Zero Turn Mowers: Benefits and Buying Advice

Whether you are a landscaping professional or a homeowner with a large lawn, a zero-turn mower could be a great addition to your lawn care equipment. Designed for speed, precision and exceptional manoeuvrability, this piece of equipment allows you to mow large areas fast while effortlessly navigating around trees, flower bedsand other obstacles. Here’s what to know to decide if it’s the right choice for you.

What is a Zero Turn Mower? 

A zero-turn mower is a type of ride-on lawn mower that features independent wheel motors that allow each wheel to move independently. This enables you to make sharp turns and even pivot in place, providing a zero turning radius. 

Traditional lawn tractors, on the other hand, use a single steering wheel and have a much larger turning radius. This can make it more challenging to navigate around obstacles like trees, flower beds or tight corners. 

To manipulate this mower, you use two handle levers, one for each of the back wheels. Pushing both levers forward makes the mower go straight. To turn, you move one lever more than the other ( push the right lever forward and pull the left one back to turn left), and do the opposite to turn right. The front wheels just swivel and aren’t controlled by the levers. Because each rear wheel moves independently, the mower can turn very sharply. But this also means it takes some practice to drive this equipment, especially on slopes, where steering can be tricky without front-wheel control.

What are the Benefits of Using a Zero Turn Mower? 

Excellent Manoeuvrability

The unparalleled manoeuvrability of these machines can make a big difference in how quickly and easily you mow your lawn. Thanks to their unique steering system, these mowers can pivot 180 degrees on the spot. This means you can turn around without leaving uncut patches of grass behind. 

Their tight turning radius can be especially useful for properties with lots of obstacles like trees, garden beds, fences, or decorative features. Instead of having to reverse, reposition, or make multiple passes, a zero-turn mower glides around curves and corners smoothly, saving you time and effort.

This level of control also allows for cleaner, more precise cuts around edges, reducing the need for follow-up trimming. The result is a neater lawn in less time, with less physical strain on you.

Enhanced Productivity

Zero-turn mowers are built with powerful engines and smart transmission systems that help you get the job done faster. They can reach speeds of up to 20km/h, allowing you to mow large areas quickly and efficiently. This means less time spent mowing as well as lower labour costs. Whether you're working on big properties like estates, sports fields, or public parks, a zero-turn mower helps you cover more ground in less time and keeps your workflow running smoothly.

Cleaner Cuts 

The precise control over movement that this equipment offers allows you to follow straight lines and stay consistent with each pass. Since each wheel can move independently, the mower can turn smoothly and stay aligned with the mowing path, resulting in a neater, more uniform finish. The ability to closely follow curves and edges also means you can cut around trees, flower beds, and other obstacles with greater accuracy. This will leave your land looking beautiful every time.

What to Consider When Choosing a Zero Turn Mower? 

Before you purchase a zero-turn mower, there are some factors you'll want to consider to ensure you get the right equipment for your needs. 

The Lawns You'll Mow 

The size and layout of your lawn play an important role in choosing the right mower. Large lawns with wide, open areas require mowers with large cutting decks, around 132cm. This kind of mower will cover more ground in less time, helping you finish the job faster. On the other hand, if your lawn has narrow paths, tight corners or obstacles like trees or garden beds, a mower with a smaller cutting deck, about 90cm, will be easier to handle and more precise in tight spaces. 

Engine power is another key factor to consider. A mower with a powerful engine can handle tough grass, uneven terrain, and long mowing sessions without slowing down or struggling. It also helps you operate more smoothly and efficiently. 

When comparing mower engines, look at the horsepower. Higher horsepower means better cutting speed, strong performance, and easier manoeuvrability. This is especially useful for larger properties or lawns with slopes, thick grass or lots of turns and obstacles.  

Additional Features and Accessories 

When choosing a zero-turn mower, it’s worth considering additional features and accessories that can enhance both the efficiency and enjoyment of your mowing experience. Features like LED lights are particularly useful, as they improve visibility, allowing you to mow safely and effectively in low-light conditions, such as early mornings or late afternoons. For longer mowing sessions, cup holders become quite valuable, providing a convenient spot to keep your drink close, helping you stay hydrated and energised as you work. 

As for accessories, there are a few that significantly increase your mower's versatility and functionality. Grass catchers are one such accessory. Designed to collect grass clippings as you mow, they help ensure a cleaner finish without the need for additional clean-up afterwards. If you need to haul materials, a hitch attachment allows you to easily tow carts, trailers, or spreaders, extending the mower’s capabilities beyond just cutting grass.

Mulch kits are another popular accessory. These kits finely chop the grass clippings and distribute them back onto the lawn as natural mulch. This process not only keeps your lawn neat but also helps to fertilise it, promoting healthier grass growth by returning vital nutrients to the soil.

Durability and Quality

Choosing a mower built to last and made from high-quality materials is key to ensuring long-term satisfaction. The durability of a mower depends largely on the quality of its construction and the materials used in the frame. 

Steel frames, in particular, offer excellent strength and long-lasting performance, creating a stable base for the mower. Welded steel frames are even more resilient, as they are made from several steel pieces welded together, further increasing the mower's overall durability.

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