John Deere Z370R Electric ZTrak Zero Turn Mower. Electric john deere mower
John Deere Z370R Electric Ztrak
Discover the real, reusable power of the Z370R. When this eco-friendly mower was designed, it included the same John Deere performance you’d expect out of a gas-powered machine. With a 42” Accel Deep mower deck, you will get the same quality in every cut you’ve come to rely on with John Deere mowers.
The Mower Deck
The 42-in. (107 cm) Accel Deep Mower Deck has a deep draw and flat top design for an exceptional quality of cut at fast ground speeds –all to help ensure the Z370R Electric mows well fast. Plus, the deck is built for toughness. Just like our gas mowers.
The Sealed Battery
The sealed 3.2 kWh lithium-ion battery offers protection from the elements allowing the unit to run under damp conditions. You can even wash the mower deck, and store outside with confidence. The sealed battery is protected from dust and debris.
5-Year Battery Warranty
Receive a 5 year/200-hour battery warranty, supported by a dealer network that has your back if things go wrong. You can also purchase an extended 10-year battery PowerGard warranty through your dealer. That’s a lot of peace of mind
Good For You For All
The Z370R Electric offers zero operating emissions to help make the world a better place and no engine noise. That’s good for you and good for all.
Low Maintenance
Just plug in when you are done mowing and walk away. The Smart Charge Technology prevents over charging and maintains battery life. The Z370R Electric eliminates the need for engine oil changes, spark plugs, air filters, mower belts and greasing as well.
The MowerPlus App
Bluetooth connectivity provides access to the operator’s manual for mower maintenance help, Web-based lawn maintenance video tips and articles as well as GPS Mowing Pattern Tracking for info that can help you mow better as an operator. Right from your phone with the MowerPlus App.
Mow Up To 2 Acres
The sealed 3.2 kWh (3.56 kWh maximum) lithium-ion battery provides up to 2 acres of lawn mowing action per charge and quickly recharges – all with a grounded extension cord. Mowing distance depends on mowing conditions. Actual mowing acreage may vary.
Z370R Electric Overview
View the Z370R overview. With up to 2 acres per charge2, zero operating emissions, no engine noise and a quality of cut that’s second to none, there are dozens of reasons to pre-order a Z370R Electric Mower
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
| PCI Model | Z370RGX |
| Model | ZTrak Z370R (Model year 2023) |
| Locale Code | en_NA |
| SBU | at |
| Key Specs | |
| Battery | One 58 V lithium-ion, 3.2 kilowatt-hour, sealed and meets IP66 rating |
| Charger | On board, 700 Watts, 120 V input |
| Forward speed | 0-7 mph 0-11.3 km/h |
| Front caster tires | 11×6-5 |
| Drive tires | 18×8.5-8 |
| Seat back height | High back with armrests, 20 in. 51 cm |
| Width of cut | Accel Deep™ mower deck, 42 in. 107 cm |
| Mulching system | Optional MulchControl™ attachment |
| Warranty | 3 year or 200 hour bumper-to bumper; 5 year or 200 hour battery (Terms limited to years or hours used, whichever comes first, and varies by model. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at JohnDeere.com or JohnDeere.ca/TUWarranty for details.) |
| Drive train | |
| Battery | One 58 V lithium-ion, 3.2 kilowatt-hour, sealed and meets IP66 rating |
| Charger | On board, 700 Watts, 120 V input |
| Transmission | Dual electric motor with 1-in (2.5-cm) axles |
| Travel speed | |
| Forward speed | 0-7 mph 0-11.3 km/h |
| Reverse speed | 0-3.5 mph 0-5.6 km/h |
| Speed and direction control | Twin levers |
| Control adjustment | 3 height, 11 positions |
| Chassis | |
| Frame | Heavy-duty 2.5-in. x 2-in. (6-cm x 5-cm) front, and 1.5-in. x 2-in. (4-cm x 5-cm) side tubing |
| Primer/paint | E-coat/powder |
| Front caster tires | 11×6-5 |
| Front caster bearings | Sealed ball bearings |
| Drive tires | 18×8.5-8 |
| Hour meter | Yes |
| Service interval decal | Yes |
| Storage compartment | Standard covered |
| Cup holder | Yes |
