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6 Best Zero Turn Mowers of 2023
These nimble mowers reduce mowing times — and drive like a dream!
For decades now, zero turn mowers — a.k.a. “Z-turns” or “ZTRs” — have been the preferred ride of landscape pros who love their speed and maneuverability, allowing you to zip around a sprawling yard, taking tight turns and awkward corners with the ease of a race car. It’s only in the last 10 years or so that manufacturers have been marketing these nimble riding mowers for homeowners.
Our Top Picks
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Before that, our Good Housekeeping Institute pros were cautious with our recommendations. “The first wave of zero turn mowers for consumers was expensive, plus there was a pretty steep learning curve with the technology,” says Rachel Rothman, executive technical director at the Institute. It's a different story today. Rapid growth in the residential market for ZTRs has brought prices down. Meanwhile, manufacturers have made the machines much easier to operate for the average homeowner.
Drawing on three decades of testing outdoor equipment, everything from lawn sprinklers and lawn mowers to pressure washers and more, our engineers and product experts completed thorough spec checks on 10 leading zero turn mowers and road-tested half a dozen. We also partnered with Popular Mechanics, whose lawn care pros tested a fleet of new ZTRs, mowing an acre per model to assess speed, power and cut quality.
Given the intense consumer interest in zero turn mowers, you will now find a fleet or brands and models at home centers and lawn equipment dealers. Based on our latest tests, the following top picks cover all budgets and lawn care needs. Once you mow through the options, keep reading for more information on how we selected these models, as well as details on how ZTRs differ from other riding mowers and expert advice for finding the right model for your yard.
Once your lawn is in tip top shape thanks to one of these top-performing zero turn mowers, shop our roundups of the best doormats, best outdoor furniture on Walmart and the best outdoor furniture on Amazon to create your dream deck and patio.
John Deere Z325E Zero-Turn Riding Mower
John Deere Z325E Zero-Turn Riding Mower
Pros
- Impressive cutting performance
- Excellent at mulching clippings
- Includes washout port for cleaning
- Brand reliability
Cons
- Noisy engine
- No LED headlight
Through the 30 years the Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing outdoor power equipment, John Deere has earned a reputation for quality and reliability with our experts.
That esteem now extends to ZTRs, specifically the John Deere Z325E, which is a cut above the competition with its combination of value and performance. Its ample 48-inch cutting deck and robust 24-horsepower engine will make short work of lawns up to 2 acres in size.
The Popular Mechanics team was impressed with how well the model line handled its tough test zone, "which more closely resembled a hay field than a lawn,” notes Roy Berendsohn, senior home editor at the brand. (Note: the Z325E is similar to the now discontinued Z365R that PM tested, with a few upgrades, including a larger gas tank and more adjustable cutting height). It plowed through the thickest and tallest grass, throwing a steady stream of clippings in side-discharge mode, and was equally adept at mulching shorter grass.
Though it's noisier and not as feature-rich as other top picks (for instance, it lacks a LED headlight and USB ports to charge your phone), the Deere does have a washout port for cleaning the mower deck and a cup holder to keep your water bottle from toppling over. Note: the Z325E is currently out of stock on major retailers including Lowe's and Home Depot, but hopefully its inventory will be restocked soon. For now, shop our other top-rated picks in this list!
| Power source | Gas |
|---|---|
| Deck width | 48 inches |
| Yard size | Up to 2 acres |
Craftsman Z5200 Zero-Turn Riding Mower
Pros
- Excellent price
- Solid construction
- Brand reliability
- Uniform cutting performance
Cons
- Relatively narrow cutting deck
- More maintenance required with its gas engine
You’ll find some of the best deals on zero-turn mowers at home centers, including this Craftsman, exclusive to Lowe’s. Spending less carries some tradeoffs though.
For example, the 42-inch deck is narrower than most ZTRs and the 20-horsepower motor isn’t as powerful. But Craftsman is another legacy power equipment brand that we rate highly, especially after it was bought by Stanley Black & Decker in 2017. While we haven’t tested the Z5200, based on an extensive spec review, our engineers determined the mower will deliver a fast, uniform cutting performance in both side-discharge and mulching mode.
