We Found the Best Zero-Turn Mowers to Elevate Your Lawn Game (2024)

Our Top Picks

The best zero-turn mower we tested is the Ryobi Battery Electric Cordless Zero-Turn Riding Mower. After testing this riding mower in our home for six months, we found that it has everything you would expect in an electric zero-turn mower: excellent maneuverability around obstacles, relatively quiet operation, and very easy to set up and use.

Thanks to the joystick operation, we found it intuitive and even fun to drive. Although it is one of the most expensive options on this list, if you have a larger yard, we think it’s worth the price for all its features.

This model comes with a joystick (Ryobi's iDrive Intelligent Joystick Drive System) instead of lap bars or a steering wheel, so you can go forward, reverse, and turn in any direction with just one hand. In fact, we were able to go from stopped to full speed very quickly. Overall, we found that feeling comfortable using the joystick required little practice.

Unlike our previous riding mower, with this zero-turn model, we were able to cut around trees effectively in just one pass. Cutting our half-acre yard used to take about an hour with our previous riding mower (the Troy-Built Pony, 17 HP, 42" deck rider), but this mower took only 35 to 40 minutes each time.

We also found adjusting the cutting height to be an easy process. The level allows you to select from 12 different setting heights from 1.5 to 4.5 inches. We were impressed by how it consistently provided a perfect cut, even when the grass was thick, long, damp, or dry. It also comes with a height-stopping key to quickly drop the mowing deck to the cutting height you need. During all of this testing, we found the seat to be comfortable, with a suspension adjustment knob for help handling different terrain.

Setting up this mower was a relatively simple process (about 45 minutes). The instructions were easy to follow, and the manufacturer included any necessary tools. After removing it from the packaging, we had to attach the seat and the joystick to the mower, install the four batteries, and put air in the four tires. The mower was charged enough to drive it out of the metal crate, but after that, we did need to charge it for operation (it takes about 70 minutes to charge two 80-volt batteries to 100 percent).

Although this battery-operated model comes with two 80-volt 10Ah lithium-ion batteries and two 40-volt 12Ah lithium-ion batteries, there’s room for a total of three 80-volt and four 40-volt batteries, for an even longer runtime when you need it. We love that all of these batteries can easily be charged onboard. After ensuring all the batteries are installed, plug the charging cord into the rear of the mower (batteries are fully charged in less than 2.5 hours). Even with only 50% of the charge, we were able to mow our half-acre lot with no issues.

We also like that the 40-volt batteries are compatible with many other cordless Ryobi tools, so you can always ensure you have batteries charged for your lawn care needs. The onboard LCD screen allows you to monitor battery life and runtime and control the blade, drive speed, and LED lights. You can also use the RYOBI Riding Mower App to check the battery life before you even head out to mow (although we haven't tested this feature yet).

We do want to note that we originally received a defective mower with an electrical issue, but after very friendly and helpful customer service at Techtronic Industries Company Limited (Ryobi's parent company), we received a new mower with no issues. Despite this inconvenience, we think this is an excellent zero-turn mower for maintaining your yard.

_{Power Type: Lithium batteries | Horsepower: Equivalent to 31 hp | Cutting Width: 42 inches | Weight: 700 pounds | Terrain: Flat with obstacles}

While testing the Toro TimeCutter Zero Turn Riding Mower, we found it an excellent choice for keeping larger yards—especially those with many obstacles to mow around—looking their best. Our testing team member normally spends an hour and a half cutting her half-acre lawn with a self-propelled mower, navigating up a hill and around trees, utility boxes, and a patio. While testing, this mower truly proved to be a time cutter, as it took her as little as 35 minutes.

This gas model has a large three-gallon fuel tank, so you can get the job done without worrying about running out of gas (or stopping to recharge batteries, as you would with some electric models). After all of our testing, we noted that this mower provided an even cut and never had to struggle through tall, damp, or thicker grass areas.

We do want to note that if this is the first time you are using a riding mower, it may take a few times to get the hang of it. Luckily, we didn't have to worry about assembling the mower itself. Purchased from Home Depot, this model from Toro comes with White Glove delivery service, so it was set up for us, and the delivery person even gave us a tutorial on how to use it (although we used the manual for information on what type of gas we needed and maintenance).

Once delivered, we could use the mower immediately, and this is when it got tricky. Braking, speed, and direction are controlled by hand, and out of habit, we wanted to use a foot brake. And since the mower has a larger, 50-inch deck (eight inches wider than our best overall pick), that took a little getting used to as well, especially while making turns. Also, note that we do find ourselves using a push mower and edger for hard-to-reach areas that this larger mower can't access.

The grass shooter is on the right side, so the left side is much shorter. We found ourselves having to plan ahead when maneuvering around trees and edges. By the third mow, we got used to the controls and felt more comfortable making turns and going down a slope. We also found that adjusting the seat just right took a few times, but after changing the seat suspension, we felt more comfortable.