| Maximum towing capacity | 250 lb 113 kg |
| Seat | |
| Seat back height | High back with armrests, 20 in. 51 cm |
| Fore-aft adjustment | 2.9 in. 7 cm |
| Seat suspension | Two springs |
| Lift system | |
| Type | Foot lift |
| Mower cut height | 1.25-4.5 in. 3-11 cm |
| Cut height increments | 0.25 in. 0.64 cm |
| Preset cut height | Yes |
| Mower deck | |
| Width of cut | Accel Deep™ mower deck, 42 in. 107 cm |
| Type | Side discharge |
| Mower deck material | 12 gauge 0.105 in. 2.7 mm |
| Mower drive system | Electric motors |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 49.4 in. 1255 mm |
| Overall length | 75.4 in. 1915 mm |
| Width without mower | 43.3 in. 1100 mm |
| Width with mower | 50.4 in. 1280 mm |
| Width with mower (deflector raised for storage) | 46.5 in. 1180 mm |
| Height | 43.3 in. 1100 mm |
| Weight | 490 lb 222 kg |
| Operation | |
| Rollover protective structure (ROPS) | No |
| Slope operating limit | 13 degrees; 10 degrees with Material Collection System |
| Operator presence system | Yes |
| Park brake interlock | Yes |
| Operator video | Yes, online |
| Buyer’s notes | |
| Note 1 | Mow 2 acres on a charge with confidence, 3.2 kilowatt-hour battery has up to 40 percent more capacity than competitor’s batteries |
| Note 2 | Smart charger is built into the mower, charge anywhere with a standard 120-volt outlet and grounded extension cord |
| Note 3 | Sealed battery meets IP66 rating, allowing you to wash the mower with a water hose |
| Warranty | 3 year or 200 hour bumper-to bumper; 5 year or 200 hour battery (Terms limited to years or hours used, whichever comes first, and varies by model. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at JohnDeere.com or JohnDeere.ca/TUWarranty for details.) |
| Optional attachments | |
| Mulching system | Optional MulchControl™ attachment |
| Rubber floor mat | Standard |
| Storage cover | Optional |
| Light kit | Standard |
| Material collection system | Two-bag cut-and-throw MCS, 6.5 bu 229 L |
| Additional information | |
| Manufacturing location | Greeneville, Tennessee, USA |
| Date collected | 12-Jan-23 |
Look forward to the weekend and mowing with your Z370R Electric ZTrak Mower. The mower’s seat, operator station, styling package, ergonomic controls, even the mower deck are designed to give a clean, quiet, and a smooth riding experience. 20-in. (51-cm) custom-tailored seat20-in. (51-cm) custom-tailored seat
- Thick foam and spring suspension smooths out rough ground
- Stabilize yourself with side-bolstering
- Rest your arms on standard armrests
- Eye-catching embroidered John Deere logo and green accents
Enjoy the peace and quiet of an electric powertrain
- No gasoline engine noise, vibration, or the high-pitched whine of a hydrostatic transmission
- Accel Deep Mower Deck keeps the grass and dust under the deck and away from you
- Optional MulchControl enables you to mulch frequently
- Prevents the discharge of material in mulching mode
- Converts to side-discharge in seconds if the grass is too tall to mulch
Thoughtful design prioritizes your ergonomics
- Enjoy a roomy and uncluttered operator platform with lots of legroom
- Rest your feet on footrests at the front of the platform
- Adjust the seat and motion control levers to you
- No tools are required to adjust seat fore-and-aft
- Use the included tool to adjust the height and fore-aft postion of the motion control levers
Attractive and modern styling accommodates creature comforts
Covered storage compartment charging a cell phone
- Glance down and see the trim edge of the mower deck without leaning
- Contoured fenders improve visibility to the drive tires
- Securely hold your refreshment in a cup holder
- Store your cell phone in the covered storage compartment, charge it with the standard USB-C charging port
- Use the light emitting diode (LED) lights to finish mowing at dusk
- Forward-LED lights illuminate in front of vehicle
- Mid-LED lights light up the sides of the mower deck
- Smoother ride
- traction for improved slope performance
Stamped-steel construction eliminates sharp edges and corners.