As with all lap bar-controlled ZTRs, operating the machine takes some practice, so you’ll want to steer clear of any flower beds or other obstacles in the beginning. But the high-back seat and rubber foot pad should provide a comfortable ride while you’re learning. And we expect the Craftsman to hold up well over time, thanks to its rugged steel frame and low-vibration twin-cylinder engine, causing less wear and tear.
Like all gas mowers, it requires more maintenance than battery-powered models, including changing the oil and air filter.
| Power source | Gas |
|---|---|
| Deck width | 42 inches |
| Yard size | Up to 2.5 acres |
Toro TimeCutter Zero Turn Riding Mower
Toro TimeCutter Zero Turn Riding Mower
Pros
- Very solid construction
- Ample cutting width
- Smooth, comfortable ride
Cons
- No headlight
- More maintenance required with its gas engine
Toro is another trusted name in outdoor power equipment with our experts, who have awarded the brand top honors in recent tests of walk-behind lawn mowers, snow blowers and cordless leaf blowers, to name just a few. The Toro zero turn mower impressed our engineers with its exceptional quality of construction, starting with the iron-forged deck and commercial-grade V-twin engine, backed by a 300-hour warranty.
It's gas-powered, so you'll spend more time maintaining the engine — not to mention driving to the gas station for fuel refills. But the 50-inch deck covers more ground faster (Toro says the machine is intended for properties as big as 4 acres), while the suspension system and shock-absorbing dampers promise a smooth ride. Just don't get caught in the field after dark, since the ZTR's feature set doesn't include a headlight.
| Power source | Gas |
|---|---|
| Deck Width | 50 inches |
| Yard size | 2 to 4 acres |
Greenworks 60v CrossoverZ Zero Turn Mower
Greenworks 60v CrossoverZ Zero Turn Mower
Pros
- Fast-charge batteries
- Durable motor design
- LED headlight
- Automatically adjusts the power output based on grass type
Cons
- Relatively narrow deck width
While we haven’t tested this model, we have been impressed with other 60-volt power tools from Greenworks, as has the team at Popular Mechanics.
Berendsohn explains, “the most important thing to understand about it is its rapid charge time and how it’s accomplished.” The configuration is unique in that the mower comes with six batteries and three chargers, each of which can replenish two batteries at a time. As a result, recharge time is cut to 90 minutes, according to the manufacturer, unlike the several hours needed with other battery-powered ZTRs.
At 42 inches, the CrossoverZ's deck is narrower than other top picks, so it won't finish lawn jobs as quickly. And the lap bar controls is the hardest to master. But the CrossoverZ has many performance features that our experts appreciate, including a sensor technology that automatically adjusts the power output based on the type of grass you're mowing. We also like the brushless motor technology, which our tests have found significantly reduces wear and tear on the machine for added durability and lifespan.
As for creature comforts, the high-backed padded seat and foldable arm rests make for a cushioned ride and the LED headlight allows you to mow during low-light conditions.
| Power source | Battery |
|---|---|
| Deck width | 42 inches |
| Yard size | Up to 2.5 acres |
EGO POWER+ Z6 e-Steer
Pros
- User-friendly steering wheel control
- Carpet-smooth cut performance
- Surround LED safety lights
Cons
- Narrow deck reduces total range
While a joystick is easier to operate than levers for many users, just about everyone will find a steering wheel the most intuitive of all.
That’s what made the Ego another big head-turner at Equip Expo, where we had the chance to take it for a test run. As expected, handling and maneuverability were exceptional — the wheel itself is more like that on a Formula One race car than the typical passenger vehicle. Though not quite as expensive as the joystick-controlled Ryobi, this innovative ride costs a pretty penny, especially since its 42-inch deck if geared for smaller yards (relatively speaking!) of 2.5 acres or less.
