Mowing the lawn always feels like a chore, especially if you have a large lawn that contains a variety of obstacles. Out in the hot summer sun, sweating while you try to restart your push mower…that doesn’t sound like a recipe for a good time.
But your professional lawn mowing counterparts have some wisdom to pass along to make your lawn mowing jobs as easy as can be: invest in a zero-turn mower.
Zero-turn mowers have long been the tool of the trade for commercial landscapers, given their minimal turning radius and exceptional cutting capacity. Now, you can bring that professional-grade home and use it on your larger-than-average lawn to streamline what used to be a tiresome chore.
This goes without saying, but there’s a significant amount of competition in the diesel zero-turn mower market today.
Leading zero-turn lawnmower brands including Toro, Husqvarna, John Deere, and Bobcat all have cutting-edge models available for purchase at competitive prices. As such, you’re all but certain to find a zero-turn mower to fit your budget.
But the question remains: which zero turn mower should you choose?
To make your choice easier, I’ve reviewed 5 of the most feature-packed zero-turn mowers available today, including the Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52 and the Swisher ZTR2366KA.
Any of these top 5 zero-turn lawn mowers would make your mowing chores substantially easier, so it’s time to take a moment to learn about which model best fits your needs.
In this review, I’ve highlighted many of the key specifications that you must consider when purchasing a zero-turn mower, including horsepower, construction material, cutting height, cutting width, speed, and more. Each review also includes a concise pros and cons list, allowing you to see what features make each model unique at a glance. Once you’ve fully read each review, you’ll be ready to purchase the zero-turn mower that will change the way you mow your lawn.
Top 5 Best Zero Turn Mowers of 2019
Zero-turn mowers have been the tried and true option for professional landscapers for decades. Finally, you can bring this exceptional level of power and precision to your lawn with one of 2019’s top 5 performing zero-turn mower models. Now that you’ve set your mind on owning one of these high-octane machines, all you need to do is research which model best fits your needs and budget.
To assist in your research, the following chart is packed with summaries and key details that will help to narrow down your list of acceptable models. Then, continue reading further down the page for an in-depth review of each model, including a detailed analysis of every special feature on each of these top-quality mowers.
List of Top-Rated Zero Turn Mowers
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Ariens IKON-X |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | Husqvarna MZ61 |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | Ariens Zoom 34 |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | Husqvarna Z248F |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | Swisher ZTR2366KA |
| Check Price Amazon |
Table of Contents
- List of Top-Rated Zero Turn Mowers
-
The Best Zero Turn Mowers Reviews
- 1. Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52 FR691 Series – Best Everyday Zero Turn Mower
- 2. Husqvarna MZ61 Briggs & Stratton Zero Turn Riding Mower – Best Zero Turn Mower for Large Lawns
- 3. Ariens Zoom 34 Zero Turn Lawn Mower – Best Zero Turn Mower for your Money
- 4. Husqvarna Z248F Z-Turn Mower – Most Fuel Efficient Zero Turn Mower
- 5. Swisher ZTR2366KA – Fastest Zero Turn Mower
The Best Zero Turn Mowers Reviews
1. Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52 FR691 Series – Best Everyday Zero Turn Mower
Features
- Horsepower – 23 HP
- Cutting Width – 52 inches
- Cutting Height – 1.5 to 4.5 inches (13 pre-sets)
- Construction Material – Welded 11-gauge tubular steel
- Blades – 3
- Bonus Features – Armrests, cup holder, mulching capability
The Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52 is well-reviewed – and with good reason. When it comes to setting the bar, this model accomplishes the task across the board.
Much of this acclaim has been levied towards its reliable and productive 23 HP engine which powers three blades for 52 inches of crisp cutting space. Powered by a Kawasaki engine, the Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52 can be counted on for job after job.
This mower isn’t just powerful, either. With 13 pre-set cutting heights between 1.5 and 4.5 inches, the Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52 is also optimally versatile. With power and flexibility, you’d be quick to assume this model sacrifices comfort. But with armrests and a low-fatigue seat, you can now with this model for long hours.
Perhaps the aptest description of this model comes from an exceptionally satisfied user, who called it the “Porsche” of zero-turn mowers to emphasize its comfort and pro-grade performance. Altogether, this is a zero-turn mower that won’t let you down when you decide to step up to using a next-level mower.
Pros
- Spacey 52 inch cutting width
- 23 HP powered by Kawasaki engine
- Minimizes vibrations to minimize driver fatigue
Cons
- Is not compatible with a grass catcher
2. Husqvarna MZ61 Briggs & Stratton Zero Turn Riding Mower – Best Zero Turn Mower for Large Lawns
Features
- Horsepower – 27 HP
- Cutting Width – 61 inches
- Cutting Height – 1.5 to 4.5 inches (13 pre-sets)
- Construction Material – Steel
- Blades – 3
- Bonus Features – 5-gallon fuel tank, armrests, cup holder, spring seat, easy-access service points, clipping collection system
Word is getting around about this premium-grade zero-turn lawn mower for hills for all of the right reasons. The Husqvarna MZ61 is an excellent zero-turn mower that even professionals are turning to complete their large-scale mowing jobs. With 27 HP and 61 inches of cutting width, this model is easily capable of slicing through the thickest, boggiest underbrush without complaint.