Two adjustable mower wheels, positioned just above ground level give a more even cut and reduce scalping.Optional MulchControl enables you to mulch frequently.
- Deep mower-deck design allows for optimal recutting and even distribution of clippings
- Converts to side-discharge in seconds if the grass is too tall to mulch
Optional 6.5-bu (230-L) rear bagger for collecting grass clippings and leaves.
Mow 2 acres on a charge with confidence
Standard 3.2 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery has up to 40 percent more capacity than competitor’s batteriesThe efficient Accel Deep Mower Deck with optimized blades extends runtime
- When the battery nears depletion, the mower blades switch off and a battery reserve allows you to drive the mower to a charging outlet
- Use the battery to depletion without getting stranded
The electric transaxle has the same 7-mph (11.3-km/h) maximum forward travel speed as the transaxle used on gas-powered Z300 ZTrak Mowers.
The Z370R Electric ZTrak Mower frees you from the hassles of gasoline. Electric powertrain Start your weekend with the scent of fresh cut grass instead of a trip to the gas stationNo spilling, transporting, smelling, or storing gasolineMinimal maintenance
- No engine oil changes or disposal concerns
- No engine air filters to clean or replace
- No belts
- No grease points
- No need to add fuel stabilizer or remove fuel for seasonal storage
- Doesn’t consume wall or counter space
- Doesn’t require moving the batteries between charger and mower
- No battery contacts to deteriorate
- Charge anywhere with a standard 120-volt outlet and grounded extension cord
Smart charger continuously monitors battery
- Ensures optimum charging rate based on battery level and environmental conditions
- Stops charging when battery reaches full charge, no need to unplug the mower
- Maximizes battery life
The Z370R Electric ZTrak is designed to withstand dust and water so you can confidently weather the conditions, wash the mower with a water hose, and even store the mower outdoors. The same weatherization technology used on John Deere’s agriculture and construction products is found on the Z370R for dependable, trouble-free performance. Sealed battery with 5-year or 200-hour warranty The battery is sealed to protect it from the elements:
- Meets IP66 (ingress protection) rating
- Solid protection-no dust can enter battery
- Water protection-no water can enter battery from washing
- Competitive electric mowers do not meet this standard, leaving them vulnerable
Sealed Motors High-Quality Connectors
The mower deck motors are also sealed to keep dust and water from entering. High-quality electrical connectors are also used throughout the mower.
All John Deere mowers are painted with a dual-stage E-coat process using powder-paint coatings to provide protection from fading and corrosion.
The Z370R Electric ZTrak Mower is built tough to provide many years of trouble-free service. Several proven components, including the frame and the Accel Deep Mower Deck, are shared with the gas-powered Z300 ZTrak models. FrameThe Z370R Electric ZTrak Mower frame is constructed of heavy-duty formed and welded steel frame for strength, reliability, and long life:
- Robust 2.5-in. x 2-in. (6-cm x 5-cm) steel tubing in front and 1.5-in. x 2-in. (4-cm x 5-cm) steel tubing on the sides
- A front bumper protects the front of the mower from damage
- Caster wheel pivots have sealed bearings for easy steering and long life
The 42-in. (107-cm) Accel Deep Mower Deck is built from 12 gauge, 0.105 in. (2.7 mm) steel to withstand impacts:
The electric transaxle is maintenance free and reliable:
The Z370R Electric ZTrak is designed to be intuitive to use, with controls at your fingertips. Get started with the power buttonRemoving key pin from power button
- A simple hold of the power button activates mower to be ready to drive
- Key pin can be removed to prevent unintended access
Two easy-to-see displays keep you informed
- Located on the console near power button and mower controls
- Shows your battery level, operating mode, and operating hours
- Advises if an unsatisfied PTO, seat, or motion-control interlock is preventing operation
- Advises when the mower is in push mode or when park brake is applied
- Back lit for night visibility
- Built into footrest to increase visibility while mowing
- Displays battery level in five vertical segments
- Indicates mower status in top horizontal segment
- Green-you’re ready to turn on PTO and start mowing
- White-you’re in standby, you need to satisfy a PTO, seat, or motion-control interlock
- Red-there is a mower fault that needs to be corrected by cycling the PTO switch, cycling the power button, or dealer service
The electric transaxle of the Z370R Electric ZTrak is tuned to be smooth, responsive, and operate like a gas-powered ZTrak Mower. Three operating modes enables you to tailor the performance to your preferences and yard conditions:
- Low mode. 5-mph (8-km/h) travel speed for trimming or precise maneuvering
- High mode. Full 7-mph (11.3-km/h) travel speed for most mowing situations
- Bagging mode – Increased mower-blade speeds to support material collection or challenging mowing conditions
It’s Here: Introducing the Z370R Electric Mower ｜ John Deere
Operating mode can be changed using the mode switch
Motion-control levers in operating position
The integrated park brake is automatically applied when motion control levers are stowed outward and disengaged when levers are placed into operating position.