Still, the Ego has plenty going for it. Popular Mechanics tested the lap bar brand mate of the POWER+ Z6 e-Steer and noted its superb cut quality and solid handling. Like many of the latest electric ZTRs, this one is loaded with bells and whistles, including adjustable seat suspension, Bluetooth connectivity, front, side and rear LED lights and, of course, a handy cup holder.
| Power source | Battery |
|---|---|
| Deck width | 42 inches |
| Size of yard | Up to 2.5 acres |
RYOBI 80V Zero Turn Riding Mower
RYOBI 80V Zero Turn Riding Mower
Pros
- Intuitive joystick control
- LCD display screen
- Comfortable ride
Cons
- Slower charge time on batteries than some
- Expensive
Our experts first took the Ryobi for a test ride last fall at the outdoor power equipment show Equip Expo 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky. “We were amazed at the intuitiveness, especially compared with lever-controlled ZTRs, which can be intimidating for some homeowners,” Rothman says.
Powered by three 80-volt batteries with a claimed cut capacity of four acres, Berendsohn says the Ryobi is “probably the most ambitious electric residential riding mower that we’ve seen up to this point.” We agree, based on how Ryobi has led the way in other battery-powered product categories, from shop vacs to circular saws. The downside to all that innovation is the steepest price tag of any zero turn mower we reviewed.
During our test run, we liked the LCD screen which displays speed, run time and battery life, so you don’t get stuck in the field. Other notable features include the LED headlight, good for finishing the job in the fading light, USB ports to charge your phone and a comfortable seat suspension with armrests. The 5-hour charge time is longer than we see with other battery mowers.
But the Ryobi has one of the largest deck width of the bunch so it can cover a lot of ground. Keep in mind that that also means it'll take up more room in your garage and may not fit through gates or in tight spots.
| Power source | Battery |
|---|---|
| Deck width | 54 inches |
| Yard size | 4 acres or more |
How we test and review zero turn mowers
Our engineers and product experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute start by surveying the current marketplace to identify the zero turn mowers you’re most likely to find at home centers, landscape equipment dealers and online.
We also attend trade shows like Equip Expo to stay on top of the latest models and innovations in the category. From there, we focus on brands that have performed the best and proven the most reliable through more than 30 years of outdoor power equipment tests.
Hands-on testing starts with a thorough review of technical and performance data points, covering factors such as engine type and mowing width.
To measure all-important cutting performance, we road-tested several models and also teamed up with our partners at Popular Mechanics (PM), who evaluate zero turn mowers on a stretch of lawn at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. The PM team mows approximately an acre with each mower, considering cut and mulching quality while running uphill, downhill and along sidehills. They assess power and speed relative to cut quality, as well as maneuverability.
Finally, our engineers weigh in on usability features, including seat comfort, adjustable settings and LED headlights. Minor points are also handed out for bells and whistles, ranging from cup holders to USB ports.
How do zero turn mowers work?
Zero turn mowers get their name from their turning radius, which is effectively zero inches, unlike the 5-to-20-inch turning radius of traditional lawn tractors. “ZTRs can literally turn on a dime,” Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, says. “That’s one reason landscape crews love them — they’re so easy to load onto a truck or tractor.”
A few design distinctions from traditional lawn tractors and ride-on mowers make ZTRs so nimble. For starters, their cutting deck is in front of the machine, not underneath it. They also have two swiveling wheels out front that allow for tight turns and two large wheels in the back that provide the driving power.
Most zero turn mowers are controlled with a pair of levers, commonly known as lap bars, which enables greater handling. The left lap bar controls the left wheel and the right lap bar controls the right wheel so that each wheel can move independently. For example, you can make the mower pivot by getting one drive wheel to turn clockwise and the other to turn counterclockwise. In recent years, manufacturers have introduced ZTRs with steering wheels and joystick controls to make them more accessible for the average consumer.
The unique design of ZTRs makes them not just nimble, but also fast, which is great if you have a lot of lawn to mow. But there are some downsides to consider, starting with the fact that zero turn mowers don’t handle well on sidehill mowing. Wet grass is a challenge for the smaller wheels too. Then there’s the learning curve. “ZTRs are so maneuverable that people have a tendency to lose their sense of orientation on them,” Berendsohn says. “This accounts for people accidentally driving them into ponds, backing off retaining walls and the like.”
Berendsohn goes so far as to say driving a speedy and agile ZTR can even make the chore of mowing enjoyable. “If you're a bit bored with lawn cutting and inclined to make the job more interesting, and perhaps even fun, ZTRs are worth a look,” he says.