Although driving the mower had a learning curve, adjusting the cutting height was very easy, especially compared to our self-propelled mower. We just had to press the lever with our foot and then adjust the height lever with our hand, moving through the options—between 1.5 and 4.5 inches—quite easily.

We also found starting the mower to be as simple as turning a key. While it did take a bit of time to get used to the mower's power, adjusting the power was simple, with fun but clear speed settings (turtle for slow, tractor for medium, and rabbit for fast).

Although we didn’t test the bagging feature (sold separately), we did find the mower shot the grass clippings far away from where we were mowing, which was very welcome. Overall, we think this zero-turn mower is an excellent time-saving option, especially for large yards (up to 4 acres) with many obstacles, and is well worth the time spent getting used to the controls and power. Even after six months of testing, we continue to be impressed by its efficiency, features, and performance.

_{Power Type: Gas | Horsepower: 24.5 hp | Cutting Width: 50 inches | Weight: 694 pounds | Terrain: Flat with obstacles}

This commercial lawn mower from John Deere has air-filled pneumatic tires with deep treads, which provide excellent traction on rough and hilly terrain. It’s available with a 48- or 54-inch cutting deck, with the latter being ideal for yards larger than four acres in size.

The triple-blade, flat-top design delivers a clean cut even on uneven ground. Despite its hefty weight of over 600 pounds, the John Deere Z330R is easy to control and maneuver. It has a forward speed of up to 7 MPH and a maximum reverse speed of 3.5 MPH.

The seat and armrests are padded for a comfortable riding experience. Shock absorbers under the seat provide a smoother ride on rougher terrain. The fuel tank has a generous three-gallon capacity and is translucent, so you can easily monitor fuel levels.

Other convenient features, including LED lights, front bumper, and rear hitch—convenient for attaching a lawn sweeper—come standard on this model. As with all gas-powered mowers, the ongoing fuel costs, emissions, and maintenance can be drawbacks.

_{Power Type: Gas | Horsepower: 23 hp | Cutting Width: 48 or 54 inches | Weight: 611 or 623 pounds | Terrain: Hills and slopes}

Although not a gas mower, this electric zero-turn mower from Ego can cut up to four acres on a single charge, an acre more than our best overall pick by Ryobi. However, with its expandable battery system, you can even add more batteries to mow 7 acres or more at a time (according to the manufacturer).

The included batteries can be fully charged in less than four hours, so you can have them ready for the next mow. Delivering the equivalent of 25 horsepower, the Z6 is just as powerful as a mid-range, gas-powered zero-turn mower. It can reach speeds up to 8 MPH, allowing you to cover more ground in less time. Although we haven't tested this model, we think it's especially splurge-worthy if you already have Ego tools at home since you can use the same batteries and have a large yard.

The Z6 Zero Turn Riding Mower offers three driving modes—control, standard, and sport—for various terrains. To ensure a quality cut, the height of the 52-inch cutting deck is adjustable (10 settings between 1.5 and 4.5 inches). Other noteworthy features include LED lights, a USB charging port, a phone holder, and Bluetooth.

Another major advantage of this electric mower is that it runs quietly and is easier to maintain than a gas model. With all these bells and whistles, it’s no surprise that the Z6 has a steep price tag. However, the mower, batteries, and charger are backed by a five-year warranty to protect your investment.

_{Power Type: Lithium batteries | Horsepower: Equivalent to 25 hp | Cutting Width: 52 inches | Weight: 655 pounds | Terrain: Uneven}

The Husqvarna Z254F 54-in Zero-turn Lawn Mower features a 23 HP twin-cylinder engine, which makes it a great mid-range residential option for yards between two and three acres in size. The mower can go up to 6.5 MPH when moving forward or 3.5 MPH in reverse.

This zero-turn mower has a deep, 54-inch cutting deck, allowing easierbagging and mulching. However, both the bagging and mulching kits are sold separately. You can use the deck lift to get in a perfect position to achieve a precise cut. The hydrostatic transmission requires no maintenance, which is another plus.

Thanks to a high-backed seat, ergonomic control panel, and anti-slip foot area, this zero-turn mower is safe and comfortable to operate. It’s also equipped with an automatic parking brake system for added safety. The Husqvarna Z254F is intended for flat terrain with few obstacles; it should not be used on slopes exceeding 15 degrees.

Like all gas-powered models, regular refilling will be required. We read some reports of broken parts, however, this product is backed by a bumper-to-bumper three-year warranty.

_{Power Type: Gas | Horsepower: 24 hp | Cutting Width: 54 inches | Weight: 595 pounds | Terrain: Flat with obstacles}

Final Verdict

After testing over a dozen different types of lawn mowers in our own backyards, our favorite zero-turn lawn mower is the Ryobi Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower, which we found very easy to start, drive, and adjust the cutting widths, even from the first mow. It navigated obstacles easily and saved us time compared to our old mower. If you want a more powerful option for a larger yard, we think the EGO Power+ Z6 Battery Zero Turn Riding Mower is another great choice.

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