Mow at the right height every time
Foot pedal lift and cut-height adjustment knob
- Easily lift the mower deck using the foot-lift pedal
- A cut-height preset ensures the deck returns to the correct position
- Mower deck cutting height adjusts from 1.25 to 4.5 in. (3 to 11 cm) in 0.25-in. (0.64-cm) increments
The foot-lift pedal also provides a convenient way to temporarily raise the mower deck over an obstruction while mowing.
- No engine oil changes or disposal concerns
- No engine air filters to clean or replace
- No belts
- No grease points
- No need to add fuel stabilizer or remove fuel for seasonal storage
Accel Deep Mower Deck is designed to reduce buildup and simplify cleaning
- Mower deck is 4.97-in. (12.6-cm) deep with a flat-top
- Reduces the amount of material that escapes and drifts on the operator and mower
- Reduces the accumulation of debris on the underside of the shell
- Few places on underside to catch material
- Prevents the discharge of material in mulching mode
- Converts to side-discharge in seconds if the grass is too tall to mulch
Convenient service interval decal
The service interval decal includes recommended service points, intervals, and part numbers.
You can quickly adjust the tracking from the operator seat using the included 13-mm wrench.
If you need to push or tow the mower you can activate the push-mode switch which allows the drive wheels to roll freely.
Quick response (QR) codes link to owner information web pages
Example product identification number (PIN) label with QR code
John Deere riding lawn mowers are supported by owner information web pages that include links to:
- Safety and how-to videos
- Operator’s manuals
- Parts catalog
- Maintenance reminder sheets
- Attachments
- Warranty statements
To speed access to owner information web pages, a QR code is printed onto a PIN label located under the seat. Since each vehicle model has its own web page, the links are specific to the owner’s model. The QR code also includes the vehicle’s unique PIN which allows for additional customization of the owner information web page in the future.
It’s Here: Introducing the Z370R Electric Mower | John Deere
Front and rear tie-down locations are provided for convenience and safety when trailering the mower.
The Z370R Electric ZTrak is covered by a 3-year or 200-hour, whichever comes first, bumper-to-bumper warranty. The battery has even more coverage, with a 5-year or 200-hour coverage period. An optional PowerGard Lithium-Ion Battery Protection Plan covers the battery for 10-years or 400-hours. An optional PowerGard Protection Plan Residential is available to cover the remaining components. Benefits
- All repairs are serviced and administrated by your John Deere dealer, there is no need to file claims with component suppliers.
The Z370R Electric ZTrak provides the same versatile attachments as gasoline powered Z300 ZTrak Mowers. Attachments add versatility, comfort, or protect your mower
- Standard rear hitch provides towing capability
- Pull a cart up to 250 lb (113 kg) of weight
- Use tow-behind spreaders, sprayers, aerators, and thatchers
John Deere Z370R Electric ZTrak Zero Turn Mower
John Deere officially launched their first Electric Zero Turn mower. It is now available for pre-order. With this electric machine, you can mow up to 2-acres fast with zero operating emissions and no engine noise. But that’s just the beginning.
- Mow up to 2 Acres per charge
- 3.2 kWh (3.56 kWh maximum) Sealed Lithium–Ion Battery
- 42-in (107 cm) Accel Deep Mower Deck
- Zero operating emissions and no engine noise
- 5-year/200-hour Battery Warranty
Operator Display:
Large LCD screen to monitor battery levels and three operator modes to adjust settings that fit operator preference and yard conditions.