What to look for when shopping for a zero turn mower
✔️ Power source
- Gas zero turn mowers: Most models on the market still run on regular unleaded gas from the gas station. They tend to be the most powerful, boasting plenty of horsepower to plow through the toughest grass. Provided you have an ample supply of fuel, run time isn’t an issue. But gas ZTRs require more maintenance, including oil and filter changes. Like all gas-powered equipment, their engines are noisy.
- Battery zero turn mowers: These mowers run on rechargeable batteries with average run times of 60 to 90 minutes. Berendsohn says battery technology is “probably the single biggest development in this category,” adding that “our tests show that they are quiet, clean and effective.” The biggest downside is cost, with most battery-powered ZTRs costing upwards of $5,000. Plus, while run times are impressive, you do need to remember to charge the batteries.
✔️ Deck width: Naturally, the wider the cutting deck, the faster you’ll finish the job. But prices tend to increase along with deck widths. Expect to spend between $3,000 and $3,500 on a zero turn mower with a 40- to 42-inch deck. Mowers with decks between 42- and 50-inches wide tend to cost between $3,500 and $5,000. Wider than 50 inches puts you into the professional category, with models costing $7,000 and up.
✔️ Yard size: Zero turn mowers are probably overkill if your yard is less than a couple acres. Smaller models with 40- to 42-inch decks are best for 2- to 3-acre yards. Mid-size models (42- to 50-inch decks) can handle 3 to 4 acres. Zero turn mowers with decks larger than 50 models are geared for sprawling properties, which is why you see them on the back of a lot of landscaping trucks.
✔️ Steering mechanism
- Lap bar: This design is by far the most common option, so you’ll have the most models to choose from within this category. The drawback is many users find lap bars difficult to master (when Berendsohn talked earlier about homeowners driving into ponds, it’s usually on a lap bar mower).
- Steering wheel: The maneuvering pain point of lap bars has led to the emergence of zero turn mowers that use a steering wheel or a joystick. Steering wheels — just like you would use in your car — are the more prevalent of the two, with brands like Cub Cadet and Toro offering them, along with Ego, our top pick in this roundup.
- Joystick: It's located on the side of the driver sort of like a stick shift, but works intuitively like the joystick on a gaming control. Ryobi is the only manufacturer we’ve seen with a joystick control, so you’ll be limited to that Home Depot brand if you prefer this method of operation.
✔️ Features
- LED headlight: This will help you see the lawn when daylight is starting to fade. It also means the machine is more visible to people and pets (though it’s an important reminder that kids and pets should never be in the vicinity when you’re operating any kind of lawn care equipment).
- Washout port: This feature makes it easy to clear grass clippings off the mower deck. This is a maintenance task that’s essential to maximizing the lifespan of your mower, since it prevents rust and corrosion of the blade and deck.
- Comfort upgrades: Since zero-turn lawn mowers are intended for large properties, you’re likely to be seated in them for long stretches. An adjustable padded seat and armrests will ensure comfort over the long haul. A built-in cup holder will help with hydration, while a USB charging port and Bluetooth will keep your electronics charged and ready.
- LCD display: This screen is mostly found on electric models, where its interface provides information related to run time, battery life and speed. For mowers with different driving modes, the display always shows you clearly which one you’re in.
- Attachments: As with standard lawn tractors, zero turn mowers can also be fitted with attachments for other tasks, including aerators, dethatchers and even snow plows.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Dan DiClerico, Director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab, has tested and written about outdoor power equipment, including lawn mowers and tractors, for more than 20 years. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping, his expertise appeared in Consumer Reports and This Old House. He has personally tested lawn care equipment from more than a dozen leading brands and he is a regular at trade shows where he stays up to date on the latest innovations.
Roy Berendsohn has worked for more than 25 years at Popular Mechanics, where he tests all manner of outdoor power equipment, including zero turn mowers. He also writes about carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, blacksmithing, welding and more. When he's not working on his own house, he volunteers with Sovereign Grace Church doing home repair for families in rural, suburban and urban locations throughout central and southern New Jersey.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
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