews to assess the overall performance of each brand.

Troy Bilt

Troy Bilt has made a good reputation for selling power mowers. However, numerous reviews say that Troy Bilt mowers tend to have bagging issues.

Bagging clippings is an important function of a mower, but many say that Troy Bilt mowers don’t hold mulch and grass effectively.

over, some of its lawn mowers have flimsy build, a couple of design flaws, and missing features.

Earthwise

Earthwise has some of the worst zero-turn mowers around. For one, these mowers use lead-acid batteries instead of lithium batteries, which are less reliable.

Aside from that, the battery life of Earthwise mowers doesn’t last long. Hence, they aren’t suitable for mowing medium to large lawns.

Even though Earthwise mowers are cheaper than other brands, they don’t hold up well in terms of performance.

In fact, some customers say these mowers are a “waste of money.”

over, the Earthwise Reel Mower performs poorly on uneven lawns.

If you have a hilly terrain or a bumpy lawn, you will need extra effort to maintain it, which makes mowing time-consuming and inconvenient.

Craftsman

Craftsman is a well-known manufacturer of good lawn mowers, but the brand has been getting bad reviews from disappointed users for a long time.

The Craftsman 2791, for example, is documented as one of the worst lawn mowers.

Although it is intended to be lightweight, the flimsy plastic body makes it less likely to accomplish tough mowing jobs.

This model, along with other Craftsman mowers, has gained a bad rap for its malfunctioning mulcher. over, some point out the failure of Craftsman lawn mowers to bag grass clippings.

STIHL

STIHL makes good lawn mowers, but the RMA 370 has given them a bad rap. This electric mower has poor quality.

While it does have a lithium-ion battery, the lawn mower is poorly designed.

What’s more, the mowing deck is only 15 inches, meaning it will take you much longer to mow your lawn.

If you are busy or have a large lawn, this mower will make your job difficult and tedious. Given the realities, the RMA 370 is too expensive for what you get.

Cub Cadet

Cub Cadet has built a solid reputation in manufacturing lawn tractors. Many swear by the quality and performance of this lawn equipment.

Unfortunately, Cub Cadet is one of the worst brands to avoid if you are looking for a lawn mower.

Many say that Cub Cadet self-propelled mowers have difficulties with bagging.

You should pull hard from the lawn to bag grass effectively, making the task difficult and inconvenient. over, the bag is noted to rip easily.

All in all, you’ll find this lawn mower too expensive for what it offers.

Sun Joe

This brand is a popular option for people looking for affordable lawn mowers. Unfortunately, it doesn’t cut it in terms of quality.

Many consumer reports say that Sun Joe lawn mowers have poor construction quality.

In fact, in this report, the brand has recalled 26,300 Sun Joe cordless battery-powered mowers sold in the U.S. because the mower blade detaches unexpectedly, posing a laceration hazard.

over, the Sun Joe MJ401C-XR push mower earned one of the worst scores in Consumer Reports’ mowing test.

In particular, it performed poorly on bagging run time and evenness. Also, it has side discharge, so you must buy an additional chute.

Poulan Pro

This brand has gained praise for its reliable engines. Unfortunately, that is all it has to offer.

Many complain about the poor construction of Poulan Pro gas-powered models. They are made of cheap materials and are difficult to maneuver.

Hence, this brand is not suitable for challenging turfs.

Also, the Poulan Pro’s wheel adjuster is poorly made, and the deck vibrates a lot that it affects cutting precision.

What Should You Watch Out for When Choosing a Lawn Mower Brand?

Not all lawn mowers are made the same, so it is important to be Smart with your choices. Here are some red flags to consider when shopping for a lawn mower:

• Start-up issues
• Engine vibration
• Short and limited warranty
• Consistent bad reviews and low customer satisfaction ratings
• Unresponsive or poor customer service
• Too inexpensive
• Inferior construction

Reliable Lawn Mower Brands To Consider

Now that you know the brands to avoid, let us give you a rundown of the most reliable brands when it comes to lawn mowers:

Honda

Honda has been around for more than 50 years and is one of the largest manufacturers of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and of course, lawn care equipment.

While Honda lawn mowers have high price tags, they are among the most durable and reliable options.

Many commend Honda mowers because they require less maintenance, start up quickly, and last a long time.

Also, they feature a patented two-blade cutting system that keeps the engine and blades in top shape even after many years of use.

Ego

If you are looking for a battery-powered mower, Ego is a wonderful option. The brand has gained a reputation for being a top innovator.

This is evident in the Ego Power Select Cut model, which uses an ARC lithium 56-volt battery that boasts a runtime of over 60 minutes.

Another innovation from this company is the Select Cut, which allows you to switch from three kinds of blades to achieve your desired cut.

Toro

This company has been manufacturing quality mowers since 1948 and continues to innovate its products.

Toro’s push-start mowers boast Briggs Stratton engines, thick-gauge steel construction, and quick-start features.

They are also very low-maintenance. These mowers don’t require an oil change for the entire lifespan of their engines.