Fully Sealed Battery:
Thanks to the 3.2 kWh (3.56 kWh maximum) Sealed Lithium-Ion Battery, this electric mower can weather the conditions, be washed and be stored outside.
Intuitive Controls:
Integrated park brake is activated when the control levers are pushed outward. Power button easily turns on machine.
42in. (107cm) Accel Deep TM Mower Deck:
Offers no compromises in cut quality and performance when compared to a similar gas machine.
On-Board Charging:
Just plug in a standard extension cord when you are done mowing and walk away. The Smart Charge Technology prevents over charging and maintains battery life.
Integrated Bluetooth:
Remotely monitor charge status and battery level through the MowerPlus app with Bluetooth TM technology. And so much more.
Actual mowing area per charge will vary based on conditions and attachment usage. Term limited to 5 years from date of purchase or 200 hours of machine usage, whichever comes first. For full details, see the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at JohnDeere.com or JohnDeere.ca/TUWarranty.
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The Best Electric Riding Lawn Mowers in 2023
Henry Parker is a home improvement enthusiast who loves to share his passion and expertise with others. He writes on a variety of topics, such as painting, flooring, Windows, and lawn care, to help homeowners make informed decisions and achieve their desired results. Henry strives to write high quality guides and reviews that are easy to understand and practical to follow. Whether you are looking for the best electric riding lawn mower, the easiest way to remove paint from flooring, or the signs of a bad tile job, Henry has you covered with his insightful and honest articles. Henry lives in Florida with his wife and two kids, and enjoys spending his free time on DIY projects around the house. You can find some of his work on Today’s Homeowner, where he is a regular contributor.
Compared to gas models, relatively few electric riding lawn mowers are available to choose from, but with a little research you can still find a riding mower that will get your lawn in shape without the mess and fumes of gas.
The best electric riding mowers handle smoothly, cut evenly, and can mow an acre or more on one battery charge, but each has strengths and weaknesses you’ll want to know about before you choose.
Ryobi #RY48111
An industry leader in electric riding lawn mowers, Ryobi produces a range of models, but the RY48111 stands out as a consistent favorite among homeowners. This mower’s 100Ah lead acid battery powers its three brushless motors for up to 2.5 hours, enough to mow 2.5 acres.
Even towing accessories takes little out of the battery. The 38-inch two-blade deck can be manually adjusted in 12 positions, from 1.5 to 4.5 inches, for precise cutting.
It’s highly maneuverable even at slow speeds, and with its exceptionally small turning radius of 16 inches, it has no trouble with tight corners. If you’re a lawn perfectionist, this is the riding mower for you.
Although designed for flat terrain, it handles well on small inclines. The mower’s impressive weight of 695 pounds adds stability, but can make maintenance challenging. It mows in reverse at up to 3 mph, but speed and turning control are less precise.
As an electric model, it’s quieter than any gas mower, but when the blade is engaged, it’s loud enough that you’ll want ear protection. This machine’s biggest downside is its lead acid battery, but proper maintenance helps maximize the battery’s lifespan. If the battery fails to charge, leaving it unplugged from the charger for several hours, then plugging it back in can help.
Ryobi #RY48130
If Ryobi’s reputation appeals to you, but you’re looking for something compact and easy on the wallet, consider model #RY48130. This model’s 30-inch cutting deck manually adjusts in seven positions between 1.5 to 4.5 inches, offering plenty of flexibility for the average lawn.
Its 48V/50Ah battery lets you work for an hour and cover around an acre. As with the 38-inch model, this smaller model is equipped with three brushless motors for serious cutting power, and its 16-inch turning radius makes it easily maneuverable. The Ryobi #RY48130 is a practical option if you’re cutting thick grass or weeds in a tight space with multiple obstacles.
Troy-Bilt TB30 E
From one of the most trusted gardening equipment manufacturers around comes the highly rated Troy-Bilt 30-inch TB30 E. A full charge of the 56V lithium-ion battery lets you mow for around an hour and cover an acre. Better yet, the battery recharges in just four hours. The accurate battery level indicator ensures you won’t run dry in the middle of your work.