Husqvarna MZ61 also provides one of the comfiest control systems among its competitors. At its center, the ergonomic-shaped seat is insulated with rubber to minimize fatiguing vibrations. In addition, the primary controls are all easy to reach and responsive, making operation as hassle-free as can be.
Finally, this model is equipped with a 9-bushel clipping collection system. Unlike other models that deposit mats of shorn grass all around, the Husqvarna MZ61 collects clippings for easy offsite disposal. Husqvarna MZ61 praise this feature above all others, noting how much time it saves them during mowing cleanup.
For its premium price, the Husqvarna MZ61 certainly pays dividends when it comes to simplifying the mowing process and endowing it with added operator comfort.
Pros
- Ergonomic seat and control system
- Powerful 27 HP engine
- Compatible with built-in 9-bushel clipping collection box
Cons
- Does not include a hitch
3. Ariens Zoom 34 Zero Turn Lawn Mower – Best Zero Turn Mower for your Money
Features
- Horsepower – 19 HP
- Cutting Width – 34 inches
- Cutting Height – 1.5 to 4.5 inches (7 pre-sets)
- Construction Material – 12-gauge stamped steel
- Speed – 6 mph forward, 3 mph reverse
In so many words, the Ariens Zoom 34is an excellent purchase for those value-minded mowers looking to upgrade to a zero-turn model. Even for its affordable price, this model still cuts grass with enhanced capabilities that would put a push mower to shame.
Though its 19 HP and 34-inch cutting width don’t exceed those of more expensive models, the Ariens Zoom 34 can still tackle nearly any large and rough mowing terrain without trouble. Because of its compact size, this model can also zip along pretty efficiently at 6 mph and 3 mph in forward and reverse, respectively.
Also, of note, the Ariens Zoom 34’ 12-gauge stamped steel is plenty durable enough to stand up to many years of use. Many Ariens Zoom 34 owners are fully pleased with their new light-duty zero turn mower, with most saying that its price made it extra enticing when it came time to buy. If you’re similarly budget-minded, then you’ll certainly find the Ariens Zoom 34 to your liking.
Pros
- Affordably priced
- 12-gauge stamped steel frame
- 7 pre-set cutting heights between 1.5 and 4.5 inches
Cons
- Known issues with engine belt
4. Husqvarna Z248F Z-Turn Mower – Most Fuel Efficient Zero Turn Mower
Features
- Horsepower – 26 HP
- Cutting Width – 48 inches
- Cutting Height -1.5 to 4 inches
- Construction Material – 11-gauge steel
- Speed – 6.5 mph forward
As another solid model from Husqvarna, you can expect this zero-turn lawn mower to provide plenty of mowing capacity without compromising on industry-standard features. This model takes a step up from other mowers in its class by providing top-dollar fuel efficiency. Much of this fuel-saving capability derives from its hydrostatic transmission, which ensures that not a single drop in the 3.5-gallon fuel tank is wasted.
To get to this fuel efficiency level, the Husqvarna Z248F didn’t need to compromise its speed, either. Rolling along at up to 6.5 mph, this model can complete your large yard mowing job in just an hour or two.
Husqvarna wants you to be fully satisfied with this model, even after purchasing it. As a result, the Husqvarna Z248F comes standard. Even after bringing this zero-turn mower home, you can be sure that it will remain reliable. And if something does go wrong, its manufacturer will work hard to make it right.
Pros
- Maximum fuel efficiency
- Speeds up to 6.5 mph
Cons
- Controls are challenging to use
5. Swisher ZTR2366KA – Fastest Zero Turn Mower
Features
- Horsepower – 23 HP
- Cutting Width – 66 inches
- Cutting Height -1.5 to 4.5 inches
- Construction Material – Heavy-duty commercial-grade welded steel
- Speed – 8 mph forward and reverse
- Bonus Features – Debris shield, cup holder, 8-gallon fuel tank, towing hitch
The Swisher ZTR2366KA has been widely overlooked by zero-turn mower shoppers – and without any good reason! This zero-turn mower is a top performer in many important categories. Though it runs at a hefty price tag, future owners can be sure that they will never need another zero-turn mower if they add this model to their lawn care arsenal.
First and foremost, the Swisher ZTR2366KA has perhaps the widest cutting width in the market at 66 inches. This is complemented by a broad front-mounted debris guard, which prevents clippings from spraying up and onto the operator.
The Swisher ZTR2366KA 8-gallon fuel tank is simply unmatched, allowing you to mow for long hours and never need to stop to fuel up. You can continue your yard work after the mowing is done thanks to this model. With a built-in rear hitch, you can even use this mower to tow other equipment around the yard.
All things said you shouldn’t overlook the Swisher ZTR2366KA. Even for its higher-than-average price, this high-end model is well worth the investment when it comes to getting top-of-the-line features.
Pros
- Built-in rear hitch
- Broad 66 inch cutting width
- 8-gallon fuel tank
Cons
- Cannot cut down to 1.25 inches