The Toro 21382 is one of the most popular models from this brand. It features a rust-resistant body made of cast aluminum and a precise 21-inch cutting deck.

John Deere

John Deere is one of the oldest brands of lawn mowers, beginning its history early in the 19th century.

The company leverages its over 100 years of experience in building tractors to design top-notch riding mowers that are high-performing, powerful, and durable.

The X350-42 is one of the top-rated products of John Deere. It has an overall score of 88 and an Excellent predicted reliability rating from Consumer Reports.

This powerful mower features sharp blades, a bagger, a snow blower, a weather enclosure, a sprayer, and a canopy.

Greenworks

This brand is known for producing high-quality, eco-friendly products at competitive prices.

It was established in 2002, offering electric and battery-powered alternatives to traditional gas-powered mowers.

Greenworks mowers pack everything you need to bag, mulch, or side discharge. They also perform well in terms of power, cut quality, durability, and ease of use.

The Greenworks Corded Electric Lawn Mower is a lightweight, efficient model with a powerful engine.

It is perfect for cutting thick grass and also comes with a smooth setup that is ideal for older people.

Buy the Best Mower for Your Lawn

Now that you know the best and worst lawn mower brands, it’s time for you to decide.

If you are buying a lawn mower for the first time or have not been satisfied with your old equipment, we suggest starting your search with the top five brands we listed.

However, note that each brand offers a wide range of lawn mowers, so you have to read more about the model to know what suits your needs.

Consider the size and type of your turf, the features you need, engine preference, and your budget to find the best lawn mower.

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Lawn Tractor Vs Garden Tractor

If you’re in the market for a new riding lawn mower, you might not know what to look for. There are two general categories of riding lawn mowers – lawn tractors and garden tractors. But what is the difference between them? In this guide, we’ll talk about four of the main differences between lawn tractors and garden tractors, including function, size, power, and cost.

Function:

If you’re shopping for a riding mower, the first thing to consider when comparing the two is functionality. The primary difference between lawn tractors and garden tractors are their uses.

Garden tractors are typically heavier machines, making them more competent at hauling material and attaching implements. While lawn tractors are primarily used for mowing grass, garden tractors can not only mow, but also clear snow, tow heavy equipment, till gardens, grade driveways, and do pretty much any job you might need done.

Garden Tractors have a more heavy duty build, which makes them a more versatile machine. Garden Tractors can handle a wide variety of attachments.

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John Deere X300 Lawn Tractor	John Deere X700 Garden Tractor

Size:

When it comes to comparing size, really the only visible difference is that garden tractors are typically larger, this is because they typically have larger, more powerful engines and transmissions, they require a larger build to house the more heavy-duty components. Since garden tractors are also often used for hauling attachments and moving materials, they tend to weigh more.

You also might notice that garden tractors have larger rear drive wheels than lawn tractors. This is so they can better handle heavy attachments. On the other hand, this means that lawn tractors have increased maneuverability, and they can easily whip around tight turns and obstacles.

Because of the increased demand in tasks, garden tractors tend to be larger, sturdier and heavier than lawn tractors. Lawn Tractors have smaller wheels, which means increased maneuverability. Garden Tractors weigh more, which make them ideal for hilly terrain.

Power:

At first glance, there is not much difference between a garden tractor and a lawn tractor. The biggest difference between the two is actually found under the hood. Because garden tractors are used for a wide variety of functions, they have a higher horsepower. On the other hand, lawn tractors are primarily used for mowing, which requires less horsepower.

Another big difference between garden tractors and lawn tractors is that garden tractors are usually equipped with a locking differential. Differential locks can help provide traction when operating in rough, rocky, soft, or muddy terrain by restricting the wheel’s rotational speed so that each wheel is turning at the same speed. When each wheel is working in unison, you can allow the wheels to maintain even ground contact, which will give you more traction.

Lawn tractor engines are usually less horsepower (15-25 HP) Garden Tractors typically have engines with more Horsepower (20-30 HP) Most garden tractors are equipped with differential locks, giving them better traction over rough terrain.

Cost:

When it comes to deciding between a lawn tractor and a garden tractor, the last deciding factor should be cost. Just keep in mind that because garden tractors are larger and more heavy-duty, versatile machines, garden tractors will usually be a bit more expensive.

Lawn Tractor or Garden Tractor?

If you’re having trouble deciding whether a lawn tractor or a garden tractor would be best for you, there are just a few things to consider:

Power: Garden tractors are built to take on any job you throw at it. Because of this, they have more horsepower and a differential lock for handling rough terrain. Functions: If your primary need is mowing, then a lawn tractor will get the job done quickly and affordably. If you’re going to be tilling land and hauling attachments, you will need the extra power that garden tractors have to offer. Cost: Because of their heavy-duty construction, garden tractors tend to cost more.

At Mutton Power Equipment of Fort Wayne, Indiana We are proud to carry some of the best lawn and garden tractors available from top brands like John Deere, Simplicity, and more. Whether you need to move snow, till a garden, or aerate your lawn, we also have a wide variety of tractor attachments that will help you get the job done in no time