This machine easily handles rough ground and slight slopes and can cut in reverse. The mower operates with a simple foot pedal control that lets you easily switch between forward and reverse. Working around trees and landscaping features is effortless with this model’s responsive steering and 18-inch turning radius.
The body is mostly plastic, making the mower particularly lightweight and easy to push away for storage. The front-end suspension gives you a smoother ride. Because the mower lacks anti-scalping wheels, however, the combination of light weight and front-end suspension increase the risk of scalping.
Oddly, although this mower is equipped with a headlight, the control panel isn’t backlit, which makes mowing at dusk a little harder.
Craftsman E150
This compact little riding mower is ideal for small lawns of less than an acre. The lithium-ion 56V battery gives you around an hour of runtime, enough for an acre. Even on low battery it performs well and can power ahead at a brisk 5 mph.
The 30-inch single-blade steel deck has five adjustable cutting heights between 1.5 and 3.75 inches. With a foot pedal for speed control and an 18-inch turn radius, it handles as easily as a golf cart.
It’s an exceptionally quiet machine, letting you mow in the early morning without irritating your neighbors. Although it struggles with tall grass and thick grass species such as Bermuda and zoysia, it can get through them if you take it slow. Trying to force the mower through will stop the cutting deck.
It’s designed for flat terrain, but can handle driving straight on slight inclines. The mower’s light weight means it tends to bounce on uneven ground and can get stuck in small pits, but also makes it easy to push into the garage for storage.
As a safety feature to prevent children from using the mower, the motor won’t start without sufficient weight on the seat. The cutting deck turns off in reverse, but you can disengage this feature with the push of a button. The telescoping Soft Touch steering wheel and the adjustable mid-back seat keep you comfortable. A mulching kit is available separately.
Cub Cadet CC 30 e Electric Rider
The Electric Rider was designed with the goal of creating an electric riding mower that’s as effective as a gas model. Its 56V/30 Ah lithium-ion battery gives you an hour of runtime for an acre of mowing. Charge it for 4 hours, and you’re up and running again. The 30-inch single blade deck can be adjusted in five positions between 1.5 to 4 inches.
The pedals provide good speed control at up to 5 mph or 4 mph in reverse, while the responsive steering and 18-inch turning radius makes maneuvering around obstacles easy. It handles tall grass well even in damp conditions.
On level ground, the mower produces an exceptionally even cut, but because it lacks guide wheels, results on uneven ground vary. It’s also prone to getting stuck on roots, mole hills, and divots, which can cause the wheels to spin or the blade to stop.
Unlike many smaller riding mowers, this model is engineered to handle hills of up to 20 percent, and it does the job well, although turning on a hill can be difficult.
A bagger, mulching kit, and hauler are available separately for this side-discharge mower. The high-back, spring cushioned seat with arm rests is built for comfort, and there’s even a USB charging port. It’s one of the pricier models around, but a wise choice if you need a mower that performs reliably on hilly lawns.
Weibang Lithium-ion E-Rider (Model #WB76E)
The E-Rider, powered by a 72V/18AH lithium-ion battery, is built for light work on small lawns. The 30-inch two-blade cutting deck can be adjusted in 10 positions from 1 to 4 inches, giving you precise control over your lawn’s height, while the 18-inch turning radius helps with handling.
The two pedal driving system – right for gas and left for brake – might take some getting used to if you’re new to it. The speed can be hard to finesse when going slow, although this model isn’t particularly fast, running at 3.7 mph or 3.1 mph in reverse. It can mow in reverse and cuts wet grass and weeds with little difficultly.
Slopes are a challenge, however, and the lack of suspension makes for a bumpy ride on uneven lawns. The motor shuts off without enough weight on the seat, which is a helpful safety feature, but considering the rough ride, it can kill the engine unexpectedly when you hit a bump.
It’s an effective mulcher, but no bagger is available. Despite its compact size, it’s comfortable for taller drivers. Even with the blade running, it’s hardly louder than a vacuum cleaner. The main downside is the long battery charging time of 8 hours.
Turf One (Weibang) E-Rider VOLT (Model #30-EB)
Produced by Weibang and sold under the Turf One brand name, this mower is identical to the lithium-ion E-Rider in almost all aspects, including the cutting deck, control panel, speed, and maneuverability.
The difference is that while the E-Rider runs on a lithium-ion battery, the E-Rider VOLT is powered by a traditional lead acid battery. Just like the E-Rider’s battery, the E-Rider VOLT’s battery should give you 120 minutes of runtime on a single charge, enough for a little over an acre. Because it’s lead acid, however, you’ll need to replace it sooner than you would a lithium-ion battery.
To make up for this fact, the E-Rider VOLT sells for a lower price than the E-Rider. That’s a valuable benefit if you need a budget-friendly riding mower this season, but when you’re shopping, pay close attention to the model number to ensure you get the model you want.
Mean Green Nemesis NXR-48/52
Mean Green specializes in professional-grade electric riding lawn mowers and the Nemesis NXR-48/52 is one of its more compact models, designed for large residential lawns and small commercial properties. This powerful zero-turn mower can run for 1.5 hours hours, enough to mow three acres, on the small LEM4880 Green Lithium Battery. If you need more runtime, pick up the large LEM48140 Green Lithium Battery and mow for 2.5 hours.
The cutting deck is made from heavy gauge welded aluminum and equipped with high/low blade speed control. Cutting decks are available in 48- and 52-inch widths to make quick work of large lawns. The anti-scalp wheel mounts help you achieve an even, healthy cut. The rear tires and seat are both designed for comfort, and the mower’s low center of gravity makes driving even smoother.
At almost 650 pounds, it’s a hefty machine, but light for a zero turn model. It’s also surprisingly quiet for its size, running at just 76 dB, quieter than most gas mowers.
All that extra power, runtime, and durability doesn’t come cheap, though. At a price of over 12,000, it’s only worth the investment if you routinely mow spaces of 2 acres or more.
Even with the limited selection of electric riding lawn mowers on the market, there’s a reliable model for every type of lawn. When you’re shopping around, pay attention not just to battery life and cutting deck size, but also to maneuverability, comfort, and how well the mower performs on your type of terrain.
Henry Parker is a home improvement enthusiast who loves to share his passion and expertise with others. He writes on a variety of topics, such as painting, flooring, Windows, and lawn care, to help homeowners make informed decisions and achieve their desired results. Henry strives to write high quality guides and reviews that are easy to understand and practical to follow. Whether you are looking for the best electric riding lawn mower, the easiest way to remove paint from flooring, or the signs of a bad tile job, Henry has you covered with his insightful and honest articles. Henry lives in Florida with his wife and two kids, and enjoys spending his free time on DIY projects around the house. You can find some of his work on Today’s Homeowner, where he is a regular contributor.
The Best Zero-Turn Mowers of 2023
These achieve the rare feat of making lawn mowing fun.
By Roy Berendsohn Published: Mar 1, 2023
When it comes to yard work, zero turn mowers do the impossible. They make lawn mowing fun. They accomplish this by putting unprecedented speed, control and maneuverability at the disposal of the person mowing the lawn. The so-called “zero turn” feature of these mowers converts a grass cutting machine into something akin to an amusement park ride. You steer the machine with two levers—the left lever controls the left wheel, the right lever the right wheel. With that steering setup, you can zoom over the landscape cutting straight lines, curves, or pivot the mower into and out of a corner. What’s not to like?
Read on to understand how these agile grass cutters work, how we go about testing them, and see some candidates that we’ve recently tested as well as some that we haven’t but that we think look particularly promising.
How Zero-Turn Mowers Work
A zero-turn riding mower consists of an operator platform, a frame and wheels, an engine (or battery bank), transmissions (or motors), and a pair of control levers commonly known as lap bars. In gas mowers, the engine powers a pulley system. One group of pulleys drives the blades, another group powers a pair of transmissions–one at each rear wheel. When you move the lap bar forward or back, you are directing the transmission to go faster, slower, or even turn the opposite way. When one drive wheel turns clockwise and the other counter clockwise, the mower pivots. When the wheels rotate at different rates, the mower turns in an arc-shaped path. When the lap bars are in the neutral position, the mower stops. Aside from a parking brake, there’s no other braking mechanism. Battery-powered zero-turn mowers work the same way, but have separate motors to drive the rear wheels and one for each blade inside the mower deck.
When it comes to transmission, most mowers have a Hydrogear EZT—a well-known and cost-effective residential-grade transaxle with a reputation for durability.
Some mowers use a deck stamped from one piece of steel, others use a deck fabricated from multiple pieces and welded together. A fabricated deck can be built from thicker steel at a lower cost than it would be able to be built otherwise. Once you’re talking about stamping metal as thick as 10 gauge (about 1⁄8 inch thick), the cost of stamping such a deck would push up the mower’s price beyond what most people are willing to pay. The decks in the mowers below range from 42 to 52 inches, a typical size in this class of product. When powered by these engines and the Hydrogear, these mowers will deliver a decent cut quality at their rated top speed of 7 mph. Note, however, that cut quality declines steeply if you maintain that speed in very thick grass or on uneven terrain.
As to the electric mowers, they represent the leading edge of the technology in this category. These are remarkable and expensive mowers powered by large-voltage lithium-ion batteries. If you’re interested in reducing mowing noise and simplifying your maintenance routine by eliminating gas and oil, they’re worth a look.
Selecting a Zero-Turn Mower
Everyone would like to select the biggest possible zero-turn mower with the hope of whittling a big grass cutting job down to size as quickly as possible. Reality usually intercedes because these machines are expensive and the wide range of options available today quickly drive up the cost. Roughly speaking, you start somewhere in the range of a mower with a 42-inch deck costing in the vicinity of 3200 to 3500 and move up in increments of 1000 to 1500 until you reach entry-level commercial-grade equipment that costs 7000 to 8000.
Again, speaking in terms of approximation, a mower with a 42-inch deck will cut a two-acre lot (that takes into account that the house, driveway, outbuildings and various landscape features are taking up some of that space). Use a mower with a larger deck to cut anything over two acres. But here’s the caveat. That entry-level ZTR mower (3200, say) with a 42-inch deck will wear out faster and need more maintenance than a mower with a 50-inch deck, a heavier frame, larger engine and higher quality transmissions, and thicker deck with more robust blade spindles, costing 4500.
In the simplest possible terms, you can cut a smaller area with a larger mower and expect more longevity out of the machine (not to mention a nicer mowing experience) or you can cut a larger area with a smaller machine and encounter more maintenance and a mowing experience that will be, we might say, a bit more rugged.
But there are still other factors to consider, in selecting a mower other than deck size and your budget. Larger mowers take more space in a garage or outbuilding. And a mower with a 50-inch or even 60-inch deck, as useful as it might be in getting the job done more quickly, may not fit through a fence’s gate, and it might be more difficult to maneuver in tight spots without creating scalp marks on the lawn from a lot of close-quarter pivoting.
Carefully consider all these factors when shopping for a mower: your budget, maintenance and whether you will perform that work yourself, mowing speed and time, maneuverability and trimming in tight areas, the importance that you place on your comfort while mowing, cut quality, longevity, storage, and access to the landscape.
How We Select and Test
There’s only one way to test a mower, and that’s to cut grass with it. But we also do more than mow.
We raise and lower the deck and adjust the seat. We look at service point access (the air filter, the spark plug, and the oil filter) and how easy it is to remove the deck. We mow approximately an acre with each mower, considering cut and mulching quality while running uphill, downhill, across washboard, and along sidehills. (On sidehills, we’ll mow surfaces pitched up to approximately 20 degrees; manufacturers generally recommend not going steeper than 10 degrees, but we like to be thorough.) We evaluate power and speed relative to cut quality—we investigate whether the mower delivers a decent cut mowing at full speed. When mowing in damp conditions, we look at whether the mower’s tires accumulate grass and how effectively it discharges moist clippings. Finally, we test maneuverability (these machines are, generally, very nimble) and how readily they come to a stop when you back off the lap bar control levers.
For more lawn mower reviews, check out our guides to the best riding lawn mowers, electric lawn mowers, and self-propelled mowers we recommend, and learn more about finding the right mower for you.